Category Archives: Manufacturing
Crittall windows – I’ll drink to that!
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A Cornish brewery has moved into renovated premises that give visitors a whole new experience of watching the creation of their favourite beers with Crittall Windows playing a crucial role in the new concept.
Verdant Brewery took over a rundown warehouse on a Penryn industrial estate and, in addition to installing the brewing vats, created 400 sq. metres for staff offices and a space for public use, dubbed the Taproom.
The new interior was created around a steel-framed installation with Crittall Corporate W20 windows providing a light and contemporary area where visitors can have a beer and something to eat while enjoying views through to the working brewery, a paramount consideration of the client.
In addition, The Taproom provides a mezzanine balcony overlooking an area that can also be used for entertainment from a DJ or with live music. The design was produced by locally-based architects Zelah Studio.
Said architect James Collins; “We used the W20 system as it allowed great flexibility and a quality industrial look that the client wanted. Large expanses of the glazing allowed us to create views of the brewery from all spaces.”
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Weatherite Cool With Condair ME
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The Condair ME evaporative humidifier is helping Weatherite reduce cooling system energy consumption for its data centre and telecoms clients by up to 80%. Condair’s evaporative humidifier is providing adiabatic cooling in Weatherite’s innovative Adtec-D free air cooling unit. The Condair ME boosts the cooling capacity of the system, allowing the Adtec-D to fully replace the need for mechanical cooling in some applications.
The Adtec-D is a self-contained, modular cooling system that can be located either inside or outside of a building. In data hall or telecom environments, for most of the year it operates in free air cooling mode and uses the outside air alone to cool the internal environment. However, when the outside temperature rises to around 20°C, the Adtec-D switches to adiabatic cooling mode. The incoming air is then passed through the Condair ME, which evaporates water into the fresh air stream, cooling it by up to a further 12°C.
By combining free air and evaporative cooling, Weatherite’s Adtec-D has recently been able to fully replace DX mechanical cooling across more than 800 switchgear rooms for a leading UK telecoms provider. A total of around 1,500 Adtec-D units have been deployed in the project to date. A single legacy 30kW DX and free air cooling unit was consuming around 71,000kWh annually to maintain the required internal temperature, operating 24/7. The replacement 30kW Adtec-D cooling unit consumes just 14,000kWh to meet the same annual cooling load. This resulted in an 80% energy saving for the client, which is a significant 83.3MWh annual saving in electricity across the UK-wide retrofit project.
Andy Lewis, Technical Manager at Weatherite commented, “The Adtec-D is an ideal retrofit solution for telco or DC clients who wish to take advantage of free air cooling rather than continuing to operate DX chillers. Available in modules that can provide from 15 to 80kW of sensible cooling, the Adtec-D will typically operate with an energy efficiency ratio greater than 15, even at peak outputs. The evaporative cooling technology, supplied by Condair, ensures the Adtec-D can maintain the allowable ASHRAE conditions, even during the warmer months in a European climate without the reliance on F-gas refrigerants.”
“Weatherite only uses the highest quality components in its HVAC solutions, and this includes Condair’s evaporative humidifier. It certainly delivered on our specific requirements for operation, control and hygiene management, and we’ve been very pleased with the support offered by Condair in connection with this successful project.” Andy concludes.
Dave Marshall-George, UK Sales Director at Condair, commented, “It’s a privilege to partner with Weatherite on such an innovative product that is helping the UK’s telecommunications sector meet its energy and sustainability objectives. As well as offering the most comprehensive range of humidifiers on the market, Condair has the ability to work with OEMs to create customised solutions. The evaporative humidifier incorporated into Weatherite’s Adtec-D is based on our standard Condair ME, but with some modifications to meet the project requirements. This project is an example of how Condair can develop innovative and flexible solutions for its customers.”
Weatherite is a leading UK manufacturer of made-to-measure HVAC equipment, based out of the West Midlands. Operating for over 50 years, the company provides a range of AHUs, heat recovery systems, packaged rooftop equipment and air cooled chillers.
