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System filters have been much in evidence for the past few years as a means of offering a 'belt and braces' type response to debris circulating in a heating system. Whilst chemical water treatment will address the bulk of the debris in a system, even after careful use of a cleaner and an inhibitor, some debris will still be circulating in the system. To ensure that this doesn't cause grief, its best to get the debris out and this can be done quite simply through the use of a system filter.

The system filters available vary massively both in technology and materials – and to be fair, in the results they achieve and the reliability with which they operate. Some system filters remove just magnetic debris. Others claim to remove magnetic and non-magnetic debris. Some are manufactured from plastic others from brass. Choosing the right filter that will last as long as the system, is a key consideration when making that choice.

Sentinel has for some time been successfully selling its System Filter, providing a solid, reliable and cost effective solution to the need to shift all types of system debris from domestic heating systems. Its popularity with housing associations and local authorities who traditionally test their purchases pretty hard, suggests that it's a reliable and cost effective solution to removing muck and 'gunge' from systems.

The Sentinel System Filter, is a compact, robust, fully sealed brass unit, that's quick and easy to fit and will last the lifetime of the system, helping to eliminate those unwanted call backs, saving you time and your customer money. The unit removes all debris, not just magnetic debris, protecting the boiler and maintaining design efficiencies. With no moving parts, it will not clog and is very easy to clean and maintain, with no magnets to remove, no need to dismantle and no valves to shut off.

The Sentinel system filter has been designed to work alongside Sentinel X800 Jetflo cleaner. X800 is a powerful, highly active cleaning agent. Its unique composition allows it to act as a penetrating dispersant under neutral pH conditions. The formula also importantly contains agents to protect metal from corrosion. Sentinel products comply with the BS7593 Code of Practice for correct water treatment in domestic systems, which states that “Filters which collect magnetite may be beneficial as part of the flushing procedure. These should be used with a chemical cleanser to mobilise the magnetite and aid its transport to the filter”.

So ideally, installers need to cleanse the system with Sentinel X800 Jetflo, then fit a Sentinel System Filter. X800 and the Sentinel System filter have been specifically designed to work together in mobilising magnetite and other forms of heating system debris, to enable its removal from the system, thereby restoring system efficiency.

There have been a number of reports in recent months emanating from social housing providers in particular, suggesting that a number of boiler heat exchangers have become blocked due to dirt particles building up between the heat exchanger plates

Two London & Quadrant Housing Association owned properties and ten owned by Enfield Homes were identified to carry out 'system cleans' using Sentinel X800 Jetflo cleaner followed by treatment with Sentinel X100 inhibitor/protector. After the clean had been undertaken in each case, Sentinel System Filters were fitted in all properties to the heating systems on the return to the boiler, to provide long term protection from, and removal of, any circulating debris – magnetic or non-magnetic, left in the system.

Between four and six weeks later, samples were taken from each of the properties, where access could be gained, from both the system water and the 'blow down' from the installed Sentinel System Filter.

Analyses of the samples are presented below:

These results clearly show the benefits of fitting a Sentinel System Filter. Although the systems were cleaned, flushed and inhibited, there still remains the potential of some level of suspended solids still remaining in the heating system.

The use of a Sentinel System Filter removes this debris effectively and will continue to remove it for as long as it is in place, resulting in a very low level of suspended solids in the re-circulating water.

So it is clear that fitting a Sentinel System Filter as part of the water treatment regime offers the permanent, on-going level of protection required by social housing providers in the heating systems in the homes they own and manage. Having the Sentinel system filter in place eliminates unwanted call backs to contractors or a providers own direct workforce, to remedy problems associated with debris in circulating water in a domestic heating system.

The Sentinel system filter is clearly a solid, reliable and cost effective response to magnetic and non-magnetic debris in a heating system. And it doesn't leak and it certainly doesn't split!

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Two new series of 600×600 and 900×900 ceiling cassette fan coil units have been introduced by Daikin Europe for application to the higher end of the UK market.

Designated FWF-B (600×600) and FWC-B (900×900), both types are designed for 2-pipe and 4-pipe installations with capacities varying from 2.0 to 5.4kW (cooling) and 2.9 to 6.9kW (heating) for the FWF series and 6.0 to 8.9kW (cooling) and 8.0 to 12.1kW (heating) for the FWC series.

Both series include substantial advantages over earlier FWF and FWC models including improved performance, more stylish design, compatibility with a wide range of controllers plus numerous accessories such as fresh air intake kit, more comfortable air discharge and flow pattern and condensate drain pump as standard, obviating condensation even problems even when installation space is limited. Each type also comes with a visually attractive decoration panel in RAL9010 white.

New features relative to the FWC-B models include high efficiency DC motors consuming up to 4 times less power than comparable 900×900 AC driven units and a roundflow decoration panel producing uniform air flow and room temperature distribution.

Low operating sound levels of 30 dB(A) to 45 dB(A) at low speed depending on model size ensure the suitability of both type to virtually any application.

Daikin Europe products are distributed in the UK by Daikin Airconditioning UK Ltd and Space Airconditioning plc.

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As part of an extensive and long term project to revitalise the Lowesmoor area of Worcester, Crittall steel windows have been specified for one of the most familiar buildings on the site.

The Great Filling Hall was a feature of Worcester’s historic vinegar works and dates back to a time when the city was renowned for its industrial heritage, in particular trade from Lowesmoor along the Worcester to Birmingham canal. This listed building is prominent on the site and is one of many being refurbished to bring them to their former glory. Plans for the £75m redevelopment of the site include an ASDA superstore, and a further 18 retail and restaurant properties, which will transform the site from a rundown quarter to a new and thriving town centre shopping complex.

Planning demands were stringent for the Filling Hall, with conservation officers insisting upon like for like replacement for the windows, in order to maintain the continuity of appearance and character of the architecture and of the surrounding environment.

Main contractors for the Filling Hall refurbishment, Vinci Construction specified the Crittall W20 steel profiles for clients, Carillion Richardson who has overall responsibility for the development and according to David Scally, contracts manager for Vinci, these windows were the obvious choice. “The building is steeped in history and is a familiar landmark in the city,” he explained. “The building has been refurbished as the new headquarters of the TA in Worcester and therefore, we had to ensure that the profiles not only complied with planning requirements but also offered security and strength.”

Crittall W20 windows, with their minimal sightlines, enable the architectural value of a building to emerge, providing the necessary thermal performance required for double glazed units and offering immense inherent strength. The result is an historic structure, renovated in its own particular style but upgraded to meet all contemporary energy requirements.

Now completed, the replacement Crittall window programme enhances the appearance of the building, helping to restore it to its previous splendour, and assisting in the overall ambition to regenerate the 7.5 acre Lowesmoor site.

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A stunning family of bespoke pendant shades has been manufactured by Chelsom for the five star Sheraton hotel, Prague. Designed by Jestico and Whiles, the shades feature contrasting colour combinations of pongee silk in bold cylinders that perfectly complement the geometric theme of the hotel.

Manufactured in various sizes, the largest being 1800mm x 1000mm, the shades are suspended throughout the restaurant, reception and public areas of the hotel, creating striking visual impact as well as effective ambient lighting.

Featuring high performance, energy efficient Philips 33W lamps, the luminaires offer maximum light output with the benefit of extremely low running costs and minimal maintenance. In addition to supplying public area lighting, Chelsom has manufactured bespoke burgundy bedroom shades, bedside LED reading lights and contemporary desk lamps together with white glazed globes, randomly suspended in the Brasserie Delice.

The five star Sheraton Prague Charles Square, offering 160 bedrooms including 38 suites, is the first hotel to be opened by Starwood in Prague under the Sheraton brand.

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The VMZINC standing seam roof extension at the Four Seasons Hotel in Park Lane was completed in late 2010. The project is a showcase for how a utilitarian flat roof can be transformed into one of aesthetic and practical value.

The project comprised building an additional storey to house a rooftop spa. Due to planning requirements a high specification roof with a traditional metal covering was specified. Specialist metal roofing installer, Roles Broderick Roofing installed the VMZINC PLUS® system, specification of which was due to the fact that its underside coating makes the system ideal for areas of consistently high humidity. Its compatibility with Foamglas® insulation enabled a 'compact roof' build-up to be provided, a benefit of which was the absence of obtrusive ventilating details at the ridge and other abutments. The location of the hotel, overlooking Green Park at the southern end of Park Lane in Mayfair, precipitated objections by influential neighbours with outlooks overlooking the new roof. These were overcome with some sensitive detailing by Eric Parry Architects with the help of VMZINC in close cooperation with the contractor.

Two zinc specifications were used on the project, VMZINC QUARTZ-ZINC PLUS® on the main barrel vaulted roof and small areas of vertical cladding and ANTHRA-ZINC PLUS® on the 'skirt' and gutters around the perimeter. Apart from a few small sections, all the zinc was laid onto Foamglas over a plywood substrate.

