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A recently published scientific study¹ by Yale University has shown that breathing air with a low humidity reduces our immune system’s capability to fight off flu infections. The research results showed that using humidifiers in the winter to increase the moisture content of air in occupied buildings, such as offices, schools and hospitals, is a potential strategy to reduce the seasonal impact of flu on society.

It is estimated that in the UK influenza causes six million working days to be lost every year, accounts for 400,000 GP consultations, 600 deaths directly and an estimated 10,000 further deaths from flu-related causes. Even though many scientific studies, such as the recent one from Yale, have shown the importance of humidity in relation to combatting flu, no legal requirement exists in the UK for public or commercial buildings to maintain a minimum indoor humidity level for health.

The Yale study, carried out in the laboratory of Dr Akiko Iwasaki, used mice that respond to flu in a similar way to humans. The mice were infected with flu and kept in either low humidity or mid-level humidity conditions. Their physical reactions to the flu virus were then examined, including weight loss, temperature changes, their ability to clear the virus from their respiratory system and heal resultant inflammation, and ultimately their mortality rate.

The scientists found that the mice kept in low humidity (10-20%RH) suffered a much worse disease course than the mice kept in mid-level humidity (50%RH). They suffered more rapid and greater weight loss, were unable to maintain a normal body temperature and experienced a higher mortality rate.

Dr Iwasaki commented, “What we found was that low humidity impairs the ability of the respiratory tract, lung and nose to get rid of the flu virus. In the airway cells, hair-like projections called cilia, are constantly moving inhaled particles along to get rid of them. However, in low humidity we found that this cilia movement, as well as particle removal, was impaired. This is particularly important for people who are very susceptible such as the very young infant or the older person over 65, as mortality from flu mostly occurs in this age group.”

The researchers also observed that low humidity reduces the ability of cells in the lungs, damaged by flu, to repair themselves. A third effect of low humidity identified in this study, was that infected cells stopped signalling for help from neighbouring cells. The ability to recruit additional immune cells to fight invading viruses or bacteria is an essential part of the body’s natural defence system, and is key to limiting disease from infections.

Commenting on the study, Dave Marshall-George, UK Sales Manager at humidity control specialist, Condair, said, “This study is yet further evidence for a regulatory minimum humidity level to be set for public places to reduce the impact of seasonal flu. It is relatively simple to maintain a healthy indoor humidity of 40-60%RH in public buildings using commercial humidification systems. However, unlike temperature, humidity is not easily perceivable by occupants. This results in building operators saving money by not installing, or even turning off, their humidifiers and allowing indoor humidity to drop dangerously low in the winter.”

Dave continues, “The problem is compounded by legislation that requires building operators to reduce energy consumption. Building owners and designers are forced to minimise building services to become more efficient. However, the result is necessary services, such as humidity control, are being sacrificed at the expense of occupant health. Given the massive impact that flu has on society, both on the economy and the health service, it is time the governing bodies took notice of the science and introduced minimum indoor humidity levels.”

Commenting on the results of the study, Dr Stephanie Taylor, Infection Control Consultant at Harvard Medical School and an ASHRAE Distinguished Lecturer, said, “Dr. Iwasaki’s research shows that balanced humidification increases our overall immune defences and therefore can be applied to both viral and bacterial diseases, not limited to seasonal influenza. This study clearly shows the need to maintain indoor relative humidity at 40–60% in homes, schools, offices, hospitals, aeroplanes and all other occupied spaces.

“ASHRAE must recognize this excellent study as evidence to support a minimum RH level in occupied commercial buildings.” Dr Stephanie Taylor concludes.

The 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. You can find out more by visiting the company’s website at www.condair.co.uk.

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The new Kinedo Kinepsace range of elegant and discrete shower cubicles from Saniflo UK is designed to make fitting shower enclosures swift and easy, while delivering a high-quality product with a 10-year warranty. Available in four sizes, chrome profiles feature across the range with some versions also available in statement black or ‘on trend’ copper. Numerous configurations are possible including quadrant, recessed and corner options with pivot or sliding doors whilst fixed panels enable customisation for extra flexibility. At two metres high with 6mm or 8mm glass, some Kinespace enclosures feature an optional central frosted panel on the glass.

