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Mitsubishi Electric has launched its second generation of R410A City Multi Replace models to offer an 80 per cent increase in COP (Coefficient of Performance), halve the install time and cut installation costs by up to 40 per cent, when replacing a 10-year-old R22 air conditioning system.

The new City Multi YJM Replace units join the existing splits Replace line up to offer one of the widest and most efficient replacement model ranges available on the market.

Mitsubishi Electric were the first manufacturer to offer R22 replace models in the UK and have over five years experience in the Replace VRF market and even longer in the splits sector. This new development completes the product range with 100 per cent of the City Multi, Mr Slim and M Series models now available with R410A.

The new City Multi YJM Replace model is a modular system which comes in both heat pump and standard size small module (22 – 100kW) and heat recovery in the standard larger model (22 – 33kW). All currently available City Multi indoor units can be used with the Replace model and there is also the potential to upgrade the R22 systems of other manufacturers in addition to Mitsubishi Electric equipment.

Once installed, the City Multi Replace system will perform automatic refrigerant charging ensuring the optimal amount of R410A refrigerant is used. Following this, the system performs an automatic flushing of the mineral oil whilst operating in either heating or cooling modes.

The system saves on installation time by using Mitsubishi Electric’s unique, patented flushing operation which takes less than 2 hours and involves sending an R410A gas / liquid mix through the R22 pipes to collect any residual R22 refrigerant mineral oil.

“The sale of virgin R22 was outlawed at the start of 2010 and with a total ban on R22 sales by 2014 at the latest, anyone operating older equipment may soon run into difficulties,” explains Philip Ord, Product Marketing Manager for Mitsubishi Electric. “These old systems may still work at the moment but they will need replacing before too long and operators can benefit immediately from lower running costs if they switch now.”

Many elements of the existing system can be used including all piping, control wiring and power wiring as well as circuit breakers. This allows installation time to be reduced dramatically by up to 50 per cent with disruption kept to an absolute minimum.

Substantial material cost savings can be made, as well as installation costs, and there is also less waste. Overall, a 40 per cent installation cost reduction can be made on a replace system compared to installing a new system. Replacing a 10-year-old R22 system with a same capacity modern unit will deliver up to a 45 per cent power consumption saving leading to a potential 80 per cent increase in COP.

“We have spent the last five years preparing the most comprehensive range of replacement models to offer anyone with an R22 system the simplest way of upgrading,” adds Ord. “No other manufacturer can deliver such a wide range of solutions to the R22 challenge.”

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In response to the significant development of underfloor heating systems in the UK, leading European water treatment specialist Sentinel has launched a brand new sanitiser and biocide product to add to its well known ‘X’ range of products. The new product is called X700.

X700 kills bacteria and fungi and removes blockages caused by slimes whilst additionally providing protection against the re-growth of bacteria and fungi in underfloor heating systems.

Most underfloor heating systems utilise flexible plastic hosing to carry heated water around under the floor and the surface of such piping in contact with warm water is particularly conducive to bacterial growth. During periods of warmer weather and in summer months, when the heating is turned down or off, the water ‘sits’ fairly motionless in the pipes allowing the growth of bacteria and fungi to take place which can cause major problems when the system is next started up.

Sentinel’s John Lynch says: “Underfloor heating is clearly a popular choice these days for many people and many developers, but we have to recognise the potential problems that arise with them in the circumstances in which they are used in the UK marketplace. This new product will allow the systems to be kept clean and efficient and meets a need that has become increasingly apparent as more and more underfloor systems have been installed.”

X700 is now available from merchants across the UK.

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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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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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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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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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