Modern Building Services

MODERN BUILDING SERVICES MAY 2023 19 New solutions With the time and space constraints of the OWO conversion and the lack of detailed drawings, it became immediately clear that welding and flanging the piping systemwasn’t even an option and that another pipe joining method was required. Victaulic’s grooved mechanical piping systemwas an ideal solution. The lighter weight, smaller size yet higher integral strength of grooved components compared to welded or flanged systems, make them ideal for projects that are tight on space and time. In addition to increasing installation speed, eliminating the need for hotworks brings greater onsite safety, especially in confined space installations, where the pipe fitters are even more exposed to welding fumes. Installing a mechanical joining system, which provides a union at every joint, also allows for simple field correction of any alignment errors, minimising schedule disruptions onsite. Moreover, since grooved products are considerably smaller in footprint compared to flanges, pipes can be installed closer to each other. On the job Time spent on the jobsite is a critical cost and risk factor, leading contractors to prefabricate parts of the piping system offsite as much as possible and even bringing in fabricated pump skids. Unfortunately, due to the confined spaces, the large number of stairs and the mechanical rooms being in the building’s basements, this was impossible to do for the OWO retrofit. However, a solution was offered that helped to save time, space, and reduced risk on site. This was done by supplying modular Vibration Isolation Pump Drops for the mechanical rooms. These pump drops provide a factory-tested, single-SKU assembly of products to connect the pump to the header and are easy to handle and help to save on installation time. Unlike flanged pump builds, no specialty flex connectors or rubber bellows are required, which are the weakest part of a mechanical room installation. The suction diffuser, installed on the inlet side of the pump drop, also enabled the team to connect the pipework closer to the pump at a 90-degree angle, avoiding the long pipe run required when using a welded system, and saving space. Eliminating long pipe runs, elbows and reducers makes for a smaller mechanical room footprint and optimum pump performance. Installing these pump drops successfully enabled the crew to cut down labour time and realize efficiencies even without a fully prefabricated model. For a retrofit of this scale and significance, efficiency gains were of heightened importance. With these pipe joining innovations in place, the contractor was not only able to have the mechanical areas finished well in advance of the deadline, staying ahead of the construction schedule, but helped the contractor increase productivity and lower their labour costs. Retrofit-for purpose As urbanization becomes more and more gripping, the challenges associated with brownfield retrofits will undoubtedly become commonplace. Future conscious, innovative solutions must become the mainstay of the construction industry, particularly as the industry must increasingly navigate space limitations. Consulting engineers and contractors need reliable, cost-effective solutions today which can meet these constraints whilst preserving the integrity of the existing heritage structures. More information can be found at www.victaulic.com PIPED SOLUTIONS CASE STUDY