Long life, low cost carbon steel

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Leading pipe manufacturer, Geberit, is urging installers and specifiers to realise the benefits of carbon steel pipework; a cost effective product that is corrosion resistant in closed-circuit systems. A recent re-visit to Mater Hospital in Ireland, where Geberit Mapress carbon steel had been installed some 12 years ago, revealed corrosion free pipework, as effective as the day it was commissioned.Copper has long been used thanks to its exceptional corrosion resistant properties, however its cost is much greater and more volatile than carbon steel. If installed correctly, in closed-circuit systems, carbon steel is equally resistant to degradation and offers significant savings when compared with copper. Crucially, the price of carbon steel is much more stable, allowing specifiers to accurately plan a project’s expense well in advance.

Simon Spridgeon, Product and Technical Manager for Geberit, explains why correct procedure is imperative when it comes to realising the benefits of carbon steel. “Problems can occur if carbon steel is not installed and commissioned correctly. Pipes should be protected against moisture and the influence of weather. For chilled water applications, a vapour barrier must always be maintained in areas where condensation is likely to occur. If the carbon steel pipe is coated in plastic, as at Mater Hospital, extra protection is not required (although the fittings and pipe ends still need full protection.)

“The probability of corrosion is further increased if oxygen is present in the circuit – concentrations in excess of 0.1g/m3 indicate a greater chance of corrosion. This could occur through compression glands, screw connections or automatic air vent valves if there is negative pressure in the heating system. However, there is no risk of corrosive damage from oxygen that enters when filling and supplementing with water since the amount of oxygen is very low. Mater Hospital is an excellent example of good practice; as a consequence, the building’s carbon steel pipework will remain corrosion free for many years to come.”

For a low cost alternative to copper, carbon steel is a great option. To keep up to its corrosion resistant claims, however, correct procedure must be adhered to – worth doing considering its benefits to a projects overheads.

Geberit can be contacted on 0800 077 8365 or visit www.geberit.co.uk

Daniel Fountain / 10.09.2013

Editor, Hotel Designs

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Fun fact: I’m usually the person friends rely on to organise trips, schedules, and group plans.

Workhighlights: Successfully coordinating events from planning through to delivery and seeing everything come together on the day.

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Work highlights: Charles joined Forum Events in 2022. With a background in publishing, editorial media and events, Charles brings a wealth of experience to his role as Senior Production Manager. Having being involved with SPACE from the outset, he is excited to see the brand grow and develop.

Fun fact: People tell Sienna she gives off Bridget Jones vibes, and she loves to bake, always making sure there are shortbreads floating around the office

Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.

Fun fact: When not working, Jess can usually be found tending to her kitchen garden in the Sussex countryside or foraging for herbs in the nearby woods. A keen grower, she recently studied a RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles of Horticulture during her spare time.

Work highlights: Jess joined SPACE magazine in 2022 and has since progressed from Assistant Editor to Editor. During this time, she has worked across many aspects of the publication – from shaping editorial strategy and overseeing operations to contributing to art direction and representing the brand on stage at industry events including Surface Design Show and WOW!house.

Alongside her role at SPACE, Jess has built a creative career spanning the arts, culture, design and travel sectors. Prior to joining the magazine, she spent more than a decade in the commercial art industry, in artist liaison, gallery management, and curating collections for the hospitality sector across hotels and cruise ships. During this time, she also worked on freelance projects as a writer, photographer, and creative content producer.
 
Jess studied photojournalism at London College of Communication and the Danish School of Media and Journalism and holds a first-class BA (Hons) in Culture, Criticism and Curation from Central Saint Martins.

Fun fact: Katy has spent years perfecting all kinds of accents and loves a good impersonation!

Work highlights: Katy has been with Hotel Designs since the beginning, way back in 2015 when Forum Events & Media Group acquired the brand.

During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, Accessible Design Talks and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.
 
Most recently Katy has stepped in to the role of Publisher at SPACE magazine, the printed bi-monthly publication focused on hotel design, architecture, and development.

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