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TROX is proud to introduce its new X-FANS range of ventilation and smoke extraction products to the UK market and announces four new additions to this extensive portfolio.

In October 2012, the TROX Group acquired the Building Fan Division of TLT-Turbo GmbH – a subsidiary of Siemens AG, based in Germany. With over 140 years experience, this new division – TROX TLT GmbH – is a world leader in the development, manufacture and sale of fans for technical building systems, including axial, centrifugal, and roof fans, as well as fans for duct installation. The products, for ventilation and smoke extraction in buildings such as airports, hotels, factories, offices, enclosed car parks and traffic systems, complement the existing TROX product lines perfectly. The acquisition completes the TROX Group’s portfolio of ventilation and air conditioning components and means that TROX can now offer customers a complete system (even in applications considered specialist or niche) from one source.

From April 16th 2013, products manufactured by the TROX TLT division will be available in the UK market under the X-FANS brand name. What is more, four brand new product lines have been added: the X-FANS EC Roof Fan range for ventilation; the X-FANS Impulse Jet Fan range for smoke extraction from galleries; the X-FANS Jet Ventilation System for enclosed car parks; and the VDS VentilatorDiagnoseSystem.

TROX UK managing director Ian Sams commented, “The acquisition is the latest development in a long term strategy to position TROX as an outstanding full-service supplier, whatever the requirements of the project. Bringing the X-FANS product portfolio under the TROX umbrella offers customers engineering excellence, energy-efficient products, and first class service across a more diverse range of applications than ever before. And, as products can be sourced from a single point, TROX customers benefit from a high degree of planning reliability, and perfectly coordinated systems, with less organisational effort.”

NEW LAUNCHES IN THE X-FANS RANGE

New X-FANS EC Roof Fan range

With their intelligent EC motor control, new energy efficient DRV B EC roof fans from the TROX X-FANS range cut the energy consumption of buildings for reduced carbon emissions and lower operating costs. The roof fans extract room air and discharge it to the outside of the building with high efficiency and low noise. A certified in-house test rig ensures the best possible quality, to ISO 5801 criteria, and all fans and motors meet ERP requirements. An upgrade to IE3 Premium Efficiency is underway. DRV B EC fans are suitable for either residential or industrial buildings, and are made of weather-resistant aluminium for ease of transport, installation and maintenance. The fans can be combined with sensors and supplied, as an option, with an integral volume flow rate measuring unit if required.

New X-FANS Impulse Jet Fan for galleries

The new X-FANS Impulse Jet Fan is the first to support natural heat and smoke extraction from galleries. When temperatures are high, heat builds up easily under gallery roofs. The Impulse Jet Fan facilitates the dissipation of thermal loads through the openings in the roof. In case of a fire the impulse of the fan jet keeps the relevant areas smoke-free.

All X-FANS smoke exhaust fans have been certified for different temperature ranges (200°C, 300°C, 400°C and 600°C), tested to EN 12101, part 3, and CE-certified. All come with application approval.

New X-FANS Jet Ventilation System for enclosed car parks

The new X-FANS Jet Ventilation System provides an alternative to traditional CO and smoke gas extraction systems specifically designed for enclosed car parks. Instead of utilising axial fans and extract air shafts from fire compartments, the new X-FANS Jet Ventilation System removes air containing CO via one or several central shafts.

In ventilation mode, jet fans under the ceiling ensure a continuous flow of fresh air and provide mixing. In the event of a fire, hot smoke (which spreads just below the ceiling of the underground car park) is removed by powerful smoke extraction fans in the central shafts. Once smoke is detected, the jet fans are automatically switched on and drive hot fire gases towards the central shafts. The enables everyone to evacuate the area, and then establishes an aerodynamic smoke control centre to be implemented to assist the fire service’s efforts to extinguish the fire.

As mentioned, all X-FANS smoke exhaust fans have been certified for different temperature ranges (200°C, 300°C, 400°C and 600°C), tested to EN 12101, part 3, and CE-certified. All come with application approval.

X-FANS VDS VentilatorDiagnoseSystem

Also new for the X-FANS range is the VDS VentilatorDiagnoseSystem, a market unique accessory for smoke exhaust fans which incorporates innovative diagnostic technology for improved condition monitoring and reduced operating and maintenance costs. Utilising an intelligent algorithm, based on statistics from more than one hundred measurement analyses of installed and working smoke exhaust fans, the diagnostic technology of the VDS removes the need to replace bearings and lubricants at two to five year intervals. The service life of these safety-critical products can therefore be increased to well over 20 years. All that is necessary is a 30-minute diagnosis run every year, in addition to switching the fan on and off once every six months. The VDS can be used for all roof, centrifugal and axial fans and has certification, in its own right, under EN 12101, part 3.

