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When you stand in your kitchen and look at a one kilo bag of frozen peas or petit pois, you realise that 40,000 tonnes of peas is an awful lot of peas by anyone’s standards, but that’s the quantity of the little round green chaps that flood through Birds Eye’s pea processing plant on the banks of the River Humber, within a stone’s throw of the quite beautiful Humber Bridge, just outside Hull.

Grown predominantly on the Lincolnshire and Yorkshire Wolds and transported to Hull for processing and packing, the whole ‘pea’ process demands huge quantities of water – from one of the hardest water areas in the UK, and in order for the processing machinery to run smoothly, without the problems associated with limescale build up, they need a little help from technology.

One of the bits of technology the have turned to, to achieve this is Watermatic’s KalGuard + system. Watermatic is part of the Sentinel Group, and is increasingly offering many large businesses a way of reducing their energy consumption by reducing limescale build up in their plant and systems. Untreated limescale in hard water areas of the country – that’s more than 60% of the UK – results in a need to use far more electricity than should be required for clean, scale free plant and hot water systems and in Birds Eye’s case even more problems associated with the freezing technology they utilise at their plant.

The Birds Eye pea line operates for just 6-8 weeks every year when the peas are picked and processed as rapidly as possible to capture the freshness of the newly picked peas. All the water coming into the factory comes through the KalGuard + unit before heading on down the line for secondary treatment at the plant’s massive commercial water softener installation, before heading off to the refrigeration and boiler plant in the factory.

Straightforward to install, KalGuard ‘+’ is an in-line powered electrolytic water treatment device that manages limescale within a system. The unit incorporates a simple to use, yet sophisticated controller to match the level of treatment to suit the systems water hardness conditions producing a measurable “residual” effect throughout the system, and as a result in independent testing at Cranfield University, has been shown to reduce limescale formation on heat transfer surfaces by up to 80 percent.

Kalguard + doesn’t soften the water – it simply alters the nature of the water to contribute to the reduction in limescale ‘fall out’ from the water onto heated surfaces – in a process known as retro-precipitation. Amongst other businesses that have already installed KalGuard ‘+’ equipment to protect their systems and reduce their energy consumption are well known names such as BMW, Whitbread and KrispyCreme Doughnuts!

Watermatic’s KalGuard ‘+’ units are proving hugely beneficial around the UK to hotels, nursing homes, leisure centres, food processing businesses, offices and retail outlets and finding a warm welcome across the globe – in places such as Cyprus which has horrendously hard water and in the Middle East which also suffers the problems of hard water on a major scale.

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Austin Smith Lord’s design of the £100m Stockport College campus redevelopment has seen the use of 8,000m2 of VMZINC flat lock zinc tiles, together with interlocking and sine wave horizontal panels. Work on the former St. Thomas’ Hospital site and the retention, restoration and creative re-use of some of the most architecturally and historically significant former Victorian Workhouse buildings will ultimately create a collegiate quarter.

The redevelopment scheme will see the workhouse transformed into staff accommodation and a welcome centre. New workshops back directly onto the A6, so the choice of high quality cladding materials, including glass and zinc, was driven by the desire to create a landmark for the College.

The architect has utilised ANTHRA (black) VMZINC on all facades and the different styles of VMZINC panels break up the visual impact within a uniform overall style. The combination has enabled a frontage to be created which will enable the Motor Vehicle and Motor Cycle departments to be visible from the A6.

The workhouse yielded a string of historic artefacts in the course of construction including children’s shoes, a diet regime board for ‘inmates’, marbles, clay pipes, walking sticks, plates, Christmas cards, newspapers dating from 1889 and even hair samples. Most were in remarkably good condition and looked as though they had remained untouched for well over a century.

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Stelrad Radiators has the answer if you’re looking for a modern alternative to traditional radiators that can give even the smallest room something of a ‘wow factor’.

There’s a tendency to think that all radiators have to be long and horizontal – that’s what we’ve all got used to over the decades, but there really isn’t a problem with thinking laterally…… and going vertical.

