Not only did the issue have the potential to cause damage, it could have caused the system itself to shut down entirely. The system at question was a thin carbon steel pipework system used heavily throughout Europe but prone to failure in the UK.
Whitecode engaged their design team to produce a new design to create a fully operational second system which would be cleaned and installed alongside the existing one. The ceiling in the common area system was removed and temporary plastic was applied to maintain a pleasing visual appearance for residents. This cover would also make access faster for the works.
A new pipework network was installed and insulated, which was then cleaned to a professional standard, independently verified via a UCAS-accredited laboratory and made operational, ready for the apartments to be disconnected from the old system.
Once the new system was live, Whitecode’s dedicated site manager, Darren Bashford, contacted residents to arrange access to their apartments at a convenient time for them. Darren planned, prepared and managed the works from start to finish and was a constant present on site – a huge assurance to Battersea Reach’s residents.
Collaboration was key
This project was a collaborative endeavour from start to finish. Whitecode collaborated with Protechnical and Buxton & Mcnulty on this programme of work, which are two companies that Whitecode has worked with for a number of years.
The flushing team was the most critical element of the project, hence why a hand-picked set of flushing professionals from Buxton & Mcnulty were selected. The dedicated flushing and chemical team sampled the new system weekly to ensure it would adhere to high requirements of the BSRIA BG29 standards, ensuring the system functions well into the future.
This contract was Protechnical’s fifth occupied water treatment contract with Whitecode. Whitecode’s inhouse design team specified tried-and-tested solutions that would endure the test of time. The team was constantly on hand to provide the very best information to the workers onsite.
Going above and beyond
The pipes from the corridor to the heat interface units were replaced in the property within a day to provide very minimal disruption to heating and hot water supplies. These pipes were then professionally cleaned and added to the new clean common area system. For the final finish, the ceilings were replaced, filled and decorated to a high standard.
As part of the works, enhanced cleaning equipment was added in the form of a side stream filter. This perfects the water and removes even the finest of microscopic particles, protecting every part of the new system from failure. Furthermore, a degasser was added which eliminates the oxygen present in all fresh water. Without oxygen rust cannot form, thus enhancing the water quality through this technology would give residents access to water of the highest degree.
Time and quality were of the essence on this project. With the presence of Whitecode’s and its collaborators’ skill and expertise, the stunning Battersea Reach development was quickly returned to its former glory and with minimal disruption for residents.
