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Every manager and engineer knows that you need to be able to measure a resource to manage it effectively and Process or Building Services flow lines are no different.

If you need to establish what’s flowing where in your process or monitor energy flow or water consumption the new Portaflow – PF330 and PF220 instruments offer an effective solution.

Process flows and hot or chilled water services are major areas of energy consumption in processes and building services and the first step in controlling and managing them is to identify what is being used and where, which is not a simple task on an existing site!

There is no simpler way than using one of Micronics Portaflow, Clamp-On range of portable Flow meters with integral loggers, which are acknowledged as the easiest to use in their class. Simple to apply and simple to use, a straightforward question and answer menu provides the facility to collect valuable information with the minimum of fuss or previous knowledge and minimum instruction. And when the information has been gathered it can be viewed on the instrument or downloaded for further analysis using industry standard formats.

Time is money and this new range of quick to install, Clamp-On, non-invasive instruments offers simple menu driven operation and provides a valuable return in information for a minimum investment in your valuable time! For further information call +44 (0)1628 811626 or visit www.micronicsltd.co.uk .

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Hind House’s position on the banks of the River Loddon, near Wargrave is on flood plain, so the design involved construction on raised columns. Living, guest and bedroom spaces have been created in ‘wings’ that adopt a pinwheel form. The steel framed, structure is clad in zinc and cedar, VMZINC’s standing seam cladding system in Quartz-Zinc® having been used, most notably the entrance section. This is pushed forward to receive an entrance staircase to an open, timber lined hood, with a glazed room to the side containing a guest suite and gym. The house, which was completed in December 2008, has recently won the RIBA Southern Region Award for design, the judges having commended its unique design and response to a difficult site subjected to seasonal flooding.

Architect Henry Goss of John Pardey Architects commented “For the Hind House project we were again looking to specify a palette of natural building materials. We have used zinc cladding before and so were familiar with its intrinsic benefits. Having assessed the performance and appearance of other metals, we find that those such as aluminium are not as robust, relying as they do on anodised or powder coated finishes. Unlike other projects, traditional ageing and weathering in the vernacular style was not the aim, as we wanted the project to retain a modern, showpiece appearance. We liked the colour range and texture of VM Zinc’s pre-weathered cladding and as we wanted to retain the contrast between the timber and metal colours, opted for a combination of the dark Anthra-Zinc and light natural cedar. The end result is restrained but distinctive. Zinc offers very clear benefits in terms of long-term performance, and the end result could not have been achieved using any other metal”.

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Sleek and stylish are not words typically used to describe PVC-U cable management systems, but Marshall-Tufflex’s Odyssey truly merits the description, according to Kevin Keenan, director of chartered building services design consultants The Keenan Consultancy.

Mr Keenan’s comments followed the installation of the curved system in the company’s newly constructed Edinburgh city centre offices. So successful has Odyssey proved, the consultancy has since suggested it for projects it is working on – as consulting engineers, the firm is routinely called upon to make recommendations for M&E equipment and since the installation, Odyssey has been chosen on several occasions.

The electrical contractor on the office development was J Halliday Electrical Contractors, Edinburgh.

The pioneering design of Odyssey trunking is the result of extensive market research among specifiers to determine their ultimate wish list for design elements of a cable management system.

It is the first three-compartment PVC-U system with a completely curved outer profile. It also has adjustable internal/external bends and a built-in cable tray. Odyssey not only looks good, but is practical too.

One installer said of the system: ‘Odyssey is far quicker to install than traditional trunking systems. It is easy to clean and the new clip-on lid action allows the trunking to follow any surface irregularities, creating the superbly smooth lines that are its hallmark.’

The extensive range of moulded fittings has bend radius cable control for Cat 6 compliance, and is easy to install and totally secure. This minimises any need for external couplers, which adds to the system’s impressive visual appearance. Odyssey is also available with a conductive spray coating that offers extra protection from electromagnetic interference to data and communications cabling.

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With refurbishment rather than relocation high on many a homeowner’s agenda, Sovran, from Aeon, is a key contender for updating the central heating system.

A timeless, flat-fronted design in brushed stainless steel, Sovran is a vast improvement on regular white panel radiators, yet its understated looks are undemanding in a room scheme.

Sovran has more to offer than designer appeal, too. Behind the elegant, flat faÇade is a cleverly designed powerhouse enabling this smooth operator to heat the room by convection as well as radiation.

There are Sovran models available for horizontal or vertical installation in a large range of sizes suitable for any room in the house. Two depths ensure that even small wall areas or narrow hallways can be accommodated in style. Heat outputs start at 559 watts, rising to 3205 watts for the largest model, and all are suitable for hot water central heating systems.

All radiators in the Aeon Collection are made from the highest-grade solid stainless steel. Designs in the hand-finished range carry a 20-year guarantee. Prices for Sovran start from £342 plus VAT and the model can be delivered to addresses in the UK within four to six weeks.

