Stokvis nears end of 10-year programme at Liverpool University
Liverpool University is nearing completion of a long-term M&E upgrade that has seen Stokvis plate heat exchangers replace nearly all existing calorifiers used to provide hot water to its buildings. Over the past 10 years, the university has been taking its old calorifiers, one as big as 3000 l, out of service before they reach the end of their service lives or become uneconomical.
Replacement is with plate heat exchangers, usually accompanied by a buffer vessel of 300 to 500 l, to supply hot water on demand.
Liverpool University has a large city-centre campus served by a CHP district-heating system, which is ideal for serving the Stokvis units.
One issue with calorifiers is the potential for legionella to breed. A plate heat exchanger, however, produces hot water at a reliable temperature on demand. The buffer vessel maintains a small supply for instant use, and water is constantly recirculated through the system to prevent stagnation and cold spots developing.
The university has around 300 buildings of various types, ranging from laboratories to student accommodation. In the last year alone, Stokvis Econoplate packaged plate heat exchangers have been installed in five buildings — including the Mount Pleasant office building, the sports and fitness centre, the Victoria Building, Harold Cohen Library and the kitchen of the Guild of Students.
