As schools across the country eagerly anticipate government funding for significant rebuilding or refurbishment work, they are also faced with the challenge of ensuring that the infrastructure installed today will meet the demands of tomorrow.
Despite playing a key role in maintaining safety and compliance in environments where hazardous substances are regularly used and disposed of, such as science laboratories or workshops, chemical drainage systems can sometimes be overlooked or value-engineered in an attempt to save costs.
Here, James Roper, Head of Product Portfolio at Aliaxis UK, highlights the importance of giving chemical drainage systems thoughtful consideration and outlines key factors to keep in mind when specifying them.
The School Rebuilding Programme (SRP) is a government initiative focused on rebuilding or refurbishing schools and sixth-form colleges in England, prioritised according to their condition.
The SRP aims to address urgent infrastructure issues and prevent closures, as well as providing modern facilities like science labs and sports halls built to the latest standards.
Some industry voices have criticised the SRP for not going far enough and are hoping that Labour will unveil a more comprehensive funding package. Whatever the outcome, the fact remains that outdated or inferior infrastructure is a blight affecting hundreds, if not thousands, of education facilities across the country.
What’s more, in some educational settings where hazardous chemicals are disposed of on a daily basis, drainage systems that are not fit for purpose can pose significant safety risks and maintenance challenges. Therefore, the SRP provides the perfect opportunity to introduce advanced chemical drainage systems, which offer superior chemical resistance, even at high temperatures, and are specifically designed for the safe transport of chemical effluents.
When selecting a chemical drainage system for a school or college, one of the key considerations is its ability to resist a wide range of chemicals. In laboratories, where students and teachers handle a variety of substances - ranging from mild acids to strong solvents - the drainage system must be capable of withstanding exposure to these chemicals without degrading over time.
Choosing a system with proven chemical resistance is essential to prevent leaks, blockages and other failures that could compromise both safety and functionality. For instance, polypropylene (PP), which is used in Aliaxis’ Vulcathene system, offers enhanced resistance to a number of chemicals in comparison to high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This is particularly relevant when disposing of substances such as esters, alcohols and ketones.
Maintaining the integrity of the entire drainage system is critical for ensuring that it performs, as specified, over its lifetime. Commonly, components from different manufacturers are mixed and matched, or substituted with materials not specifically designed for chemical drainage so do not always have the range of fittings available for an installation in a laboratory environment. This may seem cost-effective in the short term but can lead to potentially dangerous mismatches that undermine the system’s performance.
For instance, attempting to ‘value engineer’ a PP-based system using components made from PVC or HDPE can expose the infrastructure to potential chemical degradation. This not only reduces the effectiveness of the chemical drainage system, but also increases the risk of failure, which could have serious safety implications in a school setting. Therefore, ensuring that all components are designed to work together as part of a cohesive system is vital for maintaining long-term safety and reliability.
In chemical drainage systems, improper design can lead to situations where effluents are allowed to stagnate and incompatible substances may come into contact, leading to an increased risk of hazardous reactions.
To minimise these dangers, it’s crucial to incorporate components that actively reduce the potential for chemical build-up and ensure efficient flow. For example, a dilution trap can be installed to dilute highly corrosive materials at the source, immediately reducing their potency.
Furthermore, Vulcathene bends are designed at 92.5 degrees to allow effluents to flow more efficiently through the system by using gravity, unlike traditional 90-degree bends which can provide an ideal environment for chemicals to stagnate.
In today’s construction industry, there is increasing emphasis on building safety, as well as the quality and accuracy of information required when selecting systems and materials. This is particularly crucial in environments such as laboratories, where the consequences of a system that is not fit for purpose could be severe.
As such, there is growing demand for a specification to be supported by proven test data to ensure the system will meet the highest standards of safety and performance. For instance, Vulcathene is the only chemical drainage system to achieve British Board of Agrément (BBA) approval. This certifies that every component has undergone rigorous testing, including impact and stress tests, to verify its durability and effectiveness under real-world conditions.
Prioritising these thoroughly tested systems not only enhances safety and reliability but also ensures that the best available technology is being utilised, which is backed by credible, data-driven evidence.
Finally, cost-effectiveness is always a consideration in construction projects, especially in the education sector, where budgets are often very stretched. However, a system that may seem more expensive initially could offer better value over time if it reduces the need for ongoing maintenance and extends the lifespan of the infrastructure. Therefore, the long-term costs associated with maintenance, potential repairs and replacements should also be considered in the decision-making process.
Systems such as Vulcathene, which has been on the market for more than 40 years, offer superior durability and resistance to chemical degradation that can significantly extend the lifespan of the installation.
The rollout of the SRP offers a unique opportunity to reassess and upgrade the chemical drainage systems in educational institutions. Ultimately, making informed decisions about chemical drainage systems will help create safer, more sustainable school environments that are equipped to support the educational needs of future generations.