Category Archives: Manufacturing
CONDAIR HELPS HARRIER’S PRINT RUN SMOOTHLY
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Harrier Group, a leading UK digital printing firm, has invested in four Condair RS restive steam humidifiers to maintain the perfect production environment in its newly-designed, high-tech print room.
The Condair RS humidifiers were specified by the contractor, Brothwell Irvine, who were commissioned to develop a new state-of-the-art inkjet print room at Harrier’s Newton Abbot site in Devon. Accurate humidity control maintains the integrity of the paper being used. If the atmosphere is too dry, paper can develop tight edges and curl at the corners, whilst too much moisture in the air can cause paper to become wavy as it absorbs water. Any dimensional change can result in print issues, as the machines run at such high speed. This is especially critical as the inkjet printer at Harrier’s Newton Abbot site is running at high volumes 24-hours a day.
Harrier’s Health, Safety and Facilities Manager, Jeremy Rawley, says the units installed in the new room are maintaining the vital humidity levels required of between 40% and 60%. He also points out that speed of delivery and local after-sales service were key factors in choosing Condair, which he describes as a world leader in that type of equipment.
He says: “We already knew the company, as we have a couple of their units in other print rooms. The quality of their equipment is right up there. Paper is susceptible to changes in environmental conditions so humidity is really important. Their service is second to none as well. We work to tough deadlines and one of the key things for us is that Condair could supply the equipment quickly within the required timescale. Having a local service engineer on call to maintain them in tip-top condition is important for us too.”
Paper is a hygroscopic material that adapts to reach a condition of equilibrium with the humidity conditions of the surrounding environment. Any changes in the paper‘s internal moisture content will cause dimensional variations and a loss of flatness. The Condair RS humidifiers monitor the room’s humidity level and provide steam directly to the atmosphere whenever needed. Each humidifier installed at Harrier is capable of delivering up to 8kg/h of steam from its integrated fan unit. Having multiple units installed in the large print room ensures very accurate humidity control, consistently across the complete area.
Harrier has printed photos from its Newton Abbot site for over 30 years and evolved from the UK’s biggest direct-to-consumer photo processing brand, Truprint. The company now prints photos for many of the UK’s most recognised high street stores and app-based printing services, delivering over ¾ billion photos per year.
Dave Marshall-George, Sales Director at Condair, adds: “Humidity must be controlled in the printing industry for the best quality results. The Condair RS is a popular choice for digital print rooms, as it offers very accurate humidity control and has an innovative scale management system. When scale forms on the heating elements, as it will do in any steam humidifier, it breaks off and falls into a scale collector tank located at the bottom of the unit. This tank can be easily emptied, enabling the scale to be removed from the system, without the need for professional servicing.”
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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SFA Group supports World Water Day
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To commemorate World Water Day on 22 March, Saniflo UK’s parent company, SFA with headquarters in France, is supporting the supply of clean drinking water to families in The Philippines.
Thanks to the support from SFA Group, two families from Laguna now have clean drinking water and electricity for the first time. The project is part of SFA Group recent AquaHome developments in The Philippines.
The lucky recipients are Mr. Jose Estojero & Mrs. Mallen Uson and Mr. Aurelio o. Dino and Mrs. Edna T. Dino who live in Siteo Happy Valley on the Laguna AquaHome development.
Saniflo UK Head of Marketing and Product Management, Ann Boardman, says: “We take clean drinking water and electricity for granted, but for some people it’s an unknown luxury. Now, thanks to the support of the SFA Group, two families’ lives just became easier and more comfortable.”
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Quiet fans from Vortice
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She explains that there are also other new products in development where quiet running noise is part of the design brief. The worst case scenario would be where the householder or commercial premises turns off a ventilation fan because it is too noisy, causing poor indoor air quality as a result.
Marketing Manager Jennifer Quinn said: “Noise itself is considered a pollutant and having noisy fans in occupied areas can lead to increased stress and disturbed concentration levels. VORTICE is passionate about aiding people’s health and wellbeing and decreasing noise is a great way to create a harmonious environment.”
