Do-it-yourself chimney from an iron pipe. Metal chimneys. Advantages of steel chimneys for boilers and furnaces
The Russdym company offers its customers high-quality steel chimneys and services for their installation.
Our chimneys
For quite a long time, we have been engaged only in the design and installation of smoke exhaust systems, using third-party components for this. "Russdym" provides these services today - so, by contacting us, you can order the installation of chimneys "Volcano".
Advantages of steel chimneys for boilers and furnaces
Trying to figure out what plumbing you need to install a fireplace, stove, or any other hearth device can be an intimidating task. In order to make it easier for you, we will look at several aspects of the most common types of flue pipes and explain their use and application.
What we have here is a guide to help you, the consumer, become more familiar with the chimney pipe. First of all, in any installation, the owner's manual for your gift equipment should be consulted. Different fireplaces and stoves have different ventilation requirements. These requirements include more than just the pipe you need, it also contains specific information about clearances and offsets that must be met for a safe and correct installation.
However, we noticed that:
- inexpensive third-party components often turned out to be of poor quality. We could not guarantee the long life of the chimney using these elements;
- high-quality components often turned out to be unreasonably expensive. As a result, the overall budget turned out to be very large. This, of course, did not please our clients.
The solution to the problem was found quickly: we opened our own production steel chimneys. It turned out that high-quality steel chimneys can be quite affordable.
If anything in your manual is unclear or confusing, you should contact your device manufacturer directly. We will be happy to help you in any way we can. Has many names; it can also be called double wall chimney pipe, triple chimney pipe, full fuel pipe or insulated chimney pipe. Class A chimney is used to discharge high temperature exhaust gases from the combustion of many common fuels such as wood, coal and oil. The main examples would be fireplaces, stoves, boilers and oil-burning stoves.
Steel chimneys "Russdym" - main features
- thick stainless steel - thickness from 0.55 to 1 mm;
- basalt fiber as a heater;
- quality welds;
- verified geometry of all elements - no fitting with a hammer.
Advantages of steel chimneys for boilers and furnaces
- round section - in such chimneys, the speed of movement of flue gases is maximum;
- smooth inner surface - improves traction and reduces the amount of soot and condensate;
- resistance to aggressive components of soot and creosote - this is why we use high-quality stainless steel;
- small dimensions - steel chimneys can be mounted inside old brick ones;
- low weight - the elements can be simply fixed with brackets to the walls of the building;
- affordable price - a steel chimney will cost significantly less than a Schiedel ceramic chimney and even cheaper than a brick chimney (however, brick chimneys are rarely used today);
- affordable price;
- ease of maintenance and cleaning;
- sufficiently long service life.
Disadvantages of steel chimneys for stoves and fireplaces
- restrictions on the maximum flue gas temperature. According to SP 7.13130.2013 “Heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Fire safety requirements”, the temperature of flue gases in steel smoke exhaust systems should not exceed 400 degrees Celsius. This is enough if you are going to burn wood, but coal-fired stoves will require a more heat-resistant chimney;
- with all its merits steel pipes inferior to ceramics in terms of durability. In fact, they are much cheaper.
Single-circuit and double-circuit steel chimneys
The cheapest steel chimneys are made single-circuit. In fact, this is a sheet of steel rolled into a tube with one weld.
Not every ventilation system will require Class A chimney, but it is absolutely necessary for use with all wood burning fireplaces and stoves. However, it is important to note that you should never mix and match different grade A chimney brands in the same chimney system. The different grades of pipes are well designed and should be used as a complete system from start to finish. If it is a discontinued or obsolete brand, you are in a difficult position to rebuild your chimney system from scratch.
Building codes prohibit the use of any adapter to connect different brands of chimneys. In a flue system where you convert a furnace tube to a Class A tube, you can reconfigure your tube furnace system separately from your Class A system and vice versa. These pipes have smaller internal diameters that have some insulation, either double walled or triple layered. These pipes use fiberglass or ceramic insulation to stay cool on the outside and have a 2" clearance for combustible materials. As the name suggests, these pipes rely on the air circulating inside them to keep the outer wall cooler and also have 2 inches of clearance for combustible materials.
- Chimney with air cooling.
- These pipes have large internal diameters that are not insulated.
Advantages of single-circuit chimneys
- light weight;
- small dimensions;
- affordable price.
