Story

Humidity control specialist, Condair, has extended its dehumidifier range to include more desiccant models, wall and ceiling-mounted systems, units that control temperature as well as humidity, and swimming pool units.

Tim Scott, head of sales at Condair plc, comments, “Having successfully launched Condair dehumidifiers to the UK market just a few years ago, it is very exciting to be able to further strengthen our portfolio of dehumidification systems. Condair now boasts one of the most extensive ranges of dehumidifiers available from a single supplier, as well as offering fully customised solutions for unusual projects or extreme control. Whatever application, capacity or humidity level is needed, Condair has the dehumidifier to perfectly meet the requirement.”

The new Condair DA desiccant dehumidifier range now includes capacities from 0.6 to 182 litres per hour (@20°C/60%RH) from its standard models with customized units being able to meet any larger drying requirement. Features include the ability to operate down to -30°C and consistently maintain an air humidity as low 1%RH. Units can incorporate on-board touch screen controllers and BMS connectivity, with Modbus as standard. AC or EC fans are available and are positioned in a push configuration prior to the desiccant rotor on the regeneration airflow. This avoids contact between the fan and the hot humid exhaust air, prolonging the life of the fan.

Condair’s new wall-mounted condensing dehumidifier range offers attractive in-room units with a sleek, minimalistic design. Alternatively, wall-mounted systems can be remotely located in a room adjacent to the area being dehumidified. Humid air is circulated to the dehumidifier and dry air fed back to the room via ducting through the wall. New ceiling-mounted models enable installers to either integrate the unit in a suspended ceiling system or simply fix it overhead to avoid taking up floor space. All of these new fixed condensing systems are available in standard capacities from 49 to 190 L/D (@30°C/80%RH).

For applications that need very tight control over temperature as well as humidity, the Condair DC-N dehumidifier will deliver dry process air as well as cooling to an area or duct. It incorporates a remotely located compressor unit to dissipate heat generated during the dehumidification process, similar to a split air conditioning system. Dehumidifying capacities range from 263 to 940 L/D (@30°C/80%RH) and cooling outputs from 13 to 43kW.

To complete Condair’s range of dehumidifiers, swimming pool models are now available that incorporate a range of features specifically for pool areas. Heat exchangers recover thermal energy from the supply air and the dehumidification process, which can either be introduced to the dry air being returned to the pool area or used to heat the pool water. Condair’s swimming pool dehumidification systems can also introduce outside fresh air to help improve the internal atmosphere. Units are offered in free-standing, wall-mounted, ceiling mounted, in-room or in-duct and in capacities up to 940L/D (@30°C/80%RH).

The Condair Group is the world’s leading specialist in humidity control and evaporative cooling, with energy efficient, hygienic and innovative technologies for commercial, industrial and heritage applications. Condair offers system design, manufacture, supply, installation, commissioning, maintenance and spares. More information is available on the company’s website at www.condair.co.uk.

View Condair's profile:

Story

Saint-Gobain PAM UK, leading ductile-iron solutions manufacturer has launched its new Ensign rodding branch. Designed in collaboration with plumbing installers, the rodding branch combines up to eight components into one fitting to simplify and save on installation time.

After working alongside installers, Saint-Gobain PAM recognised that an opportunity to significantly reduce installation time was identified when installing horizontal pipework. This was particularly apparent in multi-storey developments with basement levels where the drainage systems can have numerous directional changes and multiple connections to vertical pipe stacks. Typically, this type of application would require several components to be assembled together; now with the new Ensign rodding branch, the installation time of each directional change is reduced by at least 60%.

Mike Rawlings, Marketing Manager for Saint-Gobain PAM, commented: “This is the first outcome of our new underlying strategy that aims to provide added value to cast iron drainage solutions for installers. It was vital that we listened and understood the challenges they face in order to create better solutions that would save them time and money. Essentially, the Ensign Rodding Branch- delivers best practice installation more quickly and simply for installers.

