PP-R used for Solihull Hospital decarbonisation

REHAU PP-R supports Solihull Hospital’s decarbonisation by connecting new Air Source Heat Pumps

Mibec was contacted to support the delivery of
part of Solihull Hospital’s decarbonisation scheme.
A major infrastructure upgrade was undertaken as
part of this to improve energy efficiency and reduce
carbon emissions at a key hospital site.

The challenge
The project involved installing approximately 250
meters of large-diameter (250mm, 400mm OD)
REHAU PP-R pipework to connect newly installed
Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) to the hospital’s
main plantroom. Thermofuse Pipelines was
selected as the installer for their proven expertise
in large-diameter thermoplastic systems and
their certification as a REHAU Approved Installer,
ensuring compliance with the highest installation
and quality standards.

Solihull images - Mibec mark - 100105356

Innovation
REHAU PP-R’s high thermal stability makes it ideal for carrying heated water from ASHPs, helping maintain system efficiency and reduce heat loss. It offers exceptional longevity and performance compared to traditional steel pipework commonly used in heating applications. When operated at typical heat pump temperatures of 60°C, the PP-R system has a life expectancy of over 100 years, even under continuous operation at pressures up to 11 bar—running 24 hours a day, 365 days a year without compromise.

Unlike steel or copper systems, REHAU PP-R pipework is resistant to corrosion and scaling, ensuring long-term reliability and minimal maintenance—crucial for hospital infrastructure like this that must avoid downtime. As part of a decarbonisation scheme, material sustainability was a key consideration. PP-R offers a significantly lower embodied carbon footprint compared to metal alternatives and supports the overall environmental objectives of the project.”

The completed system now provides a robust and future-ready distribution network, enabling the ASHPs to deliver efficient renewable heat to the hospital’s central plantroom for years to come.

Unlike steel pipes, which are prone to corrosion, scaling, and thermal expansion issues over time, REHAU PP-R is inherently corrosion-resistant and maintains its structural integrity and flow efficiency throughout its service life. This makes it a highly reliable, low-maintenance solution for modern heating systems, particularly in largescale or renewable energy applications, where durability, energy efficiency, and long-term
sustainability are critical.

Solihull images - Mibec mark 2 - 100105358

Mark Chisnall, Managing Director at Mibec, explains: “REHAU PP-R’s lightweight design made handling and installation significantly easier, especially for large-diameter pipework within a live hospital site. This reduced the need for heavy lifting equipment, simplified logistics, and accelerated installation times."