Murrayfield Curling Ltd Gets Energy Reducing Ice Upgrade After 40 Years in Operation

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Star Refrigeration appointed principal contractor to replace the ice floor at the Edinburgh curling rink.

A new level ice surface installed at a top curling rink by Star Refrigeration has reduced the energy consumption of the refrigeration plant by 9%. Home to 1600 members and 80 separate curling clubs, Murrayfield Curling Ltd is a staple for the winter sport in the Scottish capital, hosting a range of prestigious tournaments every year. After decades in operation, the curling rink required some TLC and Glasgow based Star Refrigeration was appointed the role of principal contractor for the renovation.

Due to overuse the ice rink floor had become uneven and inefficient, causing irregular formation and thickness of the ice. Star provided technical support and guidance for the floor replacement project, knowing that the thicker the ice, the harder the cooling plant has to work to freeze the ice surface. This in turn has an impact on the curling conditions and energy consumption, leading to increased running costs.

Star Refrigeration’s project manager in charge of the works from start to handover, Stuart Rankin, led an on-site team of up to 15 people in order to coordinate all subcontractors over the five-month period the project lasted. Mr Rankin said, “The new ice floor installed is first and foremost more level than the old one, creating more consistent conditions and improving its playability. This allows for a better curling experience, ensuring loyalty from existing customers and increasing the likelihood of attracting new ones.

“The solid foundations put in place also safeguard the floor’s longevity, reducing the need for future maintenance or renovations, both of which are further guaranteed by the incorporation of a warm heater mat which will prevent any frost heave from damaging the floor in the future.”

After removing and disposing of the existing inefficient ice rink floor, Star designed, manufactured and installed a glycol pump skid, fitted the composite floor and laid two layers of overlapping insulation. Additional to the onsite replacement, Star engineers were also responsible for the installation of a header system designed to supply the cold and warm glycol mats, as well as the heat recovery pump skid to feed the latter and all of the associated pipe work to connect the various components to one another.

The finished product is a significant improvement of the previous ice floor, both in terms of energy efficiency and practicality for playing. The consistent level of ice is thinner than previously allowed, delivering a level playing surface for curling at the desired temperature without requiring extra work from the refrigeration plant. In fact, the new plant has reduced the site’s energy consumption by 9% which is another huge benefit for the business.

Paul Stevenson, Director of Murrayfield Curling Ltd said, “We chose Star Refrigeration to carry out this project based upon their excellent reputation in the refrigeration and ice leisure community and we have been very pleased with their work.

“The old floor has been efficiently removed and disposed of and the new one put in place on time and within budget, meeting all our expectations and specifications. We’re looking forward to many years of playing on this top quality new surface, allowing us to attract a wider number of curling enthusiasts and raising the standard of the game here in Edinburgh.”

To find out more about Murrayfield Curling Ltd, visit https://www.edinburghcurling.co.uk/

To find out more about Star Refrigeration and its reputation for excellence in engineering within the ice and leisure industry, go to /market-sectors/leisure-and-ice.aspx

Murrayfield Curling Ltd Gets Energy Reducing Ice Upgrade After 40 Years in Operation

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