School in Reading

When a school in Reading required a complete plant room renovation, Alpha Heat Mechanical Ltd was contracted to lead the project. Known for their strong reputation in the mechanical sector, Alpha Heat was tasked with delivering a robust and modern water system that would meet the long-term demands of a busy educational facility. To achieve this, the team selected Isotubi’s 316L stainless steel press-fit system, a solution that combines performance, ease of installation, and lasting durability.

Isotubi’s tube and press fittings were supplied by Smith Brothers (SBS) through their Heathrow branch, offering seamless logistics and dependable product availability.

Project Goals

Alpha Heat Mechanical Ltd was responsible for designing and installing a mechanical system that would:

• Improve plant room efficiency
• Ensure reliable water distribution throughout the school
• Minimise future maintenance with durable, high-quality materials
• Deliver a clean, professional finish aligned with modern compliance standards

The Solution: Stainless Steel Press-Fit System by Isotubi

To meet these goals, Alpha Heat Mechanical Ltd chose the Isotubi stainless steel press-fit system as the primary solution.

With over 50 years of manufacturing expertise, Isotubi is a global leader in stainless steel pipe and fitting production. All products are manufactured under ISO 9001-certified conditions and approved by WRAS and BSi, fully complying with EN10217-7 and EN10312 standards, making them ideally suited for high-demand installations in sectors like education.

The system installed featured:

• Press fittings ranging from 15mm to 108mm
• Black EPDM O-rings, ideal for hot water, heating, and oil-free compressed air, with a temperature range of –20ºC to +110ºC and a maximum pressure rating of 16 Bar

Alternative O-ring types, such as FKM (green/red) and HNBR (yellow) are also available for specialised applications, but EPDM was the optimal choice for this water system installation.

CORE products also pivotal

CORE valves and controls played a key role in supporting the project’s overall performance by delivering reliable operation and enhanced system efficiency across a range of operating conditions. Featuring robust, precision-engineered pressure gauges and thermometers, CORE’s product range meets industry compliance standards while providing accurate system monitoring. Designed for commercial and industrial applications, these controls helped ensure consistent, high-level performance throughout the installation.

Seamless Supply & On-Site Training

Exclusively available from Smith Brothers in the UK, Isotubi products were supplied with unmatched convenience via the Heathrow branch’s next-day delivery and same-day collection service. This ensured Alpha Heat Mechanical had prompt access to all required components, helping prevent delays and maintain momentum on site.

To further support the project, a Smith Brothers Regional Product Specialist provided comprehensive on-site training on system jointing. This hands-on guidance ensured proper installation, focusing on:

• Best practices
• System safety
• Workmanship quality
• Long-term reliability

Following the training, engineers received a certificate and ID card verifying their qualifications to work with the system. These credentials could then be displayed on-site. Additionally, the training was necessary to unlock a 25-year warranty, reinforcing the long-term value and durability of the Isotubi system.

The Result

Alpha Heat Mechanical Ltd delivered a highly professional mechanical installation as part of this school retrofit project. The key outcomes included:

• Clean, well-executed pipework using durable stainless steel
• Long-term reliability backed by an extended manufacturer warranty
• Improved system efficiency using precision-engineered components
• Rapid, disruption-free installation thanks to local stock and training
• Increased client confidence through certified installers and product assurance

Conclusion

This project stands as a strong example of Alpha Heat Mechanical Ltd’s capability and professionalism. Their attention to detail, commitment to quality, and collaboration with SBS Heathrow enabled the successful delivery of a futureproofed system, powered by the high-performance reliability of Isotubi.