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Four pipe fan coil units, manufactured by Ability Projects Ltd, Wimborne, Dorset, are being installed by contactors, Mercury Engineering, Dublin, in the new Terminal 2, which forms a significant part of the Dublin Airport expansion project. Due for expansion later this year, the complex comprises an ultra modern 3 storey, 75,000m2 terminal building. Designed with passengers in mind, the new terminal will feature a large and airy check in, baggage reclaim, security, departures and arrivals lounges, connected by a link bridge to the existing terminal 1 building.

Ability Projects are supplying almost 300 mixed Evolution horizontal Trojan and vertical Neptune fan coil units with capacities between 0.7 and 6.5kW (cooling) and 0.5 to 5.0kW (heating) at 50 and 10 Pascals resistance respectively. Operating noise level is set at NR35.

The vertical Neptune units are encased in white Plastisol enclosures with white grilles – the Trojan units are chassis type for installation in false ceilings. All units are being supplied complete with ‘free issue’ Cyclon controls, dc speed controllers and 24V transformers, all fitted by Ability, along with special coils and 28mm drain connections.

Evolution fan coil units utilise the latest ebm-papst EC (electronically commutated) infinitely variable speed, high efficiency DC motor technology and represent a major step forward in fan coil unit technology, which brings a number of significant customer advantages in terms of both energy efficiency and controllability. At a typical fan coil duty point, the Ability EC configuration can reduce electrical input by 50-75% and a typical 2 fan unit will draw 60 Watts when powered by EC motors as against 210 Watts in AC format.

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ABB’s new transformer remanufacturing service offers a new lease of life for ageing or faulty power transformers

ABB’s new transformer remanufacturing service enables ageing or faulty power transformers to be completely rebuilt and returned to as-new condition, or even upgraded to a higher specification. A remanufactured transformer provides the same performance as a new transformer at a much lower cost. However, the main advantage is ABB’s fast turnaround that can have a customer’s transformer back in operation in around one-third of the normal delivery time for a new unit.

The UK transformer remanufacturing service has been developed by Mark Turner, operations and quality manager for ABB’s worldwide network of transformer service centres, who said: “The re-manufacturing service is targeted at medium and large power transformers from any manufacturer, not just ABB. The comprehensive service includes on-site assessment of the transformer’s condition, and arranging for it to be collected and delivered to our factory in Drammen, Norway. At the factory the transformer is stripped down to its component parts and rebuilt with the same care and attention to detail as our new transformers. We then return the unit to site and install and commission it.

“The cost of remanufacturing a transformer will vary from case to case. But typically, we would expect to have it back in service at around 60 to 70 per cent of the cost of a new unit. However, it is delivery, rather than cost, that will be crucial for many customers, especially as the current growth in demand world-wide for HV equipment is resulting in ever increasing delivery lead-times. We can have a remanufactured large power transformer back in service in around six months. That’s one third of the 18-month delivery schedules now being quoted for new large power transformers.”

BETTER THAN NEW

The flexibility of ABB’s transformer remanufacturing service enables customers to opt for an upgrade to ‘better than new’ specification. This could be as simple as a change in voltage rating or could extend to taking advantage of ABB’s state-of-theart computerised design tools to have the transformer completely redesigned to a higher power rating. Other upgrade possibilities include enhanced cooling or rewinding the coils with Nomex® high-temperature insulation material that boosts power, as well as offering significant improvements in lifetime and reliability.

The remanufacturing service will be particularly attractive for the UK’s vast installed base of power transformers, many of which were installed in the 1960s and are now near the end of their useful working life. However, the service is also ideal for newer transformers that may have developed a fault or have been damaged by a network event. Whatever the age of the unit, once it has been remanufactured by ABB, the reborn transformer will be able to look forward to another full working life of between 25 to 50 years.

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Bona Traffic, the toughest Bona lacquer for wooden floors, was specified to recoat the original oak ‘endgrain floor’ which runs throughout the foyer level at London’s iconic Barbican Centre.

The work was carried out by Ilford based contractors, CV Leech Ltd., over a period of six weeks, with the team often working during the night to avoid foot traffic, and to ensure each section was completed on schedule.

Gary Goodman, Building Surveyor at the Barbican, specified Bona Traffic Silkmatt for the surface as he was aware that Bona lacquers had been used successfully to coat the floor when it was originally installed and for subsequent recoatings since.

Bona’s technical team advised Traffic was the most appropriate lacquer in view of the very high levels of foot traffic. Traffic is a VOC 2010 compliant, 100% polyurethane lacquer available in Silkmatt and ‘IP’ versions. IP should be chosen when a totally matt finish is required. Both versions require a very simple level of maintenance.

Following sanding to a smooth 120 grit finish, one coat of Bona Prime was applied before four coats of Bona Traffic. This is a typical specification for refinishing a wooden floor in such a busy public area.

Before sanding and refinishing the floor, the surface had become dark and the lacquer film was very worn in places. Since completion of the work, the original ‘bright’ appearance of this large and very unusual wooden floor has been restored.

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The new £8m School of Computing and Informatics at Nottingham Trent University’s Clifton campus, is a four-storey building designed to provide the ultimate in practical, flexible working space. The layout includes a choice of general purpose teaching rooms, tutorial rooms, meeting rooms and social areas. The building also houses multimedia editing suites and specialist networked computer labs.

Adhering to a very high specification, the contemporary design ensures a mix of artificial and natural lighting to provide state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities in a high-tech, light-filled working environment.

Designed by Peart Bradley Architects, working with Rok/Sol specialist brickwork contractors, the material specified was Hanson’s Lincolnshire Red Sandstone Mix smooth red facing bricks. By choosing this brickwork, which in colour and overall appearance is reminiscent of the heritage of the Nottingham area years ago, the architects and builders have achieved a practical, solid modern building that represents the optimum in 21st century design and construction.

The building of the new Computing and Informatics Building was a significant part of a major regeneration project designed to update much of the university’s estate to meet the growing and ever changing needs of the faculty and students, both present and future.

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Anyone needing a replacement pump can now get all the information they need within twenty seconds of sending a text!

Leading European pump manufacturer Wilo UK has launched a new service allowing an enquiry to be sent by text message to the Wilo SMS replacement service – simply by texting the old pump details to 07500 041411. The appropriate replacement Wilo pump will be identified amazingly rapidly and the name and part number will be with the texter in a matter of seconds. In addition to the new Wilo pump that is right for the specific application, the text message sent back from Wilo will also contain the necessary technical data, the part number and information about any adaptors that might be required.

This new service is available around the clock, 365 days a year. The only cost to the user is the cost of a text message from his or her mobile phone service provider. The system can be used with any mobile phone and only the name or number of the defective pump type needs to be entered – the manufacturer data is not required.

Incredibly, the new Wilo intelligent system program makes a query possible, even in the event of typing errors in a text or the need to send barely legible and possibly as a result, partially inaccurate information from a covered or soiled defective pump casing. If some information is unclear or incomplete, suitable replacement pump types are listed and can still be selected. The database contains replacement information on all heating circulation pumps and glandless secondary hot water circulation pumps.

Wilo’s Kay Knight says this new tool is already making friends: “This is a really useful and impressive tool for our customers. What’s simpler than ‘bashing off’ a text to Wilo with the information you can get from a pump you need to replace? Twenty seconds later, all the information you need to ensure you replace it with the right new Wilo pump is there on your phone. It couldn’t be simpler!”

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Turning up the heat this winter is Aeon’s latest addition to its steadily expanding product range – the Supra. A perfectly designed modern replacement to the standard white panel radiator, Supra is sleek, stylish and engineered for maximum output.

A choice of brushed or polished stainless steel finishes, and tall columns with curved edges give this designer radiator its aesthetic appeal.

From high ceilings to cramped corners to narrow vertical wall spaces, the Supra has it covered. Available in an impressive 53 different sizes, this versatile essential is suitable for any space, in any room of the house. It is also the perfect excuse for updating an existing heating system.

Outputs range from between 276 watts and 3166 watts, and models can be used with all electric, hot water and dual fuel systems.

