Gas Supply and Heat Supply: Key Engineering Solutions

Answer: The section covers the design of:

• Gas supply: Gas inlet to the site, external/internal gas pipelines (up to appliances), gas distribution stations (if required), gas detection/control systems, and connection of gas appliances.
• Heat supply: Heat source (connection to CHP/boiler house networks or an autonomous boiler house), external heat networks (if applicable), building inlet, heating substation (IHS/CHS), distribution of heating pipelines inside the building up to heating devices, and connection of the domestic hot water system (DHW).

Answer: Approvals – a critically important and time-consuming stage:

• Gas supply: Approval is mandatory with the gas distribution organization (GRO) and Rostechnadzor authorities (especially for inlets and internal networks).
• Technical Conditions (TC) from the GRO must be obtained before designing. Heat supply: Approval with the organization operating the heat networks (Heat Network, RSO) and obtaining TC. For autonomous systems – approval from Rostechnadzor (if boiler capacity exceeds the threshold) and compliance with environmental regulations.
• Timelines: Obtaining TC – 1 to 3 months. Project approval – 2 weeks to 2 months (depending on complexity and workload of authorities). Allocate at least 3–6 months for the entire approval procedure.

Answer: Requirements are strictly regulated (Sanitary norms, Building code standard, Fire detection Standards):

• Autonomous gas boiler house: Separate room (usually in the basement, ground floor, or annex), fire-resistant walls/ceilings, separate exit to the outside, window for explosion and smoke removal, supply and exhaust ventilation, gas detection system, ceiling height, and room volume per kW of capacity. For large boiler houses – a separate building is required.
• Individual Heating Substation (IHS): Can be located in a basement or technical room. Requires ventilation, lighting, water and sewage connections (for DHW), and access for maintenance.

Answer: Yes, for both gas and heat.

• Technical Conditions (TC) are official documents from the network organization (GRO or Heat Network) that define the technical connection capabilities, tie-in point, required parameters, connection conditions, and limitations.
• Designing without TC is impossible or extremely risky (the project may fail approval).

Answer: Hidden works are those concealed by subsequent finishes or structures:

• Laying pipes in grooves, screeds, under floors, in ceilings, or in ventilation shafts.
• Installation of sleeves in walls/ceilings.
• Anti-corrosion insulation of steel pipes (before encasement).

Control: Mandatory preparation of hidden works acts signed by the Client’s representative, installation contractor, and author supervision (if applicable). Photo documentation before closure is required. Without these acts, acceptance of hidden works is impossible.

• Materials: Manufacturer’s warranty (specified in equipment and pipe datasheets). Warranty periods vary—from 10–15 years for polymer pipes up to the boiler warranty.
• Installation works: Warranty from the contracting installation organization, usually up to 3 years (for system tightness and compliance with the project). Must be stipulated in the contract.
• Responsibility: During the warranty period, the installation organization fixes defects at its own expense. Afterwards, responsibility lies with the operating organization. It is important to have a complete set of as-built documentation (acts, datasheets, diagrams).

The more accurate the data, the better the project. Key inputs include:

• Architectural and construction drawings (plans, sections, elevations).
• Technical Conditions (TC) for gas and heat connection.
• Design assignment: Desired systems (central/autonomous), types of appliances (gas stove, boiler, radiators/underfloor heating), comfort requirements, budget constraints.
• Data from other sections: Electrical (power for boilers, pumps), plumbing (DHW outlets, boiler room sewage), ventilation (especially for the boiler room).
• Catalogs and datasheets of selected equipment (boilers, water heaters, stoves – for precise consumption and connection parameters).