How We Kept a Library Warm & Open During Boiler Replacement: A Case Study

A West Sussex library faced a significant challenge when its boiler heating system was scheduled for replacement with a ground-source heat pump. The library, spanning three floors, relied on two boilers and multiple air handlers to distribute warm air through a network of underfloor ducts.

To navigate this feat, the library turned to Andrews Sykes for a reliable, temporary, and highly efficient heater hire solution.

What Challenges Did We Face?

As an essential “warm area,” the library offers refuge for individuals needing warmth during cold periods when their homes are too cold. This made it imperative that the library stayed open throughout the refurbishment.

The refurbishment project was set to start in February 2024 and finish by June 2024, posing a tight deadline that ensured uninterrupted service for library staff and visitors.

Additionally, the library’s central location, surrounded by roads and public walkways, meant that any temporary heating solution needed to be both safe and secure – that’s where our portable heater hire came in.

How Did We Solve the Problem?

To address the heating needs during the refurbishment, we deployed a comprehensive and temporary heating solution. The main equipment we used included:

FH 2000S 200kW Indirect Fired Oil Heater

Operating with a heating efficiency of over 92%, the Aurora FH 2000S indirect fired oil heater rental unit provided the necessary heating to maintain a comfortable environment in the library.

Initially, individual 3kW electric heaters were considered, but the library’s power supply couldn’t support them. Temporary boilers were also considered, but this idea was discarded due to the ongoing removal of old piping.

20 x 300mm x 8m Ducting:

By connecting the temporary heater to the library’s existing air distribution system, these ducts played a crucial role in efficiently distributing warm air throughout the library’s three floors.

The ducting was strategically placed with two ducts servicing the ground floor, and one each for the first and second floors. A thermostat was installed on the ground floor to regulate temperature and optimise fuel consumption, effectively reducing usage by 55%.

Scaffolding was erected to facilitate the ducting and holes in the wall and plenum boxes were used to connect the ducting on to the system.

2000 Litre Fuel Tank:

Vital for providing a steady and reliable supply of fuel to the temporary heater, this 2000 Litre Fuel Tank ensured the heater could operate continuously without interruption.

The installation of our temporary solution took place in a public car park which couldn’t be closed. As a result, delivery drivers and engineers arrived early at 7am to unload equipment before the public arrived. Our team had to navigate around seating and trees in the secure compound, meaning the entire operation required very meticulous planning.

The team involved in this successful deployment included the Ashford Depot Engineer and Hire Manager, the Charlton Depot Manager, the Regional Assets and Logistics Coordinator, and an experienced Hi Ab driver from the Charlton Depot. Their collaboration ensured the smooth landing and installation of the equipment.

The Results

Our comprehensive solution delivered the effective and reliable heating the library needed to remain operational throughout the refurbishment period. This was crucial for both library staff and visitors who relied on the library as a warm and welcoming environment during the colder months.

The solution not only met the library’s heating needs but ensured that the library’s essential services continued without interruption.

If you’re facing a similar challenge or need reliable heating hire solutions, get in touch with the team at Andrews Sykes today. We’re here to help you maintain your operations and comfort during any refurbishment or emergency.

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