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Breaking new ground in energy efficiency, Airedale has launched OptiChill, a new range of large capacity, high efficiency, air-cooled screw chillers. OptiChill has a small footprint and offers a raft of options providing a high degree of flexibility to meet a diversity of applications.

Offering 500kW to 1100kW nominal cooling capacities across dual independent refrigeration circuits, OptiChill has been optimised for use with R134a refrigerant. A choice of 52 model permutations is available through the range. Thirteen model sizes each offer a High Efficiency and a High Efficiency Plus range and two low sound level variants in each range.

The very best components are selected for optimum operating efficiency and combine to give EER values of 3.0 at Eurovent conditions and ESEER values above 3.5.

Each of the two high efficiency, top-of-the-range compressors modulate to accurately meet cooling load and are complemented by economisers, electronic expansion valves and super-efficient heat exchangers to enhance system performance and efficiency.

The shell and tube evaporator is the best ever presented by Airedale and offers extremely high evaporating temperatures for a given supply water temperature. Condenser coils have larger surface areas to provide greater heat exchange. Cleverly-designed, sickle-bladed axial fans present a new blade design which gives increased performance at reduced input power and lower noise levels. Optional electronically-commutated fans reduce condenser fan input power and further increase running efficiencies at full and part load.

An inverter-controlled pump offers variable fluid flow, saving energy on pump input power and providing exact flow requirement. The pump can be controlled by an optional electronic metering system via the onboard AireTronix controller to maintain design flow over time.

An optional Chiller Sequence Manager recently launched by Airedale integrates up to eight chillers into a single operating system to provide best-fit, energy-efficient solutions, ensuring equal usage of compressors and allowing remote set point adjustment and alarm management. Energy Manager for power consumption analysis is also an option.

OptiChill meets all the criteria for inclusion on the Energy Technology List, enabling end-users to claim 100% first-year capital allowance. Applications include close control, process and comfort cooling particularly involving large, diverse cooling loads.

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The Mercedes-Benz World – part handling circuit, part museum, part showroom – was developed using Mapei products. This superior building with state-of-the-art construction technology, is the latest in a long line of global projects to add to the extensive portfolio of unique developments where Mapei’s systems have been applied. Mapei products were particularly suitable for this project due to the site conditions and deadlines, meaning only fast-track systems could be used.

Dyson-Briggs & Sons Ltd installed over 11,000m² of ceramic and porcelain, wall and floor tiles throughout this new building, supplied by Solus Ceramics of Birmingham. This new Daimler Chrysler UK owned development was contracted by Warings Contractors Ltd of Hampshire, with Mapei levelling compounds, adhesives, grouts and sealants supplied through Domus Tiles of Surrey, and Mapei screeding systems supplied and installed by PC Flooring of Hampshire.

The major East and West wings of the building were a large operation covering approximately 2000m² in total, including washrooms. The concrete substrate was first primed with Mapei’s MAPEPRIM SP 2-component solvent-free primer to improve the bonding of Mapei’s ULTRAPLAN MAXI onto the concrete floor. Ultraplan Maxi is an ultra-fast hardening, water-mixed, truly self-levelling compound for 1-10mm. ADESILEX P4 was then used to install Solus Porcelain Grey Matt 450x450mm tiles on all floor areas. Adesilex P4 is particularly suitable for these types of applications, as a high performance pourable thick bed adhesive that is rapid-setting – also known as Mapei’s famous ‘Drop & Go’ adhesive. All finishing was completed using Mapei’s ULTRACOLOR ® PLUS grout and MAPESIL AC silicone sealant in ‘Cement Grey’ and ‘Silver Grey’. Ultracolor ® Plus is the well-known fast-setting and drying, flexible, grout for 2-20mm available in a unique range of 26 colours. It has BioBlock ® anti-mould and DropEffect ® water resistant technologies, and was used throughout the building in all tiled areas as it is suitable for both wall and floor application. Mapesil AC silicone sealant is also resistant to mildew, and is available in 26 matching colours plus transparent.

In the East and West wing washroom areas MAPEGUM WPS was also used within this installation system as a fast drying flexible liquid membrane for waterproofing. Wall surfaces covering around 500m² in the washrooms were tiled using KERAFLEX single part flexible cementitious adhesive with no vertical slip and extended open time to fix the Solus Grey Porcelain 300x300mm polished finish tiles onto plasterboard, again incorporating Mapegum WPS as a waterproofer.

