Innovation

The radiant ceiling is one of today’s most popular space heating/cooling systems. A radiant heating and cooling system generates no noise or draughts.

But to enable it to work automatically, so-called “6-way” valves must be installed to supply the ceiling circuit with cold or hot water according to the required ambient temperature.

In practice, one motor-controlled 6-way valve must be installed for each room, “partitioned area”, or grid. The problem is that installing all these valves on a worksite is a very time-consuming, complex and error-prone process.

During construction of new CIC office space in Lille, Santerne Fluides decided to prefabricate assembly kits for 6-way valves and related equipment (isolation valves, flowmeters, regulators and support structures).

The business unit designed and prototyped the kit and worked with a subcontractor to assemble it. Each kit undergoes a sealing test in the workshop and is precisely identified and located to facilitate installation.

Overall result: investment in the design study (which must be highly detailed); optimised workshop assembly cost (about €175 per kit); far more rapid installation; and substantial reduction in corrective work needed at the worksite.

To find out more, contact: franck.bassail@santerne.fr or francois.gosselin@santerne.fr