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JS Air Curtains has supplied and installed six air curtains above the doors of the University College Hospital in London. Sets of two 1.5m stainless steel air curtains and a 2.5m curved air curtain were installed above identical doorways at both the Euston Road and Beaumont Place entrances to the hospital.

A curved RotoWind air curtain was used to protect against draughts coming through the hospital’s double curved sliding doors. Both doorways automatically open in turn as someone walks through the entrance, providing a double seal to the doorway. However, at busy times both doors can be open at once so the air curtain creates a barrier of air across the internal doorway, preventing cold air from entering the hospital.

The RotoWind air curtain is bespoke for the curved angle of the doorway and incorporates an electric heater with an output of up to 32kW and low noise centrifugal double inlet fans providing up to 6,475m3/h airflow.

The RotoWind air curtain can also be used with revolving doors and is available in any RAL colour with electric or low pressure hot water heating and air only models. Three formats are offered with different mounting options. The motor housing can be mounted above the doorway with the semi-circular outlets blowing inside the door’s aperture. Another model is mounted above the door blowing on the room-side of the inner door opening and a third has its entire motor housing mounted room-side and blows around the room-side of the doorway.

The two air curtains mounted above the swing doors to the sides of the hospital’s large circular entrance have an attractive round design and stainless steel construction. Both are 1.5m in length and incorporate electric heaters capable of delivering up to 22.5kW of heat and low noise fans providing up to 3,700m3/h of airflow.

This type of designer stainless steel air curtain can suspended horizontally above a door or stood on its end and positioned to the side. It can be fitted with many different mounting or suspension options including round goal post-like supports that can attach to a wall, ceiling or stand on the floor. It can also be suspended with chains or poles to tie-in with the architecture of an entrance.

JS Air Curtains supplies an extensive range of air curtains, as well as bespoke solutions, for all commercial and industrial applications. JS’ in-house project management division also provides a smooth, hassle-free installation service that walks the customer through from design specification to post-installed product training.

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At ‘Kubota Live! At Rockingham Castle’, 12th, 13th, 14th May 2009, the UK, European and world leader in mini excavators will again provide a unique ‘hands on’ opportunity for customers to put the complete market leading range of Kubota machines through their paces.

Kubota (UK) Ltd – Construction Equipment Division will be showcasing their extensive range of best selling mini excavators – the widest selection of machines from a single manufacturer, comprising 19 base models from 0.85kg to 8 tonnes and including the largest choice of highly versatile zero tail swing models – together with the class-leading RTV900 all-terrain utility vehicle, alongside a comprehensive selection of market leading compact/agricultural tractors and ride-on mowers from Kubota’s Tractor & Groundcare Division.

Kubota Live! At Rockingham Castle takes place at Rockingham Castle, Rockingham, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 8TH, just two miles from the entrance to SED (The National Event For Construction), from Tuesday 12th – Thursday 14th May 2009 inclusive.

No ticket or invitation is required, just turn up on the day that suits you best, and the extended opening times (8.00am – 6.30pm) compared to SED will enable visitors to call in on their way to or from the show, or they can choose to make a complete day of it at Rockingham Castle.

Visitors will be able to put their selected Kubota mini excavators, tractors and mowers to the test on the extensive demo areas, as well as experiencing the exceptional performance of the RTV900 all-terrain utility vehicle on the challenging 4×4 off-road driving course.

Kubota (UK) Ltd – Construction Equipment Division Sales & Marketing Manager, Richard Harrison, said: “Our inaugural ‘Kubota Live! At Rockingham Castle’ event in 2008 was a resounding success and despite the current economic downturn in the construction equipment sector we had no hesitation in returning this year  when we are celebrating 30 years in the UK and Ireland market”.
“The event offers a fantastic opportunity for visitors to see equipment demonstrations and to take a close look and personally test drive models from across the entire Kubota range, in an informal and relaxed atmosphere – something rarely possible at traditional trade shows”.
“And with its convenient timing and a superb location and facilities, including free car parking and complimentary refreshments, it’s definitely an event not to be missed”.

Kubota mini excavators have a legendary reputation for quality, performance, reliability, versatility, excellent residual values and outstanding value-for-money, making them ideal for many different applications and end-users; from building, construction, civil engineering, quarrying, demolition, recycling and landscaping, to plant hire companies, amenities, utilities and owner operators.

All machines feature the unique Kubota E-TVCS (Three Vortex Combustion System) engines, which enable high energy output, low vibration and economic fuel consumption, whilst minimising exhaust emissions.

In the UK and Ireland, all new Kubota mini excavators, from 1.5 tonnes upwards, now feature their unique upgraded ‘ANTI-THEFT PLUS’ security system, the first and still the only one of its kind fitted as standard equipment by an excavator manufacturer.

