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In line with its ambitious green agenda, environmental control systems manufacturer, Mitsubishi Electric has announced that it has phased out all R407c, fixed-speed models on its Mr Slim range and replaced them with new R410A, inverter-driven models which deliver much better energy performance especially at partial loads.

Four new outdoor models have been introduced to the line-up, in 19 and 22kW sizes. All four are three-phase, 415 volt models and come in the new compact twin-fan, side-blow design. Replacing the larger single-fan vertical blow models, the footprint has been reduced by more than 50% and the weight by 33%, allowing the new models to be wall mounted. Both sizes are available in Power Inverter or Standard Inverter models.

“All the new Power Inverter models deliver a 10% improvement in energy performance over 2007 models to help customers reduce the amount of energy their buildings consume,” explained Peter Cole, Product Manager.

Pipe runs for the Power Inverter range have also increased to up to 120m. The new lower-cost, Standard Inverter units replace the 2007 fixed-speed models and have a pipe run of up to 70m.

To coincide with the launch of these new outdoor models, Mitsubishi Electric has also introduced four new large capacity ducted R410A indoor units which connect to either the Power Inverter or Standard Inverter.

The new compact design models are more energy efficient and quieter than the R407c models they replace and enable Mitsubishi Electric to offer customers R410A large capacity ducted systems from 19 to 44kW in both inverter options.

The new outdoor models can also be connected to the current range of Mr Slim indoor units, in twin, triple or quad systems for flexible solutions for larger applications and spaces. Some of these combinations will also meet requirements and qualify for Enhanced Capital Allowance.

“These latest additions to the Mr Slim range now herald the end of R407c products for Mitsubishi Electric with both the 2008 M Series and Mr Slim ranges being all R410A products for the first time,” added Cole.

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When Roger Pearce set up his one-man plant hire business in April 2004, customers were offered a single piece of equipment; a Kubota mini excavator.

Three years on, Exsel Plant & Tool Hire has taken delivery of its 15th Kubota, a 2.8 tonne KX61-3, the latest model in its growing mini fleet – without the necessity for any warranty claims during this period.

Starting with £5,000 in his pocket, Roger Pearce has built up the Bishops Waltham, Southampton, company into a highly successful hire operation. In addition to Kubota minis it offers dumpers as well as a wide range of tools.

The go-ahead plant hirer has ploughed all the profits back into the business, spending over £300,000 on plant and tools without the need of external finance.

At 2.8 tonne the KX61-3 becomes the largest machine in his all-Kubota mini fleet, which up to now consisted of a mix of 800kg K008-3 and 1.5 tonne KX36-3 models.

The KX61-3 has a 4270 mm long arm fitted as standard to provide a maximum digging force of 14.7 kN (1500 kgf). The digging force of the bucket is 21.5 kN (2190 kgf).

Like all the models in Kubota's popular KX Series it has advanced hydraulic systems to improve its response and reduce energy wastage and can outperform larger and more costly competitive machines. It features an ergonomically designed control lever layout for smoother operation with reduced driver fatigue.

It was supplied, like all the other minis, by Kubota dealer Grant Plant (Maidenhead) Ltd., equipped with 12″, 18″ and 24″ diameter standard buckets plus a 48″ diameter grading bucket.

Roger Pearce outlined the reasons for sticking with Kubota and not mixing and matching his mini fleet, despite checking out other makes. “They are reliable machines – I have had no warranty claims at all in three years – they are ruggedly built to withstand an often tough working environment; are easy to operate; and have modern styling with good clean lines, which customers like.”

He said that the unique Kubota 'ANTI-THEFT' security system, the first and still the only one of its kind fitted as standard equipment by a mini excavator manufacturer, was an added bonus. “It has saved me from having machines stolen while they were out on hire a couple of times.”

The KX61-3 was delivered by Grant Plant to a site in Maidenhead where BSP Project Developments Ltd, which is building 12 luxury apartments, immediately put it to work.

