Skip to content

Scaling Up Efficiency: District Energy at Penn State Harrisburg

A Two-Phase Installation for High-Temperature Hot Water Supply & Return.

Case Study Nº

174

Customer

Penn State University — Harrisburg
USA

|

2021

Working Conditions

Temperature: 98°C / 210°F | Pressure: 130 psi

Pexgol Pipes

Pexgol 9″ & 14″

Application

District Energy Network

Lenght

Significant

Categories

Scaling Up Efficiency: District Energy at Penn State Harrisburg

The Challenge

Penn State University Harrisburg required a reliable and efficient solution for its High-Temperature Hot Water Supply & Return (HT-HWS&R) system. The university needed a durable piping system capable of withstanding continuous high temperatures of 210°F at 130 psi while ensuring long-term performance with minimal maintenance. The solution had to be implemented underground, with direct burial, making resistance to environmental and operational stress a key requirement.

The project was executed in two phases, with Phase 1 completed in 2021 and an expansion (Phase 2) successfully implemented in 2023. With the growing infrastructure needs of the campus, further installations are anticipated in the future.

The Solution

For Phase 1 of the project, the university selected Pexgol 225 mm (9” Nom.) SDR 6 piping. The pipes were supplied in coils, allowing for efficient installation with minimal joints. The system was buried directly, with field-applied closed-cell spray foam insulation to ensure energy efficiency and temperature retention. Since its commissioning in 2021, the system has provided reliable service.

Following the success of Phase 1, Phase 2 was initiated in 2023, incorporating larger Pexgol 355mm (14” Nom.) and 225mm (9” Nom.) SDR 6 pipes. Like the first phase, the pipes were delivered in coils for direct burial, reducing installation time and costs while maintaining the same high-temperature and pressure resistance. The field-applied spray foam insulation continued to enhance thermal efficiency.

Penn State Harrisburg continues to expand its district energy network with Pexgol solutions, with additional phases expected in the near future. This project showcases Pexgol’s ability to meet demanding, long-term district heating requirements with efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.

Related Case Studies

Уменьшение нарастания материала в линиях рассола и раствора кислоты

Переработка полезных ископаемых. Транспортировка рассола

Компания SQM, шахта Pedro Valvidia
Чили

 | 

2010
Обеспечение будущего золотодобычи: корпорация Newmont выбирает Pexgol для транспортировки воды

Революция в транспортировке воды компании Newmont с помощью труб Pexgol

Корпорация Newmont
Аргентина

 | 

2018
Bridging the Gap between Durability and Functionality in Harsh Processing Environments.

Syncrude & Pexgol: A Collaboration Set to Reshape Slurry Transport

Syncrude
Canada

 | 

2022
Фитинги Pexgol для транспортировки рассола в бразильской химической компании.

Высокая коррозионная стойкость к рассолу

Unipar Carbocloro
Бразилия

 | 

2019
В аэропорту Гайаны был установлен наружный гидрант и спринклеры внутри помещений

Линия водоснабжения и пожарной воды

Международный аэропорт Cheddi Jagan
Гайана

 | 

2018
Прокладка труб из сшитого ПЭ длиной 3000 метров для подземного рудника.

Дренажные линии в подземном руднике

Lundin Mining — Рудник Канделария-Норте
Чили

 | 

2020