This security system has also gained the certification of Thatcham, the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre, and is recognised by insurers which should result in substantial discounts on premiums for users of Kubota minis.

Kubota also again outstripped its competitors with the announcement that all new mini excavators in the UK and Ireland now carry a full 3 year warranty as standard.  The new 3 year (3,000 hours) warranty applies to all models across the entire Kubota range.  Typically most other manufacturers currently offer a maximum 2 year standard warranty period.

A national network of specialist dealers provides the highest standards of advice and aftersales service.

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Hospitals are missing the key sources of MRSA infection by focusing on obvious “dirty” areas, an expert has claimed. Instead, cleaning should be targeted on “hand touch” sites in wards, such as door handles, bed rails, lockers, and electrical switches, surrounding patients, said Dr Stephanie Dancer from South General Hospital in Glasgow, writing in the medical journal The Lancet Infectious Diseases.

Evidence showed that these were the places most likely to harbour the antibiotic resistant MRSA superbug. Yet they were generally poorly cleaned, said Dr Dancer.

Crabtree’s range of anti-microbial electrical switches and socket outlets has been specially developed in conjunction with BioCote® to incorporate a unique silver additive specifically to help overcome this problem. The silver contained in Crabtree accessories is a natural antimicrobial, with a high efficacy against bacteria, mould and fungi.When micro-organisms come into contact with the silver, their ability to reproduce is inhibited and they die.

Responding to the study, the Government’s chief nursing officer, Professor Christine Beasley, said: “Infection control is a complex problem that needs a range of solutions and the fact is there is no single remedy.

Carl Kimberley, Electrium’s Marketing Manager said: “The Crabtree brand has always represented good design and safety, and we at Electrium are proud to now be a small part of the solution in the battle for infection control in our hospitals.”

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On 17 December 2008, the European Parliament adopted the EU Directive on promoting the use of energy from renewable sources. For the first time however, in addition to geothermal energy, aero thermal and hydrothermal energy are also recognised as renewable energy sources. The Directive, which should be adopted by each member state, opens up a major opportunity for the increased use of Daikin air, ground and water source heat pumps.

EU Directive to boost heat pump promotion

With the recognition by the EU of outside air, ground and (surface, lake or well) water as renewable energy sources, much is expected of member states’ promotion of heat pump technologies using these sources. The Directive text indeed implies that member states shall promote heat pumps in much the same way as they have for solar and wind energy.

Some member states have not yet recognised that air and water can be ideal for low carbon home heating. This Directive encourages them to support related technologies and to help achieve EU energy objectives. Heat pumps are already popular in countries such as France, Ireland, Switzerland, Norway and Sweden. In some cases, this is due to tax incentives (France and Ireland). In others, a lack of oil or environmental awareness on the part of the government has led to increased attention afforded to heat pumps. Around 70% of all newly built houses in Switzerland are equipped with heat pumps and Norway and Sweden actively promote heat pumps for environmental preservation reasons.

Daikin heat pumps contribute to EU 20/20/20 objectives

The urgency of EU 20/20/20 objectives – reducing carbon emissions and energy consumption by 20% and increasing the share of renewable energy by 20%, all by 2020 – and the fact that heat pumps can contribute directly to meeting these ambitious objectives, present a major opportunity for heat pumps. With 60 years’ experience in heat pumps, Daikin Europe is confident it can contribute to help meet these objectives. The company is therefore, well pleased by the adoption of the Directive and will step up its efforts to make its heat pumps even more energy efficient. Backed by the commercial success of heat pumps in France, the adoption of the Directive plus the urgency of meeting EU energy objectives, other member states should certainly be encouraged to enhance awareness concerning heat pumps.

In the UK, the government’s “Sustainable Energy and Climate Change” bill and Part L.1a building regulations “Conservation of Fuel and Power” have already contributed significantly to a sharp increase in sales of the Daikin Altherma air to water heat pump system. Nevertheless, the new Directive will certainly drive this increase to even greater heights. The low carbon emission characteristics, readily accessible heat source, good low ambient performance and the potential to reduce valuable energy input by up to 80% present a compelling argument for the wider use of Altherma in UK residential applications.

Heat pumps will boost the low carbon heating market

Although the share of heat pumps in the total heating market has not yet reached double digit figures, its enormous potential and the incentive programmes to be expected following the adoption of the Directive will undoubtedly lead to increased market share.

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Megger’s latest MFT1553 multifunction tester, which brings Bluetooth wireless connectivity to one of the UK’s most popular and successful ranges of test instruments for electrical contractors, has achieved the outstanding accolade of winning all three major industry awards for excellence and technical innovation in a period of just eight weeks.

Megger collected the first award for its groundbreaking MFT1553 from the Association of Electrical Contractors of Ireland, where it was recognised as the AECI Product of the Year. This was swiftly followed by success at the Electrical Industry Awards held in London, where the MFT1553 was the winner in the Test and Measurement category.

