Retrofitting Remeha high-efficiency replacement boilers has proved
a highly effective and efficient solution to achieving improved heating
performance at Thomas More Catholic School in Purley.
For
the last two decades, the listed Venetian Gothic building that houses the
school had relied on two dated cast-iron pressure jet boilers for its heating.
Heating is a critical service in all buildings, but particularly in schools as
if the system fails, the building could face closure. Furthermore, an effective
and efficient heating system optimises the learning environment, maximising
comfort levels while minimising energy demand for lower running costs and
emissions.
So
when the old boiler plant at Thomas More Catholic School began to fail,
surveyors Faithorn Farrell Timms LLP (FFT) were swift to act, recommending an
immediate boiler replacement. Due to the listed status of the building, which dates
back to 1863, this cost-effective, non-disruptive solution was the most viable
option to achieving high-performance heating.
FFT
appointed Cowley Group to carry out the boiler replacement as they had the
experience of working on similar projects.
Cowley
Group’s Managing Director Anthony Gurr recommended installing two
high-efficiency Remeha Gas 610 Eco Pro 13-section replacement boilers to meet
the heat demand and site requirements.
Anthony
Gurr said: “We always specify Remeha where we can as we find they have the best
range of boilers for almost every application. What’s more, they are the most
reliable of the boiler brands we have installed.”
Given
the heritage considerations, the project was not without its challenges, as
FFT’s Project Manager Abigail Blumzon explained: “The
first obstacle we faced was access, as the primary entrance to the
basement-level plantroom is via a very narrow and fragile Victorian cast iron
staircase.
“The
flueing arrangements for the new condensing boilers were similarly more complex
than would otherwise be the case, due to the listed nature of the building.
“Added
to this was the need to avoid any disruption either to the service or the
building, as this emergency boiler replacement needed to take place during term
time. This meant ensuring that the heating service remained uninterrupted
throughout the changeover, while maintaining a safe environment for the
students and minimising noise and disturbance.”
It
was no small feat for Cowley Group. In order to overcome the access
constraints, the old boilers had to be broken down and craned out of the
basement through a lightwell. The new Remeha boilers then had to enter the
plantroom through the same space.
Anthony
commented: “A key benefit of the Remeha boilers on this project is their weight
as we were able to lift them down into the plantroom. They were also narrow
enough to fit through the doorways.”
Following
his recommendation, a plate heat exchanger was applied to hydraulically
separate the two circuits. This prevents any debris or contaminated water
entering the new boilers, increasing their longevity and durability while
optimising their operational performance and the overall efficiency of the
system.
In addition to cordoning off the ‘hot works’ zone so that
the school remained a safe environment for its students, Cowley Group needed to
devise a suitable flueing arrangement for the new condensing boilers.
Anthony explained: “The school building has a 27-metre-high
chimney, listed and built in 1878, so the most appropriate solution was to
reline it and drop the flue down inside the lining tube. This was carried out
by Flue Stax Ltd. The scaffolders did a good job but, given the height, it was
quite an exacting task – although one that we managed to complete
successfully.”
“The
whole project went very smoothly,” confirmed Abigail. “Given the hurdles which
the team had to overcome, the excellent result is a testament to everyone who
worked on the project.”
With
the new Remeha boilers now fully operational, the students and staff at Thomas
More Catholic School are benefitting from higher comfort levels throughout the
building. The new boilers will also bring financial and environmental benefits,
thanks to their high efficiencies and low Class 6 NOx emission levels. Energy
usage, heating costs and associated emissions will all be reduced, while the
improved reliability will further reduce maintenance costs in the months ahead.
The
school is delighted with the installation which was carried out smoothly and to
schedule.
Robin Caunt, Site Premises Manager at Thomas More Catholic School,
said: “Excellent project management from start to finish by all those involved.
The boiler room has been improved with better lighting, painted floor and
incredibly quiet boilers.”
The Remeha Gas 310/610 Eco Pro high efficiency
condensing boiler series is specially designed for maximum versatility and
energy efficiency. Available in five to ten sections, its compact design means
it fits through any standard doorway. For restricted or awkward access, it can
be disassembled into parts, reducing labour and time costs.
