TPi March 2016

business & market news

Dedicated training centre for BIMand pipework Loughborough University, UK, has launched a dedicated training centre to support the building and industrial services industry in tackling the challenges of pipework innovation and energy efficiency installation. BISPA (Building and Industrial Services Pipework Academy), which opened on campus in January, is a collaboration between the School of Civil and Building Engineering, global steel manufacturer Tata Steel and its tubes business, and the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE). and BISPA will promote cost-effective energy saving practice in pipework system design and installation. The right sizing of pipework – which is often used in large quantities – would lead to energy-efficient operation, resulting in annual cost savings. BISPA aims to educate HVAC designers, installers and local traders on how to select the correct pipework, measure heat losses and properly insulate the pipes in new and retrofit commercial buildings. computer-based workshops will offer an introduction to object-orientated product modelling as a pre-requisite for BIM. The use of BIM in the construction industry becomes mandatory this year, and BISPA will provide validated pipe selection and fitting calculators via 3D BIM.

Dr Mahroo Eftekhari (FCIBSE), reader in building services engineering and course director for MSc in low energy building services engineering at Loughborough University, said, “Through our discussions with companies, we have found a gap in knowledge of selection, sizing and installation of tubing for HVAC systems. Many HVAC pipes have been sized larger than required. This can result in cost and energy consequences because of the large quantities of pipework involved.”

The training courses use interactive teaching rigs and a variety of measuring devices and techniques to demonstrate, for example, heat loss from hot water pipes (using infra-red cameras), and pressure losses associated with different diameter pipes and pipe fittings. Modules are also available for pipework specifications, hot-finished versus cold-formed products, and system corrosion and service life issues. Lab-based workshops will demonstrate essential engineering principles relating to the lifecycle of a piping network, while

Building information modelling (BIM) provides insight to help plan, design, construct and manage buildings and infrastructure. The training centre, which was established to raise awareness of BIM and pipework-related issues and innovations, will offer CIBSE-accredited CPD training courses for designers, HVAC pipe installers and Tata Steel customers. The UK has been set a target to reduce its share of carbon emissions by 80 per cent by 2050,

Loughborough University – UK enquiries@lboro.ac.uk www.lboro.ac.uk

BISPA – UK www.bispa.org

Made in Sweden!

When we produce our piping system, we go for nothing but the best. Meaning Swedish pressure vessel class steel. At Alvenius we spiral-weld it for maximum strength and 100% flexibility in dimensions. That way we manufacture and tailor-make piping systems to meet your exact needs and specifications. Special is standard to us, quite simply!

Alvenius Industries, Eskilstuna Sweden www.alvenius.com

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