BSRIA publishes new edition of BG29
BSRIA has published a new edition of its guide on pre-commission cleaning of pipework systems. BG 29/2020 is the sixth edition of this popular guide, replacing BG 29/2012.
Pre-commission cleaning is the process of bringing a closed heating or cooling system to a satisfactory state for commissioning and ongoing maintenance of water quality. System contaminants such as mill scale, jointing compound and building debris will inevitably be found in newly fabricated heating and cooling pipework systems. If allowed to remain in the system in sufficient quality, these contaminants will make the system prone to blockages at strainers, control valves and small-bore heat exchangers. They may also initiate further corrosion and encourage the growth of microorganisms.
Originally published in 1991, BG29 is essential reading for any company operating in the water management area. Providing clear and concise guidance, the publication has become a de facto standard within the industry.
The 6th Edition, developed in partnership with the Closed Systems Control Association (CSCA) and an industry steering group, includes several new topics:
- Cleaning precautions for thin-walled carbon steel pipes,
- Closed-loop pre-treatment cleaning (CPC) procedures,
- Pre-treatment options described in German directive VDI 2035[1],
- Corrosion monitoring solutions,
- Heat networks and low carbon systems.
March 2021 update
In March 2021, BSRIA published an amended version of BG29/2021: Pre-Commission Cleaning of Pipework Systems.This update takes into consideration various feedback received by the users of the previous version which was published in April 2020.
This amended version includes changes such as:
- Minor amendments to the system schematics and associated notes.
- Additional flexibility with respect to laboratory test methods.
- Clarification regarding systems with corrosion monitoring.
- Revised guidance regarding air venting at terminal units.
- Revised guidance regarding circulation.
- Revised guidance regarding heating to improve cleaning effectiveness.
- Revised guidance regarding temporary pumps.
- Expanded guidance to cover a wider range of non-UK guidelines.
The guide is available to download from the BSRIA website, with free downloads for BSRIA and CSCA members.
This article originally appeared on the BSRIA website as BSRIA publishes new edition of BG29: Pre-Commission Cleaning of Pipework Systems on 30 April 2020.
--BSRIA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki:
- BSRIA.
- BSRIA articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- Chilled water.
- Closed Systems Control Association.
- Corrosion in heating and cooling systems.
- Domestic ventilation systems performance.
- Differential pressure control valve.
- Flow characteristics.
- Pressure independent control valves.
- Indoor air quality.
- Valves.
- What makes a good PICV?
Featured articles and news
What they are, how they work and why they are popular in many countries.
Plastic, recycling and its symbol
Student competition winning, M.C.Esher inspired Möbius strip design symbolising continuity within a finite entity.
Do you take the lead in a circular construction economy?
Help us develop and expand this wiki as a resource for academia and industry alike.
Warm Homes Plan Workforce Taskforce
Risks of undermining UK’s energy transition due to lack of electrotechnical industry representation, says ECA.
Cost Optimal Domestic Electrification CODE
Modelling retrofits only on costs that directly impact the consumer: upfront cost of equipment, energy costs and maintenance costs.
The Warm Homes Plan details released
What's new and what is not, with industry reactions.
Could AI and VR cause an increase the value of heritage?
The Orange book: 2026 Amendment 4 to BS 7671:2018
ECA welcomes IET and BSI content sign off.
How neural technologies could transform the design future
Enhancing legacy parametric engines, offering novel ways to explore solutions and generate geometry.
Key AI related terms to be aware of
With explanations from the UK government and other bodies.
From QS to further education teacher
Applying real world skills with the next generation.
A guide on how children can use LEGO to mirror real engineering processes.
Data infrastructure for next-generation materials science
Research Data Express to automate data processing and create AI-ready datasets for materials research.
Wired for the Future with ECA; powering skills and progress
ECA South Wales Business Day 2025, a day to remember.
AI for the conservation professional
A level of sophistication previously reserved for science fiction.
Biomass harvested in cycles of less than ten years.
An interview with the new CIAT President
Usman Yaqub BSc (Hons) PCIAT MFPWS.
Cost benefit model report of building safety regime in Wales
Proposed policy option costs for design and construction stage of the new building safety regime in Wales.
Do you receive our free biweekly newsletter?
If not you can sign up to receive it in your mailbox here.
























