Category Archives: Construction

Next Generation Tools – Perfectly Connected – Networked Tools

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Setting the new standard:

A complete redesign has seen the launch of the impressive ‘Next Generation’ battery crimping and cutting tools from Klauke. Ergonomics have been further enhanced including soft grips and better balance. There are more powerful batteries up to 5.0Ah for longer working between recharge, and the construction has been made more robust and weather resistant for reliable, trouble free operation – ready for hard use in tough environments. An innovative LED display allows pressures, battery life and user profiles to be directly read from the tool. Data transfer for QA certification is now more easily achieved via the new Klauke App, linking any Smartphone or tablet using Bluetooth, meaning this data can be recorded in the field easily and conveniently.

Networked Tools:

No matter where you are in the world, you are able to stay in contact with your tool fleet via GPS tool tracking and remote interrogation. The on-line Klauke connectivity applications give you information about the physical location, condition of the tools, how much work they have completed as well as when the next service is due. Combined with an inventory management system which can alert you when service intervals are expected, the powerful software will become the choice for larger customers. Remote interrogation allows for theft protection as tools can be disabled if stolen. These tools are now future proof thanks to smart modules which means standard tools can be upgraded to the ‘Connect’ variants at any time. Providing you with complete control it’s a world’s first for crimping and cutting tools.

The range:

There are Next Generation solutions from the compact basket tray cutter (6mm steel rod), to cutting steel armoured power cables in Cu and Al up to 105mm

diameter. Crimping tools range from 6mm2 up to 630mm2 which are the most powerful and compact solutions on the market today. Used with the complementing Klauke cable lugs, these new solutions give you piece of mind and secure certified electrical connections.

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Tough, pale and interesting

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Bayswater property dining oak floor treated with 1 Bona White primer then Bona Traffic Natural.jpg-300px

Bayswater property bedroom oak floor treated with 1 Bona White primer then Bona Traffic Natural.jpg-300px

The client wanted a light, non-yellowing natural surface to the oak floors in this London property.

To deliver the required effect, a combination of Bona White primer and Bona Traffic Natural polyurethane lacquer was applied.

Depending upon how many coats are applied, Bona White primer is designed to ‘whiten’ the surface from – as in this one coat application – simply providing a subtle pale sheen that will inhibit any yellowing over time, to a true whitewashed look when two or more coats are applied.

Bona Traffic Natural was chosen as the top coat because it maintains the non-yellowing look and feel of pure, untreated wood and, at the same time, offers superior surface durability.

There are six Bona primers offering a choice of colouration from Scandinavian white to rich amber. Using a primer as the initial surface coating is more economical than adding an extra lacquer coat. Like all Bona coatings, Bona primers are very easy to use, reduce side bonding and improve the adhesion of the lacquer.

There are six Bona waterborne top coats to offer you a solution for every environment, whether you are looking for a matt or glossy finish, a natural, untreated look, anti-slip properties or supreme surface durability.

Low VOC Bona primers and lacquers meet the stringent Greenguard emissions standards and all packs carry the Greenguard logo. The global Greenguard Certification programme helps buyers identify products and materials that have low chemical emissions and therefore improve the quality of the air where they are used.

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Instinct Specifier Road Shows

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20170308093923_0_Instinct Road Show Map

If you are responsible for specifying which make of wiring accessories is used on your commercial building projects you ought to visit your local INSTINCT road show and take this opportunity to see the products that are setting new standards in the wiring accessories market.
The range is packed with innovations such as full contact cable clamp terminals, in line & upward facing terminals integrated LED indicators & multi-pin safety shuttered sockets, etc.
At each event there’s also a free CPD course that looks at some of the recent regulation changes that affect the selection & specification of wiring accessories. To register simply contact the event organiser shown alongside your local event on the map We look forward to seeing you soon.

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Marshall-Tufflex launches new quick fit Desk Modules

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Cable management market-leader Marshall-Tufflex has introduced a new range of power and data Desk Modules that perfectly complement its existing Underfloor to Desk range.

