A UK first with the help of Flexalen Pipe Work

The UK's first waste water heat recovery scheme has been installed at Borders College in Galashiels, using Flexalen pre-insulated pipe work from Flexenergy.

The previous system at the college was a gas fired boiler system, but the college was looking to reduce its carbon emissions by 25% by the end of 2015. A renewable heating system from SHARC Energy Systems was their preferred option by some distance and, following installation, the college is now on target to have a total carbon reduction of 35%.

The new system required 500 metres of Flexalen heat network piping from a newly-built energy centre to service five individual plant rooms across the site. The energy centre therefore housed the SHARC filtration skid, heat pumps and the control panel. A sewer interface to Scottish Water's existing sewer pipe was also installed along with two underground chambers.

"Flexenergy's locality to the project, pricing of the pipe work and the heat loss efficiencies of the pre-insulated Flexalen piping were all important considerations when choosing the best pipe work for this project", explains Nathan Burton, Project Manager at SHARC Energy Systems. "It is also lightweight and highly flexible making it easier to install and, of course, being made of polybutylene it will not corrode over time".

Borders College can now enjoy the benefit of price certainty against potential gas variances through a 20 year contract with SHARC that pays for the installation through the heat consumed at the college. It will also make annual savings in energy, carbon emissions and cost.

Burton added: "Flexenergy has been a fantastic supply partner and provided a quality product and important aspect of our project. Their pipe work should help boost efficiencies on an already highly efficient heating system. This project has been a successful first UK installation and hopefully one of many in the future across the UK and mainland Europe."

To celebrate the completion of the project, a ribbon cutting event was held at the college prior to Christmas attended by all those involved.