ACO TECHNOLOGIES PLC - BUILDING DRAINAGE
ACO BUSINESS CENTRE
CAXTON ROAD
BEDFORD
BEDFORDSHIRE MK41 0LF
Tel: 01462 810400
Fax: abdmarketing@aco.co.uk
Suppliers of: Internal and external drainage solutions, stainless steel floor drains, stainless steel gullies and channels, rainwater outlets, shower floor drains, bathroom and wet room floor drains, internal linear drainage channels, access covers, grease separators
ACO Building Drainage specialises in the development of corrosion resistant drainage systems and building products for applications across the internal and external built environments. Conceived to eliminate design risk, to optimise installation and to minimise lifetime ownership cost, every product in the range delivers exceptional levels of performance, finish and durability.
The technical expertise, global resources and fabrication capacity within the ACO Building Drainage division make it possible for architects, engineers and contractors to realise the highest quality and value when selecting from our standard products, or, when using our bespoke design service.
Indeed, whether you’re involved in designing or building a new project or upgrading an existing building, every aspect of the system must be carefully planned to meet the correct drainage requirements simply, quickly and within budget. Just call us for advice and help on the right system for your next project!
ACO BIM Files: This link will take you to the ACO BIM Library on the ACO website
Useful Resources:
- Social Media: View ACO Building Drainage on Twitter / LinkedIn
- Video: Access ACO Product Videos on YouTube
ACO Building Drainage’s extensive portfolio includes:
Wetroom & Shower Drainage Solutions
An extensive range of Wetroom products and shower drainage solutions.
Choice of ranges for different applications: Fixed Height and Telescopic gully systems, EG150 Eurogully range, Rodding Eyes, Micro Floor Gullies and Bespoke gullies.
Standard Stainless Steel and Galvanised Steel Channels
Includes the Modular 125 stainless steel channel system and the Deckline 125 galvanized steel shallow invert drainage system.
ACO Pipe® Stainless Steel Pipework Systems
ACO PIPE® presents a wide range of socketed waste pipework systems in thin-wall stainless steel for above and below ground drainage applications.
ACO HygieneFirst drainage systems fulfil the stringent hygienic requirements to minimise harmful bacteria and pathogen contamination of food arising from drainage elements by applying relevant hygiene design principles reserved for food contract surfaces
Products include FreeDeck - Level Access Flat Roofs and Terraces Drainage Systems & Watertight Rainwater Outlets.
Our engineers and designers can advise you on the right system to suit your project.
The range includes mobile grease separators, gravity grease separators, grease recovery units and grease traps. Visit our website to use our grease selector to find the right unit for your needs.
Products include the Uniface or UniTop range of aluminium or steel access covers.
Our ACO RoofBloxx rainwater attenuation system is designed specifically as a green roof drainage layer for use on blue, green and blue/green roof construction applications. Please contact us to discuss project requirements and for support with hydraulic calculations.
Anti-flood backflow valve systems, designed to prevent flooding resulting from sewer backflows. With models suitable for grey or black water applications, all systems are designed for reliable operation and long life.
Further technical information is available in the BPi download library or on the ACO Building Drainage website.
ACO Builing Drainage - All About Access Covers
When delivering projects involving access covers in commercial or education facilities, it is vital that construction professionals partner with manufacturers known for quality, innovation and outstanding design. Here, Kevin Bohea, Managing Director at ACO Building Drainage, explores how architects and contractors can deliver the best access cover for the job.
One important part of any successful project is ensuring quality work is matched with quality solutions. By choosing a manufacturer who has built a world-wide reputation for high-quality products that deliver choice, function and style, it can be the key factor in leaving customers and end-users happy.
In facilities, where areas may be high-traffic and all building components need to be robust and durable, access covers from ACO Building Drainage are regularly installed. We understand that access covers must meet high standards, including being easy to work with for the professionals installing them. They must also be designed with aesthetics in mind and available in a range of finishes. For projects where short turnaround times are a factor, having a portfolio of standard aluminium covers available with three-day delivery means that construction professionals and flooring contractors can provide the right cover, whatever the setting.