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 is represented in the UK by Condair Ltd, 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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FUTURE Designs introduces carbon careful™ – a review of its commitment to the circular economy over the last 12 years
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FUTURE designs has pioneered the refurbishment and upgrading of existing luminaires and carcasses for over 12 years. Taking existing FUTURE Designs products and those of competitors, FUTURE Designs has renewed the luminaires with latest LED technology transforming them into highly efficient and carbon saving solutions, extending the lifespan and drastically reducing carbon usage and overall costs.
David Clements, FUTURE Designs Chief Executive explains: “The carbon careful™ initiative could be described as our “best kept secret”, as a hugely efficient design and manufacturing business we have always endeavoured to keep waste to a minimum, and now as the world is faced with a growing necessity to Refurbish, Reuse and Restore wherever feasible, we are sharing our story and expertise to encourage more organisations to follow suit.”
The carbon careful™ book showcases a range of examples from leading blue-chip organisations, highlighting FUTURE Designs proficiency, capability and commitment to the refurbishment of existing luminaire carcasses to increase the sustainability of commercial premises.
LED has been the lighting medium of choice for over ten years now but there are still millions of old fluorescent fittings being used to illuminate space. By switching to LED, energy and carbon usage can be reduced by circa 50%, coupled with the reuse of mild steel and aluminium, the savings are significant.
LED has a far greater lifespan, and its ‘solid state’ makes it easier to dispose of, without the risk of harmful gases such as mercury found in fluorescent lamps making it better for the environment.
FUTURE Designs is always at the forefront of any technological breakthrough, renowned for our expertise in this area of lighting science and have proven to be the experts in adapting old fluorescent lighting to state-of-the art lighting, ensuring that the benefits from the reduced impact on the environment are fully realised.
The full book can be viewed here: https://www.futuredesigns.co.uk/carbon-careful/
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World-famous art protected by Condair humidifiers
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Two Condair RS steam humidifiers have recently been installed, by Ceilite Air Conditioning, at the prestigious Henry Moore Foundation in Hertfordshire. Henry Moore was a renowned artist, best known for his figure sculptures. The Henry Moore Foundation is a charity founded by the artist later in his life, to educate and promote fine art. Its Hertfordshire headquarters houses many works of art that need consistent environmental control for their protection and preservation.
Accurate humidity control within the range of 40 to 60% maintains the integrity of the valuable exhibits. Previous experience of the reliability of Condair’s humidifiers at Henry Moore’s studios meant the leading specialist in humidification was again first choice when the time came to enhance its humidity control.
Tim Cheshire, Ceilite’s Applications Engineer Technical Manager, said: “We required an efficient and effective method of humidification that could safely raise relative humidity (RH) in a large archive store for priceless artwork – vital requirements that were successfully met by Condair. There were some challenges posed by the space to work in and the infrastructure of the building, but the excellent installation team overcame the issues without any complaint. Would I specify Condair’s humidifiers again? Yes, without hesitation.”
The previous humidity control strategy employed evaporative humidifiers at the world-famous site in Perry Green. However, the archive store required a closer level of humidity control than is possible with an evaporative system so the Condair RS was specified in consultation with the M&E consultant, Harley Haddow. The Condair RS is a resistive steam humidifier capable of providing ±5%RH control when operated on regular mains water and ±2% with RO water.
The two air-handling units serving the archive storage area are located externally to the main building, so Condair supplied its Condair RS OC models that have IP55-rated cabinets. Rather than install standard humidifiers in protective housing, the Condair RS OC has a purpose-built, weatherproof and temperature controlled case. This means it takes up much less room and is easier to install. The outdoor humidifiers are the most compact in the industry with the smallest footprint and incorporate lifting handles to make on-site transportation easier.
Henry Moore (1898-1986) was one of the most important British artists of the twentieth century and arguably, the most internationally celebrated sculptor of the period. His works typically depict reclining figures or a mother and child, and tended to contain pierced or hollow spaces. Alongside sculptures, Moore produced many drawings and other graphic work on paper. Each year the Henry Moore Foundation welcomes thousands of visitors to the studios and gardens in Perry Green to view the famous sculptor’s work.
