Choosing a prefabricated manifold moves part of the fabrication work from the construction site to the workshop. The manifold can be manufactured while other site activities continue and the installation team prepares the space, supports and connections.
Fabricating the manifold on site is also an option. The difference lies in how tasks are scheduled, which resources are needed and when the completed assembly is checked.
Compare the complete process: design, fabrication, transport, installation and commissioning. The following five benefits show what prefabrication can offer when it is planned from the design stage.
1. Prefabricated Manifold Production Alongside Site Work
On-site fabrication must fit into the installation team’s schedule. Materials, tools, working space and personnel must be available to prepare the components and make the required joints.
With a prefabricated manifold, fabrication takes place in the workshop and can be coordinated with site progress. Other installation activities can continue while the assembly is being prepared.
To make this work, finalize the design and agree on the delivery schedule in advance. Prefabrication has its own lead time, which must be included in the project schedule.
2. Fewer Fabrication Tasks on Site
A site-built manifold requires component preparation and jointing at the installation location. These tasks share space, equipment and personnel with other site activities.
A prefabricated manifold arrives with the agreed fabrication work completed. Site activities focus on receiving, positioning and securing the assembly, then connecting it to the pipework.
This reduces on-site fabrication tasks, but handling equipment, suitable supports and installation checks are still required. Plan the route to the final position, including doorways, clearances and the space needed to move the assembly safely.
3. A Custom Design Agreed Before Fabrication
Prefabrication can be tailored to the project. The manifold design can specify the number of branches, pipe diameters, outlet spacing, orientation and connection types required for the installation.
At ABN, the process starts with a dimensioned sketch and the operating conditions. This information allows us to assess feasibility and prepare a proposed design and quotation.
Review the drawing before approving fabrication. Check equipment connections, valve positions and the space required for installation and maintenance.
Explore our custom-made manifolds and special components.
4. Inspection and Testing Before Delivery
Prefabrication allows fabrication and verification of the assembly to be organized before it is dispatched to site.
ABN’s procedure includes fabrication and verification before delivery, with checks such as pressure or leak testing as appropriate to the component and the order.
Define the scope of these checks for each assembly. The installer should know what has been verified before delivery and which checks remain after connection to the system.
Pre-delivery checks apply to the supplied manifold. The completed installation, including connections made on site, still requires the checks and commissioning procedures specified for the system and project.
5. Optional Factory Pre-Insulation
Where required by the project, the manifold can be supplied with factory pre-insulation using the ABN INSU PLUS system.
This allows insulation and its outer protection to be included in the assembly specification. State the installation location, operating conditions and proposed connections when requesting this option.
Include support locations, access to valves and connections to the rest of the pipework in the design. The configuration must be assessed as part of the complete installation.
What to Compare Before Choosing a Manifold
Component prices are only part of the comparison. Also consider:
- The labor hours required for fabrication and installation.
- The availability of personnel, tools and working space.
- Transport, unloading and positioning requirements.
- The checks required before delivery and after installation.
- Any insulation and connection work that remains on site.
Actual savings depend on the design and the way the project is organized. Compare all these activities rather than assuming that either approach will always be faster or less expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions About Prefabricated Manifolds
Send Us Your Sketch to Discuss Your Manifold
ABN Pipe Systems manufactures custom-made manifolds and provides technical advice based on your drawings. Explore our manifold quotation service and send us your project requirements.
Call us at +34 981 148 425 or email us at info@grupoabn.com.
