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Industry told to stop resisting change
17:00 14 Mar 2003
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Resistance to change is preventing the construction industry from
enjoying the benefits of new technology, according to plastic
pipework systems manufacturer Durapipe UK.
The company is challenging traditional piping solutions with its Victaulic, Philmac, Friatherm and Vulcathene brands. But it is finding resistance among some specifiers "who don't like to be seen to do something new".
Durapipe UK head of marketing Martyn Rowlands said the company's products can contribute to improvements in some of the construction industry's key target areas, including time and cost. He said that fitting Durapipe's ABS chilled water system can reduce labour by 60% and cost by 43% compared to a copper pipe equivalent. And he says the company's Victaulic grooved pipe jointing system can save 41% over traditional welded steel installations.
"And in health and safety terms, none of our systems require hot work [welding], and manual handling is reduced; plastic systems are about one fifth the weight of their metal counterparts. And in terms of environmental performance, our products suffer no corrosion, therefore no leakage," Rowlands added.
Plastic pipes are generally suitable for systems operating at temperatures below 100¼C and pressure below 25bar. Unit costs are often higher, but operating and maintenance costs can be lower.
But while the claims seem impressive, the company realises it has a major challenge persuading consulting engineers and design and build contractors to change their default system specifications.
"We want to get closer to clients and contractors and to get involved much earlier in contracts," said general manager Martin Gisbourne. "We must make the change process easy for them."
l Durapipe has launched some new products for 2003, including: pre-insulated pipe; extensions of the new Philmac Gas compression fittings range; a stainless steel option in the Victaulic range; and a 110mm Friatherm hot and cold drinking water pipe for the healthcare and hotels market.
The company is challenging traditional piping solutions with its Victaulic, Philmac, Friatherm and Vulcathene brands. But it is finding resistance among some specifiers "who don't like to be seen to do something new".
Durapipe UK head of marketing Martyn Rowlands said the company's products can contribute to improvements in some of the construction industry's key target areas, including time and cost. He said that fitting Durapipe's ABS chilled water system can reduce labour by 60% and cost by 43% compared to a copper pipe equivalent. And he says the company's Victaulic grooved pipe jointing system can save 41% over traditional welded steel installations.
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"And in health and safety terms, none of our systems require hot work [welding], and manual handling is reduced; plastic systems are about one fifth the weight of their metal counterparts. And in terms of environmental performance, our products suffer no corrosion, therefore no leakage," Rowlands added.
Plastic pipes are generally suitable for systems operating at temperatures below 100¼C and pressure below 25bar. Unit costs are often higher, but operating and maintenance costs can be lower.
But while the claims seem impressive, the company realises it has a major challenge persuading consulting engineers and design and build contractors to change their default system specifications.
"We want to get closer to clients and contractors and to get involved much earlier in contracts," said general manager Martin Gisbourne. "We must make the change process easy for them."
l Durapipe has launched some new products for 2003, including: pre-insulated pipe; extensions of the new Philmac Gas compression fittings range; a stainless steel option in the Victaulic range; and a 110mm Friatherm hot and cold drinking water pipe for the healthcare and hotels market.
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