Category Archives: Manufacturing
CONDAIR IN TUNE WITH STEINWAY
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Steinway & Sons, synonymous with building the world’s best and finest pianos for over 160 years, recently refurbished its impressive London showroom in Marylebone. The company required its contractor to create the optimum environmental conditions to prevent the wood used to craft these precision instruments from warping. Condair’s resistive steam (RS) humidifiers were specified and then installed in three rooms in the building, including the basement where the workshop is situated. All the units are feeding steam into air handling units to maintain the vital humidity levels required.
Steinway’s UK managing director, Craig Terry, explains: “Incredibly rare and expensive wood is used in some of our models – but actually any type of wood is susceptible to changes in environmental conditions. Dryness is the enemy of pianos so humidity is really important. We need 40% to 50% humidity all the time to protect the wood, whether they’re in the showroom or the workshop. Condair’s units are ideal for the job.
“And because we rely so heavily on the reliability of the humidifiers, we also contracted with Condair to service the humidifiers at regular intervals. Would I recommend Condair? Oh yes, they’ve supplied great service.”
If these precision musical instruments, which are worth many thousands of pounds each, are exposed to dry air it can change the instrument’s dimensions very slightly. This would be detrimental to their performance and result in them requiring much more frequent tuning, eventually leading to permanent deterioration over time. Thankfully, Condair’s RS humidifiers provide the perfect protection.
The Condair RS humidifiers installed at Steinway are capable of creating up to 16kg/h of humidity but the range has models offering maximum outputs from 5 to 160kg/h. The humidifier delivers accurate control without the expense of plastic disposable boiling cylinders, simplifying maintenance and keeping downtime to a minimum. Scale that forms on the heating elements breaks off under normal operation and falls into the externally located scale collector tank. Scale removal is a simple process of draining the tank with the push of a button, allowing the unit to cool then disconnecting the tank and emptying it.
An advanced touchscreen control panel makes operation simple, while providing detailed diagnostic reporting. In addition, a USB connection allows performance data to be downloaded into Excel and the humidifier’s software to be easily updated.
Dave Marshall-George, UK Sales Director at Condair, added: “Humidity control for Steinway is of particular importance during winter in the UK. As soon as the weather turns cold, indoor humidity may drop below the required 40%RH. However, air conditioning systems will also dry the air, so the humidification system will have been in regular use. Basically, whenever there’s a requirement to precisely control the environmental conditions around the pianos, the humidifiers will automatically do exactly what’s needed of them.
“We really value our relationship with Steinway and appreciate their faith in both the capability of the Condair RS humidifiers and our service engineers, who keep them running in tip top condition.”
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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Profab Access introduces industry first for fire integrity and installation
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The only product of its kind currently available, the expertly engineered PRECISION adjustable frame completely transforms the installation process for construction professionals and streamlines the specification process for architects and specifiers.
This is achieved through the product’s unique construction, which enables the frame to be fully self-adjusting to the specific dimensions of each structural opening, ensuring the installation is fit for purpose providing the highest standards in accuracy and removing the requirement for plastic packers for a safer, faster and simpler installation process.
Factory applied intumescent strips to the outer frame also eliminates the need for intumescent mastic application as a secondary operation on site when installing the frame.
The PRECISION frame dramatically reduces fitting times and eliminates the risk of using non-compliant components throughout installation, which may not have been tested in conjunction with the riser door itself.
The patent pending PRECISION adjustable frame is now supplied as standard with Profab Access’ high quality steel INTEGRA 4000 Series Fire Rated Riser Doors.
Profab Access was the first UK manufacturer to have its concealed Riser Doors bi-directionally fire tested and certified by an accredited third party. The PRECISION adjustable frame has also been bi-directionally fire tested as an entire doorset with the INTEGRA 4000 Series Riser Door for up to 120 minutes, receiving the CERTIFIRE accreditation for installation in unlined shaft walls and solid wall construction.
This provides architects, specifiers and contractors with a completely certified solution, as both the frame and the riser door have been bi-directionally tested as a single doorset and are supplied with comprehensive documentation to evidence their performance credentials and adherence to all relevant regulations, including BS EN 1634-1:2014 +A1:2018.
Marcus Parnham, Commercial Director at Profab Access, said: “As one of the industry’s leading manufacturers, we have a responsibility to push the boundaries of this product category and ensure every access solution we supply delivers the highest standards in performance and compliance.
“Our new patent pending PRECISION adjustable frame represents a real step change for the industry, supporting professionals in fulfilling their duty of care by going above and beyond current legislation in delivering the highest standards of due diligence and achieving constant compliance for the entire doorset, including the materials used throughout the installation process. The frame is the result of our unwavering commitment to innovation and providing the built environment with the very highest standards in access solutions.”
