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Wavin Plastics, the UK’s leading supplier of plastic pipe systems and solutions, has introduced a range of valves aimed at reducing flood risk to property.

The new OSMA Anti-flood valves are designed for surface and waste water applications and are a simple and effective way to reduce flood risk caused by backflow through the drainage system.

“With 10 per cent of homes in the UK at risk of flooding1, this is a timely extension to the Wavin OsmaDrain Below Ground range and will assist homeowners in reducing the risk of flood damage to properties,“ comments Wavin Plastics spokesperson, Jill Derrick.

The new product design features an internal ‘valve’ or ‘flap-gate’ for automatically cutting-off backflow. There is also a stainless steel rodent protection guard. The units are quick and easy to maintain and come complete with a built-in closure lever.

These new Anti-flood valves are available in two sizes – 110mm and 160mm. Built for durability, the outer unit is manufactured in polypropylene, components are stainless steel and there is an internal rubber seal. Both products are compliant with the requirements of EN 13564-1 and Building Regulations, Part H1 – Section 2.8-2.12. Whilst ideal for surface and waste water applications, the new Anti-flood valves are not suitable for foul water applications.

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The new North Kent flagship police station, opened last month in Thamesway near Northfleet, features more than 230 Titan 4 pipe chassis type fan coil units, manufactured by Ability Projects Ltd, Wimborne, Dorset.

The £30million, 4 storey 11,500m2 complex, designed around a central atrium complete with public rest areas and restaurants, includes a number of state of the art anti crime facilities including a 40 cell custody suit, vulnerable witness interview suite, and separate custody and front counter entrances. An environmentally conscious geothermal heating and cooling system – thought to be among the largest in the UK – is designed to help reduce energy consumption.

The fan coil units will be supplied with low temperature hot water (500C in and 440C out) from condensing boilers and some of the heating coils are re-circuited in order to achieve design duties at low temperatures. Chilled water is supplied via a chiller. The fan coil units have capacities of 1.3 to 3.2kW (heating) and 1.6 to 3.7kW (cooling), are fitted with free issue controls and multi spigots and have noise ratings of NR35. Installation is by Meica Services Ltd, Ashford, Middlesex.

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In response to rapid growth in the number of showers installed in new build homes, Mira Showers is introducing the all-new Mira Select. Sporting a brand new look with smooth shapes and easy to operate flow and temperature controls, the new Select mixer shower combines proven Mira technology and features to offer a quality volume product, competitively priced. The new Select, which carries TMV2 approval, has been designed specifically for house builders following extensive research and testing, and complements Mira Showers’ existing range of showers designed with and for developers.

Finished in hardwearing chrome, the separate flow and temperature controls offer the user more flexibility and a better shower experience, while an adjustable maximum temperature stop (factory set to 43°C) gives added safety. The valve’s full brass body and inlets, combined with tried and trusted Mira fittings and flexible installation gives the house builder, contractor, installer and end user confidence, while the thermostatic control and TMV2 approval give total safety and peace of mind, particularly in situations where the young, elderly and infirm are involved.

The Select valve is available in exposed or built in versions, with a choice of variable handset and fittings or rigid showerhead. It is suitable for all water systems and has a pressure range of 0.1 to 5 bar (maintained) and 10 bar (static). The valve can accept falling, rising or rear entry supplies, while the variable inlets on the exposed valve (149 to 154mm) aid installation.

The valve and fittings are sold separately which increases choice and helps installation and stocking. The fittings set comprises an adjustable spray handset, 1.25m hose, clamp bracket, soap dish, slide bar and hose-retaining ring.

Available now from merchants and stockists, the all-new Mira Select is guaranteed against faulty materials and workmanship for two years from the date of purchase and is backed by Mira Showers’ excellent Customer Care after sales service.

For full details of all Mira Showers products call 0845 600 6472 or visit www.mirashowers.com.

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Alumasc Armaseam metal roofing has allowed the creation of a distinctive and stunningly modern roof for the new Clarice Cliff Primary School in Stoke on Trent. The school was built to take pupils from the city’s Queen’s and Grafton primary schools for the Stoke on Trent Joint Venture for Schools initiative. The school was named after local potter Clarice Cliff – one of the most influential ceramic artists of the 20th century.

One of the building’s most distinguishing characteristics is the elegantly curved Alumasc Armaseam roof which boasts a 600mm radius to the eaves line. This detail was achieved through technology developed by Alumasc, whose systems have been extensively used for such internationally important projects as the Fjardaal Smelter in Iceland where a similar curved eaves sheet was specified. AEBP’s experience in this field was vital to the school’s design; like Clarice Cliff’s own work the building is a unique celebration of contemporary style. The grey Armaseam sheets continue down the vertical elevation, presenting an unbroken eaves line that is visually appealing and wholly practical.

