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The Saipa Shishe Company, located in Qazvin, Iran, produce specialist glass such as laminated and tempered automotive glass, safety glass, and bullet proof glass. In production, the Saipa Shishe Company relies on an autoclave, a machine that uses the three stage process of heating, holding and cooling to laminate glass. During production, the autoclave is loaded with the glass, and the internal temperature increased to 150oC and a pressure of 180psi for approximately 60 minutes. The heaters are then turned off, and cooling water is pumped through the coils in order to decrease the temperature to 50oC whilst the glass is still under full pressure. It is important the glass is not de-pressurized earlier. When the temperature reaches 50oC and the pressure is almost equal to the atmosphere’s pressure, the door is opened and the finished product removed.

However, due to the hardness of the water at the Saipa Shishe Company, limescale build up was a major problem, and the coils of the autoclave needed to be manually descaled every two months with the use of strong chemicals. This process was both time consuming and expensive, with each ‘clean’ meaning the autoclave was out of service for two days. The use of acid also caused damage to the heating elements of the system, reducing its life to only three or four washes.

As a result, the maintenance team at the Saipa Shishe Company looked into chemical free alternatives to prevent limescale, and decided to trial the AquaKlear P-100. The unit was installed on the pump’s outlet pipe in the pump room, and was found to be extremely effective at preventing and removing limescale. In the 16months since the P-100 was installed, the autoclave has been in constant use without any running problems.

Hydropath’s AquaKlear P-100 prevents the build up of all limescale deposits, including calcium carbonate, by emitting randomly varying electric fields throughout the system. The result is the production of nuclei throughout the water system. When the water is heated, the resulting precipitate that usually deposits on hot surfaces grows in suspension and develops as a crystal on the nuclei, which is then washed away in the flow. The fields treat the water both up and down stream and will be transmitted into the plumbing system to treat the primary water. The treated water is normally able to dissolve existing scale in just a few months.

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If there is an impression that some councils are slow in reacting and getting to speed with some modern technologies: the accusation cannot be levelled at Gloucestershire County Council. Its Climate Change Champion Network is really getting to grips with the complex issues of reducing the council’s carbon footprint. The programme includes awareness training, encouraging behaviour change amongst colleagues, questioning the carbon credentials of suppliers amongst many other initiatives, such as dimming and part-night lighting street lights and the introduction of LED traffic lights.

To help in this mammoth task, the ‘eco talents’ of Mira Showers’ Christian Wagner’s knowledge was recently exploited. Using the extensive knowledge gained through 38 years managing training and development at Mira – combined with that from ‘self-building’ his own SAP A designed home and updating his current one to dramatically reduce running costs – Christian has delivered the council with a thought-provoking, interactive and dynamic set of materials entitled Are You Eco Solvent? The materials demonstrate the nature and benefits of incorporating sustainable and efficient materials and systems into the domestic environment.

These range from basic draught exclusion and dimmable low energy bulbs – costing only a few pounds – though to Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery (MVHR) and solar-heated DHW systems. Water saving is achieved by using the Mira Eco head, and harvested rainwater for WC flushing. A programmable two zone central heating thermostat is combined with radio controlled radiator valves and a condensing system boiler with climatic compensation to accurately and comfortably control the heating.

Cooking is done with an electric induction hob, running at an efficiency of around 84% compared with 40% for gas, and without the dangerous products of combustion. The increased use of the latest generation of LED lighting has reduced even further the power consumption of even low energy lighting. And the best of all, the house does not look like a test laboratory!

Christian commented on Are You Eco Solvent?, saying: “There is much talk about eco, but insufficient action. From conversations with GCC and others, it seems that this is not for a lack of enthusiasm but a want of practical knowledge on what can be achieved in the home”.

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Contractors using the Bluetooth® MFT1553 which downloads test results direct to 17th Edition certificates running in PowerSuite On-site on their laptop, PDA or smart-phone are saving hours making out certificates at the end of the day.

• The fast-track from inspection to invoice
• Complete the certificates as you go there on site
• Save hours transferring results to fair copy certificates

From test to certificate

Yes, the new MFT1553 multifunction installation tester from Megger completely eliminates the time consuming and error-prone chore of entering test results manually into certificates. Instead, the innovative new tester sends results via a Bluetooth wireless link straight to test certificates in computers, Pocket PCs, Palms PDAs or even Smart-phones that are running Megger PowerSuite On-site, a new addition to the Megger software range.

