REHAU BUILDING SOLUTIONS
HILL COURT
WALFORD
ROSS-ON-WYE
HEREFORDSHIRE HR9 5QN
Tel: 01989 762600
Fax: 01989 762601
Suppliers of: District Heating, Pre-insulated Pipes, Heat Pumps, Chilled Ceilings, Underfloor Heating, Sub-surface heating & cooling, Radiant Heating & cooling, Heating Controls, Sewer pipes and chambers, stormwater management, plumbing systems, Acoustic Drainage
REHAU Building Solutions
Useful Resources:
- Social Media: View Rehau on - Twitter / Facebook / LinkedIn
- Rehau Hub: The REHAU Hub specification office is located at The Building Centre in Central London. Offering excellent specification and design support with products on display to help you with your every need.
- BIM Flies: Download your BIM files here
REHAU Building Technology
District Heating
District heating (heat networks) is the concept of one large centralised boiler instead of individual boilers. Heat is then transported via pre-insulated district heating pipes into each building. REHAU offer 2 pre-insulated pipes:
RAUVITHERM is the only PE-Xa district heating pipe manufactured in the UK which saves an estimated 29% on CO² emissions. Ideal for district heating, biomass, biogas and heat pump applications. Available in UNO 25-125mm and DUO 25-63mm.
RAUTHERMEX offers huge advantages over traditional steel pipework due to the speed and ease of installation. The high performance PU foam makes it ideal for large district heating over long distances where heat losses are critical. Available in UNO 25-160mm and DUO 20-75mm.
BIM Files for RAUVITHERM & RAUTHERMEX - Click here
RAUTITAN plumbing system is a universal system for drinking water and heating, RAUTITAN is the first choice for modern installations and consists of pipe, fitting and a compression sleeve that creates a permanently sealed joint. REHAU gives water quality the highest priority and for that reason, launched the lead-free gunmetal (RX+) fitting, to far exceed drinking water regulations. Coupled with a tried and tested joint used over 850,000,000 times worldwide.
Cavity-free – No room for germs. The tightness of the RAUTITAN connection technology effectively prevents microbial contamination –officially verified by the Fraunhofer Institute. So your customers can rely on optimal drinking water hygiene.
RAUPIANO PLUS acoustic soil and waste system is the ideal solution for your building drainage, offering 17dB sound insulation, fire protection and a good night’s sleep for your building‘s occupant.
- 30% faster installation
- Superior sound dampening
- Up to 35% space saved
- 120 minute fire protection
- Up to 30% cost savings
- High chemical resistance
- Highly durable and reliable
- 2 bar pressure rated
Sub-surface Heating & Cooling
REHAU offer a number of solutions for sub-surface heating and cooling, from domestic systems to industrial and commercial solutions. Our offering for the commercial market includes our Chilled ceiling and TABS (Thermally Activated Building Structures) solution for buildings.
Heating & Plumbing
REHAU offers RAUTITAN, comprising Flex and Stabil polymer pipes, a new universal 10 bar pipework solution designed specifically for drinking water and heating systems. The flexible PE-Xa RAUTITAN pipework system delivers on durability, corrosion resistance and ease of installation, and is available in both coils and straights, and also as a pre-insulated pipe system, offering installers a solution for virtually every application. The Flex range, a five layer polymer pipe, is available from 16-63mm and the multilayer Stabil pipe range is available from 16-40mm.
REHAU has recently launched a new acoustic drainage pipe to the portfolio – RAUPIANO. RAUPIANO Plus pipes feature a unique multi-layer composition which reduces noise without the need for additional pipe lagging (17dB sound level). The pipe’s inner layer is made of polypropylene (PP) and is designed to be abrasion resistant and low friction to reduce blockages and extend life span; the middle layer is made of mineral-reinforced PP for sound absorption and stability; and the outer PP layer is impact resistant, shockproof and UV/weather resistant.
Further information, case studies and latest products can be found via our REHAU website or via the BPi Download Library.
REHAU SUPPLIES FIRST STAGE OF FUTURE DISTRICT HEATING NETWORK
REHAU SUPPLIES FIRST STAGE OF FUTURE DISTRICT HEATING NETWORK
The Regional Performance Centre (RPC) Dundee at Caird Park, Dundee, is a community hub that not only provides the community with sporting facilities, but also marks the beginning of a district heating revolution for the area.
With the UK Government announcing its 2050 net-zero emissions policy, and the Scottish Government setting a 2045 net-zero target, contractors are increasingly required to prioritise sustainability when constructing new developments. It was clear the centre would need a heating system that could supply both itself and the surrounding buildings with hot water in an environmentally friendly manner.
In this situation, a district heating scheme represented an innovative solution. By using a district heating network to supply multiple homes, this development could eliminate the cost and environmental damage incurred through fossil fuel boilers in individual properties. It also demonstrates an alternative heating system for developers and local authorities to consider that adheres to the Future Homes Standard 2025, as well as the ‘net-zero’ targets.
Determining the heat requirements
Following the selection of the technology by Dundee City Council for their project, the ESB appointed polymer plumbing solution specialist REHAU to supply the required pre-insulated district heating pipework, RAUTHERMEX, which was installed between the energy centre and the rest of the development.
Now Scotland’s largest ground source heat pump (GSHP) system, the development uses three GSHPs supplied with water from a series of 120 boreholes around 200m deep, circulating hot water from the on-site energy centre. Powered by a combined heat and power (CHP) unit, these heat pumps supply the main sports hub building and smaller athletics building through the RAUTHERMEX pipework, which is connected to a low-pressure hot water and domestic heat exchanger in each building.
With the heating source and the type of pipework determined, pipe sizes needed to be specified to ensure the immediate and future heating requirements of the development would be satisfied. REHAU and Dundee City Council entered into discussions surrounding the Regional Performance Centre’s short- and long-term requirements to determine the suitable sizing of RAUTHERMEX pipework.
