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Daikin Europe N.V. announces new air-cooled chiller range that uses “free cooling” from cool outdoor air30C for examplefor greater energy savings and reduced operating costs.

Free cooling chillers incorporate an additional free cooling section, which cools the building water loop directly with the outside ambient air, thereby reducing compressor cooling load, reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions and considerably decreasing operating costs during the cold season.

Free cooling takes advantage of the temperature difference between the outside air and return water, cooling the water before returning it at a lower temperature to be chilled. When outside temperatures are cold enough: 30C or lower, depending on the chiller model, the compressors are fully shut down and cooling is achieved on a practically free basis. Furthermore, cutting compressor usage also extends the chiller’s operating life and minimises overall installation costs.

The new range comprises 11 sizes with capacities from 600 kW to 1,565 kW, all available in three sound levels and in standard as well as glycol-free versions (EWAD~CF and EWAD~CG respectively). A wide range of operating conditions is supported and units can operate in ambient temperatures from -18°C to 40°C, and supply leaving water temperatures from -8°C to 15°C. A new MicroTech III controller provides easy access to system parameters and integration with most popular building management systems is supported.

The introduction of the new free cooling range to its EWAD~C chiller portfolio (EWAD~C-, EWAD~CZ , EWAD~CF and EWAD~CG), enables Daikin Europe to make good its commitment to supply the market with superior solutions for diverse applications requiring the highest levels of energy efficiency, savings and comfort.

Daikin Europe products are distributed in the UK by Daikin Airconditioning UK Ltd and Space Airconditioning plc.  

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One of the smallest and most rugged instrument of its type, Megger’s new FRAX 150 sweep frequency response analyzer (SFRA) is a powerful tool for revealing potential electrical and mechanical problems in power transformers, many of which are difficult or impossible to detect using other methods.

• Light weight
• Easy to use
• Easy to carry
• All in one box solution

Built-in computer

The instrument is completely self-contained, with an integral PC that has a high-resolution colour screen featuring a powerful backlight that makes it easy to read even in direct sunlight. It also has an internal rechargeable battery, allowing it to be used in locations where no mains supply is available.

Reveals wide range of transformer faults

Meeting all international standards for SFRA measurements, this innovative instrument offers a larger dynamic range and better accuracy than any other comparable test set currently available. In addition, for the test connections to the transformer, it makes use of special cabling technology that ensures repeatability of results.

The FRAX 150 operates by applying a sweep frequency test signal to the transformer and monitoring its response. The result is a unique fingerprint which, when compared with a reference fingerprint for the same transformer, reveals a wide range of faults. These include winding deformations and displacements, shorted and open windings, loose and broken clamping structures, core connection problems, core movement and hoop buckling.

Highest dynamic range and accuracy

Megger’s FRAX 150 incorporates powerful analysis and decision support software. In addition to offering the traditional magnitude versus frequency/phase display, this software also allows users to present data in an impedance or admittance versus frequency view, which is a powerful analytical tool for many types of transformer.

The test frequency range covered by the FRAX 150 is 0.1 Hz to 25 MHz, and users can set the range employed for individual tests to match the needs of the application. By default, the number of test points used for each frequency sweep is 1,046, but users can choose to extend this up to a maximum of 32,000. Typical measurement time is 64 seconds, but a fast mode is available that is capable of delivering results in just 37 seconds.

Ready to go

Small and easy to carry, with an operating temperature range of -20°C to +50°C, the Megger FRAX 150 sweep frequency response analyzer is ideal for use in the field. It is supplied complete with ground cable, four 3 m braid sets, two C clamps, an 18 m generator cable, an 18 m test cable, user manual and Windows software.

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Flexibility and careful planning were key to the successful cleaning of the ventilation system for 10 operating theatres in a Northern NHS Trust hospital. It was essential that theatre closures were kept to an absolute minimum, while still affording engineers full access, so that a total clean and bacteriological test of the ventilation plant and ductwork could be carried out.

The hospital selected Ductbusters, a specialist duct cleaning operator and an approved supplier for the Trust, to carry out the project. Ductbusters held a series of meetings with hospital management, theatre staff and the Hospital Infection Control Department to devise and agree the most efficient and effective procedures.

Minimising theatre downtime and avoiding the cancellation of operations was a key priority, but so too was the necessity to keep disruption to a minimum and not to compromise the safety of patients and staff in any way.

Ductbusters established an innovative set of working hours for its engineers. In order to reduce the effect on the day to day running of the theatres, Ductbusters adjusted its hours of work to fit in with the amended hospital schedules that had been adapted to accommodate the work. The team began work at five in the morning so as to complete work in the theatres’ clean corridors before the hospital staff arrived. Work was finished by 2pm to allow the theatres to be readied for their bacteriological tests.

The project took 10 weeks to complete – only one theatre was closed at any one time and no operations were cancelled.

Each theatre to be cleaned was closed on Thursday morning and reopened on Monday morning. The first two days involved the cleaning of the ventilation systems and during that time the estates staff took the opportunity to carry out any repair works. The theatres themselves were then cleaned and tested for bacterial growth before reopening.

Ian Wall, sales director of Ductbusters, comments:

“This was a challenging project, but we were confident we had the experience and expertise to do a very good job, on time and within budget. Proof that detailed planning and flexibility can be the key to success.”

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Pancras Church in Lewes, built in 1939, is of traditional period style with stone quoining and dressing around windows and doors. In order to accommodate new community facilities, BBM Architects proposed that a new annexe should be of contemporary design using a curved VMZINC standing seam roof. Use of pre-weathered QUARTZ-ZINC® has provided the most visually dynamic element of the scheme, replacing the former hipped, plain tile roof. The existing Sacristy floor was dug out to accommodate two community halls, one on top of the other. The upper hall has a gently sloping ceiling which follows the wave-lift form of the roof while to the south a new entrance hall or ‘Narthex’ with lift facilities has a roof form which echoes that of the former Sacristy. By using QUARTZ-ZINC, colour consistency will be retained while a natural, self-protecting patina which requires virtually no maintenance will continue to develop for decades to come.

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The demand for eco-friendly road lighting capable of virtually maintenance-free operation for 12 years is fully met by Thorn’s new Dyana LED lantern.

Distinctive product design, outstanding optics and great versatility are all on offer. The grey saucer-shaped luminaire, only 110 mm in thickness, is available in 3,000 and 5,000 lumen packages with a colour temperature of 4200K. The high power LEDs are boosted by a patented lens and aluminium reflection system for a uniform and glare-free illumination.

Complaint with EN 13201 standards (lighting classes S6 to S2), and with a choice of two beam distributions, Dyana LED is equally adapt at lighting city streets, building surroundings and pedestrian areas at heights between 6m and 8m, post top or side mounted.

By concealing the heat sink with a smooth aluminium canopy and shielding the LEDs under toughened glass, the lantern is protected to IP66 and maintains optimum performance and life expectancy of 50,000 hours.

Two other refinements with Dyana LED – the electronic ballast reduces power and dimmable variants are available to order. Its discreet design also minimises visual and physical intrusion into the daytime landscape or streetscape and continues the Dyana family design theme.

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Harlequin has launched a brand new range of high spec security features, some of which are available as standard on Advance Bunded Oil Tanks and Fuel Stations, and as extra cost options on all other models.

At a time when tank security is a top priority for domestic, agricultural, industrial and commercial tank owners across the board, Harlequin has developed the safest, most secure tank options on the market.

Harlequin Advance Bunded Oil Tanks and Fuel Stations now come complete with a revolutionary Spinsecure Lock. The lock acts as a security device on the tanks' manhole or door access points. Once secured with its magnetic key, the lock will spin freely – meaning it is virtually impossible to force open or disturb.

As a further security option, customers can also choose to incorporate the brand new Yale Alarm Lock* as a means of securing the lockable fill and inspection points on the inside of the tank. The Yale Alarm Lock uses an armed cable to secure these points and sounds a 100db alarm in the event of the cable being attacked. A motion sensor can also be activated, making the tank owner aware of any changes in movement.

