Anuario Brasileiro do Cobre | Brazilian Copper Yearbook 2020

2020 Anuário Brasileiro do Cobre Brazilian Copper Yearbook 16 Application of copper in water systems - Procobre’s other front of operations was using the same strategy - providing technical guidance to professional installers, to train them, with the aim of spreading and promoting the use of copper products - this time in water distribution systems in buildings. As part of the initiative, the Good Practice Manual for the Design, Installation and Maintenance of Copper Pipes in Water Systems was developed to guide the correct use of pipes in installations. The elaboration and development of this manual has a very important function for the construction market, especially in the area of building systems. It contributes to the dissemination of technical information and best practices, becoming a tool to qualify construction chain professionals and assist in the execution of projects that comply with current standards, favoring the increase of the facility’s lifespan and the improvement of performance and efficiency of the systems. As a rule, which is similar to other Procobre publications, the manual brings a didactic language for the complete understanding of the technician. Regarding the application of copper in building hydraulic systems, the manual addresses the properties and characteristics of copper pipes and fittings; joining methods between pipes and fittings; the step-by-step of how to perform a perfect welding or flanging; the steps in the construction process of a hydraulic installation - from design to commissioning. A special chapter is devoted to the behavior of copper pipes in aqueous media, explaining the principles of corrosion, the precautions that should be taken to avoid it, and the treatment required for water originating from artesian wells and tankers. It is expected that the guide will contribute to the improvement of technical skills of professionals in the sector and facilitate and intensify the exchange of knowledge between service providers, guiding them in their work so that they are performed with quality, in a practical and efficient way. Multilayered pipes - Procobre’s willingness to guide and train engineers, architects, electricians, installers, and other professionals dealing with copper products has also always been a purpose in relation to multilayered pipes. The standards for the construction of installations for the use of combustible gases in buildings – ABNT NBR 15526 (Internal combustible gas installations - Design and execution) and ABNT NBR 13103 (Environments for the installation of gas appliances for residential use - Requirements) determine appropriate safety conditions, distribution alternatives, gas appliance installation requirements and advise on appropriate materials and additional protections required for the system. The execution of internal installations of combustible gases necessarily requires the observance of these norms. It is important, however, to draw attention to the ABNT NBR 15526 standard which, by allowing the use of copper pipes for gas installations, does not specify the use of multilayer pipes. In the market, however, there are those who adopt this type of multilayer piping, even though it has not been covered in the technical standard of ABNT - Brazilian Association of Technical Standards. In order to clarify the market about the risk of using products not covered by the Brazilian standard - other countries have also failed to include multilayer tubes in their respective standards and/or regulations - Procobre has chosen to develop a regulatory dossier on the use of this type of pipe in gas installations in major global markets. The idea is to inform designers, installers and fire brigades about the risks of non-standardization. The correct application of the norms guides all Procobre’s actions to promote the sector, and this is a commitment that - I am sure - ABCOBRE shares, in order to strengthen the credibility and reputation of this promising growth industry, both in the areas of energy efficiency as well as those of clean and sustainable energy generation, among other markets where copper is indispensable for the socioeconomic development of the populations. ARTIGO ARTICLE Note: In December 2019, Procobre ended its activities in Brazil. Part of the publications of the institute’s technical collection is available for download at www.abcobre.org.br For international publications and other copper-related issues, access the Copper Alliance link www.copperalliance.org