Session 2: Pipes, Purges & Performance: Technical Strategies That Matter

This technical block explores advancements in pipe materials, system flushing and cleaning, and water treatment practices, giving attendees practical knowledge for improving system reliability and performance.

Session two of the CampusEnergy2026 Thermal Distribution & Operations Workshop consisted of these presentations:

9:15 am – 9:35 am

From Steel to Smart Composites: Rethinking Pipe Materials in Campus Energy Systems – Saad Khan, Sandale, a division of EMCO Corporation

As more district energy operators pivot toward low-temperature hot water systems (LTHWS) to reduce emissions and improve efficiency, the materials behind the system—the pipes—present a substantial opportunity. This session explores the full spectrum of piping materials available to modern thermal energy networks, including traditional metals, high-performance thermoplastics, and advanced composite systems.

Attendees will gain insight into how each material category performs under low-temperature, closed-loop conditions—evaluating factors such as thermal efficiency, corrosion resistance, installation flexibility, system longevity, and lifecycle cost. The session will go beyond theory, highlighting real-world deployments of specialty thermoplastic systems in some of North America’s most ambitious district energy projects, including Enwave's Deep Lake Cooling & Lakeview Village redevelopment in Ontario, Canada.

With each material offering unique trade-offs, this presentation aims to equip campus energy professionals, engineers, and utility planners with a framework for selecting the right pipe for the right job. Whether you're retrofitting an aging system or designing for net-zero from the ground up, understanding material performance is key to ensuring the long-term resilience and success of your LTHWS infrastructure.

This presentation brings together technical evaluation, material science, and lessons learned from across the district energy landscape.

9:35 am – 10:10 am

To Flush or Not to Flush - Building Connections & Flushing Panel – David Hermes, University of Virginia; Matt McDaniel, PurgeRite; John Williamson, RMF

This panel explores best practices for flushing, cleaning, and commissioning thermal distribution systems and building connections. Panelists discuss when flushing is necessary, how to avoid common pitfalls, and strategies to protect long-term system performance.

Keywords: Flushing; Purge; Pipe materials


Saad Khan

National Business Development Manager

Sandale, a division of EMCO Corporation

Saad Khan is the National Business Development Manager for EMCO Corporation's subsidiaries: Sandale, Engineered Pipe Group, and Westlund. With a foundation in Chemical Engineering from the University of Alberta, Saad specializes in piping solutions across North America. Saad leads a business unit that works exclusively on the specification and supply of advanced piping systems for large-scale industrial and municipal projects.

His expertise spans thermoplastics, carbon steel, exotic metal alloys, and pre-insulated piping systems, ensuring commercially valuable designs that optimize a client's KPIs. Saad's project portfolio includes industries such as, but not limited to: District Energy, Wind Farms, Mining, Oil & gas, geothermal, water & wastewater infrastructure.

Passionate about problem-solving and servant leadership, Saad is dedicated to building tomorrow's infrastructure with integrity, technical excellence, and a commitment to stakeholder success.

David Hermes

Utilities Distribution Manager

University of Virginia

My name is David Hermes, the Utilities Distribution Manager at the University of Virginia. With over two decades of combined mechanical, project management, and trades experience, I oversee and maintain daily continuity of operations for the thermal distributions systems serving research facilities, medical center, and the academic footprint. I also manage a robust preventative maintenance program for all our distribution assets.

Matt McDaniel

Purge Rite

John Williamson

Principal

RMF Engineering

John Williamson, PE directs the utility distribution teams at RMF Engineering, Inc. For over 30 years he has specialized in the design of thermal and electric utility networks using direct bury, overhead, trench, trenchless, and tunnel methods

Cameron Ratliff (Moderator)

Associate Director of Utilities

University of Virginia

Cameron Ratliff is the Associate Director of Utilities at the University of Virginia where Cameron leads a team of 27 employees who operate and maintain over 220+ miles of piping which includes steam, condensate, MTHW, LTHW, chilled water, domestic water, reclaim water, sanitary sewer and storm water and seven miles of tunnels.
Prior to UVA Cameron spent 20+ years in the construction industry as a project superintendent completing numerous projects across the country. This experience and has enabled the UVA Utilities team to self-perform over $5 million annually of utility distribution and mechanical project work.
Cameron strives for continuous improvement of the team, the infrastructure and ensures the safe and sustainable operation of the Energy and Utility systems at UVA.

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Slides - From Steel to Smart Composites: Rethinking Pipe Materials in Campus Energy Systems – Saad Khan, Sandale, a division of EMCO Corporation
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