Project Overview
Verde Services was engaged to deliver essential infrastructure upgrades to the Materials Innovation Factory (MIF) at the University of Liverpool — a world-leading research facility focused on accelerating materials science innovation. The project centred around upgrading the process chilled water (PCW) systems and associated laboratory infrastructure to support the facility’s growing research capacity.
Client Details
The Materials Innovation Factory (MIF) at the University of Liverpool is a state-of-the-art research and innovation centre dedicated to accelerating the discovery and development of new materials. Opened in 2018 as a partnership between the University and Unilever, with additional government support, the facility provides around 12,000 m² of laboratories, robotics, automation, and computational resources. It is one of the world’s leading hubs for materials science automation and operates on an open-access model, making its advanced equipment and expertise available to both academic researchers and industry partners, including SMEs. By integrating computational modelling, AI, and high-throughput experimentation, MIF reduces the risks, costs, and timescales associated with R&D, while fostering collaborations across academia and industry. Its research spans areas such as sustainability, energy, healthcare, and advanced functional materials, with the broader mission of addressing global challenges and supporting innovation that translates more rapidly into real-world applications.
Scope of Work
As part of the Scope of Works, Verde Services delivered critical upgrades to the process chilled water infrastructure and lab areas of the facility. The installation was delivered within a live building with significant planning and access constraints, requiring detailed coordination with Integrals project management team to maintain continuity of operation for the university stakeholders.
Within the building, new Chilled Water pipework was installed within live lab areas, with break-ins to existing infrastructure being carried out, in co-ordination with planned down time within the summer. Existing plant and equipment within the building was replaced for new, larger capacity units, including a new Chiller and primary pump sets to facilitate the increased lab capacity. The existing chiller was decommissioned, removed from site via a crane lift and the new chiller installed, during a weekend shutdown period. The system was then commissioned and brought back online to ensure minimal downtime for the client.
Due to the complexity of the PCW system and the critical nature of the laboratory works, a full pre-commission cleaning regime was implemented, involving multiple visits and samples being taken. This involved close co-ordination with Integral, the University of Liverpool and Unilever. Following satisfactory samples being received, the system was certified as per BSRIA BG29 and commissioned as per design requirements. The system was also dosed with a Glycol mix to ensure protection of the system, for both frost protection and corrosion control.
Results
The successful delivery of the process chilled water infrastructure upgrades at the Materials Innovation Factory (MIF) significantly enhanced the facility’s operational capacity and resilience. Verde Services completed the works within a live and highly sensitive research environment, ensuring zero unplanned disruptions to ongoing laboratory activities. The replacement of the existing chiller and pump systems with higher-capacity units has enabled MIF to support expanded laboratory functions, future-proofing the facility for increased research demand.
