System Hygienics, the UK’s leading air hygiene specialist, is helping Heathrow Airport Terminal 3 in a drive to become more energy efficient by replacing the Terminal’s volume control dampers (VCDs). The drive comes following an agreement with the British Airport Authority (BAA) and the Carbon Trust to reduce the airport’s carbon emissions.

Following control checks on the Terminal’s existing VCDs, consultants identified two common problem areas – jamming and wasteful fresh air dampers. With the majority of the airport’s VCDs over 30 years old, excessive usage had caused the ducted air systems to jam. In addition, rather than utilising outside air to regulate the dampers, the old VCDs were running their chillers 24/7 with no free cooling.

Darren Ling, Sales Director for System Hygienics, explained: “The solution was to strip out the old fresh air dampers and controls and replace them with damper actuators. We replaced one section of the ducted air system, about eight metres long by two metres high, with two small dampers to make it more efficient and easier to maintain.”

For the replacement works, model 1045-100 control dampers from Advanced Air Universal’s range were used. The dampers were supplied with extended spindles to accommodate BMS controlled actuators to regulate the dampers.

During the first phase, System Hygienics has replaced 12 VCDs at Heathrow’s Terminal 3. This forms part of a larger project that will see 120 to 150 VCDs serviced in total. Since replacement work is relatively expensive, Terminal 3 has budgeted to replace 12 each year.

SYSTEM HYGIENICS SUPPORTS ENERGY EFFICIENCY DRIVE AT HEATHROW’S TERMINAL 3

Ben Reuben, Maintenance Team Manager at Terminal 3, said: “We started with the worst performing asset and took readings before and after to see how effective they were, taking into account cost savings and environmental aspects. Logistically, the airport is a nightmare and contractors can only work at night, but System Hygienics delivered good workmanship. The replacements have improved the efficiency of the ducted air systems and reduced energy costs. It has also reduced consumption, and there have been fewer faults and less customer complaints. The kit is on a timer now and shuts off when not needed, and the free cooling will also make a difference to the cost. More than saving money, the main motivation behind this project was the environmental impact and, with System Hygienics, we have managed to satisfy both.”

System Hygienics has previously carried out ductwork cleaning projects at airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, London City and Stansted, but this is the first time the company has been enlisted for VCD replacements.