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Klober’s newly certified CPD presentation 'The Code for Sustainable Homes and airtightness in roofs' examines how best to 'build tight and ventilate right' within the realms of practical pitched roofing construction. It explains the contribution of airtightness within the 9 categories of Code assessment, together with the role of air barriers and vapour control layers (AVCLs) and vapour permeable roofing underlays. Principles of air tightness, air leakage paths and Building Regulation variations are examined together with factors such as Dwelling and Target Emission Rates and environmental impact of materials.

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The ASD LiteHouse bollard provides a stylish, robust and efficient unit for illuminating pedestrian areas, pathways & carparks and defining routes and edges within designated areas.

Provided as either surface or root mount, this unique stylish range has been designed to provide superior light output with minimal up-light.

The LiteHouse range offers a comprehensive range of operating options and lamp variants and is provided with either high impact PVC or extruded aluminum pole and vandal resistant shatterproof polycarbonate head and lens.

The LiteHouse has an additional optional halo pinline effect. This attractive feature allows designers to highlight areas such as car parking bays or define exit / transit routes for traffic or pedestrians.

Features
• Maximises downward light
• Minimises upward light
• Bollard column available in high impact PVC or powder coated aluminium
• Range of lamp and control gear options
• Energy saving options include lamp
• Diffuser available in opal and Fresnel prismatic
• Root mount & surface mount versions
• Adjustable ground trim / kick plate (optional)
• Root mount first fix kit

Applications
• Car Parks
• Pavements and pedestrian areas
• Exit routes
• Retail Precincts
• Gardens & Driveways
• Coloured halo options allows definition of designated key areas or exit routes

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The new ASD Lighting mini spiral lamp range . Offering a comprehensive selection of lamp wattages. Providing energy efficient lighting

• Energy efficient.
• 10,000 Hours Average Rated Life.
• Similar colour and appearance to standard GLS bulbs
• Electronic fast start.
• Available 11w, 15w, 20w & 25w versions with choices of BC and ES.
• Retro fit.
• Not suitable for dimming.

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VMZINC has become the first UK supplier to receive BRE certification for its zinc interlocking panel faÇade systems. The BRE Certificate involves detailed inspection of all aspects of the manufacturing process as well all other components that make up the system. Used extensively for new construction at Plymouth University, the interlocking system is designed as an open jointed, drained and back-ventilated cavity rainscreen faÇade or overcladding. Vertical and horizontal panels in five pre-weathered colours are available in widths of 200, 250 or 300 mm and lengths from 0.5 metres to 6 metres. Colours continue to patinate in the normal way by virtue of a patented manufacturing process which gives the panels their unique texture.

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Tests have confirmed that by being less absorbent and more reflective of light, the unique Light & Space Absolute White paint from Dulux Trade is the whitest, lightest and brightest paint on the market.

Using a combination of unique LumitecTM technology, optimised tinting recipes and a range of high Light Reflectance Value (LRV) colours, the Light & Space colour range allows light to be distributed around the room more effectively. As a result, up to 22 per cent less light is required to light the room, and therefore energy costs can also be reduced.

Dulux Trade has combined the excellent opacity and spreading rates of standard Vinyl Matt with properties of the Light & Space colour range, so combined with a far higher LRV, Light & Space Absolute White is the whitest paint available.

Dulux Trade Light & Space Absolute White is available in five finishes, including Ecosure Matt, Flat Matt and Diamond Eggshell, so whether application attributes, aesthetic finish or sustainable credentials are of primary importance for a specification, this paint is the perfect choice for all decorating requirements.

Carolyn Mayne, Brand Manager at Dulux Trade comments: “These recent test results confirm that Light & Space Absolute White from Dulux Trade really is the whitest colour available on the market. In this era of increased environmental sensitivity, it’s absolutely vital that specifiers across every sector have access to paint products with robust, measurable and impactful green credentials, and that generate genuine energy savings as well as looking uncompromisingly stunning in every setting.”

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The Komfort Gem system from Underfloor Heating Supplies Ltd is one of the lightest, most versatile forms of underfloor heating on the market today, providing a flexible system designed for virtually any floor.

The system comprises profiled panels manufactured in polystyrene with a reinforced aluminium membrane bonded on both sides. The 1200mm x 800 mm panels are larger in size than similar overlay systems and at only 5.5kg per pack of ten, are at least 10 times lighter, making Komfort Gem twice as fast to fit and easier to install.

The Komfort Gem system from Underfloor Heating Supplies Ltd is one of the lightest, most versatile forms of underfloor heating on the market today, providing a flexible system designed for virtually any floor.

