State-of-the-Art Interior Piping Systems Applications: Single Family Buildings. Final Report January 1985-December 1986

摘要

State-of-the-art interior gas piping technology, which includes steel pipe, copper tubing and corrugated stainless steel tubing, was evaluated through a series of installation studies in two different types of single family dwellings. Side by side comparisons were made between steel pipe and semirigid tubing in terms of installation labor and material costs. The results of the installation studies indicated that semirigid tubing is a more cost-effective approach than steel pipe for single family homes. The semirigid tubing system can be operated at low pressure or by using the hybrid pressure approach. Field data were used to estimate the impact of semirigid tubing systems on other single family housing styles. Additional studies were conducted to investigate other issues involved with the use and long-term acceptance of semirigid tubing. These studies included: an assessment of the issues involved with the use of copper tubing; the need for mechanical protection of concealed semirigid tubing; and constraints of the gas distribution system (street pressure, service regulators and gas meters) affecting the use of the hybrid pressure approach. An evaluation of the SMART HOUSE concept was performed to assess if innovative gas piping, modified gas appliances and advanced control systems could be integrated.