UPOD Underground Plant Room Pumping Station

The KGN Pillinger UPOD (Underground Plant Room) is a fully fitted, WRAS and KIWA-approved GRP underground plant room incorporating a packaged pressure booster set and integrated water storage tank.

Designed to maximise usable building space, the UPOD provides a complete potable water boosting solution without the need for a traditional above-ground plant room. Installed entirely below ground, such as beneath car parks, courtyards or site access roads, the UPOD offers a discreet, noise-free solution while often avoiding the need for planning permission.

Key Benefits

• Installed underground, eliminating the need for a dedicated plant room
• Maximises valuable floor space within the building
• Quiet operation with no noise transmission to occupied areas
• Frequently avoids the requirement for planning consent
• Fully packaged and factory-assembled for reliable performance
• Suitable for installation in restricted or space-limited developments

Design & Construction

The UPOD consists of a GRP underground chamber housing:

• One or two internal break tanks with Type A/B air gaps
• An AV or EV Pressure Booster Set
• Accumulator pressure vessel(s)
• Sump and electrode-activated sump pump
• Integrated electrical control panel with above-ground mimic panel

The base of the UPOD is constructed using GRP-encapsulated support runners, designed to be lowered onto a flat, continuous concrete foundation. Integrated wall stiffeners allow a dry lean-mix backfill to be poured around the unit for structural support. A concrete slab can then be cast directly onto the UPOD cover, or a precast slab installed.

Standard Sizes

• UPOD1100 to UPOD9600, referring to the actual litre capacity of the internal storage tanks
• Larger tanks and divided tank configurations available
• Divided tanks allow continued operation during tank cleaning or maintenance

Key Features

• 316L stainless steel pipework throughout
• Heater, internal lighting and power socket
• Electrode-activated sump pump
• WRAS approved (Certification No. 1209078)
• Two-year warranty (terms and conditions apply)
• Supply and extract ventilation fans for improved airflow
• Pipework fully lagged to reduce condensation
• Above-ground mimic panel for remote monitoring
• Mechanical pipe connections made externally in a designated termination area
• Solenoid valve on incoming mains water supply, closing automatically in emergency conditions
• Multiple pump configurations available to suit required flow and pressure
• Optional Slow Fill system to prevent pressure surge following power interruption
• Optional remote telemetry system for SMS or telephone fault alerts

Typical Applications

• Residential developments
• Apartment blocks
• Commercial buildings
• Mixed-use developments
• Sites with limited internal plant room space

Dimensions

• Length: variable, dependent on tank size
• Width: 2,850 mm
• Depth: 2,580 mm

Installation & Commissioning

The UPOD is supplied fully equipped and ready for installation. All systems are evaluated, designed and configured to meet project-specific requirements.

Commissioning is recommended to be carried out by a fully trained KGN Pillinger engineer, with ongoing servicing advised on a biannual basis.