Compact valves control chilled beams for engineering union

Oventrop Cocon 2 double-regulating and integral control valves have been used on 140 chilled beams serving the six storeys of the new headquarters of Prospect, a union representing professional engineering. The 2500 m2 Prospect House replaces an old warehouse behind the union’s previous premises in south-east London. Meica Services was responsible for designing and installing the mechanical services and chose these multi-function valves for their compactness, enabling the entire valve assembly to fit within the active chilled beams which are exposed below flat soffits. The valves are installed in chilled-water return pipes of this cooling-only system and can perform six functions: control, regulation, measurement; isolation; filling and draining. The beams also incorporate lighting and smoke detectors on the air-inlet side. To gain approval from the London Fire Brigade, Meica carried out tests to show that any smoke present will be drawn into the beam and trigger a detector faster than one on the flat soffit. This is said to be the first time the British Standard waiver has been permitted and smoke detectors accepted inside chilled beams. Consulting engineers for the project were Rybka.

Related links:

• www.oventrop.com/en/