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As part of a £70 million PPP initiative for the region, Midlothian Council announced in 2004 that 5 of its rural primary schools were to close. Schools at Cousland, Cranston and Pathhead were consolidated into one new one at Pathhead, with those at Borthwick and Temple closed in favour of another at North Middleton.

In keeping with the requirement to use sustainable building principles and technologies, a total of 10,700m2 of green roofing was specified over 7 schools. Flag Soprema’s Optigreen 'Pitched Roof System' was specified for its anti-slip protection, low maintenance requirements and suitability for use with a storm water containment scheme which can retain up to 40% of rainfall. The system uses a dense, low growing, pre-cultivated vegetation mat over a standing seam top sheet, insulation, vapour control layer, steel liner sheet and drainage mat with filter fleece. The end result not only provides environmental benefits but improved acoustics, thermal insulation and protection of the waterproofing membrane. The 'Pitched Roof System', which can be used for pitches up to 35, has 3 anti-slip options to either secure to the surface, suspend or fasten over the ridge or support against the eaves.

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Specifying products and systems for modern building projects is no easy task. Not only must a plethora of Building Regulations and standards both British and European be met, but the properties of all materials used must be fully understood.

Achieving this is no mean feat, calling upon specifiers to pick their way through a maze of information that can, at times, be both confusing and conflicting.

However, for one section of the building industry, research recently published by BEAMA helps clarify the situation when it comes to the fire performance of cable management systems.

Its Causes and Process of Fire report into PVC-U (unplasticised) cable management has highlighted what Marshall-Tufflex believes are a number of important issues surrounding the behaviour of such systems should fire break out, not least that PVC-U materials outperform many other plastic materials in this respect [fire prevention].

The report also noted that:

• PVC-U is inherently flame retardant.
• It requires an external heat source to continue combustion.
• It has a low heat of combustion and a low burning rate it therefore contributes significantly less to heat release and fire propagation than many other materials.
• In a fire situation, a low rate of smoke production is generated by PVC-U during the early stages, when personnel evacuation from an area is most likely.
• PVC-U is an effective barrier to flame spread, making a minimal contribution to fire development.
• If PVC-U is present in isolation, without other combustible materials, the high fire retardancy of the material will prevent further propagation of the fire.

Burning PVC-U chars and is self-extinguishing. It does not produce flaming droplets or burning debris, both of which are a major cause of flame spread. The presence of PVC-U therefore ensures that the ignition of adjacent products is less likely.

Charred PVC-U consists of an expanded carbonaceous structure that protects the underlying material.

Many factors should be taken into account when assessing fire risk, for example time to ignition, burning rate, heat release, smoke production and toxicity, states the BEAMA report. Escape time is a critical factor. Therefore any materials with the following characteristics maximise the chance of survival since they allow people to escape difficult to ignite, low burning rate, low heat release, low smoke production and low toxicity.

Unplasticised (rigid) PVC-U that is used in cable management systems has all these characteristics during the important early stages of a fire, the report concludes.

BEAMA goes on to discuss LSOH (low smoke, zero halogen), making the highly pertinent point that LSOH, as well as LSF (low smoke and fume) and low acid-gas does not equate with low fire hazard. In plain English, a product or system may possess these qualities but be highly flammable. Good examples, as cited by BEAMA, are petrol and TNT, both of which are halogen free.

Furthermore, the organisation tackles one of Marshall-Tufflexs pet subjects the chemical and environmental differences between PVC-U and PVC-P (PVC that has been plasticized):

PVC-U is unplasticised simply because it needs to be rigid in order to cope with the applications it is used for, for example trunking and conduit. No phthalates the chemicals which make PVC soft are used in its production.

By comparison, PVC-P is plasticized to make it flexible. Think drinks bottles, medical devices, packaging, cable insulation and sheathing etc. There have been genuine reasons for concern surrounding the use of phthalates. However, its use is now carefully monitored.

As with much of the building industry, self-regulation has driven the PVC industry in recent years. The Voluntary Commitment to the European Commission (Vinyl 2010) represents an undertaking by the European PVC industry, including Marshall-Tufflex, to push the industry towards accountable sustainability. Much work has been undertaken, not only on improving the public image of PVC-U, but also on improving its eco credentials for example by removing cadmium and lead from the manufacturing process.

The 100% recyclability of PVC-U is also often overlooked. However, because the material has such a long life span windows and doors installed 40 years ago are only just reaching the end of that cycle the feedstock for recycling is only now becoming available. And then there is the issue of collection. Local authorities, builders and demolition companies have to take extra measures to sort plastic waste from that destined for a tip or municipal incinerator. Recovinyl, an initiative of Vinyl 2010, subsidises those collecting waste and sending it to accredited recovery companies/recyclers. The UK currently has 30 Recovinyl certified recyclers, one of which Dekura processes 190 tonnes of window profile a week. Re-chip produced is then fed back into the PVC-U supply chain. Marshall-Tufflex makes use of re-chip and recycles off-cuts during the production process, recycling hundreds of tonnes of material per year.