The 500m² Atrium was firstly screeded using TOPCEM normal setting and rapid drying shrinkage controlled special hydraulic binder. Topcem was ideally suited as ceramic and stone can be installed after 3 days – providing a fast-track system. ULTRAPLAN ECO was applied on top of this providing a fast hardening, water-mixed self levelling compound with very low TVOC content (Total Volatile Organic Compounds). Adesilex P4, Ultracolor ® Plus and Mapesil AC (Colour, Silver Grey) was again used for installing the Solus GE49 Riven Finish Ceramic Tiles in Cream, 450×225 mm.

The grand ‘Themefield’ area of the museum section was again completed using the same ceramic flooring installation system covering approximately 8000m², with Ultraplan ECO laid directly onto the sand:cement screed. Solus RD48 Ceramic Satin Finish in Grey, and NA46 Ceramic Polished Finish in Black (all 450x450x9) were bonded with Adesilex P4, and finished with grout and sealant in ‘Silver Grey’.

One of the largest and most intricate areas in the building is the Technology Centre. Different sections were laid using Mapei products. The general floor area was laid with Solus SCM 2020 AS Ceramic Matt Finish 200x200x12mm in Grey over 2000m² using KERAQUICK. Keraquick is an S1 rapid setting flexible adhesive suitable for all ceramics, mosaics and natural stones. Ultracolor ® Plus and Mapesil AC in both ‘Cement Grey’ and ‘Silver Grey’ were used throughout wall and floor tile finishing in this area after fixing with Keraquick. Solus SCM2020 Grey Profil Ceramic Tiles with slip-resistant finish were fitted on wet area floors, with Mapegum WPS used initially for waterproofing. Solus Demarcation Tiles SCM2000 and SCM2000B were used at approximately 100m² for specific demarcation floor areas. All walls in this area were again fitted with this same system, adding Mapegum WPS to toilet wall sections. Keraflex was used rather than Keraquick here, to ensure no vertical slip, to bond the Solus CPS103 and CPS101 Grey Satin Finish 200x200x6mm porcelain tiles. A 50m² section of Test Lane walls were tiled with the same system using Ultracolor ® Plus in ‘Silver Grey’.

Finally, general toilet area walls were fixed with Solus NA46 Grey Porcelain Polished tiles at 300x100x9 using the Keraflex system, with Solus Coved Skirting to match their SCH2020AS at 200x200x12.

Schlüter ®- DILEX-EKSN 140GS   movement joint profiles were also incorporated in wall areas throughout the project, to approximately 455lm. The movement joint profile is specially designed to protect tiles which are subjected to high mechanical stresses. The trapezoid-perforated anchoring legs are made of stainless steel, with a soft rubber movement zone. The profile's rubber insert is replaceable, in case of damage, and the stainless steel side sections provide effective edge protection for the tiled surface. Movement joints create a tile field which moves independently from those around it.

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In larger buildings such as taller residential premises – flats and apartment blocks, hotels, hospitals as well as offices and industrial buildings, the pressure provided by the water supplier is often not sufficient to boost the water for all potable water tap connections in the building especially where the pressure provided has been or will be reduced shortly by the water company to reduce leakage rates and help the water companies to achieve their leakage reduction targets.

Where this is the case, pressure boosting systems have to be installed, usually in the basement areas, to guarantee a sufficient and constant water pressure. These systems, designed as individual or multi-pump systems, react to the varying demands of the water supply from the building and adjust the pressure levels utilised to meet those needs on an on-going basis. To achieve this flexibility, the booster systems tend to be made up of several smaller pumps rather than a single larger booster pump. This provides the opportunity for the pumps to rotate in use, with additional capacity available for peak demand times such as early morning and late afternoon.

New generation pressure boosting systems come with automatic electronics with which the pumps can be operated in a very quiet and energy-saving way. Wilo offers one of the most advanced control systems with its ‘CC-Booster’ (‘Comfort Controller’) switchgear. The company is one of the leading suppliers of pumps and pump systems and supplies, and is supplying ‘ready for installation’ pressure boosting systems for potable water supplies across the UK.

The core of the ‘CC-Booster’ is a programmable memory control (SPS) developed by Wilo, which comfortably controls the fully automatic control and pressure boosting systems with up to six individual pumps as standard. The pressure of the water supply system is controlled load-dependent via signal transmitters. The ‘CC-Booster’ has input to a frequency converter, which in turn influences the speed of the base-load pump. As the flow rate demand required alters, the speed of the base load pump is regulated automatically, if the demand exceeds the ability of the base load pump, additional pumps will be sequentially cascaded (on and off) whilst the base load pumps speed regulates to ensure the required set pressure value remains constant. As an alternative, the ‘CC-Booster’ is also available without a frequency converter. In these systems, the pumps are switched on or off, load dependent, in cascade form.

