Korea Iron and Steel Association Hosts STS Refrigerant Piping Technology Seminar

Discussion on Expanding Field Application Following Revision of Standard Specification

The Stainless Steel Club of the Korea Iron and Steel Association announced that it held the "2026 STS Refrigerant Piping Seminar" at 3 PM on March 4 in the event hall on the 17th floor of the West Tower of POSCO Center. Approximately 70 industry professionals, including representatives from construction companies and design offices, attended the event to share the latest developments in stainless refrigerant piping materials and construction technologies.

On the afternoon of the 4th at 3 PM, the '2026 STS Refrigerant Piping Seminar' was held in the Event Hall on the 17th floor of the West Tower of POSCO Center. Provided by the Steel Association of Korea

This seminar was organized to expand the application of stainless refrigerant piping in the industry, following the final announcement last year of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s revised standard specification for piping installation work (KCS 31 20 15). The aim was to promote broader adoption in the field and enhance understanding within the related industries.

Refrigerant piping is a core component that circulates refrigerant between outdoor and indoor units in air conditioning and HVAC systems, and it plays a crucial role in determining the cooling and air conditioning performance of buildings.

During the seminar, presentations were given on the following topics: an introduction to PossFD and research results on corrosion; the current status of welding technology development for STS refrigerant piping; the progress and outlook for PossFD refrigerant piping development; analysis of LG Electronics and POSCO installation results; and plans to promote the use of PossFD refrigerant piping. In particular, case studies based on empirical testing were shared to highlight technical considerations and application solutions that must be addressed during the design and construction phases.

In her welcome speech, Lee Jieun, President of the Stainless Steel Club, stated, “Refrigerant piping is a critical factor directly linked to equipment stability, so ensuring the performance and quality of materials is of utmost importance. We will continue to enhance the technological competitiveness of stainless refrigerant piping and expand its application in the field.”

In his keynote presentation, Dr. Ahn Dongwook of POSCO discussed the “Current Status and Outlook for PossFD Refrigerant Piping Development,” explaining, “PossFD, which can replace traditional copper pipes, offers excellent formability and corrosion resistance, thereby improving processability and ease of installation. Its potential applications are expanding in apartment complexes and a variety of building types.”

While copper pipes have traditionally been used for refrigerant piping, growing concerns over raw material price volatility, the need for durability in corrosive environments, and demands for lower long-term maintenance costs have increased interest in alternative materials. In particular, in the field of facility piping, the importance of corrosion resistance and maintenance efficiency for long-term use has come to the fore, drawing attention to stainless refrigerant piping as a promising alternative.

The Stainless Steel Club of the Korea Iron and Steel Association was established in 1996 to enhance the competitiveness of Korea’s stainless steel industry and promote joint growth within the industry. Currently, 62 member companies are participating.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.