Sustainable installation of district energy
Welding pipes in a few minutes
Our patented Snapweld’ing is as easy as it can be
This video explains Snapweld’ing in 90 seconds
From 20 to 2500 degrees in 10 seconds
Snapweld’ing reduces costs and time schedule
Snapweld’ing is fast and easy. The time spent per joint is heavily reduced, saving direct work costs and machine costs for the supporting vehicles and machinery. No need for gas or electricity implies further cost reductions.
Less time per joint reduces the total project period, causing shorter blockage of streets, neighborhoods etc. These indirect cost savings are quite considerable.
Snapweld’ing is no hard work
Traditional welding is physically very hard work as the welder lies on the ground several hours per day, constantly moving their hands intensively to create the weld. Psychologically it is also straining due to the monotony of the work.
Consequently, it gets more and more challenging to find qualified welders. Snapweld’ing on the other hand is no hard work and requires just a short training session.
Snapweld’ing advantages
The obvious advantage is the saved time per joint, which in addition to reduced labor and machine costs also reduce the time of the whole operational process, i.e. the blocking of streets.
Traditional welding is physically very hard work as the welder lies on the ground several hours per day, constantly moving their hands intensively to create the weld. Psychologically is also straining due to the monotony of the work. Consequently it gets more and more challenging to find qualified workers.
Trippel layer, reinforced weld
Traditional performed welds have been a key source to piping failures like cracking.
The quality of the traditional weld is highly dependent on the qualification of each welder.
Snapweld’ing isn’t, because it can hardly be performed in a wrong way.
Snapweld’ing creates a tripple layer reinforced weld.
Thermite; power-powder
Thermite is a mix of iron oxide (Fe2O3 ) and alumium powder (Al). Igniting this mix, starts an extreme chemical reaction, reaching 2500 degrees in seconds. The aluminium connects to the oxygen in the iron oxide, creating iron and aluminium oxide:
* (By adding carbon to the process we get a carbon steel weld.)
Our Products
Snapwelder supplies complete welding sets in various sizes.
Each set contains the mould, the nipple, and the thermite powder mix.
Snap 100
- For DN 100 pipes
- 114 mm outer diameter
- 98 mm inner diameter
Snap 125
- For DN 125 pipes
- 141 mm outer diameter
- 132 mm inner diameter
Snap 150
- For DN 150 pipes
- 168 mm outer diameter
- 159 mm inner diameter
Snap 200
- For DN 200 pipes
- 219 mm outer diameter
- 208 mm inner diameter
Snap 250
- For DN 250 pipes
- 273 mm outer diameter
- 261 mm inner diameter
Snap 300
- For DN 300 pipes
- 324 mm outer diameter
- 312 mm inner diameter
District heating is the future
According to The Heat Roadmap Europe (which is funded by the EU’s research and innovation program), EU has a potential of reaching an overall district heating-share of 50% of the total energy used for space heating and cooling by 2050.
This is 4 times higher than today’s 12-13%. To reach this 50%-potential, an extreme construction of piping networks and heat sources is required. Consequently, development of district heating is very high on the agenda in most EU-countries.
4th generation district heating
4th generation district heating is a smart flexible heating system that combines several renewable heating sources in a smart-grid. Heating pumps, access heat, thermal heat, biomass, solar and wind are common sources of renewable energy used for district heating.
By using a smart-grid, the temperature in the grid can be lower than in previous 3rd generation networks.
The most populated countries
will lead the way
Population, access to renewable energy sources and governmental focus are the three key drivers of district heating development.
Not surprisingly, the largest and most industrialized countries in Europe have the highest expected growth in district heating towards 2050.
These numbers are estimates done by Heat Roadmap Europe, funded by the EU.
Steel pipes vs. polymer pipes
Polymer pipes in district heating has become very popular for the smaller sized piping (up to 100 mm carrier pipe diameter). Typically, from the street and into buildings.
Delivery on rolls, quick installation and low weight are KPI’s for polymer piping.
But the polymer’s limitations in temperature, pressure and lifespan makes steel piping the preferred material for network piping (in most situations).
About Snapwelder
Snapwelder was founded in Bergen, Norway in 2016, with a vision to adapt thermite welding to steel pipes. After achieving patent protection in 2019, Snapwelder started focusing on district heating steel pipes, as district heating is a key pillar for future space heating and cooling.
Snapwelder is currently working on qualification of the technology with DNVGL.
Snapwelder’s head office is still in Bergen, Norway, and sales and marketing in located in the Netherlands.