The multifunctional touch-screen in the switch cabinet door, ensures the Wilo ‘Comfort Controller’ is very simple to operate. Pump and system status, as well as the current system pressure are permanently displayed on the screen. A user friendly navigation menu facilitates the operation and the setting of the set points. The backlight ensures the displays are clearly visible at all times, wherever they may be installed. The display has three options – green (normal operation), red (fault) or orange (fault signal acknowledged). The display has flexible graphics capabilities and can be provided with freely programmable symbols for each customer. Up to 15 European and Asian languages can be programmed into the navigation menu. Fault and alarm signals are displayed optionally via short message or can be displayed remotely.

The ‘CC-Booster’ is expandable with other optional modules for remote diagnosis and maintenance as well as being available with a modem, ISDN terminal, GSM modem or web server. The pressure boosting systems can be easily integrated into building management systems using bus systems like Profibus, Modbus, LON or CAN-Bus, as well as through other data protocols like the Ethernet HTML or TCP/IP. This is because the technology of the ‘intelligent building’ can control and monitor functional areas in more and more buildings and, as well as standard modern technology, it can also access control and fire protection systems. Vitally, as well as the increased user convenience this offers, this also considerably reduces operating costs.

Also feasible if required are tailor-made adjustments of the ‘CC-Booster’ to meet the demands of building management systems through the integration of modules for remote set point adjustment, remote signal of the pump status as well as extensive diagnosis functions. All components utilised in the system correspond to international industry standards, to meet the need for world-wide compatibility.

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Coltman Precast Concrete, one of Britain's largest independent suppliers of precast concrete products to the construction industry, has streamlined its sales force to provide customers with an even more effective service back-up.

Mark Proctor, Area Sales Manager for the South of England and South Wales for the past three years, now also covers the South Midlands.

Paul Kendall, was an estimator at Coltman for six years, prior to being appointed Area Sales Manager for the West Midlands and West Wales; following the retirement of Bob Hodgetts.

Perrin Stow joins the company as Area Sales Manager for the North of England and the East Midlands. He was formerly sales manager at a company specialising in precast concrete flooring.

Said Coltman's Sales and Marketing Manager, Robin Horton: “Growing sales, coupled with the retirement of Bob Hodgetts, have prompted us to further strengthen our sales team and reorganise their former territories in order to offer enhanced customer service.”

“All three Area Sales Managers have extensive experience of the construction industry. They work closely with customers from the design stage through to the installation of prestressed flooring and roofing, stairs and staircases and stadium terracing, to ensure that their projects run smoothly and efficiently.”

Coltman produces in excess of 114,250 tonnes of precast concrete each year, consisting of 250,000 square metres of prestressed hollowcore flooring and 4,000 cubic metres of bespoke precast concrete products.

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Leading flexible plumbing and underfloor heating company Uponor Housing Solutions (www.uponorhousingsolutions.co.uk) is pleased to announce the introduction of the RA Manifold range; a unique system that allows thermostatic control of radiators without the need for TRVs. With comfort and controllability in mind, Uponor have designed a range of manifolds that allow control of individual radiators via wall mounted thermostats.

The New Uponor RA Manifold range allows sophisticated controls to be incorporated into a radiator heating system by using thermal actuators mounted on the distribution manifold, similar to underfloor heating. There are a range of benefits associated with manifold plumbing in this way; efficiency being the most relevant in today’s marketplace. The system uses the information returned to the actuators by the strategically placed thermostats; which only open the actuators when the heat is needed, keeping heat fluctuations to a minimum and improving comfort levels. The RA manifold allows each radiator to be manually adjusted or isolated off at source; giving the flexibility to heat selected areas easily. The manifold is designed for radiator systems and can take water temperatures of up to 95degrees; but uniquely this also means that the system can be run in conjunction with Uponor’s UFH, all controlled by Uponor’s New Control System – Radio, alongside UFH.

Increasingly customers are using underfloor heating (UFH) on the ground floor of properties and radiators on the first floor. By using Uponor’s latest control offering it is now possible to view and ‘set’ the radiator and UFH system parameters from the one central point – isolating each individual room/zone; reducing the temperature in times of inactivity or during the evening. It is also possible to use the same radio frequency thermostats for the radiator system and UFH, utilising a choice of three different types of thermostat to suit a range of customer tastes.

Manifold plumbing for a long time has been used by plumbers to isolate runs of pipe utilising a flow and a return at each end of the run. The UK market has always seemed to take its lead form its European counterparts, where manifold plumbing has been the standard practice for many years. Manifold plumbing uses fewer fittings, and therefore reduces the chance of any leaks, and also gives a more balanced flow rate than a standard system. All the first fix equipment is located in a cupboard allowing for all the different loops to be identified, regulated and isolated, keeping them locked away from inexperienced hands.