Stelrad Radiators has introduced a range of environmentally friendly, extremely efficient vertical radiators that not only look good and give you that essential added flexibility, but operate brilliantly with the new renewable heat systems such as heat pumps and solar thermal systems, due to their increased surface area, which all contributes to keeping your rooms cosy and warm even with lower system operating temperatures.

Stelrad has introduced new vertical versions of their very popular Vertex, Planar, compact with Style and Classic Column radiators – offering vertical options for every type of homefrom renovated older properties to the most modern of new building designs. These elegant and exciting vertical radiators complement existing Stelrad horizontal radiator ranges perfectly – enabling you to select the right options for each room, whilst ensuring matching compatibility throughout the home. The Vertex for example, complements both the Stelrad Compact and Stelrad Elite ranges, whilst the Concord Vertical and Concord Slimline radiators match the horizontal Concord range, and so on.

“The vertical option is excellent news for designers, architects, installers and of course homeowners – looking for convenient and stylish warmth throughout a home,” says Chris Humphreys, Stelrad Radiators marketing director. “They offer the opportunity to bring some creativity to a home – however much space there may be from room to room – and whilst they are perfect for traditional boiler-driven heating systems they’re simply ideal in conjunction with renewable energy technology too.”

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Five electrical wholesalers have won awards for their use of the internet-based ordering system operated by leading electrical manufacturer, Eaton. The Award is based on the percentage of orders placed through Eaton’s on-line ordering system, Global Vista on the Web, together with the level of staff training and use of Eaton’s associated Distributor Resource Centre.

The awards, presented by region went to:-

TN Robinson, Stockport (North)
Edmundson Electrical, West Bromwhich (Midlands)
WF Electrical, Dagenham (South East)
Wilts Wholesale, Trowbridge (South West)
Richmond Electrical, Dublin (Scotland and Ireland)

The awards, marking the first two years of Global Vista on the Web, were presented by Nigel Birch, E-Business and Distribution Marketing Manager for Eaton.

Global Vista on the Web, puts wholesalers in control of their orders. It enables them to access the Eaton system and view availability and prices of products; enter, review and change orders; and check the status of orders already placed. An order is linked directly to Eaton’s global manufacturing system, initiating a chain of actions going right back to the factory and including warehouse inventories, demand planning, pricing and invoicing.

The system also includes a web-based Distributor Resource Centre that gives Eaton’s distributor customers access to a wide range of resources including the latest distributor mailings, PDF downloads of product information, training information, and links, templates for trade counter support and marketing communications information.

“We are delighted to recognise the efforts of these five wholesalers and, indeed, all our distributors who have embraced the concept of ordering through our web portal” says Nigel Birch. “We have received over 100,000 order lines through Global Vista on the Web and we will continue to expand and adapt our e-business offering to the distributor channel.

“In these demanding times it is important for us to reduce administration time and give our customers as much information as possible, as quickly as possible. We have seen an improvement in our delivery performance together with a reduction in debit notes and an overall improvement in cycle times” says Mr. Birch.

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Sustainability and well-being are important factors in the Thorn Plurio range of lanterns, especially designed for urban and residential spaces.

A special multi-facetted rotational reflector improves visibility, minimises glare and directs the light down, thus avoiding obtrusive light (upward light <1%). Optical accessories include a lamp cowl, a 120° cut-off shield and an ULOR 0% ring giving no upward light for areas with intrinsically dark landscapes.

The lantern takes either a 70 or 100W HIT-CE / HPS lamp, or a 57W CFL. There are four canopy styles with the possibility of customising the Plurio Effect and Original bi-coloured canopies. Fashioned from recyclable aluminium finished in silver grey and sealed to IP65, the Plurio is best suited to post top mounting at 3.5m. A range of columns and brackets, conforming to EN 40, continues the design theme.

