One crucial element to reducing carbon emissions is the efficiency and performance of our buildings. Within that, the effectiveness of a plumbing system is a critical part of achieving this. Yet when considering this, manufacturers and those driving new solutions and technologies also need to consider the bigger picture. This includes the installation process by simplifying valve arrangements, particularly in high-rise buildings, providing a reliable system that works to the user’s needs and comfort levels and can easily integrate with future technologies.

Sindar Singh, Director of Product Line Valve Technology at Aalberts Integrated Piping Systems UK (Pegler), looks specifically at water systems and discusses the importance of choosing the right valves to ensure a building’s water system is optimised while giving today’s installers the tools to deal with tomorrow’s challenges.

Specifiers and building managers can assure that the correct valve will positively affect reliability, performance, and efficiency. Yet, choice doesn’t have to come with any hidden challenges; in fact, selecting the correct valve can make installations easier by converging products and simple, practical solutions to reduce maintenance costs and minimise the true cost of any system downtime.

Managing the Flow

That is why Aalberts Integrated Piping Systems is continually developing its Pegler range of valve solutions and innovating new products to keep specifiers, building managers, and contractors at the forefront of their profession while increasing efficiencies. The latest and most exciting valve to be included within the company’s portfolio is the new Pegler ResiFlow Valve. An integrated valve arrangement converges isolation, drain, pressure reduction, and an “adapter free” direct connection for a Class D concentric water meter. The Pegler ResiFlow also has simple access to a check valve and unique streamline insulation that allows flexibility on installation and removal even with the water meter installed.

With a reported 20% of all new residential builds being multi-occupancy, Aalberts IPS UK has designed the Pegler ResiFlow for multi-occupancy buildings specifically for hot and cold water applications.

The new Pegler ResiFlow Valve range is designed to overcome challenges often found with these valves, namely, flow limitation. This valve boasts a larger entry orifice to allow for an increased flow and a pre-set ‘anti-creep’ pressure reducing valve, ensuring continued settings for residents.

The Pegler ResiFlow range consists of two models; firstly, the Pegler ResiFlow RES1 Valve comprises many additional benefits such as; a built-in accessible Check Valve, providing easier maintenance, two pressure gauges, either side of the Pressure Reducing Valve offering instant and more precise indication for primary and secondary pressure readings. Simplifying the offer further, Pegler ResiFlow has been designed to connect directly to a class D water meter connection, therefore, negating the need (and cost) for an adapter; in addition, a dedicated label on the handle has been provided to identify property/unit number, making maintenance straightforward and efficient. For installation practicality, the length has also been designed to 311mm.

Through research with focus groups and customer feedback, simplifying and solving problems is the Aalberts IPS mantra for innovation. Therefore, a secondary Pegler ResiFlow RES2 has been included within the range. This version comes complete with all the benefits mentioned previously and then augmented with a secondary ball valve with an integrated drain outlet, saving the need for additional valves built further on in the system. This gives complete flexibility for isolation, a treatment fill point for the individual property, and, therefore, increases the opportunity for greater hygiene.

Furthermore, the Pegler ResiFlow RES2 version provides the ultimate flexibility for maintenance. The central unit can be removed for any routine inspection or maintenance and provides easy access and serviceability to the check valve as required by Water Regulations in accordance with BS EN 806; The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999.

In addition, consideration has been given to the design of the insulation across the entire range. Often an afterthought in some similar types of valves. The Pegler ResiFlow comes complete with a streamlined EPP recyclable moulded insulation cover which not only looks good but has practical use for maintenance as it can be removed even with the meter connected.

Continued Connectivity

As with all systems, ease of installation is another consideration when drawing up and assessing the building’s plumbing system needs. Aalberts Integrated Piping Systems manufactures and supplies a full range of end connections, which means that system designs do not need to be restricted by jointing techniques; the entire portfolio of Pegler valves, including the Pegler ResiFlow, is available with a range of jointing options.

Building For the Future

As a manufacturer, we are responsible for addressing all aspects of the construction products we design and manufacture. No matter how large or small, each improvement we make will positively impact our future.

More information about the entire range of Pegler Valves can be found at https://www.pegleryorkshire.co.uk/