A range of pipework including our Vulcathene, Durapipe
SuperFLO and Friatherm systems are being installed in University College London’s
(UCL) Darwin Building as part of a major refurbishment project to modernise
the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Mechanical Engineer, Michael Melluish, from building services consultants,
MG Partnership was responsible for specifying the pipework for the refurbishment.
He comments, “The plastic pipework products from Durapipe UK were attractive
because of their cost benefits and ease of installation on site, while the variety
and choice of systems available ensured that all the requirements that this
project demanded were met.”
“The Vulcathene system was specified to replace existing cast iron pipework
that was used for laboratory waste drainage. We needed to ensure the product
that we installed could cope with the mix of waste and chemicals that it would
be exposed to on a daily basis, so the corrosion resistant Vulcathene system
was an excellent option.”
Vulcathene features a comprehensive range of pipes and fittings from 38mm up
to 102mm. The system also encompasses laboratory bench items such as wastes,
sinks and drip cups, anti-siphon traps and expansion joints.
In addition to the Vulcathene system, MG Partnership specified Durapipe SuperFLO
to replace an existing chilled water riser and increase its capacity in order
to cater for the newly refurbished part of the building. SuperFLO was chosen
because the reduced labour costs associated with the ease of installation ensured
the system offered excellent value for money.
Friatherm was also installed in the project for all domestic services within
the Darwin Building following the request of UCL, which has this product installed
in other buildings within its campus. Both Friatherm and SuperFLO pipework boast
a 50-year life expectancy and are fully WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme)
approved.
LJJ Contractors was responsible for the installation of all three Durapipe
UK products and commenting on the process, on site Contract Manager, Matthew
Hunter said, “We are installing in the region of 1000 pipes and fittings
into this project, so the fact that all three systems are plastic is a great
help for the on-site team who can easily manoeuvre the lightweight products.
“I have used Durapipe UK’s products on other projects in the past
and so have first hand experience of working with the systems, which have always
been of a very high standard.”
The Darwin Building is home to UCL’s Department of Biochemistry and Molecular
Biology, which aims to provide a stimulating research and training facility
of international recognition.