The Condair Group is the world’s leading specialist in humidification, dehumidification and evaporative cooling, with technologies for commercial, industrial and heritage applications. The company 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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New Saniflo campaign wins praise
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Saniflo emphasizes that when you consider the possibilities that a small white box affords, it can open up a whole new mindset to converting unused spaces:
- Bathroom in an unused attic? It’s possible with a Saniflo.
- Laundry in a cellar? Also, possible.
- En-suite in the loft? A breeze.
The point is that when gravity drainage isn’t an option, a Saniflo usually is. So, for domestic and commercial customers this new, striking advertising campaign might just be the nudge they need to grasp what’s possible.
Ann Boardman is Head of Marketing and Product Management at Saniflo and was responsible for overseeing the concept. To test the idea, the graphics were used at the Homebuilding and Renovating Show at the NEC In Birmingham.
Ann says: “The new advertising campaign is a step in a different direction for us, as we really wanted to challenge perceptions and stimulate customers’ ideas of how to transform their spare spaces. We know what a Saniflo can help achieve, but we wanted to convey this to customers in a visually appealing manner. Feedback at the show absolutely vindicated the change and we are now rolling out the ads in the press, on social media and on future show stands and we encourage our customers to watch out for the ads and share them with their customers.”
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New service engineer at Condair
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Humidity and evaporative cooling specialist Condair, has employed
Paul Threlfell, as a service engineer covering Scotland and the North of England. Paul is F-Gas and IOSSH accredited and has over 25 years’ experience in the HVAC industry, having worked for companies such as Hussmann Refrigeration, City Refrigeration, Russell Air Conditioning, Scotia Energy Saving Systems/ID Scotia and Linaker.
Tony Tullett, Service Director at Condair, commented, “I’m very happy to have Paul join the Condair Service Team. Being based in Edinburgh, he is perfectly positioned to support our customers across Scotland. Paul is a very experienced engineer in our sector and has dealt with many different types of HVAC system. His F-Gas accreditation is a great benefit, as we service not only humidifiers but also refrigerant-based dehumidifiers, so he can really hit the ground running. In fact, we’ve already had some lovely positive feedback from customers he’s visited, so we are sure Paul will be an invaluable asset to our team.”
Condair’s service department provides the manufacturer’s engineering expertise on-site, supporting the complete range of Condair humidifiers and dehumidifiers, as well as many other humidification systems. Condair has the largest specialist humidity control engineering team in the UK, with 21 engineers strategically located across the UK and Ireland to provide nationwide coverage.
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 is represented in the UK by Condair Limited, 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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New appointment for Kinedo
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The Kinedo sales team is expanding with the appointment of James Day as Area Sales Manager – South.
James joined in March 2022 – just in time for the start of the KBB Show, where he was able to connect with new and existing customers. Prior to joining the Kinedo sales team James worked in the plumbing sector for 18 years as Manager of two different merchants in Sussex.
His new role will entail generating displays, as well promoting general awareness of the Kinedo range of cubicles, enclosures and trays in the retail and merchant sectors. James has known the brand for many years, but was impressed by the latest additions to the range;
“I did some research prior to joining the company and the range has evolved a lot over the last couple of years. There are some really impressive models which will help me secure displays. The beauty of Kinedo is the level of support offered to customers including sales and installation training plus a dedicated point of contact from enquiry to sale. Kinedo is Europe’s largest shower cubicle manufacturer and has a great pedigree, so I am keen to really help it become a known brand in the UK.”
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NEW DEHUMIDIFIER WITH EXTERNAL CONDENSER
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Condair is launching the Condair DC-N, a condensing dehumidifier with an external condenser unit that can dry an area without the risk of overheating. Traditional condensing dehumidifiers introduce heat to a room from their built-in condensers when they dry the air. The Condair DC-N’s external condenser allows the heat generated during drying to be remotely exhausted, similar to a split air conditioner. This makes it much easier to manage the temperature of a room that is being dehumidified.
Dave Marshall-George, Sales Director at Condair commented, “Condensing dehumidifiers dry the air by creating a cold surface upon which moisture in the air condenses and drips to drain. This process generates heat, so the dry air leaving the dehumidifier can be several degrees warmer than the humid air entering it. For some projects, this added heat can cause an issue. When it is, ventilation is frequently used to control temperature. However, by introducing fresh air to control temperature, moisture can enter the room, making the humidity control less effective.
“The Condair DC-N is the ideal solution in these circumstances. When the room is cold and below the required temperature, the dehumidifier’s on-board condenser introduces heat as well as drying the air. Then when the room’s temperature set point is reached, the remote condenser activates, ejecting the heat externally rather than into the room. This allows a room to remain sealed, therefore providing efficient drying, whilst achieving the ideal internal temperature and humidity.”
The Condair DC-N range offers drying capacities from 263 to 940 litres per day (@30°C/80%RH). It incorporates energy efficient EC fans, high quality components and R410A refrigerant gas. Operation is controlled via an on-board digital display, an optional remotely located controller (up to 50m away) or via BMS using Modbus.
Condair offers a comprehensive range of both condensing and desiccant dehumidifiers, allowing the company to always provide the most appropriate technology for any drying project. 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 is represented in the UK by Condair Ltd, 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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New brand identity for PAM’s Soil and Drain activity
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In May 2021, all customers of Saint-Gobain PAM’s building business received a letter advising that a new company dedicated to the design, manufacture and marketing of cast iron pipes for wastewater and rainwater drainage was created, under the name Saint-Gobain PAM Bâtiment.
The aim was to provide better customer service and clear identification of the business, alongside Saint-Gobain PAM Canalisation, which is dedicated to the drinking water supply, sewerage, irrigation and roadworks markets.
The creation of this independent company also makes sense in terms of its complementarity with the companies of the Saint-Gobain Group in the construction markets.
It enables the company to enhance the value of a historic profession that utilises a noble material that is made from 99% recycled content and can be 100% recycled: cast iron.
With an international stature and its European facilities (industrial sites in Bayard-sur-Marne in France and Telford in the UK, as well as a logistic platform in Köln in Germany), it has grown significantly
in 2021:
– Now has a turnover of €107M
– Activity in more than 50 countries, mainly through prestigious projects in the most demanding office buildings, high-end hotels, hospitals, etc.
To better express this trajectory, a new global brand was needed: PAM Building is officially launched at the beginning of March 2022.
Dedicated to the vast field of construction, PAM Building aims to
unite its 370 employees and all its stakeholders around a strong
motto: safe and sustainable by nature. This motto reflects the reality of its industry: to build safe buildings for its occupants and owners, while creating a long-term positive impact on the environment.
The formalisation of PAM Building is accompanied by a new environmental roadmap that aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 80% by 2030 since the 2017 baseline. This will make cast iron drainage the solution for low impact buildings with its properties make an ideal part of a circular economy, and we will soon be more carbon-efficient, with the introduction of innovations in 2022 and beyond.
Accompanied by a modernised graphic redesign, the company’s image has been radically revitalised. It will of course be applied to an increased digital presence in all countries which will be implemented throughout our business over the coming weeks.
Proud of its centuries of history, PAM Building now has the face it deserves to embody its future innovations, in line with the ambition of sustainable construction. The face of a brand with a future, sure of its commitments and our importance to help make the world a better home.
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NEW SOUTH EAST AREA SALES MANAGER AT CONDAIR
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Darren comments, “I am very happy to have taken on the area sales manager position, across both humidifiers and dehumidifiers, and am now responsible for much of the south east of England, from Kent to Suffolk, including East London. I’m looking forward to getting to know our customers in these regions, and helping them improve their productivity and working environments through enhanced humidity control. It will also be great to be back in front of clients, providing CPD training, either in-house or online.”
David Marshall-George, UK Sales Director at Condair, comments, “It’s great to have Darren join our UK sales team. He is very experienced in all aspects of humidification, and brings with him superb application knowledge from his service-related sales work at Condair.”
Condair Ltd has comprehensive sales coverage across the country with seven sales managers covering all of the UK and Ireland.
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 is represented in the UK by Condair Ltd, 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.