Said Grant Plant's Andy Grant: “Roger Pearce is a hard worker who has built up a profitable business after starting out on his own. We are pleased that together with Kubota we have helped contribute to his well-earned success.”

Kubota is the world leader in mini excavators and provides the largest range of minis available from a single manufacturer. Customers can select from 18 base models, spanning the weight categories from 850kg to 8-tonnes, and including the widest choice of the increasingly popular zero tail swing machines.

With a legendary reputation for quality, performance, reliability and excellent resale values, together with unbeatable support from a nationwide network of specialist dealers, their market leading productivity and versatility make them the ideal tool for many different applications and end-users, from civil engineering to landscaping, and plant hire companies to owner operators.

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Pre-fabricated valve assemblies from Marflow Hydronics have helped to speed up installation and commissioning of fan coil systems at two office blocks in the Royal Court development in Winchester. Marflow Governator assemblies, which have been developed for use with fan coils, were selected by M&E contractor Dodd Group after technical appraisals by the company’s in-house designers.

Royal Court is a new development on a brown field site near Winchester, comprising three 3-storey office blocks. Heating and cooling in two of the buildings is provided by four-pipe fan coil systems, linked to Marflow’s pre-fabricated assemblies. Each Governator assembly comprises a complete terminal valve arrangement for fan coils, including an automatic balancing valve, flushing bypass, isolation valves and Y pattern strainer.

“This was the first time I’ve worked with pre-fabricated assemblies and I’ve been very impressed. I would definitely use this approach again,” commented Alan Horton of Dodd Group.

In combining all of the necessary valves in a single compact assembly, the pre-fabricated approach greatly simplified the on-site installation and also helped to reduce commissioning.

“Marflow also provided comprehensive cross-referencing of the assemblies to specific fan coils which made it very easy for the fitters and virtually eliminated the opportunities for errors, so the commissioning went very smoothly,” Alan Horton concluded.

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Stertil Stokvis has appointed Andrew Georgiou as General Manager of its Loading Bay Division.

Andrew has previously worked for one of the company’s competitors and has over eighteen years of experience in the loading bay equipment industry. His new role at Stertil Stokvis provides him with the chance to build on the company’s past achievements and he’s looking forward to the challenges ahead: “Stertil Stokvis has an enviable reputation for high quality products with innovative design features. I’m fortunate to be joining a market-leading company with many successes under its belt, but I’m certainly not complacent. Modern business is constantly changing and to meet the challenges it throws up, a company must be constantly striving to improve and move forward. I intend to build on the strong foundation at Stertil Stokvis and ensure that we are ready to meet those challenges.”

Stertil Stokvis has always emphasised the importance of manufacturing quality and Andrew Georgiou believes this is more crucial than ever: “The requirements placed on loading bays and dock levellers are greater than ever before and so it is vitally important for equipment to be robust, reliable and safe. We see many suppliers reduce their manufacturing costs and hence their prices by compromising the quality of their equipment and that’s something that Stertil Stokvis will never do.”

Stertil Stokvis is increasingly asked to replace equipment from other suppliers which is not up to the job. Dock levellers can be particularly vulnerable with broken welds, damaged lips and hinges and dished platform tops just a few examples of the problems encountered. Stertil Stokvis’s own dock levellers are manufactured from high-tensile steel for strength; platform tops are made in a single piece so as to eliminate weak spots; and increased weld contact makes lips and hinges more robust.

Always forward-looking, Stertil Stokvis has launched a brand new range of dock levellers to the market, including the first ever parallel-lip model which eliminates the problems associated with lip crown angles and hence improves health and safety for users. The new models were over two years in design and required an investment in production facilities of more than ?1 million. Extreme testing at prototype stages means that by the time a new model gets to production, Stertil Stokvis is confident enough of its quality to be the only company to provide a lifetime guarantee for its open-hinge lip system.

