Friatherm helps Leeds blood bank

Edited by the Buildingtalk editorial team Dec 6, 2004

Friatherm pipework from Durapipe UK has been used in the refurbishment of the Leeds Blood Transfusion Centre.

Friatherm pipework from Durapipe UK has been used in the refurbishment of the Leeds Blood Transfusion Centre and specifically as part of the adaptation of all of the hot and cold water services to meet contemporary performance and hygiene standards.

This involved replacing pipework and sinks throughout the building and Friatherm was selected as part of the specification process, outlined by mechanical services specialists SIAS Building Services, for its proven reliability and functionality.

"This was a like for like replacement programme," explains Andy McDonald from SIAS.

"It was decided to remain with Friatherm because its high grade plastic material fulfils the performance requirements for the flow of water and the hygiene standards demanded of this environment." Friatherm pipe sizes from 16mm through to 25mm were used to build a system connected to the mains and operated by pumping water up to storage tanks in the plant-room.

Positioned as a fast track project, Friatherm was able to alleviate delays, typically associated with other systems, and offered fast and simple jointing, with its specially equipped tapered socket and no pipe end preparation or hot works, saving time, labour and overall installation costs.

The flexibility of the Friatherm system also comes with its modularity, a feature that was built into the life cycle costings of the Leeds Blood Transfusion Centre.

Friatherm allows for easy amendments or additions to the system at any stage in the life cycle of the building, without compromising flow rates or hygiene, which was key for the centre's busy operations.

A non-metallic pipe solution, Friatherm could also eliminate the risk of rust and corrosion of the hot and cold water pipeworks, ensuring faster and smoother flow rates over long periods of time.

This extremely low maintenance quality was particularly relevant in the hygienic environments of the Leeds Blood Bank where long-term reliability is essential.