With the next generation of Uponor Ecoflex VIP pipes, GF has introduced highly efficient and flexible heat distribution pipes designed for medium-to-large sized local heat distribution network applications, where the outer pipe size reduction is essential. The new pipe generation portfolio comprises of Ecoflex VIP Thermo Twin and Single pipes in various dimensions, featuring a unique thermal performance combined with a highly compact outer pipe diameter, making installation faster, easier, and more sustainable. Additionally, GF extended its pre-insulated pipe range by a new Ecoflex VIP Thermo pipe with 140 mm in diameter – and therefore by an energy-efficient and installation-friendly solution for large-scale heating and cooling applications. 

With the innovative and energy-efficient pipe system Ecoflex VIP, Uponor offers a wide range of flexible, pre-insulated pipes and system accessories. The safe and durable Uponor Ecoflex VIP pipe systems are designed for heating, cooling, and hot water distribution in the local and district heating supply. By adapting the Vacuum Insulated Panel (VIP) technology, the pipes feature minimal heat loss (Lambda value of VIP: 0.004 W/mK), while their flexible design and small diameter help to reduce the installation time of the pipes by up to 20% compared to hard foam insulated flexible pipes, and by more than double compared to steel pipes. Offering pipes from 25 mm up to 140 mm in diameter makes Ecoflex VIP the energy-efficient solution for a large variety of local and district heating and cooling projects. 

kjhy.png

New generation of Ecoflex VIP pipes
EU’s ambitious sustainability and decarbonization goals require more energy and cost-efficient installations for local and district heating. However, installation complexity slows down the development of alternative high-performance solutions. Additionally, the decline in skilled labor and rising installation costs require more flexible and easier-to-install solutions. With the new generation of Uponor Ecoflex VIP pipes, GF introduces its most efficient, compact, and flexible heat distribution pipe ever. It is designed for medium-to-large sized local heat distribution network applications, where the outer pipe size reduction is vital. By leveraging the cutting-edge Vacuum Insulated Panel (VIP) technology, this innovation delivers unmatched thermal performance with a significantly smaller outer pipe diameter, making installation faster, easier, and more sustainable. 

Reliability for large-scale district heating and cooling 
The new Ecoflex VIP Thermo Single pipe in the larger diameter 140 mm is designed to serve the growing demand for medium to large-scale heating and cooling solutions (up to 1500 KW with ΔT20 Kelvin = around 200 flats). “The new pipe offers the connection to objects with higher output requirements, such as apartment or commercial buildings”, says Charlotta Persfell, Chief Marketing Officer, GF Building Flow Solutions. “As the pipe is delivered in coils, it requires less joints throughout the network, which leads to more reliable installations. The pipe provides installation time savings up to 60% compared to steel pipes, and easier handling, even in confined spaces.”

From layout support to pre-cut pipe lengths
The Uponor Ecoflex pipe offering is complemented by a range of services to better meet customer needs. These include comprehensive support from experienced engineers for planning and layout, product training and on-site support, as well as BIM data, available through the Uponor BIM platform. “Pipes are typically produced in predefined coil lengths. We on top offer the service to produce the pipes in the length required for the specific project and deliver them directly to the construction site. Together with our extensive sales and distribution network this ensures the product is readily accessible to customers, supported by services and benefits that enhance its long-term value”, says Charlotta Persfell.

The new generation Uponor Ecoflex VIP pipe range and features: 

  • Uponor Ecoflex VIP Thermo Single from 40 mm to 140 mm in diameter
  • Uponor Ecoflex VIP Thermo Twin from 2 x 25 mm to 2 x 75 mm 
  • Even more compact and flexible for easier handling due to new design 
  • Outstanding heat loss performance with low U-values 
  • VIP insulation featuring a low Lambda value of 0.004 W/mK
  • Longer coil lengths and reduced need for joints for more reliable installations
  • Durable construction combining high-density polyethylene (HDPE) corrugated outer jacket with cross-linked PE-Xa service pipes with Oxygen barrier
  • Versatile application for both local and district heating or cooling networks