Cleaning and maintenance is also simple, thanks to the anti-limescale treated glass and the hinge, which creates a gap between the glass and the door opening, helps to ensure the Kinespace looks and stays pristine for longer. The hinge fitting also creates more space for a wider entry into the enclosure.

Installation is both quick and easy thanks to the innovative Kineclip. A really useful feature, the Kineclip holds the shower door in place enabling the installer to use both hands to screw the rest of the unit together. Assembly and adjustment of the profiles is also simple and can be achieved with just one turn of an Allen key!

Sizes range between 700 and 1200mm and for larger showers, an additional fixed panel can also be used. The additional fixed panel has 450mm pivot section and is available transparent or with a central frosted panel in sizes of 400 or 600mm. Three chrome support bar options are available.

A brand new Kinedo Shower Enclosure brochure is now available for download from www.kinedo.co.uk or hard copies can be sent by post by filling in the contact form online.

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Sentinel, leading manufacturer of water treatment products for heating and hot water systems, has announced the launch of its Corrosion Monitor SCU for commercial applications.

Using cutting-edge technology to provide simple advance warning of system corrosion, Sentinel’s Corrosion Monitor SCU will give users greater control over a common and expensive problem.
It uses intelligent sensor technology to measure the real-time corrosion rate within the heating system and raises an alarm when corrosion exceeds acceptable levels, allowing for immediate action to prevent expensive component and system failures. The product is simple to install on new and existing systems and includes free dashboard software for in-depth analysis.

Commercial boiler manufacturers recognise the damaging effects of corrosion, with warranties sometimes becoming invalid if damage has been caused by poor water treatment. When Sentinel Corrosion Monitor SCU is partnered with Sentinel’s range of commercial chemical water treatment, system owners and managers can be assured their asset has received the best possible care.

To enquire about this product and find out more visit the link below
www.sentinelprotects.com/corrosion-monitor

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Humidity control specialist, Condair, has extended its dehumidifier range to include more desiccant models, wall and ceiling-mounted systems, units that control temperature as well as humidity, and swimming pool units.

Tim Scott, head of sales at Condair plc, comments, “Having successfully launched Condair dehumidifiers to the UK market just a few years ago, it is very exciting to be able to further strengthen our portfolio of dehumidification systems. Condair now boasts one of the most extensive ranges of dehumidifiers available from a single supplier, as well as offering fully customised solutions for unusual projects or extreme control. Whatever application, capacity or humidity level is needed, Condair has the dehumidifier to perfectly meet the requirement.”

The new Condair DA desiccant dehumidifier range now includes capacities from 0.6 to 182 litres per hour (@20°C/60%RH) from its standard models with customized units being able to meet any larger drying requirement. Features include the ability to operate down to -30°C and consistently maintain an air humidity as low 1%RH. Units can incorporate on-board touch screen controllers and BMS connectivity, with Modbus as standard. AC or EC fans are available and are positioned in a push configuration prior to the desiccant rotor on the regeneration airflow. This avoids contact between the fan and the hot humid exhaust air, prolonging the life of the fan.

Condair’s new wall-mounted condensing dehumidifier range offers attractive in-room units with a sleek, minimalistic design. Alternatively, wall-mounted systems can be remotely located in a room adjacent to the area being dehumidified. Humid air is circulated to the dehumidifier and dry air fed back to the room via ducting through the wall. New ceiling-mounted models enable installers to either integrate the unit in a suspended ceiling system or simply fix it overhead to avoid taking up floor space. All of these new fixed condensing systems are available in standard capacities from 49 to 190 L/D (@30°C/80%RH).

For applications that need very tight control over temperature as well as humidity, the Condair DC-N dehumidifier will deliver dry process air as well as cooling to an area or duct. It incorporates a remotely located compressor unit to dissipate heat generated during the dehumidification process, similar to a split air conditioning system. Dehumidifying capacities range from 263 to 940 L/D (@30°C/80%RH) and cooling outputs from 13 to 43kW.

