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Mitsubishi Electric has announced the appointment of two new VARs (Value Added Resellers) following the company's growth in market share in all areas of business during one of the toughest periods for the industry for decades.

The appointment of Logicool Air Conditioning Distribution Ltd of South Derbyshire and Intra-grated Solutions Ltd of Peterborough vindicates Mitsubishi Electric's decision to expand its product portfolio into renewable technology with the addition of more heat pump-based air conditioning and the expansion of the Ecodan® air source heat pump heating range.

Both Intra-grated Solutions and Logicool will supply the market with heat pumps and air conditioning and Mitsubishi Electric sales and marketing director, Deane Flint is confident that they will enhance the company's offering to customers.

“Our sales have gone from strength to strength in what has been a tough time for the construction industry and we put this down to our desire to deliver what customers want,” he commented. “These new partnerships extend our ability to reach even more of the market.”

Logicool and Intra-grated Solutions, join Hemel-based PACAIR as official resellers of Mitsubishi Electric products, with the company retaining the services of wholesalers, Kooltech and Dean & Wood, and its own nationwide sales network.

Intra-grated Solutions is managed by Dave Sheldon, a Chartered Building Services Engineer, who leads a team specialising in the design, supply and integration of sustainable green building solutions. They answer the needs of M&E contractors, consultants, architects, developers and installers by offering a full design, supply and commissioning service.

Mr Sheldon has amassed over 30 years' experience in energy management and design working for organisations such as the NHS, Barclays Bank and DSA. He started the company and built his team to answer the growing market demand for 'green' technology.

Logicool is a technically biased and customer focused specialist supplier of air conditioning products, which excels in customer service and project support. Logicool have technical staff that are experienced in all sectors of the industry and thus have a first-hand understanding of contractor, engineer and end user requirements.

The company was formed in 2008 and is geared towards busy contractors and consultants. Founder Karl Richardson has been in the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning industry for over twenty years and the company prides itself on knowing what customers need, with old fashioned customer service values tied in with a technical sales approach.

“These two companies bring their own unique skills and customer-based approaches and I am sure that these partnerships will be very successful for all,” added Flint.

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Worcester, Bosch Group has extended its market leading collection of Greenskies solar thermal panels and accessories with the launch of new solar evacuated tube collectors for 2011 – the Greenskies Solar-Lux range.

In brief, the Greenskies Solar-Lux collection has been designed to offer installers a Greenskies solar thermal panel for every application, with the added benefit of even greater efficiencies to be gained from the evacuated tube design of the new collectors.

Whilst Worcester's existing flat plate solar collectors are extremely efficient, evacuated tube (or vacuum tube) collectors are even more so due to the cylindrical shape of the tubes that are housed in each panel.

The cylindrical pipes used in construction of the panels are well suited to absorbing energy from the sun, as a much greater surface area of each pipe is exposed to any available light. This makes the collectors particularly suitable for maximising solar gain, even at low light intensities, such as during the winter months when the sun is at its weakest.

Available in two collector sizes – 6 (1,43m2) or 12 (2,82m2) tube variants – Worcester's Greenskies Solar-Lux solar collectors have a lightweight aluminium frame with mounting solutions available for on-roof, flat roof and faÇade installations. Fast and flexible installation was an important consideration of the product design, and installers should find the new panels extremely easy to work with as a result of their construction.

For durability and to ensure a long life span, each panel features robust, 'double glass' vacuum filled tubes, which are designed to prevent leaking of single tubes and loss of vacuum. The panels are also Solar Keymark certified and have been tested to withstand hail storms according to EN129785.

Internally, Worcester's Greenskies Solar-Lux solar system is glycol based and works on the principles of 'direct flow' (U shaped tube) technology.

The new Greenskies Solar-Lux solar evacuated tube collectors also feature Compound Parabolic Concentrator (CPC) mirror technology for increased thermal performance.

This special mirror sits behind the tubes within the solar panels to enhance the collection of solar energy, meaning direct and diffused radiation is led directly to the absorber – even when collectors are installed at adverse or acute angles.

Martyn Bridges, director of marketing and technical support for Worcester, said: “Since we first introduced the Greenskies range of solar panels in 2005 sales have increased steadily, as media interest in the environment and the Government's focus on combating climate change – with initiatives like the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) – have helped raise wider awareness of renewables.

“Installers are driving demand for solar products too, and we know many see the future potential of this type of technology from the high levels of attendance on our solar thermal training courses. Therefore, with both the market conditions and installers in mind, we have chosen to extend our Greenskies solar thermal range at this particular time to provide a greater choice of panels to suit an even wider variety of customer and site requirements”.

