Story

Machinery Movers UK, the new monthly specialist magazine dedicated to the construction & quarry plant and equipment sector, has appointed leading construction industry journalist, Aaron Morby, as editor.

Mr Morby was editor of Construction News from 2000-2007, and deputy editor from 1998-2000, having originally joined as a reporter in 1996.

Under his editorship the weekly magazine was voted International Builder Press 'Magazine of the Year' in 2000, 2002 and 2004, as well as achieving a number of other media industry plaudits.

His building and construction sector media experience covers a period in excess of 20 years and he has held positions as president of the International Building Press networking organisation and chairman of the Top 100 Contractors Breakfast Club, as well as acting as a judge for many industry award schemes.

“This is an exciting opportunity and I'm looking forward to the new challenge”, said Aaron Morby.

“With an already very strong, highly targeted and continually developing circulation base, together with its clearly focused editorial approach, Machinery Movers looks set to become the key plant & equipment publication serving the UK construction and quarrying industries.”

Brian Coogan, publisher of Machinery Movers UK, said: “We are delighted that Aaron, with his extensive construction sector experience and acknowledged reputation and respect within the industry, has taken up our invitation to edit the new UK publication.”

“The launch issue of Machinery Movers UK has been extremely well received by both readers and advertisers alike, with very favourable responses from major equipment manufacturers, plant hirers, construction contractors, quarries and other companies, as well as leading industry trade bodies.”

“As a result subscription take-up is rapidly increasing, particularly with our special introductory offer @ £25.00 for 12 issues, which is still continuing for a limited period.”

“We firmly expect the new UK monthly publication to become as successful as Machinery Movers Ireland, which has already established itself as Ireland's No1 dedicated construction & quarry equipment title,” concluded Brian Coogan.

As part of its continuing development strategy Machinery Movers UK has now opened a UK sales office, with the appointment of Birmingham-based Open Box Publishing to handle UK mainland advertising sales – apart from some existing key accounts which will continue to be serviced direct by publisher, Brian Coogan.

View Machinery Movers's profile:

Story

Significant growth, fuelled by a key acquisition, has triggered a major upgrade of the UK headquarters, in Redhill, Surrey, of global engineering, consulting and construction company Black & Veatch.

Space Airconditioning plc, the Guildford based Daikin distributor and Chelmsford-based climate control specialist Adcock Group have played key roles in a sensitive refurbishment project, that allows B&V to integrate staff into functional and project teams, following the acquisition of MJ Gleeson’s water business, and improve the overall physical environment in the office.

On time – on budget

Space Air – the largest of Daikin’s European network of independent distributors – and the Adcock Group, which handles air conditioning, refrigeration and other climate control contracts for a number of internationally renowned clients, both completed their elements of this strategically important project on time and within budget to pave the way for a smooth transition for Black & Veatch.

Daikin Heat Recovery VRV – an intelligent choice

Design Consultants WPPM uniquely specified Space Air to supply Daikin VRV Heat Recovery Heat Pump Systems for the project, the principal component of new services installed by Adcock. Adcock director, Nigel Claydon, said: “Prior to our total refurbishment project the building had experienced high temperatures during the summer. We removed a radiator heating system and boilers and installed Daikin VRV systems, which comprised 16 outdoor units and 192 ceiling void, ducted fan coil units. We also installed a roof mounted air handling unit and distribution ductwork to each floor and a dedicated fresh air system serving the conference rooms.

The whole building services installation is controlled by Daikin’s “Intelligent Manager” centralised controller incorporating web access and power proportional distribution, which interfaces with all the plant installed, this was also supplied and commissioned by Space Air.”

Nigel Claydon continued: “The contract took 29 weeks, covered 5,000 sqm over four floors and was completed on a floor-by-floor basis. It was a time-sensitive programme but we demonstrated that the project could be completed on time and within budget.”

Quality of environment reflects quality of staff

Globally Black & Veatch has more than 8,000 professionals in 100 offices worldwide. The business delivers projects that improve the quality of peoples’ lives: ensuring clean drinking water in ample supply, dependable flood prevention, conveyance, treatment and safe reuse of wastewater – and much more. An estimated 20% of the world’s population served by community systems drinks water through systems designed, constructed or supported by Black & Veatch.