To complete Condair’s range of dehumidifiers, swimming pool models are now available that incorporate a range of features specifically for pool areas. Heat exchangers recover thermal energy from the supply air and the dehumidification process, which can either be introduced to the dry air being returned to the pool area or used to heat the pool water. Condair’s swimming pool dehumidification systems can also introduce outside fresh air to help improve the internal atmosphere. Units are offered in free-standing, wall-mounted, ceiling mounted, in-room or in-duct and in capacities up to 940L/D (@30°C/80%RH).

The Condair Group is the world’s leading specialist in humidity control and evaporative cooling, with energy efficient, hygienic and innovative technologies for commercial, industrial and heritage applications. Condair offers system design, manufacture, supply, installation, commissioning, maintenance and spares. More information is available on the company’s website at www.condair.co.uk.

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Saint-Gobain PAM UK, leading ductile-iron solutions manufacturer has launched its new Ensign rodding branch. Designed in collaboration with plumbing installers, the rodding branch combines up to eight components into one fitting to simplify and save on installation time.

After working alongside installers, Saint-Gobain PAM recognised that an opportunity to significantly reduce installation time was identified when installing horizontal pipework. This was particularly apparent in multi-storey developments with basement levels where the drainage systems can have numerous directional changes and multiple connections to vertical pipe stacks. Typically, this type of application would require several components to be assembled together; now with the new Ensign rodding branch, the installation time of each directional change is reduced by at least 60%.

Mike Rawlings, Marketing Manager for Saint-Gobain PAM, commented: “This is the first outcome of our new underlying strategy that aims to provide added value to cast iron drainage solutions for installers. It was vital that we listened and understood the challenges they face in order to create better solutions that would save them time and money. Essentially, the Ensign Rodding Branch- delivers best practice installation more quickly and simply for installers.

“Traditionally, when the horizontal pipework changes direction, installers would need to add a short length of pipe, and end cap to allow access for rodding, a support bracket and even, on certain installations, a set of pressure grip collars to accommodate thrust pressures at the end of a pipe run. This entire process can involve the use of up to eight separate components and would take a significant amount of time, even for experienced installers.”

The new branch is available in a 45° angle for horizontal directional change and 90° angle for use where the vertical pipe stack connects to the horizontal pipe run. The product combines all of the components into a single part, which also includes a pressure resistant end cap tested up to 5-bar of static pressure and a fixing lug. These additions remove the need for the grip collar and the full bracket that is required when creating a directional change in the traditional manner.

Mike Rawlings concludes: ”The new Ensign Rodding Branch will provide the plumbing installer with real opportunities to simplify their installation, reduce pipe cutting on site, and ultimately make labour time and cost saving benefits whilst maintaining best practice installation.”

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Crittall, the originator of the steel window and the sector’s leading manufacturer, has launched T60 – a highly innovative thermally broken steel window and door system.

T60’s slim profiles replicate original Crittall steel windows, combining traditional aesthetics with 21st Century levels of performance. T60 features an advanced high density polyurethane isolator as a thermal barrier. This, together with housing high performance double or triple glazing up to 37mm wide, ensures the system surpasses the requirements of current regulations while at the same time providing contemporary levels of comfort, particularly in harsher weather conditions where traditional steel windows may not have previously been sufficient. Market-leading weathertightness performance has been tested to European and ASTM Standards.

As with all Crittall products, T60 is corrosion protected and finished with Duralife, an architectural grade polyester powder coating. Its slim sightlines maximize the benefit of natural daylight thereby reducing reliance on artificial lighting. Each frame is fully welded enhancing strength and durability. The inherent strength of steel gives peace of mind in respect of robustness and security, boosted by optional multi-locking. A wide range of opening configurations are available.

Traditional aesthetics ensure T60 can be specified with confidence for Listed buildings or properties in Conservation areas.