“We had a dialogue with Dundee City Council surrounding the total heat loads of the development,” said Kenny Boyle, Heat Networks Specialist at REHAU. “At that point, we could demonstrate that reducing the piping sizes would satisfy the design criteria and not incur any drops in pressure or velocity.”
He added, “After carrying out the same calculations based upon future expansion heat loads, we were able to present the relevant information that helped the council settle on the 160mm pipe size.”
Flexibility and speed from polymer
Due to the flexibility of its polymer material, excellent thermal performance afforded by the polyurethane rigid (PUR) foam and the speed at which connections can be made, ESB favoured the RAUTHERMEX pipework over other potential solutions. They appointed Pro-Weld to install the RAUTHERMEX pipework due to their high level of expertise and experience they have with this REHAU product.
“Because RAUTHERMEX was so flexible, we were able to bend the pipework slightly around sweeping corners, reducing the amount of elbow joints in the network and therefore the friction in the water flow,” said Gregor Ford, Project Manager at ESB. “The range of options and accessories available meant we were also able to adapt to anything that changed on site.”
“We were very happy with how quick and easy it was to install RAUTHERMEX,” said Allan Davidson of Pro-Weld. “Because we were able to install it directly into the trenches and make the connections and joints there and then on site, RAUTHERMEX was very helpful from a logistical standpoint. Thanks to the polymer pipework’s lighter weight, the installation process could be carried out more quickly and easily than a steel installation.”
Pre-insulated polymer pipework is a practical option for renewable district heating systems because it ensures minimal heat losses across the network and improves system efficiency. The lower flow temperature of the heat network is also well-suited to polymer piping as it allows for a lifespan of well over 50 years.
Changing the route
The adaptability of the polymer pipework proved to be essential midway through the project. Upon discovery of a large steel water main that could not be diverted or removed, the contractor and installer both needed to change their plans for installation. Thanks to the flexibility of the polymer pipework, they were able to install the district heating pipes below the water main.
“When we needed to reroute the pipeline at least 500mm below the water main, we had to come up with a solution to make sure the flow would not be affected,” said Mr. Ford. “Using the flexible polymer pipework and the range of components on offer, we were able to use two 45-degree elbow joints and bend the pipe under the main, meaning there was very little disturbance in the flow.”
A network in the pipeline
As sustainability becomes a growing priority in construction, the future of traditional heating systems is becoming increasingly uncertain. With that in mind, this project gives a good insight into a practical alternative solution to supplying our nation’s homes with hot water. Because of initiatives such as the net-zero policy targets and the Future Homes Standard 2025, the Dundee RPC represents a renewable, low-emissions source of energy for the community that provides a sustainable future heating supply for future developments in the area.
So far, the scheme only supplies the sports centre. However, the network has two termination points which mark the beginning of housing developments that will be part of this network. As pressure from the Government to reduce energy bills grows, centralised heating networks such as these are becoming a more viable option for providing environmentally friendly and sustainable heating for communities. Furthermore, by reducing the installation, operation and maintenance costs of individual boilers in homes, these communities can also enjoy lower-cost energy bills.
“As a supplier of pipework solutions, we at REHAU are aware of our important responsibility to create innovative systems that make for a sustainable future for our communities,” said Steve Richmond, Head of Marketing & Technical at REHAU Building Solutions’ division. “Our pre-insulated district heating piping ranges, RAUVITHERM and RAUTHERMEX, provide the thermal performance and durability that is required for sustainable, renewable district heating networks.”
To find out more about REHAU’s district heating solutions, visit: www.rehau.uk/districtheating
REHAU NEW FLEXIBLE SMART CONTROLS MEET UNDERFLOOR HEATING DEMAND
NEW FLEXIBLE SMART CONTROLS MEET UNDERFLOOR HEATING DEMAND
An overhaul in smart control technology is required if developers and installers are to meet increasing demand for efficient and adaptable building heating systems, says a leading polymer specialist.
Though the need for solutions enabling that can meet ever-changing residential and commercial heating requirements continues to grow, contractors must balance flexibility and practicality when specifying smart controls. By selecting controls that can be easily installed, configured and operated, and are suitable to a wide range of buildings and applications, specifiers can help occupants better realise energy efficiency and cost benefits.
This is particularly the case for high-end heating solutions such as underfloor heating systems, where smart controls are a sought-after addition to optimise and automate building energy usage. To help meet these needs regardless of system size and requirements, REHAU have developed the new NEA Smart 2.0 underfloor heating smart control for use in new or refurbishment projects.
Applicable to a wide variety of premises including residential properties, schools and office buildings, it combines disparate data from multiple sources to efficiently regulate heating in up to 60 rooms. These sources include weather data gathered from its own sensors and the internet, and information learnt from a building’s overall energy efficiency and occupant heating habits.
Working from a base station that is hard-wired or wirelessly connected to individual room controllers, the NEA Smart 2.0 can be continuously supplemented with more devices as the building and its requirements develop. The system’s internet connection means that geofencing technology can determine the location of occupants and heat the premises accordingly, and provide the means for remote maintenance.
“The new NEA Smart 2.0 has been designed with flexibility and simplicity in mind,” says Franz Huelle, Head of Technical at REHAU Building Solutions. “Developers and installers can use the system as they require it – it can be as simple or as complex as their project demands, and can be easily configured and adapted as those demands evolve.”
He adds, “The NEA Smart 2.0 marks the beginning of an exciting journey for REHAU and we are excited to develop the capabilities of our smart controls for a more sustainable future.”
For more information on smart controls and REHAU’s new NEA Smart 2.0, visit: www.rehau.uk/neasmart