For more information about the X-FANS product range contact TROX on telephone: 01842 754545 or visit www.trox-tlt.com

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Two Property Care Association (PCA) award-winning companies have joined forces to waterproof the basement at a major residential refurbishment site in central London.

Triton, which won the PCA’s Innovation and Sustainability award for the pioneering subscription of its systems to the new NBS BIM Library, supplied the waterproofing system components. These included 1000 m2 of cavity drain membranes – which were installed to the inner surface of all exterior walls, Aquachannel drainage conduit which was installed to the perimeter, and associated sumps and pumps. The design of the drainage system was based on a gravity feed to existing outlets. Together these components provided an effective Type C waterproofing system as defined by BS 8102.

The system was installed by Preservation Treatments, winners of the PCA’s Contractor of the Year award. Following completion of the cavity drain membrane system, 300mm of insulation was laid to the floor before the installation of a 20mm floor membrane, which was then sealed to the wall membrane and a screed finish.

An independent dry lining system was then put in place to form the walls of the apartments. Preservation Treatments will also carry out external waterproofing works in the new build section of the development later in the project.

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Mira Showers has developed a version of its ever popular Advance electric shower with an integral pump so that it can now be installed in dwellings that suffer from either low or erratic water pressure – a particular problem in high-rise community housing.

The first choice for housing associations and adaptation specialists, the Advance range provides safe thermostatically controlled showering and the 9.0kW Low Pressure model enables those in high or medium-rise accommodation to enjoy the features from one of the few electric showers to achieve the BEAB Care Mark.

Providing a strong and consistent flow from a head pressure as little as 80mm, the Advance Low Pressure is offered in two versions – Standard and Flex. Both feature phased shutdown, which protects the shower’s next user by flushing out water from the tank, and Mira’s own Advanced Temperature Limit technology, which gives 8 different maximum temperature settings including a BEAB Care setting.

Ease of use is ensured by the large, impossible to miss, on/off button, and colour contrasting LED backlit buttons that emit audible beeps when they are pressed. The shower’s slide bar is also easily adjusted for height because the friction clamp bracket can be operated with just one hand – a feature Occupational Therapists consider to be ‘inclusive’. The four spray showerhead has rub clean rubber nozzles for easy cleaning and the shower also is rated best in class for limescale resistance.

Endorsed by the RNIB, the Mira Advance Low Pressure Flex boasts all the features of the Standard but using colour contrast to make it easier for the visually impaired to use. For instance, the side panel is coloured so that the shower unit stands out from a white surface and all the controls such as the power switch, the on/off switch and the rotary lever are strongly coloured to contrast against the white front panel.

The Flex model also features an extended hose, an extra long slide bar and parking socket, so boosting both safety and mobility within the showering area. The rotary lever that controls temperature is fitted with a loop so it can be operated easily by those with an impaired grip.

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TE Energy has launched a new Crompton Instruments cabling and interconnection product that enables its latest digital metering system to be connected to its 3-phase current transformers as well as to the incoming or outgoing supply in an instant.

Q2C wiring solution reduces wiring time by at least 80% and in panel building time is money – anything that reduces the labour required in constructing electrical control gear is highly advantageous. At the same time, because the connection looms are made in quality assured UK factory, the scope for error in the connections is virtually eliminated.

Q2C has been designed to be used with the company’s latest Integra Ci5 digital metering system and its 5A secondary 3-phase current transformers. The system comes with three types of pre-cut wiring loom in various lengths to cover fuses to voltage; voltage to voltage; and CT to meters connections. The voltage looms are also multipurpose and can be used for both incoming voltage supply and for additional meter looping. All the installer has to do is simply click the components and the wiring together. The integral pull resistant connectors and earthing are included on the looms which are crimped to ensure vibration resistance.

The Integra Ci5 digital metering system is both advanced and flexible. The Integra digital metering systems (dms) provide fully programmable, highly accurate measurement, display and communication of all major electrical and power quality parameters, including true rms system values, power quality data and measurement of total harmonic distortion.

On the Ci5 there is both voltage in and out connection and user programmable system configuration. Pulsed and standard RS485 Modbus RTU is standard. CT ratio is programmable and there is true rms/THD measurement. A new backlit LCD screen makes the unit easily readable in any location and the unit is easily clipped into its panel mounting.

The QC 3-phase 5A Secondary current transformers can be used with or without the Q2C solution and combine, as the name suggests, three traditional current transformers in a single moulded case. The unit has internal grounding/earthing, has reversible mounting for left or right hand side and is supplied with a pluggable locking connector for easy installation.

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Landmarks (UK) Ltd, a Yorkshire based developer, has used Triton waterproofing systems in the construction of a traditional two storey farmhouse. The property sits on a natural gentle slope, so the basement is fully buried to the rear with a raised patio area to the front.

The property was built using ICF (insulated concrete formwork) where polystyrene forms are used to contain the wet concrete when casting in-situ concrete walls – and are left in place.

The lower slab was made waterproof by the installation of a membrane beneath it and the inclusion of Triton’s TT Admix in the mix. TT Admix contains active chemicals that react with fresh concrete to generate a non-soluble crystalline formation that seals the concrete itself against the penetration of water or liquid.

Triton’s TT Waterstop, a pre-formed water bar which swells up to 350% when in contact with water, was placed into all joints. The shuttering around the slab had made provision for the concrete groove in the face of slab and the TT Waterstop was fixed into the groove using Triton’s TT Swell Mastic expansion sealant. TT Swell Mastic swells up to 100% when in contact with water, and has long lasting adhesive and hydro-swelling properties. TT Waterstop was also placed in the centre of the wall on top of the slab so that the joint between the wall and the slab was protected.

Triton TT Admix was also incorporated in the concrete mix used to form the basement walls.

Externally the basement walls were treated with two coats of Triton TT Vapour Membrane, a ready blended, single component acrylic modified coating, that provided the primary waterproof and gas proof barrier. Platon Double Drain, a membrane that provides a drainage and protection layer, as well as working as a traditional cavity drain membrane, was then draped down the walls to connect to the land drain.

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Fläkt Woods has designed, supplied and installed six bespoke JM Aerofoil axial fans, complete with inverter drives, to the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh.

The project involved replacing six ageing fans – which had been in use for over 40 years – with highly efficient models. The original units were running constantly at an estimated 76% efficiency, whereas the new units are over 93% efficient. Coupled with the new inverters, the running costs have been significantly reduced, ensuring a payback period of less than two years.

The new JM Aerofoil axial fans supply fresh air to the outpatients department of the hospital. To minimise installation time and costs, the fans were specifically designed to match the dimensions and mountings of the original units. The project was completed in April 2013.

Commenting on working with Fläkt Woods, Paul Cairns, Head of Estates at NHS Lothian, said: “We have been really pleased with both the products and the service received from Fläkt Woods. Now that we have more control over the fans, we’re sure they’ll provide impressive savings on the building’s energy costs.”

“And, based on this installation, we’re now also looking to fit new extract units from Fläkt Woods throughout the building.”

Fläkt Woods’ Service Sales Engineer, Tim Hewes, described the project: “Having supplied the original fans in 1967, we were contacted to look at the older units. During the site survey we determined that, due to the complexities of the installation, it would be necessary to design new fans. We provided a full service for the project including: disposal of old units, electrical package, project management, engineers and electricians, all while minimising disruption to the client, staff and the public.”

The JM Aerofoil axial fan is a highly efficient unit that is designed to operate between a temperature range of –40°C to +50°C. Encompassing the latest IE2 motors (and also IE3 ready), the units can provide significant energy savings when replacing ageing units, and are suitable for a wide range of applications, including: general ventilation, extraction, cooling, refrigeration, emergency ventilation and pressure testing.

Fläkt Woods develops, manufactures and distributes ventilation and air climate products, as well as system solutions for commercial and industrial applications.

For more information on service projects, please contact David Perry either by phone on 01206 222 649 or by email: david.perry@flaktwoods.com.

For more information on the complete range of fans and other ventilation products from Fläkt Woods, visit: www.flaktwoods.co.uk.

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Maintaining its lead in digital technology, Mira Showers has launched a website optimized specifically for smart phones. Now customers can keep up with the latest information and product news from the UK’s leading manufacturer of showering products and accessories.

The first mobile site in the showering industry carries a full product catalogue, complete with full product details, and enables purchases of spares and accessories to be made over direct from the site phone through mobile commerce. It also provides maps and details of where to buy Mira products and features links to Mira videos and social network sites as well as fixed price servicing information and booking forms.

According to industry research more people will view Web sites via mobile phone than by PC or laptop by 2013, so Mira is yet again ahead of the curve in anticipating its customers’ requirements, providing swift, accurate information in the manner most convenient to a competitive fast-moving market.

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An Ofsted 'Outstanding' Academy in Norfolk has chosen Supacord carpet with inlaid bespoke logo mats from Heckmondwike FB to create a distinctive new identity and to help achieve its vision of becoming a 'World Class' learning establishment.

The new Ormiston Venture Academy, which replaces the former Oriel High School, required over 2,600sqm of Supacord fibre bonded carpet and three bespoke logo mats installed as part of a £8m refurbishment and new build extension. A brand new 'entrance plaza' provides the focal point for the new academy. Heckmondwike FB was called upon to reinforce the school's brand identity in this key area by producing a bespoke flooring design which incorporates the schools logo and colours. The robust properties of fibre bonded carpet, which will not ravel or fray, meant that contractors B & K Systems were able to cut the Supacord carpet on site to create a complementary flooring design.

Supacord in Steel Grey was used extensively in the school throughout corridor areas and in some of the classrooms. These colours from the Supacord range create a neutral base for bright vibrant furniture to be added to create a stunning effect. Widely specified in secondary schools, these colours are recognised for their positive effect on pupils' mood and concentration.

Sam Thomson, Finance Director at Ormiston Venture Academy, said: “We are delighted with the flooring design in our new entrance plaza. It really sets the scene for the rest of the school and supports our vision to become a world class academy. We are confident that it will provide a long-term, cost-effective solution thanks to its durability and ability to withstand the demands of the busy school environment.”

The school will also benefit from the durability of Supacord, which is renowned in the education sector, where it is vital that floorcoverings are able to withstand heavy wear and tear.

On projects like this, where sustainability is important, Supacord has been assessed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) and has gained a BRE Global A+ environmental rating for use in school buildings, offices and retail outlets.

The academy building has been transformed by the £8m refurbishment which included extensive remodelling of the existing building and the addition of a new two storey block, classrooms and facilities. The aim of the refurbishment was to create a University-style building, including a tiered lecture theatre, to encourage the aspirations of its pupils and the local community.

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Sentinel’s popular new system filter – the Eliminator – keeps gaining converts across the UK! Here we hear from two more installer firms that have taken the Eliminator to their hearts – one in the North East and one in Northern Ireland!

ELIMINATOR SYSTEM FILTER – A CANNY OPTION IN THE NORTH EAST!

Sentinel’s new technology heating system filter “Eliminator” has been very well received by installers all across the UK including several ‘Hot Spots’ one of those Hot Spots being the North East.

Rothwell Plumbing Services Limited (RPS) was formed in June 1997 by Bill Rothwell. Since this time, RPS has enjoyed considerable success in its expansion encompassing, domestic plumbing and heating, gas servicing, domestic, commercial and industrial electrical installations. Since 2008 RPS has invested heavily in training its staff and engineers in the installation of micro-renewable technologies and are MCS accredited to install solar PV, solar thermal, air and ground source heat pump technologies. RPS has completed many successful large scale renewables projects since 2008.

RPS is justly proud of its broad client base consisting of local authorities, housing associations and many well-known major construction companies, most of whom are long term and repeat customers. A large percentage of the company’s turnover is generated in the social housing sector, delivering high quality upgrades to bathrooms, kitchens, central heating systems, electrical installations and the installation of several micro-renewable energy systems.

One of the unsung heroes of reliable heating and plumbing installations is effective water treatment solutions. RPS has utilised Sentinel products since its inception and so it will come as no great surprise that when the new Eliminator System Filter was launched in 2012, RPS was willing to give it a chance to impress. Chris Jones is the regional manager for RPS based in its North East office just outside Newcastle says: “Many of us were brought up through the heating and plumbing sector relying on Sentinel products – the X-range of liquid products in particular – X100 inhibitor and X400 and X800 cleaners – and as with most things in life, if it doesn’t let you down you develop a loyalty to it. We had been installing a competitor brand of system filter for a couple of years, since the use of filters really took off in a big way, but quite frankly had too many problems with it to feel comfortable. When the new “Eliminator” was launched by Sentinel, just knowing it was a Sentinel product gave us enough confidence to give it a sensible trial run, and very quickly we were getting feedback from the guys in our team that this was doing the business for us. Our rate of call backs was drastically reduced and so were reports of leaking filters.

“The most obvious common denominator was the new Sentinel Eliminator Filter which was making a big improvement to the quality of the installations. The great feedback from our engineers has convinced us that fitting these new filters on our installations for our housing association and local authority clients and on all our ECO installations is a major benefit to us.”