“The most important thing in this and many other industries is to delight your customer,” says Andrew Georgiou. “I have two rules: work hard and keep your promises, on time. These rules may be simple, but I believe they should still be the basis of doing business.”

Stertil Stokvis is a market leader with over 40 years’ experience in loading bays and dock areas. A comprehensive range of products includes inflatable shelters and dockseals; wheel guides; mobile yard ramps; dock bumpers and vehicle restraint systems, as well as both mechanically- and hydraulically-operated dock levellers. Stertil Stokvis was the first company in the industry to implement ISO9001 quality systems, SafeContractor health & safety systems and, in February 2007, became the first in the industry to achieve the ‘green credentials’ standard of ISO14001 for environmental management systems. During this process, the company has significantly reduced its energy consumption and reduced its landfill waste by 50%.

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Uponor are celebrating 25 years of designing underfloor heating systems for the UK market. In an ever growing marketplace; Uponor believes its wealth of experience together with its world class proven innovative products, help it to maintain its number one position for underfloor heating (UFH) solutions in the UK market. The head office located at Lutterworth in Leicestershire still maintains the largest dedicated heating technical and sales teams in the country, to pass on the 25 years experience few others in the marketplace can match.

As a concept the idea of underfloor radiant heating is not a new one and in most cases quotes throughout the industry often reference the Romans as pioneers of the industry. Yet without question it was the development of flexible plastic piping that has led to market boom we are experiencing today. As one of the very first manufacturers to introduce UFH to the UK market, Uponor have association with innovation and quality that has been employed since 1620; but now in 2008 a new landmark has been reached by the Leicestershire based company. Uponor are the only company who have carried a 30 year real time cycle test on its PEx A pipes, something a majority of its competitors cannot come close to matching, with most relying on computer generated performance figures to backup their sales claim.

Offering customers peace of mind based on its 25 years of UK design experience, Uponor are frequently seen as a benchmark to which the standards are set, but when it comes to Uponor’s products and customer service, as so often in life, imitation is the best form of flattery.

In celebration of the 25 years Uponor have redesigned their website to give installers, specifiers and architects an even more comprehensive experience with flexible plumbing and UFH. Uponor website goes live in February, with a number of additional features to make the world of flexible plumbing and UFH easier to negotiate. Included in the new look website will be a number of content additions including a the budget estimator; giving all registered users the chance to choose their desired system based on their floor construction, control options, no. of zones etc.

Also the Uponor loyalty scheme (launched last February) has been developed to incorporate and invoice submission scheme alongside the website, allowing users to check point totals and view the gifts online. The homepage itself will also look considerably different with an e-learning (video clip) playing training clips actually on the homepage, plus an easier login procedure has been added. Of course all the existing information and links will still survive but in a useful or ‘user-friendly’ format. An advanced website gives us opportunity monitor customer activity, reduce printing costs, and supply quality information; all adding to our customer service.

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Pressure has never been greater for businesses to perform efficiently and at speed. With the time constraints you have to work within, the last thing you need is a breakdown in your loading bay.

If you can’t get raw materials into the production cycle, it means you can’t take finished goods away. And if you’re not delivering, you’re probably not invoicing. The impact on your bottom line can be swift and serious.

You need to prevent costly breakdowns and thus avoid inefficient working – but how? Let Stertil Stokvis provide you with a proactive and well-planned maintenance regime, designed specifically around your operation. A regime like this will not only guard against breakdowns, but also keep you abreast of the latest regulations and health and safety requirements.

Using Stertil Stokvis as your service supplier will ensure:

• Fast response when you need it
  • We know that breakdowns don’t usually occur between 9 and 5, Monday to Friday, so we’re there when you need us.
• First time repairs
  • It’s no good to you if a supplier can respond quickly but, once on site, is unable to carry out the necessary repairs. All Stertil Stokvis engineers carry an extensive range of parts with them at all times.
• Flexibility
  • You need a service supplier who is flexible and able to adapt the service offered to your requirements. If your operation is busy at set times of the day, Stertil Stokvis will work outside of these hours, ensuring minimum disruption to your business.
• Legal compliance
  • Your service supplier needs to comply with all the current health and safety requirements for the equipment. Stertil Stokvis has strict compliance procedures in place and is externally audited by SafeContractor, an industry-recognised body.

