GF Piping Systems, a division of Georg Fischer Corporation, is the one of the world’s leading flow solutions providers, supplying products which enable the efficient transport of fluids. The company specialises in plastic piping systems and system solutions, plus services in all phases of a pipeline project or rehabilitation.
The company creates innovative, intelligent products and solutions for every flow application to ensure the preservation and safe transportation of global fluid resources. Connecting technology and people, for a better future together: GF Piping Systems creates connections for life.
Energy revolution
In response to the social and industrial focus on sustainable energy sources, GF Piping Systems has already taken steps to future-proof its range of products. The company offers a range of solutions for hydrogen transmission, from production to storage, transport and utilisation.
The ability to service this burgeoning industry with a full range of solutions across the hydrogen supply chain uniquely positions GF Piping Systems as a one-stop-shop and partner. Supporting this new industry is facilitated by the company’s decades of experience working in gas supply, industrial water treatment, as well as the general transport of media in multiple industrial applications, water/gas utility and building technology.
In addition, sustainability is a key pillar of the Georg Fischer Corporation’s strategy, with the group actively contributing to achieving climate goals for its subsidiaries – such as GF Piping Systems – as well as clients and partners.
From a product perspective, the company is well placed to support hydrogen producers, asset owners and contractors because all the piping solutions it offers are non-corrosive and certified by Kiwa, ensuring the construction materials are safe for the transport of hydrogen. This includes GF Piping System’s ELGEF Plus and MULTI/JOINT 3000 PLUS product lines, which – in addition to being certified by Kiwa – is also certified with DBI, in Germany, as being ‘H2 ready’ for 100 per cent hydrogen applications.
ELGEF Plus
An adaptable and customisable electrofusion polyethylene (PE) system for pressurised piping systems, ELGEF Plus is suitable for gas, water, multiple industrial applications and now hydrogen. The system is corrosion-free, low weight, has a high resistance to chemicals and offers an extended service life.
Each individual fitting and saddle is identical and when joined together form a reliable leak-proof connection, while different fittings can be arranged to create a number of various end combinations. Additionally, the modular nature of the system reduces the need for installers to keep an extended range of stock on hand.
The ELGEF Plus fittings were designed to be not only user and assembly-friendly, but also safe and reliable. The fittings and the raw construction materials are subject to multiple quality tests and inspections to ensure the highest levels of quality and assurance (QA).
The product range includes bends and elbows; caps and ends; couplers and sockets; reducers; saddles; tees, Y-pieces and crosses; ball valves; as well as a range of clamping and installation, cutting and testing tools.
MULTI/JOINT 3000 PLUS
Introduced to the international market more than 30 years ago, MULTI/JOINT 3000 PLUS has earned a reputation for its quality and long service life. The system easily connects pipes from distribution and transport grids made of a broad variety of materials with a wide range of outside diameters.
Using the MULTI/JOINT 3000 Plus system, gas and hydrogen or water pipe networks can be quickly, safely, and simply connected without the need for special tools. Thanks to the flexibility of the system, meeting the specifications of a wide variety of materials or outside diameters of different pipelines is no longer a challenge.
Connections or repairs are carried out by means of a restraint pull-out resistance system, eliminating the need to work with thrust blocks. Furthermore, MULTI/JOINT 3000 PLUS is applicable with all pipe materials, offering a wide range of options for restraint and non-restraint connections.
The pipes and fittings are coated with Resicoat® epoxy powder coating, meaning all MULTI/JOINT 3000 Plus products are corrosion-resistant. They also feature easily accessible bolts and can be mounted on without special tools. Time-consuming welding or flanging in challenging situations is no longer required.
The product range includes adapters and transitions; bends and elbows; caps and ends; couplers and sockets; flange connections; reducers; and a line of accessories to support installation processes.
Engineering and QA
GF Piping Systems products are backed up by a number of after-sales services to support and enhance their performance.
This includes tailor-made analysis packages which increase the efficiency of pipeline projects. The company’s customers have the choice between Project Analysis and Advanced Engineering, designed to provide support at every phase of the project.
Both packages leverage GF Piping Systems more than 200 years of pipeline industry knowledge, guiding clients through the entire process.
The company also offers QA systems which facilitate the safe and reliable pipeline transmission of hydrogen, and is designed to indent and prevent damage before it occurs.
The two systems deliver steadfast data about the status of the pipeline network, based on science, giving operators and asset owners peace of mind for operations at all times. Ultrasonic non-destructive testing (NDT) provides testing options at the point of installation, while Pipe Condition Assessment (PCA) can be employed during operations to acquire real data about the state of piping systems.
In combination with industry leading products, these services solidify GF Piping Systems as a go-to supplier and service partner when it comes to pipes and fittings, and ensure they run to their maximum capacity for the longest time possible.
For more information visit the GF Piping Systems website.
This article featured in the May edition of The Australian Pipeliner.