The National Gallery

Viega’s Megapress connection technology has been specified as the ideal solution for a section of pipe relocation work at The National Gallery in London. The industry-first press connection system for thick-walled steel tube, Megapress, ensured that the installation of steel pipework for the building’s heating and chilled water HVAC systems could take place without disruption to the gallery space which remained open throughout the project.

The work was necessary in preparation for a gallery extension which is due to take place in January 2019. Before the building work could take place, it was vital that all pipe routes were relocated, bypassing the location of the extension, so that the other gallery spaces could continue to remain open during the planned building work.

Colin Garbutt, Contracts Manager at Capri Mechanical Services Ltd. selected Viega’s Megapress due to the specific range of needs that the gallery space and its displays necessitated. Colin highlighted the difficult circumstances which involved taking the pipework up a riser and across the top of the gallery through a ventilation and services space.

“For this installation, speed, cleanliness and minimal noise were key requirements to make sure we did not disrupt the gallery space which remained open below us,” Colin commented. “Hot works were not an option in such an environment and it would have been incredibly difficult for us to get the machinery needed for a screw system into such a tight space. Megapress allowed us to carry out the work quickly, cleanly and efficiently - which was ideal.”

In total, more than 100 Megapress connections were installed including 2" connections for the chilled water system and 1¼" to 1½" connections for heating pipes.

“I had previously worked with press connection systems, but I had not tried Viega’s steel press connection before,” Colin continued. “To secure the specification it was necessary for us to gain the permission of the gallery management team, so I performed a demonstration with the help of Viega’s technical team. The staff were impressed with the system as steel press connections had not been used at the site previously and it fulfilled all the access and safety needs required by the job.”

Viega’s Megapress range includes over 300 different fittings and can be used on pipes up to 4" in diameter. The range also includes fittings certified for use on gas installations and all Megapress products feature Viega’s SC-Contur technology, which is designed to alert the installer to any fittings that may be inadvertently missed.