The disadvantage of such pipes is only one - high thermal conductivity. It means that:
- when flue gases pass, the outer surface of the pipe will become very hot. If you touch it, you will definitely get burned;
- flue gases during movement will be strongly cooled. This creates great amount condensate, and the speed of movement of cold gases is lower. Especially a lot of water settles in the chimneys of modern gas boilers with high efficiency;
- you will not be able to install such a chimney outside the building, and with internal installation you will have to make large cuts in each ceiling and in the roof. This is quite difficult and expensive.
Double-circuit steel chimneys consist of two pipes. Between them there is a layer of heat-insulating material. We use basalt fibers - it does not cake, does not change under the influence of high temperatures and retains its properties for many years.
Class A pipe is usually made with either a stainless steel outer wall or a galvanized outer wall. When running Class A pipe inside a stone chimney, chase, attic, or any enclosure inside a home, it makes economic sense to use galvanized pipe. If at all possible, it is recommended that you install a chimney inside your home. Having your system outside comes with the risk of a cold chimney, which will interfere with the development and production of creosote.
Types of industrial metal pipes
The need for stainless steel only arises when your pipe will be exposed to the elements. If a galvanized pipe is exposed, it is susceptible to rust and corrosion, which will eventually destroy it if left unprotected. If you must use galvanized pipe on the outside, it is highly recommended that you paint your pipe with high temperature, rust resistant paint. Galvanized pipes must be cleaned and prepared before painting.
Due to the design features, double-circuit chimneys are often called sandwich chimneys.
Advantages of steel sandwich chimneys
- relatively low temperature outer contour: the pipe can be touched without fear of burns;
- all heat remains inside: therefore, flue gases are removed faster, and the amount of condensate is reduced significantly;
- possibility of outdoor installation - you can lead the chimney through the nearest wall with a small horizontal element and then lead it along the outside of the wall. This reduces the cost of installation and makes the operation of the heating system safer;
- smaller indent and grooves when passing through structures made of combustible materials;
- noticeably longer service life.
Disadvantages of steel sandwich chimneys
- larger diameter;
- higher cost;
- slightly more complex installation.
Can I use a homemade steel chimney?
Designed specifically for gas device with direct output. The term "direct venting" refers to a device that uses only outside air for combustion and exhausts all exhaust pipes directly to the outside. The device itself is closed from the room by a glass door that must never be opened while the device is in use. Direct vent units are among the most popular among consumers due to their efficiency and ease of installation compared to traditional wood burning systems.
If you need a chimney for a potbelly stove outside the home, you can make it yourself, but this does not make much sense (today you can buy a great steel chimney inexpensively and not spend energy on tin work). If you need pipes for home or production system smoke removal, it is better not to take risks and purchase certified components.
Self-supporting industrial pipes
There are two types of direct duct systems. Like a pipe within a pipe, a coaxial system uses a smaller inner pipe that is fixed inside a larger outer pipe. The inner pipe removes the by-products of combustion and releases the exhaust from the appliance and out of the house. The space between the two pipes brings fresh air from outside into the combustion appliance. Colin pipe. This is a system with two separate pipes, one for the combustion air and the other for the exhaust gases. Such pipes are usually flexible.
- The inner tube is separated from the outer tube by gaskets.
- Coaxial pipe can be rigid or flexible.
Russdym provides services throughout the Moscow region, including the following cities: Istra, Krasnogorsk, Nakhabino, Dedovsk, Dolgoprudny, Korolev, Podolsk, Pushchino, Sergiev Posad, Serpukhov, Chernogolovka, Schelkovo, Zelenograd, Zvenigorod, Khimki, Solnechnogorsk, Dmitrov, Wedge, Lobnya, Odintsovo, Vnukovo, Volokolamsk, Mozhaisk, Ruza, Skhodnya.
However general rule thumb is 1 inch clearance for vertical pipe. For a horizontal pipe, there should be a 3" gap for the top half of the pipe and a 1" gap for the bottom half of the pipe. Special chimney ventilation systems are specialized. Each component: pipe, elbows, lights, roof supports, caps, etc. - specially designed for ventilation of direct ventilation device. You will never turn a straight vent pipe into a class A chimney pipe, and you will never pump a stove pipe in a straight vent pipe.
