Project Overview
Nitor Ventilation was appointed by Paul Earl Limited to deliver ventilation improvement works at Eat Central, a busy food and seating area within the University of Sussex campus. The project required upgrades to both public seating ventilation and kitchen extract systems, while working around existing infrastructure and live university operations.
Following an initial enquiry and site visit, Nitor identified performance shortfalls in the existing ventilation system, particularly where installed equipment was not delivering the air volumes shown on the original schematic drawings. A structured, phased approach was proposed to validate, modify and commission the system in line with current operational needs.
The Challenge
- Existing air handling units were under-performing against their original design criteria
- All ductwork and insulation were exposed, requiring a high-quality finish
- Works needed to be carried out during normal working hours within an active university environment
- Kitchen ventilation required upgrading alongside the installation of a new fire suppression (Ansul) system
Nitor was required to improve airflow distribution and kitchen safety while clearly managing responsibility boundaries around legacy plant performance.
Our Solution
1. Pre-Validation & Surveys
- Site attendance during normal working hours
- Full validation of existing air and water services
- Detailed reporting to establish baseline performance
2. Seating Area Ventilation Works
- Modification of existing ductwork layouts to BI design drawings
- Installation of new ductwork, brackets and swirl diffusers
- Cladded insulation to match existing exposed services
- All ductwork installed to DW/144 specification
3. Kitchen Ventilation Works
- Modification of supply and extract ductwork to updated layouts
- Supply and installation of a new kitchen canopy with infills and splashbacks
- Installation to DW/172 specification
- Insulation finishes matched to existing exposed services
4. Fire Suppression (Ansul System)
- Design, supply and installation of an Ansul system serving the new canopy
- Interface panel supplied to link with the supply fan and cooking fuel systems
- System installation subject to design sign-off
5. Testing, Balancing & Commissioning
- Final balancing based on available air volumes
- Retesting and commissioning following completion of works
- Full completion report including photographic evidence
6. Phase 2 Works
- Installation of additional ductwork in areas affected by ceiling constraints
- Final commissioning following completion of second-phase works
Outcome
- Improved airflow distribution across seating and kitchen areas
- Safe, compliant kitchen extract and fire suppression solution
- High-quality exposed ductwork finish aligned with the building aesthetic
- Clear documentation and validation reporting provided on completion
The project was delivered with minimal disruption to university operations and with clear communication around system limitations inherited from the existing plant.
Key Services Delivered
✔ Ventilation validation & reporting
✔ Ductwork modification & installation
✔ Kitchen extract systems
✔ Ansul fire suppression systems
✔ Testing, balancing & commissioning
Our Mission
To deliver safe, efficient, and compliant ventilation solutions through engineering excellence and accountability. We exist to protect people, enhance building performance, and simplify compliance by combining technical skill, legal competence, and unwavering attention to detail.
Our Vision
To be the UK’s most trusted name in ventilation compliance and system performance — recognised for innovation, integrity, and a turnkey service that sets the standard for quality, safety, and sustainability across every sector we serve.
Our Goal
To lead the industry in compliance-led engineering, driving continuous improvement across testing, refurbishment, and installation. We aim to reduce risk, extend system lifecycles, and support our clients on their journey to safer, smarter, and more sustainable environments.