“Traditionally, when the horizontal pipework changes direction, installers would need to add a short length of pipe, and end cap to allow access for rodding, a support bracket and even, on certain installations, a set of pressure grip collars to accommodate thrust pressures at the end of a pipe run. This entire process can involve the use of up to eight separate components and would take a significant amount of time, even for experienced installers.”

The new branch is available in a 45° angle for horizontal directional change and 90° angle for use where the vertical pipe stack connects to the horizontal pipe run. The product combines all of the components into a single part, which also includes a pressure resistant end cap tested up to 5-bar of static pressure and a fixing lug. These additions remove the need for the grip collar and the full bracket that is required when creating a directional change in the traditional manner.

Mike Rawlings concludes: ”The new Ensign Rodding Branch will provide the plumbing installer with real opportunities to simplify their installation, reduce pipe cutting on site, and ultimately make labour time and cost saving benefits whilst maintaining best practice installation.”

View PAM Building's profile:

Story

JS Air Curtains has supplied two Zen air curtains for the recently refurbished National Army Museum in Chelsea, London, to provide a warm welcome to visitors in its reception foyer and gift shop.

The air curtains seal the entrances while the doors are open with an invisible barrier of air, preventing cold air entering in the winter and cool air escaping in the summer. The Zen air curtain was selected to architecturally fit in with the design of the interior and, in the case of the foyer, match the colour of the doorway.

Mike O’Connor, Deputy Director at the National Army Museum said ‘‘The air curtains blend in perfectly, due to matching the RAL colour of the entrance, and are helping to maintain a very comfortable internal temperature for visitors and staff to the museum. They have been running very well so far with no operational issues’’.

The Zen air curtain is offered with front and rear panels that can be made in a variety of materials and colours, and can even incorporate signs and elements such as clocks, lighting or digital displays. This makes the model a very popular choice for architects and designers. At the National Army Museum, the Zen above the main entrance was supplied in a matching RAL colour while the shop had the standard finish.

The units are available in a choice of sizes from 1.0m to 2.5m in 0.5m increments and can be mounted horizontally above the doorway or vertically to the side, with the possibility of joining two or more units together to cover wide entrances. Heating can be via electric or LPHW, as was the case at the National Army Museum, or it can be supplied without heating as an air only model. Low noise, double inlet centrifugal fans with external rotor motors can provide up to 2,7000m³/h of airflow per metre of air curtain (as tested to Amca 220-05) making the Zen ideal for doorways up to 4.2m high.

A manual controller is included as standard alongside 7m of telephonic cable with RJ45 (Plug & Play) connectors and a hand-held infra-red remote. The National Army Museum selected an optional advanced ‘‘Clever’’ controller to regulate the air curtains as it includes a temperature sensor that automatically adapts to the entrance conditions.

The National Army Museum is the leading authority on the British Army and its impact on society past and present. It displays thousands of pieces across five themed galleries with a special temporary exhibition gallery, event space, a café and children’s area, Play Base.

JS Air Curtains, the UK’s leading air curtain specialist, supply an extensive range of air curtains for all commercial and industrial applications. You can find out more by visiting the company’s website at www.jsaircurtains.com.

View JS Air Curtains's profile:

Story

Crittall, the originator of the steel window and the sector’s leading manufacturer, has launched T60 – a highly innovative thermally broken steel window and door system.

T60’s slim profiles replicate original Crittall steel windows, combining traditional aesthetics with 21st Century levels of performance. T60 features an advanced high density polyurethane isolator as a thermal barrier. This, together with housing high performance double or triple glazing up to 37mm wide, ensures the system surpasses the requirements of current regulations while at the same time providing contemporary levels of comfort, particularly in harsher weather conditions where traditional steel windows may not have previously been sufficient. Market-leading weathertightness performance has been tested to European and ASTM Standards.

As with all Crittall products, T60 is corrosion protected and finished with Duralife, an architectural grade polyester powder coating. Its slim sightlines maximize the benefit of natural daylight thereby reducing reliance on artificial lighting. Each frame is fully welded enhancing strength and durability. The inherent strength of steel gives peace of mind in respect of robustness and security, boosted by optional multi-locking. A wide range of opening configurations are available.