The new high strength, fire retardant polycarbonate moulded modules are ideal for under desk mounting and, importantly, incorporate twin 5Amp USB points that charge up to five times faster than standard PC ports, with far less power wastage through heat generation.
The pre-wired, pre-tested power modules can be used individually or linked to serve multiple workstations using the latest Wieland GST18/3 connectors. With additional circuit protection via a selection of aluminium RCBO units there is the ability to connect direct from powertrack up to single or multiple configurations, delivering a complete system from underfloor to desk.
The new Desk Modules offer maximum installation speed and flexibility:

  • Feed directly from an underfloor busbar through a floor grommet to an RCBO unit to then feed single or multiple modules as required
  • Feed from wall trunking, floor boxes, grommets or PowerPoles
  • RJ45 data sockets in Cat 5e, Cat 6 or blank configuration options

The unswitched individually fused 3.15Amp or 5Amp units have been specifically designed to withstand the rigours of the commercial environment. They are available in 2 and 4 gang options and comply with BS 6396 for Electrical Systems in Office Furniture when powered from a plug socket outlet and with BS 7671 when powered from a power distribution network.

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New Close Control Adiabatic Humidifier

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Condair DL PR image2The new Condair DL in-duct adiabatic humidifier offers the accurate humidity control normally only available from steam humidifiers, but with the low energy performance and evaporative cooling benefit of a cold water system. It also incorporates many anti-microbial features that make it one of the most hygienic humidifiers available.

The Condair DL is a hybrid humidifier that combines spray and evaporative technologies to maximise moisture absorption and provide humidity control at ±2%RH. A water treatment system provides pure water to a grid of nozzles located inside the duct. The nozzles spray towards a ceramic droplet separator, which has the dual action of preventing aerosols from travelling down the duct and offering secondary evaporation through its porous surface. This increases efficiency of the system with 95% of the spray water evaporating during both processes.

The spray nozzles initially operate in stages to meet a required output and humidity demand. Following the initial stage control, fully modulating control is then achieved by increasing the water pressure to the nozzles. By responding to humidity demand and output control in this way, the humidifier can deliver the type of humidity accuracy typically only available from a steam humidifier.

The humidifier incorporates an RO water treatment system that ensures only pure water is introduced to the AHU. It then treats the pure water with a patented silver ionisation process that actively inhibits microbial growth and has a residual effect throughout the humidifier. Flush and drain cycles prevent water from remaining in the system to stagnate and optional compressed air drying guarantees moisture cannot remain in the humidifier’s water lines. In addition to these features, optional H2O2 disinfection can be incorporated into the system and initiated via the control panel.

All these features make it one of the most hygienic humidifiers in the world and have earned the unit accreditation by the SGS Institut Frensenius in Germany for hygienic operation. The system was independently tested under real-life operating conditions for a six-month period. Part of the investigation included purposeful microbial contamination to assess the effect. Throughout the test the Condair DL fulfilled all requirements and outperformed the VDI 6022 industry standard for microbial growth, achieving a maximum CFU/ml microbial count 85% less than the recommended limit.

The Condair DL offers both the control accuracy of electric steam humidifiers and extremely hygienic operation but without the high electrical energy costs. By pre-heating the airstream prior to the Condair DL with gas-fired heating, the same volume of moisture can be absorbed by the air as steam humidification provides, but at one third the energy cost due to the economy of gas. If a building’s waste heat can be used for the pre-heating process, the humidification energy savings are even greater.

As with all adiabatic humidifiers, the Condair DL also offers the additional benefit of evaporative cooling during the warmer months. As 1kg of absorbed moisture provides 0.68kW of evaporative cooling to the air, the Condair DL can provide over 680kW of cooling per hour from as little as 1kW of consumed electrical energy.

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JS Air Curtains on board British Airways i360

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British Airways i360

JS Air Curtains has supplied twelve Mini Optima air curtains for the doorways at the prestigious British Airways i360 observation attraction in Brighton to maintain the internal temperature for visitors and staff.

The stylish Mini Optima air curtain was specifically chosen as the best fit for both the curved inner and outer doorways to keep the cool conditioned air in during the summer and the cold air out during the winter. Each air curtain supplies up to 2,150m³/hr of air and up to 9kW/h of heat making them ideal for protecting the 2.6m high doorways. Units were required in both 1m and 1.5m lengths to cover the various entrance widths, while a grey RAL9006 colour was picked out for the zinc plated steel casing, to blend in with the interior design. A British Airways i360 spokesperson said: ‘‘We are very happy with the performance of the air curtains.”

The slim design of the Mini Optima air curtain makes it an ideal choice for many applications including shops, offices and restaurants. Installation is simple as it is available as a single or, as in the case of the British Airways i360 project, three-phase option. With the power connections situated on the top of the unit, it avoids the need to open the casing to wire it in. Heating can be via LPHW or an electric heater and it is also available as an air only model.

A micro-perforated inlet grille will filter the air entering the unit, avoiding the need to routinely replace or clean internal air filters. All the inlet grille requires for maintenance is a wipe or vacuum occasionally. The air curtain is supplied, as standard, with a manual controller with two fan speed selections or two heater stages for electrically heated models or units. Seven metres of control cable and an infrared hand held remote are included. The unit can also be connected to a BMS.