Malcolm Hallsworth, Communications Manager for Black & Veatch Water Europe, said: “Our people are vital to the continuing success of the business and the Grosvenor House refurbishment provides a quality of environment that reflects the quality of the workforce.”

View Space Air's profile:

Story

Could be a tricky bit of maths but what I am really trying to answer is: ‘do you get as much from a Robust Details Ltd (RDL) listing as you do from an Agrément Certificate?’

The answer is ‘no’. The Part E Robust Details (RD) scheme was developed in order to provide housebuilders with a means of meeting Requirement E1 in the Building Regulations (England and Wales), covering resistance to the passage of sound between adjacent new build dwellings, without the need for Pre-Completion Testing – acoustic testing just before handover to the purchaser, with potentially costly implications if there was a fail.

The system has worked well and many providers of acoustic insulation systems have obtained RD listings. It is important to point out though that for most specifiers, purchasers and building owners acoustic insulation products will have other aspects of performance that need to be demonstrated, as well as an assurance that the specification of the product that passed the RD testing will not be changed to incorporate, for example, a cheaper component.

The BBA has worked with RDL to develop its RD Data Verification Scheme, linked to benchmark testing of specific components that may be used as part of an RD separating element. This process involves the BBA checking that the test data obtained by the manufacturer agrees with the requirements set out in the RD Handbook.

However, this is not the same as an Agrément Certificate.

When the BBA looks at acoustic insulation products leading to the award of Agrément Certificates, we take several key things into consideration that are not specifically accounted for by the RD scheme.

Under the Building Regulations, RDL’s role is specifically:

To approve new Robust Details as a method of satisfying Building Regulations (Requirement E1)
To manage the use of Robust Details in the house-building industry by enabling builders or their representatives to use them in new, attached homes
To monitor the performance of Robust Details and withdraw any that consistently fail to meet the required standards
To promote the use of Robust Details and publish information to help the industry improve the sound insulation performance of separating walls and floors in new homes
RDL is the only authority able to undertake this role.
The Agrément Certificate assessment involves consideration of all relevant regulations and standards that apply to the product in question, on the other hand including consideration of standards applicable in Scotland and Northern Ireland as well as England and Wales.

We look at the relationship of the acoustic insulation with other materials with which it is likely to be in contact including, for example, underfloor services, and how it should be fixed and how it will perform under long and short-term loading.

This latter aspect is important in helping us to arrive at a durability statement for the system, not something that you will find in the RD scheme. We also look to see that there is a system of factory production control in operation to ensure continuing production of the correct material. Some manufacturers claim that there are low quality foams being offered as part of floating floor systems and this is something that can happen if there is no third party control at the production source. Similarly, in acoustic battens, the quality of the timber is important and without control the temptation will often be there to substitute cheaper timber for the high-quality material that passed the original test.

Every BBA Certificate holder is liable to surveillance normally twice a year to ensure that the approved specification is still being manufactured and it is a condition of BBA approval that control processes are in place to ensure this is the case, even when our inspector is not on the premises.

There is an old rule when buying – caveat emptor or buyer beware, and it is as true in the acoustic insulation sector as anywhere else.

We say proudly that BBA approved products won’t let you down – who else can insert their initials in place of ours and make the same claim?

View BBA's profile:

Story

Strebel’s Wood Gasifying Boilers are fitted in the UK.

Strebel, specialists in Pellet, Chip and Log Burning Boilers, were recently asked for prices for a Biomass project Ref: The Ty-Newydd Hotel in the Hirwaun Area of Mid Glamorgan. After surveying the site and the available area usable as a plant room, it was quickly realised that a pellet or wood chip boiler was unsuitable. It was impossible to get pellets or chips to the Boiler Room and a silo or fuel store was not an option. Strebel also found that there were issues with keeping the fuel dry.

Strebel offered a solution to the Consultant, Mr Graham Lewis, of the Energy Design Partnership; an alternative, in the form of 2 no. Strebel Turbotec 70Kw Wood Gasifying Log Burning Boilers, manufactured in Austria by Strebel. Not only was the price more attractive, it also meant that keeping the fuel very dry was no longer an issue. The owner of the Hotel, Mr Hillier, already had a log supplier for his open fires in the bar and sitting room areas, so everything started to come together. Carbon Trust provided grants, funding, and allowed the Hotel to install new radiators in a previously electrically heated area. Strebel provided a complete plant room package with the Boilers, a standby 150Kw wall mounted LPG Condensing Boiler, a Thermal Buffer Tank, Calorifiers, Pressurisation Unit, Pumps and Multiple Zone Controllers, all networked together.

Strebel, together with advice from the consultant, provided drawings and wiring diagrams. A superb installation was carried out by RSJ Mechanical from Cardiff, with Electrical Contractor A.J.T. Ltd also making a first class job. The existing LPG Boilers and LPG water heater were left running, while the new plant was being installed, so the Hotel experienced no disruption. Strebel were pleased to hear that all parties involved, expressed a very keen interest in this advanced Wood Gasifying project.

Once the installation was completed Strebel brought in its own commissioning engineers along with biomass specialist Mr Holger Muller from Austria. The Log Boilers and all the plant was up and running and fully commissioned within a day.

It seemed strange to ignite the boilers by lighting a small fire on top of the wood, then once fully burning, completely loading the boiler to the brim with wood to be baked and to be de-gasified. It is awesome to see Wood being burned as Gas, with a pale blue and pink flame being drawn through the boiler. There is practically nothing left when the burn is completed, reducing the very simple cleaning to a minimum.

Over the next few months the Client will see a good saving on his LPG fuel bill whilst also reducing his carbon footprint, and of course, enjoying the benefits of such a simple boiler. Everyone involved looks forward to the next project using this advanced equipment.

View Strebel's profile:

Story

Mapei UK Ltd’s Fast-Track Screeds CPD Seminar is now both RIBA and Constructions CPD Services accredited and available to architects and construction professionals nationwide.

The seminar provides guidance on the specification of screeds including compliance with current standards, types of screed systems and typical cost models.

Participants will benefit from specialist information including, avoiding screed failures by correctly specifying suitable materials and construction methods, understanding how performance differs with varying material types, awareness of European and British standards including Building Regulations and how aesthetic some screed materials can be.

Mapei have a dedicated Specification Team and Technical Managers who provide CPD courses with practical demonstrations, reference material and audiovisual aids. Each seminar lasts approx. 40 minutes and can be arranged at practices and organisations nationwide to suit the audience needs.

Training is a fundamental role within Mapei UK Ltd, who organise courses to assist architects and builders to refresh and improve their skills and ensure the correct application of Mapei products. Mapei also provide a number of other CPD seminars, information is available on request.

For further information contact Mapei UK Ltd, Technical Services Department on 0121 508 6970 or email ‘technical@mapei.co.uk’

Mapei is the world’s largest manufacturer of adhesives, sealants and chemical products for building. Mapei are a specialist in the production of quality products for the installation of all kinds of wall and floor coverings, and have a vast range of admixtures and repair products for concrete and building materials.

View Mapei's profile:

Story

Hanson Building Products has taken a leading role in encouraging improved sustainability within the building industry. In keeping with its own ongoing sustainability programme, the company, which is one of the world's largest suppliers of heavy building materials, has signed up to the new Precast Sector Sustainability Charter.

The Sustainability Charter was set up recently by the British Precast Concrete Federation, the trade body for the UK precast concrete products industry. At the Charter’s launch event on 29th November, Hanson joined seven other leading suppliers in signing up as founding members.

The purpose of the new Charter is to challenge the industry at large, and member companies in particular, to improve their sustainability performance and profile. Acknowledging the need to move beyond legislation, the Charter encourages members to adopt a series of voluntary practices to make both products and systems more sustainable.

