The challenge

Broadcasting House, at the north end of Regent Street, London, has been transformed into a broadcast centre for the 21^st century by carrying out extensive redevelopment and adding a new 80,000 square metre East Wing.

The contractor, Imtech UK Ltd, was tasked with the installation of the heating and ventilation pressure system in the new wing.

The pipework had to be installed and certified fully in accordance with the UK Pressure Systems Safety Regulations, 2000. The system examination was to be conducted by Velosi Certification Bureau UK. The approval of Zurich Insurance was required.

Imtech UK contacted Tata Steel for advice on the suitability of INSTALL+^TM conveyance tube to meet the project’s stipulated temperature and pressure ratings.

The solution

Tata Steel was able to clearly demonstrate the suitability of its dual-certified INSTALL+^TM tube for this steam and heating application.

The new heating and ventilation arrangement comprises two model 60J boilers, manufactured by the Fulton Boiler Company, supplying steam to the air conditioning humidification system.

All the steam piping and protective devices, such as valves, separators and steam traps, are included within the pressure system. The system has a design pressure of 11.2 bar (test pressure 16.8 bar) and a maximum operating temperature of 190ºC. All pipework has been installed with welded joints and is fully insulated.

“INSTALL+™ tube can be used in this type of application as its inherent features mean it is capable of a working temperature range of –30ºC to +260ºC,” explains Jim Parley, Manager Applications & Standards (Conveyance Products) at Tata Steel. INSTALL+™ material is guaranteed by Tata Steel to meet specified mechanical properties up to +260ºC in accordance with Table 5 of EN10217-2: minimum proof strength values at elevated temperature.

“INSTALL+™ also complies with the European Pressure Equipment Directive (PED – 97/23/EC) and the UK Pressure systems Safety Regulations. This means it is also suitable for applications such as this at New Broadcasting House where it is necessary to demonstrate compliance for insurance purposes."

The New Broadcasting House project has utilised heavy weight INSTALL+™ tube, in sizes 2 inch, 4 inch and 6 inch nominal bore. The fully weldable tube was supplied with a red primer paint finish.

INSTALL+™ tube is intended for building and engineering service applications where the tube grade used needs to be in accordance with a harmonised standard approved under the European Construction Products Directive (CPD – 89/106/EEC).