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The University of Manchester's Energy Management and Building Services team have installed 15 Micronics Heat Meters, utilising Micronics UL2000 Clamp-On, Ultrasonic flow meters as part of their ongoing energy management programme.

The university's heating requirement including LTHW and MTHW is supplied from shared Energy Centres and distributed via a steel pipe network, ranging in size from 200 to 300mm. To comply with current legislation and implement the university's best practice energy management program, the campus is monitored and managed by Energy Cost Centres with Display Energy Certificates required for all areas >1000m² and the University has to account for 90% of the energy flow from the Energy Centres.

Implementing the installation of Heat Meters in an existing distribution network of 200 to 300mm pipe-work would be a major task using in-line meters, which led Chris Cunningham, Assistant Mechanical and Energy Engineer and the team to specify Clamp-On, Ultrasonic flow measurement. Chris says “After considering the various options Clamp-On, ultrasonic flow measurement was clearly the most cost-effective and least disruptive solution for measuring flow in our distribution network. In-line meters would have been more expensive and very disruptive requiring system drain-down and cutting pipe work”.

The meters provide ½ hour consumption data, which is supplied for analysis via the University's data-concentrators and campus Ethernet network, providing energy consumption data for 24hr Laboratories, Conference and Teaching blocks.

Micronics were selected as the supplier due to the University's previous experience using the Micronics Portaflo, portable ultrasonic, Clamp-on flow meter. And a combination of Micronics profile in the market, long-term experience with Ultrasonic Clamp-On technology plus competitive pricing and product performance i.e. best value! Chris has been pleased with the performance of the Micronics products and says the pre and post order service support has also been good, however, he feels the requirement for annual calibration and the associated costs is an area, which requires further consideration. The project has been a success and there are future plans to use the same technology on the University's Chilled Water circuits.

The project has demonstrated how Clamp-On – Ultrasonic technology can be successfully implemented as a cost-effective, minimal disruption solution to provide heat energy measurement and the potential for replication on similar campus sites is significant.

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Laidlaw Solutions Ltd has again been shortlisted for two prime projects in the 2011 Architectural Ironmongery Specification Awards organised by the GAI and RIBA. The highly acclaimed Bermondsey Square Hotel, described as the epitome of designer chic, is one of four projects being considered for the 'Best Hospitality or Residential Building' while Rose Lodge in Hebburn, a £6.1m specialist centre for adults with learning disabilities, is one of just two shortlisted for 'Best Public Building'. The bi-annual awards, which are being held at the Ironmongers' Hall in Barbican on 30th March, recognise design excellence in the specification of architectural ironmongery.

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AMTECH 2010 is the latest generation of Electrical Design and Test & Inspection software, optimised to deliver a variety of time saving and productivity benefits that will help users work smarter and increase their profitability. In turn, this reinforces the company’s commitment to ensuring its customers have access to advanced technologies that evolve with their needs.

AMTECH 2010 incorporates upgraded versions of FastTest, FastTest Domestic and FastTest Mobile, ProDesign and ProDesign Domestic and SingleCable software. Each of these programs feature significant enhancements to both functionality and ease of use.

In FastTest 2010, for example, navigation through on-screen certificates is now much easier, while the new ‘Last Page Bookmark’ highlights the last focal point viewed on a certificate. Other new features include ‘Customisable Tabs in Certificate Browser’, ‘traffic light’ indication of certificate status plus the ‘New User Login Feature & User Image Association’ which enhances usability making the logging in process a breeze.

In parallel, FastTest Mobile brings all of the productivity advantages of mobile working with an extensive range of time saving features, such as enhanced ‘Email On The Move’.

ProDesign 2010, has also enjoyed a major upgrade with a host of new features to accelerate key design processes and increase efficiency. Sure to prove particularly popular is the New Powerful Data Entry Module, along with faster selection of Protective Devices, Busbar Diversity, Detailed Discrimination Reports and a New Calculation Engine for fault level calculations. A selection of these new features can also be found in SingleCable 2010.

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After two years of extensive product development and testing, John Newton & Company are proud to launch their new range of structural waterproofing products. Having historically focused on cavity drain waterproofing, Newtons can now supply a full range of additional products to complement the range.