The PRECISION adjustable frame is constructed with an all-in-one smoke, intumescent and acoustic FS1000 seal, eliminating the need for additional intumescent mastic when installing the frame into a flexible or solid wall construction. This cost efficient and sustainable material contains no halogen compounds and will not emit toxic gas when heated, ensuring the safety of building occupants in the event of a fire.
As an official Made in Britain member, Profab Access’ comprehensive portfolio of Riser Doors and Access Solutions are manufactured at its headquarters in Atherstone by its experienced team of design and engineering experts.
For further information on Profab Access and its range of riser doors, access panels, and steel doors, call +44(0)1827 718222 or visit www.profabaccess.com.
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Crittall Leeds the way
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Original Crittall windows have been replaced and upgraded on the main street frontage of one of Leeds’ most historic quarters.
Briggate is a pedestrianised principal shopping street in the city centre containing many historic buildings including, tucked away from view in Lamberts Yard, the only remaining Elizabethan timber framed property in the City dating back to circa 1600.
The walkway leading to that heritage enclave passes through No. 162 Briggate, a 1950’s
vintage commercial and residential block where Think Architecture has installed replacement Crittall steel windows.
“No.162 had original Crittalls and, as with all the buildings around Lamberts Yard, things were in various appalling states,” said Simon Smithson, director of Pudsey, West Yorkshire-based, Think Architecture.
The original single glazed windows in the three-storey no.162 were replaced with double glazed lookalike Homelight windows. The building now houses new apartments and a ground-floor commercial premises.
“I have to say,” added Mr Smithson, “ that the Crittall windows are a wonderful system. Several years ago we did a job and used what was described as a ‘Crittall-like’ system. Well, that was very disappointing whereas the Crittall system is a great system, so well made.” www.crittall-windows.co.uk
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BNE delivers bite-sized learning opportunity for Specifiers and Buyers
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BusinessNet Explorer is an evolving bite-sized learning platform – delivering product news and information for product Specifiers and Buyers in the Construction & Building Services industry and associated Manufacturing and Energy sectors – in engaging Audio, Visual and Audio/Visual formats – via its Virtual Exhibition and Podcast Channels.
Specifiers and Buyers can learn about new products, product range updates, branding updates, exhibition appearances, explore case studies and application stories, find out about new CPD’s and Webinars – and listen to the BNE Product News ‘Brand Leader’ interview series of podcasts – to hear manufacturer thought leaders discuss state-of-the-art product innovations – designed to meet and often exceed the latest industry product specification requirements.
A spokesperson for BusinessNet Explorer revealed how the BNE platform can also support Continuing Professional Development for specifiers and buyers ”BNE is a hub of bite-sized / micro-learning product news and information content that allows Manufacturers to reach ‘on the move’ multi-workspace based specifiers and buyers via its Virtual Exhibition and Podcast Channels in engaging ‘easy to digest’’ educational chunks, that in many cases, such as the ‘Brand Leader’ interviews that are also available in Audio podcast format on Google Podcasts, Apple / iTunes and Spotify and the case studies/application stories that can also be found in our Audio/Visual podcast library, could go toward meeting any targets that may be set for annual ‘Reflective CPD / Passive Learning and ‘Self-Directed / Unstructured Learning’ CPD points. Each podcast has a transcript to support learning and CPD”
Dave Marshall-George, Sales Director at Humidification specialist manufacturer Condair, interviewed recently by Mick de Leiburne for a BNE ‘Brand Leader’ podcast explains, “Podcasts are a great way for engineers to listen and learn whilst in their car or on their way to work. We wanted to engage with this bite-sized learning channel to deliver useful information on a topic we are seeing more and more interest in from consultants and AHU companies. Our short podcast on evaporative cooling is very easy listening and perfect for a 10-minute coffee break escape.”
Click to hear the Condair Podcast: https://soundcloud.com/businessnetexplorer/construction-building-services-bne-product-news-condair-brand-leader-interview
To catch up with the latest industry product news and information in ‘easy to digest’ bite-sized learning formats – wherever and whenever you are available – just visit www.BusinessNetExplorer.com
How Saint-Gobain PAM’s Pre-Assembled Ensign range can help your next building project
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If you’re looking for more evidence of how Saint-Gobain PAM’s Pre-Assembled Ensign range can help your next building project, take a minute to listen to Lee Rouvray, Contracts Director of Fitzpatrick Mechanical Services who explains and shows how it made life simpler for his team on the site of the Peninsula Hotel in London.
Do not hesitate to contact our technical sales team for further information on 01952 262529 or visit our website www.pamdrainage.co.uk.
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NEW INSTALLATION MANAGER AT CONDAIR
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Humidity control specialist, Condair, has appointed James Hare as its new Installation Manager. James will be responsible for delivering the installation of Condair’s humidifier and dehumidifier systems across the UK and Ireland.
James has many years’ experience in the building services and environmental control sectors having worked at companies including Trend, Intech and ELPRO Global.