Making the grade
Typical applications for access covers in commercial and educational buildings are in corridors and communal areas, where they’ll be subjected to heavy footfall and light traffic from trolleys. In some cases, it may be necessary to account for heavier vehicular traffic too. Available in a choice of materials such as aluminium, hot dipped galvanised steel and stainless-steel grade 304 as standard, ACO access covers complement a variety of hard and flexible floor finishes including concrete, epoxy, terrazzo, carpet, vinyl, stone or ceramic tiles.
With a comprehensive range of standard clear opening sizes from 200mm to 1200mm, ACO floor access covers can be supplied either as single units or for ducting and multi-span applications. Manual lift or gas spring assisted versions are also available to suit the intended method of opening, frequency and ease of operation.
Manufactured using recycled materials, ACO UniFace™ and ACO UniTop™ floor access covers can be 100% recycled at their end of life, contributing to a sustainable environment and eco-friendly building practices. All of ACO’s access covers are tested to the Fabricated Access Cover Trade Association (FACTA) specification and use FACTA classifications for ease of selection and specification.
Delivering quality projects
Planners, architects and end-clients are often looking for reliable partners with answers to very specific problems. Here, ACO Building Drainage’s team of experts can help with the design and specification of bespoke access covers.
Bespoke access covers, that can be sized as needed, are available from ACO in single or multi cover options for both manual and assisted opening designs. These can be manufactured in either aluminium, hot dipped galvanised steel or stainless-steel grade 304 and 316 materials and are also designed to different load classes for pedestrian areas and for heavy traffic areas. Bespoke aluminium covers are often available in fewer than ten working days, helping projects run smoothly and on schedule.
A successful installation is one that meets the project requirements and satisfies the customer’s needs. Education projects can often involve many moving parts and tight deadlines. With ACO’s portfolio of access covers combined with speed of delivery and technical expertise, contractors can be confident that they can deliver quality work, whatever the project.
View our extensive range of standard access covers, including both recessed and solid covers, and bespoke access covers at ACO.co.uk.
ACO Building Drainage - How to Specify Drainage for a Food and Drink Factory
How to Specify Drainage for a Food and Drink Factory
Proper drainage is a critical component in food and beverage manufacturing facilities. Poor drainage can lead to flooding, hygiene risks, and operational hazards and inefficiencies. To ensure safety and compliance, drainage systems should be designed with an effective layout, a reliable floor-drainage connection, and optimal cleaning performance.
1. Effective Layout and Sufficient Capacity
An effective drainage system starts with a well-planned layout that accommodates the factory’s workflow and water usage. Inappropriate drainage with low retention capacity and flow rates can lead to flooding, posing serious health and safety risks to workers. Additionally, inadequate drainage increases the risk of cross-contamination between production areas.
To prevent these issues, the drainage system should be designed with:
Sufficient capacity to handle peak water discharge
Properly graded floors to direct water flow efficiently
Placement of drains in high-use and wash-down areas to prevent water accumulation
The correct flow between high and low risk areas.
2. Reliable Floor-Drainage Connection
A seamless and secure connection between the floor and drainage system is essential to maintain hygiene and structural integrity. Poorly installed or damaged connections can lead to water pooling, bacterial growth, and potential breaches in food safety protocols.
Key considerations for a reliable floor-drainage connection include:
Use of stainless-steel drains that resist corrosion and bacterial buildup
Proper sealing and integration with the surrounding floor to prevent leaks
Compliance with food safety regulations, such as HACCP and EHEDG guidelines
3. Cleaning Performance
Food and beverage factories require high cleaning standards, making drainage cleanliness a priority. A well-designed drainage system should facilitate easy and effective cleaning to minimize contamination risks.
To enhance cleaning performance:
Use hygienically designed drains with smooth surfaces to prevent residue buildup
Install removable grates and baskets for easy debris removal
Incorporate CIP (Clean-In-Place) systems where necessary to ensure thorough cleaning without manual intervention
Conclusion
Specifying an appropriate drainage system in a food and drink factory is essential for maintaining hygiene, safety, and efficiency. By ensuring an effective layout with sufficient capacity, a secure floor-drainage connection, and superior cleaning performance, manufacturers can create a safer and more compliant production environment. Investing in the right drainage system not only prevents operational disruptions but also supports long-term food safety and regulatory compliance.