Add to bookmarks
Industrial pipes: main types and their purpose
Industrial chimneys are designed to discharge flue gases into the atmosphere. Most of them are vertical, but sometimes they come across inclined or horizontal sections.
In some cases, specialized adapters can be used to convert a class A chimney into a direct ventilation system. These components are only used to safely pass a straight vent pipe through a ceiling or wall.
The owner's manual for each fireplace, stove, or direct fan insert will list which direct duct manufacturers are approved for use with this unit. A unique and convenient aspect of direct vent chimney systems is the ability to exhaust and finish in a variety of ways. The system can be terminated both horizontally and vertically, and in some cases it may only take a few inches of pipe straight from the back of a direct vent unit outside your home.
Chimney (from left to right): a- single-mast, b- two-mast, c- four-mast, d- wall mount.
Industrial chimneys: general characteristics
Chimneys have been used for a very long time to remove gases from sources of open fire (forges, bakeries, etc.). Pipes of the modern type began to appear in Europe already in the 12th century, and towards the end of the 18th century, an industrial barrel was invented. The very fact of the appearance of this part of the house is connected with heating. Its simplest form is a simple bonfire, furnished with stones. With such heating system lost a lot of heat. Only after the first people began to migrate to colder regions, the question arose of how to save more of the heat generated by the fire. For example, in the Ussuri zone, rather simple rooms were found with some kind of chimneys that go out through narrow passages. In Russia, chimneys were not used for a long time, and until the 18th century they were not in many houses.
Be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for maximum horizontal span, maximum vertical lift, etc. when designing a chimney system with a direct vent. The ventilation specifications for each unit will be listed in your owner's manual.
Direct vents may be referred to as "top fan", "rear fan", or "tilted". These names refer to the position of the chimney on the appliance. "Top vent" and "rear vent" go without saying, and "slanted" refers to a device with an exhaust pipe exiting the device at a 45-degree angle, with easy adaptability for vertical or horizontal venting by using a 45-degree elbow.
This method of heating is not very safe, because in this case a lot of soot and gas accumulate inside. It was no coincidence that the stoves were painted white - with the help of this method, the slightest damage to the structure was quickly detected.
The output of combustion products is the main purpose of chimneys. They remove soot and smoke, which impede the passage of gases, settling on its gas ducts. The inside of this structure is made even so that this subsidence does not occur.
Many direct fan manufacturers offer special horizontal or vertical ventilation kits for specific units. When looking into purchasing these kits, be sure to find out how many tubes you will receive and if that will be enough to complete your system.
Facade flue pipes
A chimney pipe, also called a chimney connector, is not the same as a class A chimney pipe, although they are often confused with each other. used for ventilation wood stoves and is intended only for use inside the home, or more precisely, inside the room where the stove is installed. For example, a single wall furnace pipe requires 18 inches of clearance from ceilings or walls. On the other hand, a double wall pipe only requires 8 inches from the ceiling and 6 inches from the wall.
There is one more purpose of chimneys: they provide draft in boiler boilers. The ideal option is one in which the flue gases have a temperature exceeding 104 degrees at the exit, which will maintain draft in the pipe. Before most of industrial chimneys were constructed using ordinary brickwork.
Once these clearances are met, you must convert your chimney to a Class A chimney pipe for proper removal of your stove. Many stove owners from yesteryear may be surprised to learn that the stove pipe is never allowed to go through a ceiling or wall, no matter how much gap you can create. Therefore, it is never safe to use only a chimney for ventilation. It's just a matter of how these pipes are designed. When used outside, the furnace tube will not be able to support high temperatures chimney, causing potential buildup of creosote and an increased risk of chimney fire.
Now metal heat-insulated pipes are gradually replacing brick industrial pipes. For such pipes, stainless steel or ferrous metal is most often used. Such structures need maintenance from time to time, because in the absence of it, performance gradually begins to deteriorate due to soot clogging and general clogging. It is better to clean the pipes after finishing heating season when they are less used. Scheduled checks usually ensure the normal use of the boiler room and prevent the appearance of defects. Sometimes, a mobile communication transmitter can be installed on a chimney that has a height of more than 30 meters, making this design more versatile.
Factors to consider when installing a chimney
A class A chimney pipe requires only 2 inches of clearance for combustibles as it is designed to handle the highest temperatures for exhaust gases. That's why you should convert from chimney into a class A chimney when ventilating a wood-burning stove.
