Boiler Replacement, East Sussex College – Lewes Campus

East Sussex College, located in the heart of Lewes, boasts a wide array of specialised facilities, including state-of-the-art science laboratories, photography, art and dance studios, sports fields, and salons for hair, beauty, and contemporary therapies. The campus is comprised of multiple buildings, each served by various boiler plants and systems that provide essential heating and hot water services.

The Cliffe Building, which serves as the main entrance to the college, was previously equipped with three Ferroli shell and tube boilers, complemented by three Weishaupt pressure jet burners, yielding a total output of just over 1.2 Megawatts. These boilers, manufactured in 1988, had been in continuous operation for over 30 years. However, the reliability of these units had diminished over time, and sourcing replacement parts had become increasingly difficult. In light of these challenges, East Sussex College engaged Independent Heating & Cooling to identify a cost-effective replacement solution.

Given the boilers’ capacity and the additional complexities associated with flue systems, finding a suitable replacement that met the college’s requirements while adhering to budgetary constraints proved challenging. The existing flue and chimney system was incompatible with modern condensing boilers, which would necessitate a complete replacement of the entire flue system at considerable expense. Furthermore, the existing open vented system and the aged building pipework (30-40 years old) raised concerns about the feasibility of sealing and pressurizing the system, as this could lead to further complications.

Our solution involved the installation of Ideal’s Vanguard shell and tube boilers, equipped with Riello burners. This approach allowed us to retain the existing flue and chimney system, as well as the original feed and expansion tank, thereby significantly reducing project costs. The new boilers were hydraulically connected to the existing services through screwed and welded pipework. The entire system underwent a power flush and was chemically dosed to remove impurities. All pipework was then tested and insulated with mineral wool, finished with an aluminium cladding.

The new Riello burners were reconnected to the existing gas supply, and the electrical systems were updated to comply with current regulations. The burners and boilers were subsequently commissioned in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines, and hot water and heating were restored in time for the commencement of the new college term.

In summary, the antiquated boiler and burner systems required modernisation in the most cost-effective manner while enhancing reliability and performance to meet the needs of the Cliffe Building.

Client feedback on completion of project:

We would like to thank all at IH&C for carrying out the recent boiler replacement and upgrade, we had clear communications throughout.  The guys on site, were very polite and courteous, site cleanliness was exceptional.  I would highly recommend using you to all of my contact and other establishments.  Another great job in a very timely fashion, with no delays from start to finish.

David Sherwood – Head of Facilities

For further information on how Independent Heating & Cooling can assist with heating or cooling installation, maintenance, and repair, please do not hesitate to contact us or visit our website.

Email: sales@ihc-uk.com
Telephone: 01323 44900