Polypipe Supplies Ridgistorm-XL to London Art Gallery

Polypipe’s market-leading products were specified in the multi-million pound transformation of one of London’s most prestigious art galleries.

Over 350 metres of Polypipe’s Ridgistorm-XL large diameter pipe was specified in 750mm and 900mm diameters for use as an air ventilation system under a new building being added at the south of the existing gallery. The system will deliver air to distribution plenums at set locations within the new building. 

The project called for the Ridgistorm-XL pipe to be manufactured in varying lengths, from 1.5m to 6m long. Polypipe’s specialist team also pre-fabricated more than 60 bespoke bends and ttings, which ranged from 5 degree to 90 degree bends and from ‘ T’ junctions to specialist ‘S’-shaped bends in varying angles. 

Polypipe’s unique electro-fusion jointing of the Ridgistorm-XL system was also an integral factor in the specification of the ventilation system. 

The installation of the air distribution ventilation system at the gallery presented several obstacles which Polypipe was able to overcome. In particular, the ventilation system had to be designed to connect to xed points within the new building, whilst avoiding the structure of the building itself. 

Polypipe’s technical team also carried out structural calculations in order to value engineer the pipe to the exact stiffness classification of 1.0kN/m2, ensuring that the pipe was neither over, nor under specified. 

Polypipe’s electro-fusion jointing method ensures that the ventilation solution is not only regulatory compliant due to its greater air tightness and insulation, but it also eliminates the need for internal welding of the pipeline, negating any potential health and safety risks.