The Charter, which is the latest step in the Federation’s ‘More from Less’ sector sustainability strategy, consists of 15 challenges and commitments. By signing up to the Charter, members agree to work towards the adoption of a number of principles. These include: the development of products designed to improve the quality and sustainability of the built environment; the effective management of all waste streams and the minimisation of waste disposed to landfill; the minimisation of pollution and emissions associated with production and transportation; and the more efficient use of energy and water, and the subsequent reduction of the industry’s carbon footprint.

In addition, Charter members agree to liaise with local communities to promote mutual understanding and respect; to measure, report and improve performance on sustainability issues; to protect asnd enhance the natural environment affected by precast production; to develop a skilled, competent workforce; and to operate responsibly to protect employees, contractors and visitors.

Since the early 1990s, Hanson Building Products has had in place its own detailed environmental policy which reflects the company’s principles of sustainable development. Building products are part of everyday life, HBP maintains, and are therefore crucial to achieving a sustainable environment and a sustainable society.

View Hanson's profile:

Story

Part L and F of the Building Regulations; European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive; local government renewable energy obligations – are just some of a growing number of regulations which require specifiers and project managers to demonstrate how their buildings will perform against ever increasing targets on energy use.

Mitsubishi Electric is bringing together a number of independent experts to host a series of free one-day seminars on how to ensure building design complies with new regulations, as well as information on the latest developments in energy efficient systems and renewable energy sources for both heating and cooling applications.

Topics discussed on the day will include:

• CO2 emissions
• Renewable technologies, including a live demonstration on ground source
• Lifecycle costs
• Control systems
• Running costs
• The Code for Sustainable Homes, including a live demonstration of Ecodan™ heat pump boiler
• Zero carbon solutions
• ‘The London Plan’ – strategies and targets set by the GLA to make London a greener capital

DATES AND BOOKING INFORMATION

Tuesday 18th March 2008

To reserve your place on one of these FREE seminars, please
TELEPHONE 01707 282880
Or email air.conditioning@meuk.mee.com

The seminars will be held at Mitsubishi Electric, Travellers Lane, Hatfield, Herts, AL10 8XB

View Mitsubishi Electric's profile:

Story

View Hambleside Danelaw's profile:

Story

The installation of seven Mitsubishi Electric WR2 PQRY-P250YMF-C heat recovery air conditioning units into the Zetter Hotel in Clerkenwell is now helping the stylish conversion provide exactly the right environment for its guests, whilst using the natural underground lake deep below the city streets as a cooling and heating source to save on energy consumption.

The Challenge

The Hotel, which is within walking distance of Sadlers Wells, the Barbican, Smithfields, St Pauls and the City, has been refurbished to an exceptionally high standard.

The refurbishment was designed by architects Chetwood Associates, using sustainable materials and environmentally responsible principles with the main atrium providing natural ventilation and the air conditioning cooled by water pumped from a bore-hole which sinks 130m below the building.

The air conditioning system, which was supplied by Mitsubishi Electric’s Direct Bristol office, was put together by a design team from engineering consultancy, Buro Happold and Gratte Manly Mechanical Services and installed by J C W Air Conditioning of Bristol.

The architects were looking for a system that not only allowed for a sustainable and energy efficient design, but also avoided losing valuable roof space that has now been used for penthouse suites

“If we had installed standard air conditioning units we would have lost at least one penthouse suite which earns valuable revenue for the hotel,” explained Todd Billo, Maintenance Manager at the 59-bedroomed hotel, which includes seven rooftop studios with patios providing panoramic views over London. All rooms have giant sash windows and are reached via the dramatic five-storey atrium.

The 18-month conversion project has retained many of the building’s original features and scars while blending the traditional and the modern, to create an unpretentious urban space in which to sleep, eat and meet. The building’s large sash windows for example, are a dominant feature of every room and particularly on the south side of the building, this can leave rooms hot as the guests walk in, so it is vital that the air conditioning is able to cool quickly to a comfortable level.

The solution

One of the unique features of the WR2 system is the fact that the condensing units can be sited indoors, and in the case of Zetters, the seven units are installed in small service rooms on each floor. Each unit can provide up to 31.5 kW of heating and 28 kW of cooling and link in this occasion to PFFY-P VLRM-E floor standing units concealed in each of the bedrooms.

