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BILCO Floor Access Doors selected for bespoke through-floor access solution for Folkestone Junction Pumping Station - a single-storey structure at ground level with five subterranean levels and complex machinery housed on each floor.

Folkestone Pumping Station

As part of 'Operation Seaclean', Southern Water implemented plans to meet stringent EC directives for bathing water standards.

A decision was made to build a new treatment works close to the centre of the seaside town and close to the existing sea-outfall under the pier. This required the building of a structure, approximately the size of a football pitch and 35 metres deep, on a brownfield site in the middle of the town.

The new Folkestone Junction Pumping Station has a single-storey structure at ground level and five subterranean levels. Complex machinery and pumps are housed on each underground level. For regular routine servicing and maintenance, the machinery equipment is lifted to the surface through the BILCO Floor Access Doors. The Pumping Station handles an average dry weather flow of 29,000m³ of water every day from an area of which encompasses towns including Folkestone, Densole, Hawkinge and Sandgate.

Access to all underground levels of the Pumping Station is through a large pit cover in the centre of each level.

This is where BILCO was called upon to offer expert advice.

Working closely with the development’s project team, BILCO representatives exchanged ideas to provide a tailor-made solution to the unique access problems of such a deep structure.

BILCO was able to provide information and a quote for five 3mx3m double leaf Aluminium units for the central shaft and three single leaf Aluminium covers for the service yard to the rear of the Pumping Station.

BILCO installed five double leaf Type JD-AL and three Type J-AL Aluminium drainage doors. Ideal for most corrosive environments, they are constructed of a 1/4" (6mm) thick diamond pattern plate and feature anti-corrosion hardware, standard debris gaskets and a versatile anchoring system for ease of installation.

The double leaf covers were specified to withstand a live load of 3000 kg/m² and also meet Health and Safety guidelines. The size of the covers required spliced construction for assembly on site - something BILCO can easily provide.

Bilco Managing Director, James Fisher, said: “This project was highly demanding but, I believe, typical of what it takes to complete successful, large scale projects. To ensure projects succeed, we work closely with the client and other parties. We listen and act upon what our customers need – ensuring we are always well-placed to offer professional advice”.

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