Considerations for Commercial Boiler Systems and Pressurisation Unit Servicing

Keeping commercial boiler systems running smoothly is an essential aspect of efficiently maintaining your commercial building. To accomplish this, a basic but clear understanding of how heating and boiler systems work is needed.

A brief overview

Heating and hot water systems in homes are the simplest forms of an open-vented heating system, which is kept full thanks to natural water pressure created by the height (or “head’) of water. This water is stored in a small tank typically located a few feet above the system, and there is a return pipe (open-ended) that stands over the top of the tank. Because the water finds the tank’s level naturally (as set by the ball cock or the feed and expansion or F&E tank), it does not escape from the open end.

For commercial boiler systems, the principle is the same, but the tank and the pipework will understandably be much bigger. Often, the header tank will be installed at the top of the building or the loft to fill the system’s boilers and radiators. This set-up keeps the system topped up with water; any loss from leaks or evaporation is replaced.

A wise alternative

Some commercial buildings, however, prefer having a sealed or pressurised system installed instead of an open vent system. Here, there is no open vent or F&E tank; instead, there is a mechanical pressure control and pumping device called the pressurisation unit. It provides the correct water level for the system as well as does the work of topping up the water to replace loss from evaporation and leaks.

Because the pressurised system is sealed, there is no expansion capability, so additional equipment—an “expansion vessel” made up of a metal cylinder, or more complicated units comprised of bladders, air compressors, et cetera—are needed to let water go through the expansion and contraction cycle.

Commercial building owners opt for this system type because the hassles associated with traditionally large and cumbersome tanks on rooftops are eliminated. A pressurised system also comes with reduced running costs and does not require extensive pipework. And there is no need to rely on mains pressure for the system head to be created, and this helps introduce greater space savings.

Why pressurised unit servicing is essential

Seasoned engineers need to perform excellent commercial boiler maintenance for this type of system because the expansion vessel has to be properly set and regularly checked.

A safety valve also needs to be correctly fitted, commissioned and regularly maintained to uphold the integrity of the system. Minor system faults can become a serious risk; pressure equipment failure can lead to serious property damage as well as injuries or even death to people within the area.

A “one-stop shop”—a service provider that takes care of everything from design, to supply, and to commission and repair of all commercial building equipment—will have teams of highly qualified and experienced professionals who can successfully perform the more thorough and in-depth inspection and maintenance of all controls, pumps, expansion vessels and safety valves that pressurised systems require. With such experts working on your system, you can be assured of quality work that complies with local regulations and that helps keep your commercial building systems in tip-top shape.

Be prepared by arranging your pressurisation unit servicing in advance. Call our service team today to discuss your options on 0161 427 0541.