anOrdain – Commercial Fit Out & Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) Installation

• Safely capture and remove heat and fumes from multiple kiln and hot works processes.
• Provide a compliant LEV solution aligned with COSHH Regulations and HSG258 guidance.
• Integrate LEV systems seamlessly into the new workshop layout.
• Ensure operational flexibility and energy efficiency through variable-speed controls.
• Deliver all ducting design, engineering, and commissioning as a turnkey package prior to site handover.

AES provided full mechanical and (where applicable) electrical installation of three systems:

1. Kiln Extract System for Small Enamelling Kilns (System 1)
2. IKON Ceramics Kiln Extract (System 2)
3. Custom Metal Brazing Hearth Extraction (System 3)

Whilst the installation of canopies, ducting and fans for hot works extraction can seem straight forward, our design, installation and fit out must suit the current aesthetic and route of existing infrastructure.

Equipment served:

• 3 × Paragon kilns
• 1 × Prometheus kiln

Solution:

• Four bespoke canopy hoods positioned above each kiln.
• Plastic strip curtains added to prevent airflow disruption.

Powered by an efficient extraction fan, controlled via a variable-frequency inverter for balanced system performance allowing exact system usage diversity.

Equipment served:

• Large IKON ceramics kiln used for watchmaking components.

Solution:

• One large canopy (900 × 1800 mm height) with strip curtains.
• Controlled by a dedicated extraction fan unit with variable speed control.

Enamelling and ceramic manufacture requires accurate temperature control, this kiln is a specialist piece of equipment with specific requirements and as such AES ensured that the LEV system servicing the area was controlled with the same precision, offering protection and no impact on production quality.

Process served:

• Brazing of metals, ceramics, and enamel for watch part fabrication.

Solution:

• Removal of the existing enclosure and installation of a bespoke fitted brazing enclosure with a rear slotted plenum hood.
• Integrated Ø250 mm spigot connecting to a header duct routed to the exhaust point.
• Powered by a dedicated extraction fan unit with variable speed control.

At AES we specialise in hood design, this custom brazing hood for manual hot works is a fantastic example of our capabilities. AES can offer a full design service for custom hoods, including the design, manufacture and assembly/installation to meet your requirements.

AES delivered a fully engineered LEV solution that considered many stakeholders and services including:

Design & Fabrication

• P602-qualified engineers designed all ducting layouts and system configurations within existing and upcoming infrastructure and services being installed within the facility.
• Custom canopy hoods were fabricated to fit the dimensions of each kiln and workspace, along with a custom fabricated and powder coated brazing hood/station for hot works.

Installation

• Full electrical and mechanical installation performed by AES engineers.
• Connection to pre-supplied electrical power within the building.
• Use of access equipment included for external LEV exhaust stacks.
• Final site survey conducted to validate fixing points and installation logistics, along with coordination of service requirements and final positioning of all equipment.

• Systems commissioned by P601-qualified AES LEV engineers.
• Commissioning reports and supporting docs delivered for client H&S files.
• Systems designed to facilitate future LEV testing — including 14‑month statutory testing under COSHH.

AES ensure all systems installed are commissioned and reports provided to our client electronically and/or physically for easy access to the compliance data.

• The kilns and brazing station required bespoke hood designs due to unconventional dimensions and thermal requirements, without disrupting production.
• Ensuring consistent airflow across systems of varying loads required variable-speed control solutions that can be easily operated by client staff.
• Maintaining process visibility and access while enclosing heat sources posed design constraints—solved using high‑quality strip curtains.
• Custom manufacturing of brazing station to fit the new workshop space

Ensuring external pipework stacks and fan units are protected from the elements, whilst being in-keeping with the general aesthetic of the building and surrounding neighbours. This project was in a popular and busy neighbourhood and needed careful consideration of the surroundings.

AES delivered a fully customised, efficient, and compliant LEV solution that supports anOrdain’s high‑precision watchmaking processes by:

• Ensuring operator safety through effective fume and heat extraction.
• Maintaining production quality by stabilising working conditions around heat‑intensive equipment.
• Meeting COSHH and HSG258 regulation standards for LEV systems.
• Providing a scalable setup that can be maintained, tested, and upgraded as anOrdain grows.

The installed systems now form a critical part of the company’s manufacturing infrastructure, enabling safe, reliable, and high‑quality production.