The system comprises profiled panels manufactured in polystyrene with a reinforced aluminium membrane bonded on both sides. The 1200mm x 800 mm panels are larger in size than similar overlay systems and at only 5.5kg per pack of ten, are at least 10 times lighter, making Komfort Gem twice as fast to fit and easier to install.

The lightweight and flexible panels can be cut to size on location using a craft knife with no saws or power tools required and can be laid onto the floor with no need for adhesives. With the panels being exceptionally light there is no need to make allowances for the effect of the additional pressure on the floor, this would normally be a factor to consider when fitting heavier systems onto a suspended floor. Over 300m2 of the panels can be transported in a transit size van, eliminating the requirement for tail lifts and forklift trucks during installation.

Ideal for renovation projects, the 15mm thick panels can be fitted over existing solid or timber floors with very little change in floor level for projects with height restrictions. The Komfort Gem system can be linked to existing radiator systems such as conservatory extensions, kitchens or bathrooms where space is at a premium or where clean lines of interiors would be interrupted by radiators.

The easily modified panels offer the versatility to make amendments on site with no mess produced by dust or harmful by-products, cleaning following installation is nothing more than simply vacuuming the area, making Komfort Gem 100% cleaner than similar systems.

With a 27°C maximum temperature for a wooden floor, the Komfort Gem system also responds quicker than comparable systems and comes with a 30-year guarantee. Komfort Gem is an economical heating system that uses 100% recyclable green pipe which reduces impact on the environment and is easily snapped into position within the profiled panels by one person.

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• Underfloor Heating

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Immediate telephone support from a transformer expert and a fast response to site.

UK February 22, 2010 – ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has launched a new 24/7 transformer emergency hotline number – 0800 083 3211. Any customer who has a transformer problem – no matter who the original manufacturer was – can call this helpline any time of day or night to get immediate support and advice from an ABB transformer expert. If a site visit is required, then ABB promises to have an expert on site, anywhere in the UK, within 24 hours from the first call.

The transformer emergency hotline covers power transformers from larger MV (Medium Voltage) units (33KV and 66KV) to large HV (High Voltage) grid transformers (132KV and above). Services available through the hotline include: emergency on site response within 24 hours; further diagnostic and inspection services; options for maintenance, inspection and repair; insurance reports and support; regular transformer service updates; simple asset registration process.

In many cases, when a fault is reported, even with no loss of supply, ABB’s transformer service team is able to carry out advanced diagnostic tests that identify the nature of the fault, its location within the unit and how serious it is, without needing to take the transformer out of service. They can then advise the customer on the best way to manage the fault to minimise network disruption – in some situations the transformer might be kept in service on reduced load under constant monitoring until a planned outage can be taken to carry out repairs.

In the event of a major failure, then ABB will advise on the most effective route to restore service as fast as possible. There are many examples where a failed transformer that appeared to be a write-off has been remanufactured successfully to better than new condition. This can even be within a much shorter timescale than that required to source a new transformer.

ABB is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 117,000 people.

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Bona has introduced a new version of Bona Traffic, its toughest waterborne lacquer, which is designed to finish wooden floors in busy commercial or public locations.

New Bona Traffic Anti Slip offers a perfect surface grip for heavily used floors and is ideal for areas such as staircases and corridors; or wherever increased slip resistance is demanded. It conforms to the DIN-standard (51130-R10).

Since its launch in 1999, Bona Traffic has treated more than 100 million square metres of wooden floors all over the world! New Bona Traffic Anti Slip joins Bona Traffic Invisible Protection and Bona Traffic Silk Matt to offer extreme wear resistance, excellent levelling out properties and an even sheen level across the entire floor. Each Bona Traffic version provides around twice the wear resistance of ordinary waterborne finishes.

Bona supplies a complete system of compatible products for flooring contractors who specialise in the installation or renovation of wooden floors. The range includes finishes (lacquers and oils), abrasives, sanding machines, adhesives and maintenance products. Bona no longer manufactures solvent based finishes and all their lacquers are low VOC formulations which already comply with 2010 regulations.

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Sentinel’s answer to the ‘growing’ problems being experienced!

Leading water treatment specialist Sentinel has launched a unique range of products to address the problems increasingly being associated with the rapidly emerging renewable energy marketplace.

Following closely on the heels of the launch of a brand new and comprehensive range of products to service the emerging solar thermal heating system sector at the end of 2008, Sentinel has now launched an impressive new range of products aimed at the ground source heat pump and air source heat pump marketplace.

These systems commonly use a glycol-based thermal fluid to capture the available heat and transport it to the heat exchanger or thermal store.

It has become increasingly apparent as the marketplace for these systems has grown over the past couple of years in both the UK and continental Europe, that problems occur due to the progressive degradation of the glycol-based thermal fluid. Glycols will slowly break down due to the chemical action of either heat or light and this degradation occurs much more quickly in solar thermal systems where temperatures of over 200°C occur regularly.

