KoolDuct shows lasting power of innovation at STEM Learning

Over 13 years since it was first installed, ductwork fabricated from The Kingspan KoolDuct System is maintaining ideal learning conditions at the National STEM Learning Centre at the University of York.

First opened in 2005, STEM learning supports teachers, technicians and support staff to deliver an inspiring education in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

In addition to a freely accessible online resource collection, STEM Learning offers a range of bursary-supported courses for teachers and educators.

The building exemplifies their forward-looking approach, featuring a number of cutting-edge technologies including ductwork fabricated from more than 2500 square metres of The Kingspan KoolDuctSystem.

With its premium performance insulation core, the lightweight solution eliminates the requirement for a secondary lagging stage – helping to accelerate installations.

Ductwork can be fabricated on or offsite, in sections up to 2.95 metres in length and can be fitted with a variety of coupling solutions to suit the particular demands of each application.

At the National STEM Learning Centre, TClarke provided the full mechanical and electrical package including the Kingspan KoolDuct System for use primarily within the two main plantrooms in the building, which circulate air to meeting rooms and the main theatre.

Its highly airtight design helps to reduce fan energy demand within the system, whilst the non-fibrous insulation core minimises the risk of loose fibres entering the ductwork, maintaining healthier working and studying environments.

A recent inspection of the air conditioning found that the ductwork had been well maintained and was in excellent condition. The sections within the plantrooms showed only minor superficial wear whilst the ductwork above false ceilings within the corridors was in almost pristine condition. As a result, the ductwork continues to deliver excellent energy savings.

The original installation was the first time that TClarke had used a pre-insulated ductwork system. Steve Smith, Technical Director at TClarke, commented after the recent inspection: “We are extremely pleased to see that the air conditioning system continues to perform so well.

“This really shows the long-term benefits you can achieve by investing in high quality HVAC solutions which are installed with care and attention to details and are well maintained over time.”

The Kingspan KoolDuct System has undergone extensive testing by the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) and is listed as a Class 1 Air Duct, to Standard for Safety UL 181 (Underwriters Laboratories: Factory Made Air Ducts & Air Connectors), when fabricated to a specification clearly defined by UL.

This gives clear, independent assurance of its premium performance credentials, backed by regular follow up inspections from UL which confirm production consistency.

All Kingspan pipe and duct insulation products are available as freely available BIM objects, which can be downloaded from the bimstore in either Revit or IFC formats.