Richard O’Connor, Contracts Director of Roles Broderick Roofing commented, “Although the project had a relatively high proportion of detail work for a large roof there were two particularly challenging elements that required more than their fair share of design and development. These were the setting out of the zinc trays over the 'lazy S' area of the barrel and the open louvred areas along each side. In the latter case, a large section of each tray has been omitted but the seams continue from the roof, supported on a lightweight frame. It is these areas along with the bullnose eaves to the skirt that have received the most comments and compliments to everyone involved”.

The VMZINC PLUS 'compact roof' approach can also be taken using mineral wool, PIR and composite insulation boards. 0.7 mm thick panels, in sheets of up to 13 metres length, can be formed in either straight or curved profile in Natural, QUARTZ-ZINC® , ANTHRA-ZINC® and PIGMENTO® colours. Specially designed clips are used to avoid penetration of the surface.

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HMO’s (Houses in Multiple Occupation) continue to be a rapidly expanding sector of the UK’s residential building stock and detectomat’s Wireless detect fire alarm system supplied by CIS Wire-Free Alarms of Stroud has been chosen by a number of landlords in the Gloucestershire area as a fast and effective, no mess solution to their fire detection requirements.

Martyn Young of CIS says “Landlords want a safe environment for their tenants but they also want to avoid the inconvenience – mess and potential damage to decoration associated with installing conventional fire alarm systems and we propose the detectomat system because it’s a reliable, fast fix, no damage solution, which can be installed in hours as opposed to days.”

The detectomat Wireless detect system includes optical smoke detectors with integral sounders (no need for separate sounders), break-glass call points and heat detectors. The primary means of automatic detection and alarm is detectomat’s HDv3000 system standard, third party certified, self-contained smoke alarm, which is combined in a radio network with other field devices and a six zone panel to form a wire-free, radio fire alarm system. Reduced installation time is a significant advantage and whereas a conventional system may take 10 days to install, the detectomat system takes typically less than 8 hours, an obvious benefit for landlords when considering their requirements. In many applications there are also direct as well as indirect cost savings from using a wireless solution but the main decision factors are usually minimum installation time, disruption, mess and potential damage to the building fabric and decoration.

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Iron technology solutions provider, Saint-Gobain PAM UK, has secured its first major order for its recently launched 150mm diameter Ensign EEZI-FIT range of push-fit cast iron above ground drainage systems supplied through the local Hailsham branch of one of its major distributors, Drain Center

Saint-Gobain PAM UK fought off tough competition to secure the contract to replace the sanitary soil stacks as part of a major refurbishment of four 17-storey tower blocks in Hastings, East Sussex, from main contractor United House. Each block contains 96 flats, and is owned by AmicusHorizon. United House, one of the largest specialist housing construction companies in London and the South East, has been contracted by AmicusHorizon to undertake this major £6.5 million refurbishment of the four blocks. As a resident-focused housing association, it was important for AmicusHorizon to work closely with its contractors on this flagship project to develop solutions to improve local residents’ homes and community.

Steve Madell, Regional Asset Director (Sussex) of AmicusHorizon said: “This is a ground-breaking project, whereby residents are able to remain in their homes during the replacement of soil stacks. Through careful planning with both our residents and contractors, disruption to residents has been kept to a minimum.”

Ensign EEZI-FIT was approved following extensive trials on a three-floor test stack, in which Saint-Gobain PAM UK assisted throughout to prove the effectiveness and speed of installation of these products.

John Ryan, Site Manager for United House, explained: “We selected Saint-Gobain PAM UK as Ensign EEZI-FIT provides a versatile platform for refurbishment of the tower blocks with far less complications than alternative materials. Compared with competitors, this was the best product for the job and has meant we could complete the project quickly and efficiently.

“We needed a solution which minimised the impact of the works on the residents who continued to live in their homes during the refurbishment, which had a high fire and sound rating, and which offered ease and speed of installation. There are six soil stacks in each of the four blocks, so this was a major installation with the potential for a lot of disruption for the residents, many of whom are elderly. The Saint-Gobain PAM UK solution ensured that this was minimised.”

Mike Rawlings, Marketing Manager – Soil & Drain at Saint-Gobain PAM UK, added: “One of the main issues for consideration was noise reduction in the soil stacks. A major benefit of the Ensign EEZI-FIT system is that it has excellent acoustic properties; tested to BS EN 14366, it has been proven to be the quietest drainage solution on the market, ensuring noise transference through the drainage system will be the lowest possible.

