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Micronics flowmeters were used at Heathrow’s Terminal 4 to survey the energy usage in the heating system. The facilities staff at Heathrow Airport, Terminal Four have a five year plan running from 2014 to 2019, entitled Quinqennium 6 and this plan included the redesign of the heating system, which currently runs at medium temperature hot water (120oC). They required the system to run at a lower temperature in order to be more cost effective, more environmentally friendly, and crucially, safer. To enable this, they needed to log all data during the winter of 2014 so they called in Balfour Beatty, the Delivery Integrator for all building works for Heathrow Airports Ltd, to carry out an energy flow investigation.

Luke Hirst, Balfour Beatty’s Project Manager heard of Micronics from Nick Wells of Power Plan Limited, a Kent company who specialise in the supply, planning and installation of secondary power systems who had used  Micronics flowmeters at Terminal 5 and was particularly impressed that there was no need to cut into the pipework. This would have been extremely disruptive to the Airport, necessitating the temporary shutting down of the whole Terminal heating system. Micronics recommended the use of the U1000 and U3000 flowmeters, with energy calculators and data loggers. They offer a quick and reliable flow measurement solution. They are configured for pipe size so only nominal configuration on site is required, minimising intervention. The easy to follow menu made it a very cost-effective alternative to a traditional in-line meter. Furthermore, dry servicing is possible so that downtime is kept to a minimum which is especially important for the smooth running of such a busy terminal.

Luke Hirst was enthusiastic about Micronics flowmeters. “Operation has proved exceptional. The surveys were carried out without affecting the terminal. As a result of the survey the design of the replacement heating system is being carried out now. We will definitely use Micronics flowmeters on future occasions when the need arises to carry out another survey.”

For further information on this project or the Micronics range call Micronics on +44(0)1628 810456, or visit www.micronicsflowmeters.com.

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REHAU has posted a new animation on its dedicated YouTube channel to show specifiers that, while its Polytec composite curtain walling system might look just like aluminium systems from the outside, its real secret lies underneath.

The animation literally lifts the aluminium exterior off the curtain walling to reveal the steel sections which are at the core of the system and the PVC-U which is on the inside.

It explains the structural benefits which come from using steel, which is up to three times stronger than aluminium sections with the same geometry, and the fact that the PVC-U interior is low maintenance, warm to the touch and available in any RAL colour.

Malcolm Taylor, REHAU’s Product Manager, explained: “REHAU Polytec is a triple strength glazed curtain walling system which is unlike any other on the market. It combines the inherent benefits of three materials to deliver real performance benefits over conventional aluminium systems but retains the slim sightlines and huge range of colour options which specifiers demand.

“For large spans in particular, it offers huge benefits and this quick one minute animation perfectly illustrates that.”

REHAU Polytec is a Passivhaus Trust A Plus certified product and has successfully been tested to the CWCT (Centre for Window and Cladding Technology) standards for severe weather performance.

Further information is available at www.rehau.uk/curtainwalling

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The fully equipped LG Training Academy in Weybridge, Surrey, has celebrated 6 months of operation since it was launched, and it’s seen encouraging numbers of engineers and specifiers passing through its doors taking advantage of the huge amount of LG HVAC equipment, including Air Conditioning, Heating, Heat recovery, Ventilation and the high-end central controls zone that are permanently sited in the academy.

LG Electronics is passionate about training – and having the right balance of theoretical and hands-on practical experience ensures everyone is fully capable of specifying, commissioning and troubleshooting across all the company’s impressive range of products.

This is achieved through having essential exposure to LG equipment and LG’s technical advancements, including its design packages – LATS HVAC and LATS CAD. LG also offers significant benefits to Engineers who attend its training courses – especially the two day Multi V VRF course – where customers will be benefit from the ‘Approved Installer Scheme’. For those that attend and pass the course, LG Engineers will support installers throughout their first 2 VRF projects with on-site commissioning assistance.  This includes a pre-commissioning visit to ensure the installation and commissioning process is trouble free.

Mark Richardson, LG Technical Manager, comments: “The Academy really is impressive and showcases LG products extremely well. We will be running CIBSE accredited CPD seminars and other events here as well as the courses.

“New for 2016 is the introduction of our ‘Flexi-courses’. We understand that it’s not always easy to take time-off to attend manufacturers training. Our new flexi-courses mean that we can provide on-site training and bespoke training if required.”

To make it as simple as possible to attend a course, these courses run throughout the year. To book a course, go online and visit partner.lge.com/uk to find out more, or request a copy of the LG Academy brochure, then, simply email aircon.training@lge.com or complete the form at the back of the brochure and return it to the address on the form.

