VIEGA PRESS CONNECTIONS SHINE AT THE BRITISH LIBRARY
The challenge: design and install the energy and heating system in a prestigious building, with limited space, while incorporating both steel and copper pipework. For Dan Large, Director of Solaris Energy Limited, the solution was simple – utilise the ease of installation and integration through specifying Viega Megapress and Profipress.
The pipework would connect the newly installed Solar Thermal (ST) and Photovoltaic & Thermal (PVT) Panels from the roof, carrying the energy down through the building before being captured and stored in a large volume thermal store in the basement. From here, water is passed through a series of heat exchangers to provide hot water and space heating to the building.
Heading up the project was a core team consisting of the British Library, main contractor CBRE, consultancies Convert Energy and KJ Tait, and installation specialist Solaris Energy Limited.
The new system was an overhaul of the existing system in the British Library, home to over 170 million items including artefacts, research papers, literature, and more. Quality was the top priority for both Solaris Energy Limited and the British Library, therefore Viega was the first choice.
Viega Megapress S was specified for use in the basement, with Profipress S being used to carry the energy from the ST & PVT panels down to the basement. Steel piping was mandatory to the specification, therefore the Viega system which incorporates both the steel and copper piping was essential.
For Dan, the working challenge was navigating the complex basement. “There were lots of restrictive heights and hard to access areas. In many cases, scaffolding would be required so we needed a product solution which allowed for easy installation in tight spaces” he notes.
It was this layout challenge which discourage other contractors using more traditional methods. “The nature of the job meant that press had to be used. Most contractors would use threading, but the layout was extremely complicated therefore this method would’ve added too much time onto the job.”
PRESS LEADING THE WAY
Having worked with Viega on previous projects, Dan was well accustomed to the advantages Viega press connections brought to the table. The ability to seamlessly integrate large diameter thick steel walled pipe and copper pipe in a single system from one supplier meant Viega was the first choice.
“The reassurance that all the products came from the same manufacturer, were guaranteed to work together, and were of the highest quality was huge for us and the client. I don’t know of any other manufacturer who offers such a comprehensive range.”
The advantages of working with Viega continued when on site. “We had to navigate a 130-metre maze in the basement through to the roof and achieving a consistent, high calibre install could only be achieved with press connections.” Dan explains.
“Once installed and pressed, we tested the system and there were no leaks at all. With threading, you’d inevitably have a leak somewhere but absolutely nothing here.”
Dan highlighted the wider benefits of the press specification – “because it’s the British Library, they had their own strict requirements. For example, no hot works on site meant press was the natural way to go. With us cutting into the existing water mains, we also had to ensure minimal distribution to the library therefore a time-efficient solution was a necessity.”
By utilising press connection over hot works, Dan could guarantee a clean system without any jointing contaminants entering the pipework as a by-product of installation. This reduced the need for the system to be flushed and ensured the water quality was not impacted.
One of the biggest frustrations for contractors is retrospectively adding additional connections or sensors to steel pipework. This involves shutting down the system, cutting into the pipe, installing, and sealing up.
“We had a few sensors to add in and it was significantly faster using the Megapress system. All that was needed was to briefly shut the mains off, drill and press in the sensor and turn the mains back on. Compared to threading, it was a huge time saving” explains Dan.
DEFINING THE “VIEGA QUALITY”
As a regular specifier and user of Viega products, Dan places great value in the quality of the product as a representation of his work. “For me, Viega Quality is the sum of all the seemingly subtle design advantages. From the double press feature during pressing for a torsion-proof connection, to having access to a wide range of parts from a single supplier. It adds value to the Viega offer.”
“I’m always looking for longevity. Solaris Energy offer extensive aftercare as a mark of quality for our work and Viega help guarantee this long-term support and trust.”
IN IT FOR THE LONG-TERM
Dan’s commitment can be summarised through the investments Solaris Energy have made. ‘I’m a firm believer in Viega, having invested in the tooling and training. I’ve used Viega for some time now and have no intention of switching away, I’ll definitely be using Viega for future projects” he summarises.
