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When the decision was taken to effectively demolish and rebuild the elderly Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth, piece by piece, the PFI project that resulted imposed a number of demanding requirements on the consultants and contractors involved in delivering the required outcomes.

Because the hospital sits on a relatively small site for such a large undertaking, parts of the hospital had to be demolished and rebuilt whilst allowing the rest of the hospital to function normally. Storage space was at a premium so deliveries of materials required, had to be delivered as they were needed – a ‘just-in-time’ delivery regime had to be implemented and maintained.

In keeping with the location, project involved some intricate surgery and its fair share of intensive care to make sure the hospital came through the operation!

The Queen Alexandra Hospital – the QAH – in Portsmouth, is a major provider of health care services through the National Health Service. It’s operated by the Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust. The Trust has a vision to be recognised as a world-class hospital, leading the field through innovative healthcare solutions focused on the best outcome for our patients delivered in a safe, caring and inspiring environment. A new, modern, highly equipped set of buildings was key to delivering this vision.

DSSR headed up the project with Carillion as the main contractor and Hayden Mechanical as the M&E contractor. Hayden Mechanical has worked with Wilo on some major projects previously and so it was natural that they looked to Wilo to supply the pumps required for the project – a contract worth around £250,000 to Wilo, highlighting the level of investment this project represented. Wilo’s Sue Claydon headed up the pump support activity for Wilo using her technical expertise to help write and amend the specifications to ensure that the project benefitted from exactly the right pumps to deliver the huge demand for hot, cold and chilled water – to provide water at the taps and showers around the building, to run the air conditioning and heating systems and to provide the necessary water sources for specialist departments including for example, cooling water for the radiology centre.

As with most major projects this one evolved as the months ticked by, and Wilo’s Sue Claydon was part of the project team that worked closely together over the duration of the project to decide the way forward and deliver the finished project.

The pumps were required for three main buldings – Pathology, the Energy Centre and the main building. The pumps were required to drive the main heating systems and the air conditioning systems, and the specification included pressurisation units, and booster pumps – a five pump booster set was selected with a separate inverter in the control panel to ensure the circulating water was able to reach the upper floors and the extremities of the buildings, on demand.

For a big project, there was a need for big pumps and most of the pumps were end suction pumps with separate inverters, with a few in-line pumps and a couple of direct couple pumps. The pumps were mounted on concrete inertia bases and had anti-vibration mountings to stop vibration heading off around the pipework. The pumps were incorporated in a large number of plant rooms around the building and included sump pumps in the main plant room, on the ground floor to address potential flooding issues.

Wilo’s pumps offer easy integration into building and facility systems, pumps that only operate on demand, and pumps which utilise far less energy to keep them operating when they are operating than traditional pumps , offering improved performance and reliability and as a result, lower maintenance costs as well – a key component of any life cycle costing calculation.

Project Manager for Haydon Ian Wright says working with Wilo was a good experience: “In installations like this, all you want are good quality pumps that are simple to install and which can quickly begin to do the job you ask of them,“ he says. “That’s exactly what we got from the Wilo pumps that have been integrated into this project – and they are already delivering the performance and results we were given to believe they would – its been an excellent project to work on. It hasn’t been without its nail biting moments – you’d expect that on any major project like this, but the support and rapid response we’ve had from Sue and her colleagues at Wilo, has been magnificent.“

“We were delighted to win this project and to have delivered on it,“ says Wilo’s Sue Claydon. “From the moment we were able to sit down with the contractors, I knew we could deliver here and so its proved. We’re providing the highest quality pumps and pumping systems options to the hospital and the patients and the staff at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth will continue to benefit from them – probably without knowing it – every day of their involvement with the hospital.”

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Dulux Trade has unveiled the latest innovation in advanced exterior wood protection with the launch of its ground-breaking Weathershield Ultimate Woodstain and Weathershield Ultimate Opaque products – offering up to ten years’ protection for exterior wood.

Ensuring that wood is protected for longer, the new products offer professionals long-term financial and environmental benefits through extended maintenance cycles. In addition, the products also provide cost efficiencies where shorter cycles are in place, as this durability means that surfaces will be better protected at the point of refurbishment, equating to less preparation time.

The innovative products also boast an excellent spreading rate of up to 20m2 – not only providing a great return on investment, but also increasing the sustainability credentials of any project by reducing the amount of product required for a job.

Richard Bradley, Trade Marketing Manager for the woodcare portfolio, comments: “We aim to provide our customers with the most efficient and cost effective woodcare solutions possible – the Weathershield Ultimate products provide a robust and quality solution for woodcare, giving customers excellent value for money.

“The new products also incorporate all of the most popular qualities of the Weathershield Advanced Protection products which they are replacing, such as a wide range of colours and an easy to apply formula. The new products also offer customers additional financial and environmental savings by ensuring exterior wood is maintained to a high standard for longer.”

Dulux Trade has an excellent reputation among professionals, who rely on its extensive portfolio of products to produce a high specification finish. Weathershield Ultimate Woodstain and Weathershield Ultimate Opaque will join the comprehensive collection of Dulux Trade woodcare solutions – re-enforcing Dulux Trade’s position as one of the most respected names in wood protection.

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The increasingly demanding nature of roofing and cladding construction has led to Michael Kilbey Associates being appointed to design the cladding system for the new Bishop Challoner Catholic Collegiate Girls School in Tower Hamlets. In addition to producing the specification for a zinc flat lock diamond tile system, the roofing and cladding specialist undertook all structural and wind loading calculations and produced all CAD work.

The design extended to use of secondary steelwork, with a Rigidal 0.75mm THK RT 130-600 structural liner tray, horizontally laid on the main flat areas and vertically laid at tight radius internal and external curves. Timber battens were vertically screwed to the flanges of the liner trays with 18mm plywood fixed to the battens. 610x610mm flat lock diamond zinc tiles and breathable membrane completed the specification. The work was undertaken alongside All Metal Roofing Ltd, with whom MKA work on a regular basis.

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When specialist solar contractor ISO Energy needed quality products to help it provide the maximum benefit from a solar thermal heating installation at the new maternity and HIV wing of Barking Hospital in Essex, Project Manager Stuart Whiting had no hesitation in turning to Sentinel Performance Solutions to provide the glycol-based thermal fluid for the system – 600 litres of it – and the ancillary products – the system cleaner solution and the test kits, to ensure that the system would operate at maximum efficiency and reliably provide all of the heat that the system was designed to deliver.

The new hospital building had a ‘10% renewable obligation’ as part of its planning consent – 10% of the energy use had to be provided by a renewable energy source and the architects included solar energy as the means of meeting that obligation. The system sees solar thermal panel collectors on the south facing roof of the building to gather the solar energy into the system. The main contractor brought in ISO Energy as the specialist solar sub-contractor to deliver this part of the project for them and in turn ISO Energy turned to Sentinel to provide the means of delivering the optimum benefits from the installed solar system.

“Many local authorities insist that a percentage of the energy requirement for a new building comes from renewable energy sources so we’re used to responding in this way,” confirms Stuart Whiting. “We have worked closely with Sentinel previously when we have installed ground source heat pumps and found their specialist knowledge in these areas to be highly beneficial, so knowing they also specialised in providing bespoke solutions to solar thermal installation needs, I had no qualms approaching Sentinel to help us with this installation.”

And it’s a sizeable installation. 600 litres of glycol based thermal fluid takes some filling: “The benefits to us of using Sentinel are many,” he continues. “Not least of all the level of service we get from them. They supplied the product we needed at a good price and delivered within three days of order – that’s ideal for us. We didn’t want the fluid on site for weeks waiting to be used but equally we wanted to be able to order it so it arrived when we needed it. As well as the glycol based fluid product, they supplied the filling kit which made life much easier for us and they also supplied the check kits so we could monitor the system as the fill took place.”