All of the latest additions to Harlequin's range of security features are currently available to order. For models which do not incorporate the Spinsecure Lock as standard, a Security Pack will be available as an extra cost option and will include both the Spinsecure Lock and the Yale Alarm Lock.

With Harlequin's latest innovations in tank security, protecting your tank contents has never been more easy. Providing customers with the benefits of Spinsecure's visual deterrent features, in addition to the added value of ensuring that any intruder will be stopped in their tracks by the Yale Lock's piercing alarm, means that your oil and fuel will never be safer than when stored in a Harlequin tank.

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Klober has added to its specialist roofing airtightness range with the introduction of Butylon® double-sided tape. Butylon has been designed specifically for use below battens or counterbattens to seal nail penetrations and create an airtight and watertight seal in underlays, air barriers or vapour control layers. It is equally effective on rough or smooth surfaces, is highly durable and can be used both internally and externally in temperatures from minus 40°C to 80°C. Butylon is available in 25 metre rolls of 20mm and 50mm width.

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Detectomat’s second attendance at the UK’s Firex South exhibition in Mid March was a success with significant attendance and interest in Detectomat’s SRC3000 Wireless detect system. The UK market for radio or wire-free Fire Detection and Alarm systems is the most developed in Europe and there are a number of well established and new entrants to the market. However, Detectomat’s SRC3000 system maintains a strong position offering a unique solution for smaller commercial and industrial applications. The exhibition generated new enquiries and requests for new accounts, one as far afield as Inverness in Scotland.

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The UK’s number one underfloor heating specialist has introduced a range of air to water heat pumps for the first time, as it looks to broaden its domestic heating solutions.

Uponor has entered the heat pump market after identifying a high demand for the energy efficient product, which is seen as an ideal accompaniment to its existing underfloor heating and plumbing systems.

Uponor is working alongside Toshiba Carrier to offer complete system solutions,, which are expected to significantly penetrate a market growth of around 100,000 units per year over the next 10 years.

It is hoped that the partnership will lead to a seamless heating provision from Uponor, both from an installation and aftersales perspective.

Uponor’s applications manager Neil Young said discussions had been taking place for around 12 months to add heat pump systems to the brand’s portfolio.

He said: “Uponor has always placed a huge emphasis on its ‘family of products‘ which offer a variety of different solutions and a number of advantages over our competitors.

“Our portfolio of heat pumps are a welcome addition and represent the start of an exciting new chapter for Uponor.

“Heat pumps and underfloor heating systems have always been very closely aligned, operating most efficiently at very similar low water temperatures.

“The decision to expand into this market will offer installers a fully integrated system and a peace of mind for the end user.”

Neil added that while there was a lot of competition in the heat pump market, Uponor’s ‘philosophy of plumbing’ would ensure lasting success for the business.

“A lot of companies sell heat pumps. What we want to do is to look at each individual project and offer more in terms of the finished solution. We will assess each project individually and see what is the best way forward. If heat pumps are suitable we can specify the right one together with the most appropriate underfloor heating package.

“If heat pumps are not a suitable option, then we will be able to say why not and find a solution that works.”

All Uponor staff will be fully trained at the company’s Lutterworth based training academy with representatives from Toshiba Carrier.

Each product will also boast a three year guarantee as standard, which to our knowledge is the longest agreement of its kind in the market.

Neil said that the Government’s Renewable Heat Incentive was also great news for the industry and could not be underestimated.

“Last year, figures revealed around 4,000 heat pump sales – a figure that will grow considerably over the coming years.

“With the Government’s commitment to its Renewable Heat Incentive as well, we see air source heat pumps as a significant addition to our range of domestic heating solutions.”

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'The Rock' in Bury, designed by Building Design Partnership, has already become one of the northwest's prime retail, leisure and residential hubs. VMZINC's 0.8mm standing seam vertical panel façade system in subtle PIGMENTO® Red not only gives the development visual distinctiveness but provides the ideal accompaniment to the expansively glazed retail shopfronts. The pre-weathered façades will retain their colour while developing a natural self-protecting patina, so maintenance requirements for the £ 350M development and 397 new apartments will be minimal. Other PIGMENTO shades include green and blue.

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