Traditional aesthetics ensure T60 can be specified with confidence for Listed buildings or properties in Conservation areas.

The clean, slender design is ideally suited both to restoration work and new build projects and T60 is expected to be specified for a full range of market sectors, including offices, health, education and hotels.

View Crittall's profile:

Story

A bespoke cable management solution was delivered to a tight deadline ensuring halls of residence at the University of Warwick were ready to welcome students in time for the new term.
Marshall-Tufflex’s sleek Odyssey PVC-U trunking system offers a completely curved profile and is the only one of its kind on the market. It has been designed specifically with health, education and office environments in mind.

Bespoke lengths of 2.25m were cut to size to fit-out student rooms in the Arthur Vick Residence at the university. The Odyssey trunking was supplied in white with flush fitting charcoal accessory boxes to comply with Part M of the Building Regulations.

The dado trunking delivers data and electricity to desk areas in each of the 150 study rooms and was part of a refit of the whole residence. The halls are in constant use so the pressure was on to complete the refurbishment during the university vacation time.

Marshall-Tufflex has a dedicated team to deal with special projects where cable management products are fabricated to customised design and specification. The team was able to provide the bespoke cut lengths with a quick turnaround, helping the refit stay on track and on budget.

This specialist service offered by Marshall-Tufflex was a key consideration, but Odyssey was also chosen for its stylish curved profile, which has the added benefit of avoiding dust traps or cluttered surfaces and makes cleaning easy. Specially designed wrap-around covers give added security and result in smoother lines to further enhance Odyssey’s unique appearance.

Electrical Design Engineer Gary Price, from the University of Warwick Estates Office, said the system was chosen to enhance the look of the student rooms and also to provide the most cost-effective and timely solution. He said: “I have used Odyssey many times in the past and it looks aesthetically pleasing and is a very good product. We only had 10 weeks on site and I wanted to limit any waste in terms of time and materials. Having the product cut to size in the factory and delivered as a complete package for each study bedroom meant that it could be easily fitted into place with no waste. This has delivered a very good result.”

With a tight turnaround to get the project completed, ease of installation was another key factor. As well as being cut to size off-site, the base is pre-punched so does not require drilling. The trunking has adjustable bends with a 25mm bend radius to manage difficult angles, and cabling is made easier thanks to a specially designed internal cable tray.

The three compartments allow full cable segregation and both trunking and accompanying fittings are suitable for installations up to Cat 7a. The system is even tamper resistant thanks to fittings that locate with a special clip design, which is useful in school or high security settings.

Supplied by Edmundson Electrical in Coventry, the Odyssey range is also available as an antimicrobial option, and with electromagnetic shielding.

View Marshall-Tufflex's profile:

Story

The new £140 million Macallan distillery and visitor experience on the Easter Elchies estate near Craigellachie in Moray features Armourcoat Surface Finishes.

Macallan is a luxury single malt Scotch whisky brand, with leading positions in some of the world’s most significant markets including the USA, Taiwan, and Japan. The distillery is designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners, who were selected to lead the project after an international competition.

Over 400m2 of custom coloured Armourcoat Spatulata polished plaster has been applied to the curving staircase walls, boutique store, lift lobbies and reception. Spatulata is Armourcoat’s own superfine marble stucco paste developed from traditional materials and manufactured in the UK. It is trowel applied in numerous fine layers by skilled applicators to create a highly polished decorative surface that adds a touch of luxury to interior spaces.

View Armourcoat's profile:

Story

Designed to appeal to the contracts sector, a new range of Kinedo shower enclosures has been added to the portfolio of showering products by Saniflo.

