Internal gas pipework 3"

[texasholden1980]

I'm new so not sure whether this is appropriate - so go easy if not but I'd like to get the feedback from some of the experienced gas engineers that might be on here.

For my sins I am a governor at a large school and the gas pipework that serves the main kitchen appliances is being renewed. We've been advised that due to the total potential load (circa 280kW) the new pipework will need to be much larger that the existing if sized correctly.

We're trying to reduce overall load but the caterers want to retain as much equipment as possible so at present it looks as though we'll need 3" pipework for at least a chunk of the run (about 30m in total with say 6 x 90 elbows) run exposed, mainly at high level before then dropping down to run behind the appliances.

I'm told there are options on the pipework material chosen but that the pipework must be welded or pressfit type either copper / stainless steel at that size.

I wondered whether anyone who had experience of this type of pipework had any opinions of what is good / bad / ugly etc.

Many thanks
Texas

 

[muggles]

Press will be significantly quicker to install, but will be more expensive in materials, so it depends where your priorities lie. Assuming pressed stainless steel, pipe is about £350 for a 6m length of 3", couplers are about £100 each and elbows about £150 each. A 76mm tee is £300 plus whatever reducers are needed to get it down to the right size for the drops to appliances. By contrast, welded steel is about £250 for 6m and fittings are £10-20 each, but it's going to be a lot more work to put it together.

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

Are you not allowed to use malleable iron any more? My first job after leaving school, Plumber's mate. Job was putting 2x 2.5" black iron pipes in a trench from meter cupboard to main building, all had to be wrapped in Denso tape. (I was plastered.)

 

[muggles]

Can't use screwed above 2", has to be welded or pressed