Uponor feel it is extremely important to be able to provide not just UFH but to ensure a clients radiator needs are also met. It is a common misconception that you either have radiators or UFH – why not have both? When it is cost or practical issues Uponor allows the client to have both heating techniques working in harmony to create the best living environment possible with energy efficiency in mind. Problem arises when cold tap pipework is run through a floor fitted with UFH. Uponor expertise ensures the pipework is mapped out perfectly to give the best performance and uphold all health and safety aspect of running both UFH and manifold plumbing together.

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Uponor Housing Solutions has further added to its market leading credentials by putting together an impressive show at the 2007 Interbuild Show, this October at the Birmingham NEC. Uponor, the innovative heating and plumbing provider, constructed a purpose built, 60m2 stand complete with new products including the new colour coded press fitting system, and the new controls system. The controls in particular are the result of a pioneering development program to increase the response and connectivity using a new signalling system called KNX.

On the stand visitors can witness live demonstrations, as well as experience first hand the ease of plastic flexible plumbing. The Uponor product board areas will showcase Uponor's advanced underfloor heating (UFH) and multi-layer composite (MLC) pipe technology. New to the product range is the RA manifold range exploiting new technology to control radiators in a similar manor to UFH. Demonstrations are on going throughout the day to show how easily Uponor's MLC pipe systems are to install and manipulate into all situations.

The 2007 stand aims to extremely user friendly with seating provided for installers and specifiers alike to discuss the technical aspects of flexible plumbing and underfloor heating. Other facilities include; a full sales and business development team on hand to guide you through any project; from the system design to the installation.

Up to date literature will be available from the reception point including a number of technical brochures and installation guides which give in-depth information into flexible plumbing’s use with modern methods of construction.

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No matter how much you think you know about finishing wooden floors, BonaKemi claims it can teach you more! The company runs a variety of courses covering sanding, finishing and other skills associated with the installation and renovation of wooden floors and the delegate profile is surprisingly mixed.

“Around 50% of delegates attending our training courses are contractors who have been working in the industry for many years” says Alec Stacey, BonaKemi’s Technical Manager. “With new types of products and techniques being introduced all the time, they tell us it’s important for them to keep up to speed with these new developments if they are to remain competitive.”

BonaKemi believes that no matter how long a contractor has been working in the industry, it’s particularly important to learn about new innovative products. For example, delegates attending the company’s current “Success with Wooden Floors” course learn about the new reactive adhesives which allow you to stick wooden floors down on certain types of subfloor which are incompatible with the more traditional solvent based adhesives; new and highly effective dust containment systems which really add value to an art gallery, museum or health care contract; and how floors can now be oiled and stained in just one day using new low solvent staining systems.

“Our delegates come from all types and sizes of company and so we might find we’re training a mix of self employed individuals alongside a whole team of fitters from a larger company” continues Alec, “Our distributors often send their sales staff too as they feel it’s important for them to fully understand the benefits of the products they are selling and how they should be used.”

From a technical point of view BonaKemi’s course explains how to use lacquers effectively and the problems which are caused, for example, by under-application. The specification process is also covered in detail to ensure contractors will always apply a sufficient number of coats of the most appropriate finish for each individual floor they install or renovate. Using the “We always apply two coats of lacquer” approach will lead to serious problems if the floor is fitted in the entrance hall of a busy commercial building! The course also looks at the importance of preventative maintenance such as fitting adequate matting and the specification of an on-going maintenance and cleaning regime.

There is a full programme of courses for contractors running at BonaKemi’s Centre of Excellence in Milton Keynes throughout 2007. Give the Technical Department a call to find out more about dates and individual course content.

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Projects involving listed buildings or being carried out in conservation areas invariably dictate the use of cast-iron rainwater systems to maintain architectural integrity and building aesthetics.

The Classical range from Saint-Gobain Pipelines encompasses eight gutter profiles which makes it suitable for a wide range of architectural periods and styles whilst combining significant benefits to the installer in terms of speed and ease of installation.

A factor frequently encountered in conversion or restoration projects is the need to cope with increased flow rates from steep pitched roofs. Saint-Gobain’s Classical Express range features a true half-round gutter profile which can deal with significantly higher flow rates than traditional half-round gutters.

The following is a summary of some recent projects where Saint-Gobain Classical rainwater systems have been specified in restoration and conversion projects.

