Spirotech restores efficiency for university
The University of Wolverhampton has boosted the efficiency of the heating systems in two of its buildings following the installation of Spirotech dirt and air separation and pressurisation units. Energy savings of 5 to 6% are being achieved as a direct result of these units being installed.
In 2011, the university invested in a CHP system to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions. As part of this plan, major issues were highlighted with the heating systems in the MA and MC buildings.
The MC building dates from 2000 but had long been hampered with blockages in its various hydronic systems, resulting in poor heat transfer and widespread system malfunction.
The MA building is one of the oldest on the campus, dating back to the 1940s. Although it was not suffering the same level of system breakdown as the other building, it was in need of updating.
The Spirotech equipment in the MC building removed heavy contaminants in just a few months. General maintenance was reduced to a monthly basis, with the minimal build-up taking just a few minutes to clear.
The systems in the MA building are now virtually free of air following 16 months of constant operation.
Stephen Cocks, the university’s energy manager, says, ‘In both buildings, since the heavy contaminant has cleared, we’ve had no problems with flow rates, heat exchange or blockages. Efficiency has also greatly improved across the board. Importantly, air is no longer allowed to populate the system, and the new boilers are protected against the damaging effects of dirt build-up.’
