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ELGA Process Water introduces a new generation of its leading Rapide™ Strata deionisers.

The Rapide™ Strata is the deioniser of choice for any industry requiring high quality purified water. Using short cycle SCION™ technology and an innovative pulse regeneration sequence, the Rapide™ Strata produces less wastewater with shorter downtime and uses less regenerant chemicals than any other deioniser in its class. This will provide cost savings of up to 40% compared to conventional products.

Whether the application is treating make-up water to reduce boiler blowdown and minimise fuel consumption, producing and recycling rinse water to improve painted or plated surface finishes or producing purified water for general manufacturing, the Rapide™ Strata is the most cost-effective deioniser available. For pharmaceutical applications, Rapide™ Strata +, with its integral HiPol™ polisher, produces water of conductivity less than 0.1µS/cm and silica less than 20ppb, exceeding Ph Eur and USP requirements.

The latest versions of Rapide™ Strata and Rapide™ Strata + incorporate a host of new features to interface more easily with customers’ existing systems, including PVCU pipework, single and three phase power options and additional control functions for greater flexibility. Special regeneration options are also available for high silica raw waters and special applications.

Rapide™ Strata and Rapide™ Strata + units are supported by ELGA Process Water’s comprehensive after-sales service to ensure the long-term, efficient operation of plant.

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Hydropanel partition walls really do take some beating according to the BRE with recent tests confirming that it easily meets all the requirements of BS 5234-2: 1992.

The tests at the BRE were carried out on a 100mm partition wall that comprised one layer of 12mm Hydropanel wallboard fixed to either side of steel studs at 600mm centres using Hydropanel screws.

The Hydropanel partition wall passed BS 5234-2: 1992 on all criteria, including stiffness, resistance to surface damage by a variety of objects and the effects of door slamming. A pass was also achieved for resistance to crowd pressure along with lightweight and heavyweight anchorage tests.

The results prove what many already knew from European testing– that Hydropanel’s concrete-like properties meet all the strength and robustness requirements needed to create high performance partition wall constructions.

“The results are proof that Hydropanel takes some beating!” said Jayne Arkell, Business Manager – Hydropanel. “Since being launched, Hydropanel has been used in a diverse range of projects because it provides customers with impact, moisture and fire resistance benefits.”

Achieving the requirements of BS 5234-2: 1992 will now provide specifiers with detailed information on exactly how a Hydropanel partition wall construction can help their clients.

“The recent tests at BRE mean we now can guarantee sever duty helping specifiers create robust and long lasting partition walls,” added Jayne Arkell. “That is a huge benefit at it means reducing the amount of damage and subsequent maintenance costs for the client.”

The impact resistance of Hydropanel has already resulted in it being specified in a number of demanding applications ranging from hotels and schools, through to saunas and gym room floors.

As a fit and forget solution it provides clients with the peace of mind that once installed, it will provide years of performance.

As well as impact resistance, Hydropanel drywall partition panel is completely resistant to water whilst offering fire resistance – a complete solution for walls, ceilings and floors.

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From the start of its £49 million building programme, the University of Reading set out to create a new breed of university accommodation that sets the standard for sustainability. As part of this aim, the University of Reading tasked construction partner and leader in sustainable construction, Morgan Ashurst, with considering the carbon footprint of the project and using environmentally friendly building methods and products, every step of the way.

Sustainability was therefore a particular focus when it came to selecting coatings for the project, with the University, Morgan Ashurst, Crowthorne Property Maintenance and Dulux Trade Contact Partnership painting contractor, A C Beck & Sons, seeking a coatings manufacturer that could deliver genuinely sustainable products. The project partners also sought to work with an organisation that would support and enhance its environmental practices and help lower the scheme’s carbon footprint.

Emma Mallett, Quantity Surveyor at Morgan Ashurst, explains: “Although selecting a high quality, cost effective product was critical for the University of Reading project, sustainability was paramount. Because of this, we wanted to work with a painting manufacturer that shares our sustainability vision.”

With this in mind, Morgan Ashurst conducted a detailed specification review for the painting project, which challenged manufacturers to meet the programme’s sustainability objectives. ICI Paints AkzoNobel rose to the challenge, and as a result, Dulux Trade was chosen as the preferred paint brand.

Dulux Trade was selected for the project, as it was able to provide Morgan Ashurst with sustainable ways to dispose of the paint used, which supported the contractor’s waste management and recycling objectives. Morgan Ashurst was particularly impressed by the Dulux Trade Environmental Wash System. The first of its kind in the UK, the Dulux Trade Environmental Wash System provides an environmentally responsible way of washing out painting tools, such as brushes and rollers. The revolutionary machine converts water-based paint washings into clear water and solid waste, allowing for easier and safer disposal.