Visit the Vortice website to find out more about its range of quiet fans www.vortice.ltd.uk
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Below Ground Drainage – it’s all about added value!
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CAST IRON CERTAINTY FROM STELRAD…
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The latest addition to the Stelrad Radiator Group portfolio is the new Cast Iron Column range. Traditionally Stelrad has supplied steel radiators and continues to do so with more than two and a half million radiators manufactured each year. But in the past few years, cast iron column radiators – which were first around in Victorian times – have come into vogue again and as always, the company aims to meet the demands of its customers at every level, so it has added a selection of Cast Iron Column radiators to its ever-widening range.
The new Stelrad Radiator Group Cast Iron Column radiator is available now and adds undoubted charisma to any modern or period home with its distinctive, ageless look and its Natural Cast finish. With the added options of either Antique Brass or Brushed Nickel TRVs to provide the ultimate in modern heating control. The classic, clean lines suggest a genuine piece from yesteryear whilst offering the very best in quality and craftsmanship to enhance the very latest in heating technology as it slips effortlessly into the superior elegance of today’s most fashionable of décor.
These radiators are floor standing with in-built feet for extra stability as they are significantly heavier than their steel counterparts. They are available in two heights and a wide variety of widths – a total of twenty sizes available. And as you would expect, they come with a cast iron ten-year warranty.
“We’re pleased to be able to respond to customer demand and
provide this excellent new range of cast iron radiators,” says Stelrad’s Head of Marketing, Chris Harvey. “The arrival of this new range confirms our position as a one stop shop for all things radiators and we’re delighted with the early response to the new range we’ve received from installers and merchants up and down the UK.”
To find out more about Stelrad’s new Cast Iron Column radiators go to www.stelrad.com. For more information call 0800 876 6813 or email marketing@stelrad.com. Alternatively, you can also see regular updates from Stelrad on Twitter @Stelrad and Facebook @StelradRadiators.
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LG LAUNCHES NEW THERMA V MONOBLOC ‘S’ HEAT PUMP
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As a New Year comes into view, LG has launched the latest version of its sector leading Therma V Monobloc air to water heat pump – the Therma V R32 Monobloc ‘S’ – into a UK marketplace that is highly responsive to new heat pump technology. The ‘S’ stands for ‘Silence’ and ‘Supreme’ to highlight its reduced noise level and best performance criteria.
The announcement recently from Government that it will provide a £5,000 grant from April 2022 to individuals choosing to install a heat pump over existing fossil fuel driven heating systems is the next crucial step towards major uptake of proven heat pump technology in preference to reliance on gas, oil and solid fuel options for domestic heating and hot water provision in the UK. The Future Homes Standard requires serious action and quickly if targets are to be met. Renewables and higher standards of building quality in, for example, recognition of better standards of insulation in UK homes are key to meeting the aims of the FHS. Heat pumps have a major part to play.
The original LG Therma V Monobloc has already seen enormous success in the UK marketplace as heat pump sales in 2021 trebled over sales in the previous year. But this new ‘S’ version is set to make unparalleled sales figures in 2022 as more and more housebuilders and developers, local authorities and social housing providers move to use renewable options in their new build homes and begin the process of replacing older and inefficient gas boilers with an option that future proofs their existing homes in the years ahead.
As with the original Monobloc, this new model combines the indoor and outdoor features in one module. It’s also connected by only water piping, eliminating the need for refrigerant piping, making this heat pump an installer’s dream when it comes to ease of installation.
Hydronic components like the improved plate heat exchanger, the expansion tank, water pump, flow sensor, pressure sensor, air vent valve and safety valve are all built in – inside the outdoor unit – pre-installed and ready to run. And the R32 Monobloc ‘S’ provides excellent heating performance especially at low ambient temperatures whilst lowering its carbon emissions even more with the use of R32.
The innovative design and technology in this new unit sees built in water flow and pressure sensors to monitor the water circuit in real time, advanced water pump control, enhanced second circuit logic, energy monitoring of estimated power consumption via the remote controller, MODBUS connectivity without Gateway if required and advanced control for the domestic hot water recirculation pump.
LG equipment is justly renowned in the industry for its controllers and the new Monobloc ‘S’ is equipped with a new advanced remote controller which supports a number of functions. It comes with a premium design 4.3-inch colour LCD monitor, user friendly interface that uses simple graphic, icon and text controls, easy schedule and installer settings and energy monitoring without meter interface to provide estimated power consumption figures. It is possible to monitor not only the temperature of the water circuit but also the flow rate and the pressure. This information provides installers with more reliable information for installation and maintenance.
The original version was extremely quiet, but this new ‘S’ version is even quieter and up to 9kW units can be installed at the minimum of 4 metres away, and up to 16kW units – up to 5 metres away from neighbouring houses complying with international noise regulations. And through the use of LG’s ThinQ technology can monitor and control compatible LG products remotely so owners can set the temperature and regulate the use of their Therma V anytime, anywhere. ThinQ technology also works with voice activation with Google Homes.
Installers will love the new Monobloc ‘S’ – the all-in-one concept and reduced weight of the unit makes for easier and quicker installations. The new version requires lower amounts of refrigerant compared to the existing model – 16.7% less in fact – reducing emissions and lessening its environmental impact still further. The new version features LG’s revolutionary R1 Compressor technology which offers advanced efficiency, reliability and operational range due in part to the enhanced tilting motion of the scroll. It offers enhanced operational range – up to 135Hz, a shaft-through structure and support at both ends of the shaft which ensures higher durability and offers bottom compression and simple structure that offers lower noise and vibration, less weight and superior reliability.
Within the outdoor unit the new version of the LG Monobloc offers a new compressor noise shield, a new Black Fin coated heat exchanger, a new water flow sensor and a new water pressure sensor. There is an option to include a 3kW or 6kW electric back up heater.
The unit comes with a Seasonal Coefficient of Performance of up to 4.67 (Average climate/Low temperature application) and a A+++ rating. The COP rises to 4.9 (Outdoor air 7°C/Leaving water temperature 35°C) and can deliver leaving water temperature of 65°C if required.
Peter Spurway is LG’s National Sales Manager – Heating Projects: “These are exciting times for heat pumps and for LG as we see hugely increased interest and sales of our established Therma V units. This launch of the new Monobloc ‘S’ gives us another massive lift as we can offer the leading monobloc unit on the market. We’re already seeing major interest in the new unit from housebuilders, social housing providers and self-builders – keen to find the best option for renewable heating projects up and down the country. They are seeing the latest advances incorporated into the new unit and with the restriction on the use of fossil fuelled heating in new build properties from 2025 are keen to begin working with the products that they will be using from that time onwards immediately.
“LG Business Solutions UK is a special business unit of LG Electronics and our new build projects team are dedicated to bringing LG’s world-class IOT-enabled smart home innovations to the UK construction industry. The Monobloc S compliments our Split, Hydro Split and High Temp Split units to provide low carbon heating solutions for almost any house type.”
For more information on the new LG Therma V Monobloc ‘S’ head for partner.lge.com/uk, or email LG at uk.aircon@lge.com.
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Strong Kinedo presence at KBB 2022
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Kinedo is Europe’s leading brand of all-in-one shower cubicles. The comprehensive range is complemented by a portfolio of modern shower enclosures and trays. Two years after the last KBB show at the NEC, which immediately preceded the Covid epidemic, the team at Kinedo has once again booked a space to reinvigorate the interest generated back in 2020 and showcase the brand to a wider audience. The stand, which will showcase a range of bathroom solutions, will be in Hall 20, Stand B82.
The Kinedo brand is coming back stronger than ever before with a new sales strategy, a new sales structure, a new team and new internal staff; all designed to ensure it is both easy and efficient to do business with Kinedo. The stand team is particularly keen to catch up with retailers, housebuilders and contract specifiers to update them on positive changes in the product range and to reiterate the all-important support and back up services that really distinguish Kinedo in the marketplace.