Armaseam is manufactured under Alumasc’s ISO14001 Environmental Management System. It is 100% recyclable, achieving a Green Guide’A’ rating and is quickly and economically installed by approved contractors.

Armaseam is a standing seam zip-up metal roofing system with a proven record of reliability and ease of installation. The product’s aesthetic qualities also present opportunities for truly innovative design, led by the distinctive ‘rib’ profile of each individual sheet and supplemented by a range of materials including zinc, copper and stainless steel, as well as the aluminium specified for the Clarice Cliff School build. This is available in various finishes and textures, offering creative professionals a highly flexible resource, enhanced by Armaseam’s inherent ability to generate flowing concave and convex roof forms that are dramatic and unique.

The project architect was Aedas Architects Ltd of Manchester; main contractor was Stoke Schools Joint Venture (Balfour Beatty Construction Northern Ltd and Balfour Kilpatrick Ltd). The Alumasc approved installer was Torclad of Leicester. For further information on Armaseam roofing, or to request literature, contact Alumasc on 0808 100 2008 or visit www.alumasc-exteriors.co.uk/metalroofing

Alumasc Exterior Building Products (AEBP) supply products via five distinct brands; Architectural Rainwater Systems, Drainage Systems, Waterproofing, Metal Roofing and Facades, supported by highly regarded brands; Harmer, Apex, Derbigum, ZinCo, Hydrotech, Armaseam and M.R. The company have embraced a commitment to sustainable building and are recognised as market leaders of Green Roof systems and supporting insulation and waterproofing.

The company’s website sets the benchmark for on-line resources with comprehensive product information, downloads and calculation tools. The unique My File area allows users to create personalised folders for faster access to individual project information.

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Vaisala HUMICAP® Humidity and Temperature Transmitter Series HMT330 has been upgraded with LAN and WLAN communication options and a display alarm.

With the new Ethernet communication options you can connect the transmitter into a computer network providing a virtual terminal connection between the transmitter and a PC. Communication is then possible using for example Telnet software. Each transmitter is given an IP address, making it a uniquely addressed device in the network.

The LAN and WLAN options make it easy to add a new humidity transmitter to an existing Ethernet network. Also, applications that do not allow holes through walls and ceilings, or the installation of new cables, benefit from this solution.

Display Alarm

A new display alarm function is now a standard feature in Vaisala humidity transmitters equipped with a built-in display. With this function the user can set alarm trigger limits for two distinct measured quantities. When the trigger limits are exceeded, a real-time alarm appears on the display. More information: www.vaisala.com/HMT330.

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The EES software package has been created for the Electrical and Mechanical Engineering industry and is fast becoming known as a professionally written and dependable contract management tool.

The software system has been developed by engineers with a background in the industry and contract management.

The standard software package is supplied with a ready to use substantial Contract Estimating Module complete with a wide-ranging database of Electrical and Mechanical engineering products.

All items within the database are supplied user ready with man hour labour times plus fast search and find routines. In addition, a system of automatic electronic updating files is supplied on a weekly basis.

Also provided as part of the standard package are modules to control Purchase Ordering, Quotation Request, Day Work and Variation costing.

Extra administration Modules are available to control Interim Applications for Payment, Job Cost Monitoring and Stock Management and Control.

In a unique agreement this software management tool is available through Newey & Eyre and The BSS Group Plc at a substantial discounted rate for account customers.

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With greater use of roof windows for their contribution to interior design, there has been a marked trend towards use of windows used in combinations and L-shaped windows in particular. Such windows are equipped with a locking mechanism to prevent accidental opening by children. The vertical element is typically installed beneath a standard roof window and linked together using a vertical jointing module. This significantly increases the amount of light entering a room and increases the field of view. The roof window handle is positioned at the lower part of the sash enabling easy operation.

Fakro Managing Director Noel Shanahan commented “L-shaped roof windows are the ideal alternative to dormers as they are quicker to fit and avoid detailing problems. By extending the window line into the wall, they give greater scope to the designer and householder, while providing a stylish appearance at lower cost”. Products are even available in conservation style, with the traditional sash bar down the middle of the window, and black metal cladding and flashing.

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JS Air Curtains is launching the new Intensse air curtain with a built-in air freshener, UV air purification, strip light and energy saving technology. The Intensse’s many features and very attractive design make it ideal for use in modern commercial premises like banks, hotels and offices.

As well as maintaining pleasant internal temperatures the unit further helps improve the indoor environment by incorporating a noise reduction system that keeps operating noise to less than 46dB(A).

The Intensse’s air freshener has six different scent options in cassette form. They are inserted into the top of the air curtain near to the air inlet and will gently release an aroma for up to 12 months, after which they can be easily changed.

