Story

Every manager knows that you need to be able to measure a resource to manage it effectively and Thermal – Hot or Chilled water Energy is no different. Thermal Energy in the form of hot or chilled water is a major form of energy consumption in building services and the first step in controlling and managing it is to identify what is being used and where!

There is no simpler way than using one of Micronics Portaflow, Clamp-On range of portable Thermal Energy meters with integral loggers, which are acknowledged as the easiest to use in their class. Simple to apply and simple to use, a straightforward question and answer menu provides the facility to collect valuable information with the minimum of fuss or previous knowledge and minimum instruction. And when the energy information has been gathered it can be viewed on the instrument or downloaded for further analysis using industry standard formats.

Time is money and the quick to install, Clamp-On, non-invasive Portaflow with simple menu driven operation provides a valuable return in information for a minimum investment in your valuable time.

Clamp-On Alternative to Expensive In-line meter installations!

And when you’ve completed your initial survey/audit Fixed Clamp-On meters are also a cost-effective solution for ongoing metering – Kings College – London heats its campus sites via a number of boiler houses, generating thermal energy for distribution to individual buildings via LTHW (Low Temperature Hot Water) networks.

A pilot system of meters was initially installed to facilitate their management as Energy Cost Centres and provide information for Building Energy Labelling in line with European Directives. The UF2000HM's are used to meter the individual thermal energy consumption of each building within a cluster being fed from a LTHW Energy Centre or central Boiler House

The new meter installations, which represented circa 10% of the university were initially manually read and have the facility to be automatically read via the university's BEMs system, to provide continuously updated information for Monitoring and Targeting including benchmark comparisons with energy consumption norms for the university sector.

Having considered various measurement alternatives Clamp-On Ultrasonic meters were selected due to the installation and maintenance/service benefits associated with the non-invasive technology including low cost and minimum disruption installation and maintenance. Micronics were selected as the supplier due to a combination of their long-term experience with Ultrasonic Clamp-On technology, competitive pricing and product performance i.e. best value!

This and many similar projects demonstrate the scope for Clamp-On metering technology and the opportunity for replication and contribution to good energy management in similar schemes across the UK should be extensive.

View Micronics's profile:

Story

A Detectomat Radio – Wirefree Fire Alarm system enabled contractors to carry out major refurbishment of a store unit for Primark in the Harpur Centre, Bedford whilst business continued in the remainder of the centre. The shopping centre sprinkler system had to be disconnected during the refurb and as a consequence insurers, Wills Ltd of London, required the use of an automatic fire detection system the whole time the work was being carried out.

Styles & Wood, the contractor ensured that there was no disruption to the work by specifying a Detectomat radio fire alarm system, supplied by Monitor Fire of Chatham. The temporary system was installed quickly and cost effectively providing 24-hour coverage to assist 24/7 manned guarding on the site. Because the dirty and dusty working conditions during the 6-month building project prevented the use of smoke detectors, a system was engineered using only 101 Heat alarms and 2 Call Points with 2 interlinked control panels. And the system was interfaced into the main shopping centre?s fire detection system so that an early warning could be given in the event of an emergency.

The system, consisting of two 6-zone panels and 103 alarm devices, was installed and commissioned in just 4 days! It was in situ for over 30 weeks without faults and had tremendous financial benefits ? including dispensing with a whole shift of the manned security team. And it is expected that enough money will have been saved to pay for the complete installation of the Detectomat radio system.

The client, Douglas Wallace Designers of London, is totally satisfied with the solution to the problem including the advantages that work could proceed quickly, efficiently and above all in the sure and certain knowledge that if there were a problem with fire there would be sufficient warning to minimise the damage. Similarly, the insurer who introduced the idea, the owner and Primark themselves who are the tenant have all benefited from the solution to a potentially disruptive and expensive problem.

The refurbishment project is soon to be completed, the system has been removed and the installer can benefit from reusing selected components for future projects.