British Airways i360 is situated on Brighton seafront and is the world’s first vertical cable car. At 162m high it is also the world‘s tallest moving observation tower and offers panoramic 360-degrees views across Brighton & Hove and the spectacular Sussex coastline.

JS Air Curtains, the UK’s leading air curtain specialist, supply an extensive range of air curtains for all commercial and industrial applications. You can find out more by visiting the company’s website at www.jsaircurtains.com

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Saniflo takes two stands at ISH

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Ann Boardman

This year, Saniflo, the UK’s leading designer and manufacturer of macerators and pumps is taking two stands at ISH, in Frankfurt, Germany from 14-18 March allowing the team to welcome more visitors than ever to get a first look at the company’s range of new products for the domestic and commercial sectors. ISH attendees can find Kinedo shower cubicles, including the bath replacement Kinemagic product plus the latest Kineduo bath, in Hall 3 Stand C93; and the full range of all Saniflo pumps, macerators and lifting stations in Hall 9 Stand G29.

The experts at Saniflo – inventors of the macerator with more than 50 years’ experience and the number one in the UK macerator market – have been hard at work behind the scenes revamping and upgrading the company’s portfolio of domestic and commercial products to deliver the most innovative and comprehensive range of macerators and pumps to date. The new domestic ‘Up’ range of macerators is designed for easier access and maintenance, whilst also giving great performance with even quieter operation.

“As market leaders, we continually innovate,” says Saniflo UK Customer Services and Marketing Manager, Ann Boardman. “We have invested very heavily in improving our product range because the industry changes and evolves, and one solution does not fit all as no two jobs are ever the same, which is why we offer a simple solution for every situation, whilst keeping it really easy to replace an old Saniflo product for a new Saniflo design when the time comes. We’re very excited about showcasing our new products at ISH and this is our biggest presence there to date.”

The Saniflo range of new products includes eight improved designs for the domestic market; available from April 2017 and seven for the commercial market, available later in 2017.

“Industry professionals will notice many improvements but as pipe centers are identical to the existing ranges, making upgrades and replacements will be swift and simple. It’s a hassle-free, plug and play range designed to be the best on the market featuring ease of installation and maintenance with new and improved styling and vibration reduction.”

To order your copy of the new Saniflo domestic and commercial product catalogue visit www.saniflo.co.uk

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Improved performance with Sapa’s Stormframe ST II

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Aluminium systems specialist, Sapa Building System, has launched a new commercial door which offers improved product performance.
The Stormframe ST II Commercial Door has been designed to complement the existing Stormframe thermally broken framing system and can also be used with Sapa’s Dualframe Si windows and Elegance curtain walling systems. Using advanced polyamide thermal break technology, the ST II can achieve U values as low as 1.9W/m²k, with double glazing. It has also been successfully tested to the PAS024 security standard which is widely specified across a number of sectors.
“We have designed the ST II to use our standard hardware and door closer options to guarantee a consistent look and feel, across our product range,” said Mark Robinson, Technical Director at Sapa Building System.
“STII can accommodate glazing up to 46mm, and with its 65mm profile depth provides stronger overall construction making the door very robust and suitable for high traffic areas,” concludes Mark.
Recognising the demands of the Equality Act 2010, the ST II incorporates features such as adjustable power door closers and colour contrasting hardware for ease of access. With simplified manufacture, no additional tooling or training is required beyond that for the ST system, avoiding extra costs for the fabricator. The ST II is available in single and double door configurations; open-in and open-out, rebated and pivot options including anti finger traps and low thresholds.

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New product innovations from Ancon at Ecobuild 2017

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Keeping innovation at the top of its agenda, high integrity structural fixings manufacturer, Ancon, will further expand its wide product range with new product launches at the UK’s largest event for specifiers in the built environment, Ecobuild 2017.

With four key product zones, the Ancon stand B135, will feature the innovative Nexus brick-faced support system for prefabricated soffits, structural thermal breaks for balcony locations, KSN Anchors for quicker, safer reinforcement continuity at construction joints and a comprehensive range of low thermal conductivity wall ties.

Nexus Brick Soffit Support Systems

Creating architectural brick features including soffits, deep reveals and flying beams has never been easier thanks to the lightweight, brick-faced Nexus® system developed by Ancon and cut-brick specialist Ibstock Kevington.