To improve the quality of air flowing through the system a hidden UV lamp kills airborne pollutants such as fungi, bacteria and viruses. An additional strip light on the air inlet helps add to the attractive appearance of the air curtain. Green, red and blue bulbs are supplied as standard with the air curtain along with matching colour trims for the side panels so the user can select their chosen colour if desired.

Fast heat wire elements and an energy saving power regulation system reduce energy consumption by up to 20% compared to standard electrically heated air curtains. The wire elements within the unit heat up to temperature in just 5-10 seconds rather than the 120 seconds it takes a stainless steel heating rod to reach temperature. Once the internal temperature nears its set point the air curtain will pulse the power to the elements, reducing the overall energy consumption and maintaining a more consistent internal temperature.

The Intensse is available in 1m, 1.5m and 2m lengths and with electric or low pressure hot water (LPHW) heating. Outputs range from 9.5kW to 19kW for electric heating and 17.5kW to 36.5kW for LPHW. A digital wall mounted control panel allows full control over all functions and can be used with internal and external temperature sensors for intuitive comfort control.

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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Odyssey Trunking has a unique curved profile which is ideally suited to projects where aesthetics are of prime importance. Its ground-breaking design will allow decision-makers to specify a containment system on its appearance, confident that it offers the most stylish of systems available today and that it is supported by all the functional excellence expected from Marshall-Tufflex products.

The new clip-on action of the lid is unique, snapping on to the rear of the base and allowing the system to follow the irregularities of the fixing surfaces in order to create superbly smooth lines.

Fittings are exceedingly secure because of this clip action and the extensive range of moulded fittings minimise the need for external couplers, a design feature that once again, contributes to creating the aesthetic appearance of the trunking body.

Fixed horizontal bends have been designed for maximum aesthetic achievement but there is also the option of some very smart adjustable bends to accommodate the problems thrown up by building intolerances. The external adjustable bend also has a unique locking facility built-in to the fitting and the installation of Odyssey becomes easier and faster with the addition of in-built cable trays.

All fittings have bend radius cable control for Cat 6 compliancy, Steel Dividers are available to protect data from power (complying with Information Technology Standard BS EN 50174-2) and Marshall-Tufflex is alone in being able to offer a Copper Spray screening for total protection against EMI.

You can take a look at Odyssey on www.marshall-tufflex.com/odyssey and while you’re there, try your luck at the Odyssey Invaders Game – check your score against the rest of the world and see if you can make it to the top three!

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As endorsements go, they don’t get much bigger than Marks & Spencer, but that’s exactly what Dulux Trade, the industry leading manufacturer of quality paint systems, received at EcoBuild for their latest innovation, Ecosure.

Dulux Trade is the first major paint manufacturer to have taken significant steps towards creating a credible environmentally sustainable paint product for the professional market. Ecosure has been specifically formulated to have demonstrable reductions in embodied carbon and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), two key sustainability criteria.

Developed using an approach based on scientific rigour, these reductions have been achieved without compromising on performance. Additionally, accurate measurement of these reductions has been made possible by the use of an ‘Environmental Impact Analyser’, developed in conjunction with Forum for the Future – the leading independent sustainability experts.

Speaking at EcoBuild 2008, Crispin Burridge, Sustainability Manager for Marks & Spencer, said: “The idea of an environmentally sustainable paint has been around for some time, but has been difficult to use on larger scale projects. I'm delighted to see Dulux Trade has risen to the challenge by investing time and money into producing such a paint product. We particularly welcome the opportunity to specify paints for our stores with lower VOCs and a reduced carbon footprint that support a number of our Plan A commitments.”

David Shepherd, Brand Manager for Dulux Trade, commented: “Ecosure signifies a real milestone for us. It is a ‘step towards greener’ and our acknowledgement that we are embarking on a journey toward a more sustainable future. We need, and fully intend, to move toward more environmentally sustainable products and ways of working.

“It is fantastic that Ecosure is already getting such a positive reception from existing customers and key UK firms such as Marks & Spencer. Within the retail arena, Marks & Spencer is driving the environmental sustainability agenda. Their commitment to this issue, highlighted by their bold ‘Plan A – because there is no Plan B’ 5 year strategy to tackle the biggest issues facing their business and the globe, is unquestionable. It is great that we can help them achieve this goal.

“Being green is no longer an option and the emphasis placed on companies to become environmentally friendly can only intensify. UK businesses need to make the investment now to ensure they are meeting sustainability targets and working within increasingly green environments.”

Ecosure is available in Pure Brilliant White and an extensive colour range from the Dulux Trade colour offer, ensuring that you don’t even need to compromise on design.

Crispin concluded: “We hope that Ecosure will help achieve a more sustainable specification for M&S stores, which is why we are trialing it at our new White City store, which is due to open at the end of the year. On successful completion there, we intend to have it included as part of our paint specifications.”

Ecosure will be available from selected Dulux stockists at the beginning of May. For more information visit www.duluxtrade.co.uk/ecosure

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