There are several ways to make the transition from chimney to chimney pipe. Through-the-ceiling. The stove pipe will connect to the bottom and the Class A chimney pipe will attach to the other side, either through the top support box or attic insulation shield. For ventilation systems that run horizontally through the wall, you must have a thimble. The thimble is designed to chimney Class A cable passed through the wall to get into the room where your appliance is installed, and then connect to the oven stove. Most wood stoves are top vent models, which means the chimney will be on top of the block.
The main types of fuel for boiler houses are liquefied hydrocarbons, natural gas, liquid fuels (oil, diesel fuel) and solid fuel in the form of peat, wood, husks, brown and coal pellets.
The creation of smoke draft occurs due to the difference in temperature of the gases that are released during combustion, and environment. Thrust is created by the products of combustion, which have a higher temperature than the environment, and therefore tend to rise.
Factors to consider when installing a chimney:
- It must ensure the passage of gases along the entire height of the pipe, removing combustion products into the atmosphere. For this reason, the inner surface of this design is smooth.
- It is necessary to create the effect of "self-traction". Pipe calculations should be based on the characteristics of the equipment.
- The pipe must comply with environmental standards for limiting concentrations and dispersal rates of emissions.
Chimneys are designed differently in each case, since the specific task of each pipe is at least slightly different from the others, and therefore requires an individual approach to development. The design of such structures is always entrusted only to qualified and experienced personnel.
There are the following types of industrial chimneys:
- Self-supporting metal.
- Farm self-supporting.
- Metal column.
- Front.
- Stretch pipe.
The parameters of industrial chimneys vary from 8 to 60 m in height and have one or more gas outlet channels with a diameter of 20 cm to 1 m, and sometimes 1.5 m. Depending on the parameters of a particular chimney and its requirements technical specifications, applicable to this design it is possible to install the following additional devices:
- Service platforms and stairs
- Lightning rod.
- Light protection.
There are certain rules that you need to consider during the selection the best option execution of an industrial chimney:
- It is necessary to position the pipe in the most optimal way. In addition, it is necessary to find the most effective option the location of the supply of each horizontal gas outlet shaft from the working units;
- It is possible to install one pipe with connection of gas ducts from several installations to it. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the power of the installations themselves, the mode of operation, the possible connection into one gas duct of several horizontal sections from the corresponding number of installations. In addition, you must comply with safety rules (PB) and elementary aesthetics. Connecting all the gas ducts into a single pipe has a major drawback: it makes it impossible to carry out scheduled maintenance, since in this case all boilers will have to be taken out of operation.
- In cases where several gas outlet shafts are connected to one common pipe, these shafts must lie in different planes. If they are nevertheless located in the same plane, problems may arise in the thrust of one or a group of trunks. The exhaust shafts are connected to a common channel using special connecting parts, which must be well insulated with mineral wool or other non-combustible material. In addition, it is necessary to carry out the correct selection of the shape of the exhaust shaft, which can be square, oval or round. most best form section is round, but in the context of each specific architectural solution, it may be necessary to use pipes of a different shape. If a rectangular section is chosen, then the aspect ratio must be well chosen. The most correct option is 1:1.5, in which the internal corners are rounded.
- An important point is also the correct determination of the height of the pipe, because the correct selection of this parameter makes it possible to provide good traction and allows you to comply with environmental requirements and standards for limiting concentrations and dispersal rates of emissions.
- Correct selection of the type and thickness of thermal insulation is necessary. Insulation of gas outlet shafts is necessary to avoid the occurrence of condensation of aggressive compounds (sulfur and nitrogen, for example) and water vapor on their surface, which often leads to the gradual destruction of the flue.
- Each gas exhaust shaft must have a technological hole for cleaning and diagnostics. Typically, such an opening is a window having securely locked doors.
- Reliable fastening of the chimney. This process takes place using a special foundation (so-called self-supporting). It is possible to support the pipe with the help of the supporting structures of the building, which can potentially withstand additional loads when it comes to facade pipes. In addition, it happens when more than one gas outlet shaft is attached to one supporting structure (we are talking about truss-type pipes). The chimney itself is not able to be a support or a supporting structure for other elements of the overall building.
- Only some materials may be suitable for making chimneys. For example, the inner surface must be made of materials that are smooth, heat-resistant, resistant to aggressive environments and corrosion. In turn, the outer part of the pipe is made of frost-resistant material.