The clean, slender design is ideally suited both to restoration work and new build projects and T60 is expected to be specified for a full range of market sectors, including offices, health, education and hotels.

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A bespoke cable management solution was delivered to a tight deadline ensuring halls of residence at the University of Warwick were ready to welcome students in time for the new term.
Marshall-Tufflex’s sleek Odyssey PVC-U trunking system offers a completely curved profile and is the only one of its kind on the market. It has been designed specifically with health, education and office environments in mind.

Bespoke lengths of 2.25m were cut to size to fit-out student rooms in the Arthur Vick Residence at the university. The Odyssey trunking was supplied in white with flush fitting charcoal accessory boxes to comply with Part M of the Building Regulations.

The dado trunking delivers data and electricity to desk areas in each of the 150 study rooms and was part of a refit of the whole residence. The halls are in constant use so the pressure was on to complete the refurbishment during the university vacation time.

Marshall-Tufflex has a dedicated team to deal with special projects where cable management products are fabricated to customised design and specification. The team was able to provide the bespoke cut lengths with a quick turnaround, helping the refit stay on track and on budget.

This specialist service offered by Marshall-Tufflex was a key consideration, but Odyssey was also chosen for its stylish curved profile, which has the added benefit of avoiding dust traps or cluttered surfaces and makes cleaning easy. Specially designed wrap-around covers give added security and result in smoother lines to further enhance Odyssey’s unique appearance.

Electrical Design Engineer Gary Price, from the University of Warwick Estates Office, said the system was chosen to enhance the look of the student rooms and also to provide the most cost-effective and timely solution. He said: “I have used Odyssey many times in the past and it looks aesthetically pleasing and is a very good product. We only had 10 weeks on site and I wanted to limit any waste in terms of time and materials. Having the product cut to size in the factory and delivered as a complete package for each study bedroom meant that it could be easily fitted into place with no waste. This has delivered a very good result.”

With a tight turnaround to get the project completed, ease of installation was another key factor. As well as being cut to size off-site, the base is pre-punched so does not require drilling. The trunking has adjustable bends with a 25mm bend radius to manage difficult angles, and cabling is made easier thanks to a specially designed internal cable tray.

The three compartments allow full cable segregation and both trunking and accompanying fittings are suitable for installations up to Cat 7a. The system is even tamper resistant thanks to fittings that locate with a special clip design, which is useful in school or high security settings.

Supplied by Edmundson Electrical in Coventry, the Odyssey range is also available as an antimicrobial option, and with electromagnetic shielding.

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Designed to appeal to the contracts sector, a new range of Kinedo shower enclosures has been added to the portfolio of showering products by Saniflo.

Fast 2000, named as such because of the 2000mm high profiles and the rapidity of installation, is a collection of enclosures designed to suit every size and shape of bathroom. Offering exceptional value for money, the collection includes:

• Pivot doors: 700 – 1200mm
• Sliding doors: 1000 – 1700mm
• Corner entry sliding doors: 700 – 1200mm
• Quads with sliding doors: 800 or 900mm
• Fixed panels: 700 – 900mm

As is synonymous with the Kinedo range the Fast 2000 is quick and easy to install and manufactured using quality components throughout. Interlocking aluminium profiles ensure the frame is very simple to assemble whilst easy release rollers can be fixed to the door profiles without any tools. Handles are attached using pre-supplied screws and fixings for the glass panels slot neatly and securely into place. The whole job is easily completed by one person.

The design of the Fast 2000 range is both high quality and provides an elegant shower space for new build and renovation projects alike.  Features include:

• 20 – 40mm of adjustment for ease of fitting
• Top and bottom rollers on slider doors for ease of release and excellent stability
• Anti-limescale treatment as standard for an easy clean solution
• Reversible glass panels
• Quick release rollers on slider doors
• 2m height enclosure with 6mm glass
• Easy fit profile covers and concealed fixings for a neat finish

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Condair plc has been accredited by the Workplace Wellbeing Charter, the national accreditation standard that recognises an organisation’s commitment to improving the lives of those who work there.  Condair achieved the standard through initiatives such as the introduction of free staff health MOTs, subsidizing gym subscriptions, investing in sit-stand desks and appointing trained mental health first aiders.

