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Henco multilayer pipes are a durable, lightweight pre-insulated piping system.
Synthetic pipe solutions made their way into mainstream mechanical plumbing applications in the UK over a decade ago, and installers are now confident in their performance. The Henco multi-layer piping solution is a ‘hybrid’ pipe product that merges the best qualities of synthetic materials and metal in one. As the name suggests, it consists of multiple layers that provide strength, flexibility, ease of fabrication, and a thermal expansion rate similar to copper.
Strong corrosion resistance
Thanks to its low internal surface roughness of 0.007, which is 100 times better than copper piping, the smooth synthetic interior of the pipe maintains optimal long term flow rates. This results in enhanced resistance to corrosion and scale build up. Unlike copper piping, which can harbour biofilm that promotes pathogen growth, the multilayer pipes offer a more hygienic solution long-term, particularly for sanitary and drinking water applications. Additionally, the long-term flow rates within the pipe network are a significant benefit to heat pump installations.
The Henco system’s aluminium layer provides strength, flexibibility, and ease of fabrication, with an expansion rate similar to copper. Moreover, it allows the Henco system to bend to extremely tight radiuses or become straightened to create neat long lengths by use of the Henco pipe straightener tool. Furthermore, the aluminium layer makes the Henco multilayer pipes detectable. Even when the pipe or fitting is hidden behind a wall or under the floor, it can still be found which avoids accidently drilling through and damaging the pipe.
Multilayer piping does not require a vapour barrier to be included within the pipework. This reduces the overall time and cost for the installation process and adds further benefits for follow-on contractors. The range is suitable for vertical risers, integrated corridor modules, prefabricated plant rooms, pre-engineered bathrooms, bedroom units and serviced headwall systems. Underfloor applications are particularly suited to the range, with the integrated manifolds that can be standardised due to their ‘plug and play’ design.
Whilst being a more cost-effective solution, the pipes and fittings have undergone independent testing to verify that they have at least a 50-year life span. The product will not degrade within that period, providing peace of mind to the end user.
Furthermore, Henco pipes offer superior conductivity performance in heat loss and gains. The nature of the pre-insulation reduces the effects of surrounding temperatures impacting the heat loss and gain of the pipes.
“The Henco multilayer pipe is synonymous with robustness and reliability, whilst remaining cost-effective. Our multilayer pipes are WRAS approved, hold an independent UK certification which ensures water safety, they are also very flexible due to the metal core, and they are detectable following installation. Henco multilayer pipes are the obvious choice for your next installation, whether it be a new installation or for a retrofit project.” Lee Kenney, Regional UK manager of Henco Industries
Sustainable solution
Henco fittings and pipes are designed and verified via third party testing to have at least a 50-year lifespan, and they will not degrade over that time, continuously offering a robust, reliable and sustainable solution. According to independent studies, multilayer pipe systems made from cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) for plumbing hot and cold solid wall applications have a lower environmental impact than those made from copper.
The Henco range of WRAS approved pre-insulated multilayer pipes come in a variety of sizes from 16mm to 90mm, in addition to having both press and push fittings available that both have inserts and inspection windows to provide a seamless connection to the same pipe range.
Henco pipes are highly regarded and deliver the heating and cooling supply chain with a complete piping solution that has been developed to be reliable, robust, lightweight, detectable and aligns with the new Part L standards. The system is ideal for ground source or air source heat pump installations.
To find out more about the Henco range visit https://www.henco.be/en.