- You should not use the flue as an additional source of heating the interior, because when the combustion product cools down, it is not so well brought out. Therefore, it is necessary to reliably insulate the gas duct.
Wall-mounted chimneys can be located both outside and inside the building.
The production of industrial pipes consists of the following steps:
- Creation of design documents for this design in accordance with the terms of reference;
- Directly manufacturing the pipe itself;
- Implementation of embedded parts, anchor baskets;
- Transportation to the installation site;
- Pipe installation.
Qualified personnel must observe and control the entire life cycle of the chimney. The most strict adherence to all norms and technical rules in the process of its manufacture is necessary.
Self-supporting industrial pipes
A self-supporting pipe is a metal single-barrel pipe with a height of up to 30 m, into which gas ducts from one or more installations are led. When choosing this type of pipe, you need to consider the need for such a design in your case. It is necessary to take into account the technical parameters and operating modes of the installations that you are going to connect to the pipe. This issue should be especially carefully considered if it is planned to connect horizontal gas ducts to one pipe. The volume of the exhaust product of combustion during the operation of all connected installations in the maximum mode must correspond to the throughput of the pipe. Self-supporting chimneys, as a rule, have the following elements:
- Base (basement area), the implementation of which is carried out using sheet steel. Fastening is carried out using anchor connections on the foundation.
- Main gas outlet. For execution, a steel pipe is used. Designed with rigid binding to the base with stiffeners.
- In cases where it is necessary to strengthen the pipe structure itself, this is done by reinforcing the base of the frame with additional stiffeners. This method is combined with an increase in the base area. This creates conditions under which the entire load of the pipe falls on the base plate and foundation.
- If necessary, the chimney shaft is insulated with a layer of insulation in the form of mineral wool or other non-combustible material having a thickness of 2.5 cm to 1 dm. The thermal insulation layer is usually covered with an outer shell, which can be made of aluminum, steel or stainless steel.
- Self-supporting steel pipes are both single-barreled and multi-barreled. Multi-barrel pipes are a massive structure consisting of several gas outlet shafts and a common frame that ties the system together.
The main advantage of such pipes is the relatively cheap production and installation. But in self-supporting pipes, in addition, there are disadvantages:
- significant metal consumption, which affects the cost of the entire structure;
- large weight, due to which there is a need for a massive foundation;
- rather expensive transportation due to the weight of the object;
- if part of the pipe is destroyed, it is necessary to replace the entire trunk;
- if more than one horizontal gas duct is brought into one chimney, but several, difficulties arise in maintenance and technical inspection - to perform these actions, it is necessary to decommission all installations connected to the system.
Self-supporting structures can be equipped with the following devices, if necessary:
- Lightning rod;
- Light protection;
- Service platforms and stairs.
Self-supporting truss pipes
This type of smoke exhaust structure consists of a supporting truss column and one or more heat-insulated gas ducts. From 1 to 6 flues can be installed on the carrier column different diameter. Such pipes are up to 50 m high. Each flue can have a diameter of up to 1.5 m. Each flue pipe is made of modular flues.
Thermally insulated gas ducts of a modular type have a three-layer construction. The layers are made of materials that are resistant to high temperatures and the acidic environment that condensate creates:
- Inner working layer made of AISI 304 stainless steel, which has been specially developed for operation in typical conditions for chimneys: aggressive media and high temperatures. This material has excellent mechanical performance properties.
- Intermediate layer, which consists of mineral wool, determined by the calculation of the thickness. In most cases, boiler chimneys are insulated with basalt mineral wool, 5-6 cm thick. The task of thermal insulation is to protect the pipe from rapid heat loss and prevent condensation. This layer makes it possible to improve traction and increase the life of the structure. During production, mineral wool is used "for fire insulation".
- The outer layer, which is made using sheet steel having polymer coating 0.55 mm thick, or stainless steel, which has high strength, excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance.
Farm ( Basic structure) is carried out using rolled pipes having a different cross-section, triangular or quadrangular, depending on the number of gas outlet shafts. The outer surface of the column is painted using high-quality and modern paints and varnishes with a high zinc content. It is also possible to locate the ladder and service platform inside the truss. Another advantage of such pipes is the relatively low weight of the entire product, which simplifies transportation and installation. The whole structure of the truss pipe reduces the wind load on the foundation of the building. metal pipes according to GOST 10704-91, which are connected using horizontal angles and a system of braces, are the bearing elements of the supporting tower.
