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Vulcathene chemical drainage pipework has been integral to a major refurbishment project to upgrade three science laboratories at the University of Chester.

The Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Life Sciences is based at the University’s Parkgate Road Campus but its three laboratories were no longer meeting the needs of today’s science students. Science courses have grown in popularity over recent years and the University of Chester needed to not only significantly expand its laboratories, but also bring the technology right up to date.

The University has made a significant investment to redevelop the laboratories, which were stripped back to their shell with new state-of-the art computerised equipment, complete with modern fixtures and fittings, installed. The new facilities needed a reliable chemical drainage system for use throughout the laboratories and the appointed M&E contractor ICR Group was tasked with sourcing an effective solution.

ICR Group selected the complete Vulcathene Mechanical system, including pipework, fittings, waste and bottle traps, due to the system’s proven track record in education environments and previous successful installations. Vulcathene was fitted to carry chemical waste from the sinks in each laboratory to the building’s main drainage system for disposal off site.

The timescale was crucial for this project, as the fit out needed to be completed for the start of the new term so delays were simply not an option. The lightweight nature of Vulcathene, which enables ease of handling on site, combined with the quick and simple installation process, helped reduce installation time on site.

Commenting on the project, Gary Jones from ICR Group, said: “As with any education project, safety is a number one priority and so it was crucial we installed a reliable chemical drainage system. In addition to the performance capabilities, we needed to use products that would aid speed of installation. We have used Vulcathene on previous projects and, with a proven track record for laboratory drainage within education environments, it was the ideal solution.”

Experiments in science laboratories often lead to unknown combinations of chemicals being created, therefore it is imperative that the drainage system can safely transport any chemical concoctions. Vulcathene offers educational establishments the reassurance that it has a proven pedigree over many decades in dealing with all manner of chemical waste cocktails from laboratories across the world.

Available in sizes from 38mm – 152mm, Vulcathene is a purpose designed chemical drainage system available in two easy jointing methods; Mechanical for demountable joints and Enfusion for welded joints, offering complete flexibility for designers and installers of chemical waste systems.

A leading manufacturer of plastic pipework solutions, Durapipe UK has seen its systems successfully installed for building services and industrial applications in projects worldwide for 60 years.

Durapipe UK is a proud member of the British Plastics Federation (BPF) Plastic Pipes Group (PPG), the leading trade association representing manufacturers and material suppliers of plastic piping systems in the UK.

PPG Member companies have a responsibility to the industry to ensure products manufactured meet the needs of the application they are intended for, in addition PPG members fully support compliance with standards so installers and end users can assume BPF membership is a sign of quality assurance and compliance with these standards.

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