Finally, in the last major awards event of the year, held under the auspices of SELECT, Scotland’s trade association for the electrical, electronics and communication systems industries, the MFT1553 was again successful in winning the Best New Product category.

In each of the three awards, the judges were impressed by the Bluetooth capabilities of the MFT1553 multi-function tester, which make it fast and easy to transmit test results directly in to an electrical test certificate on a PC or held-held devices such as a PDA or even a smart-mobile phone without the need for inconvenient wired connections.

Safety was held to be another important benefit as, with no electrical connection between the instrument and the computer or mobile device, complete isolation is guaranteed. In addition, the judges at the Electrical Industry Award commented that they believed the MFT1553 to be by far the most innovative product in its category.

“We’re absolutely delighted to have won these three awards,” said Megger’s Julian Grant. “This is an unprecedented achievement that not only rewards all of the hard work that the Megger team has put into developing the MFT range, but also confirms the success of our policy of listening to our customers and producing products that genuinely meet their needs.”

“Our MFT range has achieved outstanding sales success ever since it was launched three years ago,” he continued. “We believe – and the award judges clearly agree – that the addition of Bluetooth support will ensure that it continues to go from strength to strength.”

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Daikin has upgraded the design of its RZQ Super Inverter (1 phase) and RZQS Comfort Inverter, developed for use in offices, shops and restaurants, thereby increasing efficiencies throughout both ranges. In the case of the RZQS100 for example, cooling and heating efficiencies are improved by up to 23% and 11% respectively over those of the earlier model. Both RZQ and RZQS units continue to support the connection of a wide range of indoor units and retain their wide temperature operating range.

RZQ Super Inverter — high efficiency and installation flexibility

The new RZQ-D Super Inverter currently returns the highest COPs and EERs on the market with energy label 'A' ratings in most configurations and like previous RZQ units, it also has an extended operating range in -15° C to 50° C (cooling) and 15.5&deg C down to -20° C (heating) outdoor ambients.

The unit is flexible with respect to piping diameter and although it utilises R-410A refrigerant, it also allows the re-use of existing R-22 or R-407c field piping with piping lengths up to 75m possible. This ensures easier installation and lower installation costs when upgrading existing buildings. The RZQ is also suitable for technical and computer room cooling.

RZQS Comfort Inverter: improved efficiency

The new RZQS Comfort Inverter also has higher COPs and EERs than previous models, with energy label ratings of 'B' in most configurations. It retains its predecessor's extended operating range – with cooling at outdoor temperatures up to 46° C and heating down to -15° C – and supports multiple indoor units.

Built to last

Both units feature the Daikin emphasis on quality construction with special acrylic pre-coated fins to prevent corrosion on the heat exchanger and resist severe weather conditions. The outdoor units – available in 3,4,5,6 HP models – are fitted with high quality Daikin swing or scroll compressors, renowned for their low noise, high energy efficiency and trouble-free operation.

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With the launch of its innovative new Composite range, Crittall Windows now offers the trade a perfect blend of timber and aluminium windows and doors, suitable for installation in both new build and refurbishment.

One of the world’s leading window manufacturers – and the largest manufacturer of steel windows in Europe – Crittall has been designing and producing high quality windows and doors for over 150 years. It is this expertise which the company has applied to its major expansion into the composite window sector.

Crittall’s new Composite range simplifies the specification process for architects, builders, contractors and installers: the company is the only supplier to offer a UK-based design, manufacture and installation service to ensure continuity, quality and logistical support.

This new range, designed for application in the health, education, commercial, housing and hotel sectors, includes a wide choice of windows and opening styles, as well as Composite light duty doors suitable for balconies and patios, plus thermally broken aluminium heavy duty doors suitable for main entrances and emergency exits.

Crittall’s Composite range successfully combines the warmth and natural beauty that timber lends to interiors with the high performance and minimal maintenance that aluminium brings to exteriors.

Selected from sustainable sources of natural hardwood and softwood, the timber complements the modern design of the window profile, and can be lacquered or painted as required to suit the interior. Specifiers can choose between laminated European redwood or solid European oak.

Similarly, the aluminium exterior can be coloured as required to add a contrasting feature or to blend in with a building’s overall design. Performance, durability and low maintenance are ensured because the aluminium is coated in-house with Crittall’s DuralifeTM polyester powder coating. This tough, high quality finish increases resistance to the adverse effects of exposure to the elements.

Crittall’s new Composite range offers the optimum in weather tightness, and also meets the requirements of BS7950:1997 for resistance to forced entry, while excellent thermal performance is ensured through compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations. This means that because wood is a natural insulator, the windows remain warm to the touch indoors whatever the outside temperature.

