Merit

Loughborough University

New National Centre in Combustion and Aerothermal Technology (NCCAT).

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How our advanced systems served a number of test cells built to simulate aircraft engines.

Merit fabricated and installed process pipework and ductwork systems for the new National Centre in Combustion and Aerothermal Technology (NCCAT).

  • This new centre focuses on low emission aerospace combustion systems that will reduce the environmental impact of aircraft.
  • The pipe and ductwork systems will serve a number of test cells within the test cells within the various rigs that are built to simulate aircraft engines.
  • The new test cell building includes a compressed air system and plant that requires the delivery of compressed air.

In 2018, following a competitive tender, Merit was appointed by Loughborough University to install the process pipework and ductwork systems for the new National Centre in Combustion and Aerothermal Technology (NCCAT). The pipe and ductwork systems serve a number of test cells within the various rigs that are built to simulate aircraft engines.

The National Centre, which completed in 2019, puts Loughborough University at the heart of UK engineering and technology development. It focuses on low emission aerospace combustion systems that reduce the environmental impact of aircraft. The centre allows the aviation industry to work closely with academic researchers so that new technologies are translated from theory to practice as quickly and efficiently as possible. The Centre includes new laboratory and office space, which sits alongside the existing Unsteady Fluid Mechanics Laboratory – part of the Loughborough-based Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC) – on the Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park. The facilities are available to a range of users from a variety of industrial sectors.

The new test cell building includes a compressed air system and plant that requires the delivery of compressed air. Significant quantities of compressed air are required for each test cell. Compressed air is delivered from both new compressors, dryers and filters located in a dedicated plant room in the new building and from new pipework extended to connect the two other compressed air circuits in two other buildings.

Merit installed stainless steel distribution pipework to all test cells throughout the all-new compressed air systems. Part of the project also included installation, testing and commissioning of a process chilled water system.

A dry cooler water system to reject heat from the exhaust modules and the vacuum pump heat exchanger was also installed, tested and commissioned by Merit. Installation, testing and commissioning of the laser chilled water system also formed part of the project.