MAINTENANCE & REFURBISHMENT
High-pressure water blasting project at Oxford University enhances chiller efficiency
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Alex Lear, regional service sales manager at Carrier
Carrier has completed a comprehensive high- pressure water blasting (HPWB) project for the University of Oxford as part of its BluEdge™ service agreement, delivering significant energy optimisations and safeguarding critical air-cooled chiller equipment
he maintenance programme took place across the campus over one week, ensuring the air conditioning systems operate at peak efficiency ahead of the warmer spring temperatures.
Before the intervention, Carrier’s expert technicians conducted thorough endoscopic inspections of the campus’s 16 Carrier 30XA air-cooled chillers and discovered that the condenser coils were significantly clogged with dust, atmospheric debris and pollen. Even a minor build-up of just 0.25 millimetres on the coil surface can reduce a system’s efficiency by 20%. Furthermore, such fouling restricts airflow, forces fans to work harder and can increase compressor energy consumption by up to 30%, ultimately decreasing the lifespan of the system.
“To combat these issues – ahead of peak summer temperatures – we deployed high- pressure water blasting service to carefully target Carrier air-cooled condenser coils across the estate,” says Alex Lear, regional service sales manager at Carrier. “Environmental fouling had begun to impact heat rejection and efficiency, so the work was scheduled proactively to prevent performance loss during hot weather.” The meticulous cleaning process involved initial vacuuming followed by the low-pressure application of an environmentally friendly 10% detergent solution. Technicians then rinsed the coils against the air flow using water at high pressures of up to 140 bar. This thorough deep-cleaning method effectively removed sludge, hydrocarbons and other harmful contaminants, restoring the heat exchangers to their original design specifications. As part of the comprehensive service, the team also straightened the delicate fins using specific pitch combs to guarantee optimal airflow. By completing these essential works
The University of Oxford
proactively, Carrier mitigated the risk of unintentional equipment shutdowns and ensured robust, reliable performance for the university. Alex Lear concluded: “Using approved HPWB procedures in line with Carrier standards, coil performance was restored close to design condition, reducing energy consumption, lowering compressor strain and minimising the risk of high-temperature shutdowns during critical summer operation.” Post-cleaning video endoscopy confirmed the pristine condition of the coils and Carrier recommended an annual deep clean to maintain optimal energy savings. The successful delivery of this project underscores Carrier’s role as a trusted advisor, committed to providing multifaceted technical expertise and
Before: Contaminated condenser coils clogged with dust, atmospheric debris and pollen.
After: Cleared contaminants can boost efficiency by up to 20% and reduce energy use up to 30%.
bespoke maintenance through its BluEdge™ service agreements, reducing the total cost of ownership for institutions worldwide.
Acoustics panels manage plant room noise at major city scheme
Acoustics plant room wall lining panels have been installed at a major new City of London high-rise, mixed use building, 2 Finsbury Avenue. The panels will control reverberation time and reflected sound from the development’s energy hub, which will supply 21-storey and 36-storey towers linked by a 12-storey podium
2
Finsbury Avenue (2FA), close to Liverpool Street station, is a key element of British Land’s Broadgate regeneration scheme. Construction and civil engineering company, Sir Robert
McAlpine is delivering 2FA, which has been designed by lead architects 3XN. CMS Danskin Acoustics has collaborated with Sir Robert McAlpine, Stortford Interiors and interiors materials supplier CCF to arrive at an effective acoustic approach to the plant room. “Large schemes require sizeable plant rooms, which, in turn, require considered acoustic management,” explains CMS Danskin Acoustics’ Dave Bowen. “Our plant room wall lining panels have been developed specifically to meet that challenge, providing excellent sound absorption along with limited combustibility, a key consideration for high-rise buildings.” CCF is supplying a range of interior and drywall materials to 2FA. Wayne Carter, branch manager at CCF’s Harmondsworth branch, said: “As with any major regeneration scheme of this kind of scale, it’s essential that the plant room at 2FA is properly acoustically insulated. We’re really pleased to be working alongside Sir Robert McAlpine and CMS Danskin Acoustics in supporting the delivery of this building, which will become a truly iconic part of the London skyline.” Earlier this year, following recent product developments, testing reconfirmed CMS Danskin Acoustics Plant Room Panels’ Limited Combustibility A2-s1,d0 Reaction to Fire
22 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER AUGUST 2026
testing requirements, was also provided by CMS Danskin Acoustics. The 750,000 square foot 2 Finsbury Avenue development includes work, social and green spaces and a community learning hub. 2FA is an all-electric, smart-enabled development ensuring leading carbon and energy efficiency in operation. It is due to complete in 2027. CMS Danskin Acoustics, part of The
Performance Technology Group, manufactures and sources acoustic insulation products advising on acoustic and vibration control materials and noise reduction strategies, including floors, ceilings and walls, to combat airborne, impact and reverberation noise.
classification with specified fixings. Fixed to walls and ceilings, the plant room wall lining panels can also be used to counter sound from large servers, fans, engine enclosures, test cells and other industrial spaces, such as workshops. The 50mm, 75mm and 100mm panels are assessed as noise Absorption Class A as tested to BS EN ISO 354:2003. A total of 900 panels were supplied for 2 Finsbury Avenue. They were manufactured at the company’s Warrington facility. The requirement to kit out the plant room before generators were installed meant production and delivery timescales were tight. Technical support, including cutting and fixing advice to ensure installation complied with fire
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