The use of metal piping for water, waste and drainage applications has declined in recent years as more specifiers and contractors begin to appreciate the many benefits of modern plastic systems. Adam Turk looks at some of the reasons behind this and makes a surprising discovery.

Grundfos has added two new models to its IMpress range of pressurisation sets. These sets have intelligent micro-processor control.

The Terrier push-fit range of thermostatic radiator valves from Pegler can accept several different types of pipe, enabling installers to reduce the number of valves they need to consider. Possibilities include plain or chrome-plates copper tube to BS EN 1057 or PB and PEX plastic pipe to BS 7291 Parts 2 and 3. A simple tool enables pipes to be disconnected.

The Friaphon sound-attenuated drainage systems from Durapipe has been specified for a private opera house in the back garden of Martin Graham, who owns Longborough Festival Opera.

Is proportional balancing still the best approach to commissioning variable volume systems? Martin Lowe, technical manager at Marflow Hydronics, suggests a faster and more practical method.

As part of a major regeneration of the Rathbone Hospital site in Old Swan, Liverpool, A range of Oventrop valves have been installed, including Aquastrom T Plus multi-function domestic-hot water valves to avoid the risk of legionella bacteria growing.

The flexibility and ease of installation of Victaulic’s grooved joint system for pipes is being used to good effect in the Beijing Olympic National Stadium in China.

Pumps last many years, and the rate of technological change is also measured in years. Glynn Williams discusses developments that have a major impact on the performance and energy efficiency of pumps.

As part of the programme of Hounslow Home to achieve the Government’s ‘decent homes’ standard for the London Borough of Hounslow’s 16 500 housing stock, Grundfos variable-speed pumps using differential-pressure control have been installed as part of two plantroom refurbishments.

Hepworth Building Products has extended its Hep2O range with the addition of a universal spigot elbow.

Proportional balancing and variable flow do not go together, but it is taking time for a more effective approach to setting up waterborne systems to be widely adopted.

The Purus connector for connecting and sealing pipes of different diameters is now available in the UK.

BSS Industrial offers its Boss cPVC piping system as an alternative to copper and steel. Installation is said to be simple, with no need for expensive tools.

Warrens has launch an own-brand range of products called Warrior. Some of the first products to be offered include gate, globe, check and ball valves.

Intaeco is a newly established company set up to supply plumbing and heating products with a sustainable-energy focus. Its product range is said to be of particular interest to the renewable-energy market and those with an interest in sustainable building practices.Intaeco is a sister company of Intatec, which specialises in anti-scale taps, showers and valves.

There are many benefits in taking the assembly of piped services off site, as Cal Bailey explains.