Beyond environmental services and support, product quality was a further factor in the decision to work with Dulux Trade. For the new halls of residence, Dulux Trade Diamond Matt was selected as it is ten times tougher than conventional vinyl silk emulsions and can be wiped clean easily, without affecting the matt finish. What’s more, Diamond Matt has a maintenance cycle of five years, which is not only ideal for a high traffic area like student accommodation but, by eliminating the need for more regular redecoration, meets sustainability goals and provides longer term best value.

Emma continued: “Work began on the new halls of residence in March 2009, and the support provided by Dulux Trade is already proving invaluable in enabling us to achieve a truly ‘green’ project, whilst demonstrating how well our company sustainability strategy works.”

Commenting on the University of Reading project, Chris Garrow, Safety, Health and Environment Advisor for Morgan Ashurst, said: “We have been particularly impressed with the envirowash system available, which has allowed us to re-use water, thus reducing our impact on natural resources, as well as being able to safely dispose of waste paint as a non hazardous material.”

Steve Beck, from A C Beck & Sons, added: “Working with Dulux Trade has made sustainability simple. As well as helping us support the University in choosing the best coating for the job, Dulux Trade has made it easy for us to manage our waste on site.”

The University of Reading’s new halls of residence will comprise 965 new study bedrooms, along with catering, laundry and social facilities

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Visitors to the June 2010 World Cup stadia in Cape Town and Port Elizabeth will enjoy the benefits of air conditioning provided by Daikin water cooled VRV systems.

Water cooled VRV systems comprising 170 outdoor and 351 indoor units have been supplied by Daikin Air Conditioning South Africa (Pty) Ltd, to the currently under construction Green Point Stadium, Cape Town and the recently completed Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth. The 68,000 capacity Green Point Stadium, which will host semi and quarter final matches among others, is the first ‘intelligent’ stadium in South Africa and as its name suggests, is being built to environmentally conscious standards around a combination of 63 Daikin outdoor and 113 indoor units. All electrical equipment, including facility lighting, air conditioners and elevators are controlled centrally in order to maintain maximum energy efficiency.

The 48, 000 capacity Nelson Mandela Stadium, also built to similar Daikin energy saving concepts and hosting quarter final, third place consolation and some other matches, is fitted with 107 Daikin outdoor and 238 indoor units.

Conventional thinking to date concerning air conditioning sports complexes has tended to favour plant room based large capacity chillers. However, since the new South African stadia are designed as multi purpose facilities in which layouts can vary considerably from event to event, an alternative high energy efficient type of system was sought that could be precisely controlled and be flexible enough to air condition each area individually. The choice of Daikin water cooled VRV systems to these advanced sports stadia reflects their ability to deliver substantial savings in power consumption combined with close control over individual unit operation.

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Outdoor wiring accessories continue to be big business, whether for creating warm, well-lit areas outside bars and offices following the smoking ban or just enabling householders to use their gardening equipment, tools and other ‘toys’ safely and economically.

Weathersafe Vision from Timeguard gives you the edge in this growing marketplace with a range that makes sure users can always see whether or not the power is switched on – and all without compromising on safety. In addition, the new Weathersafe Vision range provides the ultimate in weather proofing, with units that will maintain their good looks and clear windows for years to come.

The new Weathersafe Vision range does just what its name suggests and gives users a clear view of the status of switched equipment in use outdoors. This is done through full-sized solid plastic windows that have been expertly manufactured to endure the harshness of the UK climate, meaning they will continue to remain practical for a long time.

This adds up to increased safety and economy, as the power supply is less likely to be left on when not needed if people can actually see what is going on. Bright red neons show whether or not a supply to a Weathersafe Vision socket is switched on, and users have a clear view of the status of integral RCDs.

The bigger picture

Where other ranges rely on smaller windows or flexible plastic coverings, the first thing you notice about Weathersafe Vision is the full size and clarity of their clear plastic windows combined with solid colour surround.

This new design is the end product of painstaking work by Timeguard’s design and engineering team who have created a design concept that, with the added benefit of Timeguard’s patented neoprene seals, ensures the weatherproof integrity to IP66, which means that they are both dust-proof and provide protection against strong water jets such as garden and power hoses. All in all, the design perfectly combines aesthetics with practicality.

Having mastered the challenge of creating full-size viewing windows, Timeguard moved onto the other details that make outdoor power safer and more economical for the end-user.

This was achieved by creating a range of singe and dual-gang sockets, with tough, impact-resistant housings, options for integral RCDs, multiple 20mm knock-outs, lids that can be shut to maintain weatherproofing when the socket(s) is in use and a facility to lock the lid with a padlock to prevent tampering.

In each case, Weathersafe Vision lets the user see what they need to know. Is the neon lit showing that the power is on? Has the RCD flag changed, showing it has tripped? In double-gang switches can you see if one socket is on and one off?

Aside from the obvious, there are a number of advantages to the Weathersafe Vision range, including:

• Safety – Generally, the message to property owners should be that the requirements for running outside electrical installations – lights and power supplies – are strict. For a start, they should be fitted by a professional electrician.

  An RCD (residual current device) should always be placed between indoor and outdoor electrical circuits, including the initial connection to an outdoor transformer used for a low-voltage system.

  Naturally, sockets and spurs with integral RCDs, complete with test and reset buttons, are included in the new Weathersafe Vision range.

• Economy – The easiest way to save power is to turn the product off – automatically where possible. That’s why the Weathersafe Vision range also includes a dual-gang box that combines a 13A socket with a 24-hour timer. Timeguard opted for a simple segment timer because it is easy to see the whole programme of up to 48 on/offs in a 24-hour period through the window. These units are ideal for controlling garden lighting.

  The Weathersafe Vision range offer a range of extras while they also come with the peace-of-mind that they meet the highest standards, which Timeguard set time and again.

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Of the nine CSH method of assessment categories, 'energy and CO2 emissions' is by far the most significant. Klober’s new CPD presentation 'The Code for Sustainable Homes and airtightness in roofs' which is now available online examines how to 'build tight and ventilate right' within the realms of practical pitched roofing construction. It evaluates the use of air barriers, vapour control layers (AVCLs), vapour permeable roofing underlays and sealing products such as tapes, sealants & collars.

The online presentation was approved by the Construction CPD Certification Service and enables browsers to view it on demand. Validation is by means of an interactive exam which uses a bank of randomly changing questions. To view the presentation, go to www.klober.co.uk/airtightness or, if visiting GreenbuildEXPO in Manchester register to attend the presentation on 26th May at www.greenbuildexpo.co.uk.

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The Daikin Altherma high temperature air source heat pump has won the ‘Heating, Plumbing, Ventilation and Building Services’ category of the 2010 Self-Build Product Innovation Awards 2010. These awards recognise innovation with in the UK building industry, showcasing the very best offerings in the UK market and further reflect the Daikin Altherma HT’s unique capabilities.

The Daikin Altherma high temperature air source heat pump was chosen by the judges as the most innovative building services product to meet the demands of today’s consumer and constantly evolving building regulations. This’ industry first’ system offers a low carbon, low energy solution to supplying a home’s total heating and hot water requirements, even in the case of harder to heat properties.

The Altherma system delivers seasonal efficiencies of more than 300%, compared to a typically 93% efficient condensing boiler. It can therefore, deliver a reduction in CO2 emissions of over 50% compared to traditional gas, oil and solid fuel boiler systems plus running costs savings of up to 25% compared to an A-rated gas boiler and up to 45% compared to a G-rated gas boiler.

Until recently, a major barrier to heat pumps has been the low flow temperature (typically maximum 50oC) that they can deliver without the provision of additional heat input from non-renewable technology, such as additional gas or electric heating. Although this is not a problem for new build houses and apartments, in which water flow temperatures can be designed into the overall heating system specification, it can pose a problem for the refurbishment of older harder to heat properties with large heat loss potential.

The Altherma HT system however, provides a direct alternative to boiler replacement and can fully support existing radiator systems, providing a highly efficient and versatile high temperature solution with guaranteed flow temperatures of up to 80°C, without the need for non-renewable back up heating. High flow temperatures are achieved by virtue of a specially designed cascading heat pump configuration. The system consists of an outdoor heat pump (first stage) and indoor unit hydrobox (second stage heat pump) in which upgraded free heat from the air is transferred to the heating and hot water system. The hot water cylinder is installed next to or mounted neatly on top of the indoor unit.

The system comes as a complete package, which includes all main hydraulics components such as hot water recirculation pumps and control valves and incorporates either a 200 or 260 litre hot water cylinder capable of delivering up to 500 litres equivalent of hot water for bathing or showering.

This solution opens up the there opportunity for significant expansion in the use of heat pump technology for heating and hot water, particularly in older properties. The Daikin Altherma HT system can be directly installed to replace an older traditional type boiler system in a more simple, sustainable and cost efficient way. The Daikin Altherma HT heat pump was among the winning products on display at the National Home Building & Renovating Show at the NEC, Birmingham from 18th – 21st March.

