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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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To mark our 25th anniversary we were pleased to receive a visit from His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex on Tuesday 15th of January.

The Earl was entertained over lunch by ASD Lighting’s MD Tony Stewart along with company directors and members of staff who are celebrating their own 25th anniversary of working for ASD.

During the visit the Earl toured the factory and offices to view the recent multi million pound investments made by ASD in new plant and facilities. The Earl also visited the Lighting Projects and Product Design departments and received a demonstration on the latest developments in rapid prototyping at The Product Workshop.

Before he left the Earl unveiled a plaque to mark his visit and to celebrate the 25th anniversary.

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Building upon its runaway success with Clean Extreme Scrubbable Matt, Crown Trade has launched a similar flat matt emulsion into its Timonox range. Now specifiers can have the best of all worlds… aesthetic appeal, colour choice, exceptional durability and the peace of mind that only flame retardant coatings can offer in areas covered by recent fire safety legislation which need extra time for evacuation in the event of fire breaking out.

Crown Trade Timonox Scrubbable Matt is a VOC 2010-compliant water-based emulsion boasting the chalky flat matt appearance, outstanding durability and scrub-clean finish for which Crown Trade's original Clean Extreme Scrubbable Matt has built an enviable reputation. The big difference is that Crown’s latest new product is also flame retardant which means it can help to deliver a Class 0 fire performance rating in high traffic areas, such as schools, hospitals and social housing, as well as hotels, private residential and leisure facilities.

Suitable for use on both new and previously painted substrates, Crown Trade Timonox Scrubbable Matt is available in Brilliant White and a wide range of tinted colours shown in the new Crown Trade Colour Collection, so specifiers and their clients need not sacrifice colour choice in order to benefit from the fire safety benefits offered.

The new coating is intrinsically dirt resistant. Many marks can be easily wiped away with water alone and scrubbing with a cloth soon gets rid of tougher soiling. For more deep-seated stains, scrubbing with a mild detergent will eliminate all traces without marking the paint finish.

Timonox Scrubbable Matt retains its 'just painted' appearance, even after repeated scrubbing, because the amount of paint film sacrificed each time soiling is removed is minimal. Achieving Class 1 in ISO 11998:2006 scrub rating tests, the painted surface can be scrubbed clean time and time again without any sign of burnishing or loss of flame retardant characteristics.

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Clarity – The stunning new collection of exterior luminaires from ASD Lighting – a truly comprehensive range offering a dazzling array of styles, colours, finishes, configurations and lamp options to suit a wide range of applications.

Clarity brings together all the best design and installation features found in ASD products with one clear vision; to deliver a distinctive and precision-engineered range that is stylish, eye-catching and bold.

Features

• Portrait or Landscape mountable
• Louvre, Eyelid, Cage or Ring trims
• Coloured halo options
• Black, White or Titanium finishes
• Range of lamp and control gear options
• Switch start or High Frequency
• Energy saving options include lamp
• Diffuser available in opal and Fresnel prismatic
• Fast fit base and geartray
• Single screw fixing front trims
• Interchangeable trims
• Secure, IP rated diffuser
• Photocell
• Tough polycarbonate construction
• Designed, Engineered and Manufactured in UK

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ELGA Process Water’s high quality water softeners meet the diverse requirements of industry for softened water

ELGA Process Water’s range of competitively priced BerkoionTM water softeners are suitable for a wide range of industrial applications including low pressure boiler feed, glass washing, cleaning and rinse waters, reverse osmosis pre-treatment and general manufacturing water.

The BerkoionTM range is produced in the company's IS09001:2000 accredited manufacturing facilities, the units use high capacity cation exchange resins, are based on proven designs and feature corrosion resistant GRP resin vessels and polyethylene brine tanks. Three ranges are available.

The BerkoionTM Compact range, suitable for small commercial applications, offers flow rates from 0.5 to 3.0 m3/h. Units have a highly compact design with integrated brine tanks. Volume or time based automatic regeneration and multiplex versions ensure continuous output and maximum flexibility. “A” Series units are automatically regenerated after four days without use and are completely disinfected during regeneration.

The BerkoionTM Classic range is for industrial water applications of up to 17m3/h, units are available in simplex and duplex configurations. Automatically regenerated models are time, volume or sensor controlled. These models employ Bercore™ counter current regeneration to reduce salt usage and waste, thus both lowering the cost per litre of treated water and improving final water quality. Units incorporate advanced controllers with LCD user interfaces, which may be integrated with centralized control systems.

Models in the BerkoionTM High Flow Duplex range produce up to 68m3/h of softened water to meet the demands of most large scale industrial applications. The units incorporate multiple individual valves, which reduce pressure loss by up to 50% compared to single valve systems. As with the BerkoionTM Classic models, regeneration uses the Bercore™ counter current system, with a choice of volume or sensor initiation to ensure maximum efficiency and low operating costs.

BerkoionTM softeners are supported by ELGA Process Water’s comprehensive after sales service. For further information on BerkoionTM softeners visit www.elgaprocesswater.co.uk

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