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ETAF Management (Energy, Training and Facilities), are experts in the specialist field of Energy Management. In February 2015 they were confronted with the need to verify for tax claim purposes the ‘useful heat’ used for a 778kW combined heat and power unit in a major hotel group. Alvaro Alvarez, ETAF’s Architecture Technician searched the internet for a solution and discovered the Micronics U3000 which seemed to fit the requirements exactly. The Wiltshire-based company aims to optimise plant operations to achieve proven energy savings of as much as 30% in hotels throughout Europe, working for major groups such as the Carlson Rezidor Group, Jury’s Inn, Marriott and Hyatt as well as smaller groups, and their contribution to the bottom line is highly valued by their clients. The Micronics flow meter allows accurate flow measurement from outside the pipe so there is no need to cut into pipework making measurement quick and simple. The Ultraflo’s easy to follow menu and simple set up makes the calculation of liquid flow effortless and reliable. The whole Micronics range of fixed and portable clamp-on flow meters provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional in-line meter installation for a wide range of applications. In addition, dry servicing means minimum downtime saving both cost and time. Compact, rugged and reliable, the Ultraflo has been designed to provide sustained performance in industrial environments and was ideal for Alvaro’s needs.

“I wanted to try an alternative flow measurement and have been delighted with my choice of the Micronics U3000 which offered exactly what I was looking for. We deal with very big volumes so wanted relatively easy, surface mounted installation. The U3000 offered exactly the features we needed and I would have no hesitation using it in other projects where precise flow measurement is required.”

The potential for similar use is significant and ETAF’s experience is an example of how Fixed Ultrasonic technology can be successfully implemented to gather information on water and energy use.

For further information on this project or the Micronics range call Micronics on +44(0)1628 810456, or visit www.micronicsflowmeters.com.

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Among its market-leading vapour permeable roofing underlays Klober Permo® forte SK2 is the only 4-layer product designed to help prevent falls through the roof. Its mesh reinforcement gives a degree of strength vastly superior to lightweight 2-layer products while self-adhesive edge tapes provide a lasting airtight seal at laps. As one of the most widely specified underlays for more than a decade it can be used on fully supported or unsupported tile, slate or metal roofs. Permo forte has been independently tested by the BRE for wind uplift in relation to BS 5534 wind speed map.

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When upgrading thermal inefficient rooflights, FAKRO’s new range of flat roof windows offers a choice of flat or domed profiles. All have a contemporary style, utilise a multi-chamber PVC sash and frame and come in sizes designed to match those being replaced. The triple-glazed DRF DU6 has a window U-value of 0.74W/m²K while the DRC-C P2, which offers added burglary resistance through use of a laminated internal pane, is only slightly less impressive at 0.88. For smoke evacuation, the DSF DU6 and DSC-C P2 open automatically to a height of 50cm through activation of motors on each side of the frame.

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Leading air conditioning manufacturer LG Electronics is working with Bristol based contractor Sugoi Solutions to fulfil a contract they won from B&Q for an R22 refrigerant replacement programme. It’s a programme that is seeing air conditioning equipment in more than 250 stores across the country replaced with new equipment that meets the ‘F’ Gas regulations.

It’s a significant contract worth in the region of £1.4 million, and one that has had complex logistical ramifications. B&Q will not only end up with fully compliant air conditioning systems in all their ‘back of house’ store areas – the staff areas and administrative offices – but with a full asset list with every detail they need for the future. For each branch Sugoi has provided a list of the replacement units, a signed permission to undertake the work, a risk assessment, a health and safety assessment, an F Gas Logo Sheet, pressure test sheet, evacuation test sheet, a commissioning record sheet and photography of each unit, internal and external before and after, so B&Q has a photographic record of every one of the more than 1000 LG air conditioning systems installed in their stores.

Sugoi director Ben May says it’s been the most comprehensive package of information they have ever provided as part of a replacement equipment contract: “We’ve undertaken the work in B&Q stores across the UK from the north of Scotland down to the Channel Islands! We’ve attended all the sites and organised access to the air conditioning systems, organised for the safe disposal of the R22 refrigerant in each case, sorted the removal and disposal of the existing kit and reinstalled like for like equipment. We’ve audited the work throughout the process and achieved 96% scores on the on-site audits of our work and as a result of the work we’ve done we’ve secured the maintenance contracts on all the equipment we’ve installed. We’ve provided comprehensive documentation for every store and for every piece of equipment we’ve installed.

“This is the biggest single contract we’ve ever undertaken and we’re very proud of the outcome. LG equipment is excellent to work with and the support we’ve had from LG has been first class.”