Tony Tullett, Service Director at Condair, comments, “It is with great pleasure that we welcome James to the Condair service department. We take pride in being able to supply our customers the manufacturer’s expertise on-site. Professional installation of our equipment is the first step in ensuring a successful humidity control project. As Condair’s Installation Manager, James is a single point of contact for our install customers, from order placement through to hand-over and product training.”
James Hare commented, “I’m very happy to have joined Condair and am greatly looking forward to supporting both our end-user customers, who frequently have little experience of HVAC install projects, as well as our expert contractors and FM clients. Condair is able to offer a complete service of design, supply and after-sales support, whether it is a full turn-key solution or simply informed advice on overcoming any install challenges.”
The Condair Group is the world’s leading specialist in humidification, dehumidification 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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See for yourself how using Saint-Gobain PAM’s Pre-Assembled Ensign stack solutions helped one installer on the Peninsula Hotel Project in central London
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For more information on how this drainage solution could help your business, please contact our technical sales team for further information on 01952 262529.
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COOL PODCAST FROM CONDAIR
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Humidity control specialist, Condair, has published a new podcast about how humidifiers can provide economic evaporative cooling in air handling units.
The 10-minute interview with Dave Marshall-George, Sales Director at Condair, sees Dave explaining the different strategies available for using humidifiers for cooling in AHUs, as well as the opportunities and limitations each strategy presents. He also outlines a real life case study that illustrates the energy saving benefits of a direct air evaporative cooling design used in a recent telecommunications AHU project.
The podcast was produced in association with BusinessNet Explorer and can be listened to from Condair’s website, Condair.co.uk, or can be found on Apple iTunes, Spotify, Soundcloud and Google Podcasts by searching for “Condair podcast”.
The podcast is Condair’s first published podcast, as Dave Marshall-George explains, “Podcasts are a great way for engineers to listen and learn whilst in their car or on their way to work. We wanted to engage with this bite-sized learning channel to deliver useful information on a topic we are seeing more and more interest in from consultants and AHU companies. Our short podcast on evaporative cooling is very easy listening and perfect for a 10-minute coffee break escape.”
For anyone wanting more information on the subject of using humidifiers for evaporative cooling in air handling units, Dave Marshall-George will be delivering a 1-hour CIBSE approved webinar on the topic at 2pm on 29/09/21. To register for this, visit Condair.co.uk/webinars.
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 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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RADIATORS AND HEAT PUMPS…ARE THEY GOOD PARTNERS?
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Stelrad Radiators has responded to concerns about radiators working well alongside renewable heating systems such as air source heat pumps. Lower temperature heating systems will require larger radiators….but they will work well with heat pumps.
The key to radiators operating well in any situation is to size them properly at the outset, which involves accurately working out heat loss calculations to achieve the necessary number of BTUs required to provide comfort heating in each room and to select the right sized radiator.
You can achieve the extra boost radiators need by replacing the existing single or double panel radiators with the new K3 radiators that have three panels and three sets of fins – providing the additional metal surfaces you need but with the same radiator footprint.
Stelrad has anticipated the significant move towards air source heat pumps in the UK and has added new, larger size radiators to its portfolio. It has increased the K3 radiator options and added many new vertical radiators to their range too.
Radiators are very much ‘fit for the future’ – head for www.stelrad.com for more information.
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NEW CONDAIR DIRECTORS AT THE HELM
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Humidity control specialist, Condair, has recently appointed two new Directors to its Senior Management Team. Dave Marshall-George, formerly UK & IE Sales Manager, has been promoted to Sales Director, and Tony Tullett, formerly Service Manager, has been promoted to Service Director.
Tony Fleming, Director / Head of Sales Cluster Northern Europe, commented, “It is with great pleasure that we welcome Dave and Tony to their new roles at Condair Ltd. Both have been with the company for many years, and are hugely experienced in developing the organisation and managing our sales and service teams. This enhancement of our local management team brings fresh drive and direction, enabling us to focus on improving even further our customer experience across sales activities and strengthening our after sales support.”
Dave Marshall-George, newly appointed Sales Director, comments, “I am delighted to join The Senior Management Team at Condair Ltd. This is such an exciting and important time to be working in humidity control, with the recent recognition of the role HVAC plays in maintaining the health of society. Humidity’s contribution to indoor environmental quality is vital, but greatly undervalued by many. I’m looking forward to expanding our clients’ knowledge of this and to developing other markets, where humidity control provides a valued return on investment.”
Tony Tullett, newly appointed Service Director, comments, “Condair has always prided itself on delivering not just the right solution for our customers’ needs but supporting them throughout the lifetime of our products’ use. We deliver the manufacturer’s knowledge on-site with our nationwide team of 18 service engineers. In my new role, I am eager to expand Condair’s service offering even more with products such as rapid response agreements and recommended service consumable packs.”
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.