It is these features that help the Plurio create friendly and effective illumination that enhances the quality of the urban environment without compromising the future.
www.thornlighting.co.uk

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Bona R850T Optispread is a revolutionary, high viscosity silane adhesive which cures rapidly. In fact a newly installed floor can receive full loading, ie sanding or returning heavy items of furniture after just three to six hours. Because of the adhesive’s high viscosity, Bona has also developed a special applicator – the Bona Optispread – to apply it. The Optispread applicator is a robust, durable tool which is comfortable to work with and designed for use with the 2810ml tube packs of R850T Optispread adhesive – which dramatically reduces wastage compared to applying adhesive with a trowel from a tub.

The Bona Optispread was designed ergonomically so the user can choose their most comfortable working position and work much faster. Although Optispread offers great speed and efficiency benefits to installers working over large areas, it’s just as beneficial when working in typically sized domestic rooms too. It’s easy to transport in a choice of soft carry-bag or rigid box and comes with an optimized nozzle width, perfect for most wooden floor boards.

Bona R850T Optispread adhesive is part of Bona’s silane based (MS Polymer free) adhesives. These carry the European Emicode certification as low emission products and were developed as part of Bona’s commitment to phase out solvent-based products by the end of 2010. You can see Optispread in action at www.bona.com – take a look at the video. Or if you would like a demonstration, contact Bona on 01908 399740 or info.uk@bona.com.

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Installer Live 2010 saw the first unveiling of the smart new Stelrad Radiator branding – as the company moves into a higher gear and launches a raft of new products over the next few months.

Stelrad Radiators introduced visitors to a wide range of products with a wealth of target applications in mind. The imposing stand at the show saw a wide range of products on show including the new Softline, a unique, contemporary design with a distinctive curved grille, the Elite – the UK’s most energy efficient radiator, the Compact – the UK’s best selling compact radiator, the Stelrad Planar – the architect’s favourite with an attractive smooth front panel, and examples of the Stelrad low surface temperature radiators – the LST Plus and the LST Standard – both of which meet stringent NHS requirements, and are fully compliant with all safety standards.

In addition, there was a selection of decorative radiators, from examples of the company’s Classic Column radiators to the stunning designer options including the Excel Vertical, the Ellipse and the Optia.

There was also a glimpse into the future with the Compact With Style Vertical radiator and the Compact K3 triple panel, triple convector product on the stand for the first time.

Stelrad Radiators’ marketing director Chris Humphreys was delighted with the stand and the impression created by the smart new brand identity – unveiled for the first time: “Installer Live was a very important show for us and we were delighted to have such an exciting range of products to show to our visitors under our new branding. We’re moving up a gear and looking to make some major headway over the next twelve months, backed by the significant development of our product portfolio.

We believe we are well placed to build the business and excite people with the range of products we have. Whilst we hope that the new build sector will begin to recover in the months ahead, we are seeing strong growth in the replacement sector and have every confidence this will develop still further in the year ahead. Whilst there will always be a market for new houses, whatever the economic climate, there will be those who decide to stay put and upgrade their homes and we feel that with the new products we have coming through, we are perfectly placed to offer the best choice of radiators – both conventional steel panel products and decorative and premium panel radiators, where designer style is needed.”

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MK Electric, the UK’s leading manufacturer of wiring devices and accessories, has expanded its Echo range of innovative ‘self powered’ wireless and battery-free switches with the addition of a variety of decorative and industrial finishes.

MK is the first major UK manufacturer to incorporate ‘enabled by EnOcean’ wireless, battery-free technology into switches. The range harvests tiny amounts of ambient energy to wirelessly operate lighting at ranges of up to 30 metres within buildings. The additional finishes now available within the Echo collection include Chroma, Albany, Aspect and Edge decorative styles; and Metalclad and Masterseal industrial accessories.

Echo’s benefits include almost instant switch installation; total location flexibility of light switches within buildings; and easy relocation, re-installation and considerable cost-savings when ‘churning’ office and other commercial spaces. The Echo range is also incredibly low maintenance thanks to the lack of batteries and lack of wiring in the wall.

