Case Study: RAKtherm PPR Solution Approved to Replace Faulty Section in Pullman Hotel's Piping Network
| Project Name | Pullman Hotel, Al Khan Sharjah, United Arab Emirates |
| Utilized Solution | RAKtherm 90 mm PPR pipes and fittings. |
| Challenges Encountered | Breakage in hot water return line caused by intermixing with PPR pipes of a different brand. |
| Resolution | We carefully evaluated the current setup and made strategic improvements to optimize performance. This included swapping out the old system with RAKtherm 90 mm PPR pipe and integrating expansion looping to boost network resilience and overall efficiency. |
Brief Overview of the construction project:
The Pullman Hotel in Sharjah was built by Manazil Real Estate Group, a wellknown developer in the UAE. The fivestar hotel is being managed by Accor Middle East and is the Manazil Group's most recent project. Manazil is known throughout the world for high-quality projects with distinctive designs and architecture in the hotel and healthcare industries.
Pullman Sharjah provides guests a seamless stay in accommodations larger than conventional five-star rooms with 180 rooms and suites, Arabian architecture, and a cozy ambiance. The hotel also provides a range of excellent dining options with a selection of cuisines and drinks to suit every preference. The hotel also has a fitness center, spa, and hair salon.
Malfunction Report:
In the construction project of Pullman Hotel, Sharjah, which involved the installation of PPR (Polypropylene Random Copolymer) pipes from another brand, a significant issue arose concerning pipe malfunction resulting in water leakage. This unexpected malfunction posed a considerable challenge to the functionality of the hotel, necessitating immediate investigation and resolution.
Damaged substandard PPR pipes from another brand with less wall thickness that is susceptible to breakages and leakages.
Malfunction Report:
In the construction project of Pullman Hotel, Sharjah, which involved the installation of PPR (Polypropylene Random Copolymer) pipes from another brand, a significant issue arose concerning pipe malfunction resulting in water leakage. This unexpected malfunction posed a considerable challenge to the functionality of the hotel, necessitating immediate investigation and resolution.
Damaged substandard PPR pipes from another brand with less wall thickness that is susceptible to breakages and leakages.
Nature and Extent of Malfunction:
Unfortunately, combining one type of PPR pipe with another brand caused the hot water return line to break. The PPR pipes utilized encounter fractures and breakages at multiple joints, resulting water to leak out extensively. Water delivery system interruptions resulted from the afflicted PPR pipes' inability to resist expected pressure and temperature conditions.
PPR pipes from another brand caused hot water return line to break, encounters fractures and breakages at multiple joints resulting water to leak out extensively.
Analysis of PPR Pipe Malfunction Causes:
Identified causes of PPR pipe malfunction form initial investigations:
a.
Inadequate Wall Thickness from other brand’s manufacturer:
Initial investigations revealed that the PPR pipes used in the project have been manufactured with less wall thickness than the standard specifications. The substandard wall thickness compromised the structural integrity of the pipes, making them more susceptible to breakages and leakages.
b.
Non-compliance with Standard Dimensions:
A comparison with other brands’ pipes indicated a deviation from standard dimensions in the PPR pipes utilized. The inconsistency in dimensions not only affected the overall performance but also raised concerns about the quality control processes during manufacturing.
c.
Use of Poor-Quality Materials
Further investigations indicated a potential usage of subpar raw materials in the manufacturing process of PPR pipes. The incorporation of poor-quality materials compromised the inherent strength and durability of the pipes, ultimately leading to their malfunction and inability to sustain the designed pressure and flow conditions.
These identified causes shed light on critical factors contributing to the malfunction of the PPR pipes, emphasizing the importance of adhering to prescribed standards and specifications in construction materials.
Corrective Measures and Mitigation Strategies:
Conducted a site visit with RAKtherm’s projects engineering team, and it was found out that the damaged PPR pipes were not manufactured by RAKtherm. The entire pipe lane spans a total length of 75 meters, out of which approximately 15 meters were not provided by RAKtherm. Within this 15-meter section, it was discovered that the pipes were broken in seven different areas.
To address the defective segment of PPR piping and prevent future recurrences, the following actions were proposed to guarantee robust and enduring piping network in hot water applications:
a.
Immediate Repairs and Replacements:
Swift repair and replacement of the damaged PPR pipes with RAKtherm’s high quality, highperformance, appropriately sized pipes to restore the water supply system.
The replacement with 90-mm RAKtherm PPR pipes and fittings acted as a solution for the hot water return line, which collapsed due to the mixing of PPR pipe with another brand. In order to boost system stability and prevent similar issues in the future, an expansion looping pipe was also installed.
b.
Thorough Inspection and Quality Verification:
The recently replaced RAKtherm PPR pipes have undergone an in-depth examination to guarantee that the specified wall thickness, standard dimensions, and premium raw materials were complied.
Insights and Key Learnings:
This incident highlights the importance of meticulous selection of the appropriate piping system which is fundamental step in ensuring the functionality, durability, and reliability of any construction project. This validates that RAKtherm PPR pipes and fittings possess relevant quality assurance certifications, ensuring they meet industry standards for durability and reliability.