If that wasn’t enough of a challenge to address, glycol can also be degraded in much cooler conditions by the action of bacteria, which use glycol as a food source.

Anyone who has been on site to witness the installation and commissioning of GSHP systems in particular, will be aware that these offer many opportunities for contamination of the system loop with bacteria from soil, insects, and contaminated flush water. Subsequently the temperature and a plentiful supply of glycol ‘food’, ensures rapid biological growth. This not only causes degradation of the glycol but also forms slimes and deposits which affect the circulation and the efficiency of the system. In severe cases, this may even cause blockages which are problematic and costly to sort out.

Whether broken down by chemical or biological action, degraded glycol takes on an unpleasant and distinctly unhealthy appearance. It progressively discolours and becomes thicker and more viscous. This makes it more difficult to pump. Pumps then have to work harder, to the point where this outweighs the energy efficiency of the system in the first place! The freezing point of the fluid also rises as it degrades, meaning a progressive lost of frost protection for the system. By this stage things are going rapidly downhill!

Sentinel recognised that in order to ensure efficient, reliable and cost effective operation, a new range of bespoke products was required for each type of system, including more robust thermal fluids that would last for significantly longer than the current options, flushing liquids to help remove fluids from existing systems, a sanitiser and biocide that would address the bacterial growth and test kits to check the system was in good condition.

The new range of products produced specifically for Ground Source Heat Pump systems includes Sentinel R500 Thermal Fluid, together with Sentinel R800 Cleaning and Flushing Fluid and Sentinel R700 Sanitiser and Biocide for correct cleaning and preparation of the ground loop during commissioning or fluid replacement.

For Air Source Heat Pump systems Sentinel provides R600 Thermal Fluid. The correct use of both R500 (GSHP) and R600 (ASHP) can be checked using the new Sentinel FrostCheck Test Kit. Correct use of Sentinel R700 Sanitiser and Biocide, which is used for cleaning and sterilisation of both GSHP and ASHP circuits or flush waters, can be checked using the new Sentinel R700 Test Kit.

The new thermal fluids developed by Sentinel are glycol-based, specifically designed to be highly efficient heat transfer fluids, but offering superior stability and life expectancy whilst being biodegradable.

R500 for GSHPs is supplied ready to use – so no need for dilution on site which can prove awkward in the volumes required and the space available. As well as providing effective frost protection to -22°C and corrosion inhibitors, it contains a biocide to prevent fouling.

R600 for ASHPs is supplied as an inhibited thermal fluid concentrate, suitable for use with all water hardnesses. Again it provides effective frost protection and controls corrosion and scale formation.

The R800 Cleaning and Flushing Fluid for GSHPs and ground loop circuits has been designed to provide a highly efficient cleaning and flushing fluid. It comes ready to use and non-foaming. It’s effective within one hour of circulation in the system, is effective at ambient temperature and can be used with a flushing machine.

R700 Sanitiser and Biocide for heat pump systems contains a stabilised biocide for use in the heat collector circuit of both GSHPs and ASHPs. These systems have been demonstrated to suffer from problems caused by the growth of organisms such as bacteria and fungi, causing the degradation of thermal fluids, blockages in pipework, manifolds, valves and heat exchangers, unpleasant smells and corrosion of heat exchangers and manifolds. Sentinel R700 kills bacteria and fungi, prevents the formation of slime forming bacteria, provides long lasting protection and can be used in systems that are or will be treated with R500 or R600.

Dr Paul Day and Dr Alan Marshall are part of the Sentinel team that developed these new products: “We could have simply looked at these emerging technologies and devised a ‘me too’ product range but we quickly became aware of the existing products’ shortcomings and consequently devised new products and protocols that more effectively respond to the technical challenges.

“The problem with the currently available thermal fluids is their alarmingly rapid rate of degradation – usually requiring replacement after two to three years but sometimes in as little as a few months – leading to an increase in the freezing point and a reduction in frost protection, alarming colour changes, increased viscosity of the fluid, making it harder to pump, deposits and blockages and a reduction in heat transfer capability – which rather defeats the object of the system in the first place.

“We developed our new thermal fluids to offer excellent thermal stability, increased service life and increased cost effectiveness and we’re confident we have developed an impressive response to the problems that were occurring.

“In addition, we’ve developed products to flush and clean GSHPs ands ASHPs and test kits to check the validity of the products, so we’re happy to launch this range of renewable technology products with confidence that, used correctly, they will alleviate the problems of premature fluid degradation and microbiological bacterial and fungal growth in these systems.”

Sentinel has applied for patents for many of the elements of the new range of products highlighting the truly unique nature of these new solutions for the industry.

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