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Featuring compact construction and straightforward operation, Megger’s latest EGIL circuit breaker analyser is suitable for testing timing and travel on all breakers that have a single interrupter per phase. In addition, when used in conjunction with the SDRM option and the new SDRM201 accessory, the instrument can also be used to carry out static and dynamic resistance measurements.

• Loads of performance, economic price
• Suitable for testing timing and travel on all circuit breakers with single interrupter per phase
• Analogue measurement channels for travel transducers or general voltage/current measurements
• SDRM available

No compromises Although the EGIL is available at a very attractive price, no compromises have been made on its versatility or performance. It is, therefore, an ideal choice for operators of small power plants and for the maintenance of simple circuit breakers by power distribution utilities.

To aid ease and speed of use, the EGIL has a built-in sequencer that automatically runs the selected breaker operating sequence while making the appropriate measurements and recording the results. In addition, menu-driven procedures invoke sensible default settings, thereby eliminating the need for time-consuming pre-setting.

Graphical and numerical output Megger’s EGIL test set offers three timing channels for the circuit breaker main contacts. Main contacts and pre-insertion resistor contacts can be timed on the same channel, with the results recorded graphically and numerically on the integral printer. Results are also shown numerically on the instrument’s large easy-to-read display.

Two additional galvanically isolated timing channels are provided for auxiliary contacts. In addition, an analogue channel is available as an option. While primarily intended for monitoring contact motion, this channel also finds many other applications. Static and dynamic resistance measurement SDRM

For EGIL test sets that have the SDRM option installed, the SDRM201 module extends the facilities to allow accurate resistance measurements to be made on circuit breaker contacts and other low-resistance devices. When used with the test leads provided, the SDRM201 is capable of supplying an instantaneous current of 200 A DC, falling to 140 A after one second. Multiple tests can be run with only a short waiting time between them.

Used in conjunction with the SDRM201, the EGIL test set supports dynamic resistance measurement from 0 to 32 mO, and static resistance measurement from 0 to 2 mO. The inaccuracy of static resistance measurements is 2% ±2 µO or better.

New software too To complement the latest models of its EGIL circuit breaker analyser, Megger has introduced a new version – R03A – of its CABA Win computer-aided breaker analysis software. Designed to run under Microsoft Windows on a standard PC, this adds full support for static and dynamic resistance measurements, new test plans for applications where the EGIL is used with the SDRM201, and 19 new timing parameters for multiple operations.

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There’s a view circulating in the heating sector that water treatment is….well simply water treatment. It’s all the same, much of a muchness and it may even all be made by the same people.

Well its not. Very much the same way as Kelloggs has come out and said if it doesn’t say Kelloggs on the packet, its not Kelloggs in the packet, leading water treatment brand Sentinel has come out to state categorically that it doesn’t make water treatment products for anyone else and to highlight what is actually in the Sentinel bottles that makes it different from the competition.

Over the past few months, Sentinel has been highlighting its TripleTech™ technology – having launched its TripleTech™ branding on its X800 Jetflo cleaner and its X100 protector and inhibitor. Sentinel’s John Lynch says it’s time to differentiate between the quality brands and the others on the market: “Since water treatment products were first included in the Building Regs Part L Guide for Installers document, there have been a host of new entrants to the water treatment sector and we welcome that – competition is a healthy thing. But it’s very much been in many of these new entrants interests to promulgate the theory that there’s nothing much to choose between the products – they all do the same job. The product in a bottle of Sentinel X800 and many other cleaner products is the difference between chalk and cheese. As is the product in a bottle of Sentinel X100 and many other bottles of inhibitor.”

TripleTech™ Anti Corrosion Technology ’ in X100 is a unique formula which has three different kinds of heavy duty specialist corrosion inhibitors, each of which target a specific metal-type for unrivalled performance in a multi metal system.

TripleTech™ Anti Corrosion Technology has been formulated to protect against corrosion, scale, boiler noise and hydrogen gassing in all types of indirect heating systems.

X800 Jetflo contains ‘TripleTech Power Clean Technology’ – another unique formula which has three different chemical technologies which penetrate and attack system scale and corrosion debris, dissolving into a 'ready to flush' solution, whilst leaving a longlasting anti corrosion surface protection.

X800 Jetflo with TripleTech Power Clean Technology is a powerful, highly active cleaning agent. Its unique composition allows Sentinel X800 Jetflo to act as a penetrating dispersant under neutral pH conditions, eliminating the need to clean with conventional acids and the problems associated with them. The formula also contains agents to protect metals from corrosion.

