Dry Riser
Enquiry
Portsmouth City Council were looking for a local company to design and produce GRP Dry Riser Covers for two blocks of flats they were responsible for. Vandalism to the flats Dry Riser Valves hindered the fire services tackling a recent fire, which resulted in costly refurbishment to some of the flats.
Design Brief
To produce a robust cover which encompassed and protects the valve and fire hose outlet from vandalism which was lockable with a padlock, but also easily removed once unlocked by the fire services.
Process
A site survey was carried out to take measurements and determine the best solution for the design brief.
A 3D model of the Dry Riser was drawn up in CAD and a basic cover designed around this. This was sent to the customer for approval. Once approved the final design was drafted in 3D CAD hinged and analysed to ensure the cover was removable within the constraints of the Dry Risers location.
As there was a degree of variance between measurements of each Dry Riser (some had been updated with different valves and taps) a polystyrene inner model was CNC machined to insure the GRP Cover would fit all varients.
Once the polystyrene model had proved the design, the 3D Model data was sent to the CAM software to produce the cutter paths that the CNC Router required for machining of the pattern.
A suitable Model Board was set up on the CNC machine which produced the Dry Riser Pattern.
This Model Board Pattern was then painted with a polyester prime coat, rubbed down and polished to produce a smooth gloss finish ready to manufacture the mould. The GRP Mould was then produced using high quality tooling gelcoat and zero shrink tooling resin.
Two mouldings were produced to make the cover set and fitted out with lift off hinges and a pad lockable latch, these were then delivered and assembled at site.
"Unable to find a suitable product for this application, I approached Henleycraft to produce a bespoke solution. From initial consultation, to design and final fitting of the Dry Riser covers, they were excellent and this project has helped us meet legislative challenges whilst combatting vandalism."
Ian Slade - Property and Construction (Health and Safety) Manager
Portsmouth City Council