| Location | Museum |
| Product | RAUVIPEX |
| Installer | D&G Utilities |
| Wholesaler | Mibec |
| Year | 2024 |
Optimal thermal insulation
Achieving Optimal Thermal Insulation for a New Museum - Mibec
In a recent renovation project, a historic museum sought to select a high-quality heating system for its new home, focusing on sustainability, efficiency, and longevity. The museum’s leadership was committed to minimising energy consumption and ensuring the long-term preservation of its infrastructure. Given the heritage of the building being converted and the critical importance of maintaining a stable environment for the priceless artefacts housed within, the museum set stringent requirements for the heating system installation. The primary objective was to find a solution that offered the best heat loss properties in the world, emphasising longevity and reliability.
The challenge
One of the most significant challenges for Mibec was the museum’s insistence on continuous piping lengths with no joints. This requirement was driven by the need to eliminate any potential weak points that could lead to leaks or thermal inefficiencies. Additionally, the piping system was to be sealed beneath the museum floor using foam concrete. In environments where temperature control is vital, like this, foam concrete is a fantastic insulation option. However, this means there is no possibility of future access for maintenance or repairs, meaning that the selected pipe product had to meet the highest insulation standards and guarantee long-term performance without the need for intervention.
Image
Design innovation
After thoroughly evaluating available options, Mibec selected REHAU's RAUTHERMEX PLUS piping system was identified as the ideal solution. Thanks to its advanced design and materials, this product is renowned for having the best heat loss properties globally. The RAUTHERMEX PLUS also features even thicker insulation than its predecessors, enhancing its thermal performance. These attributes made it the perfect choice for the museum’s unique and demanding requirements. Different areas of the development also presented their own unique challenges. In phase one, the installation work involved bending the pipework around corners and then back on itself at both ends, terminating the pipes at the correct heights, all by hand, without using plant equipment. In phase two, all the pipes had five bending areas up, down, left, and right, all without plant equipment again, and all were installed by hand to the correct dimension on the drawing with lots of brackets required. This pipework was installed without any joints using one continuous pipe from A to B. This involved using an excavator to uncoil the pipes, then installed by three to four men by hand. Each pipe was finished with a blanked flange / blanked valve at low and high levels using MEPs so all pipes could be pressure tested before any the pipe was covered
Image
Ensuring Longevity and Performance
Another critical factor in selecting the RAUTHERMEX PLUS was the museum’s focus on longevity. This piping system is designed to withstand the test of time, maintaining its superior insulation properties for decades. This long-term reliability is crucial for a facility like the museum, where the heating system is expected to operate efficiently for many years without the need for invasive maintenance that could disrupt the museum’s operations or damage the historic structure.
Selecting the Right Installer
Given the complexity of the installation, it was imperative to engage a highly experienced installer who could handle the project’s unique challenges. Phoenix M&E, the project management team, contacted Mibec, a trusted partner in the industry, for a recommendation. Mibec did not hesitate to recommend D&G Utilities, a REHAU-authorised installer known for its expertise in tackling unusual and challenging installations. D&G’s team brought a wealth of experience to the project, ensuring the installation was completed to the highest standards, with meticulous attention to detail.
Installation Process
The installation process was as demanding as anticipated. D&G had to carefully navigate the museum’s delicate environment, ensuring that the installation caused minimal disruption to the daily operations and preserved the integrity of the historic building. The team successfully installed continuous lengths of the RAUTHERMEX PLUS piping beneath the museum floor, meticulously sealing the system to meet the no-access requirement. Their expertise ensured that every aspect of the installation met the museum’s stringent specifications.
The successful installation of the REHAU RAUTHERMEX PLUS piping system has significantly enhanced the museum’s heating efficiency while providing peace of mind for the future. The museum now benefits from a world-class heating solution that offers unmatched thermal insulation and reliability. With the system securely in place, the museum can continue to focus on its mission of preserving and showcasing history, knowing that its environment is supported by the best technology available.
This case study highlights the importance of selecting the right products and partners for critical infrastructure projects. The collaboration between the museum, Mibec, and D&G demonstrates how combining innovation, expertise, and attention to detail can overcome even the most challenging project requirements.
Glen Hill, Operations Manager at D&G Utilities, shared his experience, “D&G have worked with Mibec and REHAU pipe for many years now, and the support given to D&G has been amazing, from help and support to speedy deliveries when needed and technical queries. We have formed a great relationship over the many years of trading with them and hope for many more.