The appearance of the tower can be adjusted, but only in the form in which it does not conflict with normative documents and safety rules. Additional, but optional elements for such pipes are: stairs, lightning rod, light railing, service platforms, steam trap, explosion valves, horizontal sections and revision.
Column metal pipes
Column-type chimneys are independent free-standing building structures. The supporting structure of the column-type pipe is attached to the anchor basket, which is poured into the foundation
The design of this type is made up of an outer bearing shell and a package of gas outlet inner shafts. In the shell, you can install from 1 to 5 barrels of different diameters. Most often, columned self-supporting pipes are made with a diameter of up to 34.5 dm and up to 60 m in height. Gas venting internal trunks are made using stainless steel. Depending on the aggressiveness and temperature of the gases that the pipes will have to deal with in each specific case, the thickness and grade of stainless steel is selected. Each duct can be up to 1.5 m in diameter. In addition, a common duct can be used for more than one boiler. In this case, the gas flue can have a diameter of up to 3 m. The flue pipes are covered on the outside with thermal insulation, which prevents the formation of condensate inside the trunks.
The thickness and grade of thermal insulation depends on the temperature of the gases and on the characteristics of the environment. Basically, mineral basalt wool with a thickness of 5-6 cm is used.
The removal of condensate and precipitation allows the design of the shafts itself. In addition, it allows you to clean their lower part. The bearing shell is made using sheet steel of different thicknesses. The outer surface of the pipes is painted with high quality modern materials with a high zinc content. The upper third of the pipe is equipped with interceptors - dampers of dynamic vibrations, which are necessary to avoid wind resonance. If necessary, a platform for servicing signal lights and a ladder can be installed on top of the pipe.
aesthetic appearance provided by the design features that this version of industrial pipes has. In addition, a good advantage is not only the small area of the occupied structure, but also the fact that the gas exhaust shafts are inaccessible to vandals and hooligans. This type of pipe is best suited for installation at unguarded sites and within city limits.
Facade flue pipes
This type of gas outlet is the most economical in financial terms due to the fact that its construction does not require a supporting structure and foundation. It is recommended to install facade pipes for built-in and attached boiler rooms, when it is possible to fix the structure to the facade of the building.
The facade chimney system consists of a light frame and flues. Sometimes the frame is not used, and the gas ducts are attached to the facade using clamps with anchor fastening. The exhaust shafts are made up of modules that are made of stainless steel, the grade and thickness of which are selected, taking into account the temperature and aggressiveness of the gases.
The trunks are covered with thermal insulation to prevent the formation of condensation inside. Thermal insulation is usually 5-6 cm thick. Thanks to the design itself, it is possible to ensure the removal of condensate and precipitation and cleaning the lower part of the trunks from dirt. The thermal insulation layer is covered on the outside with sheet steel, providing good insulation protection against wind and moisture. There is an option to produce the outer cover from stainless or galvanized steel. It depends on the temperature of the gases and the particular order.
Stretch chimneys
They are metal single-barreled pipes, fixed by a certain number of guy belts. The purpose of this design is to remove processed gas and simple smoke from various kinds industrial installations.
Such gas outlets with stretch marks are quite widespread in the industry due to certain advantages, which are: low cost, convenience and relative simplicity of the installation process.
This type of pipe is made by rolling steel sheets into shells and joining the shells to the desired length, the trunk of the lower part of the chimney is attached to the base plate. The design is equipped with stiffening ribs, which provide a strong connection of the gas outlet channel. The decrease in the magnitude of bending moments, which are caused by the actions of horizontal loads, is carried out using braces, in the manufacture of which round steel having a diameter of 1.6-2 cm was used. The height and diameter of the pipe are determined taking into account aerodynamic, thermal engineering and even environmental calculations.
Guys are attached at an angle of 30 degrees to the gas outlet channel.
However, there are also disadvantages of this design, for example, a small age of service. Even the most competent operation of the pipe will not help it "live" longer than 8-15 years. A large area is needed to accommodate the "bulls" that are needed to attach the guys. Not only do you need to install the "bulls" themselves, you will have to perform a large amount of earthwork for the foundation, and for this reason it is more material-intensive.