A Harmer Modular 135 linear drainage system from AWMS has been specified for a major laboratory expansion in Warrington.
The project was delivered by principal contractor Triune Construction, on behalf of global life-sciences company Thermo Fisher Scientific. The expansion forms part of ongoing investment at the Warrington facility, which specialises in delivering diagnostics, laboratory solutions and reagents, as well as analytical tools for industry research.
Established in Wigan in 1986, Triune Construction is a family-based company headed by Anthony Doyle. The company boasts a long-standing working relationship with Thermo Fisher, spanning more than 12 years; the last six of which have been focused primarily on the Warrington site. This depth of experience gave Triune a detailed understanding of the operational demands of the facility, and the exacting standards required for all products used in a laboratory environment.
An existing laboratory space has been refurbished, alongside the conversion of a former warehouse into a new, additional lab area. As with many live laboratory projects, the schedule of works was time-critical, with minimal tolerance for delays and a strong emphasis on quality, hygiene and long-term performance. Drainage was identified early on as a key element of the specification, due to the need for efficient water management, ease of cleaning, and compliance with strict operational standards.
Specification
Triune Construction required a stainless steel linear drainage channel system that could meet both performance and hygiene requirements for their client, while also being available quickly to meet the tight project deadlines. The solution also needed to be pre-formed, ready for installation without complex on-site modification.
Triune submitted technical drawings to Alumasc, who recommended the Harmer Modular 135 stainless steel drainage channel system. Alumasc’s Harmer team visited site to discuss the specific design and performance requirements in detail, ensuring the system would integrate seamlessly into the laboratory layout.
The specified system had to accommodate a drainage run that discharged directly into a sump at the end of the channel. This requirement was addressed by Harmer Modular’s open-end channel and flange plate detail, which extends beyond the bottom of the channel, allowing the system to feed directly into the open sump. This eliminated the need for additional complex connections and ensured efficient flow performance.
The installation also benefitted from Harmer’s V-shaped channel profile, which naturally encourages water to flow to the end of the run, ensuring liquids are directed with precision and no risk of standing water.
The final system was supplied via Triune’s local Harmer stockist, ensuring materials were on site quickly.
Harmer Modular 135: reliability in demanding applications
Harmer Modular 135 is a high-performance stainless steel linear drainage system designed to meet the demands of busy and challenging environments. Constructed from durable, corrosion-resistant 304 stainless steel as standard – with 316 available to order – the system is A1 fire-rated and offers exceptional strength, hygiene and longevity.
The range offers four grating profiles with a nominal width of 135mm and load class ratings from A15 up to C250, enabling it to withstand heavy pedestrian and light vehicular traffic. This makes Harmer Modular 135 suitable for a wide variety of applications, including food retail and processing, brewing, bottling and canning, chemical and pharmaceutical facilities, schools, leisure centres, and human and animal healthcare environments.
Harmer Modular 135 features a sleek, contemporary appearance and is fully customisable, and adaptable to varying flooring finishes. A comprehensive range of channel bodies, gratings and gully options is supported by an extensive selection of accessories, giving designers and installers exceptional flexibility.
The system is dry-jointed for ease of installation using standard tools, and requires minimal ongoing maintenance for favourable life-cycle costs. Designed and manufactured in the UK, Harmer Modular 135 is stocked for next day delivery, with all necessary nuts, bolts and gaskets supplied as standard to ensure each order is install-ready.
Stainless steel is 100% recyclable and around 60% of production is derived from recycled content.
Anthony Doyle, Managing Director of Triune Construction, oversaw the project and carried out the installation. He comments: “This was my first time working with Harmer, and the whole process was fast and efficient. The support from Harmer’s technical team was excellent right from the outset.
“They reviewed my drawings and advised the specification of a system that was perfectly suited to the project, and able to manage the challenges posed by a demanding laboratory environment. Delivery was fast; everything arrived exactly when promised, which was essential to the success of the installation. The system is clearly robust and I have no doubt it will serve my client well for years to come.”
Harmer Building Drainage sits under the AWMS umbrella as one of five brands well known for innovation, quality and longevity. The four accompanying brands are Alumasc Rainwater Gutters & Downpipes; Skyline Architectur
Download the Harmer Modular 135 brochure here
For more information call 01536 383810 or visit www.alumascwms.co.uk
