We are your flexible, expert full-service pipe system supplier

A pipe system is defined as the complete network of interconnected pipework, including all fittings and connections, along with all related components. The system is designed based on the principle of modularity. This means that the individual components have the flexibility to be combined and assembled in different ways, resulting in a wide range of possibilities. Even highly complex designs can be implemented in a relatively straightforward manner. Self-contained pipe systems then form the basis for supplying and transporting media such as water, waste water, condensate, steam, gases and chemicals.

The range of a system depends on the respective construction project. No matter the distance, whether a short distance for local heating or within industrial plants or a long distance for extensive district heating networks, any transport task can be easily accomplished with the appropriate pipe model. Long-distance pipelines, which are specifically engineered for transporting media across vast distances, can be readily adapted to accommodate a wide variety of terrain conditions. The routes on which the trenches for laying the pipes later run can be found in landscapes that differ greatly from each other. Challenging ground conditions, such as wetlands, subsidence, river or road crossings, compacted soil beneath concrete surfaces or soils with high sand content, are now no longer an obstacle to the stable and safe installation of the systems. 

The choice between a rigid or flexible pipe system is determined by various factors, including the intended use, the medium being transported and additional circumstances such as the respective ground conditions. This property is also one of the main distinguishing criteria for the various types of pipe systems. Flexible pipe systems can be bent to a specific extent and used to implement small routing angles without the need for additional components. The material composition of the inner and outer pipe can be adjusted to control the degree of flexibility and stiffness of the pipes. The next step is to determine the dimensions, installation lengths and accessories, as well as the connection points.

In each specific case, the type of pipe is always determined by the medium flowing through the pipe system. In the context of water and waste water pipes, the following question arises as to their function: are they primarily used for heating and cooling or simply for transportation (or discharge)? Examples of the latter include the provision of drinking water using aluminium composite pipes, the discharge of service water in sanitary facilities and the use of pipe systems for the return flow into the sewer system. In addition to pipes for hot, cold, service and waste water, various other media also flow through pipe systems. Here we distinguish between gas pipes, oil pipes, pipes for industrial products and pressurised pipes, among others. To ensure we maintain an overview of all the specifications, including the material properties, media, dimensions and so on, we organise our range into various primary categories. These are geared toward the respective application areas.

Local and district heating – Flexible, pre-insulated pipe systems with excellent insulating properties are usually installed in this area. However, the large-scale commercial expansion of district heating networks initially began with the use of rigid steel pipes. Nevertheless, the tide turned with the advent of technological advancements in plant engineering and numerous new research findings. In recent decades, plastic pipes have increasingly been chosen for use in the build-out of the supply infrastructure. In many cases, this flexible alternative achieves even better measured values for insulation performance. Still, there are certain advantages to using rigid pipe systems with a stainless steel or other solid metal medium pipe compared to pipework made of PE (polyethylene) plastic. Therefore, it always remains a case-by-case decision as to which pipe system is ultimately the better choice in a direct comparison.­­

Hot and cold water – Here we only offer flexible, continuous systems. They also have distinct property profiles: Some are certified for drinking water, others are designed with oxygen barriers and still others have integrated frost protection or heating tape. What is important depends entirely on the intended use and the associated requirements. Is the focus on the impeccable quality of the supplied water or the temperature of the medium? If the latter is the case, then the system is equipped with high-quality insulation made of polyurethane (PUR).

Industrial plants – Ensuring absolute safety is crucial when it comes to pipe systems designed for industrial processes. Such systems are all uncompromisingly reliable when it comes to conveying media that are in some cases potentially hazardous to the environment. BRUGG Pipes offers single-walled and double-walled, rigid and flexible pipe systems. A wide range of safety precautions are also taken to ensure the well-being of employees and the smooth operation of the plant, including the monitoring of overpressure and underpressure leaks. This is because the pipes often transport liquids and gases that are environmentally hazardous and toxic.

Special safety mechanisms are also required for pipe systems for petrol stations and tank systems: The pipe systems designed for the transportation of gas, oil and other fuels, as well as highly flammable media, are equipped with effective corrosion protection and are further safeguarded by highly sensitive monitoring technology. These special precautions, combined with weld-free design, make such systems extremely safe. For safety reasons, welding work is not performed during installation due to the presence of highly flammable media. Instead, a flameless connection technology is available specifically for these pipe systems.

Cryogenic applications – These pipe systems are both flexible and safe due to the incorporation of bendable corrugated stainless steel pipes. Additionally, they are vacuum-insulated and pre-assembled. The enhanced insulation, that is, the combination of vacuum and insulation, prevents the transfer of heat to the medium. This is important because cryogenic, liquefied gases are transported in the special pipes at temperatures as extremely low as -200 degrees Celsius. Depending on the application requirements, it is possible to implement the flow and return in just one pipeline. In order to optimise the implementation of the order, there is also flexibility in deciding whether the BRUGG Pipes line should be installed underground or above ground. The ready-to-use promise of our pipework for cryogenic media is completely independent of flow direction and installation, as all pipe systems in this category are pre-assembled in the factory. This involves cutting the pipes to the correct length, inspecting and welding the connections and establishing a vacuum. As everything is ready, installation can start immediately after delivery to the construction site.

Bioflex fermenter heating – Our BIOFLEX pipework and its accessories are specifically engineered to heat biogas fermenters. The system can be connected to either the outer or inner wall of the digester and provides the plant with direct heat transfer during the conversion of biomass into biogas. The heating system provides perfect environmental conditions for the microorganisms. Only on this basis is it possible to efficiently produce biogas, which is then burnt and converted into electricity and thermal energy.