Whilst it’s crucial initially to have a well-designed and installed loading bay incorporating quality products, ongoing efficient and reliable operation can only be ensured by effective service and maintenance. At Stertil Stokvis, we recommend you adopt a properly-planned maintenance strategy to make sure, not only that your dock equipment performs at optimum efficiency levels, but also that all necessary health and safety regulations are being met.

Call Stertil Stokvis on 0870 770 0471 for advice on maintaining your loading bay or to arrange a free, no-obligation site visit from a technical representative.

Stertil Stokvis – service you can trust.

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A little over a year ago, Daikin Europe launched its air to water Altherma heat pump heating and domestic hot water system in response to increasing energy prices and the growing movement towards the use of renewable energy sources.

The system has nominal heating capacities between 5.75 and 16kW, is some 3 to 4 times more energy efficient than traditional fossil fuel boilers and has been extended for use in conjunction with solar heating panels for the supply of domestic hot water.

Altherma produces hot water in a purpose designed stainless steel tank and the new Daikin solar kit enables this tank to be connected to a field supplied solar collector. The kit can be connected to current solar heating systems and incorporates special control software, which enables it to prioritise hot water production via the solar collector. If the solar collector is not able to provide sufficient energy, the system switches automatically to heat pump operation or to the booster heater in the water tank. This arrangement allows between 30 and 70% of the energy required for annual domestic hot water to emanate, free of charge, from the sun. In warmer climates this primary energy source can produce water temperatures as high as 90°C on the sunniest days of the year.

The Daikin solar kit comprises a heat exchanger and an insulated circulator pump, which is mounted onto the existing 200 or 300 litre Altherma water tank plus an electronic card providing the necessary communication between the various elements within the system.

During heat pump operation Altherma delivers hot water to the lower part of the water tank at 55°C, which can be boosted to higher temperatures by the electric heater in the upper part of the tank.

Benefits

Solar energy is, of course, free and available to some degree or other throughout the year. The running costs of a solar heated domestic hot water system are therefore, minimal. Furthermore, the system requires little or no maintenance after set-up and no extra room space is needed to achieve the additional increase in usable energy.

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A variety of products from Charcon’s flag and block paving ranges have been used to give a sleek finish to the £10 million redevelopment of Usworth Sixth Form College, Washington campus in Sunderland.

The college includes state-of-the-art facilities and is the result of a unique partnership between Biddick, Oxclose, Usworth and Washington schools and the City of Sunderland College.

Kirstie Mawhinney, from landscape architect, Insite Environments said: “Charcon’s products enabled us to give the landscape a high quality finish providing an appropriate setting for the building.”

Reflecting the campus’ natural and stylish look, Andover Silver Grey and Parliament Charcoal were installed along the walkways giving the area a beautifully textured and highly attractive finish.

Kirstie continues: “Using Charcon’s materials we incorporated a variety of paving sizes into the design, creating strongly defined curves in contrasting colours. We also installed Woburn rustic blocks into seating and feature areas to add warmth and variation into the more intimate spaces and entrance areas.”

Also installed was the specially designed Safeticurb, Charcon’s well proven linear drainage system.

Alan Hodgson, Charcon’s territory sales manager, said: “We have worked with Insite Environments on schools and college for a number of years so we understand their requirements, and were able to provide exactly what they were looking for at Usworth Sixth Form College.”

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Guests at the stylish and vibrant Ramada Encore London West hotel, opened recently in Chatham, can enjoy the pleasure of air conditioned bedrooms provided by purpose designed fan coil systems manufactured by Ability Projects Ltd, Wimborne, Dorset.