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Presence detection: keeping the carbon footprint under control

The best way to save energy is to turn things off when you don’t need them, argues Timeguard, and the best way to make sure that lights and HVAC equipment are only on when they’re needed is to switch them on automatically. You just need the right PIR-activate presence detectors to control the call for power – and you’ll be sure to find them in the huge range now available from Timeguard and its parent company Theben AG.

Timeguard’s latest addition, a new range of affordable presence detectors, will make this technology very attractive in a wide range of installations, and should be on your shelves now.

Timeguard’s new range of sensitive presence detectors, complement its established and top-selling 360° PIR detectors, the workhorses of the market. The new detectors break new ground in price performance to bring the benefits of presence detection to more building users – and optional remote controls mean everyone will find them easy to set.

As their name suggests, these ceiling and flush mounted devices detect the presence of people in an area, sitting at a desk and working quietly, rather than requiring them to actually get up and move around the detection field in order to trigger lights or heating/ventilating equipment to switch or stay on. This makes them idea for open plan offices, libraries and reception areas etc.

As they are also sensitive to light levels, these detectors will only switch lights on when light levels are below a user-selected level between so that lights will not come on unnecessarily when ambient light will suffice.

The new Timeguard Presence Detector range includes single and dual channel versions for ceiling or flush mounting. The detection field is adjustable up to 7m.

The optional remote control enables users to set lux levels, light on times and field dimensions using a simple hand-held device. Setting can be duplicated in dual channel devices with the touch of a button; alternatively the two channels can be set up independently.

40% energy savings possible

Is it worth the extra hassle and expense of installing presence detectors? The answer is a resounding YES.

One school has measured savings of over 40% in classrooms in its new block, compared with conventional light controls in other classroom blocks.

Because they are so sensitive and allow for zoned control, presence detectors are far more sensitive to light levels and movement and so allow for precise control.

Theben HTS presence detectors were chosen for the newly-renovated areas of a school (pictured left), where the client required lighting for nine new classrooms and corridors. The detector model chosen provides two separately controlled switched outputs making it ideal for use in large spaces like classrooms. There are two sets of lights in each classroom, and those nearest the windows switch off before those in the inner parts of the rooms where there is less natural light.

These presence detectors have inputs for conventional 230V sensors or switches for manual control. At this school a semi-automatic operating mode was chosen so that lighting always has to be switched on manually but will switch off automatically if there is sufficient natural light or at night.

Timeguard MD Andy Douglas points out that that these levels of control are not the preserve of new-build and refurbishments: it is not a big job to parallel lighting circuits and install presence detectors to provide zoned control.

Corridors: an awkward shape for presence detectors? Not anymore!

There’s no need for detectors at both ends of a corridor using Theben Compact Passage detector which packs two detectors, facing in opposite directions, into one small casing, which can the be mounted centrally.

One device – one install – one happy installer!

High ceilings? No problem

Controlling lighting in large open plan areas with high ceilings with the precision afforded by presence detectors is possible thanks to the Theben HTS ECO-IR detectors, as shown at this sports centre. Hand held remote control devices solve the obvious problem of setting and re-adjusting the presence detectors when they are so high up.

Presence Detectors from Timeguard:

• Reduce carbon emissions
• Save energy
• Save money
• Easy to install
• Comply with part L

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A-Gas (UK) Limited has gone live with a dedicated website to help businesses gain further insight and help with the Virgin HCFC use ban.

Despite all the publicity and warnings there are still end-users who are unaware that they may be storing illegal refrigerants. A-Gas’ aim is to help ensure that businesses have easy access and can check out for themselves what options are available.

By logging onto www.hcfcphaseout.com end-users, distributors, contractors, installers or service engineers are provided with a useful tool that provides accessible, up to date information, advice and options to help them manage their installations.

“Our dedicated website provides easy to follow advice and customers can contact A-Gas for further information and technical support,” comments Ken Logan, Managing Director, A-Gas (UK) Limited.

“Many businesses may not realise that the phase-out can bring new opportunities for business and presents a number of opportunities including switching to energy efficient systems with the help of a government-backed loan or taking advantage of more environmentally friendly refrigerants that could also improve energy efficiencies and running costs,” adds Ken.

A-Gas is also offering a reclaimed HCFCs service to ease users through the next stage of the phase out, when HCFCs will be banned in 2015. Reclaimed HCFCs are recovered HCFC gases that have been chemically reprocessed to a specified standard. To identify genuine A-Gas reclaimed the cylinders will have a green shrink wrap as opposed to the magenta wrap and A-Gas’ own cylinder tracking system will be able to identify material and the original batch.

Whatever the application, A-Gas offers unbiased advice; support and help users find the right solution for their requirements.

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