A leading university and biomedical research facility, recognised as the largest centre of medical research in Europe, faced recurring failures in its heating system. Seven ageing pumps in its boiler room broke down approximately every three months. The facility approached us for a repair solution to address these ongoing issues and achieve reliable heating.
During our inspection, we identified the root cause of the repeated failures: a prior repair had improperly reassembled the mechanical seals using silicone, a temporary fix that was unsuitable for long-term performance. It became clear that another repair would only provide a short-term solution, leaving the facility vulnerable to future breakdowns.
We recommended replacing the failing pumps with high-quality Grundfos low-temperature hot water (LTHW) pumps, known for their durability and reliability. The facility already had Grundfos pumps in another part of the site and was satisfied with their performance, making this an ideal choice.
We installed the following Grundfos pumps:
To ensure seamless integration, our engineering team carried out:
After completing all mechanical and electrical connections, the system was thoroughly tested and commissioned to confirm optimal performance.
The facility now benefits from a robust and reliable heating system. With the new Grundfos pumps in place, the risk of frequent breakdowns has been eliminated, allowing the research centre to focus on its critical work without disruptions.
This case study demonstrates the importance of addressing the root cause of equipment failures and investing in durable, high-performance solutions for long-term operational efficiency.