Kinedo will unveil the new Smart Design walk-in shower enclosure featuring white profiles, glass door with a stunning white graphic design which will be paired with the new Kineline shower tray in white. More products will also be on display including the Kinemagic Design and Brooklyn shower cubicles and the popular Kinemoon tray.
Ann Boardman, Head of Marketing and Product Management at Saniflo UK says: “We’re so looking forward to KBB 2022. We spent last year consolidating the Kinedo business structure and now with a new team and even a new product, we’re ready to remind the industry what Kinedo is all about. The message that we really want to drive home at KBB is about not only the quality and versatility of the Kinedo brand, but also about that outstanding after-sales service, contract support, technical and installation support and generally about the value that we add. We can’t wait to see everyone there. Please come and visit us in Hall 20 on Stand B82.”
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Bespoke Kocoon cubicle delivered thanks to leading customer service
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The Kocoon is a cubicle with a difference. With all the benefits of Kinedo self-contained shower cubicles, the Kocoon differs with its luxury shower panels, rather than the glass internal panels that Kinedo cubicles are famous for.
The cubicles are available in multiple sizes and are popularly used as bath replacement products. One customer, from the Midlands, was looking for such a product that would blend into the original décor of his smartly tiled bathroom and the beige patterned shower wall of the Kocoon looked like a perfect match. However, the standard specification of a recessed Kocoon – with two patterned end panels and a single plain back panel – didn’t meet his unique requirements.
The customer not only wanted all three panels with the pattern, but also an alternative installation point for the shower valve and showerhead. Unable to support the request, the
local plumbers merchant recommended direct contact with the Kinedo technical team, who provided personalized support for a personalized shower cubicle.
After colour samples were sent to the customer for approval, the team ordered a set of bespoke panels from the company’s manufacturing base in France and no holes were pre-drilled to enable a bespoke shower valve installation on site.
The unit was delivered and installed within 9 weeks of the initial enquiry and the customer is delighted with the result;
“From start to finish the team to Kinedo have bent over backwards to support my requirements. I am really pleased with the cubicle which slots directly into the recess where my bath was previously. I was keen to retain the existing tiles and this cubicle gave me that opportunity. Then, when I wanted something over and above the standard spec, the team could not have been more helpful and I think the result is absolutely stunning.”
The Kocoon cubicle is supplied as one integrated package that includes the tray, internal shower panels, glass external panels and door, as well as the smart shower valve, rainshower head and handheld shower with anti-twist hose.
The specification team at Kinedo is very happy to work with installers and specifiers to deliver solutions, including sales specials, that meet any project requirements. The technical team will also deliver installation training on-site to ensure that all plumbers and installers can benefit from best practice installation. A Kinedo cubicle can be installed and ready to use in under half a day. With no tiles, grout or silicone required it really is an efficient solution.
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Learn how Saint-Gobain PAM products help to ensure your construction project achieves its sustainable targets
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With a New Year comes an increasing focus on Sustainability and PAM are doing everything possible to ensure their products play their part in helping ensure your construction project achieves its sustainable targets in terms of recyclability, carbon reduction, reduced waste, reduced time spent on the install… The list goes on. Why not watch the video to learn more!
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Saniflo parent company SFA Group wins social responsibility award
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SFA Group –Saniflo UK’s parent company – has been awarded a Bronze Medal for Corporate Social Responsibility from EcoVadis, the world’s most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings. This result places the SFA Group among the top 50% of companies assessed by EcoVadis.
The EcoVadis assessment is built on international sustainability standards, including the Global Reporting Initiative, the United Nations Global Compact, and the ISO 26000, covering 200 spend categories and 160+ countries.
SFA Group was rated based on a sustainability scorecard which illustrates performance across 21 indicators in four main categories of environment, labour and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement.
Saniflo UK Head of Marketing and Product Management, Ann Boardman, says: “At Sanifo UK we uphold the same high standards set by our parent company, SFA Group in France. We pride ourselves on our ongoing commitment to being the best we can be in all ways, always. This Bronze medal is well deserved.”