A summary of the new product range is as follows:

Newton System 100 – Cementitious Products
A portfolio of cementitious products to complement Newton System 500, including a high quality flexible waterproofing membrane, an SBR additive, a rapid setting waterstop and fast setting mortar for creating angle fillets. These products enable the specifier to use Newton products for other areas of the overall inclusive waterproofing scheme such as lift shafts, flat soffits and externally to difficult details such as retained slabs and ring-beams.

Newton System 200 – Deck and Roofing
A complete range of externally applied elastomeric polyurethane membranes for balconies, terraces, flat and inverted roofs, podium decks, swimming pools etc. The range allows for specifiers to use Newton products for the flat surfaces above the basement as well as the waterproofing below.

Newton System 300 – Horizontal Drainage
The System 300 is a range of dimpled drainage membranes used as a protection and drainage layer above the new System 200 waterproofing membranes. Also included in this range are products and specifications for complete Green Roof specifications.

Newton System 400 – Vertical Drainage
The 400 System is a range of composite geodrain membranes and associated products used for the vertical drainage retaining walls to the soil side.

Newton System 500 – Cavity Drain Waterproofing
Newton System 500 is an internally applied waterproofing system based upon Newton's range of cavity drain membranes, drainage systems and pumping systems. Unlike conventional 'tanking;, Newton System 500 is not attempting the almost impossible and trying to hold water back, but places designed maintainable depressurisation voids at known weaknesses in the structure so that ingressing water is simply captured and diverted out of the property.

Newton System 600 – Flooring Membranes
Newton System 600 is a range of flooring membranes suitable for a large variety of applications. As well as providing protection from dampness within the floor, these membranes 'de-couple' the floor finish from the substrate preventing damage due to substrate movement and cracking.

Newton System 700 – Liquid Applied Floor Coatings
Newtons range of liquid applied protective and decorative flooring products. These products are fast curing and available in a variety of colours. Typically used for internal floors such as retail space, depots and warehouses.

Newton System 800 – Damp Proofing
Newtons damp-proofing membranes ensure that internal wall finishes are protected form dampness within the walls of the structure. The meshed membranes provide a firm key and impermeable barrier on any damp or deteriorating surface ready for plaster, render or dot &a,p; dab plasterboard. The unmeshed Newton 803 membrane is used where insulation requirements dictate the use of a timber or steel frame ready for plasterboard. Quick, clean and proven to work, Newton damp proof membranes truly are the modern, cost effective, damp-proofing solution.

Newton System 900 – Liquid Primers & Sealers
This range of products are predominately for use in conjunction with System 200 and System 700 liquid membranes as priming agents for a variety of substrates prior to the application of the specialist waterproofing and flooring membranes.

Newton Pumps
John Newton's pumping range has been developed to provide a broad range of pumping solutions which together with our extensive list of ancillary products ensure that the Newton waterproofing system sets new standards of performance and reliability.

Our sump and pump combinations for basement waterproofing offer the specifier and end client a full range of pumping products. Whether you need to control clear ground water, grey water, effluent or sewerage, John Newton supply a complete range of the highest specification pumps available for all of your pumping requirements.

“Our new product range is the culmination of two years of testing, development and research to find the best waterproofing products available” – Warren Muschialli, Managing Director

How We Can Help

John Newton & Company's team of waterproofing and damp proofing experts offer unrivalled technical support and would be delighted to help you with any waterproofing enquiries. Our nationwide network of Newton Specialist Basement Contractors are trained and monitor to install Newton waterproofing systems to the highest standards and can offer insured guarantees.

For further information or advice about any of John Newton & Company's products, please visit http://www.newton-membranes.co.uk, 020 7237 1217 or e-mail info@newton-membranes.co.uk.

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Formed in 1979 Taplanes Showing Solutions were once a subsidiary of Kelan Engineering and are now the oldest British manufacturer of shower cubicles, minipods and ensuite pods. Using their own patented manufacturing techniques and materials, Taplanes are the only British company that can genuinely prove that they can meet a minimum 30 year life expectancy if not in excess of 50 years.

