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Combining the new Daikin REYAQ-P VRV® III Heat Recovery system with an HXHD hydrobox extends the advantages of heat recovery throughout the year. As well as the normal VRV®III heat recovery benefits the free recovered heat can also be used to produce hot water, thereby satisfying a year-round domestic hot water requirement or to provide heating to radiators or under floor elements.

Standard VRV®III technology employs Daikin variable refrigerant volume technology and inverter control to ensure optimal compressor efficiency. The addition of heat recovery further enhances overall efficiency by using the free heat obtained from cooling one part of a building to warm another part of the same building. This arrangement is ideal for moderate outdoor temperatures in which part of the building needs heating and the other part cooling, due to its orientation to the sun or to room occupancy.

The new REYAQ-P VRV® III Heat Recovery system supports connection of the HXHD hydrobox, which allows recovered heat to be used to produce domestic hot water and hot water for under floor heating or radiator heating. The year-round demand for domestic hot water extends the possibilities for using recovered heat to all four seasons. Connection ratios up to 200% are possible — 100% of compressor capacity is used for cooling with the resultant recovered heat fully utilised for hot water production. When heating and cooling loads are balanced in this way, the system is at its most efficient, doubling the efficiency it obtains in cooling only or heating only mode.

During winter, when insufficient recovered heat is available, the energy efficient VRV®III outdoor unit takes up the slack and even in this mode, hot water production is 17% more efficient than a traditional gas boiler solution.

The hydrobox includes all the connections, pumps, filter and valves to connect to a water circuit and can be stacked along with its domestic hot water tank for installation flexibility. Intelligent control of the water temperature eliminates the need for a mixing valve by producing the precise required leaving water temperature. Alternatively, a weather dependant floating set point can be established whereby a higher water temperature will be selected for lower outdoor temperatures in order to satisfy increased heating demand. Conversely, at higher temperatures, a lower water temperature will be chosen for increased energy efficiency. Leaving water temperatures up to 80°C are possible without an auxiliary heater.

Several domestic hot water tanks are available. The EKHTS-A domestic hot water tank is available in 200 and 260 litre versions, and offers super quick heat-up from 10°C to 50°C in 60 minutes. The EKHWP-A is available in 300 and 500 litre versions and supports connection to a solar collector for even more efficient domestic hot water production.

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Daikin Europe (N.V.) has launched its new R-410A-based EWA/YQ~BA range which brings the advantages of inverter control to the small chiller market. Small office buildings and industrial processes can now benefit from cost savings due to the increased partial load efficiency (ESEER up to 4.5) and superior environmental performance of inverter control.

The integrated inverter in the new range adjusts compressor speed to actual cooling/heating demand, allowing the chiller to operate at optimal efficiency regardless of thermal load conditions. By consuming only the power necessary to match the load, annual operating costs are minimised and the financial payback time of the chilled water system is shortened.

Running the compressor at the exact speed required also in optimised comfort and technical performance: extremely stable leaving water temperatures, reduced sound levels, quicker response to system demand, lower starting current requirements and an optimum power factor (always > 0.95). Fan control is also inverter based. The new chillers have the optimum partial load performance in their class, with ESEER values up to 4.5.

Wide applicability

The new units, available in cooling only and heat pump versions, can operate in a wide range of ambient conditions and are suitable for comfort and process cooling/heating, including brine applications. They also provide easy access to key components and good serviceability, for efficient maintenance and long system life. The basic hydraulic module can be equipped with an optional factory-mounted pump or high ESP pump. No buffer tank is required, further reducing system payback time. The units include a digital controller and support for an additional remote controller, as well as commonly requested accessory kits.

The new ‘EWA/YQ~BA’ range offers cooling capacities from 17 up to 75kW, in seven sizes with 1 or 2 circuits and is particularly suitable for applications requiring the highest levels of efficiency, savings and comfort.

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WorkSmart is Estimation’s new all-in-one package for quoting, pricing and invoicing – specifically designed for the busy mechanical and electrical contractor, heating engineer and plumber to spend more time on the tasks that make money.

Quick and easy to use, WorkSmart enables accurate, professional quotes and invoices to be generated at the touch of a button, saving time on everyday paperwork. Plus, with full integration to LUCKINS pricing data, WorkSmart ensures estimates are based on up to date information.

WorkSmart also incorporates links to LUCKINSlive.com, for instant access to the industry’s leading information centre.

Selling prices are automatically calculated using preferred supplier discounts and combined with LUCKINS industry-standard labour norms to calculate the price and the profit for each job. This information is then used to create professional estimates and reports, all customised and branded to suit the user. Standard reports include estimates, invoices, buying lists and job sheets.