As previously mentioned, both rigid and flexible pipe systems have their own unique qualities and characteristics. However, flexible models are now favoured due to their numerous benefits, particularly for heating, sanitary and service water pipes. One notable advantage of flexible heating pipes is that they can be bent to a certain degree in all directions, allowing for compact installation. Irrespective of the specific location or the conditions of the route, we offer our factory-prefabricated pipework in long lengths. Installing new heating pipes in this combination is typically a straightforward process. This is because flexible pipes in long lengths can ideally be installed in one piece – or at least help to significantly reduce the number of connection points. This not only simplifies installation but also significantly accelerates the assembly process. If the pipework is only available in short dimensions, then it will need to be joined individually at each connection point. 

Are you interested in converting your heating system and hot water supply so it can be connected to the local or district heating network? Flexible local heating pipes are also frequently used in this segment. Particularly in these applications, it is advantageous that flexible pipe systems are often less prone to corrosion and more resilient in the presence of significant temperature fluctuations and moisture. But the following applies to all heating pipes, whether flexible or rigid, made of stainless steel or plastic: the pipe insulation is crucial. It determines whether the heating pipe ensures effective heat transport. Therefore, the determining factor for optimal heating pipes lies not in the material of the pipework itself, but rather in the choice of insulation material. We generally use PUR rigid foam for this purpose. Polyurethane is a plastic that has outstanding insulating properties and is also heat and weather resistant. By leveraging our unique process technology, we achieved unprecedented thermal conductivity values, resulting in a significant increase in energy efficiency.

Our product portfolio includes various models of flexible heating pipes, sorted according to the above-mentioned categories – such as CALPEX PUR-KING or CASAFLEX in the local and district heating segment and FLEXSTAR, which is specifically designed to be connected to heat pumps. This gives our customers options and allows them to customise the pipe system to the specific requirements of their construction project. You can find out more about our products and services in the area of heating systems here on the website or speak directly with our customer service team.

As can be clearly seen, our products differ greatly according to system. Once all the information regarding the construction project is available, it is crucial to define the primary objective, the respective requirements, the proposed solutions and other relevant details. As a full-service pipe system supplier, we offer a wide range of solutions to help you quickly find the right pipe solution based on the specific property profile and different thicknesses. Once the final decision has been made in favour of the optimal primary component, the detailed planning work for the project begins. Based on static calculations as well as planning and installation drawings, it is possible to precisely determine the route and identify the components needed in addition to the pipework itself. All our product ranges come with a wide range of accessories. This ensures the optimal execution of the order, as all possible solutions for the implementation of the pipe system are feasible. What does that mean specifically?

The connection points to other pipework and the corresponding fittings are located directly at the ends of the pipeline. In plant engineering, media are diverted using fittings, which are found not only on pipework but also on boilers and tanks for liquids and gases. Fittings are indispensable for establishing connections with other components. In this context, you usually have the choice between screw fittings, push-in fittings and press fittings. As their names suggest, they differ in terms of the connection technology and sometimes also in the material and component types that they connect. In order to properly maintain pipe systems, it is necessary to have valves that can discharge liquids or gases from the pipes. A pump is frequently used to supply the required driving force at the return flow point of the media. Due to its excellent thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance, the copper alloy brass continues to be a highly suitable material for pumping devices to this day.

BRUGG Pipes is one of the global market leaders in the safe transportation of substances that are flammable or pose a risk to water quality. Particularly in the areas of plant engineering and industrial infrastructure, quality, safety and environmental protection are prioritised above all else. Our solutions that fulfil all of these requirements without compromise are now widely known on the market. Leading oil companies trust BRUGG Pipes to transport their fuel – both within their plants and for wide-ranging distribution.

Our certified pipe systems have consistently demonstrated their value across various industries for many decades. The innovative solutions not only excel in terms of their exceptional properties but also stand out for their straightforward connection technology, allowing for quick installation. Many of our products are also suitable for continuous laying and are designed to allow for unrestricted installation during regular operation. Accordingly, the cost-effectiveness of our pipe systems begins even before the actual installation.

Our products deliver outstanding results and exhibit excellent measured values in both performance tests and safety checks. We made a significant breakthrough with one of our systems, particularly in regard to the lambda value. CALPEX PUR KING achieved a global record in the thermal conductivity category, with a measurement of just 0.0199 watts per meter and Kelvin. This outstanding insulating property sets it apart from other systems on the market, as no other system achieves such a low lower limit. CALPEX PUR KING is unique among other conductive pipes due to this energy efficiency. With this pipe system, we are also making a global contribution to a more sustainable and responsible energy supply.

We at BRUGG Pipes are happy to carry out the assembly of all our own pipe systems ourselves. Our employees have many years of experience and unrivaled expertise in BRUGG Pipes components. Alternatively, we instruct contracted companies in regard to the assembly. We naturally provide a wide range of services in the area of local and district heating, cooling and cold water systems, petrol stations, tank systems and industry – including tapping district heating pipes, measurement technology, renovations, rapid repair and replacement in emergencies, training, retrofitting of insulation and regular system maintenance. Our service philosophy is simple and straightforward: respond promptly and perform work proficiently – because satisfied customers are repeat customers. If you have any questions or specific concerns, please feel free to contact our competent contact person at any time.