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Micronics the leading UK manufacturer of clamp-on metering products for building services has increased its product offering to provide complete metering solutions for building services engineers including a comprehensive range of traditional in-line meters to complement its established clamp-on range. Micronics clamp-on products have been specified on significant projects including BAA T5 and the ExCeL London exhibition and conference centre by some enlightened engineers who recognised the associated performance and cost benefits for critical and larger pipe applications.

Micronics now offers a comprehensive range of products for LPHW, Chilled water and Heat/Energy metering applications including standard in-line and cost-effective, clamp-on solutions for smaller pipe sizes! This new service will build on Micronics extensive expertise in building services with the addition of two individuals Andy Priscott and David Miller who join the Micronics team in June, bringing with them extensive experience in working within the building services market and delivering best value solutions. Andy will focus on the Midlands and North and David will develop Southern opportunities with a London focus.

The focus will be on delivering best value metering solutions using in-line or clamp-on products as appropriate and with an emphasis on service from pre-order design support enquiries and tender invitations through to installation support and a full commissioning service, as required and tailored to individual engineer and project requirements.

As you would expect Micronics will continue to be advocates of the benefits of ultrasonic clamp-on metering solutions and the technology is continually evolving with new products such as the U1000 offering significant cost and performance benefits for new build and major refurbishment installations. However, clamp-on is only part of the solution and Micronics has now added a comprehensive range of in-line meters to offer a complete solution and service for building services.

As part of this new initiative Micronics will step-up promotion of its CIBSE recognised CPD presentations, to develop a better understanding of the potential for wider application of clamp-on, liquid flow measurement as part of an overall metering solution. If you would like to take advantage of this service, or have a metering application you would like assistance with, large or small please call Micronics on 01628 810456, email sales@micronicsltd.co.uk or visit www.micronicsflowmeters.com.

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The quite wonderful Cotswold Wildlife Park (CWP) has become a champion of renewable energy utilising ground source heat pumps to provide cost effective, energy efficient warmth for its many animals that prefer the warmer climates they came from to the typical temperatures found on the Oxfordshire/Gloucestershire border!

The first part of the Park’s renewable journey saw a ground source heat pump being installed by local renewable experts Ecovision, based on the Highgrove Estate just outside Tetbury, to provide warmth for the resident giraffes at the Park and that was perceived as a major success. So it made sense to look at similar technology when it came to the Tropical House and the greenhouses used to winter tropical plants. So renewable energy now also turns the Park’s Tropical House into the tropical forests of South America so that a pair of Linnes Two-Toed Sloths feel at home – courtesy in no small part to the largest bank of Stelrad Compact K3 radiators you’ll probably ever see – or will you?

The back wall of the Tropical house is home to eighteen of Stelrad’s three panel, three fin energy efficient radiators, and there are four more strategically placed around the structure. But whether you will see them or not is open to question!

To blend in with their surroundings, in the normally steamy, misted environment created for the animals and birds in the Tropical House, the radiators have been firstly treated with an external corrosion inhibitor €“ to protect them in the environment created to make its occupants feel at home – that turned the white radiators into a sandy brown colour and then they have been painted in camouflage colours to blend in with the foliage and rocky back drop that makes the Tropical House seem authentic for animals and birds – and for human visitors. The radiators are ideal for operation with a lower temperature renewable ground source heat pump system. They are able to maximise the heat created from the radiator ‘footprint’ with three panels sharing the heat effectively so that the temperature in the Tropical House can be regulated easily to provide just the right environment required.

The Tropical House has to run at 17°C at night and between 20°-21°C during the day, and previously had been heated by three elderly and expensive to run oil boilers, at a cost of £20,000-£30,000 a year. The decision was taken to install a 75kW ground source heat pump system, again installed by Ecovision, at a cost of just over £90,000 plus ground work costs of £38,000. The ground works, carried out by the Park, were necessary to put 18 x 200M loops into the ground at a depth of around four feet, in a field on a site across a public road, to feed the heat pump.

To ensure the Tropical House was kept at the right temperature, the 22 camouflaged Stelrad Compact K3 radiators were installed along the back wall, bolted to a specially designed and constructed framework and have been painted so that they blend in with the tropical environment. In order to reduce the stress levels for the animals living in the Tropical House, work to install the radiators and additional pipes, took place around them in a ‘noise free’ zone with all the necessary work being carried out by hand – no electric power drills whatsoever! The Tropical House and two greenhouses were fully commissioned in the middle of October last year.

Energy efficient, but is it cost efficient?

The use of renewable technology sounds great and clearly meets the owner’s personal green agenda. But was it a good investment? Was it cost efficient too?

