The Customer
One of the most famous companies in the world, Facebook’s presence in London is growing. Working to increase desk capacity across London to 6,000 employees, their Brock Street offices are part of a technology base in the heart of London’s Kings Cross and Euston commuter hubs.
Established in 2004, Facebook employs over 52,000 people worldwide across their Instagram, WhatsApp, Oculus VR and Onavo brands.
The Challenge
Facebook were upgrading their Brock Street office kitchens across multiple levels, which required an overhaul of the gas supply to meet the increased demand.
Their previous solution included x2 Secomak Model 535 Gas Boosters arranged in Duty Standby. The new, greater supply of gas meant that this setup was no longer required. An upgraded solution was necessary to supply enough natural gas as the correct pressure to meet the increased demand in the building.
It had to be consistent, reliable, easy to maintain and above all – safe.
The Solution
For over 90 years and across a wide variety of projects, Secomak’s range of high-speed fans and process heaters have been engineered and constantly improved to serve the most demanding of applications, with close to no intervention required.
The contractor worked with Secomak to specify and install the best, fully featured gas booster solution available. It was installed next to an underground car park (a potential source of ignition), which was considered when specifying the safest solution, including:
x2 Model 540/2 Secomak Gas Boosters
Compatible with CHP, Boilers and Burners and Building Management Systems. Featuring ribbed fan chambers for additional strength, it is fully compliant with British Standard 8487 (2007 & 2013).
Combining an Acoustic Enclosure and gas “sniffer” sensor, and featuring an ATEX rated motor.
Automatic Pressure Setpoint (APS) Inverter System
Maintains consistent outlet pressure, and featuring Soft-Start technology.
Allowing two gas boosters to operate alternatively for a single gas supply. Ideal for when gas supply cannot be interrupted.
The installation also includes all relevant flexible connectors, anti-vibration mounts and non-return valves.
The Benefits
Safety is the critical benefit of the Gas Sensor System. If it senses a leak, it displays visual and audible warnings prior to an automatic safety shut off. (Optional text and email alerts also available). The ATEX rated motor also allows it to operate in hazardous environments.
The APS Inverter maintains consistent outlet pressure, so that if inlet pressure drops, the system compensates. Soft-Start technology reduces shock and load on the motor and bearings, potentially extending component life. Gas consumption is monitored by a transducer, reducing gas booster load and therefore electrical consumption where possible. This also reduces the noise and further protects the bearings from excess wear.
The Duty Standby alternates automatically between two boosters every seven days to equalise wear on the bearings and drives. When downtime is not an option, the Duty Standby ensures supply is never interrupted by maintenance, as one booster will always be in operation.
To find out more about any of these features, contact the sales team to discuss your application.
