Socket Insulation 2.0 – Socket welding for sustainable district heating networks

By wdo, 8 September, 2026

Thomas Hertzfeldt 
Regional Sales Manager, Rhineland Office 
BRUGG Rohrsysteme GmbH

Socket joints are among the most critical components of modern district heating networks and have a decisive influence on long-term operational reliability. This presentation highlights current challenges in the retrofitting of insulation on plastic-clad pipe systems and demonstrates how modern induction-based socket welding processes are setting new standards in terms of quality, leak-tightness and process reliability.

Using practical examples, the presentation explains how automated welding processes enable reproducible results and how typical sources of error on site can be minimised. The focus is on topics such as homogeneous PE welds, documented quality assurance, moisture protection and the requirements for sustainable and cost-effective district heating networks.

Furthermore, the advantages of contactless welding processes over conventional methods are highlighted – particularly with regard to durability, efficiency and operational reliability. The presentation is aimed at professionals involved in the planning, construction and operation of district heating networks who are engaged with future-proof joining technologies and modern quality standards.

Language: German | AI translation into English available

Datum
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Sprecher

Thomas Hertzfeldt

By wdo, 20 August, 2026

Gebietsvertriebsleiter Büro Rheinland BRUGG Rohrsysteme GmbH

Thomas Hertzfeldt (Dipl.-Ing. und SFI) ist Vertriebsverantwortlicher mit langjähriger Erfahrung im Bereich Fernwärme und deren Verbindungstechnologien. In seiner täglichen Arbeit begleitet er Projekte rund um den Ausbau und die Modernisierung von Nah- und Fernwärmenetzen und beschäftigt sich intensiv mit praxisgerechten Lösungen für sichere und wirtschaftliche Rohrverbindungssysteme. Sein Schwerpunkt liegt auf modernen Muffenschweißverfahren und deren Anwendung unter realen Baustellenbedingungen.

Durch seine enge Zusammenarbeit mit Netzbetreibern, Planungsbüros und ausführenden Unternehmen verfügt Thomas Hertzfeldt über umfassende Einblicke in aktuelle Marktanforderungen, Qualitätsstandards und technische Entwicklungen der Branche. Im Vortrag vermittelt er praxisnah, welche Anforderungen heute an moderne Verbindungstechnik gestellt werden und wie innovative Schweißverfahren zur Erhöhung von Sicherheit, Effizienz und Langlebigkeit von Fernwärmenetzen beitragen können.

Thomas-Hertzfeldt_BRUGG Rohrsysteme GmbH
BRUGG Rohrsysteme GmbH
Beschreibung_en

Sales Manager, BRUGG Rohrsysteme GmbH

Thomas Hertzfeldt (Dipl.-Ing. and SFI) is a sales manager with many years’ experience in the field of district heating and associated connection technologies. In his day-to-day work, he oversees projects relating to the expansion and modernisation of local and district heating networks and is deeply involved in developing practical solutions for safe and cost-effective pipe connection systems. His focus is on modern socket welding processes and their application under real-world construction site conditions.

Through his close collaboration with network operators, design consultancies and contractors, Thomas Hertzfeldt has gained comprehensive insights into current market requirements, quality standards and technical developments within the industry. In his presentation, he provides a practical overview of the demands placed on modern joining technology today and how innovative welding processes can contribute to enhancing the safety, efficiency and durability of district heating networks.

Session
MAGENTA STAGE | Halle 7 | 7.D40