Taplanes have produced specialized equipment for private, military and government contracts for various applications which have involved highly specialized chemicals, plastics, electronics and robotic knowledge.

Most of these contracts were completed under “Letters of Confidentiality” and “Secrecy” documentation.

Taplanes manufacture all their products using a specially formulated polypropylene material with a minimum thickness of 10/12mm. This sustainable material allows Taplanes to take their products back at the end of its life cycle, regrind it, re-thermoform it and then re-use it.

Each bespoke construction does not use any substitute material for strength, under-carriage support or component fixing, nor does the system carry any exposed sealant, grout or tiling which can be a costly, an on-going maintenance issue, and can also attract bacteria. The Taplanes material is tested and approved by an NHS test Laboratory as bacteria free and also totally inert.

Their patented horizontal joint system is designed to prevent any capillary action allowing for the whole ensuite system to be taken in and out of the allotted room as many times as needed without invalidating the guarantee.

During their 31 years of manufacture Taplanes can refer to clients selling buildings, taking the ensuite or showers out, and reusing them in other buildings which saves considerable sums of money.

The Taplanes unique design is a cost saving environmentally friendly solution, perfect for today's economic climate.
www.taplanes.co.uk

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AMTECH Group has launched LUCKINSlive.com, the first ever free online information service for the entire building services industry, comprising mechanical, electrical and plumbing sectors.

LUCKINSlive is set to become the largest single source of information on up to 750,000 building services products; including brochures, specification sheets, images, videos and more. This information is free to access and is available 24 hours a day -with no login required.

Advanced search functions make it easy to find information and links are provided directly from all AMTECH, Estimation and nes Specification Expert software, so that sourcing information becomes a seamless part of the workflow.

Users can also subscribe to the free ‘Price Watch’ newsletter that provides information on all the latest price movements in the industry, together with industry news, while an upgrade to the full LUCKINSlive service gives access to up-to-date pricing data.

Current Luckins data subscribers will automatically be entitled to enhanced product and pricing information available online through LUCKINSlive. The site is also mobile-enabled, allowing information to be accessed on the move, at any time of day.

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The new 150mm diameter version of a highly innovative range of push-fit cast iron above ground drainage systems has been Kitemark approved by the British Standards Institute (BSI) to the BS EN 877:1999 standard for cast iron pipes and fittings.

The approval of the Ensign EEZI-FIT 150mm range from iron technology solutions provider, Saint-Gobain PAM UK, to this standard guarantees the product is suitable for sanitary gravity soil applications for 0.5 bar performance.

Launched earlier this year to complement the existing 100mm range of push-fit socketed fittings and couplings, the 150mm range ensures that Ensign EEZI-FIT is suitable for virtually all soil stacks found in the UK.

Ensign EEZI-FIT and Ensign from Saint-Gobain PAM UK remain the only cast iron above ground drainage systems which are Kitemark approved to BS EN 877:1999, while a recent study conducted at the Building Research Establishment (BRE) found that Ensign EEZI-FIT is also significantly quicker to install than systems jointed by fusion welding.

Mike Rawlings, Marketing Manager – Soil & Drain at Saint-Gobain PAM UK, commented: “This latest Kitemark approval confirms the status of Ensign EEZI-FIT as a high-specification system guaranteed to perform to highly exacting standards. Given its proven ease of installation, as well as the benefits of cast iron in terms of strength, longevity, recyclability, fire resistance, and acoustic qualities, it is no surprise that Ensign EEZI-FIT is becoming more and more widely specified in both new and retro-fit projects across the UK.”

For more information on the benefits of Ensign EEZI-FIT and the added value it can offer, visit the comparison website www.eezi-compare.com. Further details on the company's full product range can be found at www.saint-gobain-pam.co.uk/soil-press.

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Fendor, one of the UK's leading specialist glazing designers and manufacturers has bucked the economic trend to record a healthy 18 % increase in growth during 2010.

Announcing the figures, managing director Chris Duffy said,”Since 2007 Fendor has invested heavily in both R&D and Marketing spend and this increased during 2010. We have aggressively targeted new market sectors specifically Healthcare this being highlighted by the introduction of several new patent applications for that sector. European Design rights have been granted for the CleanVent® system and for the first time International PCT applicationsare in place.