Prices start from £346 plus VAT for a Supra S63 (600 x 305 x 30 mm) which can be delivered within 4-6 weeks.

Radiators in the Aeon Collection are made from the highest-grade solid stainless steel. All designs in the hand-finished range carry a 20-year guarantee.

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Hamilton Litestat has recently added to its extensive GridIt wiring accessory range a 1-10v Grid Module for use with Analogue regulated Fluorescent ballasts. This manually operated high frequency ballast controller has been developed to offer specifiers enhanced versatility, as well as providing an effective and economical way to dim fluorescent lamps.

The Ballast Control module is ideal for commercial applications enabling contractors to build up the required plate configurations on site. Each unit is installed with a suitably rated 2 way grid switch in order to effectively switch and control up to a maximum of 20 amps.

A further addition to the Hamilton’s GridIt grid switch range is a 0 -10volt DC control for use with Hamilton’s Dimming System range. The control is used in conjunction with Hamilton’s analogue remote mounted dimmer packs, which offer an economic solution when having to dim higher loads up to 5000watts The manual control can be mounted along side other switches etc within a grid assembly but a phase barrier will need to be fitted in the grid wall box to avoid any cross interference from the different voltages. To match the plate, colour coded mounting kits consisting of metal infill and control knob are also available and supplied separately

Designed for installation into folded 35mm metal wall boxes, these modules comply with the requirements of BS4662:2006.

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Envirograf have just launched Envir-e-flex the perfect answer to providing a 3 in 1 product for thermal insulation to L1B & L2B, airborne and impact sound and 70 minutes fire protection.
Envir-e-flex consists of a reflective fire protective panel with an attached non-itch sponge. The Envir-e-flex panels can be used in loft conversions between trusses requiring only a facing of 9mm plasterboard to achieve excellent U values. Envir-e-flex can be used between joists and also between floors in new build projects. Heat leakage in properties has become a crucial factor in trying to reduce the carbon footprint. Thermal improvements in properties have often resulted in excessive insulation being positioned to close to electric cables and therefore running the risk of electrical cables overheating and potentially causing a fire. Envir-e-flex is the perfect solution because it is produced in a depth to suit most joists and trusses whilst offering an important airflow for cabling and minimising condensation problems. Also new from Envirograf are Thermal Cavity Fire Barriers for improved thermal insulation and fire protection around doors and windows.

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High efficiency solutions for residential and light commercial projects

The extension of the Daikin inverter driven mini chiller range signals the company’s ability to cover any cooling/heating requirement up to 14kW for the residential and light commercial market. Furthermore, the new EWAQ/EWYQ unit returns some of the best ESEERs (European Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratios) and COPs in the industry today.

The mini chiller range is able to supply chilled water between 5 and 220 C and hot water at between 25 and 500 C at ambient temperatures of 10 to 450 C and -15 to 350 C respectively. Also, as well as delivering significant energy savings, it offers easy installation, compactness, quiet operation and the provision of constant room temperatures.

Enhanced energy efficiency

Underpinning Daikin’s concern for the environment, the mini chiller range is equipped with am inverter controlled scroll compressor offering maximum efficiencies, particularly in part load conditions. The 3 phase 9kW model for example, returns ESEER ratings up to 4.73 in cooling mode and COPs up to 3.48 in heating mode.

In addition to limiting stop/start cycles and thereby reducing energy consumption, the use of inverter technology ensures precise and stable water temperature control and higher comfort levels, as well as minimising peaks in power consumption, especially during start up.

Connectable to a wide range of indoor fan coil units, this extension to the Daikin mini chiller range gives the company a complete and highly competitive line of equipment that is ideal for installation in residential dwellings, large villas, guest houses, restaurants, small nursing homes, sports clubs and smaller residential outlets.

Additional benefits

An integrated hydronic kit, comprising circulating pump, expansion vessel, safety valves and a standard main switch, enable the mini chiller to become an easy to install ‘plug and play’ system. Other features include compactness (1420 x 1420 x 320mm), silent operation (64dBA sound power) plus multiple options such as evaporator heater tape and pump up to 90kPa available head. Daikin concern for the environment is reflected in a reduced refrigerant charge of less than 3kg.

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