DRAINAGE SYSTEMS
The Trelawny Scanning Suite, and 24-bed haematology /oncology ward and associated facilities, became operational in June.
indicates that bioplume propagation as a route for infection spread can be substantially mitigated or eliminated by using vacuum WCs, although further peer-reviewed studies are required to provide authoritative independent case study evidence. Please step forward any academics up for the challenge. Are vacuum systems the panacea to all the NHS estates problems? Possibly not. Should they, however, be in the mix for both retrofit and new-build, with the system well suited to MMC, modular, and prefabrication methods of construction, plus with strong water-savings credentials? Absolutely yes.
Main components of a vacuum sanitation system The vacuum unit is at the heart of any vacuum sanitation system, and comprises multiple pump units, configured to achieve the desired duty and system robustness (very much like a multi- pump domestic water booster set). The units are compact, and arrive on site in a ‘plug and play’ format, and are electrically connected to the building power network. Add supply and discharge pipes, commission, and the unit is ready for operation. The vacuum installation comprises a pipe network typically comprising reduced diameter pipework compared with those associated with traditional sanitation/drainage installations, and with no requirement to provide primary/ secondary ventilation in accordance with Building Regulations Approved Document H and BS EN 12056 and BS EN 752. This removes potential multiple penetrations through the water-proof roof construction, and thus the possible roof leaks so disliked by contractors and FM operators, or compromising the clean roof elevations beloved by architects and planners. The sanitary fittings include a WC
selected from the range offered by each specific system manufacturer; these are modern-looking, and have been used on superyachts, and in hotels, offices, public buildings, and multiple other building
types. Washbasins and other ancillary sanitary appliances connect to the system via an interface unit which is typically housed behind the appliance, in associated cabinetry, within the floor void, or any other local convenient space. Alongside the well-publicised advantage
of not relying on pipe gradients required for gravity systems, vacuum drainage offers additional value by the elimination of sub-slab excavations, resulting not only in less labour and machine hours, but also a need for less logistical support associated with the removal of excavated material and its replacement with imported fill. The elimination of these time- consuming activities allows construction programme optimisation, with less time and effort spent on groundworks. Together with simplified foundation interfacing, reduced structural/mechanical coordination, and minimised fire stopping, this makes vacuum drainage a very attractive proposition for both clients and contractors. Should ‘the unthinkable’ happen, and
a re-think on room function / appliance layout occur post-completion – resulting in the need to relocate sanitary fittings, the vacuum system allows this flexibility with minimal disruption.
The ‘new normal’ As a proven technology, the key to maximising the delivery potential of vacuum drainage is strategic stage collaboration as a route to improving infection control, minimising project timescales without compromising design flexibility. The ‘new normal’ requires all stakeholders to evaluate vacuum alongside gravity drainage to select the best value option, addressing the numerous and varied project ambitions.
References 1 Crimaldi JP, True AC, Linden KG, Hernandez MT, Larson LT, Pauls AK. Commercial toilets emit energetic and rapidly spreading aerosol plumes. Sci Rep 2022; 12, 20493.
Kris Wojcik
Kris Wojcik, CEng, FCIPHE, MCIBSE, ASoPHE, Strategy and Construction, JETS Vacuum AS, has over two decades of mainstream building services (sanitation and domestic water) design experience – ranging from concept to final completion, with a Nordic consultancy across many different building types, mainly in the UK, culminating in him utilising vacuum technology as part of a design team delivering a Stirling Prize-winning building in the City of London.
Joining JETS, a leading specialist vacuum drainage and sanitation manufacturer, some five years ago, he has been the driving force behind multiple CIBSE /Society of Public Health Engineers annual conference events, and has also hosted online and in-person CPD events. Travelling throughout the UK, Europe, and Africa, to advise on and develop vacuum installations, he says he retains a keen interest in ‘water neutral’ and Net Zero carbon technologies.
October 2023 Health Estate Journal 69
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