Trends in the Steamfitter/Pipefitter Trade
Technology
There is an ongoing trend towards the use of computers for generating reports, schedules, requests for information (RFI), ordering material, completion of forms, rendering drawings (computer-aided design or CAD), system analysis and service, and control of heating/cooling systems.
Digital devices can be used to access piping apps and online sources to quickly access information such as pipe weights, bolt sizes and wall thickness. Laser and digital layout equipment such as total station and global positioning system (GPS) technology is increasingly important for trade activities.
3D software and equipment are gaining popularity for drawing production, model manipulation and measuring. 3D scanning is also being used, allowing contractors to scan entire mechanical rooms and pre-fabricate off of the digital dimensions. The use of virtual reality (VR) through VR headsets, allows the user to see a finished installation through Building Information Modelling (BIM).
Robotic layout stations are being used in new designs and installations. Laser levels and laser plumb bobs along with robotic stations facilitate layout in various installations such as boiler rooms, making it easier to locate interferences.
Tools and Equipment
There is an increase in the use of hydraulic/pneumatic/electric cutting and bevelling tools for pipe-end preparation. Hydraulic/pneumatic/electric tensioning and torquing equipment are also becoming more common in the trade. There is an increase in the use of poly fusion methods which increase efficiency and safety.
Press fit joining techniques are being used more in the commercial heating sectors for heating and cooling applications. It is also becoming more popular in some industrial applications, shipbuilding and where intrinsically safe methods are required.
New access equipment such as rope access systems are being used in place of scaffolding in various work locations.
Battery-operated tools are becoming far more efficient, powerful, brushless, and less costly, as well as far lighter and safer to use in tight work areas.
Health and Safety
Steamfitters/Pipefitters are expected to obtain and maintain a high level of safety knowledge and training.
Health and safety are the most important parts of a job. Safety certifications and records can be the difference between getting a job and not being able to bid for work.
New safety equipment is also available to protect workers and equipment. There is more stringent Working at Heights training. Improved fall restraint systems are being utilized.
Environmental
Similar to Health and Safety, environmental concerns are at an all-time high. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) design and construction is being used by owners and designers more often.
Contracts increasingly have built-in requirements for health, safety and environmental performance so attention needs to be given to proper waste disposal and management.
Renewable and sustainable energy systems such as geo-exchange, geothermal, solar, radiant, refrigeration, heat recovery, CO2 capture and central cooling plants are becoming more prevalent. There is new technology for water-heating such as low-mass boilers, on‑demand (flow-through) hot water systems, condensing boilers, biomass, high efficiency boilers and co-generation boilers. Heating and cooling systems are becoming increasingly hybridized, making it less clear where one system ends and the other begins.
Products/Materials
New materials and products are becoming economically feasible, and driving changes in structural design, especially in industrial and institutional sectors. New materials and products such as high heat/corrosion resistant rubbers, gaskets, new low-pressure steam couplings and new steam traps are being used more frequently to replace components and perform repairs.
Plastic pipe is increasingly being used in residential, commercial and institutional sectors for certain applications. In industries such as pulp and paper, shipbuilding, mining and chemical, there is an increase in the use of specialized materials.
The movement to more specialized materials will require more training for steamfitters/pipefitters. This will also require a more in-depth knowledge of quality control procedures.
Modularization and pre-fabrication is becoming more common and installation of these materials requires fewer field runs.
Legislative and Regulatory
Steamfitters/Pipefitters must keep current on a large number of regulations and codes. Governments continue to pass more stringent safety, health and environmental regulations. LEED standards are becoming more common in many jurisdictions. These promote increased energy efficiency and environmentally friendly building practices.
With regulations becoming more stringent, steamfitters/pipefitters may be held liable for their actions when performing rigging, hoisting, lifting and positioning activities. It is the responsibility of steamfitters/pipefitters to be aware of changes in regulations.
In some jurisdictions, steamfitters/pipefitters require specialty licenses such as gas, fuel and oil licences or other special endorsements for working with materials such as medical gas. Certification may also be required for performing welding, tacking processes and backflow prevention. Licensing and certifications for aerial work platforms, zoom booms, articulated forklifts and scissor lifts are becoming essential for operating these pieces of equipment. Hoisting and rigging certification is becoming increasingly necessary in some jurisdictions.
There is an increase in the enforcement in new and existing systems by jurisdictional regulators. Documentation on the quality and safety of a system has become paramount and it is often a requirement by most insurance companies. As such, steamfitters/pipefitters must keep updated and pay careful attention to these safety regulations and requirements.