Fast 2000, named as such because of the 2000mm high profiles and the rapidity of installation, is a collection of enclosures designed to suit every size and shape of bathroom. Offering exceptional value for money, the collection includes:

• Pivot doors: 700 – 1200mm
• Sliding doors: 1000 – 1700mm
• Corner entry sliding doors: 700 – 1200mm
• Quads with sliding doors: 800 or 900mm
• Fixed panels: 700 – 900mm

As is synonymous with the Kinedo range the Fast 2000 is quick and easy to install and manufactured using quality components throughout. Interlocking aluminium profiles ensure the frame is very simple to assemble whilst easy release rollers can be fixed to the door profiles without any tools. Handles are attached using pre-supplied screws and fixings for the glass panels slot neatly and securely into place. The whole job is easily completed by one person.

The design of the Fast 2000 range is both high quality and provides an elegant shower space for new build and renovation projects alike.  Features include:

• 20 – 40mm of adjustment for ease of fitting
• Top and bottom rollers on slider doors for ease of release and excellent stability
• Anti-limescale treatment as standard for an easy clean solution
• Reversible glass panels
• Quick release rollers on slider doors
• 2m height enclosure with 6mm glass
• Easy fit profile covers and concealed fixings for a neat finish

View Kinedo's profile:

Story

Condair plc has been accredited by the Workplace Wellbeing Charter, the national accreditation standard that recognises an organisation’s commitment to improving the lives of those who work there.  Condair achieved the standard through initiatives such as the introduction of free staff health MOTs, subsidizing gym subscriptions, investing in sit-stand desks and appointing trained mental health first aiders.

Condair plc, the UK’s leading humidification specialist, employs 75 people, located either at its headquarters in West Sussex, or remotely situated around the UK, across its nationwide sales and service teams.

Tim Scott, head of sales at Condair plc, comments, “Employees who are happy and healthy are more engaged and productive in the workplace. We are very proud to have obtained this important accreditation, as it objectively demonstrates our commitment to continually improving the happiness, health and wellbeing of our staff.

“Condair has been at the forefront of the UK’s humidity control for 37 years. The fact that over half our staff have been with us for at least 10 years, and many for much longer, is testament to the importance we place on employee wellbeing and happiness. This doesn’t just make our day-to-day working lives more enjoyable but has a direct impact on the business’ profits. It helps us retain talented individuals, builds the most experienced workforce in the marketplace and ensures we deliver the best possible service to our customers.”

As part of the Workplace Wellbeing Charter accreditation, Condair was independently reviewed by a consultant, against a set of eight topic areas. These topics ranged from leadership and absence management to physical activity and healthy eating. The objective is to assess the company’s level of commitment to creating a culture that values health and wellbeing.

Tim Scott continues, “As an organisation, we have always been proactive about creating a happy workplace, with regular social events playing an important part in building a cooperative and friendly team atmosphere. We also encourage staff to manage their own health through subsidizing gym subscriptions, promoting tax-free bike-to-work schemes, offering sit/stand desks, company bikes for staff use, free bi-annual health MOTs and offering medical cash plans, which allow staff access to cheaper healthcare services for things like dental, optometry or podiatry.

“Alongside these investments, we also provide services to employees such as workshops on stress management, healthy eating and mindfulness, give staff support to stop smoking and allow time-shifting in working hours. Simply starting and finishing a working day at a slightly different time can improve a person’s work life balance and alleviate stress.

“Mental health has also been a focus for us in recent years. As well as internally promoting government initiatives like Mental Health Awareness Week, we have appointed and trained two mental health first aiders. These individuals are able to offer direct and confidential support to people who need it. As well as this one-to-one support, employees also have access to a confidential helpline, with experts who can provide advice on a range of topics from bereavement and debt to health and relationships.” Tim concludes.

The Condair Group is the world’s leading specialist in humidification and evaporative cooling, with energy efficient, hygienic and innovative technologies for commercial, industrial and heritage applications. Condair is represented in the UK by Condair plc, which offers system design, manufacture, supply, installation, commissioning, maintenance and spares.

View Condair's profile:

Story

An aggressive coastal location coupled with conservation regulations were key challenges for contractors tasked with installing a new air conditioning system at Brighton’s historic Grand hotel.

Marshall-Tufflex’s Glass Reinforced Polyester (GRP) cable management system fitted the bill perfectly thanks to its corrosion-resistance, long-lasting durability and a heritage sensitive ‘sand colour that perfectly complemented the building’s Victorian facade. 