Flexibility when filling

There is no fixed sequence for testing provided the cursor is on the line of the certificate appropriate to the circuit, users can specify the location in the certificate they want a particular result to appear from the test instrument.

Bluetooth enabled

The Bluetooth-capable MFT1553, which is the latest addition to the UK’s best-selling family of multifunction testers, provides all of the advanced features offered by other models in the range, including automatic RCD testing, which dramatically reduces testing time by making it unnecessary for users to continually walk between the RCD and the tester while the tests are being carried out.

17th Edition ready

Supplied as standard with a full calibration certificate, MFT1500 series testers combine, in a single compact and robust instrument, all of the testing facilities needed to meet the requirements of the IEE Wiring Regulations both 17th Editions and Part P of the Building Regulations. They feature an ergonomic design that was developed in close consultation with electrical contractors and have colour-coded controls which make them easy to use, allowing tests to be performed rapidly with minimal risk of mistakes.

PowerSuite On-site software

Offering the only test management software package supports IET, NICEIC, ECA, SELECT, ELECSA and NAPIT certificates to BS7671:2008, the purchase of electronic certificates and the automatic posting of your building control notifications, PowerSuite On-site can take hours off your working day. What’s more by running the certificates on a mobile device you have the benefit of doing the certification in front of the customer, adding to your credibility.

There is the possibility of doing what some users are doing, printing the certificate and invoice on site, and leaving with a cheque to bank.

MFT1553 On-site wins 3 major awards

Megger has scooped yet another award to add to the two prestigious trophies it picked up at the Electrical Industry Awards 2007 in early October and the AECI best new product award taken earlier in the year.

The latest award was presented at the Select Electrotechnical awards 2007 in Glasgow. The MFT1553 On-site won the best new product category.

SELECT Electrotechnical Awards 2007

New Product of the Year was won by Megger MFT1553. Downloading test results from a tester to a laptop computer is nothing new – but the new MFT1553 On-site package takes this a step further. Now, it is no longer necessary to have a cabled connection between the tester and the computer and the certificate is filled out on-site.

Electrical Industry Awards 2007

Test and Measurement Product of the Year was won by Megger MFT1553. Instruments that transfer test results automatically to a laptop computer are nothing new – but the new MFT1553 On-site package takes this a step further. Now, it is no longer necessary to have a cabled connection between the test instrument and the computer. With the MFT1553 package, all data is transferred via a wireless Bluetooth connection.

The Awards were judged by a panel of independent experts from such respected bodies as the NICEIC, BEAMA and the ECA, as well as editorial representatives from Electrical Times magazine.

Association of Electrical Contractors (Ireland)

In May the MFT1553 On-site won the Best New Product Award at the AECI in Athlone.

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With a zinc roof likely to be in place for 50 years or more, integrated solar /photovoltaic panels will almost certainly need to be upgraded well within that time. Without the ability to guarantee that the new panels will be of exactly the same size, replacement within a standing seam system could be unduly problematic and costly. VMZINC now offers a 'future-proof' system which enables panels to be seam-fixed to the roof. This makes them easy to install, maintain, gain access to and replace. They are securely clamped to the standing seam system without the need for it to be penetrated in any way. For more information call 01992 822288.

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Building on their many years of experience and success with the UF2000, Micronics has now developed its state of the art replacement the new U3000/4000. The Ultraflo brings simplicity to the non-invasive measurement of liquid flow, offering the user quick and accurate flow measurement with its easy to follow menu and simple set up. A cost-effective alternative to traditional in-line meter installation, plus dry servicing, providing minimum downtime and maximum availability!

The Ultraflo is a transit time ultrasonic flow meter designed to work with clamp-on transducers, to provide accurate measurement of liquid flowing within a closed pipe, without the need for any mechanical parts to be inserted through the pipe wall or to protrude into the flow system. It takes just a few minutes to install and there is no need to shut down flow or drain the system!

