PP-RCT piping was used to replace corroded chilled water lines in a Florida school’s ice storage HVAC system, delivering a leak-free, corrosion-resistant solution that reduced maintenance and enabled fast installation during a limited construction window.

The Challenge: Corroded Pipes and Limited Maintenance Capacity

The school district in Stuart, Florida relies on ice storage systems to provide air conditioning across its campuses. These systems operate by producing ice at night, then circulating water through the ice to generate chilled water used to cool buildings during the day.

However, aging and corroding piping had become a persistent maintenance issue, placing increasing strain on already limited resources.

“The maintenance crews at the schools are overwhelmed,” said Zane Lowery, Project Manager with Grimes Air Conditioning. “They needed a low-maintenance piping solution that could withstand pressure and be installed quickly.”

At Martin County High School, the challenge was compounded by a narrow construction window. All work needed to be completed while students were out of session, leaving little room for delays.

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Project: Martin County High School Ice Storage A/C System
Location: Stuart, Florida
Material: PP-RCT DR11 (1¼”–10”)
Application: Chilled Water / Ice Storage HVAC
Engineer: JLRD Engineering
Contractor: Grimes Air Conditioning
Scope: Prefabricated spools and on-site fusion

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The PP-RCT Solution

ISCO Industries’ PP-RCT piping system was selected for the project. PP-RCT is a thermoplastic material joined using heat fusion, creating a continuous, monolithic system that eliminates leak paths.

Unlike traditional piping systems, fusion welding removes the need for adhesives or solvents. The result is a clean, durable installation that is both environmentally responsible and highly reliable.

PP-RCT also offers excellent corrosion resistance and long-term performance, with a projected service life of up to 100 years—making it well-suited for demanding HVAC and chilled water applications.

ISCO Sales Representative Deron Zeppelin worked closely with Lowery to supply PP-RCT DR11 pipe ranging from 1¼-inch to 10-inch diameters.

“ISCO provided great support and professional guidance,” Lowery said. “They helped us save time with prefabrication options. It was a great overall experience—and an educational one as well.”

Faster Installation with Prefabrication

To meet the tight schedule, ISCO provided prefabrication services, delivering 10 pre-assembled pipe spools to accelerate installation.

In addition to materials, ISCO supported the project with fusion equipment and training, ensuring the contractor team could execute efficiently and with confidence on-site.

Results: Reliable, Low-Maintenance Performance

With the new PP-RCT system in place, the school district has eliminated the ongoing issues associated with corrosion and leaking pipes.

The maintenance team can now shift focus away from constant repairs, while the system delivers reliable, long-term performance to keep the school cool.