Condair plc, the UK’s leading humidification specialist, employs 75 people, located either at its headquarters in West Sussex, or remotely situated around the UK, across its nationwide sales and service teams.

Tim Scott, head of sales at Condair plc, comments, “Employees who are happy and healthy are more engaged and productive in the workplace. We are very proud to have obtained this important accreditation, as it objectively demonstrates our commitment to continually improving the happiness, health and wellbeing of our staff.

“Condair has been at the forefront of the UK’s humidity control for 37 years. The fact that over half our staff have been with us for at least 10 years, and many for much longer, is testament to the importance we place on employee wellbeing and happiness. This doesn’t just make our day-to-day working lives more enjoyable but has a direct impact on the business’ profits. It helps us retain talented individuals, builds the most experienced workforce in the marketplace and ensures we deliver the best possible service to our customers.”

As part of the Workplace Wellbeing Charter accreditation, Condair was independently reviewed by a consultant, against a set of eight topic areas. These topics ranged from leadership and absence management to physical activity and healthy eating. The objective is to assess the company’s level of commitment to creating a culture that values health and wellbeing.

Tim Scott continues, “As an organisation, we have always been proactive about creating a happy workplace, with regular social events playing an important part in building a cooperative and friendly team atmosphere. We also encourage staff to manage their own health through subsidizing gym subscriptions, promoting tax-free bike-to-work schemes, offering sit/stand desks, company bikes for staff use, free bi-annual health MOTs and offering medical cash plans, which allow staff access to cheaper healthcare services for things like dental, optometry or podiatry.

“Alongside these investments, we also provide services to employees such as workshops on stress management, healthy eating and mindfulness, give staff support to stop smoking and allow time-shifting in working hours. Simply starting and finishing a working day at a slightly different time can improve a person’s work life balance and alleviate stress.

“Mental health has also been a focus for us in recent years. As well as internally promoting government initiatives like Mental Health Awareness Week, we have appointed and trained two mental health first aiders. These individuals are able to offer direct and confidential support to people who need it. As well as this one-to-one support, employees also have access to a confidential helpline, with experts who can provide advice on a range of topics from bereavement and debt to health and relationships.” Tim concludes.

The 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.

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Condair is appearing at the forthcoming Data Centre World exhibition on stand D921, at the Excel Centre in London from 12th to 13th March. The company will be displaying the latest in adiabatic and steam humidifier technology, which provides in-duct evaporative cooling and humidification to data centres.

Condair has extensive experience in working with data centre designers and air handling unit manufacturers that need to incorporate evaporative coolers or humidifiers into their systems. Previous data centre projects have involved clients such as Facebook, Microsoft, Digital Realty, Hewlett Packard, Amazon and eBay.

Condair’s experts will be on-hand at Data Centre World to give advice on how the latest humidifier technology can reduce data centre operating costs through improved energy consumption and reduced maintenance requirements.

Products on display include the Condair ME evaporative humidifier that offers 0.68kW of adiabatic cooling to an air handling system for every 1kg of moisture evaporated into the air stream. As the humidifier can provide up to 1,440kg/hr of humidity while operating on less than 1kW, it presents significant benefits to data centres using free air cooling systems. The technology can be employed to deliver direct or indirect evaporative cooling to facilities in warmer climates or add massive amounts of low energy humidification to data centres using cold, dry outside air in cold climates.

Alongside its market-leading in-duct evaporative system, Condair will have the Condair RS resistive steam humidifier on its stand. The Condair RS offers steam humidification to data centres without the need to frequently replace boiling cylinders, as is the case with many on-board humidification systems supplied with CRAC units. The humidifier has a scale management system that allows lime scale that builds up in the boiling chamber to fall into a removable tank at the base of the unit. Routine scale removal can be carried out by in-house maintenance staff in minutes, saving costs on consumables and maintenance time.

The 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.

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