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Core Drilling for Boiler Room Airflow at a Lancaster Church

Lancaster Church
CPL

Project Brief

Our client, CPL, was undertaking essential works within the boiler room of a church in Lancaster. A critical requirement for the plant room's safe and compliant operation was the establishment of adequate airflow. This necessitated the creation of two large-diameter penetrations through the boiler room wall for the installation of high and low-level air grill vents. 

Specifically, two holes of 350mm diameter were required, with depths of 320mm and 350mm respectively, to accommodate 400mm air grill vents that CPL would subsequently fit to meet airflow standards. The nature of the building, a church, meant that precision, minimal disruption, and careful execution were paramount.

Our Solution

We did a thorough assessment of the site and the specific requirements. Creating 350mm diameter holes of this depth in an existing structure, particularly a sensitive one like a church, demands specialist equipment and a high level of expertise. Standard drilling methods would be insufficient, potentially causing excessive vibration, structural damage, or an untidy finish unsuitable for such an environment.

We proposed our large-diameter diamond coring service, which is ideally suited for creating precise, clean, and large openings through robust materials. Our team arrived on site equipped with the necessary heavy-duty core drilling rigs and large-diameter diamond-tipped core bits capable of handling the substantial depth and diameter required for the airflow vents.

Execution: Precision and Care in a Sensitive Environment

The execution of the coring operation was carried out with the utmost precision and care. Two distinct locations were marked for the high and low-level vents. Each 350mm diameter core hole was drilled to its specific depth – one at 320mm and the other at 350mm.

The process involved setting up our robust drilling equipment, ensuring stable anchorage to prevent movement and guarantee accuracy. Water was continuously supplied to the drill bit throughout the coring process. This served multiple critical functions: it cooled the diamond segments, extended the life of the drill bit, and, crucially, suppressed dust effectively. In a church environment, dust control was particularly important to minimise mess and protect the building's interior.

Our experienced operatives meticulously controlled the drilling speed and pressure, allowing the diamond bit to grind through the wall material smoothly. The result was two perfectly circular, clean-edged penetrations, ready for CPL to install their 400mm air grill vents. The minimal vibration generated by diamond coring ensured that the surrounding structure of the church remained undisturbed, a vital consideration for historical or sensitive buildings.

The Outcome: Compliance and Seamless Installation

The successful completion of the two 350mm core holes by DP Diamond Drilling provided CPL with the precise openings they needed to fulfil the critical airflow requirements for the church's boiler room. The accuracy and clean finish of the drilled holes allowed for a seamless and straightforward installation of the 400mm air grill vents by CPL, ensuring the plant room now meets all necessary air circulation standards.

This project in Lancaster exemplifies DP Diamond Drilling's capability to deliver large-scale, precise coring solutions in challenging and sensitive environments. 

By partnering with us, CPL ensured their project's compliance and efficiency, benefiting from our specialist equipment and experienced team.

Need Expert Large-Diameter Drilling?

For projects requiring significant core drilling or other specialised concrete cutting services, DP Diamond Drilling offers reliable and precise solutions. We are equipped to handle complex demands for both commercial services and domestic services. To discuss your specific project needs or to obtain a detailed quotation, please feel free to contact us.