The new options mean that Echo can be deployed in a far wider variety of interior schemes; providing the designer with enhanced style, function and technology opportunities.

Chroma, as the name suggests, has been designed to bring out the very best in chrome – with accessories produced to a superior mirror-like finish. Albany is coated with a special heat-cured powder lacquer; being highly scratch resistant and maintaining its satin, brass or matt chrome good looks for years. Aspect is very simple with a slim profile and flawless frontplate that ensures that it always looks extra special. It can also be mounted to walls adhesively, eliminating the need for fixing tools. Edge is smooth, clean and the products are very slim – just 1.5mm, in fact.

From the industrial perspective, Metalclad Plus is a comprehensive range of tough, impact resistant, surface mounted wiring devices, designed to suit a wide variety of applications from factories, workshops, plant rooms to warehouses, schools and hospitals. The award winning IP56 rated Masterseal range has been specifically designed for use either outdoors or indoors and in areas heavily exposed to dust and splashing water.

Echo switches further aid compliance with Building Regulations such as Part L by providing for localised control of lighting and integration with lighting management systems and other networks covering areas such as heating and air-conditioning. They also help with meeting Part M requirements thanks to their immense siting flexibility, combined with their easy-to-use wide rockers.

MK Electric’s ‘enabled by EnOcean’ Echo range of ‘self powered’ switches mean no wires, no batteries and no fuss. They radically revise the way switching is treated within commercial spaces; and deliver a host of benefits to the specifier, installer and facilities manager – whether seeking products permitting super-fast installation; to mount switches on glass; or total flexibility over switch location in partitioned offices subject to re-arrangement.

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Designated Daikin Altherma EBHQ, the new packaged system has an operating ambient temperature of -15 to 250C for space heating and -15 to 350C for domestic hot water heating. Environmentally conscious, compact in size and requiring up to 15% less installation space than contemporary heat pumps, the system is easy to install and has all necessary field components located within the outdoor unit.

Heating and domestic hot water
Available in capacities of 6 and 8kW in both heating and heating/cooling versions, the system can be used to supply under floor heating, low temperature radiators or Daikin Heat Pump Convector units. The heart of the outdoor unit is a special Daikin inverter driven compressor, which reduces start/stop cycles, eliminates the need for a buffer tank, has a low starting current and offers a high full and partial load performances.

The system can also be supplied with an optional 150, 200 or 300 litre domestic hot water storage tank, compact enough for installation together with the control box in for example, a kitchen cupboard plus a 3-6kW back up heater, which is activated automatically in the event that water temperature drops to within 20C of freezing point.

Easy to install
The outdoor unit houses all required components such as plate heat exchanger, expansion vessel, water circulating pump, water and refrigerant piping, valves and flow switch etc, thereby reducing installation time to an absolute minimum. Since the refrigerant circuit is contained within the outdoor unit, no further refrigerant piping need be installed, enabling the system to be installed by any heating specialist.

The indoor control box offers easy to use control via a digital interface unit, which can either be located remotely in any area of the dwelling or installed on the control box itself. A weekly schedule timer allows low noise operation, domestic hot water heating or water temperature reduction to be activated as and when required. Up to 5 actions per day for every scheduled function can be programmed with this timer. Wiring is also simple and straightforward with only 4 wires between outdoor and indoor units, whilst the wiring to other components is pre-equipped with plug and play connections.

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The 2010 Archizinc Trophy Awards, sponsored by VMZINC, saw a record number of entries from specifiers all over the world. The winners’ ceremony at the Eiffel Tower in Paris saw Spanish projects enjoying particular success and Klaus Schonberg’s design of Hanover House, a former Victorian mill building in a conservation area of central Bradford, receiving one of 5 special awards. The building utilised zinc as part of an undeniably creative and daring roof design of a newly built penthouse. Archizinc jury members outlined their personal reasons for choosing Trophy winners, and highlighted how zinc can be used to suit diverse architectural styles.

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