TPi September 2016

tubes. Hot-formed tubes have an improved ability to be threaded, grooved and bent to tight radii without splitting, creasing or collapsing. Moreover, the improved roundness and consistency of thickness makes end matching for joining a much easier process. In addition to considering the manufacturing process, ensuring products are specified to the correct standards is of the utmost importance. Although often referred to in parts of the building services industry as the pipework specification standard, BS1387 was actually replaced in 2004. The standard’s successor, EN10255, ensures compliance for CE marking and with the European Commission’s Construction Products Regulations (CPR), demonstrating that the products are fit for purpose. However, it alone does not provide differentiation between hot-finished and cold-formed products. Specifiers should therefore also look towards the EN10217-1 standard, which does allow for both hot- and cold-formed products, ensuring compliance with the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED). To guarantee that a hot-formed product is specified correctly, it is vital to include EN10217-2 within the specification details. By requesting an EN10217-2 compliant product, a ‘GH’ (Get Hot) hot-finished steel tube will be supplied, dramatically removing the risk of the product cracking or failing, and increasing the safety of where the steel tube is applied. To guarantee certification with key legislation, multi-certified tube products, ie those that meet EN10255, EN 10217-1 and EN10217-2, are therefore ideal for removing any confusion surrounding compliance and ensuring the best product is chosen for an application. Ensuring legislative compliance and manufactured within the UK is Tata Steel’s Install Plus 235 hot-finished tube product range. Suitable for a wide range of pipework applications, each product was developed with the CE marking requirements of the Construction Products Regulations and with the Pressure Equipment Directive in mind. Achieved by manufacturing to the BS EN10255, BS EN10217 Part 2 and the Get Hot (GH) grade, a fully hot-finished robust product is guaranteed. Confusion of when to use hot- and cold-form tube products, and misunderstanding with regards to the correct standard to comply with, has led to a state of uncertainty within the sector. Consequently, when it comes to specifying the right product for the appropriate application, further technical guidance is often required. To aid in addressing this prevalent industry issue, Tata Steel is collaborating with the School of Civil and Building Engineering, Loughborough University, UK, to help establish the Building and Industrial Services Pipework Academy (BISPA) [as reported in the March 2016 issue of Tube Products International ]. The aim of this initiative is to support the building and industrial services industry by improving awareness of pipework-related issues. Education is provided on issues such as tube specifications and the benefits of hot-finished tube products. Furthermore, BISPA provides participants the opportunity to get practical experience with

new and emerging industry innovations such as pipework Building Information Modelling (BIM).

When it comes to specifying a tube for a specific project, too often building professionals are somewhat short-sighted, opting for what appears to be the more cost-effective option. However, not all tubes are created equal. Therefore, when undertaking the process of matching a tube product for a specific purpose, a more meticulous look into the manufacturing process is strongly advisable. Tubes created through a hot-finished process, where the internal stresses and weakened regions of a cold-formed product are eradicated, produce an unparalleled level of reliability and durability, as well as delivering true fabrication, installation and service life benefits.

Tata Steel Europe – UK www.tatasteel.com

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Tube Products International September 2016

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