The high performance solar heating system installed by ISO Energy and filled with Sentinel R100 heat transfer solution will meet the required 10% renewable energy target delivering an estimated 34,000kWh/annum and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 7,250 kg/annum. The value of solar heating depends on the continued efficiency of heat transfer between the solar collector and the thermal store. Sentinel R100 glycol based fluid is formulated for solar heating systems operating up to 200oC, containing special reversibly vapourisable inhibitors to protect all metals commonly found in solar heating systems when exposed to both liquid and vapour phases. Whether the system is operating at its highest or lowest temperatures, system metals are afforded superior protection against corrosion, fouling and deposit formation. Sentinel R100, a clear blue liquid, is easy to use and effective straight from the container.

Sentinel R100 is best charged from its 10 or 20 litre containers into a system using the Sentinel SolarFlush unit. Easy to manoeuvre on pneumatic wheels, the Sentinel SolarFlush unit is the quickest, most efficient way to flush, vent and fill solar collector circuits to exactly the right pressure. The large tank that forms part of the unit is easily cleaned and allows users to observe the progress of the operation.

The SolarFlush unit comes with a ‘-40°C to 60°C’ temperature resistant hose, a dry self priming pump and a cast iron housing. It features an integral strainer and a manual drain valve. It’s important to check and monitor the efficiency of any solar collector circuit and the Sentinel Solar Check Kit is invaluable for both first fit and on-going maintenance of solar collector circuits. The kit allows users to check the orientation of solar panels for optimum energy collection and can confirm the level and effectiveness of anti-freeze in thermal fluid, providing a reliable way of determining the need for and timing of thermal fluid replacement. Sentinel’s Neil Davies says that this is an excellent example of the kind of installation where Sentinel can make a positive contribution: “Whether domestic properties or commercial installations, the Sentinel solar product range is finding a very impressive niche as the quantity of solar installations increase year by year.

“Many of the thermal fluids being used today were not designed for solar thermal use and struggle to cope with the harsh environment in which they have to operate. The top temperatures experienced on hot summer days can exceed 230°C and many of the non-specialised glycol mixes simply weren’t designed to work well at those temperatures and suffer from premature degradation. It’s really key for renewable heating systems to deliver at their optimum levels of efficiency otherwise the investment in them is pointless, and if the glycol mix breaks down quickly, its ability to collect and transport the solar energy to the heat store is rapidly reduced, making the installation a pretty pointless exercise in the first place. “We have developed a robust glycol mix that will last far longer and be much more effective than the non-specific fluids that have been used until now, along with a range of ancillary products that ensure that the products can be easily used and monitored, and we’re delighted that our products will be able to contribute massively to the effectiveness of the new installation at Barking Hospital.”

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The “Business in a Box” is a new and innovative product which has been specifically developed to make it as easy as possible for electrical contractors to generate extra income.

• Offers every thing you need for a PAT testing business in one box
• Guides to PAT testing
• Class leading tester
• Certification software
• Guide to marketing your new business

Innovative
The “Business in a Box” is a new and innovative product which has been specifically developed to make it as easy as possible for electrical contractors to generate extra income – something that is likely to be particularly welcome in the current economic climate.

Recognising that there is a huge demand for portable appliance (PAT) testing services, and that this demand is virtually unaffected by current economic factors, Megger has provided, in the form of a convenient and very comprehensive kit, everything contractors need to tap into this potentially lucrative market.

In addition to a PAT tester and versatile software for organising and storing results, Megger’s Business in a Box includes guidance on PAT testing as well as a range of valuable marketing tools. Among these are guides to the types of customers that have a need for PAT testing, and hints on how to find such customers in the local area.

Sample publicity material, including template letters, flyers, posters, etc which contractors can easily customise to promote their own businesses, is also provided.