The overall cost of the ground source heat pump systems from Ecovision and the ground work, carried out by the Park itself, for both projects was in the region of £156,800.00.

The estimated annual Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) payments that will come back from Government on both projects is £10,690, which combined with the net saving (increased electricity costs but nil oil cost) means a payback of 8.6 years.

The total financial benefit over 20 years, as a result of energy cost savings and RHI, and using 3% inflation a year, amounts to just over £490,000. An impressive return by any standards. It’s easy to see why Cotswold Wildlife Park is often visited by representatives from other Parks and Zoos, to see just how efficiently it is using renewable energy, not only to cut operating costs but more importantly to keep its wonderful wild animals happy and on display for all to see.

“This is an innovative and rewarding use of our products,” says Stelrad’s managing director Mike Conlon. “It’s good to see our Compact K3s working so well with ground source heat pumps, confirming what we already know, that radiators can operate just as well alongside renewables as alongside traditional boiler driven heating systems. I don’t think we’ve ever been aware of our products being camouflaged before €“ that’s a first for us, but we’re delighted that our products are being used to make every day comfortable for two-toed sloths at the Cotswold Wildlife Park!”

For more details of the Cotswold Wildlife Park, near Burford just off the A40, go to http://www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk/ and to find out more about Stelrad Radiators, visit www.stelrad.com.

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One of Harrow School’s most eye-catching features is the rotunda roof of the Grade II-listed Old Speech Room. ALM supplied code 5, 6 and 8 lead and wood roll for its complex refurbishment in which the original splash lap design had given rise to leaks. The wood rolls were therefore radiated to natural falls from a raised tier at the roof pinnacle, forming a hub where roll ends are hidden. Segments of king roll and wood rolls had to be lost and to offset the problem whereby laps appeared too large, the base of wood rolls was rebated and also covered in lead.

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The U3000 & U1000 latest generation of clamp-on, ultrasonic flow meters from Micronics are a viable alternative to in-line meters for HVAC metering, in both retrofit and new build applications, delivering major installation savings, minimal downtime, maximised availability and significant maintenance benefits.

Liquid flow metering including LTHW, Chilled water and DHWS plus flow measurement for Thermal Energy measurement are all areas where clamp-on meters offer a best value solution for Building Services or Energy Management i.e. they will be significantly cheaper to install than traditional in-line meters and as they’re non-invasive they deliver maximum availability through dry servicing and minimal maintenance.

The larger the pipe size the greater the installed saving will be but with the elimination of flanges and by-pass valves significant savings are available for a wide range of pipe sizes with major savings for larger applications! The following is a comparison of new build installation costs the comparable savings for retrofit would be higher:

The above demonstrates the potential installation price savings from using a clamp-on solution, which would deliver an installed clamp-on meter price with savings ranging from significant to major from 50mm upwards. And with the added benefits of being non-invasive, requiring only dry servicing and maximising availability. Call+44 (0) 1628 810456 or visit www.micronicsflowmeters.com for further info.

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Floor Restorers have carried out work at the renowned school premises before, but it was the first time this particular floor had been sanded back for 16 years. Consequently there was considerable surface damage to deal with including scratches and scrapes, a build up of maintenance products and some water damage.

She explained “I specified Bona Traffic Anti-Slip as events are held on both walkways and I was concerned that drink/food spillage on the Oak floor could cause someone to slip. Stewart Taylor of the flooring contractors, Bailey & Taylor, had already recommended we use a Bona varnish and, after doing my own research, it seemed that Traffic Anti-Slip was just what we required. The walkways are used by the public in high numbers and the high durability offered by Traffic again made it ideal for this type of use. We also wanted a natural look and we were reassured that we would achieve this using Traffic. The City of London is committed to using environmentally friendly materials and Bona’s green credentials confirmed our choice.”

The walkways had been carpeted until this year a decision was made by the Surveyors to find a floorcovering which would give a long term saving and would look more stylish. The walkways are now used as a venue for sophisticated corporate events and wedding receptions. Bailey and Taylor sourced character grade English Oak planks and recommended using a lacquer from Bona’s range to deliver the required look and performance.

The carpet and plywood beneath was removed to reveal rubber studded tiles which, as part of the fabric of the Tower, have to be retained. New battens, insulation board and plywood were installed and the Oak planks were then secret nailed into place with the perimeter boards being stuck down with Bona’s silane based adhesive, R850.

The new boards were then sanded to a 120 grit finish and one coat of Bona’s Prime Classic applied. Prime Classic helps give a wooden surface a well-bodied appearance and also reduces the risk of sidebonding due to its flexibility. Finally, three coats of Traffic Anti Slip were applied according to the specification.