These new windows and doors are easily incorporated into both modern and traditional building fabrics. Design improvements in dimensional accuracy and stability – combined with the patented monolithic construction which ensures a strong, mechanical connection – have eliminated the need for adhesives, clips and veneers. In addition, the aesthetic effect is enhanced by the elimination of knots and finger joints.

The Crittall Composite range offers a choice of window types and opening styles, including fixed light, side hung (inward and outward opening), top hung (outward opening), bottom hung (inward opening), and tilt and turn.

Standard window hardware includes matt silver anodised finish handles, concealed multi-locking, folding openers, friction arms and butt hinges, while additional options include trickle ventilators, remote operation mechanisms, polished chrome or gold and painted finish handles, restrictors and locking handles.

Door types and opening styles include single and double, outward or inward opening, while door hardware includes pull handles, emergency exit devices, lever handles, magnetic locks, electric strikes, and Europrofile cylinder locks.

For additional customer service, the windows can be factory or site glazed with 28mm insulating units, while options to ensure safety, security, solar control and privacy are also available. If and when required, Crittall’s Composite windows can also be quickly and easily reglazed from the inside, thus eliminating the need for expensive access equipment or scaffolding.

For extra customer reassurance, Crittall Composite windows and doors offer a design life of 40-plus years. In addition, Crittall Windows has just been granted ISO 14001:2004 accreditation, declaring that the company operates in an environmentally responsible manner – preventing pollution, reducing waste and improving its environmental performance year-on-year.

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Alan Green, Gino Priora, Luigi Moretti and David Josephs of Lewden : Palazzoli

Following Lewden’s highly successful joint venture with Palazzoli as their UK distributor. Palazzoli has now entered into a full partnership with Lewden. Palazzoli will be highly involved in the future growth and development of the LEWDEN : PALAZZOLI brand, at the same time supporting the investment in Lewden’s continued manufacture of traditional core products and its ever growing, “Custom Build” business.

“This is a significant show of confidence by Palazzoli,” said Lewden Managing Director, Alan Green, “they see the U.K. market as having growth potential and are committing to the future of both brands, their products and the U.K. work force. This investment by Palazzoli will support a strengthened product offer, and provide greater emphasis in our Sales and marketing activity. Service to our customers will continue to be the focus, providing quality solutions to a variety of applications, while our commitment to the Electrical Wholesaler will be further endorsed by the Palazzoli expertise”.

In Italy, Palazzoli who have been established over 100 years, is a market leader and major manufacturer of high quality industrial Electrical Equipment, specialising in Industrial Installation, Automation, Marine and ATEX (Hazardous Area) products. The opportunity to consolidate common products will enable Lewden to continue to compete in the hard fought industrial plug and connector business while, at the same time, introducing a much greater range of products to the U.K. Electrical Distribution market.

A successful launch of the new LEWDEN : PALAZZOLI “MultiMax” range of plugs and connectors (IEC 309) has already taken place, and the “CAM-ST” Surface Rotary Switch range is currently being presented to the market and receiving considerable interest and demand.

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Vaisala introduces a new version of the weather transmitter, the Vaisala Weather Transmitter WXT520. The WXT520 measures wind speed and direction, liquid precipitation, barometric pressure, temperature and relative humidity – all in one instrument.

The wind speed and direction measurement is based on the ultrasonic Vaisala WINDCAP® Sensor, which ensures accurate readings from any horizontal wind direction without blind angles and corrupted readings. Barometric pressure, temperature, and humidity measurements are combined in one separate module using capacitive measurement for each parameter. The module can be changed without any contact with the internal sensors.

The precipitation measurement in the WXT520 is unique as it measures accumulated rainfall, rain intensity and duration, all in real time. It is based on the maintenance-free Vaisala RAINCAP® sensor that gives more detailed information on precipitation compared to traditional precipitation gauges.

The WXT520 housing with the mounting kit is water resistant and classified as IP66. The transmitter has a new interface card that fulfills the more demanding EMC/ESD requirements in the Marine IEC60945 standard. The WXT520 complies with the EMC standard EN61326-1; Industrial Environment. The transmitter is ROHS compliant.

A number of optional features are offered for the WXT520, for example, heating, a bird spike kit, a USB connection, and a new surge protector. The wind and rain sensors can be equipped with heating to improve the availability of correct measurement data also in severe weather conditions. The bird spike kit helps to deter birds from the WXT520. The USB connection facilitates the connection to a PC as a service connector, or when the PC is used as a terminal device. The Vaisala Surge Protector WSP152 is designed to protect the host PC against surges that may be entering through the USB port.

The power consumption of the WXT520 is very low; it can use solar panels as an energy source.

The WXT520 is suitable for weather stations, dense networks, buildings, golf courses, marinas, harbors, and hotels – almost anywhere where real time weather data is needed.

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