“Boiler manufacturers wouldn’t recommend Sentinel by name in their installation instructions unless they were convinced by the information we share with them, that what we offer is the best,” says John Lynch. “Boiler manufacturers are aware that the majority of problems they have, come from poor quality installation – which includes not flushing systems and not using quality water treatment products and from poor quality circulating water. That’s why they want all installers to use quality water treatment products and that’s why they include using them in their training courses.”

Sentinel has invested huge amounts over the years in research and development and in testing products, again and again. It’s not something every water treatment company does. It’s funded independent research by GasTec to find out what really happens when you use water treatment products. Over the past two years its invested huge amounts in developing a range of specialist products for renewable heating systems, that need cleaning, flushing, and protecting just as much – arguably more – than traditional heating systems. These are not the actions of a ‘follower’ who simply bottles chemicals as inexpensively as it can and offers them to the industry. These are the actions of an industry leader dedicated to providing quality products to ensure that heating systems run as energy efficiently as possible, with as low a level of emissions as possible and keeping maintenance levels as low as possible.

The quality water treatment companies have given huge amounts of their time to attend a myriad of meetings over the years in an effort to get standards agreed, to get water treatment recognised by the Government in Building Regulations, and have joined and given time to the official trade organisations – such as HHIC and the DWTA – that operate so that they can encourage and put pressure on those who need to be convinced of the value of quality water treatment as part of the energy efficiency programme of the heating sector for this country.

There should be absolutely no doubt out there that water treatment is a vital component of our heating industry. Nor that there should be significant differentiation between those that take the sector very seriously and are dedicated to ensuring that the sector can benefit from the best expertise and technology and those that are part of it simply because they can make a quick buck.

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Twinfix canopies installed adjacent to school classrooms create superb play and work areas for small children, while those fitted in playgrounds provide weather-protected association areas for older students. Where modular buildings are being installed as part of a school refurbishment, a canopy or walkway can be designed to link the new and existing buildings together, providing cover for teachers and students while moving round their site.

Each Twinfix canopy or walkway is designed to fulfil the identified needs at that school and to enhance the space available. Roof shapes include mono and duo-pitched designs, as well as shapely curves. Some canopies may be attached to the adjacent building and for others it will be more appropriate to install a free-standing model, as was the case with the canopy featured, which sits on round posts adjacent to a new modular-built classroom

With powder coated aluminium frames that will not rust or ever require re-painting, these structures will keep their good looks for many years to come. Tough multiwall (or solid) polycarbonate is the product of choice for the roof glazing. This does not transmit UV in sunlight, so is the ideal material for school shelters as it will help protect children playing or working underneath.

The aluminium frames can be powder coated in a range of colours and there are various tints of polycarbonate available for the roofing. And, as a bonus, both the frame and the glazing may be recycled at the end of their long life span.

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The Help for Heroes Rehabilitation Complex at Headley Court in Surrey is the first major project undertaken by the charity and incorporates many tried and tested products from MK Electric. Headley Court is where those seriously wounded on active duty are sent and the complex will house a superb swimming pool, two gyms and a research centre. It will provide a crucial centre for physical rehabilitation, the charity says.

The construction companies involved are working on a charitable basis which has significantly reduced the cost of the building. “This is a flagship job for SEC where we want the client to have the best building possible”, says project manager David Davis. “So we chose MK products because of their proven quality. In all my 15 years in this industry I have never yet been called back to a faulty switch or socket from their range”.

The Logic Plus range of wiring accessories was installed throughout the building. These are designed to complement modern interiors, offering an unobtrusive and sophisticated look totally in keeping with today’s design. Technically, they exceed British Standard requirements with patented features that make these products the most advanced and safest available. Logic Plus products are made from a high grade thermoset material which has an inherent antimicrobial property. In recent independent tests, the Logic Plus products were equal to, or exceeded, competitor ‘Anti-Bac’ products when tested for resistance to MRSA, E-Coli, Salmonella and Klebsiella Pneumoniae.

Grid Plus, a modular switching and monitoring system, was also installed. The comprehensive range of modules includes switches, indicators, dimmers, secret key switches, printed switches and buzzer units – making it the ideal system for public buildings. Easy to fit and change, Grid Plus modules simply clip into place from the front of the mounting frame.

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Timbmet, one of Europe's leading timber distributors, and the UK's exclusive supplier of Red Grandis, a Pure Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) red hardwood, is to offer a legal and sustainable alternative to Sapele or Meranti timber.

The introduction of Red Grandis demonstrates how a new plantation-grown species with Pure FSC certification can be brought to the market with unique customer benefits in terms of sustainability, natural durability, ease of use and continuity of supply – particularly important given ever increasing global demands on timber as a natural resource.

