ACR Journal OctNov 2018

VOLUME 4 No6 ISSN 2058-4407

Essential Information for the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry

TRIM CHARGE INCLUDED!

TRIM CHARGE INCLUDED!

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

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018

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

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Resounding success and growt

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 Manchester’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 12 October.

It’s also a great way to catch up with old friends and make new contacts.

email

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

julietl@warnersgroup.co.uk or visit:

www.acrheatpumpawards.uk

19/09/2018 13:08

owth means you’re on the move The prestigious

2019 are off to Manchester!

W E L C O M E

T O

THE MIDLAND

MANCHESTER - THURSDAY 24TH JANUARY 2019 GLAD YOU COULD JOIN US! Congratulations to the lucky winners of the draw to land one of 10 pairs of tickets for the event.

They are: Amy Evans (AK Services), John Emm (Pumps2Go), Lisa-Jayne Cook (Aqua Cooling), Trevor Bell (AES Ltd), Rob Woodworth (Crowther & Shaw Refrigeration), Lee Hanson (National Refrigerants), Shaun Creech (Eastleigh College), Damian Wiszniewski (Samsung), Allan Harper (IDS) and Tim Porter (Carter Synergy).

sponsored and supported by

16 Peter Street, Manchester, M60 2DS Tel: 0161 236 3333

For more information visit: www.acrheatpumpawards.uk

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CON TE NTS

Essential Information for the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry

Changing seasons and the benefits of working together

The temperatures may have cooled but the pace is certainly hotting up as we race headlong towards the end of the year.

By the time this issue drops through the letterbox, many of you will be counting down to Chillventa 2018 and the ACR Journal team looks forward to catching up with as many of you as possible in Nuremberg.

Then, with barely time to draw breath, we will be into the season of goodwill... and awards! We have had a record entry for the ACR Trainee of the Year Awards on 6 December, so another memorable afternoon at The Belfry in December is guaranteed. And there is still (just about) time to submit your entry for the National ACR & Heat Pump Awards at Manchester’s Midland Hotel on 24 January.

Even if you are not entering this year, both events are a great opportunity to catch up with old friends, make new contacts and, let’s be honest, find out a bit more about what everyone else is up to.

Competition and healthy rivalry are great but, as Graeme Fox of REFCOM points out in his introduction to the Refrigerant Update published alongside this issue... when it comes to the F-Gas phase down, we are all in it together. Choices which are right for the business and also benefit the wider industry have to be the way forward.

In the following pages, we look back at the career of John Austin-Davies as he retires after four decades in the refrigeration sector, explore why heat pump technology could be a giant leap forward for food processing and meet Julie Murray, the first female chairperson of IOR Scotland.

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Enjoy the magazine.

David Editor

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

46 REGULARS 06

News

17

Mitsubishi Electric Column

47

Tools Talk

Projects, products and people Why Lewis was right Seal of approval

52 Women in ACR

Julie Murray of Kooltech

54

What’s New?

The latest products and launches

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

64 Changing Faces

Who’s new and who’s moved

66

Chilly Chatter

Industry chat and updates

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018

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34

VOLUME 4 No6 ISSN 2058-4407

Essential Information for the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry

TRIM CHARGE INCLUDED!

TRIM CHARGE INCLUDED!

!DEDULCN I EG RAHC M IRT

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

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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018

6

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C O N T E N T S

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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

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Multi Media Sales Representative

Jordan Paylor 01778 395029 jordan.paylor@warnersgroup.co.uk

Editorial Design Ady Braddock

52

Advertising Design Natalie Reynolds

Production

Sue Ward 01778 392405 production@warnersgroup.co.uk

FEATURES AIR CONDITIONING

REFRIGERANTS

18 Why Ian’s an inspiration

42 The right tools and products

16 PACAIR case study

20 Carrier playing the long game 22 Small steps to better chiller performance

REFRIGERATION

32 Aircell delivering extra salad days 34 How John Austin-Davies blazed a trail

36 Giant leap forward in food processing

38 Managing our

environmental impact

40 Working together reaps rewards LEAK DETECTION

48 Inficon

50 PACAIR 51 Hydratech HEAT PUMPS

56 58 51 62

Rise of the self build market

Subscriptions

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

Publishing Editor

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

Published by:

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

The future of heating Renewable training Retrofit: going Solo

CMYKCMYK / .ai / .ai CMYK / .ai

PRINTED BY WARNERS 01778 395111

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GREE GOES BIG IN PHOENIX

Gree photo-voltaic (PV) VRF has been chosen for what the manufacturer believes is probably the largest PV air conditioning project in the world.

The Phoenix Mart development, in Phoenix, Arizona, will cool its 600,000m2 with more than 1,200 Gree air conditioning units, with a total PV capacity of 6.7mW. The system can directly use the DC current generated from the PV panels, saving at least 10% of energy loss, compared with traditional mode of PV panel and dc-to-ac converter. It has five operating modes and can adapt to different operation environment by adjusting the function to select power generation, power consumption and power supply to public power grid.

Gree UK managing director Roberto Mallozzi said: “This is just the latest example of a major international project undertaken by Gree, demonstrating its status as the world’s number one supplier of air conditioning equipment. While it is a late arrival into the UK, its mixture of cost effectiveness and hi-tech solutions means we are now being considered alongside more well-known brands.”

BITZER app spots counterfeits

Compressor manufacturer BITZER has launched a free app for users to check the authenticity and warranty status of its products.

The SPOT app also contains extensive documentation and a directory of all BITZER and Green Point service points as well as all certified dealers.

To verify the authenticity of a BITZER product, users can simply use the app to scan the QR code on the product which protects customers from counterfeits. The code can also be used to activate the extended warranty of a product.

Other features include product documentation and contact details for all BITZER and Green Point service points and certified dealers, with a route planner for the quickest route.

The app is free to download from the App Store or Google Play.

JAVAC TO DISTRIBUTE SPECTROLINE RANGE

Leadership changes at

Mark Woods, joint managing director of Space Engineering Services, is the new president of the British Refrigeration Association (BRA). He joined Space as a troubleshooting and commissioning engineer in 1997 and is also chairman of the BRA Contractor Section.

Mark, who succeeds Beijer Ref UK & Ireland technical director John Smith, said: “I am looking forward to building on the great work John has done as we reach out to our broad industry sector to share best practice, focusing on health and safety as we deal with changes in the use of refrigerants.”

John Smith has also completed his term as chairman of the Federation of Environmental Trade Associations (FETA), with Nick Howlett taking over the role. Nick, who is now a year into his role as HEVAC president, is non-executive director at Titon and was instrumental in creating the company’s mechanical ventilation division in 2005. www.feta.co.uk

JAVAC has been appointed as European distributor of the Spectroline range of products from the Spectronics Corporation.

Founded in 1955, Spectroline is a leading provider of innovative UV dye leak detection and sealant solutions, with accreditations from Copeland, Embraco, Tecumseh, Bitzer, Daikin, Fujitsu and Carrier.

Scott Davies, UK Sales Director of JAVAC, said: “JAVAC is extremely excited to partner with another market-leading brand in leak detection. The natural alignment of both companies’ customer centric principles and commitment to product quality ensures that JAVAC customers will benefit greatly from this partnership.’’

JAVAC is one of the leading manufacturers of HVAC/R tools in the UK market. Having recently launched the JAVAC Edge range of tools, the company says the Spectroline range complements its growing product portfolio. www.javac.co.uk See Tools Talk, page 47

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KENSA ADDS THREE PHASE EVO Kensa Heat Pumps has expanded its ground source range with a 15kW three phase addition to the award-winning Evo Series.

The new 15kW three phase model, available for pre-order, provides an MCS approved solution for larger commercial premises with three phase power supplies and higher heat demands. It enables owners of these properties to apply for funding from the Non Domestic strand of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) and reap the benefits of fixed quarterly payments for 20 years.

Guy Cashmore, Kensa’s technical director, said: “Kensa is proud to release this latest update to the successful Evo Series, which is the first three phase offering within the range and will provide a viable option for owners of commercial premises wanting to take advantage of the Non Domestic RHI. “The 15kW three phase features the same innovative yet simple design as the other models, ensuring high efficiencies and industry leading noise reduction.

As with the rest of the series, it incorporates Kensa’s ground-breaking Genesis System Controller which enables installers to perform monitoring, interrogation and commissioning remotely.”

Kensa’s Evo Series was crowned Heat Pump Product of the Year at the National ACR & Heat Pump Awards 2018. www.kensaheatpumps.com/evo

Red Dot Award for Mitsubishi Electric

Mitsubishi Electric has won a Red Dot Award for product design for its M Series MSZ-AP range of wall mounted room air conditioning systems.

The Red Dot Award is judged by an international jury of nearly 40 experts, who said that the MSZ-AP units are, “highly user-oriented and well thought out to the detail in both form and implementation.”

The R32 units claim industry-leading noise levels as low as 19dB(A) and an ERP rating of A+++. The range is available in five sizes from 1.5 to 5kW.

Vaillant invests in renewables future Vaillant Group has invested more than 50 million euros in a new innovation centre in Germany as part of its focus on the renewables sector.

The development has seen the creation of a new research & development centre at Vaillant’s global headquarters in Remscheid, Germany. It comprises of a test centre of over 9,000 square metres and two additional office blocksand also houses more than 230 test rigs, including 40 heat pump test rigs, 21 climatic chambers alongside both a drop test and wind test laboratory.

To support this expansion, Vaillant Group says it has also put in place infrastructure that enables UK installers to take advantage of the investment to drive the growth of their own businesses.

XBC FOR CATHEDRAL PROJECT

Nuaire has supplied an XBC heat recovery ventilation unit as part of an expansion and refurbishment project at St Albans Cathedral.

Along with renovating its existing Chapter House, which provides adapted spaces designed for children and adult learning, the cathedral built a new Welcome Centre, with accommodation and modern facilities for the cathedral congregation, visitors and staff.

Nuaire suggested its XBC heat recovery unit as it could be fitted under the newly constructed elevated floor with space at a premium. The XBC also has an integral condensate pump, which eliminates the need for a gravity drain or condensate drain trap. This meant it could be installed directly on top of the original 1980s sub-floor, avoiding permanent damage through drainage.

The unit is also accessible from the side and requires only 260mm for filter removal, making maintenance possible within the confined space. www.nuaire.co.uk

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SMART QUICK STRONG

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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.

DURABLE For further information visit www.conexbanninger.com/bmaxipro or email salesuk@ibpgroup.com

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‘LIFT-AND-SHIFT’ GOES GLOBAL

Green Point UK’s new support service for contractors, including compressor “lift-and-shift” operations, was among topics covered at the group’s global conference in Beijing.

More than 60 managers from 30 countries provided updates on progress and initiatives across BITZER’s specialist remanufacturing arm .

Green Point UK gave a presentation on the roll-out of its logistical support service for contractors, with a dedicated team managing all aspects of removal and replacement with as-new remanufactured exchange compressor/s.

Kevin Glass, BITZER UK & Green Point UK managing director, said: “The specialist Green Point UK team manages all aspects of complex compressor handling operations, from restricted-access plant rooms in deep basements to the top of multi-storey buildings. Once the refrigeration contractor has disconnected the compressor from the refrigeration and power circuit and removed all refrigerant, the Green Point team takes over, first de-mounting the control and power box and releasing the compressor for lifting out of the rack.”

CLIVET LAUNCHES SMARTPACK2 Clivet has launched the SMARTPACK2 rooftop air conditioning system in a single unit for medium and light commercial applications

Carver Group buys CoolTherm

The Carver Group has bought chiller and air conditioning design and installation business CoolTherm for an undisclosed sum.

The group says the deal represents a further step in its plans to continue to grow and invest in businesses in the HVAC sector in Europe and North America. ​CoolTherm specialises in the design, supply, installation and servicing of air conditioning systems and chillers, operating across the UK and internationally, often in challenging environments. The company was founded in 1992 and now employs more than 60 people.

Aidan Killeen, pictured, Carver Group chief executive officer, said: “We see the business as remaining a separate organisation from our current manufacturing businesses but believe that, after five years of rapid growth for the group, it will offer us the opportunity to grow in other directions, both nationally and internationally, and will form a key part of our new five-year plan for expansion.”

AIREDALE AND AGGREKO STRENGTHEN LINKS

Airedale International has signed a preferred supplier agreement with Aggreko, providing customers with access to Aggreko’s extensive fleet of power generation and temperature control solutions, backed

by Airedale’s nationwide HVAC team.

Through this collaboration, customers will benefit from a total rental solution, from initial site survey through to installation, commissioning, servicing, refuelling and site removal.

In addition to rental services for breakdowns and planned maintenance under the agreement, Airedale will also provide the following specialist risk management and testing services: Contingency planning a contingency plan package that encompasses; initial survey, identifying suitable equipment, with detailed site specific instructions and a guaranteed response time.

​SMARTPACK2 uses full inverter technology with air flow from 890 to 2915 l/s for heating, cooling and air renewal in stores, showrooms, outlet villages, bars and restaurants, petrol stations, technical rooms and production areas.

Clivet says the units offer low running costs, a compact design for simple installation and maintenance, and flexibility.

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Built for Tomorrow

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Vote for Kenneth Lightfoot Medal Voting is now open to choose the next winner of the Institute of Refrigeration’s Kenneth Lightfoot Medal, for the best paper given at an IOR talk or webinar during the past 12 months

BARKELL DELIVERS ‘FLAT-PACK’ SOLUTION AT CANARY WHARF Air handling unit manufacturer Barkell has supplied five bespoke AHUs for a major refurbishment project at Canary Wharf in London.

10 South Colonnade was one of the original towers constructed on the Canary Wharf estate in the early 1990s, to the the south west of the main tower and Canary Wharf DLR station.

M&E contractor Bancroft was selected for the execution of the project along with Aecom as consulting engineers from the design phase through to practical completion and handover.

Barkell was chosen to supply replacement air handling units and, as this was a refurbishment of an older building, there were space and access restrictions which made it challenging to comply with Building Regulations Part L and the ErP (Energy-related Products Directive 2009/125/EC).

To overcome this, Barkell designed and supplied the AHUs in flat-pack form and they were built on site by Barkell engineers. www.barkell.co.uk

CARRIER CHILLERS COOL R&D CENTRE Carrier is supplying two high performance, high efficiency air-cooled chillers for a new research and development centre at one of the UK’s leading engineering companies.

IOR members can choose from a selection of four papers and the winner will be honoured at the annual dinner on 21 February 2019.

The prize includes £500 and a medal and is supported by Lightfoot Defence in honour of the past president of the IOR, Kenneth Lightfoot.

Read the papers and cast your vote via the IOR website

FLEXENERGY PIPES FOR HINKLEY POINT ‘VILLAGE’ Flexenergy specialist prefabrication expertise has played a key role in a modular village providing a hotel-style living environment for workers at the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station site.

The company has manufactured bespoke pipe components for heating and hot water distribution systems for the 44 blocks of accommodation, with ensuite bedrooms, housing almost 1,500 workers on the Hinkley Point C construction site in Somerset. ​ For Flexenergy, the project involved providing coiled pipe and prefabricated sections to connect air source heat pumps to the accommodation blocks on the two sites, supplying 110 ‘U’ shaped and 16 ‘L’ shaped fabrications as well as 400 metres of pipe. The sections were assembled and tested before being shipped in batches in line with construction schedules. www.flexenergy.co.uk

The AquaSnap 30RBP 430 liquid chillers, with Greenspeed intelligence and based on Carrier scroll compressors, will augment existing Carrier chillers at the company’s headquarters, providing a total of 2000kW of cooling for the new R&D facility, administrative offices, and catering and communal areas.

The chillers are equipped with two refrigerant circuits, with three compressors in each circuit, giving excellent resilience and reliability.

Carrier playing the long game, P20.

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Star’s natural solution

Star Refrigeration has helped a leading food manufacturer to reduce its carbon footprint by replacing an industrial refrigeration plant using synthetic refrigerants with a natural refrigerant – carbon dioxide.

Daikin expands chiller line-up Daikin has added to its centrifugal oil free water-cooled inverter chiller line-up with a compact series operating with R134a and R1234ze(E) refrigerants.

The DZ series offers up to 32% reduction in footprint if compared to the previous series and Daikin says the new chiller provides a low noise solution with dedicated compressor sound proof cabinet to ensure outstanding flexibility to match any application.

The R134a range offers a choice of cooling capacity from 320 kW up to 1,478 kW at nominal conditions, with single compressor models providing an output up to 742 kW and dual compressor models between 610 kW to 1,478 kW. The R1234ze(E) range (EWWH-DZ) is available in cooling capacities from 230 kW up to 952 kW at nominal conditions, including single compressor models up to 478 kW and dual compressor models between 430 kW to 952 kW.

Uin Foods produces 25,000,000 private label pizzas for top retailers each year. Star offered a bespoke solution comprising an industrial CO2 refrigeration packaged system and a spiral freezer. When combined, the Star’s Envifreeze and the Helix spiral freezer deliver an eco-friendly in line cooling solution. The system is said to be unique in the industry, as it utilises CO2as a natural refrigerant even though the plant has relatively low capacity.

Uin Foods’ pre-engineered packaged system, which is designed to chill or freeze pizza bases with the flexibility to programme up to six different product sizes, provides 200kW of refrigeration capacity at -40C. Up until now, those seeking refrigeration solutions in an industrial setting but with a capacity of under 300kW faced something of a conundrum as the F-Gas Regulation is moving endusers away from HFCs while, at the same time, the use of industrial ammonia systems is unsuitable in certain applications due to its capital costs and H&S requirements.

PUMP HOUSE SUPPORTS SCHOOL PROJECT Pump House has supplied rooftop building services support frameworks for the major refurbishment of a school in Swansea.

Bridgend-based contractor J. W. Morris was appointed to carry out the work at Pentrehafod School and chose Pump House Flexi equipment to support air handling units and VRF condensers.

The Flexi frameworks are hot dip galvanised and supplied in lengths and widths to suit each unit being supported. All products are available from stock and Pump House staff were on site to provide the contractor with assistance in building the solutions.

Pump House had to overcome the

challenge of supporting the services on a level framework, whilst contending with two significant roof falls, one of two degrees and one of three degree.

To overcome this problem, Pump House supplied an alternative foot to its standard product. The dense crumb rubber moulded feet are available with either a 2.5 degree, or 5 degree slope cut to the underside. Pump House supplied its 2.5 degree, 350mm square feet to enable the frameworks to work with both roof falls.

All support frames come complete with adjustable legs incorporating M24 height adjusters, enabling the installer to level the frameworks. www.pumph.co.uk

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Compressors Screws | Scrolls | Reciprocating and more...

ThermaCom Tel: 01189 181400 www.themagroup.com p15-acroct18.indd p59_acrapr18.indd1 1

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limits can be further relaxed.

In any event, other regulations outside of the scope of BS EN378 must still be applied if companies want to use the new “lower flammability” refrigerants – this does not make their use impossible, but it is an extra layer of complexity to be A D V accommodated.

E R TOR I AL

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AIR CON EQUIPMENT KEEPS GYM CUSTOMERS COMFORTABLE IN NEWBURY...

The leisure centre – and its customers – in Newbury are benefitting from LG air conditioning equipment throughout the building.

T

he LG VRF heat recovery equipment provides all the air conditioning – 56kW of cooling and 63kW of heating – required across the two storey building, throughout the year.

As with most new build projects of this type, the building is essentially a big steel framed ‘warehouse’ with lots of cladding and insulation. It has a large swimming pool inside as well – so the occupants have to cope with the potential heat from outside as well as that generated in the gym and swimming pool inside, and a chlorine rich environment inside in

part of the building. There are extensive changing facilities, lounges, offices and administration areas and upstairs, there are a number of studios for group sessions – and these all need cooling. The LG air conditioning units are both wall mounted units and ceiling mounted four-way cassette units and high-static ducts. The external equipment had to be located sympathetically close to public space and the pipework from the external units to the main building was run through an underground trench – the requirement was for the external equipment to be located further from the building than is

often the case, so the client opted for the additional expense of the trenching.

Air conditioning distributor PACAIR works closely with the design and delivery team and were asked to spec the air conditioning for the new centre in Newbury. They selected LG equipment – in the region of £60,000 worth of equipment in all.

Nigel Palmer heads up PACAIR’s UK operations: “We have a good relationship with the team and we were pleased to be asked to undertake the air conditioning and heating for this new development. This was an ideal opportunity to utilise LG equipment and the whole project worked very well with close co-operation from the manufacturer ensuring that this was a success.”

The installer stated: “The whole project went as smoothly as it could have done.

It’s not a massive site, so it was important that we worked closely with all the other trades involved. It was a phased project, so we were able to move in and get our work done alongside other trades, then move out for a while and get back in to complete areas of the work. LG delivered the equipment on a just in time basis which worked really well – we were never left waiting for equipment to arrive. We had a team of six guys working on the project that started in June 2015 and was completed and commissioned at the end of October 2015. We install equipment from all the major players in the air conditioning sector and we were pleasantly surprised that the LG equipment was up there with all the others we have experience of these kinds of projects. It’s probably fair to say that the two sector leaders were ahead of the game until recently but LG like others in the sector have upped their game and their equipment is very much on a par to any out there. We were very happy to be installing the LG equipment on this project.”

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WHY LEWIS HAMILTON IS RIGHT Ben Bartle-Ross says there is more we can do indivdually and as an industry to protect the environment.

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nyone who knows me well knows how I love the combination of petrol-headed, speed-merchants and planet-saving, green technology that is the Fully Charged Show.

Billed as electric vehicle reviews and renewable energy discussion with Robert Llewellyn (also known for his role as the smug robot Kryten, in the hit TV series Red Dwarf), the programme gives a real insight into where we are heading both technologically and ecologically wise.

It’s well worth checking out and there’s always something new going on or being developed that will surprise and hopefully inspire confidence that we can do something collectively to ensure we stop messing up the planet.

I’ve always loved motorsport and that’s why I’m excited about the future technologies that are being developed, whether petrol or electric.

Whilst I prefer the two-wheeled variety, I do also follow Formula One and I was interested to see Lewis Hamilton trending on Twitter recently, but not for the reasons you might think.

Lewis is rightly praised for his skill behind the wheel and deserves all the accolades and fame he’s acquired. He’s also amassed a Twitter following of over 5 million, so when he tweets something, lots of people see it.

Growing awareness

Lewis posted a short film from some exotic location he was in, with a very clear and real message about plastic. He showed the devastating result of our overuse of plastic as he filmed all the rubbish and waste that had collected on the beach at the lovely location wherever he was. You can view the video yourself at @LewisHamilton.

And do you know what? He’s right. I’ve just become a father for the second time and, more so than with my first child, I got to thinking about what planet my new son was going to grow up on. That’s partly because of my role as a trainer at Mitsubishi Electric and the stance we have taken about energy efficiency which has brought this front of mind for me, but it’s also because of the growing awareness thanks to programmes such as Blue Planet.

Whether you re a climate change sceptic or not, it is surely

crystal clear that mankind has not given enough thought about the impact of modern life on the wider environment as Lewis Hamilton so eloquently and visibly pointed out.

I know that as a manufacturer we try to do all we can to reduce waste, increase recycling and look at the whole life cycle of our products from ‘cradle to grave’.

But as an industry, there must be more we can do, isn’t there?

When you are on site for example, how much of the packaging that kit arrives in gets recycled and how much gets binned? Do you even give it a second thought?

I’ve mentioned what we as a manufacturer try to do, but do you think there is more that we could be doing that won’t affect delivery timings or price?

And what about the industry as a whole? Should we focus attention on this or is there simply too much to do and not enough time?

Do you worry about what happens to simple things like the plastic ties holding pipes or components together or do they just end up on the floor like many other ‘cheap’ and ‘disposable’ elements of the construction industry?

I know I’ve been to countless building sites where the floor both inside and outside the building is full of plastic ‘debris’ from the useful things we have all come to rely on, day in day out.

If you took 10 minutes at the end of each day to collect these remnants up, would that help? And what would you do with them anyway?

I know some sites for major corporations such as Sainsbury’s where the contractors are told each morning where the recycling bins are, but how many other building sites have little more than a skip?

Still, there must be something each and every one of us can do to play our part isn’t there?

To bastardise a phrase from a rather large and well known retailer “Every little bit you can do yourself helps.” www.fullychargedshow.co.uk

Ben Bartle-Ross is a trainer of air conditioning and heat pump systems 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.

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IAN-SPIRATIONAL! Airmaster business development manager recognised as role model.

Ian Fisher with son Charlie at Airmaster

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irmaster’s Ian Fisher has been chosen from over 130 national entrants as one of 40 UK role models for the construction industry.

The UK Construction Week Role Models will be speaking at nationwide events, writing articles and taking part in the new UKCW student outreach programme. Under this initiative, role models will go into colleges and schools to talk to students and teachers at key stages of their education to explain what inspired them to choose construction as a career and bust any myths around the image of construction.

Ian is business development manager at Sheffield-based Airmaster, an awardwinning mechanical services business that works with clients like Not on the High Street across the UK. He said: “My role is to look out for new business opportunities and better working practices at the forefront of renewable technology, enabling Airmaster clients to have a lower carbon loading and a more future-proof business.

“I grew up on the Arbourthorne council estate in Sheffield and left school with just a decent grade in maths.

My first job was as an air conditioning apprentice and I joined Airmaster 15

Ian Fisher inspiring groups of students at the regional Get Up to Speed event

years ago as maintenance manager.

In my first job, I was fortunate to be trained in-house by some very talented engineers and was invited to join Airmaster as maintenance manager.

The company invested in me to the extent I have now become a STEM, air conditioning and construction industry ambassador. My roles have included committee member at the Institute of Refrigeration, giving technical talks to college students already studying air conditioning UK-wide, and also working with groups of school students, introducing them to the wide range of career opportunities in our industry.

Enthusiastic

“The best part of my job and my ambassador role is being face to face with young people at events like the annual regional Get Up To Speed day at Magna, school job fairs, Dragons Den-style presentations and conducting mock interviews. I always seem to find that one young person who cares about the environment and knows about global warming - the one with a genuine interest in what I am saying who could go on to make a difference in the world with a career in

our industry. I must be enthusiastic... my son Charlie joined Airmaster as an apprentice and has now completed his NVQ Level 3 in air conditioning. I couldn’t be more proud of him.”

Airmaster’s MD Lisa Pogson nominated Ian for the award and is delighted he was chosen. She said: “The words I hear about Ian Fisher most are “enthusiastic” and “inspiring”, including from headteachers in the schools he goes into. He is such a great role model for young people. Despite starting his working life with few qualifications, he has worked very hard to gain tough industry qualifications like TM44 Energy Assessments, and his energy, charisma and supportive character have ensured his success.

“He really champions the team and is brilliant at problem solving to help others with his constant stream of new ideas. He is a loyal and valuable member of the team who tells it like it is. He really encourages students, like at our Get Up to Speed STEM careers events where students gather around our stand in large groups to hear Ian’s journey and love of his subject and industry.” www.airmaster.uk.com

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Comfortably cool.

Surprisingly still.

Samsung’s Wind-Free™ 4way cassette uses thousands of micro-holes to gently spread air evenly throughout the room, maintaining a comfortable level of coolness without any cold draft. www.samsung.com/wind-free

* ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers) defines “Still Air” as air currents at speeds below 0.15m/s and lacking the presence of cold drafts.

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CH IL L E R S

PLAYING THE LONG GAME Carrier’s Nancy Jonsson tells David Todd why a considered approach is crucial for one of the most famous names in air conditioning.

“In the new chiller, the high performance micro channel heat exchanger – now commonly used by others – was invented by Carrier.

However, this is the third generation, and it has been re-developed and refined to ensure we continue to lead in this technology.’’

Exciting time

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he imminent arrival of a new variable speed screw chiller designed for HFO refrigerant R1234ze illustrates the importance of playing the long game, according to Carrier UK Sales Director Nancy Jonsson.

October marks the anniversary of her arrival at Carrier UK, and a key milestone of a ‘whirlwind year’ was the Twickenham launch of the AquaForce Vision 30KAV range, with the promise of a low Global Warming Potential (GWP) version to follow in the autumn (see separate panel).

She said: “The focus in developing the new range is firmly on energy efficiency and future-proofing on refrigerants. The new chiller delivers this.

“Carrier is a brand with a lot of credibility and history, and as a global leader it develops products and solutions to play the long game. The HFO version of the new screw chiller is designed from the ground up to operate with this new low GWP refrigerant R1234ze, with optimised performance, reliability and efficiency. It effectively future-proofs end users from GWPrelated changes in legislation.

“When Carrier launches new products, it requires a tremendous amount of detailed research and development. The most important thing when launching a product like this chiller is to make sure it is absolutely right.

Nancy arrived at Carrier with 20 years of HVAC experience in the heating and renewables sectors.

She said: “Carrier has been at the forefront of HVAC technology for a long, long time and I wanted to be part of that, and help lead the next generation of building service engineers in appreciating the quality and innovation the company brings to everything we do.

“As a team, we want to build on that history for the future. Within the UK Carrier team we have a great crosssection of age and experience, and it is so important to remain relevant to the people who are making the

decisions about building design and the equipment that serves it. We need to reflect the specifier and the customer base in a different way.

“Ensuring Carrier is ready to meet future demands means having the right profile and mix of skills and experience across the team as the product offering evolves and develops.

“It’s an exciting time because changes in refrigerants inevitably lead to other changes and improvements. My own background is all about translating what the customer needs into research and development (R&D) and a business plan.

I hope that is what I can bring to the business.

“At Carrier, we are proud of the solutions we deliver, but as engineers there is sometimes a tendency to hide our light under a bushel. I’m an engineer myself, and we don’t always think to shout about our successes; it’s often a case of solving one problem and then moving on to the next.

“At the end of the day, people buy from people, and relationships are very important.’’ www.carrieraircon.co.uk

Nancy Jonsson says Carrier’s PUREtec 30KAVze chiller effectively future-proofs end users from GWP-related changes in legislation

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‘A NEW BENCHMARK FOR EFFICIENCY’

The first phase of the new AquaForce Vision 30KAV chiller range, with Greenspeed intelligence, covered cooling capacities from 500 kW up to 1100 kW, and Carrier claims exceptional levels of seasonal efficiency. The PUREtec 30KAVZE version of the chiller is designed exclusively for low GWP R1234ze.

The range will also be extended up to 1800 kW cooling capacity with premium technologies and additional options.

Equipped with variable-speed screw compressors and variable-speed fans – alternating current (AC) as standard and electronically commutated (EC) as an option – as well as optional variable-speed pumps, the AquaForce Vision 30KAV automatically adjusts the cooling capacity and water flow to match the needs of the building or process loadvariations.

The result is optimal operation at both full load and part load. The range has a SEER of up to 5.5 in cooling mode, and an Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) of up to 3.49 at full load. 30KAV offers energy efficiency up to 40% higher than the 30GX range with the same footprint.

Operating at external temperatures ranging from -20°C to 55°C and negative water temperatures, Carrier says the 30KAV is suited to a wide range of sectors, from large-scale office buildings, hotels and healthcare facilities to data centres and industrial projects.

Product manager William Doll said: “Our engineers have developed stateof-the-art technologies to exceed the European Ecodesign energy performance standards by 30%. AquaForce Vision 30KAV sets a new benchmark for efficiency, compactness and intelligence.”

The AquaForce Vision 30KAV with Greenspeed

The new station at Paddington on the Elizabeth Line. Photograph courtesy of Crossrail

BESPOKE ROUTE TO CROSSRAIL CONTRACT

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omething that has fascinated Nancy Jonsson since joining Carrier is that, because the business is so customer-focused, she attends R&D meetings as sales director and can take the message directly from the client.

She said: “Although it was designed before I joined, a great example of this is the Elizabeth Line project. Carrier UK product manager Matthew Maleki could see the opportunity to develop a bespoke chiller for use on London’s new underground system, and took the brief to the specialist team at the company’s chiller research and development centre in Montluel, France.

“The main contractors on Crossrail had discovered there wasn’t a chiller available that could meet the strict fire and safety requirements, and Carrier was able to design a chiller for the project that was fully compliant.’’

Fifteen Carrier AquaSnap air-cooled liquid chillers with Greenspeed Intelligence will provide cooling for new stations at Tottenham Court Road, Paddington, Woolwich and Farringdon.

The chillers are equipped with zero halogen, low-smoke insulation and cables, and finished with specialist paint, all formulated to emit low smoke and/or fumes when exposed to heat or flame.

The changes to the standard factory specification required detailed research on alternative components and their application. For example, the requirement for zero halogen, lowsmoke cables required a completely new chiller wiring loom.

Maleki said: “The specification was challenging and there were no standard factory-produced chillers available that were compliant.

Carrier’s chiller technology specialists were very innovative, and we worked closely with them to develop a custom-made chiller that met all of the requirements, and provided efficient and reliable cooling with proven Carrier technology.”

The AquaSnap 30RB is based on rotary scroll compressors running on R410A, a quiet-running AeroAcoustic fan system, and high-efficiency microchannel condenser coil technology.

In addition to the importance of fire-safe materials for all equipment used underground, reliability is also a key issue. In this regard, the chillers are built on a heavy-gauge galvanized steel frame and come with a range of security grilles and hail guard options.

Safety features include low ambient head pressure control and high short circuit current rating.

Carrier believes it is the only manufacturer able to supply chillers in full compliance with the required fire safety materials standards for use on London underground stations.

Carrier’s AquaSnap 30RB chiller

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IF IT ISN’T BROKEN… HOW TO MAKE IT BETTER Richard Metcalfe, sales director for ICS Cool Energy, outlines how making just a few modifications to a chiller can start cutting energy consumption and boosting performance.

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rom an energy usage point of view, a chiller can be one of the most energy-intensive pieces of equipment in a factory. With process cooling costs responsible for a significant volume of an industrial end-user’s utility bill, many have accepted that high cooling costs are a necessary evil that must – by and large – be taken on the chin.

However, this is not the case.

To take it right back to basics, a chiller is effectively comprised of two halves – high pressure and low pressure – and the closer those two sides are to each other, the more efficient the chiller is going to be.

However, the quality of the components that make up a chiller can go a long way to improving the efficiency of a unit over the course of its operational life. There are a number

of key components within a chiller that will impact performance and energy consumption. Some of these are intended to last for the chiller’s operational life, and so should be given extra scrutiny during the specification stage; while others can be retrofitted throughout its working life, to further improve the efficiency of the system.

Either way, the following components have the potential to make significant reductions to a chiller’s energy consumption, and subsequently, an industrial end-user’s utility bills.

• Pumps

Pumps are one of the biggest users of energy in any cooling application – not just chillers, but cooling towers too.

Variable speed pumps are key to matching the flow of the system to the required capacity and unlocking the true energy-saving potential of a unit. Variable speed pumps avoid wasted power and energy compared to traditional on/off pumps and have the potential to save up to 50% on pump energy compared to fixed-speed units. What’s more, the cost and power output savings are magnified on larger systems with pumps greater in capacity than 15kW.

• Heat exchanger (shell & tube)

Heat exchangers are critical to the successful operation of a chiller. Shell and tube heat exchangers pose several advantages over plated heat exchangers.

Not only are they typically less expensive than a plate heat exchanger, but they are ideal for process end-users as they can cope with higher operating temperatures and pressures, such as those required by businesses working within the plastics and rubber, and chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

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Using a heat exchanger with multiple ‘passes’, such as a two or four-pass model, is likely to be much more efficient than single pass or two-part variants.

The ‘pass’ refers to the number of times the heat transfer fluid is required to pass through the heat exchanger to reach the desired temperature. Crucially they can be retrofitted to existing chillers.

However, they are not compatible with all models, so it is advisable to discuss any potential upgrades with your service and maintenance partner, or the chiller’s manufacturer.

• Compressors

The compressor is another area of a chiller that can be responsible for a significant volume of energy consumption. However, many highefficiency compressors are available as part of both new installations and retrofit upgrades to a chiller.

Turbocor compressors, which use magnetic bearings to offer improved efficiency and reliability levels by reducing moving parts; as well as inverter-driven scroll and screw compressors with built-in variable speed drives, can offer huge energy savings of 50-60% compared to standard models.

What’s more, a -3˚C difference in operating temperature between screw and turbocor compressors can lead to energy savings of circa 56%.

• Condensers

Micro-channel condensers, while not able to reduce energy consumption directly, can reduce the volume of refrigerant needed which will take further cost out of the system and promote a more environmentallyfriendly operation. They are also crucial to helping equipment comply with the latest requirements of both the F-Gas legislation and Ecodesign Directive.

• Electronic expansion valves

While electronic expansion valves (EEVs) are not yet standard on most chillers, they are much more efficient than mechanical equivalents as they are able to operate on a lower pressure ratio without impacting the functionality of the chiller.

Final thoughts

What’s more, EEVs have the potential to save circa 12% energy a year compared to mechanical valves. Again, they can easily be retrofitted onto an existing chiller, and the additional capital expenditure can be justified in the long-term given the swift payback period they offer.

• EC fans

EC (Electronically Commutated) fans operate using a DC motor rather than an AC motor, which in turn not only offers a much more efficient fan performance, but also noise levels that can be 4-5 dba lower.

Engineers are often put-off by the investment in EC fans given the number of fans that can be found on a chiller.

However, with a payback period of just 6-12 months, industrial end-users can start to make permanent energy savings from just the second year of operation.

If variable fan speed control is added, a further 12-14% energy savings can be made compared to standard on/off fan speed control.

Ultimately, given the processheavy nature of the UK’s industrial landscape, getting a firm grip of a plant’s temperature control systems can quickly result in a reduction of energy consumption and consequently, utility bills.

While there are a number of ways this can be achieved, one of the most effective is to revert to the heart of a process cooling system and evaluate the performance of a chiller itself. Many of the energy-intensive components, such as compressors, pumps and heat exchangers, can be upgraded throughout the operational life of a chiller. What’s more, all of these parts have the potential to not only pay for themselves given their comparatively short payback times, but to deliver sustained energy savings for many years to come.

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www.icscoolenergy.com

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BETTER BY DESIGN Rachael Hopwood Jarvis of Envenio explains the benefits of CFD simulation in air conditioning.

Simulation modeling can also prove useful for both constant volume (CV), variable air volume (VAV) centralised, and displacement ventilation air systems.

Optimisation of existing systems

CFD – what is it?

An example of CFD simulation in vertical farming

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he Carbon Trust expects around 40% of all commercial space to be air conditioned by 2020, compared with only 10% at the end of 1994. This continued growth in the use of air conditioning brings with it an obvious increase in electricity consumption and power station carbon dioxide emissions – a reality in contrast to the UK government’s energy efficiency targets. The costs involved with comfort cooling are also considerable, and the need to address and eradicate poor performing air conditioning systems is vital.

For this reason, designers and engineers have turned to cost-effective technology in order to gain a better understanding of how a potential air conditioning system will perform in a given environment, or to identify areas where an existing system could be improved.

One of these emerging technologies is computational fluid dynamics or CFD simulation – a tool that is proving to be both effective and efficient when it comes to designing and optimising air conditioning systems.

CFD is a computational technology that uses numerical methods to simulate, solve and analyse problems that involve fluid flows and thermal issues. Put simply, CFD allows you to simulate an environment to analyse or predict the performance of an air conditioning system or unit. Identifying where air is stagnating for example, or fluctuations in temperature across a room.

With++advances in modern CFD software meaning tools are more accessible and easier to use, users do not need to be engineers to benefit from this technology.

New system design

CFD simulation enables designers to predict how an air conditioning unit or system will actually perform in a particular environment thus allowing for testing and analysis before installation, and highlighting potential problems early in the design process. As a result, air conditioning system designers can save time, costs and prevent unnecessary physical design changes down the line.

CFD simulation tools can prove beneficial across all three types of generic air conditioning systems: º Centralised air systems º Partially centralised air systems º Local systems

The components of an air conditioning system, including the way they have been set up, have a substantial impact on energy use as well as the level of occupant comfort. Faulty or poor performing air conditioning systems therefore have the potential to be wasteful of energy, time and money and should be corrected where possible.

With CFD simulation, a detailed virtual model can be built, even with the possibility of importing complex geometries from existing CAD designs, before airflow and heat transfer can be truly analysed in explicit detail.

CFD simulation models also provide a greater understanding of intakes and returns, age-of-air, and highlight issues with stagnation or fluctuations.

Essentially showing how an air conditioning system is impacting the environment in which it is working in.

Application example:

In this case, Envenio simulated three different rooms including an open laboratory, a robotics facility and a chemical preparations area, to assess the impact of established air conditioning cooling systems.

For each room, three HVAC conditions were simulated; low, operational and high.

The rooms were cooled by chilled beams or chilled beams with a supplemental dump diffuser. A volumetric energy source was applied to the entire volume of each room to simulate the room heat loading. Model parameters included energy, buoyance and turbulence. The images are known as flood plots, depicting velocity magnitude and temperature within the plane of the

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C FD

image. Results such as these are used to provide air conditioning technicians and designers with a better understanding of mixing, circulation patterns, and occupant comfort.

CFD simulation tools can be used to solve problems such as: Energy consumption increasing º without explanation, suggesting that air conditioning systems may not be working effectively.

º Maintenance costs are increasing due to air conditioning equipment failing regularly through wear.

º Regular complaints from occupants – feeling too hot or cold, for example.

º Following changes in a building structure or layout.

Locations where CFD simulation for air conditioning can prove beneficial include:

The spaghetti-like strands in the image below are streamlines seeded along a line at the chilled beam outlets.

The streamline tubes are coloured by temperature. The stream traces are a way of visualizing where the jets of air go from the exit of the chilled beams, how quickly the temperature changes as the jets mix and entrain surrounding air, and how the jets behave as walls or adjacent jets impinge the flow.

Atrium designs, concert halls, º auditoriums

º Operating rooms, clean rooms Office buildings º

º Manufacturing facilities Apartment blocks º

º Farm buildings Restaurants, hotels, retail outlets º

º Aircraft, boats, cars

Simulation for Smart system validation

Air conditioning systems can account for as much as 25% of some businesses’ total energy consumption so it is perhaps unsurprising that advancing IoT (internet of things) research is looking to identify ways to adopt and implement smart building technologies across the sector. Smarter air conditioning systems such as those controlled remotely from mobile phones or wearable devices are just one example of this, and are proving incredibly effective at assessing conditions and initiating an immediate response. The air conditioning system itself however, must still perform effectively to achieve the desired result as well as satisfying energy efficiency targets. Step forward, CFD simulation.

Cloud CFD tools and usability

Cloud computing means more professionals across the air conditioning and refrigeration sector can benefit from high performance CFD simulation software for a fraction of the traditional price. Cloud tools like Envenio’s EXN/ Aero can be accessed when needed, with a pay-as-you-go monthly model replacing the restrictive licenses that have dominated this space for many years.

As mentioned earlier in this article, users no longer need extensive engineering knowledge to benefit from CFD. Of course, some experience is required to understand and effectively translate the simulation results, but vendors are working to match user training with intuitive, easy to use software platforms.

In summary, the benefits of using CFD simulation for air conditioning design include: Uptime: Designers can better º understand failure scenarios and reduce areas of system redundancy.

º Operational costs: By simulating various scenarios, optimal operational costs can be achieved for an AC system.

º Capital costs: Designers can make large investment decisions with full confidence and information by having a better understanding of the environment in which they are working.

º Maximise available space: Designers can optimise the use of their available equipment and AC systems.

º Satisfy legislation: Through simulation, designers can satisfy legal standards and legislation around thermal comfort for occupants.

With so many potential advantages and an increase in accessibility, it’s not hard to see why many within the HVACR space are ‘dipping their toe’, incorporating CFD simulation to help them design better and more effective air conditioning systems.

An essential guide to CFD simulations gives a good overview of the basics at http://blog.envenio.com/cfdguide

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A free demonstration is available at: http://blog.envenio.com/free-cfd-solver-tria

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CA S E

S TU D Y

PRESS FREEDOM BOOSTS OFFICE REFURBISHMENT K ent-based Doveley Air used Conex Bänninger’s >B< MaxiPro press fittings to install a new air conditioning system in a former Victorian townhouse close to Buckingham Palace.

The office space has undergone a major refurbishment and Doveley Air was awarded the contract to commission and install the new system, which included 24 Daikin VRV units.

Due to the nature and layout of the building, some of the pipework needed to be fitted to the ceilings.

This meant that securing the pipe joints with traditional brazing methods was not an option.

Doveley Air managing director Peter Notley specified the >B< MaxiPro press fittings, a mechanical, flame-free pressfit solution specifically designed for air conditioning and refrigeration systems.

>B< MaxiPro is capable of operating successfully up to 48 bar with a temperature range of -40℃ to 121℃.

He said: “The core benefit of >B< MaxiPro for this particular project

Traditional brazing methods were not an option for many of the joints

was the fact that it is flame-free. This doesn’t just speed up the jointing process dramatically when compared to brazing, but is also negates the need of us needing a hot works permit on-site, which saves even more time and money.

“Once the initial preparation of the joint is complete, it takes a mere five seconds to complete with a press tool.

The >B< MaxiPro fittings were used for more than 100 joints, so if you compare this to brazing you can calculate that the speed we were able to carry out for this part of the project was remarkable.

Overall the whole process was safer, much quicker and therefore much more productive than if we had used the brazing method.”

With 3-point-press technology (one each side of the bead and one compressing the O-ring), >B< MaxiPro is available in a range fittings types including: straight coupler, reducing coupler, fitting reducer, 90° bend, 90° street bend, 45° obtuse elbow, equal tee and stop end variants. >B< MaxiPro comes with a manufacturer’s 12-month warranty as standard. For engineers who complete the product training course and become a certified >B< Maxipro installer, this warranty is extended up to five years (terms and conditions apply).

Conex Bänninger recommends the use of Rothenberger Romax Compact TT press tools and the >B< MaxiPro jaws to be used in conjunction with the fittings. >B< MaxiPro fittings can be used with annealed, half hard or hard copper tube that conforms to EN 12735-1 or ASTM-B280 in air-conditioning and refrigeration applications. They are also approved for use with a range of refrigerants, including R32, R134a, R404A, R407C, R407F, R410A, R507, R1234ze, R1234yf, R718, R450A, R513A, R448A, R449A, R407A, R427A, R-438A, R-417A and R422D.

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COOL ING

FEELING THE BENEFIT Following his article in the previous issue of the ACR Journal, Andrew Gaskell, chairman of the CBCA, outlines some additional advantages of chilled beams and ceilings.

I

n my previous feature I wrote about the history and development of chilled beam technology and the impact chilled beams and ceilings can have on a building’s energy performance. In this article I will explain some of their additional benefits.

Refinements in chilled beam technology mean that they now boast an attractive combination of efficiency, aesthetic appeal and flexibility, offering a practical long term heating and cooling solution to commercial building owners and operators around the world.

April 2018 brought about the introduction of the Minimum Energy Performance Standard (MEPS), which

means commercial premises must now achieve a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of ‘E’ before they can be let to new occupiers or renew an existing tenancy. The government’s target is for the commercial property sector to be achieving a minimum EPC band of C by 2030.

Modern technology has allowed designers and building managers to maximise a building’s energy-efficiency without drastically reducing the comfort levels of the interior environment.

A happy, healthy and committed workforce is vital to a business’s productivity and the type of HVAC system installed is a significant factor in this.

Employers have a duty of care to ensure their workers are not exposed to excessive noise

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C O O L I N G

HVAC systems that take air from ceiling voids collect dust and debris, which lowers air quality. Active chilled beams avoid this problem by inducing air from the room rather than the ceiling void.

Radiant chilled ceilings and radiant chilled beams can be used with displacement ventilation to achieve better air quality. Cooling is achieved by radiant transfer and the extract air at high level removes contaminants as the warm air rises, while the occupied zone is provided by the cooling displacement ventilation.

It’s oh so quiet…

Employers have a duty of care to ensure their workers are not exposed to excessive noise. Prolonged exposure to noise can lead to gradual hearing loss, and old, noisy air conditioning systems are likely to need varying degrees of maintenance work to reduce their noise levels. Chilled beams and ceilings contain no moving parts and can therefore offer near-silent operation, although the process of delivering fresh air results in the generation of

Chilled beams can offer aesthetic advantages, particularly where architects have opted for more open designs

THERE ARE NO MOVING PARTS...

OFFERING A NEAR-SILENT OPERATION ” slight noise in active beams. They also lower the potential for draughts, which improves indoor comfort levels.

Chilled beams can offer aesthetic advantages too, particularly in building where the architects have opted for more open designs with exposed ceilings. The spacious, open interior space they create, as well as the increased natural light they offer, whether in new builds or refurbishments, make chilled beams ideally suited to this type of layout.

The chilled beams can be incorporated into the interior design and become a decorative feature, while the size, shape and paint finish of solutions can be varied to meet specific requirements.

Their flexibility is another advantage as changes to the chilled beam system can

be made easily with minimal disruption to other building services.

Installation costs for chilled beams are relatively low compared to other systems. Once installed, chilled beams can add value to a building as they are generally easy to maintain and their life expectancy can easily exceed 20 years.

With no filters to replace, no drip trays to biocide and no condensate lines to maintain, the only care required is occasional cleaning, depending on the installation. Not only will this reduce maintenance costs for landlords, but it could also increase their property’s resale value, as prospective buyers can be assured in the knowledge their cooling system is in decent condition, environmentally friendly and still has plenty of life left in it.

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TEMPE R ATUR E

C O N T R O L

HEALTHY OUTLOOK Jet Environmental reaping benefits of focus on pharmaceuticals.

S

olihull-based Jet Environmental continues to grow its share of temperature control for the pharmaceutical sector and recently announced projects for the NHS, Alloga, Great Bear, Waymade and PHOENIX Healthcare Distribution.

A strategy which has seen the HVAC specialist place particular emphasis on pharmaceuticals is paying off and managing director Jason Hibbs now believes that more than half of all medicines prescribed in the UK pass through a distribution centre where the temperature has been controlled by Jet Environmental.

The Jet Environmental team is responsible for designing, manufacturing, installing and maintaining systems which control temperature and humidity in open plan industrial and commercial warehouses.

Hibbs said: “Warehouses that store pharmaceutical products must comply with MHRA regulations. Even ‘ambient’ requires a level of control to limit the maximum internal temperature.

“In addition, manufacturers stipulate product-specific recommendations that often have more stringent temperature tolerances than the MHRA.

OUR GOAL IS TO BECOME THE ‘GO TO’ PROVIDER OF TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR THE PHARMACEUTICAL SECTOR AND I THINK WE’RE WELL ON THE WAY” For pharmaceutical businesses, this requires a responsible person to constantly monitor and provide continual compliance reporting, which can add pressure to businesses. Our aim is to relieve that pressure.”

The company says it has worked hard to provide the essential environmental conditioning needed by pharmaceutical companies and now specialises in the sector.

Hibbs added: “We offer a complete environmental solution to drug manufacturers and distributors. This comprises bespoke system design, quick installation and a solution that monitors itself from a matrix of sensors.

System monitoring and self-adjustment is recorded for proof of environmental compliance, with the added facility of remote connections to smartphones.

And it’s working: we estimate that over 50% of medicines prescribed in the UK pass through a warehouse distribution centre where the temperature has been controlled by Jet Environmental.”

Jet Environmental designs systems that incorporate free cooling techniques and smart control philosophies that minimise cooling plant operation where possible. It says that this reduces cost and also decreases the carbon footprint of any given warehouse.

Hibbs said: “Our goal is to become the ‘go to’ provider of temperature control systems for the pharmaceutical sector and I think we’re well on the way.” www.jetenvironmental.com

Jet Environmental says it provides temperature control for more than half of all medicines prescribed in the UK

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REF R IG E R AT I O N

AIRCELL SERVES UP EXTRA SALAD DAYS Applied Design & Engineering says the results of recent scientific trials are further evidence of the benefits of its Aircell air flow management system.

Salad sample comparison at use by date. Salad from the conventional cabinet shows marked deterioration compared with salad from the cabinet with Aircell.

P

erishable foods held within a narrow and stable temperature bandwidth and at higher relative humidity are maintained at better quality for longer, leading to an extended shelf life and a more enjoyable product for the customer.

Applied Design & Engineering commissioned Assured Quality Solutions to assist in scientific trials over a seven day period, with bags of baby leaf salad and house salad bowls, provided by a major industry supplier, held in a commercially available open front multi deck and an identical model, modified with the patented Aircell system. Salad was selected for the tests due to its sensitivity to temperature abuse and its relatively short shelf life, typically six days. During the trials, the conventional single air curtain cabinet demonstrated a temperature bandwidth of 11.2ºC compared with a span of 5.4ºC in the model with Aircell. Relative humidity was measured at 9% higher in the cabinet with Aircell.

Salad bags and bowls were taken from the cabinets at the end of each day of the trials and transported, in a refrigerated container, to a local independent microbiology laboratory for measurement of yeasts, moulds and total viable counts (TVC) for bacterial growth.

On each day of the tests, the TVC were consistently higher in the baby leaf salad bags displayed in the conventional cabinet. The highest TVC in the cabinet with Aircell was 5.0 x 107 colony forming units per gram (cfu/g) compared with 2.8 x 108 cfu/g in the conventional cabinet. By day five there was also a difference in the total yeast count of 1.6 x 104 cfu/g in the cabinet with Aircell, compared with 3.0 x 105 cfu/g in the conventional cabinet.

Unique technology

Similarly, the TVC for bacterial growth in the house salad bowls were consistently higher in the conventional cabinet. By day five the total yeast on the salad displayed in the conventional cabinet

was 2.8 x 105 cfu/g compared with 4.0 x 103 cfu/g cabinet with Aircell, demonstrating more rapid bacterial proliferation in the conventional cabinet.

David Vagg of Assured Quality Solutions also conducted organoleptic (taste, sight, smell and touch) tests and found that there was a higher degree of product degradation in the salad packs and bowls displayed in the conventional cabinet. The majority of the baby leaf salad displayed in the conventional cabinet scored below 25% in the sensory assessment, compared with above 60% in the cabinet with Aircell. The overall sensory quality score of house salad bowls was 68% in the cabinet with Aircell and 44% in the conventional cabinet.

David Vagg said: “The tighter temperature control demonstrated by the cabinet with Aircell offers up a number of opportunities for the retailer. There is real potential for longer shelf life and fewer customer complaints associated with poor quality, deteriorating products.

The current focus on limiting single use plastic packaging is likely to shorten shelf life and increase food waste. Aircell, with its tighter temperature bandwidth, has the potential to mitigate the impact of reduced packaging on product quality.”

Applied Design & Engineering’s chairman, Nigel Bell, said: “Aircell is a unique and disruptive technology for open front refrigerated displays. It is currently the only system which helps ensure consistently narrower temperature bandwidths for maintaining perishable merchandise at optimum quality over extended periods. We believe these trials demonstrate that refrigerated cabinets incorporating Aircell will help make a tangible contribution to reducing food waste in the retail cold chain.” www.adandeaircell.com

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REF R IG E R AT I O N

BLAZING A TRAIL FOR HIGHER STANDARDS Celebrating the career of John Austin-Davies, who recently retired from the Epta Group but seems certain to retain his strong links with the industry.

J

ohn Austin-Davies has been at the cutting edge of many significant developments in refrigeration technology during almost four decades in the industry.

And following his retirement from the Epta Group at the end of September, his work to help create the Trailblazer Apprenticeship programme will be viewed by many as his greatest single contribution to the RACHP sector.

A determination to encourage the highest possible standards in the industry resulted in John chairing the IOR-led project and, after four years of organisation and promotion, this is now seen as the new standard and ‘ready to go’. The Trailblazer provides a professional pathway with the qualification Eng.Tech. for those who are successful at the end-point assessment.

This is just one pillar of an initiative to give the industry the technical support it needs for the future; to ensure that from concept design, through installation and commissioning and after-sales maintenance, the equipment provides customers with confidence that food is preserved at the right temperature, with minimal environmental impact and lowest possible energy consumption.

IOR President Steve Gill said: “John has shown incredible commitment to the developing the RACHP Trailblazer Apprenticeship. He was brought in at an early stage as a volunteer to chair the employers group set up by the IOR and threw himself in with enthusiasm.

He has worked consistently to ensure the views of large and small employers with often vastly differing needs and expectations were considered to create an apprenticeship that will work for everyone.

John is a proud Welshman

“Along the way John has had to chair some challenging meetings, to review complex drafts (and redrafts) and has given numerous talks to industry and colleges to raise awareness of how the new scheme will work. His dedication is driven by his conviction that this project will be one of the most significant training developments in our industry in recent years and will have significant long-term impact and benefits.’’

The Trailblazer project won an industry award in 2016, with the accolade: “This project is probably one of the most significant developments in our industry in recent years, and will have the most long term impact and benefits. It underpins many other initiatives dependent on the future skills and behaviours of technicians responsible for installation, commissioning and maintenance.”

Early days

Following a Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Wales in Swansea and training at Prestcold (now Emerson), John joined George Barker (acquired by Epta in 1999) in a technical capacity. His responsibilities broadened to include management of

Epta UK Research & Development, the Contracting Design and Build business, and Service.

After the Epta acquisition, John worked for a number of years at the Milan head office of Epta in a technical marketing role, before returning to the UK where he spent several years as Epta UK Commercial Director, before taking an international project role, reporting to Milan.

During the period when he was responsible for bringing new technology into George Barker, John developed a number of innovative pack systems, including the patented 2UC SED system. This was the first period of refrigerant phase-out and another new design was the first UK external two-stage supermarket system that enabled R22 to be used for frozen food, eliminating the need for the higher ozone-depleting CFCs. The first pack of this type was installed at Marks & Spencer in Rotherham in 1989.

John recognised the need to use HFCs with the lowest GWP at a time when there was little concern or understanding of this key measure, and in the 1990s several Morrisons stores were successfully installed using R407A to minimise carbon footprint and TEWI, when compared with the more common R404A installations elsewhere.

Of course that was an intermediate step as the demand to reduce the environmental effects of refrigerants, and the need to save energy, then saw John developing CO2 technology in conjunction with the new partners in the Epta Group.

In 1999, Epta installed a complete non-HFC supermarket in west London, using CO2 for freezers, and an external hydrocarbon chiller cooling a glycol

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The Murphy’s Charity Cup 2014 at Epta UK, from left: Steve Pierrepoint, Simon Taylor, David Wormald, John Austin-Davies, Neil Wood, Genaro Gentile, Robert Dean, Luca Lastella, Tom Lane

At this year’s event to mark 90 years of Epta

pumped system for chilled cabinets, coldstores, and for CO2 condensing.

In 2004 Epta installed the first supermarket CO2 transcritical system in the UK, at Tesco in Swansea. This system included one Epta pack with Dorin compressors connected to an island of Epta Lion cabinets. That installation also included Epta frozen food cabinets connected to an Epta sub-critical CO2 pack, with a dedicated hydrocarbon cascade system.

Leadership role

John took on the central leadership of the Epta CO2 Competence Team during this early development of natural refrigerant systems, and has remained close to the progress in technology that has seen Epta

Getting the message across at the World Hydrocarbon Forum in 1995. John recalls: “I had developed and tested a hydrocarbon plug-in cabinet. I proposed this solution in view of the low GWP and improved energy efficiency, and the project was presented at the Hydrocarbon Forum in November 1995, but I was 15 to 20 years too early!”

CO2 installations in several continents of the world, with momentum continuing. In fact, John was recently speaking at the ATMOsphere conference in China, demonstrating that the innovative Epta FTE system can provide energy efficient CO2 systems in every climate.

John is a Chartered Engineer and his enthusiasm John Austin-Davies speaking for supporting the industry at the recent ATMOsphere conference in China has seen him take on roles as President of the British Refrigeration Association and with the Industry that he has seen Chairman of FETA. He is also a Fellow evolve through the last 38 years. It will of the Institute of Refrigeration, and also allow more time for interests in a Trustee. (veteran) rowing, and what he refers to Despite retirement, the passionate as “petrol-head” tendencies.

Welshman plans to retain close contact CMYKCMYK / .ai / .ai CMYK / .ai

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REF R IG E R AT I O N

A GIANT LEAP FORWARD Robert Unsworth, GEA head of sales (utilities) in the UK, believes advances in heat pump technology can revolutionise refrigeration in the food sector.

T

he global trend of increased manufacturing; more stringent emission regulations and focus on maximizing efficiency brings with it new challenges for food processing. Having been in the refrigeration business for 25 years and seen minor changes, I can say that the application of heat pumps into the food sector, as well as the dairy and beverage sectors, is going to be the biggest leap forward food production and refrigeration has ever seen.

There really is no down side to employing heat pumps and all factories should be looking at using the technology.

Robert Unsworth of GEA says it is time to stop throwing away heat... and paying to do so

I have yet to see a food process where there is not enough heat to reuse and supply to another process. After all, it’s the same amount of heat put in to heat something up as is removed to cool it down again. The refrigeration plant is also removing heat from the building, people, lights, machinery motors and even the environment when you leave the door open in a chill room.

Yet all this heat is thrown away by the refrigeration system’s condenser, typically located not far from the boiler stack where you made some of it in the first place. Even at home, the heat we remove from our warm beer as we put it in the fridge is rejected out of the back to warm the kitchen.

The RedAstrum heat pump is basically a chiller, which, instead of rejecting the heat into the outside air at +30°C, rejects it into water, heating it to +65°C or hotter for example, recovering all the energy. Typically the capital cost of

The RedAstrum rejects heat into water, rather than the outisde air, recovering all the energy

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R E FR I G E R AT I O N

this will be similar to a boiler so there is no reason for a heat pump, combined with a refrigeration system, to not be considered in all new plants.

A heat pump transfers heat from a lower temperature level to a desired higher temperature level and is a far more eco-friendly and profitable solution than traditional heating alternatives. Industry, municipalities and homeowners have been using heat pumps for heating applications for many years already. However, it is only now that they are being incorporated into food processing procedures.

New advances mean GEA heat pumps are now able to meet the required temperatures for food processing which makes food production more costeffective and sustainable.

Heat pumps can be used in numerous industrial processes, given that plants have both waste heat flows (e.g. wastewater, hot humid air, condenser heat from refrigeration systems) and heat consumers (e.g. process water, central heating systems, blanchers, dryers, etc.) In view of this, most modern industries perform pinch analysis to map their heat flows and capacities, temperature levels, flow connection and interchange options to determine the suitability and ROI of a heat pump installation.

While heat pumps and the food industry have not traditionally been associated with one another, this trend is changing, as the technology

develops and customers recognise the financial and environmental benefits of using heat pumps in their production processes, such as during slaughtering, cutting, drying, frying, chilling, portioning and packaging — all of which require both the application of heat during preparation and subsequent chilling.

Pushing down production costs

Traditionally, a boiler was used in food processing to heat up or cook the food.

The food was then put into a refrigerator to cool. However, this leads to huge amounts of energy being wasted as the temperature of the waste heat from the refrigeration process is too low to be reused. A GEA RedAstrum ammonia heat pump boosts the temperature of the waste heat up to 70/85 degrees and puts it back into the system – reusing the heat and making a boiler no longer necessary in some cases. Ammonia is readily available, inexpensive and has a minimal environmental impact. Although noxious at high concentrations, the implementation of carbon absorbers in ammonia-based heat pumps eliminates any risk. As well as significantly reducing the plant’s energy usage, the new system can lower water and chemical consumption from the site’s cooling towers, and as it is based on an industrial screw compressor, it has no additional

37

service and maintenance requirements over a standard industrial chiller, unlike piston compressor based heat pumps.

GEA has installed heat pumps for many giants in the food industry, helping customers to reduce their running costs and CO2 emissions from day one. For example, a boiler and power supply in one customer’s plant consumed a total of 15.3 million kWh for heating and refrigeration combined in one year; which amounts to the release of 4,739 tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere. By comparison, after installing GEA heat pumps, the combined usage was just 4.8 million kWh, producing 1,978 tonnes of CO2. That equates to a reduction in power consumption by 68.6% and a lowering of CO2 emissions by 58.2% – an attractive technology for companies struggling to reach their sustainability targets.

GEA holds vast amounts of process knowledge, with specialists in all areas.

We combine this knowledge to create the best overall solution for a customer. Heat is heat, whether it is at -40 or +140°C, and GEA is really good at moving heat around. We should stop throwing it away and paying to do so.

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www.gea.com

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REF R IG E R AT I O N

EARTH OVERSHOOT DAY A Ed Whinyates of Stonegrove Refrigeration examines ways in which we can manage the impact of refrigeration on the environment.

How does refrigeration impact on our global footprint?

E

arth Overshoot Day marks the date each year when mankind’s demand for ecological resources exceeds what the planet can regenerate in that year. We are now consuming 70% more globally than the earth can regenerate and the date when we used up all of our resources for 2018 was 1st August!

Our carbon footprint, and how it impacts on climate change, has a direct bearing on our global footprint.

Refrigeration contributes to this and, in Britain alone, air conditioning and refrigeration account for almost 20% of total electricity use. This figure will continue to rise. Carbon emissions currently make up 60% of humanity’s ecological footprint.

If carbon emissions were cut in half, the date of Earth Overshoot Day would be pushed back by 89 days.

Why are we so reliant on refrigeration systems?

Everything that we need for our survival and well-being depends, either directly or indirectly, on our natural environment – with the obvious one being our food resources.

Food demand makes up 26% of the global ecological footprint, with

a percentage of this needing to be temperature controlled. It is estimated that one third of the food produced in the world for human consumption — 1.3 billion tonnes every year — gets lost or wasted. Whilst refrigeration entails the use of energy it can, of course, also help save energy by reducing food waste. Furthermore, refrigeration has significantly contributed to the ‘convenience’ we enjoy with regard to food. Temperature control is vital in ensuring our food is safe to eat as it preserves the quality and, when correctly stored, prevents the risk of food poisoning.

What can be done to help improve the carbon footprint of refrigeration?

The growing use of refrigeration has gone hand in hand with a number of social, economic and technological developments to the point where it is ingrained in our day to day lives. As it stands, having no refrigeration would not be practical or safe for humanity.

However, there are ways to help with the impact of refrigeration on our global footprint.

Refrigeration creates greenhouse gases in two distinct ways, firstly through the energy used to operate the equipment and secondly the choice of man-made refrigerants with inherent global warming potential.

Small steps can make a big impact, with refrigeration being no different. A great deal is already being done to reduce the use of high GWP refrigerants, with the phase out of R22 in 2015 and the continued phase out of other high GWP refrigerants over the next decade and beyond. There is also the increased use of natural refrigerants such as ammonia and CO2.

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Y AND REFRIGERATION

Ways to combat the impact of refrigeration

In the future our changing, warming climate is likely to increase demand for refrigeration. There are a number of areas that can offer immediate and long-term improvements to the carbon footprint of refrigeration systems. One excellent example of this is minimising refrigeration leaks, particularly for systems with high GWP refrigerants. One obvious way to do this would be the installation of a suitable leak detection system.

A good level of planned maintenance will also offer an environmental improvement, not only with leak reduction but also the efficiency. If a refrigeration plant is looked after, and running to its design conditions, less energy will be used and wasted.

The importance of refrigeration control systems should also not be underestimated when it comes to a carbon footprint. Refrigeration equipment will be inefficient if not running correctly. With the use of an integrated control system, energy savings are reached through the constant monitoring of plant and the optimization of equipment performance.

Another area that offers an improvement on refrigeration impact is the refrigerant itself. The use of natural refrigerants for new installations should be considered, not just on large industrial installations but, if practical,

also smaller commercial projects.

With regards to man-made refrigerants there are now some excellent low GWP options available that can be used for new installations and within existing systems that contain high GWP refrigerants. In some cases a simple ‘drop in’ process can be carried out with minimal disruption to a client.

The installation of energy efficient systems will have a positive impact and can offer better longevity. It is generally considered that energy savings of between 20% and 50% are possible through the proper specification, use and maintenance of equipment. In essence the four key elements of a more efficient system include minimising the load, minimising the temperature difference, checking the controls and maintaining the system properly.

In summary

A world without refrigeration could have massive detrimental effects on society.

Although it has a large carbon footprint, without refrigeration technology there may not be access to the food resources needed to survive during the different seasons of the year. Food production and storage would be less manageable and far costlier. Food consumption aside, we also wouldn’t have the cooled environments necessary for medical research and the storage of diseasepreventing pharmaceutical products.

To find out how Stonegrove can help with your refrigeration requirements, please contact ed@stonegroverefrigeration.co.uk 01279 408690 www.stonegroverefrigeration.co.uk

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REF R IG E R AN T S

WORKING TOGETHER

REAPS REWARDS A-Gas managing director John Ormerod reports that the industry is in a good place as it prepares for the Chillventa 2018 exhibition in Germany..

T

here’s been a remarkable change in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry in the past 18 months. With the industry working together, endusers, contractors, and suppliers like ourselves have shown that you can move the mountain quickly.

By that I am referring to our response as an industry to the F-Gas stepdowns.

Doom-mongers were predicting the worst as a result of this year’s 37% cut in the production of virgin high GWP refrigerants but this simply hasn’t been the case.

The price of R404A did rise steeply during the latter part of 2017 but it has now levelled out and there are plentiful supplies of the widely-used legacy gas. The fact that large sections of the industry are moving to low GWP refrigerants has also eased the pressure on the availability and price of high GWP products. This will continue to add further stability to the market.

At A-Gas our investment in recycling equipment is paying off. There is a much greater flow of reclaimed R404A coming through and this is now a significant part of the supply chain. Price levels in Europe have yet to respond as quickly as they have in the UK but I suspect that this is because some suppliers are still sitting on stock at high prices.

Building partnerships

Supermarkets and store chains have responded well and are making the switch to low GWP refrigerants, although there is still much to do on this front. The F-Gas programme has forced sectors of the industry to come together that would not normally have been natural partners. We have had conversations at new levels in the value

THE PRICE OF R404A DID RISE STEEPLY IN 2017 BUT HAS NOW LEVELLED OUT AND THERE ARE PLENTIFUL SUPPLIES OF THE WIDELY-USED LEGACY GAS”

chain and this had led to change and new technologies making an impact on their business.

The supermarkets have recognised that to make the switch to low GWP gases they need the support of key players across the refrigeration industry.

This has given us the opportunity to build partnerships to ensure that we go forward together. This has also driven a great deal of creative thinking across the industry as we have looked to meet the challenges presented by the F-Gas stepdowns. New ways of working have been developed and new products released on to the market.

Most of the major supermarkets now have refrigerant retrofit programmes in place over the next few years. The success of the Rapid Recovery arm of A-Gas, launched last year, highlights how supermarkets are changing the way they operate. Rapid Recovery is a quick and easy way to recover refrigerant and has speeded up the way we handle the job. It was tested recently when called upon to play a key role in a large-scale refrigerant retrofit involving 114 Asda convenience stores. It was completed on time and with minimum disruption to the customer.

Advancing technologies

A noticeable aspect of this was the fact that stores operated as normal while the work was taking place.

Refrigerated cabinets did not need to be demerchandised. This is an example of how the F-Gas stepdowns are driving the industry and the supermarkets to greater efficiencies and new ways of working.

This is not the time to rest on our laurels but as an industry we can look forward to Europe’s major refrigeration exhibition Chillventa in good spirits.

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When compared with the rest of Europe the UK is making great progress.

Major users are switching to low GWP refrigerants and have responded well to the message that standing still is not an option.

We are recovering larger amounts of refrigerant to clean up and return to the market. We have extended our capacity at Portbury to handle this by introducing larger tanks. Contractors and end-users are taking on board the message that we have to re-use much of what we have to avoid the prospect of shortages.

Rapid Recovery is a good example of how technologies are advancing to handle this work and forcing the pace of change on the industry. We will launch Rapid Recovery across Europe in the next six months as we look to take advantage of the progress made in the UK and share these advances with other countries. I am conďŹ dent that the success of Rapid Recovery in the UK points to the fact that it will be welcomed in Continental Europe too.

The challenges will be the same and so will be the refrigerants recovered.

Once again we will be working with

F-GAS

STEPDOWNS WHAT DO THEY MEAN FOR...

HAZARDOUS WASTE FORM FILLING: HOW TO TICK THE BOXES

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MAKE IT CLEAN AND TIDY

big users of refrigerants to make this happen. The message to our UK and CHECK ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S THE RIGHT European customers is to be conscious Visit A-Gas CYLINDER of the phasedowns and keep switching to new low GWP refrigerants. At the exhibition in Germany, A-Gas will be KEEP YOUR RECORDS unveiling its award-winning Rapid UP TO DATE Recovery service to customers in Europe and showcasing the latest low GWP refrigerants available. www.agas.com www.agasrapidrecovery.com

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Hall 7, Stand 104.

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REF R IG E R AN T S

F-GAS: HAVING THE RIGHT TOOLS A The impact of F-Gas on our industry in the UK focuses on the big move toward lower GWP refrigerants and distributing the right balance of products within quota allowances. Dave Richards, head of UK sales for Climalife, talks to the ACR Journal about some of the quota free solutions on the market, leak detection and maintenance tools to help ease the quota pressures, whilst improving cost and energy efficiency of cooling systems.

ONE OF THE BIGGEST F-GAS OBJECTIVES WAS REALLY ABOUT REDUCING AND PREVENTING LEAKS. THIS CONTINUES TO BE AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE PROCESS”

good energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact.

It is important to consider all the options available in order to make the right choice for the system being designed, also taking into account location, application, system size and safety.

Secondary heat transfer fluids

In terms of new equipment, the use of water chillers that utilise heat transfer fluids (or Glycol) can mean a much smaller charge of refrigerant is required.

This option is often restricted to a plant room or a roof top which offers a wider range of refrigerants, including flammables, to select from.

There are many advantages to this type of system, as it can provide a much more even temperature across the Quota free refrigerants whole of the coil and in the event of a We have seen over the past 18 leak, can be much cheaper to replace months the increasing pressures quota than HFC refrigerants. restrictions are placing on the supply of There are now also viable HFC’s. This has been affecting the alternatives to traditional price and availability of products glycols; products produced that have traditionally been from renewable resources fairly easy to get hold of. and that have some Most of us will also know Quota Free Leak Detection technical advantages over about the lower GWP Refrigerants traditional glycols and salt A2L refrigerants such solutions. They also have as R-32 and the new excellent viscosity even HFO and HFO blends Ease at low temperatures. coming to market. These Quota Secondary Note, as with all glycols, are definitely the way Cleaning & Pressures they need to be handled forward for many new Heat Transfer Maintenance correctly and should systems but it’s also Fluids contain an appropriate good to consider other inhibitor package to avoid ‘quota free’ refrigerants corrosion. such as Ammonia, CO2, Good Heat Transfer Fluids Lubrication and Hydrocarbons. Along Leak detection with R-1234yf, R1234ze, and It’s important to remember R-1233zd, they can offer single that one of the biggest F-Gas digit or zero value GWP solutions, objectives was really about reducing OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018

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R E FR I G E R A N T S

43

S AND PRODUCTS IN THE BOX IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONSIDER ALL THE OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT LOCATION, APPLICATION, SYSTEM SIZE AND SAFETY”

and preventing leaks. This continues to be an essential part of the process and there are some good tools available to help identify leaks before they become a costly problem.

On systems with a charge of 500 CO2 equivalent tonnes or more, static leak detection is a legal requirement under F-Gas. With the rising costs of refrigerant and many systems holding thousands of pounds of refrigerant, it is easy to see why an early warning leak detection system is such a good idea as it can detect a leak much more quickly enabling early rectification of the problem and ultimately save money. It is claimed that a simple leak detection system can save over half of potentially lost refrigerant from a system.

There are leak detection products that can suit most types of installation

and budgets. Starting with products that cost a few hundred pounds via semi-conductor systems, through to products that have infra-red systems.

There are even products that monitor the system itself. Climalife can help and advise on which device is suitable for a particular system.

Good maintenance

An effective maintenance program ensures that systems continually operate at their optimum level. In recent years there has been a decline in end users seeing the value of routine maintenance in favour of a more reactive type approach. For these users, this could prove to be more costly in the long run than paying for regular maintenance.

A clean, well maintained system can help to maintain performance, energy

efficiency, can prevent contamination, remove offensive odours and increase longevity. Regular oil changes should also form part of a good maintenance program, to ensure all the moving parts of a compressor are lubricated to their optimum level - regular maintenance can help to keep breakdowns and potential leaks to a minimum.

All the tools

In summary, as an industry, we can help to control refrigerant usage with careful thought and planning on new equipment and employ some good practises relating to effective cleaning maintenance and leak detection. There are many products available to help the industry and suggest to always widen the scope of product selection to encompass all the tools available for the job.

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TACKLING LEAKS FROM HT REFRIGERATED CABINETS Colin Harrison, director of Atrium GS, says a new product from the company can help keep refrigerated cabinet pipework in peak condition.

W

ater leaks from cabinets in retail stores are:

º At best unattractive as they frequently require absorbent packs to be deployed On occasions dangerous being the º potential cause of slips and trips. º Expensive to resolve.

Cabinets are generally cleaned on a semi-regular basis, the specification for which may include the cleaning of the drainage system beneath the cabinet.

In practice, however, the cleaning of the pipework is minimal as to date there has been no simple way of gaining access to the pipework.

Cleaning will take place specifically when blockages occur, the method for which is frequently to block drain outlets and vacuum out the foreign matter which in fact will allow water flow but leaves the root of the problem unresolved. Apart from the odd plastic

bag, price tickets and the occasional vermin, Polysaccharides will inevitably be the problem. This infection becomes established in the pipework and grows like ‘frog spawn’ (there are a number of less attractive descriptions used for this!) and can entirely fill pipework in a matter of weeks.

Companies have produced effective chemicals to treat the cabinet and even the ‘P trap’/bend below the cabinet but most would accept that the flow of liquid erodes and dilutes these chemicals, making them much less effective as they move further from the cabinet.

Most would accept that water leaks, many of which are attributable to blocked pipework, account for thousands of calls a year and a huge cost for many, if not all, retailers.

When costs are under the pressure and scrutiny they are today, this is an opportunity which surely justifies attention.

A proven solution which we believe is a world-first is now available with the launch of the Puracator, designed and built in the UK by Atrium GS. The concept is based on the unit’s ability to send a scope into the traditional 28mm to 50mm pipework capable of navigating ‘P traps’, 90° bends and ‘T’ joints. Having gained access, it can deliver a ‘halo’ of water at a pressure of 5 bar to the entire inner surface of the pipe, removing not only the build-up but also the bio-film in which the bacteria lives, expands and hides.

Having removed the mass, the scope then delivers saturated steam at in excess of 80°c which kills any remaining bacteria, leaving the surface clean and free from infection. It can also deliver cleaning and inhibiting agents for added protection.

The equipment also has many other applications, including sink unit and urinal blockages. www.puracator.co.uk

A familiar sight for engineers

The Puracator MF, one of two models currently available

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E Q UI P M E N T

45

DON’T UNDERESTIMATE

BS EN 1090

I

Steve Rees, sales director at Armstrong Fluid Technology, says the industry has taken time to understand the implications of the legislation.

f you are thinking that BS EN 1090 is just about the construction industry then it’s time to think again. The legislation itself, which became law in July 2014, focuses on fabricated structural steel that is designed to be load bearing and permanent. So at first sight it appears to relate to the fabric of the building rather than its services. The extremely broad remit of the legislation has taken many industries by surprise however, and the HVAC industry is only just beginning to understand its implications.

EN 1090 dictates requirements for CE marking for the ‘Execution of steel structures and aluminium structures’. It requires that the supply chain must have compliance, and it is mandatory for manufacturers (as well as some steel stockholders and distributors) throughout the European Economic Area. If you look at the list of equipment that comes under the umbrella of the legislation, then it becomes obvious that many of the common components of air conditioning systems need to comply.

Despite the fact that it is has been almost four years since EN 1090 became law, only about 25% of the 10,000 or so businesses estimated to require compliance are actually certified. This represents a huge business risk for anyone specifying, buying, installing and working with products and systems involving steel structures.

There are a number of potential problems. If you fail to appoint a certified sub-contract company to issue a Certificate of Conformity and Declaration you will be in breach of Building Regulations and NHBS requirements.

Furthermore, you could cause the project to be refused building insurance, and/or

find yourself in breach of contract with your client, leaving yourself at risk of non-payment.

This vulnerability to contractual disputes could also extend to completed work, with the risk that the project cannot be handed over.

Lastly, you put yourself at risk of a major nonconformance, involving the withdrawal of certification in relation to ISO 9001, and the risk of prosecution, with the associated damage to reputation from bad publicity.

Legal requirements

With so much at stake, it is difficult to know why so many companies are selling and buying noncompliant equipment. I think a major factor is that many companies simply do not understand how far-reaching these legal requirements are. In addition, companies requiring certification are under the misapprehension that, as a European regulation, this will somehow disappear with Brexit.

This is not the case. There are no plans to replace CE labelling as

the chosen mechanism for quality and safety standards. In fact, immediate action is now needed to ensure that businesses are not risking commercial or contractual problems in the future, and are protected from legal prosecutions in the event of purchasing from non-certified suppliers.

In terms of our own product portfolio, we are pleased to advise that we are fully certificated to EN 1090 by BSI. This means that all Armstrong products requiring certification, including our packaged plant rooms and iFMS (integrated fluid management systems), are completely compliant. A number of suppliers in our sector do not have this level of certification however. So ensure you ask the relevant questions before entering into discussions with suppliers.

You can double-check if a supplier has compliance by contacting BSI. Alternatively, the 1090 Register has been set up to provide a voluntary database of compliant suppliers. You can find details at www.1090Register.com.

For details of Armstrong’s EN 1090 compliant products and systems, email sales@armstrongfluidtechnology.com, or 08444 145 145.

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THE LOCAL SOLUTION New name and the same levels of service as Coolstation looks to the future.

Sam Bibb, Ron Loyd and Mark Thomas at Coolstation in Didcot, near Oxford

C

oolstation is the new name for distributor and wholesaler Aircon Group (ACG) as it plans for further expansion.

ACG was founded in 2009 by Ron Lloyd and the business HQ remains in Bridgwater, Somerset. A second branch opened in Swindon in 2014 and, two years later, a third outlet followed in Didcot, near Oxford.

Managing director Ron is supported by sales director Mark Turner and regional manager Sam Bibb, who oversees the Didcot and Swindon branches. Jarrod Cresswell heads up the Didcot operation, and has recently been joined by Colin Roberts.

Ron has more than four decades of experience in the industry and felt the time was right to relaunch the business with a name registered a decade ago and tell potential customers what it has to offer. He said: “We aim to provide everything an air conditioning or refrigeration engineer would need

to carry out an installation or service.

With the previous name, we found that some people thought we were actually contractors, so hopefully this change will make the message clearer.’’

Coolstation supplies Hitachi, Toshiba and Fujitsu air conditioning equipment and offers the Rheem range of industrial AC from America, plus the IMI/TEV and J & E Hall range of cellar coolers. Refrigeration and cold room equipment comes from Maxkold and an extensive range of installation accessories, refrigerant, tools and service/maintenance consumables are also available.

Ron added: “When we have expanded previously, the strategy has been to look for an area that is not well covered. We want to be seen as the local solution for contractors and engineers, rather than them having to travel quite some distance to get what they need.

“We provide an old-fashioned, personal level of service and our

customers know that because we are not tied to particular manufacturers, we are able to give objective advice and guidance.’’

And although expansion to date has followed a path east from Bridgwater, Ron says that may change. He said: “We have a couple of ideas and it all depends on where we feel we can make a difference.’

Bridgwater Unit 1D, Polden Business Centre Bristol Road, Bridgwater Somerset TA6 4AW 01278 421608 bridgwater@coolstation.co.uk Swindon Unit 18, The Orbit Centre Ashworth Road, Swindon SN5 7YG 01793 616721 / 01793 979969 swindon@coolstation.co.uk Oxford Unit 13, Harrier Park Southmead, Didcot OX11 7PL 01235 519581 / 01235 759158 oxford@coolstation.co.uk

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E Q UI P M E N T

SEAL OF APPROVAL Scott Davies, UK sales director for JAVAC UK, explains why there is no system downtime for plugging leaks with Spectroline Cool Seal.

M

oisture entering an ACR system through leaks in condensers, evaporators, O-rings or hoses can quickly create irreversible damage.

When moisture enters a system, the refrigerant can degrade and turn into acid, meaning damage is inevitable.

Poorly maintained systems where leaks are not repaired or damage is not rectified can lose energy efficiency and cooling capacity, resulting in costly repairs.

Moisture only appears in the system if it has not been commissioned properly or if a leak has appeared over time due to the age of the system or poor maintenance. If a leak is difficult to get at to repair, sealants are designed to seal the leaks, allowing out of date, out of warranty systems to continue for as long as possible before additional repair/replacement is required.

Traditional polymer sealants have been known to damage ACR systems and contractor tools during their use.

They have also been known to affect the performance of manifolds and gauges, vacuum pumps and refrigerant recovery machines due to their toxicity.

Oil viscosity, foaming and wear properties are all taken into account when qualifying refrigerant oils for systems, so much care needs to be taken when introducing a foreign substance into systems such as sealants as they can have damaging effects. Cool Seal is made with an oil soluble formula, meaning that it works alongside compressor oil in harmony and doesn’t damage the system.

Stick capsules

Products such as Cool Seal have introduced stick capsules which can be connected directly to manifolds and gauges, meaning engineers can charge the product into the system alongside refrigerant, whilst the system is running - meaning no system down time at all. By putting the compound in when charging the system and sealing any leaks straight away, engineers can avoid degassing or pressure testing the system and spending time finding a leak.

Current sealants on the market generally come in one size fits all sizes.

When commissioning a 14kw system, the current options of sealant in a 5kw17kw one shot formulation means that

sealant is wasted as it cannot be reused.

A new method of injecting sealant whereby engineers can use a stick capsule is much easier to manage and reduces waste. For example, if a unit is 14kw, by using a stick capsule that is suitable for a 7kw unit, an engineer would use 2 sticks meaning that nothing is wasted, unlike current options.

A sealant that stays in the system without damaging it also means that the system is protected against future leaks.

This new method of leak sealing means that engineers ultimately save time and money on site and the system will get back on its feet quicker and last for longer.

For more information visit www.javac.co.uk

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L EA K

D ETE C T I O N

REDUCING GREENHOUSE G

By Volker Trieb, Market Manager RAC at Inficon

H

eat pumps are important for achieving global climate protection targets. Without a significant expansion of heat pump technology, no nation will be able to reduce its emissions of greenhouse gases by the required amounts.

A fundamental criterion for the medium and long-term success of a manufacturer will therefore be the quality and reliability of its products.

The fatal effects of refrigerant and liquid leaks

High-quality devices are characterised, among other things, by the tightness of their components, such as the

heat exchanger unit and the heat accumulator. Even the smallest leaks can cause a small amount of refrigerant to escape continuously. As a result, the performance and efficiency of the heater decrease, which is reflected in increased energy costs. If there is no

longer enough refrigerant available, the heat pump fails completely - which can result in damage to reputation and costly recalls for the manufacturer.

Furthermore, liquid leaks can lead to water damage or in the worst case even to unintentional mixing of service water with other media, such as heating water.

Not a bottomless pit

Refilling cooling water constantly is not a solution in terms of effort and costs, refrigerant often cannot be refilled at all or can only be refilled by authorised service partners. More than that: Heat pumps are considered particularly climate-friendly because they do not emit any CO2 during operation. If the consumption of refrigerants not only increases, but it is also partially released into the environment, the intended environmental protection aspect becomes absurd. Financial support may then no longer be justified. Not to mention the fact that many buyers also opt for a heat pump for ecological reasons - this argument would then be omitted. It is therefore essential to avoid refrigerant and liquid leaks in heat pumps and to ensure through appropriate quality assurance in production that inferior heating appliances are not sold.

Trust in your own work is good...

... but it does not replace quality control. In order to avoid warranty cases, heat pump manufacturers and their suppliers should carry out reliable leak testing during the production as standard. Especially as the requirements are likely to increase due to the use of new or flammable refrigerants.

Energy-saving systems usually consist of smaller, more complex parts and these are generally more demanding in testing than large, simple components.

The typical tube distances of a heat exchanger, for example, have continued to decrease in recent years - making it correspondingly more difficult to detect and locate leaks.

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L E AK

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49

E GASES The water bath is only suitable to a limited extent

Many traditional manufacturers still have a water tank and use the water bath method for leak detection in their production.

Converting to vacuum or accumulation chambers that work with a tracer gas such as helium often seems too expensive at first glance. However, this is a fallacy, because the water bath method is ultimately far more complicated and also requires a long drying time.

Moreover, the long-term trend in heat pumps is towards a more compact design.

This is also problematic for leak testing in a water bath, because deeply installed parts can only be tested with difficulty. For example, if a bubble rises from a compact leaky test piece in a water bath, it may get stuck on another component, does not come off in the first place and the tester cannot detect it either.

Air testing and test spray also have their problems

Air testing also has its disadvantages.

On the one hand, it is less accurate than the test gas methods in the vacuum or accumulation chamber, and on the other hand, it is far less reliable. Fluctuations in temperature and humidity can very easily falsify the results of the air test. A test spray might be another conceivable alternative. In the event that the testing body is installed, i.e. cannot be seen, the test spray is ruled out from the outset.

Balancing the cost-benefit ratio

Leak detectors that detect leaking tracer gases in a vacuum or accumulation chamber can be connected directly to control units in the production line, just like sniffer leak detectors. This automates leak detection. In the long term, this not only saves working time, but also ensures higher production capacities with better quality. The automated processes also ensure reliable results with very high repeatability. The manual and thus

erroneous sniffing is no longer necessary.

The detection limit and the speed of automated helium testing in the vacuum chamber are unsurpassed. However, a vacuum chamber also requires a certain amount of effort. Often, leak testing in the simple accumulation chamber can achieve a better balance between quality assurance and costs.

The recommendation: Testing in the accumulation chamber

The accumulation method has proven itself for years in the leak testing of heat pumps: The test object exposed to tracer gas under pressure is placed in a simple chamber, which must meet significantly less stringent sealing requirements than a vacuum chamber. Therefore, the accumulation method is much more cost-effective than vacuum testing. The tracer gas escapes from any leaks in the test piece and accumulates in the test chamber. The leak rate is calculated from the quantity of gas that accumulates within a defined time interval in the given volume of the test chamber. The time saving is particularly advantageous, because refrigerant and the various water circuits of a heat pump can be tested for tightness at the same time. Depending on the volume of the test object, an accumulation chamber can have a size of up to 1000 litres. The accumulation method detects leaks down to10-5 mbarâ&#x2C6;&#x2122;l/s. Helium or forming gas (an incombustible mixture of 95 percent nitrogen and 5 percent hydrogen)

serves as tracer gases. The accumulation chamber should be designed for each test object to ensure optimum gas distribution by means of fans and to keep the dead volume of the chamber low and accelerate the testing process.

Helium contaminated environments are no longer a problem

During the production of heat pumps, an increased concentration of helium can occur again and again in the production hall, which can negatively influence the sensitivity of measurements. But even then the accumulation method is still superior to the water bath. If the leak testing unit uses a mass spectrometer with an integrated turbopump as a sensor, it is also ideally suited for environments contaminated with helium.

It makes sense if the leak testing is preceded by a simultaneous burst and coarse test of the heat pump. If the leak testing in the accumulation chamber shows that a test piece is leaking, a manual sniffer leak search can follow for exact location of the leak. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a fact: If heat pumps are to make a contribution to climate protection, it is essential that they reliably meet tightness requirements. www.inficon.com Inficon at Chillventa Inficon will present its LDS3000 AQ at Chillventa (Nuremberg, Germany, October 16 - 18 2018, Hall 8 / Stand 319).

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assessment and further negotiation before these limits can be further relaxed.

In any event, other regulations outside of the scope of BS EN378 must still be applied if companies want to use the new “lower flammability” refrigerants – this does not make their use impossible, but it is an extra layer of complexity be K accommodated.

L Eto A D ETE C T

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D E T E C T I O N

Specialist Fluid Specialist Fluid SpecialistFLUID Fluid Solutions SPECIALIST Solutions Solutions SOLUTIONS Since ‘98 Hydratech have specialised in the manufacture of heat transfer fluids, glycols, Since ‘98 Hydratech have specialised in the antifreeze solutions, inhibitors and cleansers. manufacture of heat transfer fluids, glycols,

Since ‘98 Hydratech have specialised in the antifreeze solutions, inhibitors and cleansers. manufacture heat transfer fluids, glycols, Since ‘98 Hydratech haveofspecialised in the manufacture of heat transfer antifreeze solutions, inhibitors and cleansers. fluids, glycols, antifreeze solutions, inhibitors and cleansers.

A long-term commitment to R&D has resulted in several key advances in A long-term commitment to has R&D coolant technology.

Forto example, ourhas long-term commitment R&D resulted in several key in Coolflow DTX fluidadvances has advances steadily resulted in several key in coolant coolant technology.

For example, our increased For market-share as Coolfl a more technology. example, our owhas A Coolflow long-term DTX commitment to R&D has steadily efficient alternative tofluid Propylene Glycol DTX fluid has steadily increased market-share as resulted in several key advances in increased market-share assavings aGlycol more based a more effi cient coolants. alternative toEnergy Propylene coolant technology.

For example, our efficient alternative to Propylene Glycol associated to improvements in CoP based coolants.

Energy savings associated to Coolflow DTX at fluid17% hasby steadily based coolants.

Energy savings were measured Arlaby improvements in CoP were measured at 17% increased as ain more associatedmarket-share to improvements CoP (Oakthorpe Dairy) calculated at Arla (Oakthorpe Dairy) and and calculated at >10% by were measured at 17% by Arla efficient alternative to Propylene Glycol >10% by Star Technical Services.

Star Technical Services.

(Oakthorpe Dairy) and calculated at based coolants.

Energy savings >10% by Star Technical Services. associated improvements in CoP Ever keen to new supply Ever keen to develop newdevelop supply opportunities, opportunities, Hydratech were measured ata seven-year 17% recently byproject Arla Hydratech recently completed Ever keen to develop new with supply completed a Dairy) seven-year project (Oakthorpe and calculated with Ametek Air Technology and Lockheed Martinat opportunities, Hydratech recently Ametek Technology and Lockheed >10% byAirStar Technical Services. to develop a high-performance DTX coolant for use completed a seven-year project with Martin to develop a high-performance in their Pilot Cooling Systems, as installed on every Ametek Air Technology and Cooling Lockheed DTX coolant forto usedevelop in their Pilot keen new supply new F35Ever Lightning II multirole-fi Martin as to develop on aghter. high-performance Systems, installed every new F35 opportunities, Hydratech DTX coolant for use in their Pilotrecently Cooling Lightning II multirole-fighter.

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We have experience and Martin to to develop a the high-performance proven increase productivity, reduce expertiseDTX toOur provide you with the fl uid that meets all coolant forcooling use in operation their Cooling process fluidsPilot are costs. industry maintenance and lower the requirements for your systems.

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We have the experience and expertise maximise, monitor and maintain to provide you with the fluid that meets long-term thermal efficiency.

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all the requirements for your systems.

This we support by offering a range of Fluid Management Services to WANT TO FIND OUT MORE? maximise, monitor and maintain For more info long-term thermal efficiency. www.hydratech.co.uk For more info -

www.hydratech.co.uk

info@hydratech.co.uk

www.hydratech.co.uk info@hydratech.co.uk

+44 (0)1792 586800

info@hydratech.co.uk t. +44 (0)1792 586800 For more info t. +44 (0)1792 586800

www.hydratech.co.uk

CMYKCMYK / .ai / .ai CMYK / .ai

Manufacturers of heat transfer fluids, glycol cooling solutions, inhibitors and cleansers.

Manufacturers of heat transfer fluids, glycol cooling solutions, inhibitors and cleansers.

A range of coolants for use in food & beverage cooling and cold-storage A range ofsystems. coolants for use in food & beverage cooling and cold-storage systems.

info@hydratech.co.uk Pacair_Hydrotech.indd 51

t. +44 (0)1792 586800

Manufacturers of heat transfer

acrjournal.uk

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M U R R A Y

In this issue we meet Julie Murray, area product manager at Kooltech and chairperson of the Institute of Refrigeration Scotland as a unit to ensure we support our customers, fulfil our promises and form lasting relationships.

What attracted you to the Industry?

Well, I kind of fell into the industry, as I was selling houses before this. The role was very similar, still in sales and meeting and dealing with people which I enjoy immensely.

What excites/interests you about the Industry?

What was your first job?

I started work in the industry in 1991 as an administrator for BAC Air Conditioning. After several years of being internal sales I was promoted to area sales manager. I loved going out to meet customers face to face. I was responsible for developing the Scottish branch and instrumental in developing profitable and sustainable sales. My efforts where recognised when I was awarded Employee of the Year in 1997 for Outstanding Achievement for the UK.

What does your current role involve?

As an area product manager, it is my responsibility to develop Kooltech’s business within the Central Belt of Scotland by promoting a wide range of quality air conditioning and refrigeration products, including Mitsubishi Electric air conditioning and the K-con bespoke air conditioning solutions. To succeed, I personally need to be well organised and work closely with the Kooltech Glasgow branch

When I joined back in 1991 there ere not many female sales managers in similar roles to mine. Thankfully this has now changed. Every day brings different challenges which I thrive on; finding solutions, the “buzz” of a sale, meeting tight deadlines, interacting with people from installation engineers to company directors. My customers are my No.1 focus and this is what drives me to continue achieving. The industry is also very dynamic with frequent changes It is definitely not boring.

How do you see your career developing?

By continuing to be part of Kooltech as they grow and to have the opportunity to demonstrate my leadership capabilities and, when the time is right, by managing my own product team and expanding the overall business, which I love being part of.

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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.

What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?

Never to have any regrets, because what you did was what you wanted to do at that time and has led you to where you are today.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions… even though the answer might not be the one you were hoping for.

Believe in yourself, you can do anything you want! And that’s exactly what I have done...

What are the challenges of the Industry?

Tackling the challenges surrounding the on-going F-Gas legislation, its quotas and managing customer expectations.

The competitive nature of the industry can be very demanding but with Kooltech’s expertise and reputation I know that I can meet these challenges head on with our customers.

I feel proud and well equipped to work for a company that can offer a full 360 solution, that take projects from concept stage, selecting the marketleading Mitsubishi Electric equipment and addressing specific requirements with the K-con range of bespoke solutions for air conditioning and commissioning services. We deliver the equipment to our customers along with the complete range of install materials.

What industry associations are you involved in and what are the benefits?

I have just recently taken on the mantle as chairperson for the Institute of Refrigeration Scotland, which allows me to be part of a great and growing organisation. We have a strong team of

enthusiastic people working together to enable us to promote IOR Scotland, with our aim being to grow our member numbers… so watch this space!

A benefit of this would be seeing IOR Scotland’s growth and knowing that I’ve been part of this.

What would you say to other women who are considering coming into the ACR industry?

Go for it girl! There is a vast wealth of experience out there and use it to your advantage, learn from those around you who have been there, seen it and done it... they can be great mentors.

I am where I am today because of my mentors…(you know who you are) www.kooltech.co.uk

What are the benefits of being in your role?

I love my job, a role which is so rewarding and satisfying that it’s a pleasure to go to work every day. I believe in this business you always win when you listen and understand your customers’ needs which leads to better relationships and trust...every day is a school day!

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PROD U CTS

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

Ultimate protection from DosaFil-Duo Industrial and commercial water treatment specialists Steve Crick and Peter Robinson have joined forces to create a groundbreaking product for the cleaning, treatment and protection of commercial heating and cooling systems.

The DosaFil-Duo is the only device to combine the safe dosing of solid or liquid chemical treatments (of any brand) into hot or cold closed recirculating water systems with constant side stream filtration and continuous air removal. Field trialed for over 12 months, the technology protects systems from the damaging effects of corrosion, limescale and fouling. www.dosafil.co.uk

Bosch launches first recovery unit Advanced Engineering has announced details of Bosch’s first recovery machine, the RG4.0.

With a ½HP motor available in 110V or 240V, the high-efficiency model is said to offer competitive recovery rates and is A2L compatible.

The RG4.0 is designed to be ultra-lightweight and compact.

“But don’t let the size fool you,” said Advanced managing director Barry Lea. “This is a Bosch, after all. That efficiently designed package makes remote working easier and safer… without compromising on performance.

“The RG4.0 is a solid, thoroughly professional piece of kit, and is backed by the Bosch assured quality. This recovery machine will meet your needs now, and in the future.”

The Bosch RG4.0 is distributed in the UK by Advanced Engineering. www.advancedengineering.co.uk

BITZER extends Ecolite series

Advanced adds CoilJet

Compressor manufacturer BITZER is widening its range of condensing units with seven air-cooled models for low and medium temperature applications.

The new Ecolite series comprises three LHL3E single fan units and four two fan LHL5E units, covering applications from 1.5 kW to 5 kW in low temperature and from 3.5 kW to 16 kW in the medium temperature range.

BITZER says a key advantage of the compact units is that they only require a small amount of refrigerant, due to integrated efficient condensers with a high thermal transmission rate, proprietary components optimised for the system as well as its Ecoline reciprocating compressor.

SpeedClean’s CoilJet CJ-125 is now exclusively available in the UK through Advanced Engineering. The CoilJet is designed to clean debris and grime from condenser and evaporator coils.

The units have been designed for portability, which ensures cleaning even in areas without access to water and power, such as rooftop residential and light commercial evaporator and condenser units. CoilJet weighs 22lbs when empty and features integrated water and chemical tanks and a long-life rechargeable battery.

Advanced Engineering managing director Barry Lea said: “As well as saving time and money, CoilJet protects against fin damage by using a unique spray pattern which never exceeds 125 PSI of coil washing power.’’

www.bitzeruk.com

www.advancedengineering.co.uk

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

jordan.paylor@warnersgroup.co.uk

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Help us to celebrate the future of our industry!

!

W O N S E C A L P R U O Y BOOK This popular awards lunch is again being held at The Belfry, near Birmingham, on

Thursday 6th December 2018 This not for profit 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 or book please contact Juliet Loiselle on 07786 336606 julietl@warnersgroup.co.uk

Sponsored by

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RISE OF THE SELF BUILD M LG Electronics has recently taken up a residency at the National Self Build Design and Renovation Centre.

Senior engineering manager Andrew Slater explains the reasons behind the move.

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ccording to the Self and Custom Build Market Report 2017, the sector has seen year on year growth over the last three years, with an estimated further three-year growth forecast of 41%. This expansion indicates that there will be 16,500 new self or custom build homes by the turn of the next decade, giving a sector value a value of approximately £6billion by 2020.

The market growth shown over the last three years led the National Custom and Self Build Association to apply pressure on the government, starting with its ‘Right To Build’ demand-driven policy. Land availability, access to finance and planning restrictions are still identified as major hurdles preventing the optimum growth for this sector.

In light of this, Cherwell District Council in Oxfordshire has recently pioneered the largest mass self build site in the UK. Purchasing hundreds of acres of disused land from the Ministry of Defence, the project at Graven Hill has seen the foundations of a small town planned out, street plans, cycle routes, schools, nurseries and parks having all been sited.

Marked increase

The self builder buys a plot of land to build anything between a 2-bedroom to 6-bedroom home, with the planning permission being fast tracked to aid the project development, made easier by the ‘palette’ of selectable materials pre-approved for the build; maintaining the regional feel.

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D MARKET IF SELF-BUILDERS ARE DESIGNING THEIR OWN PROPERTIES, THEN IT IS IMPORTANT THAT AS WELL AS THE METHODS OF BUILD THEY ARE ALSO FAMILIAR WITH THE TECHNOLOGIES THAT CAN BE APPLIED WITHIN, THROUGH HANDS-ON ACCESS SUCH AS THE NSBRC PROVIDES”

The project is encouraging groups of self builders to join together based on their professions or interests, allowing similar demographics to occupy the same group of properties.

Data provided by the NSBRC demonstrates a marked increase in activity from 2015 through to 2017.

Footfall through their doors increased by 15.8% to 17,500 people and the number of leads being generated for exhibitors increased by a similar level to 87,633 per year. The increase in numbers is encouraging, demonstrating that the focus at government level and pressures from associations to eliminate the barriers, such as lending facilities, land availability and planning permission, are actually having the desired effect on the sector.

So what drives the ambitions for self and custom build homes? A University of York study in 2013 suggested that personal drivers are based around people striving to achieve a bespoke home that meets their individual needs and aspirations at an achievable cost. On a wider scale, creating neighbourhoods with a like-minded demographic, meeting housing target

volumes for new housing supply and possible exemplars of alternative forms of sustainable living are at the forefront of government focus. The geographic drivers are also allowing progress in meeting environmentally focused targets by delivering sustainable homes.

Educate homeowners

By including renewable technologies such as the LG Therma V air to water heat pump in the NSBRC, examples of applications usually only seen by industry professionals can be viewed by the general public. Environmentally aware self builders can see how they can achieve reduced monthly operating costs, using renewable products, with efficiencies of up to 420%, providing 4.2kW heat output for every kW of electricity consumed, reducing their carbon footprint dramatically and meeting current building regulations

and energy performance criterias by selecting the right technology for their homes.

The centre also helps to educate homeowners who are still unaware that air conditioning can be installed easily for year round comfort (heating and cooling) in a conservatory or extension. LG has introduced smart air conditioning systems for the homeowner, enabling them to control their system from a smart phone or other device from anywhere in the world via a connection known as ‘ThinQ’. This also enables connection to a range of home appliances to remotely control their functionality.

If self-builders are designing their own properties, then it is important that as well as the methods of build they are also familiar with the technologies that can be applied within, through hands-on access such as the NSBRC provide

The National Self Build Design and Renovation Centre in Swindon, close to the M4 motorway, is open to visitors Tuesday to Sunday inclusive (10am–5.30pm).

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www.nsbrc.co.uk

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THE FUTURE OF HEATING Recently, Neil Schofield, head of government affairs at Worcester Bosch, described his views on what he sees as ‘flawed approach’ in the Committee for Climate Change’s (CCC) ambition to use heat pumps to lower emissions in homes off mains gas. Guy Ransom, commercial director of Finn Geotherm, one of the UK’s leading heat pump companies and winner of NACRHP Awards in 2018 and 2017, explains why he believes heat pumps are a viable option.

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lternatives to carbon fuelled heating have been available for more than 70 years. In 1948, the Spectator Magazine wrote of a heat pump installation completed for the Eastern Electricity buildings in Norwich: “It seems incredible that a device such as the heat pump should have escaped the attention that it deserves. Now we know that it will work, and the time has come to make the most of the knowledge we have gained.”

Despite this significant passage of time, we continue to question the viability of a technology which is able to generate 4kW of heat for every 1kW of electricity used, has no emissions other than those associated with the evercleaner electricity it uses and which, when correctly designed and installed, can deliver heat to virtually any building in the UK. Heat pump technology is tried and tested – and available now.

It is an obvious fact that any building can be heated by matching the energy loss at a given target temperature with energy input. A heat pump is simply an efficient means of supplying a given amount of energy. As such, the system

Guy Ransom says that Finn Geotherm has installed heat pumps on properties of all ages and sizes

can be scaled to meet the needs of a one-bedroom bungalow, perhaps 5kW, or a 27-bedroom stately home, perhaps 120kW. The key then is not the source of the heat, but the appropriate means of distributing it.

A well designed heat pump system can ably heat properties of all ages and sizes. Low EPC ratings and levels of insulation are not a barrier to a heat pump installation. Finn Geotherm has been installing heat pump systems since 2006 and includes several large, listed stately homes within its project portfolio.

It is a fact that, despite the age, low EPC rating and lack of insulation of these large country houses, the occupants have been more inclined to complain of being too warm following their heat pump installation than too cold.

Heat pumps work most effectively at a lower operating temperature than combustion boilers – typically 50°C versus 80°C flow. They are also however designed to work with longer duty cycles so, rather than providing a rapid inrush of heat, energy is delivered steadily over a longer period than traditional boilers. We are very familiar with this principle in underfloor heating.

Correctly sized radiators are also totally effective in working with heat pumps to maintain desired room temperatures, even in the draughtiest of buildings.

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LOW EPC RATINGS AND LEVELS OF INSULATION ARE NOT A BARRIER TO HEAT PUMP INSTALLATION” It is true that the installation of a ground source heat pump system will be considerably more expensive than installing a traditional oil boiler, perhaps three times as much. Given the fact that a heat pump will last typically three times as long as a condensing boiler and that, during every year of its life, it will generate significant savings on heating, this additional upfront cost is more than paid for during the system’s lifetime. Coupled with the additional benefit of the RHI which is currently available, heat pumps have a relatively short payback period.

Heat pumps do not use any kind of combustion-based fuel and we are not waiting for new fuels to be developed in order to start heat pump installations. We can install clean, green heat pumps now – so why, as a nation, aren’t we doing more of this? The CCC estimates we will

need to install over two million more heat pumps by 2030 – accounting for 345tWh – if we are to stand any chance of meeting the required carbon reduction targets. This will require a dramatic change from the current position where heat pumps account for less than one percent of annual heating installations.

We have to break our love affair with high temperature heating. Specifiers and architects need to incorporate these systems into both public and private building projects alike. Housing associations must also embrace the technology and the idea of district heating schemes to reduce endemic problems of fuel poverty. Meanwhile, the CCC is correct in saying “climate change will not wait while we consider our options”.

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www.finn-geotherm.co.uk

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Heat pumps for every home RENEWABLE HEATING MADE SIMPLE

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SKILLS FOR GROWTH Iain Bevan, commercial director for heating & renewables at Daikin UK, looks at the growing skills gap, in relation to heat pumps and explains how leading manufacturers can help by providing high-quality training opportunities.

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esearch conducted by the Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA) showed that around 22,000 heat pumps were installed in the UK in 2017 – an increase of 18% from the previous year.

This increase is likely due to an improved understanding of the technology and the support offered by government-led incentives such as the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).

This allows eligible end users to receive funding based on the amount of renewable heat the system produces. In December 2016 the air source heat pump tariff was increased by 35.5%, and the programme lifetime extended to 2021.

While the increase in installations and government support for heat pumps is promising news for the renewable heating industry, there are still major concerns around whether the industry has the skill base required to deliver further growth.

In a recent paper Dr. Terry Keech, Partner at Calfordseaden found that most knowledge held by the workforce relating to the installation of renewable technologies is tactic knowledge, which is learned on site for the installation task at hand. However, due to the short term nature of the jobs, learning is fractured and often not documented – resulting in poor knowledge transfer.

Comprehensive courses

He cited the nature of the businesses themselves as a key reason, with 52% of M&E contractors classed as sole traders who often feel they are too busy to take time off for formal training. With many in the trade set to retire in the coming years, the concern is that even selftaught skills will be lost.

Manufacturers have a role to play, in equipping the current and future

PROVIDERS HAVE A DUTY TO DELIVER HIGH QUALITY, TECHNICAL INSTRUCTION THAT GOES BEYOND A SELL FOR THEIR LATEST PRODUCT” workforce with the knowledge and skills required to embrace renewable technology. However, not all training is the same – and for participants to feel that a day off-site has been worthwhile, providers have a duty to deliver high quality, technical instruction that goes beyond a sell for their latest product.

Good training should encompass a number of elements. At the most basic level, providing accessible places to learn is key – and many manufacturers have recognised this by opening regional training centres to cut down travel time.

In terms of the training itself, comprehensive courses should combine both classroom and practical elements.

Hands-on learning is, of course, essential and participants should expect a well-resourced training centre

to have a number of working rigs for real life experience of installation, commissioning and fault finding.

Courses should also be well-rounded, as having the knowledge to install a renewable technology such as an air source heat pump is only part of the equation. Installers also need to know how to size and spec a system – and equally as important how to offer advice and guidance to a customer who might consider switching to the new technology.

Developed with all of the above in mind, Daikin has seven training centres that include two regional technical college centres. Training typically involves a day long course that is led by an industry expert, such as one of our technical engineers, who can provide a comprehensive overview of the technology.

Daikin UK has also developed online training modules for installers. These modules allow the installer to increase their knowledge of air-source heat pump and refrigerant technology away from the classroom, and means that more time can be spent on the practical elements of installing air-source heat pump technology.

On-going support can also be valuable. Daikin’s Key scheme, for example, offers domestic installers further support by providing commissioning support on new technologies and access to a dedicated technical hotline.

As the adopting of heat pumps continues to increase, so will demand for skilled installers. Forward-thinking businesses should take advantage of the training and partner programmes offered by leading manufacturers, to ensure they plug the skills gap in the energy and renewables market, and stay ahead in a changing heating landscape.

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GOING SOLO:

FAN CONVECTORS CAN BE THE ID The Grant Solo hydronic fan convector range provides flexibility for those situations where a heat pump is being retrofitted into an existing building, explains Anna Wakefield, marketing and corporate communications manager at Grant UK.

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fficiency combined with the environmental benefits associated with renewable technologies means that heat pumps are proving to be the right choice in many properties, especially as complementary heating products, such as fan convectors, can be matched with them to create a warm and efficient internal environment without the need to install oversized radiators or lay underfloor heating.

This autumn, Grant is adding Solo fan convectors to their growing product portfolio, further increasing the range of heating solutions the brand can offer to consumers.

Solo fan convectors are significantly smaller than a conventional radiator for the same output and around a third of the weight. Consequently, their installation can be completed single

handedly enabling other engineers on site to work elsewhere on the heating system, reducing overall installation time and cost. In addition, due to their low water content, they heat up and cool down rapidly giving homeowners better control over individual room temperatures.

Working together

While the fan convectors are designed to emit heat quickly, their surface temperature always remains low regardless of the water temperature which makes these units safer, especially for children and the elderly. The range also gives homeowners precise control when setting the temperature.

The Solo range is ideal for use with heat pumps as the fan convectors can operate well at low water temperatures.

One of the primary design objectives

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E IDEAL RETROFIT SOLUTION was for the Solo fan convectors to partner effectively with this renewable technology. The fan convectors enable a constant flow to be sustained through the system which greatly assists the correct operation of heat pumps. When installing a Grant air source heat pump, householders and installers alike should also consider the Solo fan convector range because the two technologies are designed to work together to deliver improved efficiencies throughout the entire heating system.

MCS approved, the Aerona³ is Grant UK’s third generation inverter driven air to water heat pump with an impressive ErP rating of A++. The Aerona³ produces a consistent heat output while being compact in size. Comprising of outputs from 6kW to 16kW, the unit combines clever design features such as weather compensation controls and a base tray heating element to stop ice formation in cold weather conditions.

Heat pumps also provide choice for homeowners in off gas areas where space is at a premium too.

Green solutions

As with all Grant products, Aerona³ heat pumps are geared towards easy installation and maintenance for both installers and end users.

The units have a superior Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP) even when external temperatures drop as low -20°C. The SCOP is the overall performance of the heat pump when used in a designated heating season (warm, average or cold), calculated as the reference annual heating demand divided by the annual energy consumed.

The output from the Aerona³ will modulate down or up depending on the climate conditions and the demand on the heating system, giving the homeowner peace of mind that their heat pump is working as efficiently as possible every day of the year.

A series of useful accessories are available, which can be purchased separately or part of a convenient heat

pump pack. Sealed system kits are available to suit all Aerona³ heat pump models in 3 sizes: 12ltr, 18ltr and 50ltr. A Flexi-foot kit is also available for mounting the heat pump, raising it off the ground.

A through-wall insulation kit provides a heavy duty 22 to 28mm flexi hose specifically designed for the Aerona³.

Both the Aerona³ and Solo come with a 5-year guarantee, meaning these products are offering the market yet more reliable green thinking solutions for domestic home heating. www.grantuk.com

The Aerona³ is the third generation of Grant UK’s air to water heat pump

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People in Business: Courtney Wright We would love to introduce to you our new CAD Technician – Courtney Wright, who joined our company a few weeks ago.

For the past three years Courtney has worked within a large Structural Consultancy as a Trainee Technician, before moving to an Architectural Metalwork firm as the Drawing Office Assistant.

VERN KLEIN, LUKE PARRY, LEONA MURRAY, COURTNEY WRIGHT PUMP HOUSE

Vern Klein has joined Pump House as area sales manager for the south.

He has extensive experience in sales, account management and business development from previous roles with Advanced Engineering and Aspen Pumps. ​Pump House says the appointment follows another successful year and represents an investment in the future growth of the business.

Vern Klein said: “It’s an interesting time at Pump House, there’s so much potential for growth. It’s a friendly and successful company who understand customer needs, with a vast range of products to suit such a fast-changing industry.’’

The appointment further strengthens the sales team, following the arrival of Luke Parry and Leona Murray.

Luke is an external sales manager covering the south. He studied art at college and initially wanted to be an art critic but

She was contacted by Tony, our Product manager, who found her CV on CV-Library. Courtney will be producing Flexi Frame assembly drawings and quotes from all incoming quotes. She will be working closely with the Flexi System Product from a Management team.

has now been in the cooling industry since 2004, apart three-year break “designing office interiors in virtual reality”.Courtney enjoys cooking and Leona looks after Scotland as part of the external salesspending team time with family and friends. We also asked her about any significant achievements: and has 23 years of industry experience. She previously worked in the world of installations, surveying sites and quoting for “I reached the World Championships in street dance with my dance crew, AC works. this was a huge achievement after all the hard work we put in!”

Meanwhile, Courtney Wright has recently joined the Pump If you wish to contact Courtney you can do so below.

House team as a CAD technician.

Email:Courtney has worked for a large For the past three years courtney.wright@pumph.co.uk structural consultancy Phone as a trainee technician before moving to an Number: architectural metalwork firm as a drawing office assistant. +44 115 900 5858 LinkedIn: In her new role she will be producing Flexi Frame assembly Courtney Wright drawings and quotes from all incoming quotes, working closely with the Flexi System product management team. www.pumph.co.uk

JUSTIN SOUTHWICK

MIKE LUCKEN

Carter Retail Equipment has appointed Justin Southwick as sales and operations manager for its Carter Coldstore Systems division.

Justin has been with the Carter Thermal Industries Group since 2013, first as a national account manager with Carter Synergy and more recently in a group business development role since 2016.

Previously, Justin worked at Ryan Jayberg for nine years in service operations in the midlands and northern regions.

Carter Coldstore Systems provides customers with back of house cold storage solutions. As a global leader in the field, its services include manufacturing, design & development, project management, installation and after sales service, as well as bespoke designs for customers with specialised requirements.

Conex Bänninger has strengthened its UK OEM & ACR team with the appointment of Mike Lucken as regional technical sales manager for the south east. Mike has more than 22 years’ experience in the ACR market, having previously worked in various engineering and management roles for Wolseley UK, GEC Marconi, HRP and Kooltech. ​Bill Barlow, business unit director at Conex, said: “Mike’s appointment highlights our ongoing commitment to the ACR sector. He has a proven track record of delivering strong results and developing excellent relationships so I wish him every success in his new role.’’

Mike said: “There’s huge potential for Conex Bänninger in the ACR sector, not just for our revolutionary >B< MaxiPro solution, but also for the K65 high pressure tube system for refrigeration applications and the >B< ACR range. ” www.conexbanninger.com

SALES & OPERATIONS MANAGER, CARTER COLDSTORE SYSTEMS

www.cre-ltd.co.uk/coldstore-systems.php

REGIONAL TECHNICAL SALES MANAGER, CONEX BANNINGER

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018

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FAC E S

DAVID GARVEY

KRYSTYNA DAWSON

Weatherite Air Conditioning has appointed David Garvey as business development manager. He will manage the company’s HVAC product range, including its new WispAir products, and will be responsible for identifying and leading strategic business development for the contractor side of the business.

Prior to joining Weatherite, David worked at Nortek Global HVAC Group for almost 20 years. As key account manager he was responsible for Nortek’s top 12 customers in the UK. David, who will report to sales director Steve Cartledge, said: “I’ve worked alongside Weatherite for 20 years and have always been impressed with their reputation for innovation and customer service. I’m excited to join Weatherite at a time when they are launching new products and pioneering industry leading technology to deliver optimum solutions quicker than ever before.’’

Krystyna Dawson has been appointed to the newly created role of BSRIA commercial director. She has spent the last 10 years with BSRIA and was previously business manager for the Worldwide Market Intelligence department. ​Chief executive Julia Evans said: “In her decade at BSRIA, Krystyna has demonstrated a high level of analytical, investigative and decision-making and risk-taking skills. All my colleagues and board members know Krystyna is an excellent choice and welcome her to the role.”

Krystyna said: “BSRIA is a great organisation with an amazing depth of expertise and knowledge. It has always been at the cutting edge of industry trends and new technologies, providing highly professional independent information and guidance. My new role will guarantee that BSRIA strengthens its position at the forefront of these activities.”

BDM, WEATHERITE AIR CONDITIONING

www.weatheritegroup.com

STEPHEN BLOOMER

COMPANY SECRETARY, ALBION VALVES Albion Valves has appointed Stephen Bloomer as company secretary, following the retirement of Stephen Bradshaw after 10 years.

Stephen has spent over 15 years experience working in finance in both private and public sector organisations, as well as consultancy. He has also worked within the financial team of a high profile consumer brand covering all aspects of financial and accountancy work.

Stephen said: “Albion has a growing reputation as a great employer and for being a real people orientated business, so when this role came up needless to say, I jumped at the opportunity of becoming part of the team. I have some large shoes to fill following Stephen’s retirement but it is an exciting time to join the business and I very much look forward to the challenges this role brings.” www.albionvalvesuk.com

COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR, BSRIA

www.bsria.co.uk

MATTHEW OSBORNE

TRAINEE SALES ENGINEER, TITAN ENGINEERING Industrial refrigeration component specialist Titan Engineering has appointed Matthew Osborne as a trainee sales engineer.

Matthew spent a week with Titan on work experience three years ago. He said: “I realised that Titan was the type of company I would like to have a career with and when they approached me earlier this year I jumped at the chance.”

Titan Engineering managing director Ed Wright said: “I think this proves to the critics of the work experience scheme that it does have benefits, not only for the young people involved but for companies who provide them with experience of the workplace.”

CMYKCMYK / .ai / .ai CMYK / .ai

www.titan-engineering.co.uk

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CH AT T E R

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LONDON CALLING The London Refrigeration Society has confirmed its upcoming programme of events as it aims to increase membership and safeguard the future of the historic organisation.

Founded in the 1960s following the demise of the Refrigeration Servicemen’s Association, the LRS aims to keep its members informed of developments in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry.

In 1969, society members funded and organised the first London Refrigeration Exhibition at the White City dog track and remained involved in industry trade shows for many years.

Today the committee arranges eight ‘out of season’ monthly meetings, inviting speakers with skills and information on the latest developments to share their knowledge through discussion and open forum.

The society’s Brendan O’Reilly said:

WILO BACKING BURTON “We hope, through the keenness of newcomers to the trade, that we will still be around for another 50 years, helping to pass on our knowledge, and encouraging suppliers and manufacturers to share their expertise / developments with the active guys at the sharp end.

“We would like to invite all readers, technicians, trainees and managers to come and join us; they might find they enjoy it as well as learn something!’’

Meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month, September to April (7.30-9.30pm) at the Greenwich Tavern, 1 King William Walk,Greenwich, SE10 9JH. Anyone interested can attend for an annual fee of £15, or receive monthly emailed reports on the previous month’s discussions.

REMAINING 2018-2019 PROGRAMME

11 October: John Bawden (Testo), Smart solutions for refrigeration and AC engineers 8 November: Graeme Fox (REFCOM), The latest on refrigerants 5 December: Joint meeting with the IOR, Historical talk at the Canal Museum 10 January 2019: Richard Metcalfe (ICS Cool Energy) 14 February: Nigel Manning (Heronhill), Cellar Cooling 14 March: TBC 11 April: London Walk For more information, contact: honorary treasurer Ron Filer (lrsociety@yahoo.co.uk 020 8989 7815) or Brendan O’Reilly (brendan@blygolduk.com 01895 259346/07876 654319).

Pump manufacturer Wilo UK has extended its sponsorship of Burton Albion, with the company logo now appearing on the back of the players’ home and away shirts.

Burton-based Wilo became the tunnel sponsor at the Pirelli Stadium last season and has now strengthened the partnership its local football club.

Wilo is a leading manufacturers of pumps for heating, ventilating and air conditioning, as well as the water supply, drainage and sewage, building automation and maintenance and repair sectors.

BATH-TIME AGAIN FOR GRANT UK

Grant UK is supporting local premiership club, Bath Rugby, continuing as a business partner for the fourth consecutive year.

The partnership began in 2015 and Grant’s perimeter board displays can again be seen at the Rec, which is less than an hour away from the company’s HQ in Devizes. www.grantuk.com

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018

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OPEN HOUSE AT SBS NEWCASTLE Smith Brothers Stores celebrated the official opening of its Newcastle branch with an open day.

Special guest Steve Watson, the former Newcastle United player and current Gateshead manager, joined customers and suppliers to enjoy a hog roast, compete on a penalty shoot-out simulator and meet SBS staff including newly appointed branch manager Brian Smith.

He said: “Thank you to all our customers and suppliers who attended the event. The suppliers were able to showcase their products and had a great day interacting with staff and customers alike. It was great to see some new faces on the day and they all seemed really impressed with the branch and stockholding.’’

Jordan Coulson has joined the internal sales team at Newcastle. He previously spent seven years with BSS Industrial in a similar position.

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Xylem makes its (Water)mark Teams from water technology company Xylem have taken part in a range of activities to raise awareness and funding for water-related issues around the world.

Steve Watson with Brian Smith

Meanwhile, SBS (Leicester) has again been named in Leicestershire’s top 200 companies in rankings produced by the Leicester Mercury newspaper, in association with Leicester Castle Business School.

SBS was 62nd on the list, down one place from last year, but the company is confident of climbing the table in 2019 following the recent opening of the new branch in Newcastle and an anticipated increase in turnover from its network of 14 branches. www.sbs.co.uk

The SBS team at Newcastle, from left: Paul Robson, Richard Cameron, Chris Slater, Jimmy Slater, Brian Smith,Gary Holland, Jordan Coulson and Gary Lynn

MAYOR PRESENTS JD COOLING ACCOLADE

JD Cooling Group’s success in the London Stock Exchange ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’ has been given the civic seal of approval.

The Mayor of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, Councillor Nick Daubney, visited the company HQ in King’s Lynn and officially presented the award to JD Cooling Group managing director, John Dye, watched by members of the team.

Employees from across the UK & Ireland have been backing Xylem’s corporate citizenship and social investment program, Watermark.

Activities ranged from taking part in the gruelling 24-mile Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, to community enhancement projects in Axminster, Farnborough, Basingstoke and Scotland.

A 12-strong team of volunteers cleaned the area surrounding The Kelpies, the world’s largest equine structures, between Falkirk and Grangemouth. Other projects included the construction of a roadway at Ash Lock on the Basingstoke Canal, and lock painting and canal clean-up on the Banbury Canal.

Watermark was launched by Xylem to provide safe water and education to communities around the world. It undertakes projects and charitable initiatives each year to raise money for, and awareness of, a range of water-based issues.

Watermark ambassador Kieran Gagg said: “Safe access to water and basic sanitary facilities remains out of reach for millions of people. In the 21st Century, you’re more likely to have a smartphone in your pocket, than you are to have access to a clean, functioning toilet.

“Challenges such as urbanisation and global conflict will only exacerbate the problem, which is why initiatives such as Watermark are all the more important. We don’t just work with charities and non-profit partners to provide access to clean drinking water; we also monitor our installations to ensure that this access remains in place after the volunteers have gone.

The difference this can make to the health, prosperity and equality of a community and its residents should never be underestimated.” http://xylemwatermark.com/

CMYKCMYK / .ai / .ai CMYK / .ai

Xylem volunteers at The Kelpies

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