“Unlike systems that require solvents for jointing, the installation and testing of the newly-fitted EEZI-FIT stacks could be completed in one day, saving United House any ‘out of service’ charges, and could actually be fitted while residents remained in their homes.

“Ensign EEZI-FIT, which is kitemark approved to BS EN 877, was ideal for this project – it meant minimal disruption for residents as we could complete a stack in a day, during working hours. And, as EEZI-FIT has a life expectancy of 50 years, AmicusHorizon can be assured that this is a long-term solution.”

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The new ABB Busch-ComfortTouch panel offers the sophistication of intelligent building control in an easy-to-use, one touch display. Suitable for hotels, housing and commercial properties, it combines state-of-the-art control with exciting new energy efficiency and security features, providing users with full control of all living areas and building functions from one location.

The ComfortTouch panel gives users a single point of control for a range of functions including lighting, security, temperature and humidity. An intuitive colour coding system that distinguishes different aspects of the building – yellow for light, amber for heating, blue for blinds, orange for climate control and purple for living scenarios – makes the system easier to use for those with little or no experience.

The control panel allows users to operate or dim the lights, adjust blinds, regulate the room temperature or create scenes from a combination of the functions listed. For further ease of use, a all functions can also be controlled remotely where there is line-of-sight between the panel and the remote control pad.

Another key feature is the panel’s energy monitoring function. The Busch-ComfortTouch panel provides access to energy consumption data, enabling property owners to monitor and reduce energy use by identifying areas for improved lighting efficiency, energy consumption and security.

The security function makes it possible to simulate presence within buildings, applying realistic living patterns even when nobody is there. The security system is designed to detect when doors or windows have been left unlocked and can even detect breakages. Once an alarm has been raised, an alert is sent to the user’s mobile phone informing the user of the problem. The panel can also be linked to external monitoring systems, such as surveillance cameras, to monitor and record parts of a building directly from the touch panel.

with a built in MP3 player, The Busch-ComfortTouch makes it possible to create audio files or play films. Users can monitor the weather, look at the latest traffic reports, track up-to-date news, access their e-mails and even use the panel as an alarm clock. The panel can also be used to leave voice or written messages for other users to view.

The Busch-ComfortTouch is available in a black or cream coloured, high quality polished finish. Users can customise the screen colours to suit their own personal preferences. Once installed the touch panel will work in tandem with ABB’s KNX intelligent installation system as a source of control within a building. The number of control functions available through the ComfortTouch is up to the individual to decide when they are installing the system.

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Darwen Aldridge Community Academy, the £32million state-of-the-art facility, recently opened its doors for the new school year to reveal 12 revolutionary air curtains from Airbloc. The Academy welcomes more than 1,600 pupils, teachers and staff through its doors every day. With this high footfall, and multiple entrances in regular use, the Academy turned to Airbloc to solve the common problems caused by frequently opened doors – temperature fluctuations, wasted energy and increased running costs.

Airbloc supplied ten of its wall mounted AC Series and two of its recessed ACR Series air curtains to provide a cost-effective, energy efficient solution. Located above twelve external doors, the Airbloc air curtains will reduce the demand for air conditioning and heating systems by cutting heat loss by up to 80%. AC Series air curtains were the perfect solution for many of the Academy’s exposed entrances. The innovative semi-circular profile, whilst aesthetically appealing, serves a more functional purpose as it can be installed closer to the doorway for a stronger, more effective seal.

Designed for discreet positioning, Airbloc’s ACR Series of recessed air curtains were installed above two entrances. Suspended in the ceiling above the Academy’s doorways, the ACR Series’ subtle, refined finish proved ideal for the contemporary design of the Darwen Academy. The AC and ACR Airbloc air curtains create a high-velocity wall of heated or ambient air that prevents the external atmosphere from passing through doorways. By separating the internal and external climates, the Academy maintains a comfortable internal temperature, improving working conditions for staff and students.

As well as improving the building’s internal climate, installing the air curtains will also have a positive effect on the Academy’s energy costs. By preventing fluctuating temperatures within the building, the air curtains will substantially reduce the energy consumption of air conditioning and heating systems. The Darwen Academy places considerable value on ‘education for sustainable development’. By installing Airbloc air curtains, it is certainly leading the way in sustainability, reducing carbon emissions and cutting energy loss, whilst also providing a comfortable environment for staff and students.

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