A two component, waterborne 100% polyurethane finish, Traffic Anti Slip delivers a highly durable surface in addition to anti-slip properties conforming to DIN standard 51130 -R10. All versions of Bona Traffic (Matt, Silkmatt and Anti Slip) offer the most durable finish of all Bona’s lacquers and are therefore recommended for areas such as the bridge walkways where extreme resistance to wear is required. Traffic Anti Slip is supplied in a matt finish with a reflective value of just 25% which means the floor maintains a natural look even after the lacquer has been applied.

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Floor Restorers of Cheltenham, who specialise in the renovation of natural floors such as stone, marble and wood, have renovated the hardwood floor in the Princess Hall at Cheltenham Ladies’ College. The floor was installed in 1952 and is constructed from Gurjun planks, a warm, pinkish brown species which was chosen to tone with the woodwork of the stage and balconies, and which is particularly silent to the tread.

Floor Restorers have carried out work at the renowned school premises before, but it was the first time this particular floor had been sanded back for 16 years. Consequently there was considerable surface damage to deal with including scratches and scrapes, a build up of maintenance products and some water damage.

Floor Restorer’s Paul Biver consulted Bona’s Tony Peak over the most appropriate finish for the floor. Tony recommended new Bona Traffic HD would provide the most durable finish for a surface that was subject to constant traffic from pupils and the public attending a wide range of events and performances. Traffic HD is a new waterborne formulation from Bona that is 40% more hard wearing than classic Bona Traffic and with a VOC content that is 40% lower. A key feature is its fast development time which means a floor can be put back in to use just 24 hours after application of the final coat.

The magnificent organ, installed in 2006, is a prized feature of the Princess Hall. The College was very concerned to protect this visual and aurally inspiring instrument from possible sanding dust contamination. Floor Restorers were able to guarantee a completely dust free procedure by using a Bona DCS dust containment system. This powerful vacuum is designed to be connected to Bona Belt and Edge sanding machines during sanding and removes and stores every speck of dust from the air and the machines, eliminating contamination from sanding dust as well as resulting in highly effective sanding and clean, safer working conditions for the team.

Some parts of the floor were so heavily scratched that Paul had to start sanding with 24 grit abrasives. And, after working through to 100 grit quality, he used the Bona Scrad system to deliver a fine finish before applying a coat of Bona Prime Intense. Bona Prime Intense is designed to produce a rich colouration to the surface as well as providing increased build to help improve wear resistance. When the primer coat had dried Paul used Bona’s Scrad System again to deal with any grain raising and to produce a really fine, flat finish ready for the first of three coats of Bona Traffic HD. The three coats were applied over a three day period with the Scrad System being used again to key the first two coats back when dry.

“Traffic HD is really great to use” said Paul “it’s got very good self-levelling properties and the long open time is useful when working in a large area like the Princess Hall. Everyone is delighted with the floor and the room looks totally different now it’s finished.”

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Triton TT Admix, a concrete admixture manufactured by Triton Systems, has been awarded BBA certification. Designed to provide Type B structural waterproofing as defined in BS 8102 (2009), TT Admix is added to concrete at the time of batching. The active chemicals in TT Admix react with fresh concrete, to generate insoluble crystalline growths that seal the concrete against water penetration, and protect it against harsh environmental conditions.

When specified with Triton’s pre-formed waterstop and expansion products that seal poured, in-situ construction joints, it delivers a complete and permanent watertight concrete construction system. The system is backed up by Triton’s technical expertise, site inspection regime and warranty.

This latest BBA certification means that Triton can offer architects and other specifying organisations, such as the NHBC and local authorities, a complete range of BBA certified waterproofing systems suitable for use in all types of projects from domestic basements to multi-level, below ground car parks.

Triton is also a RIBA approved CPD provider and offers a seminar covering the specification of Type B waterproofing systems. More information is available from tritonsystems.co.uk

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As the requirement for cleaner heating solutions gathers pace, condensing biomass boilers – boilers that burn wood pellets made from recycled sawdust or virgin timber from managed sources – are increasingly being seen as sensible options for people looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

One of the leading manufacturers of wood pellet boilers is Grant UK, a company that has been designing and manufacturing reliable, high quality, easy to install heating products for more than 35 years. Perhaps best known for their award winning oil fired condensing boilers, Grant UK has expanded its business very successfully into the new world of renewable heating technologies, offering the most efficient air source heat pumps, a sector leading eco efficient solar thermal system as well as the Spira Wood Pellet boilers – all in a range of sizes that would complement virtually any UK residence.