Combining a specially developed brick faced steel unit with Ancon’s tried and tested MDC stainless steel bracket angle support system, Nexus is quick to install as no mechanical lifting is required, is lighter and easier to handle than precast concrete soffit systems and its two-part design allows full adjustment on site resulting in perfect alignment.

Insulated Balcony Connectors
To help designers meet their thermal performance aspirations, Ancon has once again expanded its range of structural thermal breaks for balcony locations to accommodate even higher loads. Typical applications for these high performance products include large cantilever balconies and situations where column layout or rebar congestion limits the number of connectors that can be installed.

Minimising heat loss while maintaining structural integrity, Ancon balcony connectors are available to suit concrete-to-concrete, steel-to-concrete and steel-to-steel applications. All solutions can also now be specified in stainless steel which is 3x more thermally efficient than galvanised/carbon steel.

KSN Anchor Reinforcement Continuity Systems
The award-winning CARES-approved KSN Anchor system allows engineers to design slab-to-wall connections in reinforced concrete frames without the restrictions on bar length and bar diameter of traditional re-bend continuity systems.

The system works by casting internally threaded anchors into a concrete wall which accept Bartec parallel thread reinforcing bars during construction of the adjoining slab. A new Ancon video demonstrates how KSN Anchors accelerate construction and improve on site working conditions by eliminating the dangers inherent with projecting starter bars and bar straightening required by rebend continuity boxes.

Low Thermal Conductivity Wall Ties
For visitors designing PassivHaus and Zero Carbon projects, a new product innovation from the award-winning Teplo range of basalt fibre wall ties will be unveiled at the show. Samples of Ancon’s low thermal conductivity ties will be displayed including the new Teplo-BF, a new build cavity wall tie with a thermal conductivity of just 0.7W/mK that has exceptional mortar grabbing capability, suitable for use with lime and other slow-drying mortars.

The Ancon stand gives visitors an excellent opportunity to talk one on one with our experienced technical and sales support team who will be happy to help with specific project or business requirements. Contact Ancon on 0114 275 5224, email info@ancon.co.uk or visit www.ancon.co.uk.

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Evaporative cooling app from Condair

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Condair, formerly JS Humidifiers, has developed a new app that accurately determines how much energy could be saved by using in-duct exhaust air evaporative cooling and a heat recovery system, rather than just traditional compressor driven cooling.

Using worldwide weather data from Meteonorm, the myCoolblue app calculates how much energy is needed annually to cool a building. Then, taking into account 10 years of historic weather data from over 300 regions worldwide, the app projects how much cooling each month could be delivered using exhaust air evaporative cooling and how much would still need to be delivered using traditional mechanical cooling.

Exhaust air evaporative cooling uses an adiabatic humidifier to cool the return air from a room and a heat recovery unit to transfer the cool thermal energy to the incoming fresh air stream. The technique can provide several degrees of cooling from just a few kilowatts of electricity, reducing a building’s energy bills and carbon footprint.

By assessing how much of a building’s cooling can be delivered with exhaust air cooling, a HVAC consultant or AHU designer can accurately calculate the viability of an in-duct evaporative cooling system and show its return on investment potential.

For instance, Condair’s myCoolblue app shows that for a building in London needing to maintain an internal condition of 23°C during normal office hours, with 2m x 2m AHU and airflow of 2.6m³/s, the typical annual cooling load would be 33,532kWh. Given the 10-year historic weather conditions for London, myCoolblue app shows that, in an average year, an exhaust air evaporative cooling system could deliver 53% of the required cooling.

The app gives energy projections for hot or average summer conditions and takes into account a comprehensive set of variables to provide an accurate calculation for any project. These variables include the type and efficiency of the heat recovery unit being employed, the location of the fans and the humidifier

configuration inside the AHU, alongside the actual design conditions and operating parameters of the AHU itself.

A chart showing the monthly breakdown in kWh between mechanical and evaporative cooling is presented, along with a diagram of the system configuration and the temperature course supply/exhaust chart. Project details and calculations can be saved to the cloud and accessed later. An email option also allows reports with all the project parameters to be emailed in a pdf format for future reference.

Condair’s myCoolblue app can be downloaded from the App Store for free and is available for iPad only.

Condair Group is the world’s leading specialist in humidification and evaporative cooling, with energy efficient, hygienic and innovative technologies for commercial, industrial and heritage applications. Condair is represented in the UK by Condair plc, which offers system design, manufacture, supply, installation, commissioning, maintenance and spares. Condair plc is the new name for JS Humidifiers following the organisation’s rebranding in October 2014. You can find out more by visiting the company’s website at www.condair.co.uk.

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