Conclusion

PVC-U is an excellent building material that stands the test of time with the minimum of fuss. It is recyclable any number of times, has proven performance benefits in the event of fire and has a relatively low intrinsic oil content unmatched by polyethylene, polypropylene or polystyrene.

All in all, these benefits add up to make PVC-U an extremely beneficial and cost-effective choice, as well as an intelligent one for specifiers wishing to use an environmentally-responsible product with a long life span, low maintenance needs and documented performance and recyclability.

Marshall-Tufflex has produced a briefing document outlining the fire performance, together with EMC capabilities, time and cost savings plus environmental issues, of its various cable management systems, including Odyssey and Sterling trunking systems, SnakeWay cable support, MT32 Power Connection System and MT Supertube.

Marshall-Tufflex managing director Jim Fletcher is quoted within this document, stating: The company has been recycling PVC-U products for many years, with a well-proven performance history. It actively pursues a comprehensive programme to develop material formulations based on environmentally acceptable materials, whilst still maintaining and, where possible, improving on long-term performance.

A good example of this drive for improvement is the new MT32 Power Connection System, which not only slashes installation times for floor boxes, trunking etc, but can also offer the industry a re-usable system, negating the need to scrap wiring when a system is reconfigured.

The document also explains key terms, such as halogens and low smoke and fume (LSF), and discusses the overall benefits of PVC and PVC-U: PVC is one of the most successful modern synthetic materials. It makes excellent use of scarce resources, is long-lasting and safe in production, use and disposal. The effect of PVC on health and the environment, from manufacture to disposal, has been more thoroughly researched than almost any other synthetic material.

To see the full BEAMA report go to www.beamainstallation.org.uk

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1″ align=”right”>–>New legislation taking effect from the start of next year could be bad news for anyone with air conditioning that is older than five years – yet most companies remain ignorant of the major impact this could have on their business.

Now, air conditioning manufacturer, Mitsubishi Electric is looking to raise awareness of the issue and highlight all available options for companies in a series of dedicated seminars focusing on the options around R22.

From the start of 2010, it will be illegal for air conditioning installers and service engineers to use virgin R22 refrigerant gas for air conditioning and refrigeration units, which will therefore become increasingly difficult to maintain and in a lot of cases will need immediate replacement if they break down.

“R22 gas is potentially harmful to the ozone so it is being phased out in stages which is good news for the environment but bad news for anyone whose older system decides to break down or fail after the end of this year,” explained Richard Cooper, National Marketing Manager for Mitsubishi Electric, which is one of the country’s largest suppliers of advanced air conditioning and environmental control systems.

“People will still be able to get recycled gas for a while, but this needs quite a bit of cleaning before it can be reused and it is likely to become more and more expensive as supplies run short.”

In addition to recycled gas, the refrigerant industry has developed a number of ‘drop-in’ alternatives which will also be examined during the free events, which will be held at Mitsubishi Electric’s Hatfield office on 28th May, 4th and 16th June and 1st and 14th July. Anyone wishing to attend is encouraged to sign up quickly as the limited spaces do get booked up quickly.

“We ran low carbon seminars over last year and were delighted at how popular they were,” explained Cooper. “We expect a similar high demand for these R22 ones, once people understand how urgent an issue it now is.”

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The recently opened £6 million, 8-lane, international short course competition pool at Llandudno Swimming Centre saw 54 different door and handrail products supplied by Laidlaw Solutions.

Its Stainless Steel Handrail and Balustrade system in brushed stainless steel was used extensively with raised tactile elements, to a 3.0kN standard on the main staircase and 1.5kN elsewhere.

On the staff balcony and the main viewing area, balustrade infills using 10mm clear float glass with flat polished edges and radiussed corners was used, providing a striking focal point along the full length of the pool. Bespoke 25mm Orbis Commercial stainless steel, back-to-back and bolt-through pull handles were also supplied with standard lever handles, door closers and bi-lingual signage.

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If tile vents are adapted to pass pipes and cables to roof mounted solar systems they remain unsealed and provide no protection against abrasion. Klober’s new Solar Outlet provides a neat, raintight and easy to install solution for flexible pipes and photovoltaic cables. It utilises an injection moulded, UV resistant, fire retardant EPDM collar which can be cut to provide apertures between 10-70mm. The solar services are then simply pushed through to the panel. To overcome problems in relation to well sealed / airtight construction, Klober is also offering an underlay seal. The product can be used at any pitch with most profiled concrete and clay tiles as well as slates and metal roofs. It is available in terracotta red, dark brown, anthracite, light brown, black and slate grey.

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