Press Releases

October 2009

Ideal's Vanguard L boiler has been installed as part of an innovative off-site construction solution for RAF Coningsby in a project to completely replace the base’s old heating system.

The base, famous as the home of the world-famous 'Dambusters' 617 Squadron, is now benefiting from a much more energy efficient heating system thanks to three new boilers and an inventive solution from heating contractor, East Kirby Engineering. The Lincolnshire-based contractor designed and engineered a completely new plant room, which was constructed in two parts off-site before being craned into place on the RAF base. The solution minimised disruption at RAF Coningsby, while providing it with a completely new heating source.

The new system was called for to replace the ageing boilers on site, which were not servicing the needs of the base adequately and were inefficient, leading to high energy costs. RAF Coningsby is home to many of the Royal Air Force’s most historic and modern air craft, including every type of current RAF fast jet, and is still active as an operational base. With the site in constant use and the old boilers providing all heating and hot water across multiple buildings, the base could not afford for any period of shutdown while replacement work was conducted.

East Kirby Engineering was called in to design the solution, with offsite fabrication chosen as the ideal route, as managing director, John Gorensweigh explains:

The specification required for this to be a pre-built plant room, but designing a solution that was lightweight, reasonably compact and that could connect to the district heating main, was the challenge. We designed a plant room that was constructed in two parts before being craned onto site and assembled. This called on a careful consideration of the pipework distribution to ensure that there was enough space within the plant room for the equipment while also providing good access. Finally, we had to make sure the pipework bridging the two halves connected perfectly so we could complete the project without delays and get the plant room up and running as soon as soon as it was installed. he said.

The Vanguard boilers were the perfect solution because the units offer energy efficiency, high performance, while being compact and lightweight, an essential requirement for the prefabricated plant room. Three 3,500kW boilers were specified and installed, adequately meeting the heating demands for the base. The Vanguard is one of Ideal’s leading range of pressure jet boilers and provides outputs from 21kw to 3,500kW. They are designed to be small yet extremely powerful and efficient in performance, meeting all requirements at both full load and part load for low emissions and high operating efficiency (92-93% net efficiency). All models are suitable for gas or oil firing, whilst dual fuel options can be provided on selected models only. Comprehensive control panels are provided with optional panels for high/low burner operation available to minimise running costs. Low modulated temperature operation down to 40°C allows more fuel savings. Ideal Boiler’s Graham Williamson, added: In a solution like this, the Vanguard is an excellent choice. Its power output means it has the delivery of a large boiler, but the design keeps its size to a minimum without compromising performance. It also offers high energy efficiencies, which is becoming increasingly important for end users as they look to reduce energy costs and emissions.