MERIDIAN WATER HEAT NETWORK - DETAILED DESIGN

CSW PROCESS

BACKGROUND

The Meridian Water Heat Network, managed by Energetik, is a community heat network, consisting of 23km of DN400 diameter pipework. It will eventually supply low carbon heat to over 50,000 homes and businesses across the London Borough of Enfield. When completed in 2026, the network will connect to the North London Waste Authority Recovery Facility and represents a £38M investment in low carbon energy.

d3associates had previously been commissioned by Energetik to undertake the concept design for the project and had developed a preferred pipe network route. This comprehensive knowledge put d3associates into a strong position to progress the detailed design for one of the successful design and build contractors.

Our familiarity with the highway meant we had full knowledge of the heavily congested utilities, sections of tunnelling below highway structures and large surface water culverts. This valuable information would feed into the design which in turn could help mitigate project risks.

OUTCOME

d3associates were contracted to provide the detailed design for a 2.2km stretch of the Heat Network. This involved working in partnership with CSW Process Ltd to develop an integrated design and programme, along with an effective risk management plan.

The scope of works included the development of a 3D utility model, coupled with using our engineering expertise and knowledge to then create a 3D optimised routing for the twin DN400 pipes, navigating the array of utilities and below ground assets.

Our team worked closely with CSW Process to produce a traffic management plan to minimise disruption and provided a suite of construction-ready drawings and information well ahead of construction milestone dates.

As part of the process, our team led the static stress analysis for the network design along with the detailed design of the leak detection system.

During the construction phase, we provided ongoing design support to navigate any challenges that emerged and ultimately enable delivery of the project to agreed timescales, costs and quality.

Throughout the project d3associates also maintained a live model, which allowed any changes or critical decisions to be enacted on live as-built data.

Finally, a member of our Senior Leadership team took on the role of Principal Designer, becoming an integral part of the design process, from a health & safety perspective, and overseeing any challenges or deviations on site that may attract further risk. The role also ensured the development and sign off of the Construction Phase Plan and crucially, enabled appropriate liaison with contractors and Principal Designers on other parts of the network, ensuring a holistic approach was adopted to demonstrate compliance with the CDM Regulations.