A high-grade clear timber delivering consistency of colour, appearance, grain and workability, Red Grandis – or Eucalyptus grandis, to give it its generic name – is most often used in the production of internal mouldings, including skirting, architrave and thresholds, furniture, cabinets and exterior cladding profiles, as well as within the window and door frame industry.

Red Grandis has undergone independent third-party testing by TRADA Technology Limited and Building Research Establishment, achieving great results for natural durability and resistance to fungi – key for long-term performance –as well as Class D35 for strength and stiffness, and Class C35 for density to prove its suitability for joinery and structural use.

Under the plantation growing process, intensive pruning is carried out to provide a knot-free, clear, uniform timber with sapling thinning to enable the trees to reach significant diameters. It is easy to machine and shape, and because all lengths are identical, there is less waste and reduced production time, as well as a much better finish overall.

Red Grandis is also available as a Timbmet Engineered Component (TECTM), offering proven strength and extraordinary efficiency. This technology retains and enhances the beauty and appeal of natural wood with finger-jointing technology, wood veneers, advanced adhesives and substrates, such as laminated veneer lumber (LVL), aluminium and plastic – providing perfect solutions for discerning customers.

In sawn format, Red Grandis is available in 2.4m and 4.8m lengths, and in various widths and thicknesses.

“We are delighted to add Red Grandis to the Timbmet product portfolio,” says Richard Curtis, Merchant Business Manager. “With an annual growth rate of 3.4 metres in height and 25mm in diameter, this red hardwood can grow to 60 metres high, with mature trees available after just 23 years, ensuring continuity of supply for years to come.”

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• Stand 236, Hall 20
• INFRARAIL 2010
• National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham
• 13 – 15 April 2010

At Infrarail 2010, Eaton, global technology leader in power management, will be showcasing power distribution, uninterruptible power supply and hydraulic solutions that allow users in the rail transport sector to maximise return on investment in both new works and upgrade projects.

Visitors to the stand will be able to see the broad range of solutions offered by the Eaton Corporation and, in particular, they will have the opportunity to find out about Eaton’s unique PowerChain Management initiative. This helps enterprises to achieve financial and operational benefits by proactive management of their power system as a strategic, integrated asset, throughout its lifecycle.

At the exhibition, Eaton’s Electrical Sector will be highlighting not only the distribution and protection products and systems for which it is already widely known and respected in the rail sector, but also the latest metering systems, which play a vital role in helping users to monitor and manage energy consumption. The metering systems are available for retrofitting in existing installations, and for integration with new equipment.

The emphasis from Eaton’s Power Quality Products & Services at the exhibition will be on uninterruptible power supplies that are particularly well suited for rail-related telecommunications applications. Available with ratings from 8 to 1,100 kVA, these innovative products feature advanced battery management to optimise battery life, and scalable battery run times for maximum versatility.

Also on the stand, from Eaton’s Hydraulics Group, will be system solutions and technical services that are applicable to broad range of rail applications, from maintenance to high-speed trains. These include Eaton’s intelligent valve technologies that enhance machine functionality, leading to energy savings and increased flexibility. Hydraulic hose solutions, available to suit virtually any application, pressure level or type of fluid will also be presented.

Throughout the three days of the Infrarail exhibition, experts from Eaton will be on hand to provide visitors with advice and guidance on selecting solutions for their own specific applications, with the emphasis on combining versatility and durability with value for money and energy efficiency.

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Leading pump manufacturer Wilo UK is celebrating a successful Pump Industry Awards 2011 after winning the accolade of ‘Manufacturer of the Year 2011’ and being a finalist in the ‘Technical Innovation of the Year 2011 – Projects’ category of the awards as well for the work it did as part of the comprehensive refurbishment of Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth.

Wilo UK managing director Gary Mannus collected the awards from former news reader Selina Scott at the recent event and not surprisingly declared himself delighted with the awards his company had won: “It’s always good to be recognised for getting things right and I believe these awards do just that,” he said. “We’ve had an excellent couple of years, building the brand in the UK marketplace, investing significantly in our operation, expanding the team and getting out there talking to customers and responding to their needs. I’ve had an exciting time since I joined the business back in 2009 and we have detailed plans of how we intend to build on the successes this far and take the Wilo brand on to another level in the years ahead.”

Wilo UK offers a wide range of pumps for all applications from small domestic circulators to large commercial pumps. Pumps for heating, air conditioning and refrigeration, water supply and sewage pumps and lifting plants – the range is massive. Wilo also provides a comprehensive servicing capability.

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