The hotel, based on a simple concept combining an upbeat atmosphere with comfortable contemporary accommodation, is ideally located adjacent to the historic Chatham Maritime Dockyard and has 90 bright, airy and spacious twin, double and family bedrooms fitted with Ability Aurora II fan coil systems, installed by Tandy Engineering Services Ltd, Gloucester.

Aurora II is in fact, the product of a detailed study of modern hotel air conditioning performance, installation and commissioning requirements and was carried out jointly by Ability Projects, Tandy and Siemens Building Technologies. The study observes that hotel bedroom air conditioning is characterised by short term cooling and heating cycles, which render the extensive operational capabilities of 4 pipe fan coil systems largely redundant.

Ability has overcome this problem by means of a control integrated, 2 pipe changeover fan coil unit, installed in the bulkhead above the guest room doors, fitted with electric heating and supplied with chilled or LPHW via a heat pump chiller on a seasonal basis as necessary. A heat sensor fitted to the flow side of the fan coil senses the water temperature and closes or opens the unit’s flow valve in order to activate heating or cooling cycles respectively.

The fan coil unit is regulated by a wall mounted Siemens LCD room temperature controller, which monitors and adjusts room temperatures during cooling and heating cycles, initiates automatic changeover and switches the electric heater and 3 speed fan throughout normal, energy saving and standby operating modes. The controller’s minimum set point initiates fan coil start up at room temperature of 160C and also allows occupants to set fan speeds and temperature to their requirements.

Aurora fan coil units at the Ramada Encore Chatham measure just 755mm long by 516mm wide and 235mm deep with capacities of 1.3kW cooling and operating noise levels of NR30 during the day and NR25 at night.

Special features include a control enclosure with access from below and rear facing pipe connections – important considerations in hotel fan coil installations – and discharge plenums with spigots sized to connect direct to the bedroom discharge grilles.

Standard Aurora options relevant to hotel applications include quick connection waterside flexible hoses, fully integrated commissioning packages and energy efficient fan/motor combinations that offer the facility of remote and step less fan speed control. The remote control system can be interfaced with a simple time clock, hotel booking system or even the room key card system.

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Alumasc Heritage Aluminium Rainwater Systems

Historically, cast-iron has been the only material capable of fulfilling the aesthetic and practical requirements that most listed and heritage building projects require, but Heritage Cast Aluminium systems, developed by rainwater system specialists Alumasc, provide a cost-effective alternative.

Manufactured in the company’s own state-of-the-art foundry, the Heritage Aluminium range perfectly replicates architecturally authentic gutters, downpipes and hoppers, right down to the sand-cast surface texture. Currently the only BBA approved aluminium rainwater system, Heritage is strong, lightweight and designed for fast installation. Well-proven wet-sealed and bolted-joint connections allow easy fixing, and the downpipes are available with or without ears. The material offers lifecycle economy, is corrosion resistant and is 100% recyclable, in keeping with Alumasc’s commitment to sustainability.

Gutter profiles are available to match traditional patterns – half-round; beaded half-round; beaded deep run, ogee and moulded – and there are five configurations of round, square and rectangular downpipes in various standard sizes. A full range of complementary fittings, including fascia brackets, rafter arms and traditional drive-in rise and fall brackets, complete a fully integrated rainwater package that delivers ease of installation, long life and considerable economic benefits.

The choice of 16 factory-applied standard colours using Alumasc’s exclusive Raincote finish, minimises labour costs further by eliminating the need for on site painting. With other colours available to order all ensure a long-lasting weatherproof finish with minimal maintenance and an estimated life of 25 years in a rural/urban environment.

The Heritage range is backed by Alumasc’s outstanding technical support system, providing advice, information, designs and calculations for every step of the project, from initial design to installation.

For further details on the full range of rainwater systems, or to request samples or literature, contact Alumasc on 0808 100 2008. Alternatively, visit the website www.alumasc-exteriors.co.uk.

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