“The results of this strategic initiative resulted in 18% growth in 2010 output over 2009 during a period of particularly difficult market conditions in the U.K.”

“Since the 2006 MBO we have seen consistent annual growth in our balance sheet and 2010 ended with a particularly strong cash position”.

Chris concluded, “Future developments will see a continued emphasis on R&D, with particular emphasis on healthcare and the U.K. custodial sector as well as exploration of International markets.”

“The outlook for Fendor is very positive with increasing growth in sales across fire glazing, specialist healthcare, security and secondary glazing sectors.”

Importantly,Fendor is taking on more staff at its Gateshead factory – and sees this continuing for the foreseeable future.

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Here’s the best news ever for specifiers and contractors in the general purpose floodlighting business. It’s the new Thorn Areaflood range, a complete matching series of discharge and compact fluorescent luminaires from 42W to 600W. The aluminium floodlight is based on the Champion sports projector, with an inclined front glass and integrated visor giving precise light control.

There are two sizes, with asymmetric or ‘street’ reflectors. Peak beam angles are up to 60 degrees, with a total cut off at 90 degrees.

Areaflood is sealed to IP66 and can be supplied with integral photocell, adaptive controls, hot-restrike gear and emergency lighting. A hinged front glass, removable gear tray and aiming marker ensure simple installation and maintenance.

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Salamander Engineering, part of water treatment specialist Sentinel Performance Solutions Group, has addressed the potential problem being caused by the huge quantity of condensate that is increasingly making its way into drains and soak aways around the country from high efficiency condensing boilers following the changes to Part L of the Building Regulations at their last update.

Salamander’s Dr Paul Day says the sheer volume of acidic waste now being discharged to the drainage system and the interest being shown from a number of sources in the industry in condensate neutraliser products, would suggest that the concern is wider spread than the deafening silence on the subject might suggest: “We know that the condensate generated by the growing numbers of condensing boilers installed across the UK is acidic discharge at around pH 4.0, but considering the age of much – if not most – of the drainage infrastructure in the UK and the huge quantity of condensate being discharged without treatment to the sewers, it seems that ‘what do we need to do about it?” is a question we should ask and one we should consider having a viable response to, in case we discover that it is causing a problem,” says Paul Day. “Indeed a much smaller quantity – but a significant amount still – is discharged to ‘soak aways’ and if the quantity was high enough, it could have an impact on groundwater, which bearing in mind how much of our drinking water is still drawn from wells and bore holes, would seem to warrant a degree of concern on all our behalves.”

There are an estimated 17 million gas boilers in the UK, with around 1.3 million new boilers installed each year. A condensing boiler from an average household will produce approximately 800 litres of acid per year at pH 4.0.

This is probably not a problem for an odd house or two but the amount of acid condensate put down the drain is thought to be growing at a rate of in excess of half a million litres per week as more and more condensing boilers are installed. It’s conservatively thought that in two years time, we could be adding in the region of 50 million litres of acid at pH 4.0 to our drains every week. Even at a relatively low level of acidity, common sense suggests this must be having an effect on the infrastructure or water treatment process at some level, potentially threatening the biological purification processes in septic tanks and local water treatment plant, and possibly causing significant upset to the drainage infrastructure.

So what’s the answer to the problem, in the light of a lack of knowledge about the effects this large scale acidic ‘flushaway’ might be having?

This has been addressed by Salamander, part of Sentinel Performance Solutions, with the release of its ‘Condensafe ‘+’ unit.

This unique and innovative in-line unit, designed to be mounted between the boiler condensate outlet and the drain, contains a special medium that will effectively neutralise acidic waste from condensing boilers before allowing the now harmless waste to be discharged to the drains. The neutralising medium can be easily replaced every twelve months when the boiler undergoes its annual service and the spent medium can be safely disposed of in household waste.

The Salamander ‘Condensafe ‘+’ offers a sensible approach to low level acidic discharge management, it’s easy to fit, clean and maintain, fits all domestic condensing boilers, has no adverse effect on the operation of a condensing boiler and complies with all relevant standards.

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