Grant has welcomed The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) decision to include the Grant Spira range of Condensing Wood Pellet Boilers in the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (RHI). The MCS approved Grant Spira Condensing Wood Pellet boilers are available in outputs of 6kW up to 72kW and deliver efficiencies up to 97.4% which is impressive by any standard. Models are available for domestic properties or small scale commercial installations, the latter achieved by using two boilers mounted side by side. The solution is very efficient as the precise electronic burner control allows both units to modulate as one, down to just 25% of maximum load when the full output is not required.

With most pellet burning boilers, up to 20% of the energy that is produced is lost to atmosphere via the flue system. The Spira range features a unique secondary condensing heat exchanger designed to capture some of this lost latent heat energy, conveying additional warmth for the home. It’s just one example of the intelligent, value added design features you can expect from Grant UK products.

The Grant Spira Wood Pellet boiler requires very little maintenance in comparison with other wood pellet appliances. It has a self-cleaning system for the primary and secondary heat exchangers ensuring the system is debris free. The self-cleaning burner uses a premium EN Plus A1 standard pellet with low ash content, requiring minimal maintenance.

Wood pellet boilers are generally larger than traditional oil or gas boilers and will require a hopper to store the fuel, sited adjacent to the boiler. The Grant Spira is designed to be located in a garage, store or outhouse building, so it’s important to consider its position prior to installation. In addition, ventilation is a crucial factor for the appliance and the flue in order that its operation is safe and efficient. The boiler has an automated cleaning cycle which does result temporarily in an increase in noise levels, so that too should be considered when selecting a location for the boiler.

The Pellet storage is available in capacities from 3 to 6 tonnes. Pellets can be auger fed from storage hoppers into the intermediate pellet store supplied as standard with the boiler. Alternatively, for installations where an auger fed hopper is unsuitable, there is the Grant SpiraVac unit which swiftly and conveniently moves the pellets from the Grant external store to the internal Spira boiler hopper via vacuum hose. The system enables the bulk pellet store to be positioned up to a distance of 20 metres from the boiler.

Managing Director of Grant UK, Paul Wakefield says: “Our training team are seeing a huge increase in demand for knowledge in this arena and courses are at capacity.” Full details of the Grant UK Spira Wood Pellet boiler range and accessories can be found at www.grantuk.com.

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Wavin – a leading supplier of water management, plumbing and drainage systems for the building, construction and utilities markets – has upgraded all insulation products in its Thermoboard Underfloor Heating (UFH) range so that it is now easier for builders and developers to score highly when following the Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH).

The upgrades affect Thermoboard Low-Build, Pocketed Polystyrene and Foiled Polystyrene heating panels, improving both their strength and environmental characteristics.

The change in the extruded polystyrene insulation employed means that Long Term Strength is now 300% of what it was and that its Global Warming Potential (GWP) has been reduced to less than 5. Compressive Strength has risen from 200kPa to 300kPa while the figures for Long Term Strength, over 50 Years with 2% compression, have risen from 40kPa to 130kPa.

The reduction in GWP benefits all properties being assessed against CSH, where credits are awarded when all insulants used within a property have a GWP of less than 5. Now builders and developers following the Code can attain higher scores with minimal effort.

The Thermoboard range of products provides the ideal answer to surface heating and cooling within any domestic or light commercial environment, being designed and tested to the highest industry standards.

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The new Chatham Waterfront bus station forms part of a £6 billion Medway regeneration plan. Its distinctive curved VMZINC® standing seam canopies and flat lock fascias in QUARTZ-ZINC® give it immediate visual identity, in complete contrast to the 1960s station within the Pentagon shopping centre which it replaced.

The VMZINC system was specified by infrastructure specialist D5 Architects and installed by Roles Broderick Roofing. Zinc’s malleability made it the logical choice for a design incorporating a series of tight and sweeping curves. The canopies form what has been described as ‘organic, soft-edged objects floating over space’ and will retain their colour as the pre-weathered zinc will patinate in the normal way.

There are now six VMZINC pre-weathered PIGMENTO colours, including Blue, Green, Red and Brown. These are created using modern pigment technology but retain the naturally grained texture associated with pre-weathered QUARTZ-ZINC. The result is a revolutionary new look unlike any other offering excellent colour retention. As they are not coatings, any scratches will re-form their protective patina making surfaces effectively maintenance-free.

Chatham bus station is close to the proposed Chatham Docks World Heritage Site and set within the existing busy road network. With 20 bus stands and a new information centre, it occupies a position between the town centre and open parkland adjacent to the River Medway. Mature trees which surround it have been retained, with the roof forms described as ‘articulated to sit within the landscape to provide continuity and contrast’.

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