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The Shard, London

13 Sep 2012
Case study
The Drainage team of leading pipeline and heating distributor BSS Industrial has provided a tailored solution to the highest level of The Shard, Europe’s tallest building.

BSS Industrial was brought onto the project to solve the logistical challenge of supplying to a central London location with an installation taking place at 1,016ft above ground. Having a dedicated BSS Drainage Business Development Manager, backed by an Internal Drainage Sales representative at BSS Chessington, allowed this tailored solution to be offered as a standard part of the team’s service.

The BSS team provided BLÜCHER pipe and fittings due to their lightweight nature which allowed for a fast and simple installation. A stainless steel, push fit system from BLÜCHER was also specified, for the upper floors, to reduce the health and safety risk of nuts and bolts falling from height. Couplings were sourced from Teekay due to their guaranteed performance, and the aesthetics which were important for installation of the vent cowls at the top of the vent pipes.  A Teekay coupling was used to connect each vent cowl (even the smaller diameters) to ensure that they all looked identical.  The vent cowls were custom made, by BLÜCHER, to match the shape of The Shard.

Scott Argent, BSS Drainage Business Development Manager, said: “Our team was asked to provide a Drainage and Rainwater solution for the basement and the apartments being built from floor 26 upwards. 

“Having the expertise of the BSS Drainage team, backed by the distribution, product and location knowledge of the Chessington branch and our supplier partner BLÜCHER, meant we could offer the best products with the added bonus of timed deliveries. This protected the customer against unexpected costs due to build delays and solved the problem of restricted room for stock on site. We were able to hold large amounts on their behalf and thanks to our flexible distribution offering, provide the best products for the job with next day delivery.”

BSS Industrial worked with its suppliers to offer a comprehensive product offering. BLÜCHER provided a 355mm intercepting trap, with 355mm pipe and fittings and 305mm pipe and fittings for the basement.  This was in addition to a 305mm pipe and fittings for the main vent from level 26 to the roof and associated 160mm, 200mm and 250mm EuroPipe to connect into the main vent, with custom vent cowls provided for the roof.  Stainless Steel mechanical pipe couplings, for the 305mm and 355mm pipe sizes, were specified from Teekay Couplings. 
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