More than 320m of perforated GRP tray with standard covers was installed on the rear of the seafront hotel to hold air conditioning pipes and cables to service all 201 bedrooms. This ambitious project was part of an on-going multi-million pound investment programme following the Grand’s sale to independent owners in 2014.

Paul Smith, of air conditioning contractor Airtemp, based in St Leonards-on-Sea, explained why GRP cable containment was the ideal solution: “We could not use metal due to the hotel’s position on the seafront, so the GRP provided a robust and saline-resistant solution. The sandy colour of the Marshall-Tufflex product also fitted perfectly with the back of the building and was recommended by planners.

“This was the first time we had used GRP trays but we modified the product to make it fit nicely and are pleased with the result. The system is of a very good quality and highly robust,” added Mr Smith.

GRP, particularly in locations exposed to extreme weather conditions and high salinity, is the perfect alternative to steel cable management. It is a corrosion-resistant, robust product specifically designed for challenging environments. It is also 40% lighter than steel, making it easier to move around site and fix, another plus point for this project given that The Grand wanted to minimise the impact of renovations on guests so ease of installation was crucial; the Marshall-Tufflex GRP trays require fewer fasteners and benefit from interlocking and self-adjusting couplings making it quick and easy to fit on site and modify without the need for special tools or earth bonding. Additionally, it has excellent fire safety credentials as GRP is a low conductivity, self-extinguishing material that is fully compliant with fire standards and regulations.

The GRP trays were supplied by Phase Electrical, Hastings.

A spokesman for The Grand Brighton said: “Following feedback from our guests we made the decision to install air conditioning throughout our 201 bedrooms. The project was uniquely challenging considering the infrastructure and heritage requirements of working on a Victorian era building so it was essential that we sourced the best contractor and products that would cause minimal disruption to our guests. 

“We selected Marshall-Tufflex based on its top quality products and its established reputation. We are delighted with the results so far and the company went above and beyond to deliver the highest standard of customer service.”

View Marshall-Tufflex's profile:

Story

Condair is appearing at the forthcoming Data Centre World exhibition on stand D921, at the Excel Centre in London from 12th to 13th March. The company will be displaying the latest in adiabatic and steam humidifier technology, which provides in-duct evaporative cooling and humidification to data centres.

Condair has extensive experience in working with data centre designers and air handling unit manufacturers that need to incorporate evaporative coolers or humidifiers into their systems. Previous data centre projects have involved clients such as Facebook, Microsoft, Digital Realty, Hewlett Packard, Amazon and eBay.

Condair’s experts will be on-hand at Data Centre World to give advice on how the latest humidifier technology can reduce data centre operating costs through improved energy consumption and reduced maintenance requirements.

Products on display include the Condair ME evaporative humidifier that offers 0.68kW of adiabatic cooling to an air handling system for every 1kg of moisture evaporated into the air stream. As the humidifier can provide up to 1,440kg/hr of humidity while operating on less than 1kW, it presents significant benefits to data centres using free air cooling systems. The technology can be employed to deliver direct or indirect evaporative cooling to facilities in warmer climates or add massive amounts of low energy humidification to data centres using cold, dry outside air in cold climates.

Alongside its market-leading in-duct evaporative system, Condair will have the Condair RS resistive steam humidifier on its stand. The Condair RS offers steam humidification to data centres without the need to frequently replace boiling cylinders, as is the case with many on-board humidification systems supplied with CRAC units. The humidifier has a scale management system that allows lime scale that builds up in the boiling chamber to fall into a removable tank at the base of the unit. Routine scale removal can be carried out by in-house maintenance staff in minutes, saving costs on consumables and maintenance time.

The Condair Group is the world’s leading specialist in humidification and evaporative cooling, with energy efficient, hygienic and innovative technologies for commercial, industrial and heritage applications. Condair is represented in the UK by Condair plc, which offers system design, manufacture, supply, installation, commissioning, maintenance and spares.

View Condair's profile: