Safe, complete and 100% airtight 

Flexible flue systems for stack construction

For more than half a century Panflex has been committed to a healthy and fresh indoor climate in homes, offices, schools and healthcare institutions, among others. But also for a safe indoor climate. For example, Edese manufacturer offers an extensive range of flexible flue hoses, shaft outlets, roof finishes and concentric boiler connections, which guarantee a safe, complete and 100% airtight flue system, says account manager Henry Kale. "Both in ground-level housing and in stacked construction, where an installer also benefits from a simple and quick connection to the VR or HR boiler."

In the vast majority of counties, stacked construction consists of two- or three-story homes. "In the past, these homes were allowed to exhaust their fumes on their own floors and through the facade to the outside," Kale knows. "In recent years, these rules have become increasingly strict to ensure the safety and health of all fellow residents. For example, open windows or balconies are no longer allowed above the exits of flue systems. Therefore, anno 2023 is mostly blown out through the roof." Since around the 1990s, this blowout has mostly been controlled by communal flue gas ventilation systems (CLV systems). "However, many VvEs want to get rid of this. After all, the inspection, maintenance and replacement of the collective air supply and flue systems involve responsibilities and costs, which they prefer to place on the individual residents." Panflex's flue systems offer a solution in this case.

Parallel or concentric

"Depending on the floor on which the residents live and the head of the type/brand of boiler, distances of 5 to 50 meters must often be bridged in stacked buildings," Kale says. "In addition, the air supply to the boiler must be properly controlled. For a long time this was done from the shaft, but now the Gas Boiler Act prescribes that this air supply must be regulated from the outside. Parallel or concentric pipes are the norm here, for which Panflex offers various solutions." Whereas a parallel connection consists of one pipe for the flue and one pipe for the air supply, in a concentric connection the flue is enclosed by the air supply. "As a result, in case of leakage, the flue gases do not enter the house directly, but remain in the air supply duct. If this duct is fouled, the central heating boiler will immediately fail, greatly reducing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning."

Plastic or stainless steel 

Installers and residents have a choice of ROAX PPS plastic or stainless steel INOX systems from Panflex, in diameters of 50, 60 or 80 mm and in lengths up to 50 meters, Kale says. Other dimensions are available upon request. "Both systems are very flexible, allowing them to be easily fed through existing ductwork. This is important because the systems must always be one-piece. Connections in the shaft are out of the question." Prior to selecting the systems, Kale recommends always conducting a (shaft) inspection. "If residents have a high-efficiency boiler and the shaft is completely smooth, then installers can do an excellent job with our ROAX PPS plastic ducts, which are very lightweight." If inspection is not possible or the duct has many bends, he recommends the stainless steel systems, which guarantee optimum robustness, durability (recyclable) and safety. "Both systems feature a smooth inner surface, resulting in minimal air resistance." Panflex is happy to look with the inspection to ensure the right system for each home. Installers who wish to do so can also sign up for free (additional) training and support. "Because only when the right systems are installed in the right way does truly safe living become possible."