PROJECT 15
Due to the low council pressure and intermittent supply of water a pressure boosting pump set was used. Once the hydraulic calculations were run using the Darcy Weisbach equation, it was determined that the required pumping head pressure was 52m. The pump supplied by Wet Worx was a complete duty / standby system with an onboard control system so there was no need to design a wet services DB control panel. The pumps were also programmed on a lead-lag basis to ensure each pump get equal running hours to avoid the pump from standing.
Supplied by Mekan Group
SPU pipe crimping SPU has partnered with Novopress to stock and supply its range of press-fit tools, jaws, and collars. The Novopress tools used on this project were sourced from SPU Stainless’ s rental fleet. Installers – particularly those using SPU Press-Fittings for the first time – typically begin by renting the equipment and frequently purchase the tools from SPU afterward. Novopress business development manager Stephane Cloud provided onsite product demonstrations and installer training, ensuring the system was installed correctly, efficiently, and in accordance with best practice.
1
Revit design.
“ Where all the pipes were running in the ground, we used Class 16 UPVC, and then where we came out of the ground, we used the Conex fitting and changed to stainless-steel for all above-ground piping.
“ We separated the cold-water supply at roof level, feeding each hotwater storage tank individually before dividing the supply into hot and cold services. This ensured balanced pressure throughout the system.
2
“ We also used very low-water-demand shower heads in conjunction with the architects. Conventional showerheads typically operate at approximately 10l / min, while the selected units reduce flow to around 6l / min.
“ In terms of the insulation on the hot water and hot water return side, we thermally insulated those pipes and cladded it with galvanised metal muffs, and we plastered the bends just to make sure that the heat was not lost in all weather conditions. In consultation with Atlas, which provided the PPR piping, we as the engineers requested the exact thermal coefficients of the piping to ensure we placed the necessary expansion loops on the hot water and hot water return lines to avoid the pipes from‘ kicking’.
3
“ Our exit temperature from the hot water tanks is around about 55 ° C, and on the furthest sanitary fitting we were getting between 52 – 54 ° C, which is largely dependent on the recirculation system. So, we set up a five-degree dead band. Not only does this save a lot on pump energy, but it also ensures that hot water is always readily available.
1-3: Novopress ' Stephane Cloud supplied the press tools and provided training to the plumbers onsite.
Supplied by SPU
October 2026 Volume 32 I Number 08 www. plumbingafrica. co. za