Along with this capability to free up vital roof space, the WR2 is also unique in its ability to link to a building’s water loop and transfer heating or cooling energy between them, allowing the units to offer incredibly efficient double heat recovery, producing heat recovery from indoor units on the same refrigerant circuit in addition to using the water circuit to transfer energy between different WR2 circuits.

In the case of the Zetter Hotel, ground sourced water from an aquifer approximately 130m below ground provides water at a constant 13 – 14°C. The water is pumped up the borehole and passed through a plate heat exchanger and then finally metered before being piped to the sewer.

The refurbished building, which opened in March 2004, is utilising the WR2’s 2 pipe simultaneous heating and cooling ability to precisely control the various temperature requirements within the Hotels rooms.

By using the open loop bore hole the “WR2” systems efficiency benefits from the constant year round water temperature of between 13 ~14°C. Unlike conventional air cooled systems where the heating efficiency drops at low ambient temperature and with defrost cycles, the WR2 system efficiency remains high regardless of ambient conditions.

The air conditioning is controlled by Mitsubishi Electric’s G50 system which links to the overall BMS, although each room has an individual controller. When a guest enters the room and places their VIN card (room key) in the slot which controls all lights and services, the air conditioning will come on and will automatically switch off when the room is vacated. The system is also connected to sensors on the sash windows so that if they are opened, the air conditioning will switch off to stop energy being used when it is not needed.

“The system has been so well set up that it practically runs itself and we are now fine tuning it so that we can get maximum efficiency,” says Todd adding that the user-friendly G50 is easy to pick up and understand.

Water has figured largely in the history of Clerkenwell, whose name derives from a well used to bring water up to medieval London from the underground reservoir.

In addition to using this water to take away excess heat from the air conditioning systems, the Zetter Hotel also filters it and offers it to guests in the form of still or sparkling bottled spring water.

The hotel and its restaurant have already proved very popular and the installation of the WR2 system will ensure that the building has a reliable, energy efficient environmental control for years to come.

Ongoing monitoring

The principle of the WR2 system in use at the Zetter Hotel is double heat recovery, firstly extraction of heat from the underground water source and then heat recovery between condensing units and then the indoor units so that the system provides maximum efficiency at all times.

Continual monitoring of the system shows that the WR2 system at Zetters has already been providing an average COP of 3.48 at full load and at current water volume flow rates 5m3/h and temperature of 32°C.

The ability to monitor on an ongoing basis will allow the Hotel’s owners to see how efficiency varies depending on the water volume flow rate and temperatures and any seasonal changes within the hotel and in clientele numbers.

The owners can then examine ways of matching any changes required or can look to increase energy efficiency – For example, reducing the water temperature to 20°C and increasing the water flow rate to 7.5m3/h, will increase the COP to 5.1.

View Mitsubishi Electric's profile:

Story

The British Board of Agrément has issued its first-ever Certificate for a renewable energy technology – the Clearline range of roof integrated solar water heating panels from Viridian Solar (Certificate No 07/4474).

Clearline is roof integrated, meaning that it replaces tiles and sits lower in the roof. The resulting aesthetic is a great improvement on the standard installation of solar panels above the tiles. In common with other quality solar panels, Clearline has passed tests to the European standard for solar panels (EN 12975- 2 : 2006).

The BBA and Viridian worked together to develop a series of tests.

Greg Cooper, Chief Executive of the BBA said: ‘This was a new area for us but we have unrivalled expertise in the assessment of roofing products, so evaluating the weathertightness and structural aspects of the Viridian panel was straightforward, as was our examination of its behaviour in relation to fire. Measuring the energy performance was more of a challenge but again our experience in hot water storage systems was invaluable, as was the input of our client, and our work on durability over the years helped us derive a statement for that, too’.

Peter Crane, Head of Standards at NHBC said ‘NHBC welcomes the Certificate awarded to Viridian Solar for their roof integrated solar water heating panels. It is important that renewable energy technologies incorporated in new homes are both properly assessed and correctly installed’.

View BBA's profile: