ACR Journal August/September 2018

VOLUME 4 No5 ISSN 2058-4407

Essential Information for the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry

TRIM CHARGE INCLUDED!

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018

Protect your business from fluctuating refrigerant prices with Daikin’s Commission With Confidence service.

Choose from two packages, including commissioning support, supply of R410A trim charge and optional cloud monitoring, all for a set fee. So you can enjoy complete confidence, while ensuring your VRV system is commissioned for maximum efficiency.

Visit www.daikin.co.uk/confidence

acrjournal.uk AUGSEP18_Cover.indd 1

19/07/2018 10:17

Remanufactured & New Compressors

Screw Compressors

inverters pumps parts motors Combines green and quality savings in one...

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ThermaCom Kelvin House | Preston Road | Reading | Berkshire RG2 0BE T 0118 918 1400 www.thermagroup.com

19/07/2018 13:12

04

CONTEN TS

Essential Information for the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry

Welcome steps in the right direction One of the hottest topics of a scorching start to the summer was the news from Honeywell of a new non-flammable refrigerant capable of replacing R410A.

22

Although the GWP of Solstice N41 (provisionally R466A) had yet to be confirmed at the time of writing, Honeywell describes it as ‘65% lower than 410A’. Without directly stating that R466A is a drop-in replacement, Honeywell also says that early data ‘indicates that the refrigerant may allow OEMs to easily convert from R410A’.

There is still some way to go. The new refrigerant is not expected to be available until next year and manufacturers offering long warranties will have to be sure of how it performs in their equipment before making a commitment. But with R410A availability and cost issues surrounding VRF systems in particular, it is very welcome news and the arrival of a non-flammable, lower GWP alternative is certainly a step in the right direction.

It is also good to see that we now have our own day in the calendar, with June 26 established as World Refrigeration Day. Steve Gill has been working towards this for more than a decade and deserves much credit for his perseverance. It’s a great way to let the wider community know about the vital role this industry plays.

Enjoy the magazine.

David Editor

David Todd 01778 392094 david.todd@warnersgroup.co.uk

46 REGULARS 06

News

17

Mitsubishi Electric Column

20

Tools Talk

Projects, products and people

An R32 checklist

Cutting Edge

54 Women in ACR

Dr Catarina Marques of Adande

60

Chilly Chatter

Industry chat and updates

DOWNLOAD THE ACR JOURNAL APP FOR YOUR SMARTPHONE OR TABLET PC GET THE LATEST NEWS, FEATURES, UPDATES AND OFFERS

62 Changing Faces

Who’s new and who’s moved

66

What’s New?

The latest products and launches AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018

Editor and contents.indd 4

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05

C O N T E N T S

VOLUME 4 No5 ISSN 2058-4407

34

Essential Information for the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry

TRIM CHARGE INCLUDED!

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018

Protect your business from fluctuating refrigerant prices with Daikin’s Commission With Confidence service.

Choose from two packages, including commissioning support, supply of R410A trim charge and optional cloud monitoring, all for a set fee. So you can enjoy complete confidence, while ensuring your VRV system is commissioned for maximum efficiency.

Visit www.daikin.co.uk/confidence

acrjournal.uk

52

Multi Media Sales Representative Jordan Paylor 01778 395029 jordan.paylor@warnersgroup.co.uk

Editorial Design Ady Braddock

Advertising Design Natalie Reynolds

Production Sue Ward 01778 392405 production@warnersgroup.co.uk

Subscriptions Single copy £3.00; Annual UK subscription £35.00 Overseas £65.00

FEATURES CENTENARY

REFRIGERATION

Publishing Editor

22

36

Killing the spill chill

38

Keep it clean and feel the benefit

Juliet Loiselle CompCIPHE 01778 391067 julietl@warnersgroup.co.uk

100 years of Lawton Tubes

FITTINGS

26

Power of the press

PIPEWORK

28

Fire safety with Armacell

CHILLERS

30

World first from Daikin Applied

VRF

32

High hopes for R32 hybrid

COOLING

34

Right time for chilled beams

REFRIGERANTS

42 45

The perils of paperwork Cool solution for champagne producer

HEAT PUMPS

56

Bridging the skills gap

58

So good, he joined the business

59

Ecodan: quietly confident

Published by: Warners Group Publications Plc The Maltings, West Street, Bourne, Lincs, PE10 9PH 01778 391000 01778 394748 www.warnersgroup.co.uk © Copyright 2018

PRINTED BY WARNERS 01778 395111

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20/07/2018 12:14

06

NEW S

‘SMALL BUSINESSES NEED SUPPORT’ Less than half of SME food retailers in the UK, France and Germany have started the transition from HFCbased refrigerants to cleaner alternatives required by EU regulations, according to survey data from Emerson.

The biggest cut to the HFC supply happens this year, with a reduction to almost 40% from 2015 levels, which is already driving up prices and causing a refrigeration shortage for retailers. Yet, a ComRes* survey commissioned by Emerson reveals that small food retailers with fewer than 200 employees in particular are still learning how to navigate the change.

The data found that just under half (49%) of SME retailers across the European countries have started the transition, compared to 66% of large retailers with over 200 employees. Only 40% of SME retailers reported they were aware of the regulatory changes, compared to an awareness level of 60% by large retailers.

Emerson’s Eric Winandy said: “Small businesses are the backbone of most European economies and have a significant role to play in combatting climate change, yet limited resources means they often bear the greatest

burden when it comes to addressing regulatory changes.

The industry and government needs to work with small retailers on the HFC phase-down, by providing incentives and education about the refrigeration options available.” *The survey findings are based on an online poll of 140 professionals with decision-making responsibility for purchasing in the food/beverages retail sector. This included 41 participants in France, 50 in Germany, and 50 in the UK.

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19/07/2018 12:56

C R E AT I N G T H E P E R F E C T C L I M AT E

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18/07/2018 10:10:12

08

NEW S

‘REMARKABLE BREAKTHROUGH’ Honeywell has described the development of a new non-flammable lower GWP refrigerant to replace R410A in stationary air conditioning - including VRF systems - as a “remarkable breakthrough”.

Solstice N41, expected to be available next year, received a provisional number of R466A and a preliminary A1 designation from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

Sanjeev Rastogi, Honeywell vice president and general manager of fluorine products, said: “What we invented and developed in Solstice N41 is a remarkable breakthrough. It is an incredibly promising product that is poised to solve a key problem and potentially become the next big global advance for refrigerants.

“Solstice N41 offers a unique combination of benefits. With a GWP that is 65% lower than R410A, it is energy efficient and environmentally preferable. Moreover, the costs associated with moving to Solstice N41 pale in comparison to those required for conversion to a flammable refrigerant. It is the logical economic choice.”

Honeywell reports that early testing indicates that switching to Solstice N41 would require minimal changes to equipment and no additional training for installation and repair technicians. It adds that preliminary findings indicate that the refrigerant may allow ‘OEMs to easily convert from R410A’.

Commenting on the development to ACR Journal, David Dunn, Managing Director, Sales, for Toshiba, Carrier & CIAT UK, said: “We have thought David Dunn for some time that a development like this could be on the cards. As a non-flammable alternative refrigerant with significantly lower GWP than R410A, it potentially offers the industry some breathing space in relation to larger systems. It is all

about stepping stones, and this could be a transitional refrigerant for larger systems where flammability could be more of an issue, in the same way that R32 has been adopted as the transitional refrigerant for smaller systems.

“You have to consider the finite amount of 410A that is available. If we all have to use this refrigerant for new larger equipment, such as VRF and chillers, what will happen with servicing further down the line? That is a potentially significant exposure for end users and the industry.

“Despite the prevailing view that it was not technically possible, Honeywell has come up with a non-flammable sub-750 GWP refrigerant – and that has to give us hope for potential future developments.”

Tim Mitchell, Sales Director at Klima-Therm, said: “It’s a very interesting development, although the GWP is still relatively high.

“Until the performance of the Tim Mitchell refrigerant is fully understood, it is difficult to comment in detail. However, if recent reports are accurate, it will almost certainly replace R410A for new systems very quickly, both in VRF and smaller chillers.

“In my opinion, compared to R32, this small additional GWP will be easily outweighed by the A1 classification for most users.

“There are reports that NGOs are planning to pressure the European Commission to further reduce the GWP upper limit for AC to 500 from 2025. If this happens, this new refrigerant won’t be very interesting for new equipment for very long, although it could provide a useful stepping stone to a future longterm solution.”

Ecostar earns place on ETL BITZER’s Ecostar condensing units have been accepted onto the UK government’s Energy Technology List (ETL). The listing includes all models within the Ecostar range of air-cooled condensing units.

Acceptance onto the ETL is reserved for products that are proven to meet a minimum level of energy performance.

End users gain a tax advantage on capital used to purchase ETL-listed equipment, as they can claim Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECAs) against purchases. The scheme is part of the UK’s programme to cut energy use and reduce national carbon emissions.

Ecostar is based on high efficiency inverter-driven fans and BITZER’s Ecoline varispeed compressor, enabling cooling capacity to be matched precisely to current load, saving energy and reducing running costs. The reduction in fan and compressor speed, when permitted by the load, also results in lower noise levels.

Efficiency is further improved by the use of the latest high performance mini-channel heat exchangers on the condenser. In addition to improving heat exchange, this enables the use of a lower refrigerant charge.

Kevin Glass, Managing Director of BITZER UK, said: “Ecostar represents an important advance in energy efficient condensing units, and its acceptance onto the UK Energy Technology List reflects this. The combination of invertercontrolled fans and compressor, coupled with micro-channel heat exchanger, significantly improves energy efficiency and can result in substantial savings in running costs.’’

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018

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Ride the wave of success The award winning R32 Hybrid VRF solution More and more customers are choosing to install Hybrid VRF and with free training and free 3-day commissioning on your first system, we are here to help you capitalise on this growing opportunity.

With the familiarity of a VRF system and the water-based performance of a chiller, our latest Hybrid VRF models use low GWP refrigerant R32.

• Easy to install and already used in a variety of UK buildings over the past 5 years

• Fully packaged solution with lower refrigerant costs • Simplified 2-pipe design and installation For more information on R32 Hybrid VRF please visit hybridvrf.co.uk

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HybridVRF 18/07/2018 10:11:17

10

NEW S

DAY TO REMEMBER Industry trade associations and professional bodies around the globe are backing June 26 as World Refrigeration Day.

It aims to raise awareness and understanding amongst the general public of the significant role that the refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pumps industry and technology play in modern life and society.

Associations and societies from the USA, India, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand, Australia, Africa and across Europe have indicated their support, with a range of activities expected to mark the date.

The announcement follows the personal crusade of industry figure Steve Gill for over a decade. Although he admits that the idea may not be new, gaining consensus for a fixed date certainly is.

He said: “Refrigeration has such a long and fascinating history full of inventors, engineering pioneers, scientists, and industrial entrepreneurs from around the world all of whom deserve to be recognised and remembered for their valuable contribution. With such a long and rich history, agreeing upon a date has proven to be challenging even at a national level, let alone an international one. However, the industry is united in its desire to raise its profile to the general public for all the right reasons.”

Hidden technology

Marco Buoni, recently elected as the President of the European contractors’ association AREA, said: “Such a celebration is an acknowledgement of the role for our society played by refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pumps whether related to health, food or comfort.

RACHP contractors represented by AREA are proud to contribute to achieving such noble purposes” Miriam Rodway, CEO of the Institute of Refrigeration, said: “The IOR is a proud supporter of World Refrigeration Day as an initiative to raise the profile of the important contribution that refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pumps make globally across so many aspects of modern life.”

Graeme Fox, Head of REFCOM, said: “Refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pumps impact on almost every aspect of modern society and yet is often the hidden technology that nobody thinks about until something goes wrong, so it is right that we acknowledge this contribution with a special day in the calendar year.”

A website is under construction at www.worldrefrigerationday.org. and updates are on Twitter @worldrefday Any organisation or individual wishing to support the event can contact steve@worldrefrigerationday.org.

Carrier counts on AiroVision Carrier says its new AiroVision 39CP air handling units can be configured for many applications and used as the heart of a building’s ventilation system, thanks to plugand-play functionality in a modular package.

Available in nine sizes with two casing designs, the Eurovent-certified units are suitable for standard fresh airbased ventilation as well as low temperature applications.

The range is equipped with high performance, high efficiency components, including heat exchangers with up to 85% efficiency, high-efficiency direct drive fans and coils/filters with low pressure drop.

A range of options enables the units to be customised for use in many applications, including commercial offices, industrial installations, shopping centres, airports, leisure centres and universities. Carrier adds that the versatility of the range means it can be configured to suit the precise technical requirements of almost any application. www.carrier.com

NEW INDUSTRIAL PROCESS CHILLERS Thermal Exchange has introduced a new range of industrial process chillers. The UltraChill line-up ranges from 0.89kW to 160kW and the units are designed for process cooling applications and sectors including engineering, food and drinks production, pharmaceutical, medical and scientific.

The units are available in varying formats and come with a range of standard options. All feature a fully corrosion resistant, nonferrous coolant circuit, including powerful circulating pump and high efficiency, copper brazed, stainless steel plate heat exchanger. A package of safety interlocks help protect both the chiller and process, whilst an advanced digital controller with diagnostics and alarms, provide a comprehensive user interface.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018

NEWS.indd 10

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Low GWP refrigerants Are you ready for the change?

Testo refrigeration measurement technology is smart, adaptable, and ready to help you in the switch to low GWP products, including A2L refrigerants.

• 60 refrigerant profiles stored in memory, including R32, R448A, & R449A • Updatable for new refrigerants via smartphone App • Simpler, faster system diagnosis with direct superheat & subcooling display • Pressure test function to prove system integrity before filling Welcome to the Smart World of Testo www.testo.co.uk

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18/07/2018 09:47:16

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NEW S

TOSHIBA HEAT RECOVERY SYSTEM KEEPING GYM CUSTOMERS COOL A health club and spa in Peterborough has been equipped with a Toshiba heat recovery air conditioning system as part of a major refurbishment.

The VRF system is now providing high-performance, energy-efficient cooling and heating for the gym, exercise studios, treatment rooms, salon, offices, reception and bar area at The Bannatyne Health Club and Spa. The installation, carried out by Toshiba T7 Warranty Partner Ventec Services, includes a combination of eight 3-pipe SHRMe VRF and 2-pipe SMMSe VRF condensing units, linked to four-way cassettes and wall-mounted indoor units, together with a Toshiba touch screen controller. To minimise disruption to club members, the installer worked on the project out of hours, with equipment deliveries scheduled accordingly.

CO2 packaged chillers launched Green Thermal Energy has launched a range of CO2 packaged chillers with capacities from 30kW to 450kW.

The GTE-Yukon range, manufactured by Enex in Italy, is available in either air or water cooled configuration and is geared towards both production and comfort cooling applications.

Garry Broadbent of Green Thermal Energy said: “The range has been launched as a result of numerous water/ glycol systems being applied in a variety of applications throughout Europe. It was clear that the market was ready for a standardised packaged CO2 chiller range.’’

Alongside cooling only models, GTE-Yukon units are available which combine cooling with high temperature waste heat recovery, delivering cooling + hot water at temperatures up to 80˚C. They are aimed at applications where the free and high temperature zero carbon recovered/recycled waste heat from CO2 cooling can be utilised on site www.greenthermalenergy.com

CO2 training from FSW FSW is working in partnership with training specialists Business Edge to offer a oneday training course concentrating on the wholesaler’s new range of Profroid QuietCOOL CO2 packaged condensing units.

The course is designed to enable technicians to plan and undertake installation and commissioning of trans-critical condensing units and is open to all F-Gas qualified technicians who hold a current certificate. Detailed course notes are provided for each candidate and certificates of competency will be issued by Logic Certification.

Training is carried out on Profroid units, coupled with Searle CO2 evaporators, and courses take place on 27 September, 25 October and 15 November at the Business Edge Training Centre in Portsmouth.

The one-day course costs £350 +VAT and includes lunch and refreshments. Contact Karen Leakey at karenl@fsw.uk.com to book a place.

DAIKIN GUARANTEES COST OF R410A WITH NEW VRV SYSTEMS Daikin UK has launched two service packages which it says will guarantee the cost of R410A refrigerant. The Commission with Confidence packages are at a set fee until 31 March 2019, when purchased together with new VRV systems.

Daikin is the only air conditioning manufacturer in the industry that also produces refrigerant gas (via Daikin Chemicals), enabling it to guarantee the supply of R410A refrigerant trim charge as part of a commissioning package for a set fee.

Mark Dyer, Commercial Director of Daikin UK, said: “Our aim is to contribute to the stability of the HVAC market by helping to protect our customers’ businesses from soaring refrigerant prices. We hope this will give our customers confidence that they can commission VRV systems throughout 2018 and into 2019 without worrying about fluctuating installation costs.”

The packages are available to purchase now and current prices are guaranteed until 31 March 2019, including trim charge. Two packages are available. º Standard includes R410A trim charge and on-site commissioning support º Premium includes R410A trim charge, commissioning support and cloud services.

There are three different price levels for each package, depending on the capacity of the system. www.daikin.co.uk

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018

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N E W S

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CIAT MOVES TO BOOST IAQ CIAT UK is introducing an indoor air quality (IAQ) system designed to deliver exceptional levels of comfort and air purity for building occupants.

Epure Dynamics uses a network of calibrated air quality sensors connected to a Smart CIATControl system to continuously measure the concentration of particulates in the air. If the concentration measured in a space exceeds a preset level, the system activates the unit’s purification mode, switching on the Epure filtration system, which has a filtering surface 11 times greater than that of conventional filters.

David Dunn, Managing Director, Sales, for CIAT UK, part of TCUK, said: “The focus on improving IAQ is growing in the UK. There is Harvard University research that has shown improved indoor air quality can positively impact cognitive function test scores. CIAT’s Epure Dynamics system can help address IAQ, and helps to assure end-users of a highquality and productive indoor environment.” www.ciat.uk.com

HLA SERVICES HEAD WEST

HLA Services Contracts Director Paul Smith, left, and Service Director Neil Henry

North East-based facilities management and building service company HLA Services is marking its 15th anniversary with a permanent base in Carlisle, following a series of air conditioning, refrigeration and ventilation services contracts in the North West.

Recover FASTER Work SMARTER Comply BETTER Your onsite refrigerant recovery service, designed with you in mind!

The new base at Warwick Mill Business Centre is expected to create several new jobs, and has Carlisle-born HLA employee Marcus Thomson at the helm.

HLA Services was set up in 2003 and specialises in the design, supply, installation and planned maintenance of commercial property services including heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration and mechanical services from its bases in Sunderland and Teesside.

Its fabrication facility based in Seaham offers clients a complete package from design to manufacture.

Contracts Director Paul Smith said: “It is very gratifying in our 15th year to be able to continue our growth plans.

Our Cumbria base will help us to consolidate our position in the North West and meet the needs of our growing client base in the area.’’ www.hlaservices.co.uk

01275 376600 www.agasrapidrecovery.com acrjournal.uk NEWS.indd 13

19/07/2018 14:55

14

NEW S

LG reveals ‘hidden’ VRF LG has launched a split compressor and heat exchanger unit for indoor installation. The manufacturer describes Multi V M as a hidden VRF system for complete indoor installation and says it offers significant benefits, including increased freedom of design, easier maintenance and lower noise when compared to an integrated installation.

GROWING ROOM FOR COOL DESIGNS Toshiba and CIAT distributor Cool Designs (CDL) reports its best-ever start to a year, with air conditioning sales up over 50% in the year to April. The company has announced plans to relocate its headquarters to larger premises in the North East and expand operations nationally.

It is aimed at any installation where it is difficult to find roof space for the external units or, for example, a first floor building with restrictions on external units being mounted on the walls.

Multi V M offers flexible installation options combined with quiet operation and high efficiency with an EER of 3.40. The combined unit provides a rated capacity of 14kW for heating and 14kW for cooling and it can be connected to 10 different types and capacity of indoor units.

The split unit allows the compressor to be installed anywhere indoors and the heat exchanger is usually installed in a ceiling void with both inlet and outlet ducted to outside air.

Alternatively, just one side can be ducted to outside, allowing for a more flexible installation. Installation costs are said to be lower because of short piping lengths and the subsequent shorter installation times with minimal capacity losses.

Managing Director Darrel Birkett said: “Toshiba has been the main growth area, however we have also seen significant expansion following the addition of CIAT. The chiller side in particular has opened up new opportunities for us, both with existing customers and new customers specialising in this area.’’

PACKED PROGRAMME AT CONFERENCE

The IOR has announced the programme for the First IIR Conference on the Application of HFO Refrigerants in Birmingham from 2-5 September.

With over 70 presentations available, the IOR says the event is the first critical analysis by the international refrigeration community of how HFOs are being applied in practice, the lessons that have been learned so far and the environmental and safety challenges still to be addressed.

Topics covered will include energy performance, commercial refrigeration and chillers, risk analysis, thermophysical properties, compressors and life-cycle climate performance.

Delegates will be able to find out where and how HFOs are being used now, what the experience of those applying these new refrigerants has been so far and what challenges the move to HFOs is presenting. www.hfo2018.com

Weatherite choice for retailer Weatherite has supplied an efficient cooling solution for a leading retailer’s first new outlet in more than a decade.

When Weatherite was asked to tender for the design and manufacture of AHUs at the new Fenwick store in Bracknell, it used its newly developed 3D visualisation software to help deliver up to 76.5% efficiency – surpassing the requirements of 2016 ErP legislation efficiency of 67% and the 2018 efficiency of 72%.

Fenwick is one of the UK’s oldest department store chains and the Bracknell store, the company’s first new outlet in more than a decade, is one of the marquee openings in a major redevelopment of the Berkshire town.

Weatherite designed, built and delivered a total of six AHUs – five of which featured thermal wheel units to provide optimum energy savings and reduced carbon emissions.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018

NEWS.indd 14

19/07/2018 13:07

SMART QUICK STRONG

An innovative press system suitable for air-conditioning and refrigeration applications up to 48 bar.

Join the Press Revolution Benefitting from over 100 years’ experience in fittings manufacture and over two decades in press system design, award-winning >B< MaxiPro is set to revolutionise pipe jointing in air-conditioning and refrigeration applications. >B< MaxiPro is a flame-free, robust press system which is quick and simple to use, providing a secure and permanent joint designed to reduce installation time and enhance working flexibility.

Specially designed in collaboration with Conex Bänninger, the Rothenberger ROMAX Compact TT press machine and >B< MaxiPro jaws are the recommended tools to fit >B< MaxiPro to a professional standard.

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18/07/2018 09:49:37

16

CONTROL S

THE TRUE VALUE OF TRAINING – WHY SKILLS DEVELOPMENT MATTERS Jon Belfield, President of the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA), explores the true value of training within the BEMS sector and highlights how this can improve the long-term wellbeing of building occupants in the workplace.

T

he focus on wellbeing remains firmly in the spotlight and this applies to all walks of life.

In fact, it is becoming more and more prevalent as you can see from regular stories appearing in the media in regard to health concerns.

Therefore, it is essential to ensure the health of building occupants is taken into consideration…

As we know, building controls are highly effective when it comes to maximising the wellbeing of building occupants. However, simply just having an efficient controls system in place is not enough to achieve optimum wellbeing in commercial buildings…

Today’s buildings are becoming more and more sophisticated. Subsequently, it is crucial to ensure that BEMS controls engineers are keeping up to date with ever-evolving technology, and maximising growing wellbeing demands and opportunities. Therefore, the onus is on ourselves and the industry to ensure that we have more than enough talented individuals with valuable expertise that can effectively operate smart control solutions. This is how we can take improving the wellbeing of building occupants to the next level.

Without effective building controls and fully trained engineers who can confidently operate a BEMS, we are in danger of allowing Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) to emerge through-out the built environment.

If you are not familiar with SBS, it is a concern, but it is something we can prevent by planning ahead and monitoring conditions in the workplace.

It often emerges due to poor air quality, lighting and ventilation and as a result it can increase staff absenteeism.

New talent

Another concern is that SBS can lead to minor illnesses such as cold symptoms and headaches to more serious health complications such as tightness in the chest and mental health problems. A report by the World Health Organisation suggests that up to 30% of new or refurbished offices may be linked to SBS symptoms.

As I see it, one of the best ways in which we can tackle wellbeing demands and lessen the risk of SBS in commercial buildings, is by investing in training for both new and existing talent in our sector. This will ensure that BEMS control engineers are better able to identify how to improve air quality. This could be by looking for opportunities to control ventilation to keep CO2 levels low and using ventilation to night purge buildings.

With this in mind, the BCIA offers a range of training courses to enable engineers of different experience

levels to expand their understanding of terminology, technologies and systems used within the sector.

Access to effective training is key in enticing new talent into the industry.

But it is of equal importance to focus on retaining the quality people already employed in the workplace too.

With in-depth training on technical developments within the sector, we can bring out the very best in people and reap the benefits.

My personal belief is that the ongoing development and continuous improvement of people is vital in achieving success, whether that is being seen to be promoted in the workplace, or operating building controls which can significantly improve wellbeing for occupants. This will ensure a strong future not just for an individual organisation but for the BEMS industry collectively. www.bcia.co.uk

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018

BCIA column.indd 16

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M I T SU B I SH I

17

E L E C T R I C

AN R32 CHECKLIST R Ben Bartle-Ross says the reasons for making the change are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

Modern life is dangerous and all refrigerants can be harmful if handled incorrectly, so the sensible approach is to treat it as you would any other gas or refrigerant and always comply with F-Gas when handling or using it.

This is exactly why manufacturers offer comprehensive training on how to install, commission and maintain equipment using refrigerants.

This is also why we strongly advocate adherence to F-Gas, so that competent engineers are the only ones who go anywhere near refrigerants.

T

he industry is abuzz with news about R32 at the moment, with several major manufacturers launching RAC and PAC models – and the price of R410A focusing real attention on the value of switching to models using the new refrigerant.

I therefore thought it worthwhile taking a moment to look at the key things air conditioning engineers need to understand about R32.

Forgive me if you know all about this already but it is such an important issue that I think it is worth taking a moment and looking at the key issues behind this change. This is all about reducing the impact of air conditioning on the environment, and particularly the global warming potential (GWP) of the refrigerants involved.

These changes have come about as part of the F-Gas Regulations which are part of a legislative drive seeking to reduce the harm that hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) refrigerants have on global warming.

Comprehensive training

As part of F-Gas, CO2 is used as the basemark with a global warming potential (GWP) of 1.

R410A has a GWP of 2,088 compared with R32 which has a GWP of 675. R32 is already a familiar refrigerant to the industry as it makes up 50% of R410A. R32 also uses up to 20% less refrigerant than R410A, making it more efficient which also means lower carbon emissions and lower energy costs. Made up of a single component, it is easy to recycle and has zero ozonedepleting potential.

There have been a few solitary voices expressing concern about the fact that it is flammable, although it is very difficult to ignite and needs exacting and unusual conditions for this to happen.

Easier to handle

R32 is a single component refrigerant, meaning it is easier to reuse and to recycle. It is also relatively inexpensive to produce, is easier to handle because it doesn’t separate and utilises familiar technology, keeping costs similar.

It’s worth reiterating that R32 generally brings with it an increase in performance which helps lower energy bills and reduce carbon emissions for businesses.

This is now being seized on by corporations seeking to demonstrate their CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) credentials and we have already seen corporate customers who are making the switch as soon as they can.

Whilst I mention that other manufacturers are introducing R32 ranges, I’m lucky enough to work for the only company that has been able to offer an R32 VRF solution in the form of our recently launched R32 Hybrid VRF range.

This is great for both us and the industry but I also would expect other manufacturers to follow suit over the coming years as we all have to play our part in tackling the effects of climate change, and find ways to do this which minimises the cost to the businesses using equipment and does not compromise on the high levels of efficiency and performance available with modern VRF systems.

Ben Bartle-Ross is a Technical Trainer at Mitsubishi Electric.

This and other articlesof relevance to the air conditioning and heat pump sector can be found at: http://thehub.mitsubishielectric.co.uk, which also acts as a useful sales tool for installers.

High hopes for R32 hybrid: See P32

acrjournal.uk Mitsubishi.indd 17

19/07/2018 16:57

Resounding success and grow

CELEBRATING THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS

Join us for the annual celebration of excellence in the air conditioning, refrigeration and heat pump sector.

The National ACR & HP Awards 2019 will be held at Manchesterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Midland Hotel on Thursday 24th January 2019 and we want as many of you as possible to be part of what is always a special occasion.

Last year in Liverpool, some truly outstanding people, projects and products were recognised.

So if your business has something worth shouting about, make sure to enter the awards before the deadline on 15 September.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a great way to catch up with old friends and make new contacts.

email

NACRHPA.indd 18

For full details of how to enter, or to book your place,

julietl@warnersgroup.co.uk or visit:

www.acrheatpumpawards.uk

19/07/2018 11:01

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NACRHPA.indd 19

19/07/2018 11:01

20

EQU IPMEN T

CUTTING EDGE

Dave Kingston, Group Training Officer at Aspen Pumps, says choosing the right tools can help achieve the perfect joint.

T

raditionally, the method of joining two pieces of copper tube together is by using a standard tube expander and brazing the joint. When expanding a tube, ensuring that the result creates a straight clean expansion, means less chance of a sloppy fit and the joint falling apart during assembly.

By expanding one end and sliding the other tube into it, there is only one join to braze; this results in less chance of a refrigerant leak.

A problem with expanding copper tube is that it often results in the copper splitting. Often this is blamed on the quality of the tubing or the tools. This is understandable given the random pressures and adjustments required to operate the tools and the skill and experience of the engineer determines to outcome.

With standard tube cutters, spinning the cutter round the tube and turning the handle periodically tends to crush the cutting wheel into the copper and this is the only way to increase the cutting depth. However in the process of this that crushing affect tends to deform the edge and tapers in towards the centre, creating an internal burr.

This is perfect lead in for a cut tube to slide into an expanded piece. Sliding an expander straight into the end of a cut tube is impossible due the deformation and burr. An internal reamer will cut out the burr and most expanders have a step that can be used initially to expand the burr and restore the diameter; both allow the expander to slide in properly.

Precision

Whichever processes is used it cannot rectify the crushing effect of a standard cutter and it’s this that causes the rim edge to work harden. Immediately any tube expander is brought into play that small amount of hardening is all that’s required to start the edge cracking; resulting in a full split down the length as the tube is expanded.

The JAVAC EDGE tube cutting range eliminates the requirement for tube reaming or any pre-expansion to

remove a burr, simply because of the unique way it cuts the copper tube. The patented adjustable tension setting eliminates the tube edge from being crushed by automatically increasing the adjustment in a controlled way. This maintains the internal tube diameter and in turn protects the cutting wheel from excess pressure and keeping it sharp for much longer than a conventional wheel cutter.

By combining the use of the EDGE tube cutter, set at the correct tension, and an EDGE tube expander, a perfect joint can be created every time; something the refrigeration industry has not been able to consistently achieve previously.

This makes the whole process easier, faster and eliminates possible breakdowns due to poor joins. It also makes assembling pieces of tube prior to brazing much easier, due to a perfectly tight joint every time.

The JAVAC EDGE expander is precision machined from high grade materials so its accuracy and repeatability is guaranteed. Simply compressing the handles until they stop is enough to create a perfect expanded joint.

For more information visit www.javac.co.uk

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018

Tools talk.indd 20

19/07/2018 11:08

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18/07/2018 10:13:42

22

CENTEN A RY

OF PRECIOUS METAL C

With the Lawton Tube Company celebrating its centenary, David Todd visited Coventry to discover more about a rich industrial past and ambitions for the future.

ousins Oliver and Giles Lawton are the fourth generation of their family to head the UK’s leading independent manufacturer and distributor of copper tube.

They are, officially, Joint Managing Directors of the Lawton Tube Company, yet that barely scratches the surface of their true roles.

“The greatest reward of working in this company,” says Oliver, “is being able to see the business flourish, to see people grow their careers, and continue to develop the Lawton brand.

“We have grown in strength because of the actions of the three previous generations. There has been an underlying strategy of re-investing profit back into the business. This has been absolutely crucial to our success for the last 100 years.”

Giles is in full agreement: “When you are the fourth generation running the business, you want it to continue to be

An early photograph of the Lawton Tube Company plant frontage

a success. I remember working here as a student and I have seen the business grow significantly.’’

The Lawton Tube Company’s roots lie in traditional engineering but over the years it has widened its horizons. It is now recognised as a world leader in medical tube and is a trusted supplier to wholesalers of ACR and plumbing tubes.

Lawton Tubes has a proud manufacturing history and has grown significantly through four generations

Copper custodians

Oliver and Giles are proud to trace the history back to the founder (and their great-grandfather) Albert Lawton. But as custodians of the company, the real focus is on the future and nowhere is that more apparent than the new 65,000 sq ft distribution centre opposite the factory in Torrington Avenue.

The frontage features a series of 6m high copper fins which leave little doubt about the nature of the business and the metal is also used on door handles, handrails, sinks and taps throughout the building, making full use of copper’s antimicrobial properties, which kill or inhibit many microorganisms, including MRSA and E. coli.

The distribution centre and offices has been the single biggest investment in the business in the last two generations.

More investments are on the horizon with new production machinery planned for this year and longer term improvements, taking the business forward to 2020.

Giles said: “Our future was dependent on developing the site. It was a game-

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018

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C E N T E N A RY

changer and by far the biggest decision we have taken since I have been with the business. And it was the right one. Our customers can see that we have invested in the future and that we are running a slick, efficient operation.’’

Oliver added: “We had been growing consistently since we arrived in 1997 but underneath we were paddling very hard to make it happen. It’s a lot easier when you have the right facilities, the right people and the right management team. We have built a business that is sustainable and that allows us to bring in the right skills, which in turn opens up new opportunities.’’

Giles said: “Operationally we have basically bolted a haulage company onto the main business. We have a great team of drivers and if you think about it, they probably have more contact with our customers than anyone else in the business. Some companies sub-contract almost everything out but you lose control of your fleet and the relationship with your customers.’’

With much of the overall price of tube down to the cost of the raw product and challenging margins, copper is a volume business. The company despatched 63 million metres in 2017 and

Oliver said: “We are the bread and milk of the industry. We are providing a commodity, and we need to send out our lorries at close to capacity to justify the level of service we provide.’’

A significant change in direction came in 2001, with the opportunity to put together a comprehensive range of products in the plumbing sector.

Oliver said: “Not long after we arrived, we realised we couldn’t stay so bespoke if we were to grow within such a global market.’’

Giles continued: “Things were changing and in the early 2000s a lot of UK manufacturing companies were beginning to outsource to eastern Europe and elsewhere. We were, and still are, heavily dependent on British manufacturing.’’

The UK remains the biggest user of copper tube in Europe for plumbing and heating, having resisted the wholesale change to plastics that some countries experienced.

Then, 10 years ago,

23

Lawton Tubes entered the world of ACR, now described by Oliver as “an important part of our business. It is one of the many things that differentiates us.’’

Apart from the obvious issue of imperial and metric sizing, and the fact that ACR customers expect their tubes boxed for delivery, there were other things to get used to. Oliver said: “Of course ACR is seasonal, you have to plan for the summer in January. The service levels required are also quite different.’’

Giles added: “It was a culture change, definitely. We had to step up our game.’’

The ACR product range now includes straight lengths, coils, Lawton K65 for high pressure applications, fittings and brazing rods.

Chris White, Head of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, spends a lot of time with customers and potential overseas customers. It takes time to build this side of the business but the opportunity is considerable. Chris, who has been selling copper tube for 25 years, said: “There is no doubt that the Lawton history, the quality of our product and our levels of service make a huge difference.’’

The export function is led by Oliver’s brother, Robert, and is a rapidly

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24

CENTEN A RY Directors past and present, from left, Robert Lawton, Ralph Lawton, Giles Lawton, Rolf Herold (Chairman), Oliver Lawton, Vernon Lawton, Simon Waldron, Richard Lawton

developing sector, largely in the Middle East and Far East. There are also customers in New Zealand, Mauritius and even a builders’ merchant on the South Atlantic island of St Helena.

The future

When Albert Lawton started out, there would have been many competitors doing the same thing. Now there are just a handful, so what does the future hold for copper, and the Lawton Tube Company?

Oliver said: “Ever since I joined the business I’ve been told that copper was going to be replaced. I always say that if copper had come last, it would be the choice of every installer. Because it came first, everyone wants to find an alternative.

“Commercially, and for ACR, copper is the product of choice because its longevity allows for long warranties.

Domestically, the new house build market became dominated by plastics

in the 1980s. But there is a big change coming because of the current issues around recycling and one-use products.

You can take 1 tonne of scrap copper and turn it into 1 tonne of copper. Once it has been dug out of the ground, it’s very environmentally friendly.’’

Oliver also welcomes the recent increase in activity around press-fit systems. He said: “Press revolutionises copper because the argument that plastic is always easier to fit is turned on its head. The new systems are clean, efficient and our customers are excited by the benefits.’’

Part of the anniversary celebrations saw 180 employees and their families at Warwick races to enjoy the Lawton Tubes Centenary Handicap. You wouldn’t bet against this business still going strong 100 years from now. www.lawtontubes.co.uk

FAMILY BUSINESS Albert Lawton had a background in tube manufacturing in Birmingham and founded the business in 1917. It began trading as a partnership in 1918, making tubes for the emerging Midlands motor industry.

The business was originally based on the other side of Coventry in London Road. Albert and son Fred bought the current factory site in 1936 and built the factory the following year.

Fred ran the business following Albert’s death and the next eight years saw Lawton Tubes under government control, as it took scrap metal, largely from locomotive engines, to re-draw for use in battleships.

Engineering remained the primary post-war market, although an expansion of the factory enabled the company to add the construction industry to its customer base.

Fred’s sons Ralph, Richard (Giles’s father) and Vernon (Oliver and Robert’s father) then took over and headed the business through the 50s, 60s and 70s, with Fred still involved until his retirement in the early 1970s.

They eventually became directors, as Vernon stayed on as MD then Chairman retiring in 2016. Oliver’s remit now includes sales and purchasing, while Giles heads up operations, covering manufacturing and distribution.

They were joined by Simon Waldron, who became FD, and in 2005 by Oliver’s younger brother, Robert, who came from a logistics background. He is now new product development director, incorporating the export function.

And the Lawton links do not end there.

Although Ralph’s sons do not work for the business, John runs the Teignworthy Brewery in Devon and used his skills to create a special beer for the centenary celebrations and also distilled a unique batch of gin marking 100 years of Lawton Tubes. His brother Charles, meanwhile, works in commercial property and helped the company secure the site for the new distribution centre.

Oliver and Giles had both worked in the business as students and joined within a few months of each other in 1997 from different directions. Oliver arrived from retailer Iceland, having joined as a graduate trainee and subsequently becoming store manager then a regional ‘troubleshooter’.

Giles, meanwhile, began his working life in merchanting before switching to contract maintenance sales with MJN (now Integral).

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018

Lawton Tube Company.indd 24

19/07/2018 16:58

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26

F ITTIN GS

POWER OF THE PRESS... AT FLAME-FREE SOLUTION FOR CARE HOME INSTALLATION

Faced with keeping disruption at a residential care home to a minimum during an ACR installation, air conditioning and heating specialist Castle Climate Control (CCC) chose Conex Bänninger’s flame-free >B< MaxiPro fittings as the jointing solution.

Much of the pipework had to be routed within and around residents’ rooms and in loft areas, with working in often restricted spaces another challenge.

Crescent House in Northampton, provides care for up to 33 older people.

CCC, working with a main contractor, was commissioned to manage the refrigerant side of the installation of a Mitsubishi Electric hybrid VRF (HVRF) system that provides both heating and cooling.

The system uses advanced refrigerant technology between the outdoor unit and the Hybrid BC controller. Energy is then transferred around the building using a pair of water pipes for each indoor unit that can supply hot or cold water.

While traditional brazing was required for some joints, Castle Climate Control Managing Director Karl Fountain chose >B< MaxiPro >B< profile press fittings for more than 40 other joints in a pipework run of some 80 metres in tube sizes of 1 1/8th inches and 7/8th inch.

IT TOOK FIVE MINUTES FOR A BRAZING JOINT...

TWO FOR CRIMPING” Karl said: “Because of the residential environment we were working in, with people still in the building, and the difficulty of routing the pipework. a flame-based solution was impractical.

“We had recently used >B< MaxiPro throughout a hotel in Cornwall so we were familiar with it. In considering the best option for this job, when we compared >B< MaxiPro to other fittings it was more cost effective as well as fit for purpose.”

The fittings used were mainly couplers, with some 90º bends and equal tees.

Karl added: “Press fitting is also a lot quicker than brazing. We did a comparison. It took five minutes to prepare and complete a joint using brazing, whereas it took a total of two minutes for the crimping method.

“Also, you don’t need as much equipment and materials to take to your workspace.”

The >B< MaxiPro range was created specifically for the ACR sector, designed

to operate successfully with the higher pressures in air-conditioning and refrigeration systems, up to 48 bar. It features the >B< Profile 3-point press for a secure, permanent and leak-free-joint.

As a mechanical, flame-free joint it eliminates the need for a hot works permit. Unlike brazing there is no need to carry around heavy gas bottles or perform a nitrogen purge of the joint.

Each fitting comes with an industrystandard 12-month warranty, extended to five years when the official training programme is undertaken and passed, and the installation is made in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines (refer to full terms and conditions).

Conex Bänninger recommends the use of Rothenberger Romax Compact TT press tools and the specially designed >B< MaxiPro jaws.

CCC is a family-run business based in Northampton, set up by Karl and his partner Carley Fountain. Between them they have more than 20 years’ experience in commercial and domestic air conditioning and ventilation systems and air source heat pumps.

For more information on Conex Bänninger’s complete range of valves and fittings solutions, visit www.conexbanninger.com.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018

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27

FI T T I N G S

HOME AND AWAY >B< MAXIPRO IN POLE POSITION AT MOTORSPORT PARK

For a racetrack, speed and safety are two of the key issues. For the newlylaunched Tailem Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia, that also applied to the installation of its heating and air conditioning systems.

Specialist Air Management chose Conex Bänninger’s flame-free >B< MaxiPro for more than 1,000 joints needed to complete this major project.

Tailem Bend Motorsport Park is home to a permanent racetrack, second only in size to Germany’s Nürburgring.

Opened in January, motorsport fans can look forward to high performance racing including V8 Supercar, Motor GP and Le Mans Shannon’s 24 events.

The months before opening were extremely busy with the installation of the park’s heating and air-conditioning systems taking place over the second half of 2017.

The contract was carried out by a four-man team from Adelaide-based Specialist Air Management (SAM), which has delivered air-conditioning and mechanical services to commercial and government clients for over 20 years.

For the hotel’s heating and hot water needs, the project utilised Mitsubishi VRF (variable refrigerant flow) and heat pump technology, coupled with indoor cassette and split units for cooling the bedrooms. For the race control and media centre a Temperzone airconditioning system was used.

With around 3,000 metres of hard drawn copper pipework to piece together, SAM’s installation team needed a high performance jointing solution to complete the job. They chose >B< MaxiPro; having used it on the majority of projects since its launch in Australia in 2016, it has become the company’s fitting of choice.

SAM also used Conex Bänninger’s copper >B< Press water system for the condensation drains to match the highquality finish of the building.

All the fittings were supplied by the Adelaide branch of Reece HVAC. Michael Gilroy, Managing Director of SAM said: “Each of the four SAM crews are equipped with >B< MaxiPro equipment. It is very much their tried and tested, preferred technology.

“As well as negating the need for a hot works permit, it increases productivity significantly. That’s not just down to no hot works permit but the crews could work in singles rather than pairs.

“With over 1,000 >B< MaxiPro fittings we estimate it gave us a faster installed project by around 25%.

“We encountered some extremely tight and sensitive areas, which we were able

to overcome because you can use the press tool in confined spaces, but also by prefabricating sections of the pipework before making the final connections.

“Having completed the work we carried out a final test programme to confirm the installation as proven. We did an initial nitrogen pressure test for 24 hours then a vacuum test to 250 microns which showed a minimal drift over 12 hours.

“Since the early days we had all our crews trained as certified >B< MaxiPro installers. This gives the client additional comfort that the team are carrying out the installation to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

“We are fully convinced of the system but it’s certainly nice to have the benefit of the extended warranty that comes into effect when you have completed the training. It also means something to the client as they know they are dealing with professional companies.”

º Created specifically for the ACR sector º Designed to operate with pressures up to 48 bar º Has Conex Bänninger’s >B< Profile 3-point press for a secure, permanent and leak-free-joint

º As a flame-free joint no hot works permit is needed º Following preparation, takes just 5 seconds to complete the joint

º Unlike brazing, there is no need to carry heavy gas bottles or perform a nitrogen purge of the joint

º Used with hard, half hard or annealed copper tube conforming to EN 12735-1 or ASTM-B280 º Suitable for many refrigerants, including R1234yf, R1234ze, R32, R134a, R404A, R407C, R407F, R410A and R507

º Industry-standard 12-month warranty is extended to 5 years when official training is passed and installation is made in line with manufacturer’s guidelines (refer to full terms and conditions)

acrjournal.uk Conex article.indd 27

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28

PIPEW ORK

BUYING

T ME

Anthony Barnett, Technical Marketing Manager at Armacell, looks at how development of specialist fire rated closed-cell insulation foams can provide a system-based approach to pipe penetrations.

O

n average, around 275 people die in fires in the UK every year, a worrying statistic and one that leaves behind an immeasurable human tragedy. Across Europe, according to insurers, every third fire leads to damage to property amounting to more than £450,000. All in all, fires cause £110 billion of property damage in Europe every year. In many cases, deaths, injuries and major damage to buildings could have been prevented if people had more time to escape to safety.

Fire compartments in buildings are often breached because mechanical and electrical service penetrations are incorrectly sealed or firestopped. This can occur whilst the building is being constructed, when gaps around service apertures aren’t adequately sealed, or where it has been missed altogether.

It can also occur in existing buildings when apertures for new M&E services are created. Preventive fire protection in buildings involves designing, constructing, altering and maintaining building works in such a way that the outbreak of a fire and the spread of smoke and flames is prevented.

Compromises in this area will mean that the compartment doesn’t achieve the required degree of containment, allowing the fire to spread quickly to other areas of the building and seriously restrict the time that occupants have to safely evacuate.

Fire compartments

Building Regulations’ Approved Document B requires buildings are sub-divided into a number of discreet compartments using construction materials in order to prevent the passage

Anthony Barnett, Technical Marketing Manager at Armacell

of fire from one cell to another for a given period of time. These passive fire protection systems effectively compartmentalise a building by creating fire-resistant walls, floors and ceilings, typically with 30, 60, 90 or 120 minute protection. Retaining a safe means of escape for building occupants relies on these fire compartments performing in the event of a fire. Ensuring that is the case usually begins at design stage and here specifiers face a number of choices. The first usually concerns material and until relatively recently, the perception was that pipe insulation and firestopping were separate elements. In this scenario, insulation would be applied along the length of the pipe, with the penetration through the compartment then firestopped with a separate product.

That remains a viable option although there are benefits of using closed-cell insulation with intumescent properties on the pipework that continues through the aperture. These solutions ensure that fire spread is prevented, whilst the HVAC pipework achieves the required level of energy efficiency along its entire length.

COMPROMISES WILL MEAN THAT THE COMPARTMENT DOES NOT ACHIEVE THE REQUIRED LEVEL OF CONTAINMENT, ALLOWING THE FIRE TO SPREAD QUICKLY”

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018

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SAFE T Y

These solutions are capable of protecting penetrations for both noncombustible and combustible pipes in ceilings, solid walls or lightweight walls. An added advantage is that it is capable of achieving reliable fire protection in all structural elements without any complicated additional measures for installers. For example, when our Armaflex Protect is used, the gap around the pipework can be closed with conventional mortar or filler. This is because the closed-cell insulation incorporates intumescent material that expands to 20 times its initial volume in the event of a fire, and is fire resistant up to EI 120. At the same time, the closed-cell properties of the insulation ensures effective thermal insulation and reliable condensation control.

29

properties, installed as part of a system that includes gap fillers and collars, is one of the best ways of protecting the integrity of ‘means of escape’ routes. When these are from the same manufacturer and have been tested as part of a complete system it could make all the difference during the next building fire.”

To find out more about Armacell high performance closed-cell insulation, visit: www.armacell.co.uk.

Complete system approach

We felt that it was important to have a system approach when it came to retaining the integrity of fire compartments, which now extends to a sealer for the annular gap and fire collars. The non-combustible firestop gap filler has a melting point of >1,000 °C and not only ensures reliable and effective fire protection, but also protects the pipes against heat losses and prevents noise being transmitted to adjoining structural elements.

Fire collars are an effective part of a firestopping system approach too, and are suitable for fire penetration seals for plastic pipes with or without fire rated, closed cell insulation. The steel collars are lined with an intumescent material which expands in a fire, forming a lasting hermetic seal. The pipe collar can be used for sealing single or multiple combustible pipes and multiuse plastic beverage tubes (pythons) in refrigeration, air-conditioning, hot and cold-water applications. Collars such as this are easy, being simply laid around the pipe which is to be sealed before being fixed in place.

Retaining the integrity of fire compartments is the first line of defence against the spread of fire.

To ensure this is done effectively, a closed cell insulation with intumescent

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CH IL L ERS

THE CHANGING FACE OF CHILLER MARKET Daikin Applied is the world’s first company to introduce a new generation of air-cooled scroll chillers with R32 refrigerant. Product Development Manager James Henley examines the significance.

L

ooking into the background of the refrigerant and efficiency challenges before focusing on the future developments is the key to driving innovation that will meet the tough times ahead.

The European Union has set very challenging targets that have been fixed for the coming years.

By 2030, there is a target of 27% increase in energy efficiency and 40% reduction of greenhouse emissions.

These two elements should be tackled hand in hand to ensure one is not to the detriment of the other.

The current landscape of the chiller market is evolving, especially with the introduction of Ecodesign Lot 21 for chillers and the refrigerant phasedown targets. End users are becoming a bigger influence in the selection of chillers with concern around the future cost of maintenance.

Daikin Applied is the first in the market to launch a new generation of high efficiency air-cooled scroll chiller series with R32 refrigerant to enhance future installation solutions focusing on both of these key areas. The new range (EWAT-B) will be available for cooling only and heat recovery applications from 80 kW up to 700 kW cooling capacity at nominal conditions.

Exceeding Ecodesign requirements

The range has been delivered to the market with an increase of 10% in seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) compared to the previous R-410A range. The R32 chiller range also fully complies with the efficiency

requirements imposed by current European Legislation (Ecodesign Lot21).

Ecodesign Lot 21 requirements are the European benchmark calculation for efficiency, known as SEER, under EN14825. Lot 21 is the critical minimum design efficiency legislation that all chillers will have to meet in order to be sold in the European market. As with all Ecodesign considerations there is a two-tier introduction into the requirements to allow time for design adjustment and technology enhancements. In terms of minimum chiller efficiency targets, the Ecodesign Lot 21 requirements and tier structure are as follows:

MIN. SPACE HEATING / COOLING ENERGY EFFICIENCY : ȠS % Comfort heating / cooling

Air to air HP

>12kW

Rooftops Air to water Comfort chiller

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01/01/2021 (Tier 2)

Heating Ƞs,h %

Cooling Ƞs,c %

Heating Ƞs,h %

Cooling Ƞs,c %

133%

181%

137%

189%

115%

117%

125%

138%

<400kW

149%

161%

>400kW

161%

179%

196%

200%

400-1500kW

227%

252%

>1500kW

245%

272%

<400kW Water to water Comfort chiller

01/01/2018 (Tier 1)

Lot 1

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C H I L L E R S

SERP SEASONAL ENERGY PERFORMANCE HT PROCESS CHILLERS Heat transfer medium at condensing side

01/01/2018 (Tier 1) <400kW

>400kW<1500Kw

Air

4,5

5,0

Water

6,5

7,5

01/01/2021 (Tier 2) >1500kW

<400kW

>400kw<1500kW

5,0

5,5

7,0

8,0

8,0

>1500kW

8,5

Reduction in the use of refrigerant

The background for the F-Gas legislation is based on the Global Warming Impact (GWI) of HFCs which will be reduced by phasing down their consumption (in CO2eq = kg x GWP) To counter direct emissions, F-Gas regulation and targetted CO2 equivalent phase down have been implemented in Europe as per the above schedule.

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) do not deplete the ozone layer (ODP = 0). If they are emitted into the atmosphere they have an impact on global warming but if they are contained they have NO impact on global warming; e.g. if they stay inside the equipment and are properly recovered at end of life or during service works.

Example: R410a has a GWP of 2088 this means: º If 1kg of R410a is emitted into the atmosphere, it has the equivalent impact on global warming as 2088kg of CO2 - compared over a 100-year period.

Global Warming Impact (GWI) is reduced by phasing down the CO2 equivalent consumption of HFCs. The phase-down is not a reduction of quantity of refrigerants available to the market but a change towards a different mix of refrigerants and the introduction of new refrigerants such as R32.

The EWAT-B chiller range utilises R32 refrigerant, minimising the global warming impact of scroll compressor chillers thanks to its low Global Warming Potential (GWP = 675) in combination with high energy efficiency.

The low GWP refrigerant use means that for the same quantity of refrigerant the CO2 equivalent will be significantly less, example based on 430kW Aircooled chiller: º R410a (GWP 2088) chiller has 62kg of refrigerant which is 129,456 kg of CO2 º R-32 (GWP 675) chiller has 70kg of refrigerant which is 47,250 kg of CO2

This is a significant potential CO2 saving of 63% if the refrigerant was to leak into the atmosphere. This cannot be ignored and is the reason why low GWP HFO refrigerant is so important to future chiller design.

Daikin has a long history of continually reducing the environmental impact of cooling, heating and refrigeration products, as well as having a unique expertise that comes from manufacturing both refrigerants and equipment. This position is a result of the company’s corporate philosophy to “Be a Company that Leads in Applying Environmentally Friendly Practices”.

Regarding refrigerant choice, Daikin has expertise in using fluorinated (HFC, HFO) as well as non-fluorinated gases (ammonia, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons), because the company believes in diversity of refrigerant choice to allow the best suited solution to be used in each application.

The new R32 range

The new range will be available for cooling only and heat recovery applications from 80 kW up to 700 kW cooling capacity at nominal conditions, with two efficiency versions (Silver and Gold) and three sound configurations

(Standard, Low and Reduced), providing full customisation on the projectspecific requirements.

An extensive list of options and accessories can be provided on request, such as the fully integrated hydronic kit for fixed flow or variable flow operation, partial or total heat recovery for sanitary hot water production and many other solutions.

The new series is fully compatible with our remote monitoring system, Daikin on Site, which is a secure cloudbased platform. Daikin on Site offers a number of advanced functionalities including proactive remote monitoring, system optimisation and preventive maintenance and breakdowns.

With the air-cooled scroll chiller market being around 30% of the UK market, the EWAT-B range is a key product. Shifting to a lower GWP refrigerant will greatly help with the ongoing F-Gas phase-down programme whilst also offering an improvement in efficiency against Ecodesign requirements. The EWAT-B will offer clients peace of mind for the long-term future of the chiller, whilst providing a reduction in CO2 emissions. www.daikinapplied.uk

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VRF

Mark Grayston

HIGH HOPES FOR Mitsubishi Electric says new arrival forms key part of future plans.

M

itsubishi Electric expects the UK’s first R32 hybrid VRF system to be “a very big part of our future”.

Speaking at the launch of the new products, Mitsubishi Electric’s Product Marketing Manager for air conditioning systems, Mark Grayston, said the company regards the City Multi Hybrid VRF range as a key part of the move towards an electric economy.

With the first units available from September, Mitsubishi Electric says the R32 line-up offers all the benefits of VRF air conditioning in R32 format to deliver a system with a significantly lower global warming potential (GWP) than existing solutions.

Although sales of hybrid VRF experienced a relatively slow start, the company says confidence is now growing with the market doubling year on year and around 25% of UK VRF specifications now for hybrid systems.

That figure is predicted to grow with the introduction of the R32 option.

Grayston said: “There have already been over 500 hybrid VRF systems installed across Europe since we launched five years ago and we believe this R32 version will increase the market share for this unique VRF solution.

Not only can Hybrid VRF help remove the need for leak detection, this R32 version delivers the low GWP benefits that customers are now searching for.”

The UK accounts for around 50% of the European VRF market and existing VRF units use R410A which has a GWP of 2,088, while R32 has a GWP of 675.

Increased performance

Whilst a number of manufacturers have introduced R32 models in the room and packaged air conditioning range, Mitsubishi will now offer a UK model that provides a solution for large VRF systems.

“We already have split air conditioning models on R32 and have introduced hybrid VRF so that customers have a complete range of R32 solutions regardless of the building or situation,” adds Grayston.

“Coupled with this is the rapid price rises of R410A month by month which places a strain on traditional VRF systems so we want to ensure that both customers and installers not only have an alternative, but also get the added benefit of increased performance and advanced controls.”

Grayston used the example of R410A prixes rising from around £8/ kg in March 2017 to around £00/kg

in May 2017. In comparison, the price of R32 went from £8/kg to £15/kg in the same timeframe. That would mean additional costs for a typical VRF sytem of £1152 (R4120A) vs £96 (R32).

Mitsubishi Electric says hybrid VRF is suitable for almost any commercial building and has already been installed in offices, hotels, residential accommodation, showrooms, care homes and public houses, with the system delivering the design and installation flexibility of traditional VRF with comfort levels normally associated with 4-pipe fan coil systems.

Grayston said: “We’ve seen particular growth in hybrid VRF sales in both the office and hotel sectors and with this R32 version we have sought to answer one of the hottest topics in the UK air conditioning industry on how to tackle low GWP in larger systems. Hybrid VRF is also designed to offer customers a future-proof solution that delivers advanced efficiency with improved corporate social responsibility.

Maximum comfort

“Legislation is also now demanding that leak detection equipment is installed alongside VRF air conditioning when it is used in occupied spaces and this

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V R F

Jobin Varghese

calls for additional equipment costs and added risk, as well higher maintenance bills. This new system does away with the need for leak detection whilst also delivering higher sensible cooling throughout the building.”

The hybrid solution uses water throughout the majority of the pipework to transfer simultaneous heating and cooling to different rooms yet still offers two-pipe heat recovery and lower annual maintenance costs.

The system features an HBC (Hybrid Branch Controller) box, which is connected to the outdoor unit via traditional refrigerant piping. Between the HBC box and the indoor fan coils, the system uses water piping but still offers high sensible cooling and stable room temperatures for maximum comfort. Mitsubishi Electric’s Jobin Varghese said the two-pipe heat recovery stuck to the basic principles of VRF and the design meant that everything was contained in one box, with all water components included.

He said up to 50 indoor units could be connected to one outdoor unit and that systems typically required up to 30% less refrigerant volume than traditional VRF. Mitsubishi Electric will support installers with free training and three

days of site support. The first units available in September will be 20-30kW, expanded to 50kW next spring with a 50kW heat pump version also available.

Grayston said: “Beyond that we will

continue to expand the range of both indoor and outdoor units. We see this as a very big part of our future.’’ https://hybridvrf.co.uk

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COOL ING

POSITIVE OUTLOOK FOR CHILLED BEAM TECHNOLOGY Andrew Gaskell, Chairman of the Chilled Beams and Ceilings Association, explores the history behind the technology and the role it can play in achieving energy-efficient buildings.

A

ccording to a recent report from the Carbon Trust, ‘Heating, ventilation and air conditioning: saving energy without compromising comfort’, HVAC systems account for almost half (49%) of all consumption, with cooling and humidification contributing 3% to the total amount.

Modern technology has allowed us to maximise buildings’ effectiveness in serving their primary purpose of

providing shelter and warmth to their occupants, and since the introduction of the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) in April, energy efficiency now needs to be at the forefront of designers’ plans.

A general lack of awareness has perhaps delayed a more widespread adoption of chilled beam technology in the UK. But its popularity in Australia, Scandinavia, central Europe and the US suggests a positive future.

The basis behind chilled beam technology can be traced back to the early 1900s, when the first concepts for under-sill induction units were developed. In 1962 the Shell Oil Headquarters in London utilised water from the River Thames to cool the building (via a secondary heat exchanger in the plant room) resulting in a solution that was revolutionary and extremely efficient. While the rest of Europe quickly capitalised on the benefits of this technology the UK, until now, hasn’t exactly followed suit.

Nowadays, with a range of recent energy-saving legislation and new

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C O O L I N G

chilled technologies being developed, both chilled beams and chilled ceilings have captured more interest.

Chilled beams are categorised as either passive or active. The fundamental difference between the two is that the active chilled beam connects to a ductwork system served by a centralised air handling unit (AHU).

The active chilled beam then delivers the fresh air via integral induction nozzles which induce secondary room air through the heat exchanger coil.

Passive chilled beams don’t require a fan, instead circulating air by means of natural convection. The beam itself is chilled as water passes through it and as the surrounding air is cooled it becomes denser and drops into the space below. The cool air is then replaced by naturally rising warm air from the room.

Energy efficiency

More recently, multiservice chilled beams (MSCBs) have become increasingly popular in commercial settings as they can provide a full range of services to meet specific user requirements, such as heating and cooling, ventilation, lighting, and even AV equipment, fire alarms and public address systems.

Most chilled beam systems use three main supporting components: Air handling units (AHUs), chillers and pumps. A boiler is required if the system is also providing heating.

35

WITH A RANGE OF RECENT ENERGYSAVING LEGISLATION AND NEW CHILLED TECHNOLOGIES BEING DEVELOPED, BOTH CHILLED BEAMS AND CHILLED CEILINGS HAVE CAPTURED MORE INTEREST” These components can all play a part in improving your building’s energy efficiency. Energy recovery devices can be installed in AHUs to recover any of the energy in the exhaust air and transfer it to the supply air. Using such devices reduces energy demand dramatically.

Chillers are used in order to maintain a chilled water temperature flowing to the system of around 14-16˚C, with the return temperature being between 2-4˚C higher. The higher chilled water temperatures in chilled beam and ceiling systems mean the chiller can run more efficiently due to the lower temperature lift. The higher chilled temperatures also mean there is a greater amount of time that free-cooling can be used, whereby low outside air temperatures are used for chilling the water.

Air and ground source heat pumps are ideal for chilled beam systems as they produce both chilled water and hot water at typical low temperatures.

Due to their nature, these heat pumps

operate with much lower energy use than traditional boilers and chillers.

Another environmental benefit of chilled beams is that they are constructed using recyclable materials, such as steel, aluminium and copper.

This also adds to their potential resale value through the use of scrap metal merchants and makes the decommissioning process easier as the materials do not contain refrigerants or oil, so there is no associated legislation, such as the F Gas regulation, to worry about.

Technology is moving forward all the time in order to keep pace with the evolving environmental standards applied to our built environment. With the growing need for more low-energy HVAC solutions, their suitability for new build and retrofit projects will hopefully continue to push chilled beams and ceilings further into the consciousness of designers, landlords and building managers.

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REF RIG ERAT I O N

KILL THE CHILL SPILL Ian Wood is Managing Director at Adande Refrigeration’s parent company, Applied Design & Engineering.

He is widely acknowledged as a leading innovator in the refrigeration sector and, in an exclusive article, outlines how his company’s Aircell air flow management technology is providing important retail display solutions.

T

here are a number of drivers influencing the development of refrigerated retail display cases, including food quality and safety, energy efficiency, access to merchandise, customer comfort levels and, of course, end users’ operating costs. These factors are a direct function of the cold air spillage associated with conventional open front multi deck cabinets, especially in harsh environments caused by cross draughts and higher ambient conditions. It is a simple equation - OEMs must develop ways of significantly reducing chilled air falling from cabinets to deliver more efficient refrigerated display solutions.

Employing disruptive technology to reduce cold air spillage

Our solution to the problem of cold air spillage is the unique and patented Aircell air flow management system.

been designed to be incorporated within manufacturers’ existing cabinet designs, which are already accepted and specified by grocery retailers.

Food quality and food safety

Ian Wood

It works by dividing the refrigerated display case’s merchandising envelope into separate air flow managed cells with small, low pressure air columns.

Each cell has its own air curtain, which is more efficient than the canopyto-base air curtain in a conventional cabinet. The result is less pressure on the inside of the air curtain of each cell and a substantial reduction in cold air spillage from the case. Aircell® does not require back panel flow to support the air curtain, so it does not over cool and freeze food at the rear of the cabinet, whatever the product loading. We are a supplier to cabinet manufacturers, not a manufacturer ourselves, so we are not in competition with retail display OEMs. We are an innovator in refrigeration technology and Aircell® has The Aircell air flow management system creates high integrity air curtains, which significantly reduce cold air spillage from the cabinet

In food technology, it is a fact that perishables held within a narrow and stable temperature bandwidth will be maintained at better quality for longer, leading to a more enjoyable product for the customer. Tight temperatures preserve freshness, reducing discounting and waste within the cold chain. The constant cold air spillage associated with conventional open front multi deck cabinets has significant implications for temperature bandwidth within the cabinet, which in turn has consequences for the shelf life, appearance and food safety of chilled merchandise. Broad temperature ranges offer the potential for ice crystal formation at the low end and high temperatures can lead to bacterial proliferation and food degradation. UK food retailers and their suppliers are now responding to calls for a reduction in food waste and will welcome developments in retail display technology, which help achieve this goal.

During a field trial of our prototype Grab & Go cabinet with Aircell at a food hall, cabinet air temperature was measured to a bandwidth of 3°C in the Aircell model, compared with an average bandwidth of 13°C in the store’s existing open front multi deck.

Both cabinets were subject to cross draughts from the store’s entrance door.

Reduced energy consumption for tangible cost savings Significant energy savings are achieved by reducing cabinet cold air spillage. In conventional canopy-to-base air curtain

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R E FR I G E R AT I O N This thermal imaging graphic illustrates cold air spillage from a conventional open front cabinet

models warm air is entrained and the refrigeration system has to work harder to maintain optimum cabinet temperature, increasing duty and energy consumption.

With refrigeration accounting for up to 50% of a supermarket’s electricity usage, retailers are understandably keen to explore technologies which will reduce consumption.

During an in-store trial, energy consumption of a Grab & Go cabinet with Aircell was measured as 53.6% less than the store’s existing open front multi deck display. This reduction in energy consumption represents an annual saving in electricity costs of £660.65 for a 1250 mm width unit. Furthermore, we calculated that had a night blind been

Reduced cold air spillage from the same open front cabinet, modified with Aircell technology

deployed on the Grab & Go cabinet with Aircell, as it was on the existing cabinet, the reduction in energy consumption would have been 57.9%, representing a £714.13 annual saving.

A more comfortable shopping environment

The outflow of chilled air from cabinets also causes cold aisle syndrome, which is the chilly and uncomfortable temperature experienced by shoppers in the refrigerated departments of supermarkets. We have access to in-store research, which shows that the temperature in the refrigerated aisles of supermarkets may be up to 6.5°C colder than the store ambient temperature. Retailers recognise that cold aisles can compromise the shopping experience, reducing customer browsing and purchases.

Some retailers operate costly heating regimes and cold air retrieval systems to temper the chill factor.

Working towards zero defrosts

The development of Aircell enables other initiatives for cabinet OEMs, including higher evaporating temperatures close to or above 0°C, which will shorten or even eliminate defrost cycles. Minimum defrost regimes will further reduce energy consumption and significantly decrease the impact of temperature variations on food quality. We have successfully run a cabinet, incorporating Aircell, over an extended period without

defrosts in an environment replicating store conditions of 0M2 and at EN ISO 23953-2 laboratory conditions to 3M2.

At the time of writing, we are on the cusp of achieving zero defrosts at store conditions of 0M1.

Our next challenge is to run cabinets with zero defrosts at 3M1. Our attempts to achieve this objective will be significantly enhanced by co-operation with forward thinking OEMs, who are prepared to engage in disruptive technology to develop energy efficient refrigerated cabinets, with tighter temperature bandwidths.

Easy access to merchandise

For decades the open front multi deck cabinet has been retailers’ preferred solution for the display of chilled food.

In contrast with glass door cabinets, open front multi decks provide easy and unfettered access to merchandise, which are prerequisites for high footfall convenience retailing operations.

Moreover, tests have shown that glass door cabinets designed for up to 10 openings per hour experience significant loss of temperature control at an opening frequency of 30 or more per hour, rendering them unsuitable for high traffic retail operations. The open front design also affords high visibility of product, encouraging browsing and promoting impulse purchases. Open front cabinets are likely to remain preferred choice for food retailing, but OEMs will need to address the issues of cold air spillage. The best way to achieve this is by adopting short air curtain technology in the shape of Aircell.

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REF RIG ERAT I O N

KEEP IT CLEAN AND FEEL T Ed Whinyates of Stonegrove Refrigeration Services and Glenn Ward of Distribution Hygiene Services explain why regular cleaning of coolers and drains can result in significant savings BEFORE

W

e all know and understand the importance of planned preventative maintenance on refrigeration systems. We help our customers to understand how this benefits plant performance and longevity both in the short and long term. However, one area that can be overlooked is the regular cleaning of coolers and associated drains.

With the summer weather, and in particular the recent and unbroken spell

of hot weather, a number of companies will be experiencing the problems of maintaining required temperatures in both chilled and freezer environments.

When this happens, thoughts can often focus on what small changes can be made to prevent this in the future. One question should be “are the evaporators/coolers clean and working efficiently?” A second should be “have the condensate lines been thoroughly cleansed and voiding the water when they are being defrosted”?

How does dirt build up in coolers?

Because the coolers are effectively recycling the air in the chamber, they become a focal point for the build-up of dirt and general detritus. Heavy use of cardboard, wooden pallets and plastic means dust and plastic strips are drawn into the fins or air diffusers. When the air-flow is insufficient to redistribute the chilled air back into the chamber the entire system has to work harder to maintain temperature.

AFTER

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R E FR I G E R AT I O N

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L THE BENEFIT The coolers were clamped again to measure and record the energy usage.

The results showed an energy saving of 21% which equates to a saving of £1,400 in energy saving per cooler per annum. This proved beyond doubt that even slightly dirty coolers cost more to run and, under clean conditions, huge savings can be made.

Truly effective

Similarly, when drain-lines are not kept thoroughly clean, a build-up of biological slime often ends up breaking off and moving down the line on the next defrost. Pipe-fitters, being tidy workers, tend to follow the exterior wall and at every buttress it is not unusual to have a series of right-angle bends. It only takes one large lump of biological slime to end up in this area and the flow is stopped.

The water then backs up into the driptray of the nearest cooler. When the fans are switched back on, after the defrost, the contaminated water is drawn out of the drip-trays and broadcast over the product below. At this stage it is not only water that hits the fan!

equipment clean pays for itself and offers savings straight away. Two weeks prior to the clean taking place the electricity usage on four coolers was measured by the senior engineer. On the day of the clean an airflow reading was taken before the work was carried out. It was noted that the coolers were not particularly dirty, but after a full clean was carried out an airflow reading was taken again and showed a marked increase. The increase in airflow averaged at 12% (it is not unusual to see increases in excess of 50%).

As well as the proven cost savings on energy usage there are a number of other benefits from keeping coolers in a clean and tidy condition. In chambers where coolers have been properly cleaned the air quality is much improved, which is often commented on by the workforce. There is also the improved health and safety element of a clean. Hertford University has analysed the sludge that has been removed from cooler drain-lines and, whilst biological slime is not itself injurious to the human condition, it is a perfect environment for other pathogens to thrive.

So the old saying ‘cleanliness is next to godliness’ is definitely true as far as ensuring that your refrigeration plant is truly effective when you most need it.

Is regular cleaning cost effective?

Many companies have their coolers cleaned twice a year as they understand that effective refrigeration requires effective cleaning.

An experiment carried out by Distribution Hygiene Services, together with a leading food distributer, aimed to evaluate whether cooler cleaning is cost effective. The results proved beyond doubt that investing in keeping

Find out more Distribution Hygiene Services is a specialist in providing professional industrial cleaning service. So if you are looking for a company to help improve cooler performance without disrupting your business please contact glenn@dhsltd.co.uk or 01763 287267.

For all your refrigeration project and maintenance requirements please contact ed@stonegroverefrigeration.co.uk or 01279 408690.

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Some of the JD Cooling Group team at the company HQ in King’s Lynn

REF RIG ERAT I O N

INSPIRATIONAL! Stock Exchange accolade and further expansion for JD Cooling Group.

J

D Cooling Group has been recognised as one of the most inspirational companies in the UK.

Based in King’s Lynn, with regional offices in Manchester, Fife, the South West and the South East, JD Cooling Group has been named one of the London Stock Exchange’s 1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain.

Companies are included if they have shown consistent revenue growth over a minimum of three years and have significantly outperformed their peers.

The list is a celebration of some of the fastest-growing and most dynamic small and medium-sized enterprises in the UK and Europe.

The company was founded in 2000 and has grown to employ more than 100 people throughout the UK. It was named ACR Contractor of the Year at the National ACR & Heat Pump Awards in January.

Managing Director John Dye said: “It’s an honour for JD Cooling Group to be named as one of the UK’s most inspiring companies and it’s really a testament to the passion and dedication of our talented team we have working for us.

“The last couple of years have been fantastic for the company with the pleasure of two national industry

awards, the opening of two new regional offices in the South East and South West, as well as the launch of JDI Controls.

“Without the team, JD Cooling Group wouldn’t be where it is now.

This accolade demonstrates how a local business can develop from small beginnings organically and successfully in a matter of a few years by growing our own workforce through to the investment of trainees, apprentices and local people. We are excited what this accolade will do for the business and we look forward to continuing our journey for many more years to come.”

Produce storage

The group has also opened a new regional office in the South East and welcomed produce storage technology specialists James Tumber and

From left, Adam Stevens (Operations Director), Tudor Petcu (Senior Engineer - South East), James Tumber (Regional Manager - South East) and Richard Corby (Service Director)

Tudor Petcu. The pair, previously Tudor Multi Services, have wide experience in ripening room technologies, cold storage and controlled atmosphere rooms and will further strengthen JD Cooling Group’s all-round services.

In recent years, Tudor Multi Services has worked closely with JD Cooling Group on a number of projects and have joined forces to deliver a ‘comprehensive service package to clients in the South East, backed by a countrywide engineering network and technical resources’.

This move is another area of expansion following the launch of JDI Controls in response to what it felt was a shortage of skilled people in the refrigeration controls sector.

JDI Control Systems now operates independently to support third party clients, not necessary directly linked with the industrial refrigeration market.

JDI Controls will also align with the JD Cooling Group’s visions and automation design to complete large industrial projects, in addition to the group’s industrial service business.

To provide a base for JDI Controls, the group opened a new regional office in Bristol, which also acts as a dedicated service hub for customers in the area.

info@jdcooling.com www.jdcooling.com

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R E FR I G E R AT I O N

WE BELIEVE IT’S A GAME-CHANGER FOR INDUSTRIAL REFRIGERATION ACP enjoying worldwide growth, says BITZER. back-up compressor and rapid commissioning due to its plug-and-play design.

Further benefits

B

ACP based on three compressors

ITZER says that pioneering projects in the UK are part of significant worldwide growth for its new modular Ammonia Compressor Pack (ACP).

Kevin Glass, Managing Director of BITZER UK, said: “Ammonia refrigeration systems have traditionally been built as one-offs, often in less than ideal conditions. BITZER is able to build ACP units in a pristine factory environment, ensuring the highest possible quality and integrity, absolutely necessary when working with ammonia.

“The modular design means that contractors can quickly connect up ACP units on site with a few simple pipework and electrical connections.

This dramatically speeds up the whole process of installation and commissioning. We believe it is a gamechanger for industrial refrigeration.”

Six ACP systems have been installed to date in the UK, in a variety of applications. These include a food manufacturing facility for a large high street bakery chain, a commercial ice-making plant, and a major pizza production facility.

Now being manufactured in four BITZER factories around the globe, ACP has been designed to meet the requirement for very high efficiency cooling for industrial applications with a zero Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerant.

In addition to its part-load efficiency, it offers outstanding resilience, with a

The ammonia packs are based on high efficiency, compact screw compressors, which result in a smaller footprint than equivalentcapacity reciprocating compressors. In addition to the inherent efficiency of screw compressors, the speed of the lead compressor is controlled by an integrated variable speed drive (VSD), which significantly increases partload efficiency and enables soft-start.

Efficiency can be further enhanced with the addition of an optional economiser module.

A further benefit for end users is that screw compressors have much longer maintenance intervals than reciprocating compressors, which substantially reduces the cost of ownership over the life-time of the plant. Use of either two or three compressors per pack gives standby

capacity and resilience for critical process application where continuity of cooling is vital. It also enables engineers to service one compressor while the other remains operational, reducing process down-time and improving life-cycle cost.

Compressor performance is enhanced by the incorporation of BITZER’s new OAHC 3-stage horizontal oil separator, which significantly reduces oil carry over, typically within the range 2-5ppm.

The design allows ready access to valves, sensors and connections for ease of installation and servicing, and the unit comes equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity and full Modbus integration.

The design features controller and sensor redundancy to enhance reliability, while the stand-alone control panel has number cable-tree to assist installation.

BITZER is also launching a range of larger modular ammonia packs, the OS95 series, which will offer cooling capacities up to 2.4mW from a single unit, almost double the capacity of the largest unit in the current OS85 range.

BITZER says the new horizontal oil separator helps to improve performance

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REF RIGERA N T S

HAZARDOUS WASTE: THE PERILS OF PAPERWORK A-Gas Quality and Compliance Manager Francis Burraston explains how problems with compliance can be avoided by getting it right first time.

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he Hazardous Waste Regulations have a significant influence on the way that we all handle refrigerants. They ensure that refrigerants are collected, transported, recovered and disposed of safely. In doing so we are able to better protect those who are handling refrigerants, safeguard the environment they are working in and reduce the overall environmental impact of the products we use every day.

From the perspective of a refrigerant supplier we understand how monotonous it is to complete handwritten hazardous waste notes every time you recover refrigerant into a cylinder. Paperwork can be time consuming – especially during busy periods at work.

Hazardous waste notes must accompany all cylinders that contain recovered refrigerant through every step of the return process – from engineer handover to the wholesaler through to the wholesaler handover to A-Gas. As I am sure you can appreciate, with a handwritten form featuring at every stage of this returns’ process, by the time the paperwork reaches A-Gas it is sometimes difficult to read.

In the eyes of the law – and in a practical sense – it needs to be clean and legible and pass an on the spot inspection by the Environment Agency.

So please take care and recognise the importance of this.

Chain of responsibility

These forms are part of the chain of responsibility which affects us all in the industry. They provide the written evidence that everything has been completed as it should. For the

recovered or waste you are carrying for others. This licence is issued by the Environment Agency and allows you to transport the refrigerant away from site.

The Hazardous Waste Regulations, and the ADR Regulations governing the transport of refrigerants, set out clear guidelines on this. With the Hazardous Waste Regulations contractors are given forms at the point of purchase – which in most cases is the wholesaler. The forms can also be downloaded from the Environment Agency website.

Typically, a contractor will take the recovery cylinder by van to the site where they are working, fill the cylinder with recovered refrigerant, then hand it back to the wholesaler.

engineer, failure to complete these forms correctly can lead to a hefty fine or in the worst case imprisonment.

These punishments range from a £300 on the spot fine to a two-year jail term.

There are strict rules regarding hazardous waste. If you are removing waste refrigerant from a refrigeration or air conditioning system you will need to hold the relevant qualification such as City & Guilds 2079. The regulations state that you may also require a waste carrier’s licence depending on the kind of waste you are carrying. This includes waste you as a contractor has

Legal requirement

A-Gas will then collect the cylinder from its wholesale partner and take responsibility for the contents under their Waste Management Licence. But our drivers can be left with a problem if the cylinder numbers on the form don’t match up or the quantity of refrigerant is incorrect. Don’t forget that it’s a legal requirement to record the type and correct weight of gas.

The engineer, the wholesaler and A-Gas each receive copies of the waste disposal form. The end of the paper trail will result in A-Gas using its custom-built cylinder tracking, along with your hazardous waste notes, to report to the Environment Agency that the refrigerant waste it has received has been processed as it should be.

Using the correct cylinder is important. Receiver and recovery cylinders are not the same and have different purposes. Receiver cylinders are internally clean. This means they are the perfect option for those looking for

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temporary storage while they carry out routine maintenance or system repair.

Recovery cylinders on the other hand are to be used when you are looking to return recovered, unwanted refrigerant back to A-Gas for processing. We do not recommend recharging a system using refrigerant stored in a recovery cylinder as there is a risk that purity could be affected.

Recovered refrigerant

Regardless of the cylinder type you use, you must complete a hazardous waste note if you are returning recovered refrigerant to A-Gas. Remember, it is industry best practice not to mix products in cylinders – so use the right cylinder for the job to ensure that all safety measures are followed.

Contractors have a duty to act as a record keeper. Having received a

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FAILURE TO COMPLETE THESE FORMS CORRECTLY CAN LEAD TO PUNISHMENT RANGING FROM A £300 ON-THE-SPOT FINE TO A TWO-YEAR JAIL TERM” response from the wholesaler on the fate of the refrigerant you returned – reclaimed or destroyed – you must maintain records of this for three years.

At times there does seem a lot to get your head around but help is on hand if you are unsure about the paperwork.

A-Gas Rapid Recovery provides an outsourced refrigerant recovery service and will take care of all the form filling relating to the recovery of refrigerants which leaves you to get on with other key jobs on site.

Your wholesaler can also be very helpful. They can assist you on matters such as the premises code, consignment notes, descriptions of the waste, the Carrier’s Certificate and the Consignor’s Certificate. If you do get stuck don’t be afraid to ask them for help. Remember that for every recovery cylinder you buy you need to pick up a hazardous waste note and complete it in its entirety. It could save you a lot of heartache in the long run. www.agas.com

HAZARDOUS WASTE FORM FILLING: HOW TO TICK THE BOXES

01 02 03

MAKE IT CLEAN AND TIDY CHECK IT’S THE RIGHT CYLINDER KEEP YOUR RECORDS UP TO DATE

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The Park Cakes storage facility in Oldham

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS T

emperature control specialist Dawsongroup has expanded its use of Chemours’ Opteon XL40 refrigerant following the success of an installation at a North West bakery.

The decision to choose low GWP XL40 (R454A) came after a successful implementation at Park Cakes, a leading supplier of premium private label cakes and desserts, in its new logistics and storage facility in Oldham.

Since installation in September 2017, the system has been performing reliably and Dawsongroup now intends to expand the use of Opteon XL40.

The selection is the result of close collaboration between Chemours and Dawsongroup Temperature Control Solutions, a UK-based supplier of cold storage solutions for temperaturecritical products and service contractor of Park Cakes.

Park Cakes was looking for a low GWP refrigerant to replace R404A for its new 1,805m3 low temperature cold

Bakery installation leads to increased use of Opteon XL40 for Dawsongroup.

store that met both sustainability goals and operational needs. Dawsongroup conducted tests with XL40 at its site in Sutton-in-Ashfield and recommended the new refrigerant from Chemours over CO2, hydrocarbons or ammonia.

Sustainable solution

Kevin Smith, Technical Manager at Dawsongroup, said: “Selection of the correct refrigerant for the specific application and meeting the needs of the end user was critically important.

Alternative refrigerants such as CO2, hydrocarbons or ammonia have proven unsuitable for this project because of equipment unavailability and complexity, high flammability or toxicity risks. This led to the ultimate choice of Opteon XL40 with properties close

to that of R404A, allowing the existing equipment design to be used. The mild flammability of this refrigerant can be handled by regular service engineers after simple training, and its very low GWP secures its long-term viability.”

XL40’s GWP of 239 is 94% lower than that of R404A, making it a sustainable solution with respect to the F-Gas phasedown. Chemours says it provides an optimal balance of properties and is perfectly suited to positive displacement, direct expansion low and medium temperature commercial and industrial applications.

It adds that XL40 offers improved energy efficiency and higher cooling capacities which makes it easy and costeffective to apply in new equipment without major modifications. Although classified as mildly flammable, XL40 can be safely used if applicable codes and standards are observed. www.opteon.com

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COOL SOLUTION FOR CHAMPAGNE PRODUCER How switching to a ‘green’ refrigerant in the disgorging pool prompted the installation of a new cooling system using Solstice N40 (R448A) at France’s CRVC co-operative, producer of Castelnau champagne.

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n its efforts to identify eco-friendly solutions, the quality department at France’s Regional Champagne Cooperative (CRVC) continued in 2015 with its meticulous analysis of all of its processes, the aim being to replace any substances harmful to the environment. In addition to the solvents used in its ink-jet machines, which are due to be reviewed, a significant investment was made in changing the brine solution, the heat transfer fluid used in the cooperative’s disgorging pool.

Green Ice selected to replace brine

The disgorging process is a specific, essential stage in champagne production.

It involves removing the deposits that have collected in the neck of a bottle following the riddling phase (when the bottles are gently shaken and turned).

The cooperative disgorges 8,000 bottles per hour. After careful consideration, the CRVC opted for Green Ice, developed by a company called Champagel, to freeze the necks of its bottles. This is a 100% organic solution based on Propanediol 1.3 and corrosion inhibitors.

Once the Green Ice solution was introduced, “the heat exchanger in the R404A cooling unit didn’t have enough pinch to reach temperatures as low as with brine,” explained François Royer, CRVC’s Safety and General Services Manager.

R448A is attractive with its thermal exchange performance

Faced with insufficient cooling capacity, Gayet, a regional leader in climatic engineering for over 40 years,

suggested two possible alternatives to solve the problem. The first solution of CO2 was ruled out mainly for budgetary reasons, but also due to some safety questions and the lack of available feedback. “Our system is installed in the centre of our premises where some of our employees work. We wouldn’t object to this technology if it were outside, but our primary concern is safety,” Royer emphasised.

The second solution was to purchase a condensing unit designed by the German manufacturer TEKO, known for its expertise in industrial environments. The system has a BITZER screw compressor and floating HP control to optimise energy use. Solstice N40 (R448A), supplied by Climalife, was chosen for its performance at low temperature and its low GWP. “The disgorging tank is central to the champagne production process. It was important to have a reliable tool given our customer’s needs.

R448A refrigerant is based on tried and tested technology, which is safe to use and meets the latest regulatory

requirements,” said Pierr Denault, Maintenance Department Manager at Gayet.

The new refrigerant was introduced almost two years ago and everyone is delighted. “We’ve increased our productivity and the new cooling unit uses less energy than the previous one,” Royer added.

CRVC: France’s regional champagne co-operative

Founded in 1962, the CRVC offers its members a wide range of custom services, from vineyard operations to the shipment of labelled bottles. Castelnau has been the co-operative’s flagship brand since 2003. Based in the centre of Reims, the CRVC has made constant new investments over the years. Today, the fermenting room has a capacity of 123,000 hl and the cellars can hold up to 29 million bottles. The co-operative currently has 83 employees and its turnover in 2016 was €51 million. As it is IFS/BRC-certified, it can guarantee the quality of the products it distributes throughout Europe and can ensure optimal food safety standards to protect consumers and meet their needs.

Article courtesy of Climalife Contact magazine N13

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BIM

MODEL BEHAVIOUR Building Information Modelling (BIM) promises to revolutionise the way buildings are designed and operated.

But what exactly is it? Darren McMullan at Brymec offers a definition of BIM and explains how it works.

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he take-up of Building Information Modelling (BIM) has been relatively sluggish since it was first brought to the wider attention of the construction sector in the UK government’s Construction Strategy published in 2011. However, though it is starting to gain momentum as awareness of its business benefits grows, there remains considerable confusion over what BIM actually is and how it operates.

BIM is a way of working rather than a tangible object. It is essentially the process of delivering and operating built assets (which include buildings, bridges and roads) using structured digital information to which all members of the project team have access. It does this by generating and managing digital representations of physical and functional characteristics of places.

BIM requires the project team to contribute information about a proposed building in a shared digital space called a ‘common data environment’. This is where digital information comes together and allows everybody who needs to see it to do so.

Information contained in the common data environment can include specifications, schedules, performance requirements, cost plans, and so on.

It also includes three-dimensional (3D) drawings created on a computer by members of the project team. These are then consolidated into a single 3D model to ensure that they co-ordinate before being shared with the wider project team.

Non-graphical information is linked to the graphical 3D model. So, for example, when you click on different parts of the graphic, you can access information about it. Clicking on an air handling unit, for instance,

might give you information about the manufacturer, lead time, cost and performance levels. The combined grouping is called a ‘dataset’ or ‘information model’.

BIM comes in various levels

º BIM Level 0 signifies a lack of Building Information Modelling with unmanaged computer-aided design (CAD) and no collaboration between those collating information about a built asset. º BIM Level 1 indicates that the data has assumed a structure. The CAD is 3D or 2D with some commonality in the data environment. A measure of collaboration is in place but full collaboration between different parties has not been reached. º BIM Level 2 is collaborative BIM. This has been required by the UK government for all public sector

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construction projects since 2016 so construction organisations must demonstrate compliance before the Treasury will release funding. At Level 2, collaboration has been introduced between teams and the process of BIM is being followed. There is still a lack of a single source of data, but crucially any data collected about a built asset is now shared. See http://bim-level2.org/en/ for more.

BIM Level 3 is unlikely to happen in its º truest sense for several more years, but when it does it will probably be an integrated solution around open standards with everyone working from a single model stored somewhere on a web service or in the cloud. It will mean there is complete collaboration in the planning, construction and operational life cycle of any built asset.

Visualisation date

At Level 2 and above, ‘BIM objects’ allow members of the project team to use manufacturer-specific building materials and components in their CAD system. Various online platforms hold an extensive collection of both generic and manufacturer BIM objects ranging from building fabric systems to mechanical and electrical objects. Visualisation data gives the object a recognizable appearance and behavioural data, such as detection zones and connection faces, enables the object to be positioned or to behave in exactly the same way as the product itself.

Currently Brymec is working on a project to bring BIM right into the hands of the tradesman. We are linking our current suppliers BIM data to our products on our website. In addition, we are creating our own BIM objects for our ever-increasing range of directly manufactured and branded products.

Brymec is also building a cloud platform where we will host our BIM objects in a central, easily manageable format.

We have invested in an in-house digital design technician, to create cutting edge BIM objects for our products.

In order to function effectively, BIM employs a number of ‘tools’ – software applications that manipulate the model

in order to obtain a specific outcome.

Tools include software used for drawing production, rendering, visualization, specification writing, clash and error detection, energy analysis, cost estimation, scheduling and quantity take-off.

The industry leading BIM tool is Autodesk Revit which allows users to design a building and structure and its components in 3D, annotate the model with 2D drafting elements, and access building information from the building model’s database. Brymec is using Revit software, and is committed to creating the highest quality of geometric and data-rich BIM objects to assist architects, engineers and constructors in effective and accurate system design.

º BIM involves a significant investment in both time (for training and development) and money (for software and other IT technology). º There is no standardised BIM platform so a construction professional could risk investing in a system that has a limited ability to interoperate with other BIM systems.

Benefits and drawbacks of BIM

Advantages º BIM increases productivity and trust among the project team, and reduces conflicts and changes during construction. º There is less need for rework and duplication of drawings for the different requirements of building disciplines. º Fewer errors are introduced into the project. º The increasing number of simulation tools available for use with BIM allows designers to calculate building energy performance and visualize such things as sunlight and shade on a building in different seasons. º It smooths the path to greater knowledge transfer and saves valuable drafting time. º You can take BIM with you – you have access to the model and project details from anywhere, on any device.

Disadvantages º The legal implications of using BIM software have yet to be fully tested in the courts. º Disruption will be inevitable when introducing BIM and this must be managed carefully. º BIM is not universally used among construction professionals so compatibility is not guaranteed.

BRYMEC BOOSTS VALVES TEAM Brymec has appointed Paul Wightman as product development manager specialising in the company’s valve ranges.

He will be providing support and technical insight to help customers make decisions on their projects and will also be involved in bringing in and developing new product ranges.

Andy Thomas, sourcing director at Brymec, said: “Selection and support advice is something we are frequently being asked for, and is becoming more expected by our customers. Paul’s appointment now gives us real strength in this area. Paul has vast knowledge and expertise in valves, so he will help me with the development of the Brymec range in terms of specifications and technical requirements as well as promoting the valves that we supply to our customers. He will also help me with the sourcing of new valve ranges.”

Paul, who has spent the last four years working for a large valve manufacturer as its technical specifications manager, said: “This is an exciting opportunity in a dynamic, ambitious and fast-growing company which has a deep commitment to ‘re-writing the rule book’. In my experience around the market, Brymec consistently receives the highest praise from M&E contractors and suppliers for its service levels, professionalism, overall communication and performance.”

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AWA RD S

SUPPORTING THE NEXT GENERATION

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The ACR Trainee of the Year Awards are always a special day in the calendar.

ack at The Belfry this year, on Thursday 6th December, the informal event celebrates some of the finest young apprentices making their way in the industry and rewards their achievements.

TOTY is run on a not-for-profit basis, which means we invest money back into the training companies which put forward the winner, runner-up and highly commended trainees. This helps to keep providing the best skills possible to new trainees and apprentices coming into the air conditioning and refrigeration sector.

To date, we have put well in excess of £30,000 back into the industry for training and there is still time to enter with the deadline extended (see facing page).

The awards are always great way to catch up with familiar faces, network with new contacts and bring your own team for a relaxed and entertaining afternoon.

This year’s winner will follow in the footsteps of Sam Gills of Star Engineering, who was ACR Trainee of the Year for 2017.

For full details of how to enter, or to book your place,

email

julietl@warnersgroup.co.uk or visit:

www.acrtoty.uk

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Book your places and celebrate the future of our industry!

DEADLINE EXTENDED 3 1st AUGUST 2018

This popular awards lunch is again being held at The Belfry, near Birmingham, on

Thursday 6th December 2018 This not for proďŹ t event invests in the training companies who enter trainees to enable them to provide the best skills to trainees and apprentices in the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration sector.

www.acrtoty.uk To sponsor, enter or book please contact Juliet Loiselle on 07786 336606 julietl@warnersgroup.co.uk Sponsored by

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TEMPERATU R E

A N D

H UM I D I T Y

C O N T R OL

JET POWERS AHEAD

Jet Environmental Managing Director Jason Hibbs reports on an impressive year of growth.

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am truly proud of the fact that Jet Environmental is on track for 100% sales growth on last year’s figures. We are one of the main UK-based suppliers of temperature and humidity control systems and have recently partnered with a large number of blue chip clients within the pharmaceutical, confectionery, retail and industrial sectors.

From our viewpoint the market in general is buoyant, the big e-retailers are investing in their futures, confectionary supply chains are getting more efficient and pharmaceutical distribution continues to develop. One noticeable aspect even in the last five years is the increase in size of logistics operations, the scale of new build facilities is huge in comparison to just a few years ago.

Jet Environmental is based in Solihull and the company’s proven track record of innovation and engineering excellence has made it the UK’s market leader in industrial ventilation and cooling systems with humidity control becoming an increasing feature. The business was launched in 1981 and designs, builds and maintains the heating, ventilation and cooling systems for large volume buildings such as warehouses, distribution centres, rail maintenance units and aircraft hangars. The company has a small key team in Solihull, with manufacturing and installation carried out by sub-contracted teams based around the UK.

Innovation

The fact so many major brands are interested in our services is testament

to what we have to offer. All our top quality temperature control solutions are customised to suit the business requirements of our customers.

Some of our ever-expanding list of end clients include the NHS, Boots, Alloga, Great Bear, DHL, Sainsbury’s, Ferrero Rocher, Thorntons, Lindt and Nestle.

So far, we’ve managed to use our business knowledge to make the right deals and partnerships that have helped develop our business and provide substantial benefit to our clients. We hope to build on our successes in the future, with the aim of becoming the supplier of choice for clients needing state of the art innovative temperate and humidity control for their products and personnel.

We’re accustomed to innovative practice and have developed advanced control systems that are ideal for increasingly demanding environmental control in the most energy-efficient way possible. We invest heavily in research and development to maximise the solutions we offer our clients.

Our record building volume is 1.4 million cubic metres, however, market demand has caused us to adapt our methods of air distribution specifically to suit smaller warehouses as well. This means we can address the requirements across the complete spectrum of warehouse sizes, with all designs installed with the same high level of attention to detail and quality.

We have been a wholly owned subsidiary of Wozair Limited since July 2016.

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V E N T I L AT I O N

RETROFIT REVOLUTION Ventilation manufacturer Nuaire believes it could help prevent thousands of deaths caused by air pollution with what it considers to be a revolutionary technology for existing homes.

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he Noxmaster whole-house ventilation system for the retrofit market combines a powerful carbon filter with a strategy invented by Nuaire over 45 years ago, Positive Input Ventilation (PIV). This removes up to 99.5% of nitrogen dioxide and other harmful pollutants generated by traffic emissions and industrial processes. Nuaire says the Noxmaster delivers clean, filtered air into urban homes, improving the indoor air quality to within safe levels, as recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Until now, using carbon filters to scrub airborne pollutants from indoor air

has only been used with mechanical ventilation systems which are ducted from each room in a new build property.

Retrofitting these systems into existing dwellings is both difficult and highly intrusive. Nuaire says the Noxmaster now means that any urban home with a loft can have a carbon filter ventilation system installed.

Business Ops Director Andy Mudie said: “With rising air pollution levels, installing carbon filters in urban homes has become a planning condition in many parts of the country. But with an estimated 27 million existing homes in the UK, compared with 170,000 new homes built each year, the disparity is clear. The industry has been waiting for a solution for the millions of existing homes that are blighted by poor air quality, and this exciting new development addresses the issue for the wider population.”

PIV is a strategy invented by Nuaire in 1973 with the launch of its Drimaster range. Today, it is recognised as an alternative system in Building Regulations, as certified by the BBA, and considered the most effective method of curing and preventing condensation dampness, as well as a recommended method of reducing Radon gas levels in affected areas.

The Noxmaster system combines the PIV approach with a powerful carbon filter that removes up to 99.5% of Nitrogen Dioxide and up to 75% of harmful particulate matter (PM2.5).

Exposure to NOX and PM2.5 reduces

life expectancy through a range of diseases including lung cancer, dementia and diabetes. The carbon filter also removes other harmful gases produced by traffic emissions, including sulphur dioxide, hydrocarbons and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), helping to clean indoor air and protect the long-term health of the occupants.

Major benefit

With concern over air pollution levels, many homeowners are taking steps to monitor and control the quality of air in their homes with consumer products.

Nuaire Product Development Manager Richard Jenkins believes this may lead to a false sense of security. He said: “Removing gases and particulates from the indoor air is a complex process which requires mechanical ventilation to filter the air throughout the property simultaneously. Air purifiers can only treat the air in one room, and their effectiveness depends on the room’s

exact size, the proximity to the source of incoming pollution, and how the air purifier is operated. In short, you would need a purifier for every room in the home, and that would still be far less effective than providing a single source of filtered air via a mechanical system, as the Noxmaster does.”

Adding carbon filtration to PIV has another major benefit in that it keeps condensation levels low. Richard Jenkins explained: “The PIV process treats the whole property, ensuring the air is constantly diluted and replaced with fresh, filtered air. Humidity is a major indoor pollutant, which leads to condensation dampness and mould growth. It keeps moisture levels low, whilst also forcing out pollutants generated by household cleaning and beauty products, cooking with fuel and using wood-burning stoves.”

Andy Mudie added: “Noxmaster is about giving homeowners and tenants living near busy roads the peace of mind that by installing a system in their loftspace, their long-term health will be safeguarded.” www.nuaire.co.uk

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WOMEN

IN

R A C H P

SHARING KNOWLEDGE AND F Samantha Buckell, chair of the IOR’s Women in RACHP network, reflects on a successful day at Elstree.

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ifteen women from around the country travelled to Fujitsu in Elstree to attend the IOR Women in RACHP Career Development Day, arranged to coincide with this year’s International Women in Engineering Day.

The first session, Service and Maintenance, was practical exercises for non-engineers delivered by the Fujitsu training team of Martyn Ives and James Richardson. The morning clearly showed that there was actually a good range of technical knowledge in the room and it was good to share that and clarify different facts.

I found the day to be a great mix of information as well as fun, which is the best way to learn. I am definitely proud to be part of this industry, and this gave me a great opportunity to meet new people from all different job roles, with all different kinds of technical backgrounds.

Thank you to Women in RACHP and everyone involved for taking the time out to organise this day, and hope I have the privilege of seeing you on the next one.”

Advanced Engineering’s Richard Davies ran an informative session, talking about chemicals, what they can accomplish and the need to use them. The importance of servicing air conditioners and condensers was made very clear, along with a few horror stories about what kind of dirt can build up in a system if left.

As well as learning, the RACHP event again provided an invaluable opportunity to meet colleagues from around the industry

Great way to learn more about your industry and meet some amazing women. Plus a day out of the office!”

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I N

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D FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES Great day giving an insight into what our tech teams do daily! Also, thought provoking goal-setting too.

Would recommend it to anyone in a non-tech role.”

Personal Development in the afternoon, led by Lisa Walker from White Apple Thinking, was a session named Get Clear, Get Confident. A masterclass in gaining focus and staying motivated.

The importance and value of days like these is highlighted by the quotes from attendees. But for me it reiterates

the importance of meeting colleagues from around the industry. To compare notes on our roles and to hear what other companies do is fascinating and useful. There is very little opportunity for females to do this. Women in RACHP hopes to make more opportunities like this available in the future.

Delegates had the chance to gain hands-on experience and learn more about maintenance

I thought the morning was great.

When you just deal with the paperwork in the office it was really interesting to be able to get hands-on and actually work on the equipment to see a small part of what the engineers experience! I thought the day was very informative and was great to be able to get a basic understanding of refrigeration.’’

James Richardson and Martyn Ives of Fujitsu

As always, a great and informative day. Having been in this industry for 13 years and not in a hands-on capacity I find these days invaluable as they give me a greater insight and understanding of the work that the engineers have to do. Moreover, to fix that AC unit in a ceiling when it is hot and there are grumpy people underneath… I now really understand why engineers are angry all the time ha ha..’’

The practical exercises again proved popular and demonstrated the range of technical knowledge

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W O M E N

D R

I N

A C R

C A T A R I N A

M A R Q U E S

TAKING CaRe OF BUSINESS Dr Catarina Marques (left) with Ina Colombo and Maria Gratiela Tarlea at the 24th IIR Congress of Refrigeration in Japan

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r Catarina Marques is the incumbent President of the International Institute of Refrigeration’s (IIR) Careers in Refrigeration (CaRe) working group.

Dr Marques is the Foodservice Engineering Manager at Adande Refrigeration, where her role includes helping foodservice operators, retailers and suppliers improve the quality of their food.

She holds a degree in Food Technology and a PhD in Refrigeration.

She recently presented a paper entitled ‘CaRe: IIR working group with emphasis on women in Refrigeration’ at the 5th IIR Conference on Sustainability and the Cold Chain held in Beijing in April 2018.

The IIR CaRe initiative was launched in 2016 and was stimulated by two IIR events held at 24th International Congress of Refrigeration in Japan: the ‘Reception for Students and Young Researchers’ and the ‘Women in Refrigeration’ workshop. The IIR CaRe programme aims to make refrigeration and air conditioning more visible to the general public and inspire a younger generation to take up careers in an exciting industrial sector. The initiative also has the objective of overcoming the predicted future shortage of engineers in the refrigeration industry.

Dr Marques explains: “Refrigeration is a thriving industry, which offers excellent career opportunities for people with all kinds of interests and skills. Our goal is to increase cultural diversity and the number of women recruited to refrigeration and associated industries.”

Dr Marques first became involved with the Institute of Refrigeration (IoR) during her CASE award and PhD at London South Bank University and her passion for the refrigeration industry was further nurtured when she took up her post at Adande. She soon became involved in the IoR Young Engineers’ Network, organising events at UK universities, including speed-networking appointments, which allowed students to meet experts from the industry. Her enthusiasm then led to her involvement in the IIR Reception for Students and Young Researchers at the International Congress of Refrigeration held in Japan in 2015.

Innovation

Dr Marques said: “These experiences and the support I have received from industry professionals and colleagues were important factors in my involvement with the CaRe working group. During my time at Adande, I have learned a great deal about innovation, not least from the company founders Ian Wood and George Young. My participation in the IIR CaRe initiative is one way of giving something

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The IOR’s Women in RACHP network, established with the support of the ACR Journal in 2016, now has more than 600 members.

It is open to anyone (male or female) working in an RACHP-related role. You do not have to be an IOR member.

You can get involved through the Women in RACHP LinkedIn group.

back to the industry, which has served me so well.”

Members of the IIR CaRe working group serve on a voluntary basis.

Representatives currently include VicePresident Professor Judith Evans from London South Bank University and Director of RD&T in the UK; Professor Michael Kauffeld from Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences and Director of the Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Environmental Engineering in Germany; Professor Maria Gratiela Tarlea from the Technical University of Civil Engineering and Vice-President of the Romanian General Association of Refrigeration; and Ina Colombo Deputy Director of the IIR, who is the working group Secretary. The committee holds quarterly conference calls to plan strategy and co-ordinate events, as well as getting together at IIR conferences.

The IIR CaRe working group has organised meetings at many industry events over the last two years, including IIR and ASHRAE Conferences. In 2018 alone, CaRe has already provided workshops at the 5th IIR Conference on Sustainability and the Cold Chain in Beijing, the Refrigeration Exhibition at La Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie in Paris and the Efficient Energy Engineering event at the CEB fair in Karlsruhe, Germany. In October 2018, the CaRe group will be hosting seminars

for students and young professionals at Chillventa in Nuremberg, Germany.

Typically these events take the form of networking sessions, allowing students to engage with leading industry academics and experts. They have also included informal presentations from refrigeration professionals, providing insights into their roles within the industry.

Contribution

In addition to face-to-face sessions, the CaRe group has prepared literature, promoting its activities and is currently developing its social media profile. The aim is to post case studies, highlighting the roles and career paths of individuals in the refrigeration sector, to spark the imaginations of potential recruits.

Dr Marques acknowledges the significant contribution of industry professionals and academics in the success of the CaRe programme: “We are grateful to the many refrigeration experts, who have taken part in our networking sessions. Their passion for the industry in which they work

has engendered enthusiasm amongst countless youngsters, inspiring them to learn more about the refrigeration sector and consider a career in this challenging and exciting environment. We are building on the momentum of the CaRe programme and will be delivering our message to increasing numbers of youngsters, students and graduates.”

Dr Marques is also closely involved with the IOR Women in Refrigeration, Air Conditioning & Heat Pump (RACHP) programme. This is a UK initiative, providing networking and mentoring opportunities, where hands-on training in refrigeration is followed by personal development activities. Women in RACHP held a career development day, in June this year, at Fujitsu’s facility in Elstree, to mark International Women in Engineering Day. She is also championing a new global initiative, organised by OzonAction in cooperation with UN Women, aimed at raising awareness of the opportunities available to females in the refrigeration and air conditioning sectors.

For further information on the IIR CaRe initiative, visit https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8566909 or www.facebook.com/CareersinRefrigeration/ For further information on OzonAction, visit http://web.unep.org/ozonaction/news/ozonaction-launches-initiative-highlight-womenrefrigeration-and-air-conditioning-sector

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TRAINING INSTALLERS AT HOME AND ABROAD Mark McManus, Managing Director of Stiebel Eltron UK, discusses installer training, bridging the skills gap and the importance of collaboration between manufacturers and installers.

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onsidering the complexity of the supply chain in the heating and renewables sector, from manufacturing to the end-user, keeping all facets running smoothly is vital to maintaining customer satisfaction and a reputation for quality. To achieve this, a key consideration must be the implementation of high quality and cutting edge internal training for staff as well as tailored sessions with the installers that fit products into homes and businesses.

The skills gap faced by the industry is an issue that has seen much publicity in recent years, and it is something that we must collectively look to build a solution for, especially with a further 1.8 million technically qualified people needed for the sector by 2025 according to Engineering UK. However, equally important to inspiring the next generation of industry experts, is retaining those installers with

the talent to drive the sector forward and continually improving their technical knowledge.

Installers are the lifeblood of the sector and the main point of contact for many customers that are making a purchasing decision, making them to some extent an extension of the image of the product or system manufacturer. Working across such a wide-range of products – and with vastly different specifications from various manufacturers – provides challenges.

It means that regular updates and knowledge sharing is invaluable in ensuring that not only are your installers familiar with the very latest product lines in stock, but also their specifications and requirements for installation.

The Stiebel Eltron Energy Campus in Holzminden, Germany

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Efficient

At Stiebel Eltron we have taken a unique approach to this, finding several solutions that have strengthened the brand and our relationship with installer partners, and resulting in customers that are happy with both the product and an efficient installation process.

Our solution is two-fold: one incorporating a local approach, and another that takes our installation partners further afield to the cuttingedge Stiebel Eltron Energy Campus in Holzminden, Germany.

We believe that by not only arming installers with an in-depth knowledge of our products, but also inspiring them with the innovative technology on display, we can simultaneously change perceptions of the sector to those that are looking to join it, and help our existing teams develop their knowledge to become industry-leaders.

The Stiebel Eltron UK headquarters in Bromborough, Wirral, gives installers their first experience of the product line. Our training centre has played host to regular roadshows in which installer partners are invited to find out more about the technology behind the brand, both through seminars with the senior leadership team and live product demonstrations.

Comprehensive

This experience is developed as installers gain familiarity with Stiebel Eltron’s range of products and their capabilities with a visit to the Energy Campus in Holzminden.

The campus is the flagship of Stiebel Eltron’s commitment to sustainability and innovation and the hub of the company’s collective expertise. The trip allows installers to experience the technology that is driving major breakthroughs in the industry and to test its various implementations.

Training sessions held at the centre are built around four themes: heat pumps, hot water systems, ventilation and the assembly centre; this provides a comprehensive and interactive overview of the Stiebel Eltron offering at an immersive and inspirational venue.

‘AS AN INSTALLER, IT'S REFRESHING TO SEE THE PERFORMANCE OF PRODUCTS IN ACTION‘ Tom Clark of Green Flare joined the team on a trip to Holzminden and had this to say about the experience: “I had been working with Stiebel Eltron as an installation partner for around a year when I was offered the opportunity to attend a trip to the Energy Campus – in the first instance a fantastic demonstration of Stiebel’s commitment to the working relationship we had developed.

“The facility is totally unmatched in the UK with live units that provide the perfect demonstration of the benefits that the products offer to end-users. As an installer, it is refreshing to see the performance of the products in action and the benchmarks that they can achieve, as it is often customers that are the only ones to experience this. It really demonstrates the confidence that Stiebel Eltron has in the products they are providing.

“The instructors communicated the technical details of the product range in an easily digestible way, and on top of that the trip provided an ideal opportunity to share expertise and gain tips from fellow installers and build a real team spirit amongst all those attending.

“I’ve also found that the trip gave insights into the array of design tools on offer from Stiebel, which have all contributed to make the installation process run smoothly for my customers.”

Stiebel installers on a trip to the Energy Campus

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SO GOOD, HE JOINED THE COMPANY

The former pub was converted to a family home

The Commercal Inn as it looked in 1908

Decision to choose air source system led to a career change for customer and future director

W

hen Guy Ransom chose to have an air source heat pump fitted at his home, he had no inkling that he would end up as commercial director of Finn Geotherm, who installed the system.

The five-bedroomed detached home in Hopton, Suffolk, is a converted pub.

Originally built in the 1800s, the pub – known to locals as The Commercial Inn – underwent major refurbishment in 1978 but closed in the 1990s. When Guy and his wife Claire purchased the house in 2009, it was still laid out as it had been during its years as The Commercial. They set about undertaking major works to transform it into a family home.

The conversion took two years, including major reconfiguration of all the rooms and the removal of 400 tonnes of asphalt to turn the former pub carpark into a landscaped garden.

As part of the conversion, the family decided to invest in a new heating system. Guy said: “The existing oil boiler was old and incredibly noisy. The oil tank was large and rather unsightly from all angles as it was located in between the back and front gardens.

Plus, with it being visible from the road, we were concerned about fuel theft which can be an issue in rural villages.”

Throughout the project, Guy chose environmentally friendly or sustainable materials wherever possible, as well as fixtures and fittings that would require minimal maintenance such as UPVC soffits and gutters. When it came to heating, he wanted to take the same approach and, after carrying out some research, Guy found an air source heat pump was the ideal choice.

Advantages

Finn Geotherm specified and installed a Dimplex A16 air source heat pump

Finn Geotherm specified and installed a Dimplex A16 air source heat pump and combined 300l hot water tank with 100l buffer. The heat pump was installed on the flat roof above the kitchen, with the cylinder located inside an existing cupboard.

The installation took place before Guy was part of the company – and it was this meeting with Technical Director

David Alston which led to him joining the business.

The system has been delivering benefits from the day it was installed.

Guy said: “The house is always warm throughout and we never need to think about timings to fit in with our busy family schedule. We always have enough hot water – even with a houseful at weekends. My heating bills immediately went from £2,000 per year to £1,200 but my house is warmer than it ever was before. Plus, I am receiving the benefit of Renewable Heat Incentive payments and doing my bit for the environment by reducing my carbon emissions by 75% compared to the old oil boiler.”

The heat pump has delivered other associated advantages too – removal of the oil tank has created a space for a greenhouse and oil deliveries no longer need to me made by a large tanker which had to park on the main road through the village. The system itself is low maintenance and expected to last twice as long as a conventional condensing boiler. www.finn-geotherm.co.uk

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LISTEN UP... IT’S THE ULTRA QUIET ECODAN New model can be installed ‘almost anywhere’ due to improved sound levels.

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Ecodan has been manufactured in Scotland for more than a decade

itsubishi Electric says the low sound levels of its new air source heat pumps means there is even more flexibility in where they can be installed.

The Ultra Quiet Ecodan is available in 8.5kW and 11.2kW sizes with sound levels that are three times quieter than previous models, virtually eliminating planning restrictions.

Designed for residential applications, Mitsubishi Electric claims marketleading energy efficiency and sound levels that enable almost any home to benefit from high performance, renewable heating.

Max Halliwell, product manager for renewable heating systems, said: “The government has already recognised how important air source heat pumps will be for the future of low carbon heating in the UK and is forecasting one million sales a year by 2030.

“One of the key areas that will affect adoption of these energy-saving systems is noise, which is why Permitted Development exists, and these new units are designed specifically to overcome any issues with noise.”

To ensure neighbours are not

Max Halliwell of Mitsubishi Electric

disturbed, Permitted Development requires sound levels to meet certain limitations, with the sound pressure level not exceeding 42 decibels, dB(A) when measured at a point one metre away from the neighbour’s nearest door or window.

Whisper-quiet

The 8.5kW Ultra Quiet Ecodan has a sound power level of 58 dB(A) which is an 8 dB(A) drop over the model it replaces. It also has a sound pressure level of just 45 dB(A) at one metre.

Sound power relates to the cause of a noise or the total sound energy emitted by a source in all directions, whereas sound pressure is the effect or the sound we hear and is determined by the environment and by the distance from the source of sound. An ambulance registers 120 dB(A) whereas

a vacuum cleaner registers around 73 dB(A) and typical room conversation comes in at around 60 dB(A).

Halliwell added: “With a sound pressure level of just 45 dB(A), the new Ecodan is whisper-quiet, with levels just above that of a library, meaning it will pass the Permitted Development requirements easily and can be installed almost anywhere to suit the homeowner.

“This is a result of a decade of manufacturing Ecodan in Scotland and we have used this knowledge and experience to refine Ecodan and design it specifically for UK residential use.”

Innovations in fan and compressor design have enabled the units to achieve low levels of sound whilst increasing performance and efficiency. Both models in the range are A++ ErP rated and also available with coastal protection for areas where they can be exposed to saline.

Further details on the performance of the units including a short animation on the importance of sound levels in achieving Permitted Development can be found at: https://ultraquietecodan.co.uk.

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Chilly Chatter sponsored by

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FAREWELL TO CHRIS AFTER 50 YEARS Operations Director Chris Beadle has announced his retirement after a 50-year career with air conditioning ductwork contractor Hotchkiss.

A long-term champion of the apprenticeship system, his progression from workshop apprentice to company director has allowed him to pass on his knowledge and experience to the next generation by assisting Hotchkiss Chairman Chris Beadle George Humphreys in developing a Trailblazer apprenticeship initiative.

Chris began his own four-year apprenticeship in 1969 and has since been involved in iconic projects including the Millennium Dome, the Heathrow T2A redevelopment and the TML Folkstone Terminal.

He said: “I remember when I was at school I was directed towards employment via the apprenticeship route to learn a skill for life. I got an interview with Hotchkiss and never looked back. When I became a director it was my turn to employ apprentices and I must say I was disappointed and shocked with the way apprenticeships were seen by the schools and candidates themselves especially in construction.

They were definitely seen as second best to going to university. Hopefully with the new government Trailblazers this will now change. I can recommend the apprenticeship route, especially in the building services sector of construction. I had a great career!”

Chairman George Humphreys said: “On behalf of everyone at Hotchkiss I would like to thank Chris for his hard work and dedication to the company and the ductwork industry as a whole. He has been instrumental in the development of our apprentice programme and his industry knowledge and insight will be sorely missed. We congratulate Chris on a fantastic career and wish him all the best for the future.”

TURNING CABINETS INTO FASHION STATEMENTS Williams has updated its Chameleon service with the launch of a host of new graphics ideas. Chameleon allows customers to turn their refrigeration cabinet into a statement piece, by encasing it in a bespoke design, using ultra-hardwearing and food-safe vinyl wrap.

Martin Laws, Marketing Manager of Williams, said: “By offering a library of ideas we’ve been able to help them make their front of house fridge a fashion item rather than a stainless steel box. It allows them to match their fridge cabinets to the style and décor of the venue.”

As part of the Chameleon service, Williams will create graphics in-house. Alternatively, customers can provide their own designs. Ideas range from brick walls to great works of art, reimagined for the catering kitchen. In fact, there’s no limit to the colours, designs and patterns that Chameleon can create.

“A fur fridge? A flower fridge? A fridge in jeans? We’re excited to see how far the market will push the boundaries,” says Martin.

Chameleon cabinet designs from Williams

Apprentice Jack takes top spot Jack Orrow of mechanical and electrical building services specialist J S Wright has been recognised as one of the top apprentices in Britain.

Jack, a member of the J S Wright Academy, received the Heating & Ventilation Apprentice of the Year award for 2018 from Choice Training and was presented with a trophy and a certificate by Choice Managing Director Robert Maw. The 22-year old, who lives in Dagenham, passed the Level 3 National Vocational Qualification in Heating & Ventilation with Choice and was one of 75 trainees on its H&V courses.

Jack receives his award from Choice Training Managing Director Robert Maw

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HEAT IS ON AT CLIMALIFE GOLF DAY Climalife UK’s annual golf event saw customers and cooling industry colleagues make the most of the weather at the Windmill Village Hotel Golf Club in Coventry.

DAVE’S THREE DECADES AT AIRKOOL Pictured, from left, are Richard Dawson, Wayne Dawson, Dave Hurd and Peter Dawson.

Contracts Manager Dave Hurd is celebrating 30 year of service at Hull-based air conditioning contractor Airkool.

Blessed with glorious sunshine, 21 players completed the course with Lawrence George (AFR), David Wilkinson (GEA) and Alex Moore (IRS Northern) taking the top three places.

Competitions for the longest drive and nearest pin were also picked up by Lawrence and David and prizes were presented over dinner in the Windmill Village club house.

Climalife UK Managing Director Allan Harper said: “Another thoroughly enjoyable day was had by all and I’m pleased that we were also able to raise some money for the Macmillan Cancer Support charity.”

Special thanks go to Chemours, who sponsored the two golf competitions.

Ricky Brookes of Weatherite in action

Director Richard Dawson said: “Dave has been a fantastic servant for the company and has a welath o knowledge. He started back in 1988 as a Senior Service Engineer and was soon promoted to Service Supervisor. When Gerry Goulden decided to retire from the business a few years later, Dave was again promoted, to Contracts Manager.’’

LORD SUGAR SALUTES PETER DEARMAN

Lord Alan Sugar sent a message of congratulations to a dinner held at the Royal Society to celebrate the inventor of the Dearman engine.

In 2001, Peter Dearman had written to then-Sir Alan, saying he had invented an engine that could run on air, produced no pollution, and was cheap to manufacture. Sir Alan’s reply, published in the Daily Mirror, asked Peter to contact engineers and said “if you are trying to pull the wool over their eyes, forget it, as any credible organisation will just have a good laugh”.

The Dearman Engine Company’s liquid nitrogen-powered transport refrigeration units, which are zero emission, are now used in the fleets of Sainsbury’s, Unilever and Marks & Spencer.

The dinner saw Peter presented with a framed version of Lord Sugar’s original message, alongside a new message he had signed ahead of the dinner, saying “Well done Peter, you finally got there!”

The original article from the Daily Mirror

Best wishes to Bear Smith Brothers Stores has wished good luck to Michael Brown, known as Bear to his friends, as he embarks on some travelling.

The company says Michael has been a valuable and loyal employee for over four years on the trade counter and in the warehouse.

Meanwhile, Nathan Kinnear has joined the business as Area Sales Manager at the Leicester branch. He previously spent eight years with Wolseley Pipe Center as branch manager.

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KLAUS JESSE CHAIRMAN, EHI

MARK BLYGHTON AND MORTEN JENSEN

Klaus Jesse, Vaillant UK and Ireland Managing Director, has been re-elected as Chairman of the association of the European Heating Industry (EHI). He has been with Vaillant for over 30 years, holding various international positions in Germany, China, South Europe and the UK. He said: “The energy landscape is changing and the European Heating Industry has an important role to play.

By delivering ever more efficient and renewable heating technologies to the market, our sector can contribute dramatically to cut CO2 emissions from buildings.”

EHI represents 41 leading companies and 12 national associations active in the heating market. Its members produce advanced technologies including heat pumps and renewable energy systems.

Distech Controls has expanded its sales team after what is describes as rapid growth in the UK market. Mark Blyghton has joined as Regional Sales Manager for London and the southeast. Mark has an engineering background and joins Distech after roles in account management and regional sales.

Morten Jensen has been appointed as Technical and Sales Engineer, providing sales and technical support as well as CPD courses. He is a trained electrician with experience in BMS and large data centres.

Chris Irwin, Vice President of Sales for Europe and Africa, said: “These two appointments demonstrate our clear objectives for rapid expansion and strong growth, which highlight our customer focus and support initiatives.”

For more information visit:

www.ehi.eu

STACEY WARD AND ANDY BAUL-LEWIS BSRIA

BSRIA has appointed Stacey Ward as Membership Manager. He has spent the last 10 years as Instrument Sales Manager – BSRIA Instrument Solutions. Stacey joined BSRIA in October 2001 as an apprentice technician in the instrument solutions laboratories while studying at Bracknell and Wokingham College. He joined the BSRIA Instrument Solutions (BIS) sales team in summer 2003 as a sales technician. In 2008 he became a thermographer and Part F ventilation tester – developing in these roles to take up the challenge of Sales Manager, managing a team of nine. Andy Baul-Lewis, meanwhile, has been appointed as a consultant in BSRIA’s Worldwide Market Intelligence team. He joins after a career providing consulting and marketing strategy in the ICT sector.

For more information visit:

www.bsria.co.uk

DISTECH CONTROLS

For more information visit:

www.distech-controls.com

MIKE PRYDE, CHARLES GILLMAN-COUCH AND EMILY RYAN GRANT UK

Mike Pryde has joined Grant UK as an area sales manager covering northern England and southern Scotland. He has more than 20 years of industry experience and will work with G1 installers across the full Grant product range, including Aerona³ air source heat pumps. He said: “Having worked in the field as an engineer and spent several years on the road in sales, I understand the support that both installers and merchants need from a manufacturer.” Charles Gillman-Couch and Emily Ryan have joined Grant UK as part of a new trainee initiative launched in the spring which will see them gain experience in all departments.

For more information visit:

www.grantuk.com

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018

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Discover potential for the successes of tomorrow Nuremberg 16 –18.10.2018 International success starts with international contacts.

And that’s exactly what you will find at Chillventa, because more than half of the exhibitors and visitors come from countries all over the world. You too can discover potential for the successes of tomorrow at the No. 1 industry platform for refrigeration, air conditioning, ventilation and heat pumps.

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GILES PRATT

ANDY WARWICK AND CHRIS TROTMAN

Giles Pratt has been appointed Area Business Development Manager for Fujitsu General Air Conditioning (UK). He plans to use his 35 years of experience to build and strengthen relationships with large contractors and end users.

Giles first become associated with the brand over 25 years ago, when he and a colleague formed FM Air Conditioning – a business that successfully distributed Fujitsu for 13 years.

He said: “Having worked closely with Fujitsu for many years in my past role as a distributor, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to join the company. Fujitsu currently has the strongest product range in its history which, when combined with tremendous technical back-up and the great team at head office, puts the company in a prime position to grow its market share.”

Air conditioning and refrigeration installer Cool Projects has appointed Andy Warwick as Managing Director. He was previously Commercial Director at the Farnborough-based business, which celebrated its 20th anniversary last year. He said: “This is a business that has already achieved so many amazing results, but a large part of this market is not satisfied with its current suppliers. It is this potential for growth that makes me excited about this opportunity and I relish the thought of where we can take ourselves as a business.”

Chris Trotman has been appointed Service Manager. He has been in air conditioning services for 20 years, working on projects such as The Shard, The Gherkin, The Royal Estates portfolio, and the i360 in Brighton.

AREA BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, FUJITSU

For more information visit:

www.fujitsu-general.com/uk/

COOL PROJECTS

For more information visit:

www.coolprojects.co.uk

KELLY BUTLER

JOHN FELGATE

Aspen Pumps has appointed Kelly Butler as Group Marketing Director. He was previously Deputy CEO at BEAMA, the trade association representing electrotechnical manufacturers, and was also a member of the senior team at the Energy Saving Trust. He said: “I am thrilled to be joining such a fast-growing business.

My plans are to place marketing right at the centre of the business making it the heartbeat that helps drive high sales growth, innovation and an ever-expanding product range.’’

Aspen CEO Adrian Thompson said: “Over two decades we have continued our global expansion through acquisitions, investment in sales resource and product innovation. The appointment of Kelly will now help us move forward as we enter our next phase of growth.”

John Felgate, head of technical at Stiebel Eltron UK, has been appointed chairman of the Domestic Heat Pump Association (DHPA). The role will see John represent the DHPA in advising and lobbying the Department for Energy and Climate Change, providing industry insights to drive innovation and inform legislation in the future.

The association – which is run and managed by the British Electrotechnical and Allied Manufacturers Association (BEAMA) – was formed by the UK’s leading heat pump manufacturers. Its aim is to provide an outlet for the industry’s views and concerns in Whitehall.

John said: “I am looking forward to working with my peers, industry colleagues and the government to develop policies that can position the UK as a world leader in renewable energy.”

GROUP MARKETING DIRECTOR, ASPEN PUMPS

For more information visit:

www.aspenpumps.com

CHAIRMAN, DHPA

For more information visit:

www.stiebel-eltron.co.uk

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MATTHEW GOWER

BUSINESS DIRECTOR, 3D PLUS

SALES & DESIGN ENGINEER, COOLAIR,

Martin Richards has been appointed to head 3D Plus, the joint venture formed earlier this year between wholesale group Beijer Ref and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI).

A Beijer Ref statement said: “Martin Richards, a stalwart of air conditioning distribution, has joined 3D Plus as Business Director and will head all UK operations.’’

Richards, who was most recently General Manager of Midea distributor FG Europe UK, has also worked at Carrier, Mitsubishi Electric, Fujitsu and Hitachi during almost 30 years in the industry.

He said: “I am delighted to be setting up this new joint venture between Beijer Ref and MHI. The MHI brand is very strong in the UK and through this joint venture 3D Plus will undoubtedly grow on this success.”

Air conditioning installer Coolair Equipment has welcomed Matthew Gower as Sales & Design Engineer at its Maidstone office. The former apprentice has more than 20 years’ experience in the mechanical services industry and boosts Manchester-based Coolair’s expanding operation in Kent.

He has worked on installations for Tonbridge School’s new science block extension, Brook House Primary School in Tottenham, the Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) department at Charing Cross Hospital, and Evelina London Children’s Hospital.

Mark Garstang, Regional Director of Coolair, said: “Matthew’s experience will be invaluable as we continue to grow our successful client base and strengthen our capacity for project design and tendering.

For more information visit:

www.coolair.co.uk

ROB ERWOOD

STACIE BENTLEY

Ventilation manufacturer Nuaire has named Rob Erwood as Sales Director. Rob joined in 2004 as a sales rep and progressed through various sales posts, including most recently National Sales Manager. In his new role he is responsible for both commercial and residential projects, with a team including 61 external sales people and 8 regional managers.

Rob has spent his entire career in HVAC and said: “It’s the variety that really appeals to me in terms of the different projects and industries. One day you could be working on a major football stadium and the next a hospital, so you get to experience very different industries. At Nuaire, there’s a ‘people come first’ mentality – a real family feel, despite it being part of a large PLC. This is reflected in the number of long-standing staff we have and the fact that we have entire families working here.”

Pre-insulated pipe technology specialist Flexenergy has appointed Stacie Bentley as Business Development Manager for the Midlands. Stacie has more than 13 years’ experience in the renewables and environment industry and is skilled in HVAC and energy efficiency. He worked for Flexenergy as an Area Sales Manager in 2010, before moving on to a National Sales Manager role with a specialist renewables distributor in 2014. In his most recent role with Altecnic he liaised with M&E consultants and design engineers about their range of Heat Interface Units and their fit with district heating networks.

Stacie will focus on gaining new clients for the company, as well as supporting the needs of existing clients across a patch that not only covers the Midlands, but stretches across to the east coast and down to north London.

SALES DIRECTOR, NUAIRE

For more information visit:

www.nuaire.co.uk

BDM, FLEXENERGY

For more information visit:

www.flexenergy.co.uk

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PROD U CTS

The guide to what’s new for The ACR Journal readers, offering vital industry news including the latest products and services to be introduced.

JAVAC Edge Having quality, reliable tools in your tool bag is critical for busy engineers, which is why JAVAC is the go-to brand for many professionals in the UK. JAVAC Edge is the latest in engineer inspired, precision hand tools from one of the UK’s most trusted tool companies.

As well as having JAVAC quality and reliability as standard, JAVAC Edge tools are feature rich, packed with clever time saving features, tough, durable and are constructed from a lightweight, high-grade aluminium, perfect for professionals on site.

For more information about the range, please visit: www.javac.co.uk

UK Scout HQ protected by BoilerMag commercial filter The heating system of the UK Scout Headquarters at Gilwell Park in Chingford is now protected with a BoilerMag XT heating system filter. Hertfordshire-based installers Mechanical Control replaced two old Strebel boilers with new Ideal Evomax boilers in the plant room, and installed a BoilerMag XT to prevent the build-up of ferrous oxide in the heating system.

Wesley Warren, Operations Director at Mechanical Control, said: “We have used domestic BoilerMag filters on many jobs and always been impressed with the quality, so we decided the commercial BoilerMag would be the best way to go.” www.boilermag.com 0114 225 0624 service@boilermag.com

Hitachi Price List now available

Madoka takes control

Johnson Controls Hitachi Air Conditioning Europe has launched its brand new Price List for 2018/19 to the UK and Irish markets.

Featuring the full product line-up under the Hitachi brand, the new list covers room air conditioners, commercial splits, VRF, ventilation, chillers and domestic heat pumps as well as System Free indoor units which are fully compatible with all Hitachi splits and VRF systems for complete installation flexibility across ranges. Colour-coded tabbed sections make working with Hitachi even easier and the printed version is available now from Hitachi direct sales and approved distributors.

Hitachi has been building its reputation of quality engineering for over 100 years, and the range of innovative heating and cooling products for home, commercial and industrial applications are engineered for climate-friendly seasonal efficiency.

Daikin says its new Madoka controller allows users and installers to experience a new approach to air conditioning control and commissioning.

Features are accessed through three touch buttons and the compact 85mm x 85mm unit is available in white, silver and black. Using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), setup and programme adjustment can be carried out remotely via smartphone, using the Madoka Assistant app, designed to simplify advanced parameter setting and allow access to functions such as schedule setting, setpoint restriction and enabling of energy-saving functions. The Madoka Assistant can respond to changing conditions, for example new office layouts, by enabling fast and easy resetting of flaps. Madoka is connectable to all new and existing Sky Air and VRV systems, with the potential for multiple unit control.

020 3901 0913 aircon.uk@jci-hitachi.com.

www.daikin.eu/madoka

To advertise your product in the ‘What’s New’ section please contact

jordan.paylor@warnersgroup.co.uk

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IQ MODULE

ECOLI N E

ECOLI N E CO2

ECOLI N E+ CO2

AWARD WINNING TECHNOLOGIES

INTELLIGENTLY COMBINED. FLEXIBILITY GUARANTEED. ECOLINE reciprocating compressors from BITZER are now available with IQ MODULE for much more reliable compressor operation, even within the limit area. This combination enables maximum flexibility when using new refrigerants and can be quickly and easily integrated into all refrigeration and air conditioning systems. In addition, cabling requirements and the number of electrical components in the switch board are reduced to a minimum while saving costs at the same time. Optimal adjustment of the VARISTEP mechanical capacity control can also increase the efficiency of the entire system.

Learn more at www.intelligent-compressors.com

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