Plumbing Connection 2-2015

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ASFlow members all agree that the more expert opinion it
can bring together, the better it will be for the industry as a
whole.
“At the end of the day it’s a contribution to the industry.
We are here to make plumbing better in Australia via
research. Our work is for the good of the entire industry,
not just one individual or company. This is reflected in the
projects we take on. No one has had to change their product
as a result of our work; we have simply identified more
effective connections of fittings.”
Its work has had impacts on the Plumbing Code here in
Australia and gain international recognition too.
“The work we did on waterless urinals was taken up on
the Green Plumbing Code in the United States. Plumbing
Efficiency Research Coalition (PERC), based in the US, has
also been really supportive of what we are doing.
“There is interest from European researchers too so
opportunity exists to broaden our horizons there. That is
exciting because we will be able to draw on expert opinion
from knowledge leaders over there,” Steve says.
FUTURE PROJECTS
With a number of projects and ideas on the horizon,
ASFlow have chosen to focus their attention on a project
which will see them work closely with Tonsley Park TAFE in
South Australia.
It is currently in the process of setting up some drainage
at the TAFE with two objectives in mind:
1. To resolve multiple branches using drainage principles on
the uppermost floors can discharge to a stack without any
detrimental effects (siphoning fixtures).
2. To verify if the existing restriction area for offsets
in stacks can be reduced from 2.5m to 500mm for a
maximum of 3 floors above the offset.
Research will include laboratory tests in accordance with
AS/NZS 3500.2 Clause 9.12.3 in particular “branches serving
the uppermost floor only where connected to a discharge
stack”. We will keep you up to date with this research project
as more progress is made down the track.
“Another issue we plan to look at in the future is toilet paper
and other flushed items with a particular focus on their effects
and influences on various waste systems,” Steve says.
As part of its re-emergence, ASFlow has found an
‘administrative home’ in the Institute of Plumbing Australia
(IPA) which they identified as a good fit due its independence,
supportiveness of research and reputation in the industry.
To accompany its new home and fresh new outlook,
ASFlow has developed a new logo for you to keep your eye
out for; in conjunction with the important research findings
they will no doubt discover and share with the industry.
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