Wenlock Works

The refurbishment of the 6-storey office building has been designed by Buckley Gray Yeoman Architects, who have added two additional storeys at roof level and an 8-storey extension on the rear of the building.

Air is to be supplied through a raised access floor and circulated through soffit mounted FCUs, screened in a central zone above an expanded mesh raft. With a re-clad brick exterior and factory style windows, the look of the building will be contemporary but still fit in the surrounding area.

The Dominator Peak Pro was selected by M&E contractor Imtech for the heating and air conditioning system for this project.

By working alongside one another, Crane FS and Imtech have achieved a sustainable building utilising the latest and most efficient valve technologies. Early engagement with the site team was crucial, in which the benefits of utilising Pressure Independent Control Valves (PICVs) was demonstrated and made understandable to all involved. This was followed by a review of the schematics, in which Crane FS were able to provide advice on PICV locations as well as providing VE advice on valves that could be removed, allowing Imtech to benefit from a reduced asset cost.

Sample Dominator Peak Pro units were provided not only to Imtech for review but also the chosen Fan Coil Unit (FCU) manufacturer, Dunham Bush. Crane FS work closely with all key OEMs to ensure product compatibility and to resolve any concerns at as early a stage as possible to ensure a seamless project delivery process.

Crane FS have a long tradition of producing quality products over the last century. This also includes the Dominator Peak Pro and PICV, which undergoes market leading production testing on 100% of products leaving the factory to ensure perfect performance every time. However, even prior to production, the valve has undergone significant design validation testing, being subjected to 10,000 cycles, which is equivalent to 15 years of typical service, and the performance has remained excellent.

Our framework agreement with Imtech means Crane FS are committed to technical excellence combined with product & process development that benefits both parties and ultimately – delivers a more energy efficient HVAC system for the end user. Daryl Panter, UK Sales Director

Production testing begins with pressure testing, in accordance with BS EN 12266-1, of the ball valves within the H-Body assembly. The PICV itself then undergoes pressure tightness testing to ensure product integrity. The PICV also undergoes further production testing in accordance with BSRIA BTS-01, more specifically a Flow Limitation test (FLT). This test looks at the performance of the valve in-situ and ensures that the valve activates at the stated differential pressure (ΔP) and also maintains the stated flow rate, within set tolerance bands, up to its maximum ΔP.

Customers are invited to witness this assembly and test procedure at the Crane FS production facility in Hitchin, Hertfordshire and we are confident the results will not disappoint.

By utilising the Crane FS Peak Pro PICV, the project has been provided the best opportunity to realise operational cost savings and increased energy efficiency. The PICV has excellent accuracy and hysteresis, which helps maintain the set flow rate and limit the occurrences of overflow.

The use of the Crane FS Gap Detection actuator will also allow for operational cost savings by giving excellent valve authority and controllability at all valve settings. This ensures that a change in valve position translates into a change in flow rate/pump speed and therefore realised energy savings.

PICVs allow for a simplified commissioning process that eliminates the costly and timely procedure of proportional balancing, as well as, reduced installation time as the number of required valves in the system decreases (DPCVs and 2-ports replaced by a PICV).