Programming the unit is carried out by selecting the options displayed in the main menu and by following the simple instructions in any of the user selectable languages. Signal strength, time and date, as well as flow information are all continuously displayed, keeping the user fully aware of the measurement process.

The U4000 version has a built in data logger, which can store 198,000 separate flow readings. Data can be stored in 5 second to 1 hour intervals. The data for each site is stored in the memory until it has been cleared. And the stored data can be displayed on the instrument in text or graph format. Downloading the stored data via the USB or RS232 output port is also possible.

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Putting energy efficiency at the top of its agenda, a prominent London based Christian organisation decided to invest in a modern heating system. After examining a range of options, it selected an advanced – and highly economical – solution from Reznor, the UK’s leading supplier of gas fired warm-air technologies to commerce and industry.

Alongside the environmental advantages of investing in a state of the art heating system, the religious centre was also hoping to reduce expenditure as its existing system consumed a great deal of energy. It also required climate protection for the retail literature contained in its onsite warehouse.

Reznor provides full engineering support to clients and liaised with the centre’s retained operatives to design and deliver a bespoke solution for the project. The final model was based around two of Reznor’s third generation UESA 055 continually condensing gas heaters and four of the company’s Maximisor 3000 heat recycling destratification fans.

As UESA heaters qualify for Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA), a government scheme aimed at stimulating the growth of energy efficient technology, the centre was able to claim 100% first year capital allowance on the heaters and their installation costs. This granted the organisation an improved cashflow and made the payback periods of the energy efficient technology even quicker.

Providing an output of 55kw, the two UESA heaters have a net fuel efficiency of 103%. This is due to the use of highly advanced heat transfer technology and a MacroChannel heat exchanger made from extremely conductive aluminium. The system is so effective that it not only meets ECA requirements, but exceeds them by almost 13%.

Installed internally, UESA offers further advantages for building owners. Its non-welded design and corrosion resistant construction grant it extended longevity. Advanced self-aligning burner technology with multi-try ignition results in reliability and reduces the need for maintenance. Controlled at the touch of a button and easily programmable, UESA ensures outstanding climate control for users of the building.

Maximizor 3000 fans were suspended from the roof to recycle the warm air provided by the UESA units throughout the varied structure. Providing additional air movement, they ensure the circulation of warmth for excellent comfort. Thermostatically controlled, the fans offer energy savings of up to 15% and are quiet in operation.

Reznor’s extensive line up of energy efficient heating systems proves a consistently popular choice with architects, installers and specifiers throughout the UK. Specially designed for use in commercial and industrial buildings, they provide comfortable, controlled environments in a range of structures, including sporting facilities, retail outlets, warehouses and other large enclosed spaces.

With Reznor’s leading technology installed, the Christian centre benefits from the very best in gas fired heating systems. Reducing the organisation’s carbon footprint and energy bills simultaneously, Reznor’s UESA and Maximisor units also offer easily managed comfort to users combined with frost and condensation protection for the valuable retail literature stored in the centre’s warehouse.

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The new FAKRO FYP-V U3 pro-Sky® high pivot roof window is of similar construction to a centre pivot window but with the axis of rotation in the top third of the frame. With its increased height of up to 200cm and raised pivot point, the lower part of the sash effectively functions as a top hung window. The added height provides a larger glazing area without the need to increase width, use vertical combinations or non-standard rafter spacing. A 94x200cm window therefore has the same weight and glazing area as a standard 134x140cm, providing an overall U-value of 1.4 W/m²K. Available in pine and PVC, the FYP-V utilises FAKRO’s patented topSafe® system and the V40P automatic air inlet which has an air flow rate of up to 48m³/hr. Suitable for pitches of 20°-65°, it can be used in modules with FAKRO solar panels and, like a centre pivot window, can be rotated (through 160°) for cleaning of the outer pane. The FDY-V U3 Duet pro-Sky high pivot roof window works on the same principle but with two sashes in a single frame. The upper sash opens in the same way as the FYP-V while the lower element is non-opening and has laminated internal glazing. The FDY-V comes in sizes up to 250cm in height.

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More than 40 jobs have been saved following the successful takeover of Knighton based Benson Heating Ltd by one of Europe’s largest manufacturers and suppliers of heating, ventilation and environmental systems, the AmbiRad Group.