This project demonstrates the clear benefits from using radio -wirefree fire alarms to provide temporary fire cover on construction sites and the potential for replication is vast. For further information on the Detectomat Radio Fire Alarm System call Detectomat on 01579 321750, email detectomat@leighandersonassociates.com or visit www.detectomat.com

View Detectomat's profile:

Story

Alan Beech, Director of UK and Irish Operations at Deutz AG is pleased to announce the recruitment of Christopher Payne. He has joined as Engine Sales Team Leader to complete the company's Leadership Team.

Chris has a formal M&E trained background and joined the commercial world through engine manufacturer Kubota, where he rose through the ranks from Area Sales Engineer to Sales & Marketing Manager.

Chris's appointment will strengthen the existing Leadership Team to drive the business forward. Alan commented: “With the combined strength of the team, we now have the structure in place to grow the business, by adding value to the existing reputation that Deutz AG has in the industry for well engineered products.”

As one of the world's leading independent manufacturers of diesel and gas engines, DEUTZ has an overall product range extending from 9kW to 500kW, with models suitable for a wide variety of markets and applications, including the construction, quarrying, mining, materials handling, agricultural, ground care, industrial and airport ground handling equipment sectors.

The company's engines are widely used by many leading OEMs for excavators, wheeled loaders, access platforms, compactors, cranes, crushers, screeners, compressors, lift trucks, tractors, ride-on mowers, chippers, shredders, gensets and other off-highway mobile plant.

Sales, service and product back-up is available through the DEUTZ UK centrally located Cannock, Staffordshire facility; supported by a dedicated nationwide team of factory trained Service Engineers, equipped with a fleet of mobile workshops, together with a network of specialist appointed local distributors.

View Deutz's profile:

Story

Joining Reznor’s well proven V3 gas fired heaters is the new, third generation UESA range of high performance condensing room-sealed unit heaters, designed to further increase fuel efficiency. The new UESA range incorporates advanced burner technology together with a patented aluminium MacroChannel heat exchanger to increase thermal efficiency.

• Achieves 104% efficiency
• Unlike condensing boilers and other condensing heaters the high efficiency is achieved even at full heat output
• Available in 4 sizes with outputs ranging from 35kW to 102kW
• Vibration and noise isolated fan motor
• Sealed control department isolating all electrical components
• 25% lighter than previous condensing models
• Simple installation
• ECA approved
• 2 to 4 year payback (depending on usage)

Payback periods may be further reduced when Enhanced Capital Allowances are taken into account in new installations. This allows qualifying end-users to offset 100% of the capital cost of the units plus associated installation costs against Corporation Tax in the first 12 months of operation.

Specifiers and end-users looking to reduce carbon emissions and combat escalating fuel costs will find that Reznor’s new UESA condensing unit heater is the perfect solution.

View Reznor's profile:

Story

Electrical accessory manufacturer, Hamilton Litestat has just released its first Digital catalogue containing its entire product portfolio, along with extensive technical information and details of major projects. This free CD, which is available direct from Hamiltons, contains more product information than the company has ever published before.

According to the company?s director, Alison Hamilton, ?One of the most common phrases you hear about Hamiltons is that ?I didn?t know you did that?. We are hoping that by bringing together all of our product information into one, easy-to-use selection tool, we can overcome this problem and make it much easier for architects, contractors, specifiers and wholesalers to see what we offer and to be able to select the products that they require for their individual projects. As this digital catalogue is so comprehensive, we believe it will give confidence to all parts of the supply chain from the specifier and wholesaler right through to the end user.?

View Hamilton-Litestat's profile:

Story

ATG Access is pleased to announce the acquisition of the US vehicle barrier division of the Dutch group Boon Edam.

ATG Access sister company ATG Access Inc will oversee the transition and become the brand of the existing product range in the US and its influenced markets.

ATG Access Inc will build on the already strong brand name of ATG Access to continue being recognised in the US with a broader range of products and an established network of installation & aftermarket support engineers.

ATG Access’s Managing Director Glenn Cooper said “This acquisition forms part of the strategic development of ATG Access’s business, and in particular, international presence. The transaction went through smoothly and efficiently. Our products and services are in great demand in the UK and overseas markets and this acquisition will increase our growth in North America.”

View ATG Access's profile:

Story

On 31 October 2008 AMTECH Group, the market leading Building Services Software and solutions group of companies, acquired TSI Luckins – market leaders in Data Services and pricing information. TSI Luckins will join the AMTECH Power software, Estimation and NES brands already within the Group

“TSI Luckins is a well known and highly respected company and I am delighted that we have now added their strengths to our portfolio,” commented AMTECH Group Managing Director Mark Tindall. “AMTECH Group is committed to delivering world class software and solutions to our customers. The addition of TSI Luckins will ensure that we continue to provide leading-edge data solutions that give users real competitive advantage,” he continued.”

The acquisition of TSI Luckins also opens the door for further integration of pioneering technologies across the software products within the Group, bringing even greater functionality and productivity enhancements.

“We are all very excited about the future” said TSI Luckins Managing Director Donna Ward. “AMTECH have a history of innovative product development and leveraging the power of new technologies to deliver real, practical solutions. We are all looking forward to being part of the AMTECH success story,” she added.

About TSI Luckins

TSI Luckins, based in Stamford, Lincolnshire, is the UK's leading specialist in product and pricing data for the Electrical, HVAC & Tools sectors. Customers include national, regional and local suppliers, distributors and contractors throughout the UK including most of the top names in the industry. 45 out of the top 50 UK M&E contractors are users of Luckins data.

About AMTECH Group

AMTECH Group, based in Milton Keynes, are the market leading providers of software and solutions for Building Services engineers. With over 15,000 customers, AMTECH Group brands include AMTECH Power Software (Electrical Design and Certification) Estimation (Estimating, Costing, Contract Management, Accounts and Service & Maintenance), NES (Building Services Specification) and TSI Luckins.

View Trimble MEP's profile:

Story

With the focus of the Department for Education & Skills on the development and procurement of sustainable schools, every product and process in your school is under scrutiny. So when Heckmondwike FB was awarded with a Green Guide ‘A' by the Building Research Establishment (BRE), that was great news for schools they have or are planning to work with.

When the BRE was appointed by DfES to develop environmental assessment method for schools, it signified their commitment to reducing the environmental impact of building materials when specifying components of major buildings.

Schools are being given a standard rating (good, v.good, excellent) depending on how they score in various categories.

“The Environment profiles are created by identifying and assessing the environmental effects of building materials over their entire life cycle” said Heckmondwike FB Marketing Manager Abby Chandler, “This standardised method of collecting and analysing data ensures a ‘level playing field' for comparing the environmental profiles of different flooring ranges and types”

Heckmondwike FB has been supplying fibre bonded carpet and carpet tiles to the education and public sectors for over 30 years. The ‘A' rating for fibre bonded carpet and carpet tiles submitted for environmental profiling, along with the full accreditation to the Environment Management System ISO 14001 shows our commitment to the education sector and the environment. So being a Heckmondwike FB customer, helps your school make the grade.

View Heckmondwike FB's profile:

Story

Salamander Engineering has launched its new Flush-wiser™ unit – a unique way of reducing water usage by pre-2001 toilets without any loss of efficiency. The unit has just won the Innovation Award in the British Institute of Facilities Management FM Excellence Awards 2008.

All pre-2001 toilets hold between 7-9 litres of water depending upon age. To effectively flush, you only need to use 6 litres of water, so it’s easy to see that each flush is wasting between 1 and 3 litres of water.

Flush-wiser™ pays for itself in less than 5 months, based on average water savings by reducing the amount of water per flush from around 9 litres per flush to just 6 litres per flush. When you consider that on average, every person in the UK uses 150 litres of water a day and 60 litres of this are used on toilet flushing, investment in a Flush-wiser™ – which lasts for the whole lifetime of your cistern – begins to look like a steal!

