CASE STUDY
Over 13 years since it was first installed, ductwork fabricated from The Kingspan KoolDuct System is maintaining ideal learning condions at the Naonal STEM Learning Centre at the University of York
inspiring education in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
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In addition to a freely accessible online resource collection, STEM Learning offers a range of bursary-supported courses for teachers and educators. Its network of over 30,000 STEM Ambassadors work with young people of all ages across the UK, increasing their engagement in these much-needed fields of study. The stylish building provides a range of facilities including lecture theatres, labs, teaching and seminar rooms and an extensive resource centre. Its design exemplifies their forward-looking approach, featuring a number of cutting-edge technologies including ductwork fabricated from over 2500 m2 of The Kingspan KoolDuct System.
Innovative design
The Kingspan KoolDuct System comprises panels faced with silver aluminium foil on one side and either silver or black coated aluminium foil on the other. These panels can be easily used to fabricate rectangular ductwork with air-leakage rates which a far lower than those of conventional sheet metal alternatives and can easily achieve BS EN 1507: 2006 air–leakage Class D; BS EN 13403: 2003 Class C; and BESA DW/144 Class C. This can allow HVAC systems to be operated with smaller fans and reduced heating and cooling loads, significantly lowering energy demand over time. The system also provides a number of practical benefits during installation. Sections can be fabricated in lengths of up to 2.95 m and can weigh around a quarter of the weight of mineral fibre insulated galvanised sheet ductwork. In practice, several sections can be joined together at floor level, forming lengths of 15 metres or more. These can then be simply raised by a small team of operatives and installed in a single fix, without the need for a separate lagging stage. The system is available with a wide range of coupling systems to suit different installation and project specification requirements. Its composition allows installers to easily make onsite modifications to work around potential unforeseen obstructions and other building design issues.
Lasting results
The Kingspan KoolDuct System was specified for the National STEM Learning Centre by TClarke,
who provided the full mechanical and electrical package. It was primarily used within the two main plantrooms in the building, which circulate air to meeting rooms and the main theatre, and within the ceiling service voids. The light weight of the ductwork enabled even larger sections to be fitted using low gauge metal hangers and supports fixed at larger centres than would have been possible with galvanised sheet steel. Its highly airtight design has helped to limit operational energy demand for the HVAC system, whilst the non-fibrous insulation core minimises the risk of loose fibres entering the ductwork, maintaining healthier working and studying environments.
Additionally, as the ductwork sections are pre- insulated, installers were able to fit them much closer to the ceiling than would have been possible with a conventional, lagged system, reducing the depth requirements for the service voids above the false ceilings.
A recent inspection of the air conditioning found that the ductwork had been well maintained and was in excellent condition. The sections within the plantrooms showed only minor superficial wear whilst the ductwork above false ceilings within the corridors was in almost pristine condition. As a result, the ductwork continues to deliver excellent energy savings.
BSEE
Koolduct shows lasting power of innovation at STEM learning
irst opened in 2005, STEM Learning is the largest provider of subject specific continuing professional development (CPD) for teachers, technicians and support staff in the UK, helping them to deliver an
uThe Kingspan KoolDuct System has provided lasng performance at the Naonal STEM Learning Centre
The original installation was the first time that TClarke had used a pre-insulated ductwork system and Steve Smith, Technical Director at the company, commented after the recent inspection:
“We are extremely pleased to see that the air conditioning system continues to perform so well. This really shows the long-term benefits you can achieve by investing in high quality HVAC solutions which are installed with care and attention to detail and are well maintained over time.”
Certified performance
To deliver this lasting performance, the Kingspan KoolDuct System is produced to exacting standards under a management system certified to BS EN ISO 9001: 2008 (Quality Management), BS EN ISO 14001: 2004 (Environmental) BS OHSAS 18001: 2007 (Health & Safety) and BES 6001 (Responsible Sourcing).
The insulation core is manufactured with a CFC/HCFC–free blowing agent that has zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and low Global Warming Potential (GWP) and the panels themselves have been assigned a 2008 Green Guide Summary Rating of ‘A’. Kingspan KoolDuct panels, with silver aluminium foil on one side and silver aluminium foil on the other, are classified as B–s1, d0 as defined by the European Fire Classification System (Euroclass). The Kingspan KoolDuct System has also undergone extensive testing by the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) and is listed as a Class 1 Air Duct, to Standard for Safety UL 181 (Underwriters Laboratories: Factory Made Air Ducts & Air Connectors), when fabricated to a specification clearly defined by UL. This assessment covers a range of areas including fire performance, resistance to mould growth and the effects of high humidity, air-leakage and puncture testing. It gives clear, independent assurance of its premium performance credentials, backed by regular follow up inspections from UL which confirm production consistency.
To support accurate modelling and specification of building services, all Kingspan pipe and duct insulation products are available as freely available BIM objects, which can be downloaded from the bimstore in either Revit or IFC formats.
Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER MARCH 2020 25
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