To ensure that purchasers of the Business in a Box are able to provide the widest range of cost-effective PAT testing services, Megger is including as part of the kit its premium model tester – the PAT4, together with a full set of adaptors and leads.

Suitable for use with 230 V and 110 V appliances as well as with IT equipment, the versatile PAT4 tester incorporates features that reduce testing time by up to 50% compared with nominally competitive products. It has a QWERTY keyboard for speedy entry of asset identification data, and an integral database for storing test results. The PAT4 also complies fully with the latest IEE Code of Practice.

The tester is accompanied by a copy of Megger’s renowned PowerSuite Professional Contractor PAT software package. This not only provides powerful reporting and archiving facilities, but also includes a client manager module for organising customer data, and even an organiser to assist with the scheduling of future appointments.

For contractors seeking to increase their income, Megger’s new “Business in a Box” offers a complete and convenient solution at an exceptionally attractive price.

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Cast iron technology leader Saint-Gobain PAM UK’s Ensign EEZI-FIT push-fit cast iron drainage system has been further extended to include a new 150mm diameter range.

The addition of these new products to the existing 100mm line-up means the EEZI-FIT range can now cater for virtually all soil stacks, of which the overwhelming majority in the UK are either 100mm or 150mm in diameter.

The 150mm range consists of bends, branches and a coupling, while Saint-Gobain PAM UK has also introduced an 88 degree large radius bend to the 100mm range in response to customer demand.

Since its launch in late 2007, Ensign EEZI-FIT has been specified for a variety of high-profile projects based on its unique ability to combine the many advantages of cast iron – appearance, durability, strength, sustainability, fire resistance and acoustic performance – with rapid installation. It is the first cast iron range of this kind on the market.

Mike Rawlings of Saint-Gobain PAM UK said: “The addition of 150mm diameter products is a logical step forward for the Ensign EEZI-FIT range and means that Ensign EEZI-FIT can now meet the needs of all specifiers seeking reliable, high-quality fittings – whatever the size of the soil stack. The range is fully compatible with the standard Ensign range which extends the fittings available.”

Ensign is the only cast iron system kitemarked to BS EN 877, while Ensign EEZI-FIT is also kitemarked to the standard for gravity applications of 0.5 bar performance, although it has been successfully tested to higher pressures. The range is red epoxy coated internally and externally and its joints are made with EPDM rubber gasket seals.

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Laidlaw Solutions’ extensive experience of supplying doorset, handrail, architectural ironmongery and access control systems has led to the publication of eight specific sector guides. These include design solutions for Education, Retail, Healthcare, Hospitality, Leisure, Residential and Commercial environments in addition to information on requirements for Inclusive Design.

Whether for new build or refurbishment, Laidlaw has a proven record of scheduling fast track specifications of considerable size and complexity. This often entails meeting bespoke requirements or adapting standard products to meet specific aspects of performance. The huge selection of door ironmongery, handrail/balustrade options and factory laminated, veneered and painted doors provide scope to meet the most sophisticated interior design and security needs.

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Five historic arches in 600-year-old walls near Southampton waterfront will be ablaze in a sea of multi-coloured lights every night for at least the next two years. Computer controlled LED’s display more than 10,000 different colour combinations, installed by Hampshire based electrical contractors GES Digital, who specialise in smart control technology.

In the project, known as Halation, energy is saved by ensuring that the LED lights only turn on after dark, under the control of a Theben Solar Time Switch from Timeguard.

Once you select from the Solar Timers menu the required UK town or city the SEL170TOP can be left to calculate sunrise and sunset times automatically for years to come. Lights can be switched on at sunset and then either left on until sunrise or turned off at an earlier time chosen by the user, saving even more energy. The switching time can be off set by up to 120 minutes either side of sunset and sunrise, manual over-ride is also provided, as are holiday and weekend programming as well as PIN protection to prevent tampering. In Southampton the lights initially turned on at dusk and off again at 1am, but in the peak summer season they are being programmed to stay on longer. All this light control comes from one small, economic device.

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