WorkSmart’s introductory offer and major time savings ensure that users enjoy a fast return on their investment with ongoing savings for increased profitability.

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Under a collaboration between Telling Architectural and Eurobond Laminates, the Argeton terracotta rainscreen system can now be applied directly onto Rainspan insulated steel faced panels.

The proven Rainspan composite panel system can be clad using the natural finish and clean lines of the Argeton terracotta tile available in 13 captivating natural colours, with the tiles either smooth faced, wire drag, engobe, riven or glazed. Architects and specifiers are not restricted in the aesthetic achievable for their buildings when using the fast-track construction method offered by the Rainspan composite panel system. It will be ideal for enhancing projects in the retail, education and health sectors.

Developed by Eurobond Laminates, Rainspan is a robust insulated panel system with a two-hour fire rating available in spans of up to 6 metres and with an ease of installation that creates a quick, weather-tight building envelope. The system helps to reduce operational carbon and achieve BREEAM excellent rated buildings, combining optimum air tightness with thermal performance and using a high level of recycled content.

Whether as a main theme cladding or as a feature, the Argeton terracotta provides a natural beauty and symmetry of the faÇade created by contrasting the smooth faced tile with the precise joint. Colours available are natural, salmon, brick and pastel red, sand, apricot, beige, light platinum volcano and iron grey, sahara yellow, pearl white and glacier blue. Tiles are 30mm to 35mm thick and their length can be from 300mm to 1500mm to suit the desired format either horizontally or vertically laid.

The Rainspan system has a guaranteed performance of 25 years and the Argeton terracotta faÇade has an assessed structural integrity of up to 50 years.

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• The fast–track from inspection to invoice
• Complete the certificates as you go there on site
• Save hours transferring results to fair copy certificates

From test to certificate Yes, the new MFT1553 multifunction installation tester from Megger completely eliminates the time consuming and error–prone chore of entering test results manually into certificates. Instead, the innovative new tester sends results via a Bluetooth wireless link straight to test certificates in computers, Pocket PCs, Palms PDAs or even Smart–phones that are running Megger PowerSuite On–site, a new addition to the Megger software range. Flexibility when filling There is no fixed sequence for testing provided the cursor is on the line of the certificate appropriate to the circuit, users can specify the location in the certificate they want a particular result to appear from the test instrument.

Bluetooth enabled The Bluetooth–capable MFT1553, which is the latest addition to the UK´s best–selling family of multifunction testers, provides all of the advanced features offered by other models in the range, including automatic RCD testing, which dramatically reduces testing time by making it unnecessary for users to continually walk between the RCD and the tester while the tests are being carried out. 17th Edition ready Supplied as standard with a full calibration certificate, MFT1500 series testers combine, in a single compact and robust instrument, all of the testing facilities needed to meet the requirements of the IEE Wiring Regulations both 17th Editions and Part P of the Building Regulations. They feature an ergonomic design that was developed in close consultation with electrical contractors and have colour–coded controls which make them easy to use, allowing tests to be performed rapidly with minimal risk of mistakes.

PowerSuite On–site software Offering the only test management software package supports IET, NICEIC, ECA, SELECTand ELECSA certificates to BS7671:2008, the purchase of electronic certificates and the automatic posting of your building control notifications, PowerSuite On–site can take hours off your working day. What’s more by running the certificates on a mobile device you have the benefit of doing the certification in front of the customer, adding to your credibility.

There is the possibility of doing what some users are doing, printing the certificate and invoice on site, and leaving with a cheque to bank.

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The problem of sealing roof penetrations created by cables and pipes has been solved by the introduction of Klober’s Solar-Line range of accessories. Products ensure that roofs remain fully watertight and airtight while cables are protected from abrasion and bending. A Solar Outlet Kit contains Outlet, Collar, Universal Base Tile or Slate and a Sealing Collar which is available in a choice of sizes. The Outlet can be used with up to 8 cables of 4-8mm to connect PV-systems as well as sensors, aerials, security lights and cameras. Other products include a Universal Solar Panel Flashing Apron and a Panel Support which absorbs forces of up to 2500 N/m². The bracket’s design places no strain on tiles and prevents humidity from entering the roof. Products have been wind-tunnel tested on pitches from 20°-50° and are available in a selection of colours.

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MX Group, the leading UK shower tray and shower accessory manufacturer and a major player in the thermostatic mixer shower and electric shower sectors, has announced further growth in its core markets through the acquisition of Aquatora, an exciting and established business based in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, best known for its Storm shower tray range and its AquaDek wet room products. The entire share capital of the company was acquired for an undisclosed six figure sum.

