New Distribution Centre, Southampton

Site:
Old Ford Factory, Southampton

Problem:
Flow control solution needed on a already completed system, instructed by the water company.

Objective:
Provide a solution for controlling surface water flow from rainwater harvesting tanks. The whole system was complete so the solution must be retro fitted.

Solution:
Flexseal’s HPDE Penstock was used within the chamber to provide a flow control system to prevent risks of potential flooding issues.

The 44 acre Ford Plant in Southampton had been completely demolished to become a commercial hub and distribution centre.

With the works coming to an end, the customers’ client was instructed by the water company to install surface water flow control as there were two no: attenuation tanks totalling 1640m³. If they didn’t, taking into account the current rainfall and the 300mm overflow volume from these tanks discharging into the Monks Brook which then led to the River Test, would cause flood concerns for the Environment Agency.

The solution was to introduce into the drainage chambers, flow control via Penstocks, Flap Valves and Vortex FCD. Working closely with the contractor, Flexseal identified the chambers that would need opening and retro fitted with Penstocks or Flap valves. Our specification was one 1800mm chamber requiring extra depth to give gradient and flow.

So into 3 chambers a 450mm Flap Valve, a 500mm Penstock and a 750mm Penstock were installed to meet the requirements of the water company and Environment Agency.

The contractor organised a local authority inspection, who endorse them for their efforts to meet demands of the Environment Agency. The site owners have now had training on how the system works and is managed, the fact that HDPE has been used is praised as it is now a maintenance free system.