Andy Reed, Head of Air Conditioning and Energy Solutions at LG says he’s been impressed with the work Sugoi Solutions has undertaken: “We were delighted to win this contract from B&Q but clearly needed an installation partner who was up to the task. We’ve been impressed by the work Sugoi has undertaken in two phases of the project either side of a period when B&Q did not want any contractors on site working in their branches. The information packs they have provided to each and every B&Q branch and their head office have been excellent.

The equipment selected by B&Q for its stores included a selection of split and multi split systems, wall mounted units and ceiling mounted cassette units. The contract was won by LG due to the company’s technical capability, the product energy efficiencies, along with the ability to supply the units to a very tight time schedule and the agreement to an extended warranty on the products.

Visit http://partner.lge.com/uk for more information on the extensive range of LG equipment and services.

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Saint Gobain PAM UK has extended its range of cast iron Vortx roof outlets to include two-way outlets suitable for parapet wall applications.

The new range of two way outlets has a cast iron body with a 100mm BSP threaded joint and a stainless steel angled, boxed or flat grating design. A spigot adaptor allows the outlet to be attached to either a 50mm, 75mm or 100mm spigot.

Says Mike Rawlings, marketing manager for Saint-Gobain PAM: “With an epoxy coated cast iron body and stainless steel grate, these new outlets provide a hard wearing and anticorrosive finish for a long life. In common with other Vortx roof outlets, the new range has been flow tested and will connect to most drainage systems on the market.”

The Vortx range consists of floor, roof and shower drainage products and a range of stainless steel channels and gullies.

For further information about Vortx roof outlets. Visit www.saint-gobain-pam.co.uk.

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Saint-Gobain PAM UK has introduced an access pipe as part of its Cyclone steel rainwater systems range.

The access pipe is a 340mm long steel downpipe with large diameter access point that can be installed into any new or existing Saint Gobain PAM Cyclone steel system.

It enables homeowners to save maintenance time and costs by allowing easy access to the drainage system in order to clear blockages that might occur such as a build up of leaves over time. The access pipe is available in all of the colours in the Cyclone range.

The Cyclone steel rainwater system has a contemporary look and feel and is available in a variety of colours. It is cost competitive with higher value plastic systems, takes no longer to install and with its tough and hardwearing nature will last decades with minimal maintenance.

For more information on the Cyclone range, visit www.saint-gobain-pam.co.uk

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New fenestration for an iconic listed arts centre at the University of Sussex presented a particular challenge for architects RH Partnership but the successful outcome has been achieved thanks to close collaboration with steel window experts Crittall.

The University’s Attenborough Centre for Creative Arts (ACCA) was designed in the 1960s by Sir Basil Spence and subsequently listed Grade 2* by English Heritage.

The building’s curved brick exterior is punctuated at ground floor level by steel windows and doors that, along with the rest of the structure, had fallen into a state of disrepair.

Extensive consultation was undertaken by the Brighton-based architectural practice with English Heritage (now Historic England) and Brighton & Hove City Council’s conservation team for the most acceptable solution to replace the existing metal framed, single glazed windows and doors.

“RH Partnership have worked very closely with Crittall Windows to reproduce the patterns and profiles using W20 sections and to incorporate double glazed units,” says architect David Sweeney.

“With large areas of glazing in the front-of-house spaces, the capability to add slim line double glazed units has drastically improved the thermal performance of this building.”

Solar control glass has also been added to particular south and east facing windows so as to reduce overheating during summertime and natural ventilation has been improved by an increase in openable windows and the introduction of trickle vents.

The complete refurbishment of the building, including a main auditorium with a flexible 350 seating arrangement, exhibition spaces, four differently-sized studios and teaching rooms and the development of an area beneath the auditorium to provide 33% more usable space than was envisaged in the original design, has provided the University with a cultural flagship structure.

Says David Sweeney: “Working on a Sir Basil Spence, Grade 2* Listed Building such as this can be a real challenge. The solution provided by Crittall Windows has been very successful both in terms of its performance and the appearance of this 1969 iconic building.”

Also on the University campus a second Sir Basil Spence, Grade 2* listed structure, the Chichester 1 building, is undergoing refurbishment and, once again, Crittall products – the Corporate W20 and Corporate 2000 windows – have been specified.

Corporate W20 windows and doors offer designers great versatility including the ability to create or reproduce many styles. They deliver very slim sightlines, are English Heritage approved, and find widespread favour with planners and conservationists. Corporate 2000 are equally suited for residential, institutional and commercial applications, and can be used to produce unusual and innovative window wall designs. Major user sectors are offices, hotels, hospitals, universities and schools.

www.crittall-windows.co.uk

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