Former owner of Aquatora, Andrew Bullingham, well respected in the sector, joins the MX-Group as Commercial Director as part of the deal. He will work closely with Robert Johnson, MX’s Sales Director, and between them they will be responsible for all Group sales. The Aquatora name will survive the acquisition with the business continuing to be run independently. The MX-Group has plans to invest in and build the brand in the coming months, with the current imported shower tray range from China being rapidly replaced by UK manufactured trays, to add essential quality and an additional range of sizes to the brand.

Supporting the newly acquired business, MX Group’s Dominic Condon has been promoted to the role of National Sales Manager for Aquatora. “With more than 7 million products or components already heading out onto the market each year, we are a company to reckon with,” says MX-Group chairman Bernard Robinson. “We’re rightly proud of our place in the sector and the quality of the products we produce. The acquisition of Aquatora and the appointment of Andrew Bullingham, strengthens our already strong grip on the shower tray sector and offers us an advanced entry point into the wet room marketplace.”

“I’m delighted to be joining the MX-Group which has an excellent reputation for quality and innovation in our marketplace,” says Andrew Bullingham. “It’s strong in a number of channels and I believe the Aquatora brand and my involvement will help MX-Group to service a number of new channels, allowing the Group to sell its excellent range of products across a far wider spectrum of outlets than is currently the case. These are exciting times for MX and I’m very pleased to be a part of it.”

Exciting times indeed, with the imminent launch of a new range of shower screens and enclosures, and other product launches later in the year.

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Specialist healthcare glazing supplier, Fendor, has completed a turnkey contract to upgrade the fenestration on the bedroom blocks at a medium security hospital for women in West London, known as The Orchard.

Originally completed in 2007 by Kier Construction, The Orchard is operated by the West London Mental Health NHS Trust and provides treatment for females patients with a variety of conditions. While the premises are well designed and built to a high standard, staff and patients found that the original security windows – featuring restricted opening of just 125 mm – did not provide adequate ventilation.

Fendor was awarded a contract to replace a total of 60 windows in the bedrooms of The Orchard. The work involved a Fendor team, with their supervisor and security guards, being given access to secure areas on a daily basis to remove the original frames and replace them with steel outward opening CleanVent windows. For reasons of health and safety, as well as security, each operation, including making good the reveals and clearing away all equipment from the scene, had to be completed within each shift.

The buildings’ occupants have already noticed that the full opening operation of the CleanVent windows deliver a far better airflow than the original windows, while the mesh screens not only provide security but prevent patients secreting any items within the recesses of the frame or outside. A further benefit to the Trust and to patients is that CleanVent is uniquely easy to clean, overcoming cleaning issues inherent with traditional horizontal sliding windows. The inside of the window is completely ligature free and the rounded control mechanism incorporates a gearing system – called the Slipper Clutch – to prevent the mechanism being snapped.

Clive Nutley is the Project Manager, Capital Works, for the West London Mental Health NHS Trust and comments: “The team have consistently given 100 per cent in ensuring the installation process didn’t interrupt the day to day running of the wards, while maintaining a good working relationship with staff, patients, security and the project.

“In fact I regularly received comments from ward staff and security saying they wished all contractors were like Fendor: They are organised, work all day without any problems, clean up after themselves and make our job so much easier.”

The buildings’ occupants have already noticed that the full opening operation of the CleanVent windows deliver a far better airflow than the original windows, while the mesh screens not only provide security but prevent patients secreting any items within the recesses of the frame or outside. A further benefit to the Trust and to patients is that CleanVent is uniquely easy to clean, overcoming a problem inherent with traditional horizontal sliding windows. The inside of the window is completely ligature free and the rounded control device incorporates a gearing system, known as the Slipper Clutch, to prevent the mechanism being snapped.

The Orchard is just one of a growing number of mental health, medical and custodial establishments to take advantage of Fendor’s capabilities, both as a manufacturer and as a contractor.

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Laidlaw Solutions has supplied 450 Orbis timber laminated and painted doorsets with factory-fitted Orbis Commercial ironmongery to Sussex South Coast College, a £65M element of the £71m Hastings Station Plaza mixed residential, educational, office and retail development. The variety of door colours, coded for each of the 6 floors, is immediately evident when entering the atrium which links the 4 BREEAM 'Excellent' 6-storey buildings.

The college houses IT suites, a gym, performing arts and dance studios, an art gallery, audio-visual / media facilities, coffee shop, hair salon and restaurant. 190 internal doors, glass internal timber screens and external timber doors were supplied to the development’s Primary Care Centre as well as 170 primed doorsets to the linked Sussex South Coast College Ore Valley campus.

Major Projects Manager David Manley concluded, “Laidlaw’s involvement in these key education projects provides further proof of our experience in handling diverse and complex doorset scheduling. Fitting out time is always tight so the supply of integrated doorsets provides the perfect answer for both the main contractor and the installer.”

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