Benson Heating, which supplied oil and gas-fired heaters, went into administration at the end of May 2009, resulting in all 73 members of staff losing their jobs at the company's factory in Powys. Now, in a move which further strengthens its position within the HVAC sector, AmbiRad has restored sales and production at the facility.

To ensure growth and safeguard the company’s long term future the group is investing in new plant and making a number of workplace improvements, including office refurbishment and investment in IT infrastructure to increase efficiency.

AmbiRad’s MD, Mike Brookes, commented, “We’re delighted to have restored jobs in Powys, helping support the local economy and community, where manufacturing employment opportunities are all too limited. Response to the takeover from the workforce and client base has been exceptional. Trading in the period since acquisition has exceeded expectations and the company is now confidently looking forward to the future. With improving trading conditions forecast, together with ongoing support from the Welsh Assembly Government, further job creation is expected as we improve and expand our product base.”

Benson Heating’s products and services are highly complementary to the AmbiRad Group’s existing range of heating, cooling and ventilation solutions, which includes market leading brands including AmbiRad, Nordair Niche, Airbloc and Reznor UK. With this latest development AmbiRad will continue to provide one of the market’s widest and most versatile ranges.

Investment in product development is underway and will underpin an aggressive growth plan in home and export markets. This will also ensure compliance with ever tightening building regulations and legislation as well as successful integration within the AmbiRad Group.

In addition to the Powys site, AmbiRad has headquarters in Brierley Hill, West Midlands. Its Nordair Niche brand has sites in Stockport in Cheshire and Braintree in Essex. Reznor UK is based in Folkstone, Kent.

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Kings Cross Underground station is now in Phase 2 of its redevelopment, necessary to cater for the increased passenger flow resulting from commuter growth in the capital, and from the new neighbouring Eurolink terminal.

The new facility will provide a new 5,000 sq metre concourse, over twice the size of the existing one, with new shops and restaurants. It will also provide new integrated transport links with international and domestic services from St Pancras, as well as for the London Underground lines converging there.

The redevelopment uses over 50 Crabtree Polestar Section 12 distribution boards to supply all the electrical services to the station and the shopping plaza beneath. These LUL approved boards are fitted with 25mm 16kA MCBs. Crabtree Metalclad wiring accessories with plain surface boxes are being used throughout the working areas; plain mounting boxes, because they can be custom drilled to LUL’s specific requirements while maintaining the integrity of the boxes. Capital metal plate satin chrome finish accessories are used elsewhere, in the office and shop areas. LUL specify Crabtree switches as they have labyrinth protection to the rear for extra safety, preventing inadvertent access to live parts when cabled, and reducing visible arcing.

The new open piazza in front of the station will be larger than Leicester Square, when completed. The 50 million passengers who will use the station each year will benefit from an entirely restored, lighter and more attractive station.

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Installation of Sabien Technology’s M2G intelligent boiler load optimisers at the headquarters of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), the United Kingdom's qualifying body for Mechanical Engineers, has reduced the gas consumption for heating and hot water by 17% – over and above the savings achieved by the building management system (BMS). This is equivalent to a reduction in carbon emissions of 25 tonnes per annum – with a payback of around 2.7 years.

Head of Energy Brian Robinson explained: “The Institution is very focused on the energy consumption of its buildings and we have reduced our carbon emissions by over 25% in the last two years. We initially asked Sabien to pilot the M2Gs and demonstrate the savings that would be achieved and, following the success of the trial, the units are now playing an important role in minimising our energy consumption”

“We were very pleased with the results of the pilot and the ongoing energy and emissions savings that will be achieved for the Institution. We were also very pleased with the support we received from Sabien, which ensured that the project ran smoothly,” Brian Robinson concluded.

Sabien’s CEO Alan O’Brien commented: “The IMechE contract has again demonstrated the significant savings that can be achieved by installing M2G. We work closely with mechanical engineers during the installation of our technology, so having delivered these results to their qualifying Institution further reinforces the merits of M2G that they see in the field. The combination of volatile energy prices and ever-stricter energy legislation is putting increasing pressure on organisations to improve their energy efficiency. The valuable contribution made by M2G towards achieving these objectives has now been proven in a wide range of applications under very diverse conditions.

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