Well-covered

Keeping the airport open for twenty out of every twenty four hours wasn't the only logistical issue for the terminal upgrade at the same time the environment had to be maintained at an even temperature and the air kept fresh for travellers and visitors.

Economech Services installed air conditioning and ventilation systems for the project. Director Wayne Hastie explains some of the logistics of the undertaking and the plant system requirements:

"The original central plant room was located on the roof of the existing terminal where the second level central walkway is now. Working day and night we relocated the plant off to one side, at the same time installing cooling towers on the new roof and upgrading the air conditioning plant to powerful variable speed chillers and high-efficiency boilers."

The job required shutting down systems for relocation of the plant room, while still keeping the temperatures comfortable for airport commuters.

"Up to twenty-five trades people were on site at times everyone from pipe fitters to electricians and insulation specialists all working through the nights to ensure the fit-out went smoothly," he says. "Small windows of terminal closure were the only times everything could be down while the plant was installed or relocated. At other times it was a balancing act between the various systems."

Economech worked closely with engineer consultant Beca in pre-ordering the highly specified equipment to meet deliveries.

"The centrifugal chillers are an example of the top-end plant installed. With an efficiency ratio of 1kw of electricity to 10kws of chilled water, the airport aims to quickly recoup large initial outlays."

For details contact Economech Services, phone (09) 579 1444, fax (09) 579 2308. Email: aircon@economech.co.nz, or visit the website: www.economech.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas