The AX125 deaerator, dirt separator and hydraulic balancing unit has been installed in the boiler room in the adjacent Boston Lodge, which the centre is refurbishing with the help of volunteer tradesmen and donations from manufacturers.

CRCB offers support for people with visual impairments, hosting regular activities such as IT classes, craft and allotment clubs, tai chi, cooking and other social groups, along with providing daily living aids. The centre caters for between 150 to 170 people a week, it is entirely self-funded.

The Centre hopes that by bringing Boston Lodge back into use, including linking the two buildings, it can expand its facilities while also creating a valuable source of income by letting some rooms for residential and office use.

The AX125 delivers three functions in a single unit - active deaeration, dirt separation and optimum hydraulic balance – and will help to keep the Lodge’s newly-refurbished heating system running smoothly and efficiently.

Dave Goodyer, area sales manager for Spirotech, said: “We are really pleased to support the Centre. It offers a social lifeline to the people who access its services. Also, the fact that so many tradespeople and manufacturers have given their time and products for free says a lot about the caring nature of the industry we all work in.”

The SpiroCross was installed by Wayne Kirby, director of Coventry-based Kirby Plumbing and Heating, who has also replaced the system’s two boilers, pumps, expansion vessels and valves, together serving more than 30 radiators.

Mr Kirby said: “Before the SpiroCross was installed, there was no truly effective way of removing the air and dirt. The boilers were so old that some of their parts were obsolete. The system will work a lot sweeter now whereas before the old boilers and pumps were probably going flat out but without delivering optimum performance.”

As a low loss header, the SpiroCross provides hydraulic separation between the boilers and the heating circuit, regulating the pressure and flow rate.

Mr Kirby added: “A low loss header makes the whole system more efficient. With the boiler room on the top floor, this is where most of the air would be accumulating if it wasn’t properly addressed.”

Hugh Sorrill, the centre’s general manager, said: “Having a visual impairment can be isolating and doing everyday things such as using public transport can be difficult; just getting across the road can be hard. And with the population ageing the number of people affected is increasing all the time. The refurbishment will enable us to bring the building into use, to expand our services and provide more for more people with a visual impairment.

“On the ground floor we are looking to create a hub for visual services, not only ourselves but we are also encouraging other charities and services to set up their teams here. We literally could not afford to do the refurbishment if we were to pay for the work that is being done voluntarily. The donation by Spirotech, the work by Wayne and other trades, and other support from Coventry Plumbing and Heating Supplies - well, we cannot thank people enough. It will have a material positive impact on the future of the services we can offer.”