Story

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.

View Micronics's profile:

Story

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.

View Klober's profile:

Story

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.

View Fakro's profile:

Story

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.

View LG's profile:

Story

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.

View PAM Building's profile:

Story

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

View PAM Building's profile:

Story

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

View Crittall's profile:

Story

Leading radiator manufacturer Stelrad has provided the radiators for the new Gwynedd Museum and Art Gallery, recently opened in Bangor on the north west Wales coast. The new Museum and Art Gallery has been named ‘Storiel’ – a name that combines the Welsh language words for the two main purposes of the museum and gallery, stori – the stories about each of the artefacts cared for and exhibited, as well as being a gallery or ‘oriel’ showing contemporary and historical art.

The grade 2 listed building that houses the new facility is the site of the old Town Hall in Bangor and the museum and art gallery have literally moved across the road from the old home for the exhibits. It’s close by to the University and the Cathedral in the city. The renovation project has cost £2.4 million with £1.4 million coming from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The Stelrad Radiators selected for the project were mainly Classic Columns and models from their Compact range, with a small number of Low Surface Temperature LSTi Plus radiators for the toilets for those with disabilities, in the building.

Project Manager for the new building is Esther Roberts: “We chose the Classic Column radiators for the main areas where the visitors will be and the Compacts for the staff areas and corridors around the building. The building is a very light and airy one, and the white radiators blend well into the décor of the building.”

“We’re delighted to be involved in such a prestigious development,” says Stelrad’s Marketing Manager Chris Harvey. “The Classic Column radiators could have been designed for a building like this and work really well in the reception area. They offer a classic design that complements both contemporary and traditional interiors so well. They provide a real, style statement that perfectly suits the space at the Storiel.”

Full details of the options available from Stelrad can be found at www.stelrad.com, you can call for brochures and information on 0844 543 6200 or email marketing@stelrad.com. You can follow Stelrad on Twitter @Stelrad or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/StelradRadiators.

Click to enlarge

View Stelrad's profile:

Story

It is increasingly important in all sectors of industry to save energy, both for cost as well as environmental reasons. This is not least the case in the healthcare industry where monitoring the flow of water plays a vital part in this ambition. Buckingham-based Triple Red are specialists in laboratory equipment and a major supplier of equipment and servicing for water purification in the laboratory and healthcare sector. They were contacted by a blue chip pharmaceutical company for help and advice on an ongoing energy saving project. The company’s technical personnel had identified the need to replace a 22kW pump on a pure water distribution system that operated continuously. Ron Griffiths, Triple Red’s Project Manager made a site visit and formulated a plan to remove the pump and replace it with an inverter-driven, 5.5kW pump. However, it was vital to ensure that the new pump achieved the required flow rate but the existing system was fitted with five stainless steel loops and no means of measuring the flow of water through the pipes.

Jeremy Allen, Technical Manager, researched the market and identified a number of products which might fulfil the requirement. He decided to select the Micronics Portaflow 220 because Micronics is a UK based company which would ensure good, local product support and aftercare. Furthermore, the unit’s simplicity and economy of operation were attractive. The unit simply clamps onto the pipe without any need to cut into the pipe and therefore the time to verify flow rates around the system were minimal and the potential disruption to the running of a very busy research facility was minimal.

Jeremy was pleased with his selection: “I attended the site with an engineer to test and validate the Portaflow 220 and found it simple and straightforward to use with a good, menu-driven setup. I was impressed with the product design and build and am sure that it will prove to be a useful addition to other instrumentation we use out in the field.”

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

View Micronics's profile:

Story

Saniflo UK – a leading name in the plumbing & drainage sector – is reporting a successful exhibition at Ecobuild, which took place earlier this month at the Excel Centre in London.

This was the company’s second time exhibiting at the show and this year the focus was on the prestigious Kinedo range of shower cubicles with a Kinedo Horizon shower cubicle, a Kinemagic Design shower cubicle and the Saniflo Sanifloor all on display.

Saniflo UK Customer Services and Marketing Manager, Ann Boardman, comments: “Ecobuild was a great success for us. Showcasing the Kinedo range comes at a time when we’re noticing more specifiers, house builders and installers switching to cubicles from enclosures.

“Ecobuild provides us with a great opportunity to reach a wide, live audience. It’s taken a while for the sector to latch onto cubicles and the benefits of them have often been misunderstood, but as soon as industry professionals experience them in the flesh they realise the potential and benefits.

“We spoke with a high number of industry professionals who are working on residential, hotel and leisure projects. They love the fact that the Kinedo range not only looks great, but as the cubicles don’t need silicone and grout for installation and the internal opaque panels eliminate the need for tiling, they can be up and running in just a few hours in a pre-prepared area, meaning projects can be turned around faster and with less hassle.”

View Kinedo's profile: