The Requirements
Our client a leading European manufacturer of the design, manufacture and assembly of steel components and frames for construction contacted OKEL to discuss options to introduce a high efficiency heating solution into their large 85,000 sq. ft factory premises.
Built pre-2000, the premises are constructed from double skinned brick and cladded walls and an asbestos roof which was not able to be penetrated.
The customer reported that the factory was exceptionally hot in the summer months (with temps of 38°C reported) and exceptionally cold in the winter months.
OKEL’s Solution
OKEL’s Director visited site and met with representatives from our client’s operation to fully understand their heating requirements and to carry out a detailed survey of the premises to then be able to identify the most effective and efficient heating solution available.
Considering all the findings OKEL proposed a high efficiency warm air and destratification solution that would introduce 900 kw of warm air, consisting of wall mounted Winterwarm TR150 warm air heaters and Winterwarm WCU destratification fans to prevent heat loss and ensure heat remained on the lower ground where it was of most benefit to the work force and production.
In addition to the heat benefit, OKEL’s carefully thought-out design had the added benefit of a summer ventilation mode that would provide continuous air circulation and help to maintain a comfortable working temperature for the staff.
At the initial enquiry stage our client had also engaged with another commercial heating provider who had proposed heating the factory with a gas fired radiant heating system rather than warm air and destratification that had been recommended by OKEL.
Due to the customer having been presented with 2 different solutions and unsure which company / solution to progress with they chose to instruct an independent heating consultant to review each proposal and to make a final recommendation – the heating consultant chose in favour of OKEL’s high efficiency warm air and destratification design based on the improved overall spread of heat foe lesser kws, minimising of hot and cold spots throughout the factory and reduced running costs throughout the year.
An expertly designed warm air and destratification system can reduce energy consumption by up to 40%! ”
The Results
Based on feedback from the independent heating consultant OKEL were assigned the heating project and works commenced.
A final preinstallation site visit took place prior to the installation and with attendees including OKEL’s Managing Director, Lead Commercial Gas Installer, and key project representatives from our client to agree and sign off the exact positioning of the heaters and fans and to formalise the installation plan and health and safety requirements.
For health and safety reasons our customer requested that the installation took place outside of SIGMAT’s working hours and with OKEL’S installation team installing the new system over several weekends when the factory floor was unoccupied.
The installation was successfully completed to schedule and with our client receiving a detailed hand over of their new heating system and to include gas safety commissioning certification and operation instructions for the heaters / controls.