Flush-wiser™ works by allowing your cistern to fill with air rather than water, ‘conning’ the system into ‘thinking’ it’s full with water. Because the Flush-wiser™ is fixed to the siphon, it doesn’t interfere at all with the toilet’s flushing mechanism and it’s totally adjustable – with five different settings – the higher the setting, the more water you save.

To fix a Flush-wiser™ you simply need to drill a 7mm hole in the top of the siphon after ensuring the water supply to the toilet is turned off and the cistern is empty. Insert the Flush-wiser™ in the hole and line up the number on the unit to select the water saving you want.

For installers and householders looking to save energy, save water and save money a Flush-wiser™ is an easy choice to make. As well as saving huge quantities of water – and the costs associated with that – the costs of disposing of a cubic metre of waste water include the usage of 0.905 Kwh of electricity which produces 0.404 kg of carbon dioxide – so using a Flush-wiser™ actually helps reduce your carbon footprint too.

Flush-wiser™ is targeted predominantly at home use, but can be used in offices, public toilets, schools, hospitals and any buildings where public toilets see the use of huge quantities of water every year for flushing, saving on water bills for those responsible for maintaining the public toilet facilities. A Flush-wiser™ unit is only 44mm by 38mm in size and weighs just 8 grams.

View Sentinel's profile:

Story

To help specifiers and installers meet the latest requirements of the UK Building Regulations Part L2 for conservation of fuel and power in non-domestic premises, Eaton has introduced a range of new energy metering solutions. These will simplify the provision of metering for lighting, small power and other loads at the final distribution board and reduce the need to wait for factory-built specials.

The Building Regulations effectively call for separate energy metering at all final distribution boards above 50kW in new non-domestic premises with a floor area greater than 500m2. Eaton is offering two approaches to this ? Type A distribution boards with integral metering, and separate meter packs that can be installed with its popular Type A (single-phase) and Type B (three-phase) Memshield 2 distribution boards. In both cases it is offering a ?split metering? option to enable small power and lighting loads to be metered separately.

The Type A boards with integral meters are 65A SPN units with a single meter or 100A boards fitted with a two channel meter feeding two separate busbars at 65A each, providing separate metering of small power and lighting loads within one board. The single meter boards are available as 9-way or 12-way SPN units while the split boards are available as 6+6 way or 8+4 way SPN units. The meters provide a visual readout and a pulsed output for measurement of kWh. They can also provide visual indication of other parameters such as line voltage, current, kVAr and power factor. A modbus RS 485RTU option is also available.

A separate meter pack is also available which fits alongside Type A Memshield distribution boards. Dimensions and finish are designed to blend aesthetically with the adjacent board. The meter offers similar options and capabilities to those in the boards with integral meters.

For Type B (three-phase) applications, Eaton has introduced new 125A and 160A split-load meter packs in addition to two existing meter packs. The new packs are designed to sit below two standard Memshield 2 Type B boards serving lighting and small power circuits, fed by a single cable supply. It houses a 125A/160A rotary disconnect switch incomer, two sets of current transformers and two multifunction meters, together with all the internal connections. The distribution boards can be standard Memshield 2 units with the normal choice of connection options.

The existing meter packs, introduced a little over a year ago, are single-channel units. One uses a 100A direct connection OFGEM approved and certified meter providing visual readout and pulsed output of kWh only. The other uses a 200A Class 1 multi-function meter, complete with current transformers and wiring terminals. It provides visual and pulsed output kWh measurement and visual display of other parameters. In addition, a MID approved Meter version has been added to the range, as the market starts to move away from OFGEM certified meters and migrates to MID (Measurement and Instrumentation Directive) certified products for billing applications.

?There is a huge market for MCB distribution boards but in future many of these will need metering of the incoming supply. Eaton?s new Memshield 2 meter packs and Type A boards with integral metering offer contractors a cost-effective way to meet these requirements without having to resort to special factory-built solutions? says Mike Lawrence, Eaton?s Product Manager for commercial assemblies.

Picture shows three of the new Eaton meter packs (foreground) and three Memshield 2 distribtuion boards.

View Eaton Electrical's profile: