Site: Stockley Park, West Drayton, London
Client: Dunlop Hayward on behalf of Equitable Life Assurance
Type of contract: Additional works identified during planned maintenance
Inefficient Heating System
A modular boiler house, fitted when the building was first occupied, was causing major maintenance problems. The small diameter tubes of the boiler modules were becoming scaled up on a regular basis, needing constant de-scaling and frequent replacement. With two banks of six boilers, maintaining the system had become very costly. Breakdowns and downtime due to maintenance and replacement often meant the building was too cold for occupants to work. When the existing system did work it often took a long time for heat to get through the pipe work to the required areas.
A More Robust System
The search for a more suitable system was undertaken. The solution was three conventional, floor standing boilers. All pipe work was replaced to a bespoke design, which allows heat to get to the relevant areas quicker, and reduces the required output by 60kW. The robustness of this system reduces breakdown. However only individual parts (including burner and gas valve), rather than a boiler module, need to be replaced in the event of such an occurrence, cutting down on material layout and downtime. De-scaling is less of an issue and immediate re-dosing, after draining the system down, is not as necessary, as was the case with the old heating system.
Less Downtime at a Lower Running Cost
This effective system means boilers need less maintenance and replacements than previously, so initial layout for the system has been recovered quickly. It also requires less output to achieve the right working temperature throughout the building irrespective of the time of year.
New Projects Won Because of Good Attention to Detail
The client not only appreciated the installation team finding a viable solution, but they also noted the care taken to protect decor and marble flooring from damage and the immaculate state in which the plant room was handed over. The diligence and attention to detail won the team a new contract to refurbish the shower rooms, which has subsequently been completed.