The Gunnerys, Tarporley, Cheshire

The Gunnerys is a mixed use project involving restoration, refurbishment and one new-build element taking place in a conservation area. It involves an old bakery being converted into office units, a delicatessen dating back to 1820, cottages, a mill house and granary in a mix of sandstone and reclaimed brick. With the conservation area location dictating the use of cast-iron systems, Cheshire-based developer Matrec Ltd selected the Classical range from Saint-Gobain as offering the most cost-effective solution. The specification called for a mix or 4in and 6in gutters and downpipes.

Springfield Mill, Sandiacre, Derbyshire

A Grade II listed building, Springfield Mill is being converted into apartments by contractor Jessops. Guttering specialists Roweaver selected Saint-Gobain’s Classical Plus range for its advantages of speed on site: Classical Plus has a factory-applied finished coating and features the Classical system’s unique jointing clip for fast installation. To ensure a good fit of guttering to the building’s turrets, Roweaver produced accurate templates to enable Saint-Gobain to produce special tailor-made radius gutters.

Spelbrook Barn, Bishops Stortford, Cambridgeshire

Carried out by CDW construction, this project involves the conversion of an ancient barn and stable blocks into a private dwelling. Because of the historic significance of the buildings, all work on the project has to be carried out under the supervision of a local conservation officer, who specified the use of cast-iron rainwater systems.

With large areas of steep pitched roofing, volume of drainage was a factor that also needed to be taken into account on this project. The Classical Express Plus 125mm gutter with 75mm downpipe specified is capable of dealing with flow rates of 1.5L per minute and the factory-applied paint finish reduced the total installation time.

Old Woodlands House, Brightwell-cum-Sotwell, Oxfordshire

Although not a listed building, Old Woodlands House is a traditionally-built property in an Oxfordshire village setting which required replacement of the original cast-iron gutters and down pipes. The specific requirement was for a deep ogee which was met by the Classical Type 46 profile. In this instance, the customer also wanted the advantages of the Classical Plus pre-painted option which was produced by Saint-Gobain as a special order.

Pulford Barns, Chester

This 16-barn conversion project was carried out by specialist developer Delamore Developments of Chester, a company that routinely specifies cast-iron rainwater systems on projects of this type. Classical Express was specified for its 125mm true half-round gutter with increased flow rates to cope with rainwater discharge from the barns’ extensive pitched roofs.

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A new brochure covering the Isola Platon ‘Plaza’ range of cavity drain membranes for horizontal external constructions is now available via Triton Chemicals. As the exclusive UK distributors of Norwegian manufactured Isola Platon membranes, Triton can give advice on and supply cavity drain membranes for a variety of applications.

The new Plaza brochure focuses on membranes specially developed for horizontal waterproofing and drainage applications such as tiled terraces, balconies, walkways and ballasted roofs, flat green or living roofs, artificial turf and landscaped green roofs and car parks.

All products within the Plaza range are manufactured from high quality virgin materials, are completely damp proof and resistant to all chemicals normally used in construction.

Products within the Plaza range include Platon DE25, widely used throughout Europe and Scandinavia to create a drainage and water storage layer above the waterproofing layer in green roof systems. DE25 is easy to install, delivers an efficient means of drainage in wet weather and keeps plants green and healthy during dry spells.

Triton also manufactures a wide range of damp proofing and timber preservation products, please call 020 8310 3929 or visit www.triton-chemicals.com for more information and to request copies of Plaza and other product literature.

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Hydropath will be displaying its range of patented water conditioning products at PHEX 2007 this November on Stand 19 in Chelsea. Taking centre stage will be the Hydroflow HS38 that provides a simple and cost effective solution to preventing limescale without the use of chemicals.

The HS38 patented water conditioning system is unique as it removes limescale by transmitting randomly varying electric fields into the water and the entire plumbing system. The result is the production of nuclei everywhere in the water system. This causes limescale to form in suspension, which is then washed away with the flow. The treated water is normally able to dissolve existing scale in a few months.

The HS38 is suitable for use in most domestic and small commercial applications including combination boilers, condensing boilers, open vented systems and instant water heaters. The unit is simple to install, simply clipped onto the exterior of the pipe without the need for plumbing or incision. The HS38 also benefits from low running costs of only 90 pence a year, does not require any ongoing maintenance, has a 1 year ‘fit for purpose’ warranty and 3 year guarantee.

Two power supply options are available for the HS38; including a built-in supply, which needs to be wired in, or a plug-in style transformer that uses a mains power supply. Hydropath technology is recommended by British Gas and installed as an OEM by leading boiler manufacturers. It can be purchased from independent plumbing merchants and larger retailers such as Travis Perkins and Plumbing Trade Supplies (PTS) and online from Plumbworld.

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