RETROFIT IN HVAC
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Retrofit project upgrades university plant room
The University of Essex has enjoyed significant improvements in efficiency, cost savings and reliability since installing the CORE Side Stream Magnetic Filter in its plant room
T
he a higher education institution is committed to maintaining a high standard of energy efficiency and sustainability across its
Colchester campus. With 75 plant rooms spread across the site, the university has consistently sought ways to improve system performance, reduce maintenance costs, and enhance the environmental footprint of its operations. As part of this commitment, the university undertook a retrofit project to upgrade its plant room system.
Project Overview
The project involved the replacement of existing dosing pots with CORE Side Stream Magnetic Filter in the plant room systems. The goal was to improve system efficiency and longevity. The retrofitting process also aimed to enhance the treatment of the system through the dosing of CORE Biocide, ensuring better protection and maintenance of the heating and cooling systems.
Challenges
¡ The existing system had dosing pots that were less effective and did not provide any filtration solutions. ¡ There was a need for a solution that would reduce downtime, improve filtration, and contribute to cost and time savings for ongoing maintenance. ¡ The university’s engineers were accustomed to traditional filtration methods, so the new solution needed to be easy to install, operate, and service.
Solution
The BSRIA guide BG50 compliant CORE Side Stream Magnetic Filter was selected for its efficiency and ability to capture both ferrous and non-ferrous materials, thereby enhancing the system’s performance. The filter was chosen because of its simplicity in installation, long-term durability, and reduced operational costs. These filters use mesh elements instead of disposable cartridges, extending the lifespan of the filter and eliminating the need for regular cartridge replacements.
Implementation
The University of Essex’s maintenance team, consisting of 12 on-site engineers, received support from a Munro Building Services for the installation
18 June 2025
of the new system. This collaborative approach ensured that the retrofit was completed with minimal disruption to the University’s operations. The university’s engineers found the installation process straightforward and efficient, with the CORE Side Stream Magnetic Filters being simple to incorporate into the existing infrastructure. Over the course of the retrofit, a monitoring
process was implemented to assess the success of the new system. Monthly checks on the magnet and mesh filter were conducted to evaluate the capture of both ferrous and non-ferrous materials. These checks helped quantify the improvements in filtration and system performance.
Results and benefits
Since the installation of the CORE Side Stream Magnetic Filters, the University of Essex has experienced several notable improvements in its plant room systems: 1. Improved Efficiency and System Lifespan: The new filters significantly reduced the amount of ferrous and non-ferrous debris in the system, leading to improved flow and system efficiency. The mesh filters, unlike disposable cartridges, have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance. 2. Cost and Time Savings: The new filters
were praised for their simplicity and ease of maintenance. The University found the installation process to be quick and the filters easy to service, resulting in cost and time savings. Additionally, there was no need for a digital pressure drop monitor due to the mesh filter’s minimal pressure drop, further simplifying the maintenance process. 3. Sustainability Improvements: The University is taking significant steps towards achieving a carbon-neutral environment. The retrofit project represents the first steps in this journey, with the improved filtration system contributing to better energy efficiency and reduced maintenance waste. The project aligns with the University’s broader sustainability goals by minimising the need for disposable cartridges and reducing energy consumption across the campus. 4. Enhanced System Reliability: The addition of the extra isolating valve and the redesign of the shut-off mechanism helped eliminate potential leaks and spills, leading to a more reliable system overall.
Lessons Learned
The retrofit process provided valuable insights into how small adjustments could further optimise the performance of the CORE Side Stream Magnetic Filters. The inclusion of additional non-return valve and additional isolating valves was a direct result
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