Sentinel joined RPS installers Gareth Davies and Nathan Temperley in Hexham, west of Newcastle recently to see a new filter being installed as part of a boiler replacement installation. A brand new Vaillant boiler had been installed in the kitchen and the Eliminator was installed just below the boiler; “We install plenty of these,” said Gareth, “and the Eliminator filters are simple to install and do a good job.

“Our customers seem to understand the value of the “Quadra-Cyclone Technology” and accept that the technology which is incorporated in a well-known vacuum cleaner brand is also likely to work well in a water based environment, spinning the debris in the circulating water out of the heating system leaving it clean and debris-free. To be honest most just accept that we know what we’re doing and that they will have an excellent heating system after we’ve done our job!”

The Eliminator’s four powerful hydro-cyclones force clean water out of the top of the filter and spin all types of suspended system debris down into the bottom of the collection chamber. Four strategically positioned magnets accelerate the capture and removal of any magnetic debris.

Vitally, the unit will never block as the design arrangement of the cyclone chamber ensures continual flow through the filter, even when the collection chamber is full. Optimised flow design continues to remove debris until the collection chamber is full, unlike simple magnetic based filters in which performance markedly diminishes once the magnet is coated with debris.

Installers love the Eliminator because it can be installed in any orientation so ideal for awkward fitting situations. No specialist tools or complex O-Rings are required, making it a lot simpler and quicker to install than some other leading brands. Dual cleaning provides installers with two options to remove debris. Collected debris can either be flushed away, or the collection chamber can be removed for a complete maintenance clean. End user customers love the Eliminator too as dual seals minimise the risk of leaks which means no mess or fuss for the householder.

For more information on Rothwell Plumbing Services Ltd visit www.rothwellplumbing.co.uk and to find out more about the Sentinel Eliminator and all the other Sentinel products available to help you do a decent job at every heating installation – visit www.sentinel-solutions.net.

Nelson’s not turning a blind eye to new system filter!

Meanwhile, George Nelson Plumbing & Heating – based in Belfast – has been a loyal Sentinel installer for more than 15 years! As with many companies in the sector, George himself, was raised through the ranks using Sentinel water treatment products because he was always told to use quality products to keep heating systems running smoothly – and importantly to ensure there were no call backs to fix faulty systems after the installation work was completed.

“That was pretty much it,” agrees George. “When you use a good quality product for many years and it doesn’t let you down, you stick with it. The cost of water treatment isn’t exactly outrageous, so why save five or six pounds on inferior water treatment when you may get yourself problems from doing so. It doesn’t make sense to me. All the boiler manufacturers I respect say use a good quality water treatment product and mention Sentinel by name. They know what they’re doing and hat will keep their boilers operating efficiently – and I agree with them!”

So when Sentinel launched its exciting new technology Eliminator system filter in 2012, with quadra-cyclone technology to remove all the magnetic and non-magnetic debris from a system, George was one of the first into his local merchant branch to give it a go.

“It’s got the Sentinel name on it and I spoke to John Lynch at Sentinel who I’ve known for several years and asked him what was special about the Eliminator. He took me through it and showed me one and I decided to give it a go. That was more than fifty Eliminators ago,” says George. “And frankly I wouldn’t use any other filter now. It does exactly what it says on the tin! It removes all the circulating debris left in the system after correctly flushing and inhibiting a system. They’re easy to fit – they don’t leak – and I’ve had no call backs to any installation where I’ve used one. That’s good enough for me!”

There’s lots of useful information on the new Eliminator on the Sentinel website at www.sentinel-solutions.net where there’s a video you can watch, and you can find out more about George Nelson Plumbing and Heating by calling them on 028 9050 2800. Alternatively follow Sentinel on Facebook and Twitter and take a look at the Sentinel videos on their YouTube channel.

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Hartland CFX Colours – the newest addition to Hamilton’s bestselling range

Decorative electrical wiring accessories and lighting controls manufacturer Hamilton Litestat has announced a series of new additions to its popular Hartland CFX range – Hartland CFX Colours.

The new glossy plastic switch plates and sockets replicate every detail of the best-selling metal Hartland CFX collection – even down to Hamilton’s patented concealed fixings system, which gives an even smoother look to the slim, contemporary plates.

Available in bright white, jet black and pillar box red, the new Hartland CFX Colours collection has been designed with aesthetics, functionality and value in mind. The sleek finish is attractive and tactile, whilst the practical, robust plastic provides a lower-priced alternative to the metal designs.

The availability of the plates in pillar box red is ideal for differentiating particular sockets in commercial and healthcare environments for safety reasons but also provides a fun option for brightly designed residential schemes.

T: 01747 860088
E: info@hamilton-litestat.com
www.hamilton-litestat.com

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