Hotel Engineer Volume 23 No.1

HE

PP 319986/101

HOTEL ENGINEER

Volume 23, Number 1

Official Publication of the Australian Institute of Hotel Engineering

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CONTENTS 31 36 53

Regulars

56

65 Is your pool a hindrance or a highlight?

5

Publishers letter

7

AIHE State news

69 Media filters – Are you getting what you expect?

10

Six hotel trends to watch

72

Swimming pools and spas

75

Carbon dioxide

14 Utilisation of cloud technologies 25

Air filters

31 Back to black

Cover image courtesy of Monday Agency, a powerful creative force redefining customer experience for leading developers and hotels including Pindan, QT Hotels & Resorts and Q1 Resort & Spa (cover) www.q1.com.au, www.mondayagency.com @monday_agency

HE HOTEL ENGINEER

34 Know the (good) wood in your hotel 36 Vertical transportation 38 Facilities management software 41 Mattress and bed maintenance 46

Back of house

79

Membership form

81

Product news

PP 319986/101

Pool Feature 50

hy ORP/pH Controllers don’t work W on spas

53

Algae uncovered

56 Water hygiene in pools and spas 59 Diving into efficiency in pool heating 62 Pools & spas: Get the knowledge, save money and reduce downtime Volume 23, Number 1

Official Publication of the Australian Institute of Hotel Engineering

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“We measure what you can’t see” Independent Monitoring Consultants (IMC) is a senior consulting company supported by its own comprehensive laboratories in Australia, Thailand and Malaysia.

Allwater Technologies (AWT) is a specialist division of IMC focussing on, but not restricted to Corrosion Management Solutions.

Engaging AWTs consultancies brings more than 150 years of combined “hands on” water treatment industry experience that uses the combined knowledge of our microbiologists, chemists, engineers, and metallurgists’ in a consolidated team of professionals working on your behalf.

• Professional Assessments, Audits and Consulting • Cooling Tower Risk Assessments • Cooling Tower Audits • Legionella Risk Assessments • 5 registered DHS auditors – NSW/ QLD/VIC • Pipe wall thickness measurement • X-Ray fluorescent (XRF) identification of alloy metal composition & international coding • Supply of corrosion coupons & ASTM compliant racks, including forensic inspection of coupon surfaces • Ultrasonic transducer measurements of water linear velocity within coupon racks

CONTACT US

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helpme@imc1.net Independent Monitoring Consultants ALLWATER TECHNOLOGIES Division 23-25 Daking Street, North Parramatta NSW Australia 2151 +61298905067

THE HOTEL ENGINEER The Official Publication of the Australian Institute of Hotel Engineering

AIHE STATE PRESIDENTS Anura Yapa, NSW E: Anura.Yapa@shangri-la.com David Zammit, VIC E: david.zammit@hyatt.com Tony Fioraso, WA E: Tony.Fioraso@crownperth.com.au Stephen Coombes, QLD E: stephen.coombs@marriott.com

PUBLISHERS letter

W

elcome to The Hotel Engineer.

I hope everyone managed to get some time off over Easter!

This issue we focus on facilities and asset management – a critical issue, affecting engineers on a daily basis. We talk with Richard Exley, who explores the changes in facilities management technology. Improvements in organisational communication can reduce your hotel’s running costs, and improve occupant satisfaction at the same time. We also include Carl Agars comprehensive paper that investigates how cloud technologies apply in this space.

Air filters are a crucial component in maintaining air quality and energy efficiency in your facility, Airepures excellent article gives you all the information about the different types of air filters and their application.

Whether for fitness or leisure, a well-maintained pool is essential for guests.

I would like to thank a number of contributors who have spread their knowledge on the many aspects of running a pool for patrons in this issue.

ADBOURNE PUBLISHING 18/69 Acacia Road Ferntree Gully, VIC 3156 PO Box 735, Belgrave, VIC 3160 www.adbourne.com ADVERTISING Melbourne: Neil Muir T: (03) 9758 1433 F: (03) 9758 1432 E: neil@adbourne.com

We are pleased to see many new readers enjoying the online copy of the magazine! For those who still enjoy the old paper copy, please send us an email with your postal address, we will send one out to you and put you on the list for future editions.

As always, this publication could not come together if it was not for the efforts of our contributors. If you would like to cover a particular topic, please get in touch about contributing!

On a final note, the AIHE national conference is locked in for August 2019. We will bring you all the details in the near future.

Regards Neil Muir

Adelaide: Robert Spowart T: 0488 390 039 E: robert@adbourne.com PRODUCTION Emily Wallis T: (03) 9758 1436 E: production@adbourne.com ADMINISTRATION Tarnia Hiosan T: (03) 9758 1436 E: admin@adbourne.com SUBSCRIPTIONS Enquiries: (03) 9758 1436 Fax: (03) 9758 1432 Email: admin@adbourne.com

Adbourne Publishing cannot ensure that the advertisers appearing in The Hotel Engineer comply absolutely with the Trades Practices Act and other consumer legislation.The responsibility is therefore on the person, company or advertising agency submitting the advertisement(s) for publication.

Adbourne Publishing reserves the right to refuse any advertisement without stating the reason. No responsibility is accepted for incorrect information contained in advertisements or editorial. The editor reserves the right to edit, abridge or otherwise alter articles for publication.

All original material produced in this magazine remains the property of the publisher and cannot be reproduced without authority.The views of the contributors and all submitted editorial are the author’s views and are not necessarily those of the publisher.

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WESTERN AUSTRALIA

H

ello to everyone from the Western Australian Chapter, we hope you had a fantastic Easter break and a great break with your families.

The first quarter of 2018 has very hectic mainly due to a slight uplift in consumer confidence and the new 60,000 seat stadium which has attracted over 200,000 visitors in only a few events.

Our first meeting for 2018 was at the new Aloft Hotel with over 35 people in attendance where we had two guest presentations: • The Reece Group presented their water filtration division and the importance of water quality.

• Programmed Electrical Technologies presented their Intelligent Building Automation Solution Systems, both of which were very enjoyable presentations.

Thank you to Steward Kiely from The Aloft for the fantastic venue for the presentations.

Our meeting in March was a site visit to The Swan Group factory tour, with 30 attendees, we were treated to four aspects of the Swan Groups business: • Swan Group Building-delivering construction works and what’s important to a customer in terms of delivery.

• Architectural window and door frames • Laminex presentation • Workshop tour Many thanks to Wayne Robinson and the team at Swan Group for a great tour and presentation.

In March I attended a Presidents meeting at The Marriot with Stephen Coombs, Bev Allen and Anura Yapa to discuss the annual Engineering conference and an update on the web page.

It was a very productive meeting, you will see an improved, functional website in the next few months. It was also very exciting to lock in the conference for August 14th-16th 2019.

Many thanks go out to Bev for her continued hard work to make this happen. To all members please lock in the date with more detailed information to follow.

Our event calendar for the year has been set with only a few months yet to be filled, our next major event is our annual golf day on the 27th April which will attract 80 players at the Vines Resort.

On closing, I really do encourage General Managers, Chief Engineers, facility managers, maintenance managers and staff to join the institute as it continue to be a great source of networking and information to assist you manage your facility.

Regards Tony Fioraso President AIHE Western Australia

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NEW SOUTH WALES

W

arm Greeting from NSW Chapter.

We have reached the first part of the mildest time of year, Autumn – when the humidity drops; crisp, fresh air makes the season for enjoying Sydney’s coastal walks. Also we are getting ready to welcome winter which is expected to be chilly with strong westerly winds this time. So, it would be a great challenge for the Hotel Engineers to keep their buildings warm.

The year 2018 has been a great success leading up to March.

I would like to welcome all the new members of NSW Chapter and give thanks to those whom have contributed to the success of the chapter. The chapter is growing day by day and it seems like we will have a very prosperous journey this year.

The NSW Chapter made a kick start to 2018, on 25th January with our first committee meeting at the Blu Bar in Shangri-La Hotel Sydney. The meeting was a success where we prepared

Mr. Andrew Allen, The Hotel Manager of Grace Hotel addressing the gathering.

the event calendar for the year. I would like to give appreciation to everyone whom attended at the meeting.

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Our first general meeting for the year was held in February at The Grace Hotel Sydney. The presentation for the night was on ‘Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment (Fire Safety and Building Certification) implemented 1st October 2017’, conducted by Trevor Burrows from Australian Essential Services Compliance (AESC). This was an ideal topic as most of the engineers required insight and clarification on this area.

Thanks to Andrew Yap, the hotel Engineer for organising the venue. We were also fortunate to be joined by Mr. Andrew Allen, Hotel Manager of The Grace Hotel Sydney whom shared his thoughts and recognised the importance of our regular chapter meetings and its influence on the industry. His presence and speech was encouraging for all attendees.

Our monthly meeting for March was held in Four Seasons Hotel Sydney. The topic for the month was ‘Boot Case Study – Four Seasons Hotel. The presentation was excellent and very much informative. We also had the opportunity to have a look on the new Chiller installation. The main presentation was by ENGIE and there were a few speakers discussing about various topics related to the project. I would like to thank Mr. Cyril Uboldi, Director of Engineering, Four Seasons Hotel Sydney for organising the venue and the presentation.

The States President Meeting was held on the 16th of March at Marriott Surface Paradise Gold Coast where we discussed and finalised a few major points for the upcoming conference. I would also like to thank Steven Coombs the new Queensland President and Secretary Bev Allen for their commitment on organizing the conference.

In closing, I would like to express my appreciation to all committee members, all Engineers and our corporate members and various Hotel General Managers for their support over the past year and look forward to another great quarter.

Best regards, Anura Yapa JP President – AIHE NSW chapter

Members had an opportunity to visit the new chiller installation at Four Seasons and talk to product specialists.

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SIX HOTEL TRENDS TO WATCH

BRENDON GRANGER I DIRECTOR, TECHNOLOGY4HOTELS

Understanding the changing preferences, desires and expectations of travellers is crucial for hotels to influence booking behaviour. By staying on top of what guests care about, hotels can evolve how they market themselves and tailor their services to match the shifting demands of consumers.

W

ith that in mind, here are six of the biggest trends to watch out for in the hotel industry right now.

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1) MOBILE CHECK-IN & SELF-SERVICE The airline industry has been offering travellers the freedom of self-service and mobile check-in for years. And now, a number of hotels are catching up.

As well as offering mobile check-in to loyalty members, brands such as Starwood and Hilton are providing keyless entry. When guests arrive, they can breezily stroll past reception and unlock their room using their smartphone.

Hilton’s digital check-in service also offers the ability to pick out a specific room from an interactive digital floor plan. In addition, a recent integration with Google Maps lets guests check whether their room overlooks the city skyline, the local beach, or a nearby park.

This kind of self-service technology puts control in the hands of the customer, helping them to actively create their own personalised experience.

2) MOTIVATING GUESTS TO BOOK ON YOUR WEBSITE As the share of OTA (Online Travel Agents) bookings continues to grow, hotels are looking for new ways to attract travellers to book through their own online channels.

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Both Hilton and Marriott have launched high-profile marketing campaigns aimed at getting loyalty members to book direct the main selling point being discounted rates. And just recently, Hyatt launched its own book direct incentive for loyalty members, offering a discount of up to 10%.

But it’s not just lower room rates that can attract customers.

Offering added extras that can’t necessarily be found elsewhere also has real value. But what incentives are guests most interested in?

In a survey by Software Advice (a source for hotel management product guides), 48% of respondents said a free room upgrade would be their main reason to book direct with the hotel, while 23% said they’d be most motivated by service incentives, such as a free meal or in-room massage.

As travellers increasingly seek unique and memorable moments during their trips, hotels are beginning to realise that including special perks can be a powerful tool to entice customers to book direct.

3) APPEALING TO MILLENNIALS Millennials want a unique experience when they travel. Often, that includes picking out a hotel with a vibe and personality all of its own. To meet this desire, a lot of hotels are incorporating local design elements into their social spaces, or providing local offerings as part of their Food &Beverage mix.

It’s also common knowledge that Millennials regard technology as being crucial to the hotel experience. Digital connectivity, keyless room entry, and the ability to communicate with the hotel via messaging are all becoming expectations of a techsavvy audience. But the benchmark is being raised even higher by youth-driven brands.

In the case of Aloft, their concept labs have recently created something called a “smart mirror” - a normally functioning mirror that doubles as a multimedia screen featuring weather, sports and news updates. Guests can even hook up their smartphones to the mirror, giving them the ability to check email and text messages on the big screen.

4) INTEGRATING WELLNESS INTO THE GUEST EXPERIENCE While a fortnight of overindulgence has its place, a lot of travellers see their holiday as a chance to take care of themselves in a way their hectic lifestyles often don’t allow.

Aware of these changing preferences, numerous hotels are now promoting wellness packages that make it easier for guests to exercise, eat more healthily, and relax in a way that extends beyond lounging by the pool.

In the case of InterContinental Hotels Group, their EVEN Hotels brand is specifically designed to meet the needs of this wellness-focused guest. Hotel features include spacious gyms close to the lobby, healthy meal options, and clutter-free rooms designed to help guests relax in comfort.

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As people increasingly place importance on healthy living and balanced lifestyles, it’s likely that the trend for wellness experiences in the hotel industry will continue to grow.

5) EXPANDING ANCILLARY REVENUE SOLUTIONS The growth of the sharing economy and the dominance of OTAS in direct bookings has undoubtedly put a strain on the hotel industry. With increased competition, it’s never been more important to find ways of maximizing every booking.

In the past, offering packaged deals with discounts at the hotel spa or restaurant was maybe enough. But not now. In a hypercompetitive marketplace, tempting customers to splash out a little extra requires tailoring offers that meet their specific preferences.

This is where data becomes a hoteliers’ best friend.

By analysing social media analytics, guest reviews, and past booking data, hotels can gain invaluable customer insights and build detailed guest profiles. Combined, this information can then be used to create segmented marketing campaigns that speak to the individual preferences of customers.

6) TRANSFORMING THE TRADITIONAL LOBBY The hotel lobby is changing. In years gone by, it primarily served as a place for processing bookings and little else. A front desk surrounded by a few token seating areas was all a guest could expect.

But now, forward-thinking hotels are re-imagining what a lobby can be, transforming it into a social hub where guests can hang out with friends, catch up on work, or kick back with a gourmet coffee while updating their Facebook status.

The lobby of citizenM’s New York hotel showcases just how radically different the lobby is becoming. Along with superfast Wi-Fi, their lobby features a bookstore, funky furniture, conversation areas and a cafe and cocktail bar.

Meanwhile, lobby areas at Courtyard by Marriott include media pods, a 24/7 market stocked with snacks, and their innovative “GoBoard” - a large and interactive flat-screen TV that lets guests check everything from local events and restaurants to real-time flight data.

These digitally connected social spaces reflect a new mind-set to what the lobby can and should be: a place where guests can relax, work and socialise beyond the walls of their own hotel room.

IN CONCLUSION For hotels, the challenge isn’t just about staying on top of the latest trends, it’s about acting upon them.

By understanding wider industry trends and individual guest preferences, hotels can stand out from the competition, drive more direct bookings, and tailor the guest experience in line with the desires of their target market.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR With a great passion for all things hotels, but in particular technology and a desire to help others his role as director at Technology4Hotels allows him to do both.

Brendon has worked with hundreds of hotels to help them with their in-room technology. In the last few years he has helped them to increase guest satisfaction, strengthen guest loyalty and encourage repeat bookings as well as win awards such as the best business hotel, best city hotel, best upscale hotel and best luxury hotel in Australasia.

Always going the extra mile, Brendon began his hospitality career over twenty five years ago working in 5 star hotels whilst completing his Bachelor of Business in Hotel Management. He has held various management positions within 5 star hotels, worked as a consultant in both hotel feasibility and technology and has an extensive background in hotel technology.

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Ph: +61 2 9472 2000 sales@vintech.com.au

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UTILISATION OF CLOUD TECHNOLOGIES to augment facilities & asset management

CARL AGAR I SENIOR CONSULTANT - ASSETS & FACILITIES, A.G. COOMBS ADVISORY PTY LTD

CLOUD HISTORY

C

loud computing is not new, it is the recent advances in connectivity speed coupled with the pervasive use of hand held devices and the significant computing power in hand held devices that has combined to drive information access and transmission in the mobile environment.

It is worth reflecting on the history of cloud computing to help understand where it is taking us.

There has always been a belief that the access to central computing power and knowledge repositories would be the defining architecture to provide individuals access to the computing power they require.

John MacCarthy was an American computer scientist and cognitive scientist and one of the first proponents of the idea of centralised computing facilities.

In 1961, he was perhaps the first to suggest publicly the idea of utility computing, in a speech given to celebrate MIT's centennial: that computer timesharing technology might result in a future in which computing power and even specific applications could be sold through the utility business model.

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The idea of an "intergalactic computer network" was introduced in the sixties

by J.C.R. Licklider, who was responsible for enabling the development of ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network) in 1969. His vision was for everyone on the globe to be interconnected and accessing programs and data at any site, from anywhere.

A remarkable foresight that remains contemporary. ARPANET was an early packet switching network and the first network to implement the protocol suite TCP/IP. Both technologies are the technical foundation of the Internet.

The ARPANET, initially served as a backbone for interconnection of regional academic and military networks. In

the 1980s a new backbone, National Science Foundation Network, was funded that led to worldwide participation in the development of new networking technologies. The linking of commercial networks and enterprises by the early 1990s marks the beginning of the transition to the modern Internet.

Public commercial use of the Internet began in mid-1989 with the connection of MCI Mail and Compuserve's email capabilities to the 500,000 users of the Internet. On January 1, 1990, PSInet launched an alternate Internet backbone for commercial use and in 1991 the Commercial Internet eXchange was founded, allowing PSInet to communicate with the other commercial networks CERFnet and Alternet. This is taken as

the landmark that represents the establishment of the World Wide Web, the interconnection of multiple separate networks joined into a network of networks.

• it’s changing our ability to collect and store information

The concept of cloud computing has its origins in the success of server virtualisation and the ability to run software applications more efficiently through server consolidation. This was then taken to the next level by implementing storage and network virtualisation techniques that could be applied systematically across all the machines in a single data centre.

It has led to a new generation of products and services and the rise of new industry leaders and IT vendors. Concurrently business are changing their focus from internally hosted IT applications and more self-service applications are being utilised by business, and there is more tolerance for innovation and experimentation from businesses as they seek to take advantage of data access via mobile platforms.

The first cloud based Software as a Service (SaaS) launched was the Salesforce customer relationship management (CRM) service. As of early 2016, it is one of the most highly valued American cloud computing companies with a market capitalisation above $55 billion.

In 2006 Amazon launched Elastic Compute cloud (EC2) and Simple Storage Service (s3). They formed a central part of Amazon.com's cloud-computing platform allowing users to rent virtual computers on which to run their own computer applications.

Today many SaaS offerings utilise Amazon virtual servers as the delivery platform.

Another big milestone came in 2009, with Web 2.0. The second stage of development of the Internet, characterised especially by the change from static web pages to dynamic or usergenerated content and the growth of social media. Google and others started to offer browser-based enterprise applications.

Around this timing was the introduction of disruptive enabling technologies such as the iPhone (2007) and iPad (2010), these allowed users to move away from the desktop and provided a platform for practical mobile computing.

The most important contribution to cloud computing has been the emergence of "killer apps" from leading technology giants such as Microsoft and Google. Office 360 and Google Docs are examples of the provision of what was considered a desktop tool in a mobile environment.

CLOUD COMPUTING FORECASTS Some current predictions: • Microsoft cloud products will be 30% of revenue by 2018.

• Amazon Web Services generated $7.8B revenue in 2015, up 69% on 2014 • Worldwide spending on public cloud services will grow at 19.4% compound annual value from $70B in 2015 to $171B in 2019.

• Worldwide Public IT Cloud Service Revenue in 2018 is predicted to be $127B.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN? The Cloud is an enabling environment: • it’s changing our access to information & services

• it provides the platform for Software as a Service (SaaS) applications

The business advantage falls to the nimble adopters and fastfollowers and with all businesses having access to state of the art systems, it levels the playing field. The advantages to smaller businesses are: • Lower cost • Lower space • Lower overhead.

SaaS is a method of software delivery that allows data to be accessed from any device with an Internet connection and web browser. In this web-based model, software vendors host and maintain the servers, databases and code that constitute an application. This is a significant departure from the on premise software delivery model. SaaS offerings has expanded from the original Salesforce offering.

COMMON CONCERNS WHO OWNS MY DATA? There is a general fear that SaaS vendors "own" the data. This is something to be aware of when negotiating an agreement with a SaaS vendor. The agreement should set system reliability standards and parameters for issues, such as data ownership, security requirements and maintenance schedules.

In terms of data ownership, you should ensure there is a clause that states unequivocally that you own the data. Most SaaS contracts have built in and prepaid contingencies that will provide access to your data if the vendors goes out of business and guarantees that you own that data. Furthermore, most SaaS vendors let you export your data and back it up locally any time.

IS MY DATA SAFE? This is one of the biggest sticking points for companies that are considering SaaS. Security is an important consideration when allowing someone else to maintain your business-critical data.

Online banking and online payroll systems are the norm today.

Few things are more important than our bank accounts, yet most of us are comfortable with putting this information in the cloud, but balk at hosting facilities management information in the cloud.

Data security is independent of whether the server is sitting right next to you or in a different city. SaaS vendors are able to invest much more in security, backups and maintenance than any small to medium enterprise. A web-based system typically has more security measures in place than an on premise system.

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WHAT IF MY VENDOR GOES OUT OF BUSINESS? A legitimate concern in a constantly changing software world.

Vendors come and go – whether through industry consolidation or business failure. The data, however, is typically yours to keep.

Most SaaS vendors prepay their data centre hosting company to “keep the lights on.” This prepaid fee is meant to safeguard companies to ensure their data is accessible in the event something should happen with the vendor.

It’s important to ensure your agreement explicitly states that you can export your data, which most agreements contain as standard practice. It’s common for agreements to also stipulate that the vendor will help migrate your data, for an appropriate fee.

THE INTERNET OF THINGS The “Internet of things” (IoT) is a growing topic of conversation and a concept that not only has the potential to impact how we live but also how we work. Broadband Internet is more widely available, the cost of connecting is decreasing, more devices are being created with Wi-Fi capabilities and sensors built into them, technology costs are going down, and mobile handset penetration is sky-rocketing.

The Internet of Things will see increased machine-to-machine communication; it’s built on cloud computing and networks of data-gathering sensors; it’s mobile, virtual, and instantaneous connection.

The Internet of Things comes together with the connection of sensors and machines. That is to say, the real value that the Internet of Things creates is the provision of gathered data for analysis, and the cloud based platforms provide the platform for the transmission and storage of data, and the computing power to analyse it in real time. The cloud is what enables the apps to go to work for you anytime, anywhere.

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO HVAC & FACILITIES MANAGEMENT? Application integration is the key. The Cloud is an enabling environment. It provides access to a range of Software as Service applications, some are complete systems such as Facilities Management packages, and many are niche applications providing specific functionality.

A feature of the current SaaS environment is the ability to interface to other applications. Generally the vendors accept that they cannot provide a one stop shop, nor do they wish to.

Rather they focus on their core capability such as: • Accounting • Service desk • CRM • FM • Project Management • Analytics There is also an acceptance that many businesses have their favourite “app” provider and want to integrate rather than change. A simple example is Box vs DropBox, both offer file storage in the cloud, both are mature products with established clients.

The “Internet of things” is a concept that the Internet will expand to attach devices to the web. This includes everything from cellphones, coffee makers, washing machines, headphones, lamps, wearable devices and almost anything else you can think of.

Consider the example of ZenDesk, a Customer Service application that has 443 integrations with other web services over 18 categories: • Agent Productivity • Just For Fun

The analyst firm Gartner says that by 2020 there will be over 26 billion connected devices

• Analytics & Reporting

Expanding internet connectivity is projected to include 57% of global population by 2019

• Built By ZenDesk

Key elements are: built-in sensors, pattern recognition technology and Near Field Communications (NFC). Smart phones and other smart devices do not just use the cellular network, they communicate via NFC, Bluetooth, LTE and Wi-Fi with a wide range of devices and peripherals.

• Knowledge & Content • Project Management • Channel Integrations • Single Sign-on • Chat • Social Media • CRM • Surveys & Feedback

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• Email Marketing • Time Tracking • Issue Tracking • ZenDesk Labs There are several approaches taken when configuring systems to utilise cloud services: • Adopt an out of the box SaaS • Integrate several applications to create a customised solution to suit the requirement.

• Integrate specialised applications with an out of the box SaaS. The key to the approach is to be flexible. Cloud applications are continually evolving as their functionality matures.

EXAMPLE – LINKING APPS TO CREATE A COMMISSIONING RECORD SOLUTION The example provided here is the utilisation of several Cloud applications to provide a mobile HVAC commissioning solution.

The requirement was to make commissioning information available to technical staff on site, allow them to fill in the data and have the data returned to the office.

Interface: Browser, iPad, iPhone, Android.

A number of application packages were identified to be integrated to provide the required functionality: • File sharing – Box – www.box.com • Project management – www.shartsheet.com • Data entry – Excel – www.microsoft.com FILE STORAGE IN THE CLOUD Options are: • Box • Dropbox • Google Drive • iCloud • OneDrive • Spideroak They all: • Control access • Share files and directories • Integrate with applications.

Project: Laboratory fitout

In this example Box has been selected (www.box.com). The requirement is to have a virtual filing structure that permits:

Team: Building Owner, Client, Builder, Services sub-contractors

• immediate availability of files to all users

First part of the exercise is to define the outcomes:

• Is easy to use. In this case a user drops and drags a file into a directory on their PC and it is synchronised to all users.



Create a project plan, RFI & Defects lists



Share the project plan & lists with the project team & client

Box Account Example

 M onitor progress on site  P rovide related information to the mobile workforce & clients  P ermit selected team members to add/update the plan & lists  E nable the mobile workforce to complete records in real time

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Key aspects of the Box application that are relevant to this example are:

• Access via browser or app

i) Browser interface

• Control over access - Read or edit.

ii) In built preview capabilities

• Import/Export to Excel, MS Project

iii) Ability to synchronise files between the cloud and a number of PCs. This permits the creation of a shared file storage structure.

• Be able to publish a read only version

iv) A bility to share individual files or directories with other users with them requiring a Box account or login.

Good for casual sharing, e.g. providing someone a copy of a specification or drawing.

• Excellent collaboration tools.

v) Availability of handheld clients (iPad, iPhone, Android, etc.) vi) Integration with other applications, in this case Excel for the iPad and Smartsheet. vii) When utilised in conjunction with Excel on the iPad, Excel effectively edits the Box stored version directly. This eliminates the requirement for the user to save information, data entered into cells is dynamically written to the Box version, which in turn in synchronised to all users. This effectively results in real time data collection from site back to the project office.

PROJECT PLANS/TASKS There are a number of SaaS project management systems available. Options available include: • Smartsheet • Wrike • Mavenlink • Intervals In this case the requirements are: • Create a project plan • Attach files to individual tasks, files must be links to the files in the Box storage

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• Share with entire project team

• Users to be able to access the application without requiring application accounts • Key aspects of the Smartsheet application are: i) It can be used to create either a project plan, or a list of tasks ii) Attachments can be linked directly to a Box file or directory iii) Attachments can be a URL, this permits linking to on-line base documents, such as standard methodology statements

iv) A read-only HTML version of the project plan can be published and sent to users as a link. Users don’t require a SmartSheet account to access this document v) The project plan can be imported/ exported from Excel or MS Project vi) Dashboards can be created that summaries key project activities and status vii) Requests for an update can be sent via a forms interface, which provides a very simple interface for novice users. It also provides an ability to update key information without having to provide the user access to the full project plan.

Top: Smartsheet Example showing documents attached to a task Bottom: Smartsheet showing types of documents that can be attached to a task

DATA COLLECTION ON SITE

STANDARD METHODOLOGY DISTRIBUTION

Excel was the selected package for the creation of commissioning test results sheets. The data entry on site was to be via either laptop computer, Chromebook, iPad/Android/ Windows hand held device.

There are a number of processes and procedures that are generic including:

The important aspect was that Excel links directly to the Box account files: • On a PC this is accomplished by creating synchronised directory on the PC. • Excel for handheld devices allows linking directly to the Box account as a filing location from within Excel

• Testing methodology statements.

• Testing guidelines • Etc. Rather than distribute multiple copies of these documents the approach is to put them on-line in a Wiki.

An important requirement to protect IP is to be able to restrict access to both the on-line facility, but also access within the on-line facility. When considering issues such as availability of business IP via cloud based applications, you also need to weigh by the benefits of providing your mobile staff with a single point of truth reference vs the traditional distribution via paper based or PDF documents.

On this project a Confluence Wiki as selected. The advantages of Confluence are: • Hosted in the Cloud • Each page is a unique URL link • Spaces can be created which permits silos of information to be created.

Excel on the IPad

• Access can be restricted to specified users down to the page level.

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Confluence Wiki – Commissioning Space, Air Flow Measurement Methodology

LINKING THE APPS Having selected the suite of apps to provide the cloud based application they are then linked to create a virtual application and solution.

ADVANTAGES OF THE SYSTEM • Real time collection of data. As files are updated in the field they are synchronised back to the project office.

• Availability of updated commissioning test sheets. Updates or additional test sheets can be deployed to the field by administration staff, by adding them to a synchronised directory on their PC. • Deployment of commissioning related data. Specifications, drawings, test plans and test sheets can be deployed in real time to the site staff, and related directly to the task by attaching documents to specific tasks.

• Mobile cloud computing will continue to provide innovations • The cloud's fast pace of change can be hard to keep up with • Cloud adoption will continue to accelerate • The Cloud is a tool, not a solution • The advantage is to change adopters • Can level the playing field by making state of the art applications to all tiers of business • You’re not already there, then don’t wait because this is happening very fast now.

AUTHOR DETAILS & SHORT BIO: Carl Agar, Senior Consultant - Assets & Facilities A.G. Coombs Advisory Pty Ltd +61 3 9248 2700 cagar@agcoombs.com.au

Interfaced Cloud Applications

KEY MESSAGES Key reasons why: • Ease of deployment and management • Flexibility in supporting evolving business needs • Lower cost of operations • Easier way to scale and ensure availability and performance • Overall ease of use Key messages: • Ease of access to data will change business reporting & analysis availability expectations

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Carl is a senior consultant with A.G. Coombs Advisory with over 35 years industry experience and responsible for the provision of advice to clients on a range of facilities management related issues including asset management, commissioning, building tuning and service management and the adoption of leading edge technologies to optimise buildings operation and maintenance.

His experience also encompasses the asset management field with over 10 years’ experience in the IT industry implementing service and asset management systems for a diverse range of clients including QANTAS, Telstra and Macquarie Bank.

Since 2008 Carl has been a leading advocate of Building Information Modelling in Australia being instrumental on the early application of BIM on landmark projects and a founding member of BIM initiatives by AIRAH, AIA and NATSPEC.

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Contact our friendly Customer Service:

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P: 1800 647 779 or aucustserv@diversey.com

ÂŽ Diversey 2018 All rights reserved.

AIR FILTERS

Considerations in maintaining air quality & energy efficiency AIREPURE AUSTRALIA

INTRODUCTION

T

o some, the humble air filter is commonly misunderstood as just “a thing in the duct that blocks air flow”. Whilst that is in part true; the primary function of the air filter is nobler – to protect the people and facility components that are downstream of it.

If the filter blocks or is allowed to collect too much particulate material – excessive amounts of fan energy will be consumed and the amount of air being pulled through the filter will reduce – affecting the health and comfort of the occupied space.

In short - air filters are a critical component in maintaining the air quality and energy efficiency of a facility.

FILTER FUNCTIONS Air filters used for “pre-filtration” have two main functions; • Improve indoor air quality • Protect downstream equipment These pre-filters are designed and manufactured to be costeffective to purchase and be energy efficient. Protecting downstream components such as secondary air filters and cooling coils, allows for better long term performance and further energy savings.

When it is doing its job – a filter becomes clogged with particulates over time. So these pre-filters must be replaced, to maintain air-flow for efficiency and performance of the system.

In general HVAC it is considered more cost effective (and environmentally safe) to replace and dispose of these pre-filters than clean them on-site (washable air filters).

Washable filters still remain most relevant for kitchen exhaust hoods and some “mist eliminator” applications in sea-side areas.

COMMON FILTER TYPES Flat panel filters are the most basic type of air filter, whereby a flat panel of air filtration media is enclosed within a metal frame. They serve to prevent very large particles “rocks” from entering the system and are typically made to order.

Flat Panel Filter

Pleated panel filters are really the start of effective particle removal to generate higher indoor air quality.

They have a significantly greater surface area and dust holding capacity than flat panel type filters due to the pleated air filtration media. The higher the number of pleats, the larger the working surface area the filter has. Ultimately, the higher useful surface area maximises the filtration capability of the filter, and reduces its resistance to air-flow. Metal V-form and cardboard disposable are the most common type of pleated panel filters.

Metal V-form filters. These rugged filters have pleated air filtration media inserted into a channelled metal frame. A number of methods are typically used to create the pleats within the air filtration media, including galvanised mesh adhered to one side of the media and zig-zagged steel cage supports within the frame channel.

Standard Metal V Form Filter

Some suppliers offer a premium version metal V-form, whereby the pleated filter media is “potted” or bonded (e.g. hot melt sealed) into the metal channel frame to eliminate potential contaminant bypass.

In general, V form filters offer respectable dust holding, moderate performance and a useful life. The more advanced forms are very resistant to

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QUALITY AIR FILTERS COMPREHENSIVE RANGE STOCKED AND SUPPORTED NATIONALLY

PANEL FILTERS Wide Range In Stock Australia Wide

COMPACT FILTERS High Efficiency Quality Construction Australia Wide

BAG FILTERS

HEPA FILTERS

High Efficiency Quality Media Australia Wide

Essential Air Quality Filters & Housings NATA Testing Services

Visit us at ARBS 2018 Stand 2112/2137 Darwin

COMBINATION FRAMES Townsville

Quality Materials Various Configurations Australia Wide

ph:1300 886 353 www.airepure.com.au

Brisbane Perth Adelaide

Sydney Canberra Melbourne

Hobart

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aire pure australia

®

by-pass, so work at the rated value for all their working life time.

Metal V form filters are typically available in standard sizes, with custom sizes made to order.

Premium Metal V Form Filter

Cardboard disposable filters are constructed from pleated air filtration media bonded to a cardboard frame (typically moisture resistant beverage grade cardboard). Diagonal cardboard supports across the filter face are included for rigidity and durability. Cardboard disposable filters are available in a number of rated efficiencies and standard sizes.

Non-standard sizes are typically made to order, with some being modified (cut-down) from a larger size.

Cardboard Disposable Filter

What are the Characteristics of a Quality Disposable Cardboard Pleated Air Filter?

Surface Area Pleated air filters have a greater surface area and dust holding capacity, as compared to flat panel type filters. The higher the number of pleats, the larger the surface area it can contain. Ultimately, the higher surface area maximises the filtration capability of the pleated air filter and reduces the energy consumption.

Filter Media Quality

The combination of all of these design considerations helps to achieve an appropriate airflow static and load capacity that maximises energy efficiency, change out periods of disposable filters and loading.

What is the Impact of Selecting Quality Disposable Cardboard Pleated Air Filters over Cheaper Alternatives?

There are many cheap cardboard pleated air filters available in the market today, which use inferior quality components and construction methods. These cheaper alternatives often provide poorer performance, risk product deterioration and mould (a known health risk) and have a shorter service life that requires more frequent change-outs.

The long term costs associated with inferior quality product include increased energy consumption, more frequent product replacement, increased load on more expensive downstream filters and potential contamination of expensive equipment or components. There is also potential for poorer air quality or health risks associated with product deterioration and mould.

Buying sub-par disposable air filters might be a tempting idea because of lower upfront charges. However, it does not lower energy costs or guarantee longer service life, high-quality performance, protection of expensive components or better air quality.

Bag Filters have excellent dust holding capacities and reasonable pressure resistance. They are bulky, and take a significant duct length to house them. Some design versions are tricky to install and remove, and they are available in a vast number of configurations, ratings and sizes. The most common types of bag filters include: Peaked bag filter – Four peak (full size) or two peak (half size) deep bed style bag filter mounted to a metal outer frame and inner basket assembly.

Four Peak Bag (Full Size)

Two Peak Bag (Half Size)

Synthetic filter media are resistant to moisture build up and ideal for preventing the proliferation of mould and mildew. Pleated air filters must be able to sustain a high-efficiency performance, with a relatively low-pressure drop, to be effective in air filtration, so premium quality media should be used.

Quality Cardboard Frame Strong, durable cardboard frames should withstand the force of the air stream and support the filter media. Beverage board grade cardboards are resilient against water infiltration that can lead to premature structural deterioration. A stable housing module helps to achieve a longer service life. Poorly designed filters, can collapse prematurely, creating major problems for downstream equipment.

Pocketed bag filter – Three pocket (full size) or two pocket (half size) deep bed style bag filter mounted to a metal outer frame and inner basket assembly.

Quality Media Bonding Pleated air filters should be safely and tightly bonded to the cardboard frame to prevent air bypass (where contaminants can escape through the small gaps on the sides of the filters).

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Quality air filtration media will ideally sustain a high-efficiency performance, with a relatively low-pressure drop, to be effective at air filtration.

More advanced filters, which are used in special applications (HEPA filters), are carefully constructed from “silica” based materials and binders to form a “paper” like surface for removal of very fine particles. Any of these specialty filters require special handling methods and processes.

FILTER SIZE AND RATINGS Nominal filter dimensions can vary by manufacturer, so when dealing with replacement filters, it is essential to know actual filter dimensions and the quantity required before you re-order.

Top: Three Pocket Bag (Full Size) Right: Two Pocket Bag (Half Size)

Multi-pocket filter – Typically six / eight pocket (full size) or three / four pocket (half size) deep bed bag filter bonded to a metal header frame.

Multi-Pocket Bag (Full Size)

COMBINATION FRAMES Many commercial HVAC applications require staged filter sequencing such as a combination frame assembly.

This typically includes a cardboard disposable prefilter and pocketed bag or multi-pocket bag filter installed within a metal holding frame.

Corner clips or P-clips are commonly used to secure the filters in place.

Combination Frame Assembly (Cardboard disposable pleated filter and multi-pocket bag filter secured to 100mm holding frame with corner clips)

Filter sequencing works like a set of sieves – the first stage (cardboard disposable) collecting larger particles and the second stage (bag filter) collecting finer particles. Special applications that require ultra-clean air quality, such as clean-rooms, would require a third stage (HEPA).

AIR FILTRATION MEDIA HVAC Air filtration media is available in cotton-polyester blends or pure synthetic blends. Filter media manufactured from 100% synthetic fibres are recommended for use within HVAC applications, as they are resistant to moisture build up and will prevent the proliferation of mould and mildew.

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Accepted filter performance rating systems are EN779:2012 (G1 to F9) and ASHRAE 52.2 (MERV 1 to 16). Based on the successful removal of airborne particles by size, these ratings provide a relative measure of filter effectiveness; whereby lower rated filters remove larger sized particles and higher rated filters remove smaller sized particles.

Higher rated filters will remove more airborne particles; however this is almost always at the cost of energy and more frequent filter changes. Similarly, lower rated filters will impact air quality, duct cleanliness, heat exchanger performance and in some cases safety.

Inspection of your current filters will reveal their rating, and you should replace these filters with (at minimum) a comparable rated filter. With large installations, it is worth checking the original filter specifications to confirm the right filters are still installed.

Over time, it is worth consulting with a knowledgeable and trustworthy filter manufacturer, to see if higher performance filters can result in higher IAQ and lower energy costs. Often by making a change to a modestly more expensive filter that provides lower pressure drops and larger dust holding capacities, you can actually reduce total costs of your clean air equation.

FILTER CAPACITY Whilst nominal dust holding capacities obtained from controlled laboratory testing are useful when comparing similar filters within a manufactures range, comparisons between different filters or manufacturers can be misleading due to differences in test conditions, dust ranges and other factors.

Similarly, real world dust, temperature, humidity and other contaminations are difficult to directly relate to this laboratory test data. As such, you should seek advice from suppliers with reputable technical knowledge and experience. Ultimately, with replacement filters, actual historic data will be your best guide.

Finally, all filters have a finite capacity and benefit from staged filter sequencing i.e. pre filters followed by higher efficiency final filters. Staged filter sequencing allows inexpensive filters to be sacrificed to maximise the life of the more valuable final filter.

As mentioned before – if the filter looks “dirty” with collected dust, it’s far beyond the cost effective change out point.

FILTER LIFETIME In a well-designed system, static pressure is a recognised measurement to indicate appropriate filter change out times.

For example, if the static pressure across a G4 filter was measured above 175Pa, it is demanding to be changed. While this filter is still providing good air quality improvements, the excess energy used in airflow would cost more than the filter is worth to change.

The appropriate static change-out value for filters change significantly depending on the airflow rate, type of filter, grade of filter, hours of use per day and the dust concentration of the air being filtered. A common rule of thumb for when to change a filter is 2-2.5 times the original pressure drop of the filter.

Magnehelic gauges or other sensor methods connected to the BMS are worthwhile additions to a filter housing to give an indication on filter performance.

In general, it’s always better to change filters early – rather than late.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY With steady increases in energy costs, and priorities to decrease energy usage for greener buildings, effective air filtration is an increasingly critical component of the energy efficient facility.

Accurate tracking of static pressure via a software or manual

system will be a significant component in the overall energy assessment.

With older buildings, an overall review of the filter types and ratings, fan settings and system construction will reveal valuable opportunities for energy savings that would be comparable to LED lighting conversions.

FINAL THOUGHTS Buying decisions should start with obtaining the right filter, and then conducting service changes at the appropriate time.

Supplier considerations should include stock availability, breadth of range, credible support, warranty and overall cost.

Similarly, local and knowledgeable support is an important factor, when changes or upgrades are being considered.

The humble filter is often a forgotten part of the facility – but the people and equipment that it protects are critically important.

So – when did you last check your filters?

Written by Airepure Australia 2017 For more information, visit www.airepure.com.au or call 1300 886 353 Originally published in the AIRAH publication HVAC&R Nation, April 2017, Issue 100, pages 15-17.

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BACK TO BLACK PAUL ANGUS I ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR – HYDRAULIC SERVICES AT AECOM

Paul Angus, Associate Director – Hydraulic Services at AECOM explains how micro grey water management systems can be incorporated into existing and new buildings to recycle water from washing for toilet flushing, significantly reducing potable water usage and helping the environment.

T

he “millennium” drought that lasted 15 years from 1997 until it officially ended in 2012 had a major impact to Australian cities. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology reported that the millennium drought affected mostly southeastern Australia, resulting in major declines in winter rainfall.

Melbourne, for instance, saw water storages fall from 97% to 33% during the drought. Is your facility prepared, should another drought be experienced?

Generally, Australia’s cities and towns survived the millennium drought, demonstrating world-leading innovation and exceptional examples of urban water planning and management, effectively driven by crisis. Urban water efficiency was the quiet achiever. By incorporating simple, yet effective water conservation measures including changing washing machines, toilets, cooling towers, shower heads, taps and industrial processes to do more, with less. In many locations in Australia, water efficiency provided the cheapest, quickest and most effective contribution to managing demand during the drought. Without it, many cities and towns would have run out of water.

As a signatory of the 2015 Paris Climate Change Agreement the Australian Government have committed to reducing national emissions. The commitment will see a global transition to netzero emissions to reach net-zero emissions nationally around 2050. But what about net-zero water and what can we do to future proof our buildings? With rain being so scarce in many parts of Australia and water charges envisaged to increase in the future, it's important we all make the most of what little water we have and take the pressure off our existing infrastructure at the same time. Green Star and NABERS focus

on reducing the facilities water footprint, resulting in numerous innovative water conservation practises. But what more can we do to future proof existing facilities?

Within any commercial building, the mechanical cooling towers usually consume the majority of water in any building, closely followed by WC flushing and showering from end of trip facilities. Just picture the water and sewer utility charges that could be potentially be saved within your facility, if this was fully or even partly recycled.

Reusing the waste stream relates to black water or grey water systems. Significant benefits can be achieved by reusing the water within a facility, reducing carbon footprint, plus achieving maximum credits for Green Star / NABERS related projects.

Black water recovery can assist in earning green credibility.

However, in Australia, recycling from the waste stream is relatively a taboo subject. People’s perception of reusing waste water, especially black water, generally creates that “yuck” factor.

A RAW DEAL Grey water can be defined as any domestic wastewater produced, excluding sewage. The main difference between grey water and sewage or black water is the organic loading. Sewage has a much larger organic loading compared to greywater.

But how effective can these type of system really be in reducing overall water consumption and can it be retrofitted in an existing building? In a conventional plumbing system, the waste entering the sewer system is not segregated in any

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way. However, if considering a grey or black water system, differentiating between these waste streams is crucial at an early stage, not only taking into account the additional sewer drainage pipework to separate the source, but also the storage and treatment which is necessary and non-potable cold water pipework distribution back into the building. The treated water being distributed throughout the building also needs to be clearly labelled to avoid cross contamination with potable drinking water.

The main benefit of a black water treatment plant is that is can be retrofitted to an existing facility, plus installed in new build applications, without involving complex plumbing pipework configurations. Once the system is installed and commissioned, the facility will be provided with unlimited supply of recycled water, saving extensively on all non-potable water requirements.

In a typical grey water system, the waste is collected and treated to purify the water. Several stages are involved in the treatment of water:

A typical black water treatment plant consists of the following stages:

• Filtration of solids (lint and hair).

• Aerobic screening – This process reduces insoluble material to a negligible residue.

• Removal of pathogens and unwanted chemicals (such as salts and nutrients) using either micro-organisms or chemical treatment.

• Disinfection by chlorination or UV light, though not all systems do this.

With proper treatment both black and grey water can be put to really good use within and around the building. This includes utilising the water for laundry and toilet flushing, irrigation and cooling towers.

BACK TO BLACK Black water can be classified as any waste stream that contains water discharged from a toilet. Compared to grey water recycling, it’s usually easier to recycle black water mostly due to most plumbing systems don’t separate the grey water stream, for example, discharge conveying from showers and basins. Sewage is different from grey water, because it contains

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bacteria, pathogens, and food particles, which can rot, which requires further treatment than grey water.

• Biological treatment – Air is diffused into the water to make ideal conditions for bacteria to consume impurities.

A sustainable biomass concentration is maintained, which metabolises all the incoming waste. This means there’s negligible sludge and 99.9 per cent of the incoming water is re-used.

• Ultrafiltration – Ultrafiltration occurs through a special membrane of microscopic pores that stop particles, bacteria and viruses from passing through.

• Ultraviolet disinfection – As a precaution, ultraviolet lamps are included for the protection against pathogens.

• Chlorination – A chlorine residual is added to protect the water while in storage and the reticulation system. This is the only time any chemicals are used in the treatment process.

• Treated water storage – The result is safe water, kept in storage for immediate use for non-potable applications, including surface irrigation, toilet flushing and cooling towers.

municipal potable water sources has been reduced by more than 90 per cent.

You’d be surprised to learn that not all of the wastewater reused at Bligh Street comes from the building itself. Calculations revealed the building’s total waste stream would not meet the non-potable demand for cooling tower makeup and toilet flushing (the desired reuse applications). Rather than supplementing non-potable demand with potable water from Sydney Water, the development has engaged in ‘sewer mining’, which involves tapping into the city’s sewer main, as a source of waste stream that is treated and reused within the building.

MAKING A SPLASH Sounds too good to be true, or does it? In Europe and America, both black and grey water treatment systems are installed extensively and becoming far more frequent. But, what about a little closer to home? Commissioned in May 2011, 1 Bligh Street in Sydney, a highly acclaimed 29 level office tower, overlooking the Sydney Harbour, which captures nearly 100 percent of its waste water and successfully reuses it within the building.

By recycling via the black water treatment plant treats approximately 100,000 litres of black water on-site daily. The vast majority of the waste stream, the property owners, DEXUS Property Group avoid sewer capacity issues and reduced the building’s potable cold water demand by approximately 90 percent. It’s a fascinating building that incorporates numerous green plumbing initiatives, being one of the first 6 Star Green Star buildings constructed in Australia.

In addition, a 65,000 litre rainwater harvest tank recycles rainwater for irrigation. Water-efficient appliances are used throughout, using 3 star WELS-rated showerheads, 5 starrated hand wash basin taps and 4 star-rated toilets. All water use is closely monitored via the building management system.

As a result of these systems being implemented, reliance on

The benefits of a grey / black water system outweigh the costs associated with the water supply, sewage and stormwater fees, plus connection and meter charges from the utility providers.

Not only do these systems conserve water, they conserve energy and reduce the stress of ageing infrastructure. Although these systems require a significant capital investment, plus operational and maintenance costs, the payback in the majority of cases can be significantly accelerated and will greatly assist in buildings of the future reaching net-zero water. Next time you’re reviewing the water consumption within your facility, remember to consider if your building is prepared should another drought be experienced and what easy measures you could simply incorporate.

Paul Angus is an Associate Director – Hydraulic Services at AECOM, based in Sydney. Paul has strong commercial and technical capability in developing and delivering hydraulic design strategies and solutions. He specialises in providing a sustainable approach to system design, including water conservation, recycling and generating innovative engineering solutions. He has extensive experience in the hydraulic design, pre-acquisition and condition surveys, including all forms of specialist client advisory work.

Paul can be contacted via email paul.angus@aecom.com Photo’s with permission was provided from Aquacell Pty Ltd.

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KNOW THE (GOOD) WOOD in your hotel MARK THOMSON

Wood for furniture and construction in hotels is often the preferred material choice for hotel designers, builders and FF+E suppliers. However knowing where the wood comes from, has now become an important issue as hotels are promoting sustainability credentials and corporate social responsibility.

I

n Indonesia, more than half of the countries forests have been logged. Many logging practices have been illegal and this has also exacerbated species extinction of tigers, orangutans and the Sumatran rhino. Forest ecosystems are home to half of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity. They are important to protect water catchments, control water flows stabilise soils to prevent erosion and moderate climate change by storing carbon. Responsible forest management is essential not only to address illegal logging, but also to ensure a sustainable supply of timber for building and furniture.

Since 2002, Australia has developed its own sustainable forest standards (Australian Forestry Standards) which are internationally recognised under the PEFC. FSC until recently has been the best known international timber certification standard and is still relevant worldwide On November 21st, 2017 in Hobart, Australian Forestry Standards rebranded to RESPONSIBLE WOOD to proactively raise awareness and understanding of Australia’s certification scheme and drive demand for Australian certified wood and wood products.

“Implementing a clear consumer-focused strategy about the sustainability of certified Australian wood products is an important milestone in assisting the identification of wood used in hotel projects”, Responsible Wood CEO Simon Dorries recently stated.

Of recent times, timber is having a resurgence in the building industry and engineered timber structures are likely to become the preferred future building method for hotel construction in Australia. TFE Hotels premises at 55 Southbank Boulevard in Melbournes Docklands have benefited from a CLT (Cross Laminated Timber) structure, which at its peak construction

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period saw a floor being added on every 4 days. This timber construction had the advantage of lightweight construction loads and rapid on site construction speed, resulting in significant development, erection advantages and cost savings.

Wood knowledge and technology continues to rapidly change and is the focus of innovation and continuous development in the Australian building industry.

Hotels have an important role to play in consumer awareness for Responsible timber and the following actions are recommended for the Hotel sector • Identify all timber elements within the construction of the hotel, recording information on timber treatments, fire rating of wall systems and timber finishes for good record keeping purposes and future reuse • Explain to staff and interior designers the importance of sourcing certified wood products, insisting of evidence of wood supply, ideally by chain of custody certification • Reuse wood wherever possible, as a valuable natural material extending its life

Responsible wood rebranding Hobart November 2017.

55 southbank boulevard by bates smart architects

• Understand locally available timber species and choose durable wood products to suit local conditions and minimise unnecessary cost via transportation distance • Supply staff, suppliers (and clientele) details of local sustainable timber initiatives and responsible wood guidelines.

Promote good practice and provide good information to inform and educate Hotel engineers and designers are encouraged to monitor current developments in Timber technology and Responsible Wood

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.responsiblewood.org http://www.abcb.gov.au/NCBP/Non-conforming-building-products/What-are-nonconforming-building-products https://www.timberbiz.com.au/new-design-guide-for-mid-rise-timber-buildings/ https://books.google.com.au/books?id=_fM3LhTanqcC&dq=illegal+wood+in+hotels&so urce=gbs_navlinks_s

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mark Thomson is an eco Architect with qualifications from the GBCA and Earthcheck organisations.

He has over 30 years experience in the Australian design development and construction industry. He has built and refurbished multiple hotel projects around Australia and was coowner in a national hotel chain up until 2005.His current business is Eco Effective Solutions, based in Brisbane. www.ecoeffective.com.au mark@ecoeffective.com.au

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VERTICAL transportation CHRIS FINEGAN

PRINCIPAL VERTICAL TRANSPORT ENGINEER, AECOM

In the beginning….there was no vertical transportation but the need for vertical transport is nearly as old as civilization itself.

O

ver time people have employed many forms of lifting devices using human, animal and water power to raise objects. The early lifting devices relied on these basic forms of power from the time of primitive societies up until the Industrial Revolution.

In ancient Greece, Archimedes developed an improved lifting device operated by ropes and pulleys, in which the hoisting ropes were coiled around a winding drum by a capstan and levers. Roman gladiators and wild animals rode crude lifts up to the arena level of the Coliseum. The load was raised by a rope wound on a large drum.

By the 18th century, machine power was being developed.

A belt-driven lift was installed in an English factory in 1835.

The first hydraulic industrial lift powered by water pressure appeared in 1846.

On March 23, 1857, the world’s first passenger safety lift went into service in a store at Broadway and Broome Street in New York City. The lift was powered by steam through a series of shafts and belts.

As better gearing arrangements were developed, the speed of the geared electric lift increased from 0.5 m/s to 2.0 m/s. This brought the electric lift into passenger service in medium height buildings.

In 1903, Otis introduced the design that would become the standard in the lift industry. The gearless traction electric lift

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with safety gear could be employed in buildings of any height and operated at much higher speeds than steam-powered lifts.

The basic relay based lift control system has now been replaced with electronics. Gearless traction lifts typically operate at speeds from 2.5 m/s – 9.0 m/s. Gearless lifts can operate at speeds greater than 15 m/s. However, the distance required to reach those speeds & to slow down are too great for anything but ultra-high rise buildings. Another consideration is the effect on the human body & senses due to the acceleration/ deceleration rates necessary to achieve those speeds.

Gearless and geared traction lifts have dominated the industry for buildings of between 5 and 60+ floors for many years and have remained fundamentally unchanged during that time.

Electro- (oil) hydraulic lifts were extensively used for buildings of 2 and 5 floors until the advent of the machine room less (MRL) lift in the early 1990’s.

This revolutionary lift system is based on the first major breakthrough in lifting technology in nearly 100 years.

Designed initially for buildings between 2 and 30 floors, this system employs a smaller sheave than conventional geared and gearless lifts. The reduced sheave size, together with a redesigned motor, allows the machine to be mounted within the liftwell therefore eliminating the need for an overhead machine room with the attendant building costs, loss of lettable area & services to the machine room.

MRL’s operate at speeds from 1.0 m/s to 3.0 m/s, travel of 150 m & loads from 630 kg to 5000 kg.

Another major development in lift technology is the advent of the destination despatch/control (DCS) system. This system allows the passenger to input the required floor they wish to travel to at the lobby rather than choosing either up or down direction button.

Recent developments in regenerative drive systems and electronics have improved efficiency and energy consumption significantly for all types of vertical transportation.

The vertical transportation industry is continually researching methods to improve passenger safety and comfort and remains the safest method of transport on the planet.

This article first appeared in Engineering Buildings.

The system generally improves lift efficiency as the lift car will not stop at floors other than that selected.

The DCS system adds design flexibility by way of; • Up-peak, two-way and inter-floor traffic.

• Segmenting/grouping traffic or tenants to preferred floors.

• Enhanced monitoring and control functions.

• Tenant Directory, hot keys, touch-less entry • Expansion of security card credentials (hotel/apartment entry).

• Smartphone application.

• Building monitoring - individual identification (security and emergency evacuation).

• Building services control interface.

Another recent major development in lift technology is the “Twin” system which incorporates 2 lifts within the same liftwell (shaft). This system may reduce the building footprint by way reducing the number of liftwells thereby increasing the building efficiency. The “Twin” system would generally only be incorporated in high rise developments.

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FACILITIES MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE

The Key to Improving Hotel Operations REAL ASSET MANAGEMENT

For hotel chains with ever-expanding, multi-billion dollar portfolios, satisfying and retaining guests is top priority. To ensure repeat business rates are maximised, communication of important information between facilities teams, contractors and finance departments is crucial. Not only does a consistent flow of data between stakeholders ensure working relationships are simplified, it also allows facilities managers to focus on completing tasks that keep hotels functioning to the highest standard.

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n this article, Richard Exley, Commercial Manager at Real Asset Management explores how advancements in facilities management (FM) technology have improved organisational communication and can help hotels reduce maintenance costs whilst improving guest satisfaction, building efficiency and productivity.

In years gone by, a paper-based system might have been considered a valid facilities management tool, although it would lack the level of traceability required to maintain a complete audit trail. Within the hotel sector, supervisors would have scribbled job details into a work order book or a whiteboard, allocated it to a member of their team and passed it on to the assigned technician. Whilst this method works to an extent, scraps of paper can easily be misplaced. When hotel chains have multiple facilities to maintain, crucial tasks can be missed, potentially leading to costly breakdowns or poor service.

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Technology for the sector has come on leaps and bounds in recent years and we are heading towards an age where paper is becoming redundant. Spreadsheet tracking for facilities maintenance is a step improved over paper notes. But, spreadsheets are prone to errors, lack traceability, and are not scalable. As portfolios grow, having a software solution that can grow with the business is absolutely crucial. With a number of FM software solutions available on the market, it is easier than ever to work smarter. Users can receive and update work orders through mobile apps, text or email, providing a full audit trail of tasks that have been set and completed. In the case of housekeeping for example, having the ability to schedule regular tasks and jobs such as room cleaning that need to be completed hourly, daily or weekly improves efficiency and productivity.

When issues arise, it should be easy to get in touch with somebody that can resolve the problem. Gone are the address books and lists of contacts, FM

systems can now automatically route requests to the right people. This is a big step in improving reliability, as it means problems can be addressed quickly, be it fixing a guest lift or electronic door lock, cleaning up a spillage or replacing a light bulb. Technicians can attach notes and documents to work orders using their smart devices, meaning management can receive updates immediately and take action if required. This ensures responses are timely and efficient, reducing the risk of inconveniencing staff and guests.

REDUCING PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COSTS If hotels are able to keep their property management costs low, they will be able to offer attractive rates to their guests.

One of the key ways FM software can reduce costs is by enabling hotels to make better informed decisions, i.e. should equipment be repaired or replaced. For example, data would highlight a faulty air con unit which needs replacing, rather than having to fix it every month, thus

saving money in the long term. When users log into their system, they can be presented with a dashboard of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), providing live feedback on areas of the business proving most expensive to maintain.

Many of these KPIs will be selectable, enabling users to expand into more indepth data. This allows hotels to perform analyses on all areas of the maintenance they perform, and decide when it might be best to dispose of existing assets and replace them with newer models.

Facilities teams are able to identify trends, where assets are at risk of failure and reduce equipment downtime, which often leads to reduced asset utilisation.

Facilities managers and their teams have to be able to focus on relevant tasks.

If important jobs are not completed following a miscommunication, expensive breakdowns are likely. Employees should be able to log in to an online portal and submit work requests or report faults.

The ability to state the priority of jobs means that if a high priority fault occurs, the wheels can immediately be set in motion towards resolving the situation.

IMPROVING BUILDING EFFICIENCY Facilities teams need to be able to easily manage internal and external resources.

A system should act as a hub for facilities managers to receive work requests, allocate work orders and track work that has been completed by employees or by contractors. Important information such as tasks, staff/contractor names and contact numbers, dates, costs, certification and asset details can be recorded and held in a central repository.

Having a central location to store all important information is paramount to facilities teams running efficiently. It means contact details are always readily accessible for the hotel’s employees and preferred contractors. If an issue is reported, administrators can easily find the best qualified employee/contractor to perform repairs. Being able to store documents such as certificates allows facilities managers to ensure whoever is assigned a task is adequately qualified.

Storing and managing all resources, documentation and contact details in one location offers hotels a lot of benefits. It ensures facilities managers can receive, allocate and sign off work orders quickly, whilst also enabling them to check whether tasks are assigned to employees or contractors with the appropriate qualifications. If maintenance and repairs are performed to a high standard and issues are addressed quickly, buildings will run more efficiently with a greatly reduced risk of equipment breakdowns.

CLOSING THE COMMUNICATIONS LOOP Facilities teams need to quickly and effectively communicate with employees, contractors and internal/external accounts teams. Online portals are a great option as they allow people to sign in and record faults or log work requests. This saves on administration time and ensures that issues are addressed promptly and efficiently.

Work request portals are typically connected to specific properties.

Employees can log issues related to their hotel/building, which will be linked to a work order with budgets and cost centres assigned to them. This simplified method of logging and managing property maintenance means spend can be monitored and reported on against

allocated budgets and profit centres, which in turn simplifies budgeting.

Effective FM processes close the communication loop within hotels.

If information is requested about maintenance related to a specific hotel/ building, the facilities manager can quickly produce reports with relevant data. This improves communication between the facilities team and accounts payable, in particular. Once work has been marked as completed, accounts can receive an automatic alert and are able to raise invoices or purchase orders quickly and efficiently. Instant notifications ensure accounts departments do not have to wait for a paper trail of completed work in order to action payments.

CONCLUSION Many hotel chains have a large number of sites/locations, leading to a huge demand on facilities management teams to function at the highest level.

FM software has caught up with the demand for accountability, traceability and instant communication channels.

The days of assuming spreadsheets and paper-based systems are efficient and scalable are over.

Facilities Management Software • Bespoke employee and contractor portals • Planned maintenance / inspection planner & scheduling • Work Order management • Work load planning • Mobile maintenance apps

h�ps://so�ware.realassetmgt.com KPIs

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Work Fault Analysis

Last 6 Months

Last 6 Months

Outstanding Work by Type

100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

• KPI dashboards and drill downs Lost card

Wash hand basin broken

Apr

Brocken card

Water leak

Learn more about RAM’s solutions:

Work Comple�on Analysis

Work Created by Type

Last 6 Months

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Planned Work Comple�on Analysis 40 35 30 25 20

realassetmgt.com.au +61 (02) 8915 5020

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MATTRESS AND BED MAINTENANCE A H BEARD

HOW LONG SHOULD MY BEDS LAST?

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his is a frequently asked question when we are talking to hotels who are either looking to purchase new beds, or starting to see some negative feedback on their current beds.

The short answer is, that like most things, the better quality you buy in the first instance, the longer their serviceable life will be.

There are of course a few provisos to this and the key one is how well they are maintained. Things like cleanliness, regular rotation and checking and maintaining the condition and structural integrity of the base is vital to preserving the life and performance of any mattress.

So, let’s talk about quality. Always ask about the construction of the bed; what is the support system in the mattress? Are the foams Australian made and treated to resist mould, mildew and allergens? Is the base construction a commercial quality, timber platform that will resist bending and will it provide a stable, consistent support for the mattress?

These are all key questions you should have answered as part of your decision process.

The majority of Global hotel chains specify Pocket Spring type support systems as their support system. Pocket springs will provide a supportive, but conforming foundation for the rest of the mattress to do its job. They will allow for much less partner disturbance, so everyone gets a good night’s sleep!

Don’t be fooled by terms like “Product of Australia” or “Assembled in Australia” Make sure your mattresses are MADE in Australia, using only locally made foams. Australian Foam manufacturing is some of the most advanced and highest quality anywhere in the world. The foams made here are of higher quality, provide greater consistency and have health benefits over inferior, much cheaper, imported foams.

A regular, programmed maintenance programme for your beds is vital. Just like all of the key operating equipment in your hotel, they need some TLC to make sure they keep performing at their peak. The key items to consider are these:

MATTRESS ROTATION More and more we are seeing hotels choose mattress construction that are Single Sided, or “No Need To Turn”.

These still need to be rotated head to foot on a regular basis to distribute wear evenly and maximise the life of the foams and other comfort fills in your mattress. Fail to do it and you will finish up with a mattress with body impressions on the side that gets more use. It’s recommended for this to happen once every quarter, and the process is pretty simple. Just pick the mattress up off the base and rotate it 180 degrees, so that the head end becomes the foot.

BASE MAINTENANCE At the same time as you are rotating your mattress, check your base for any damage, soiling and most importantly check that all of the fittings or legs are intact and screwed tightly into the frame.

Look for fittings that are loose or bent, and also check that all of the wheels or castors are intact. Loose or damaged fittings, along with unruly guests, are the main reason for damage to bases. This damage is generally NOT a warranty issue as it is caused usually by the fittings being loose and then damaging either the base frame or the threads that the fittings attach to. A few minutes once every 3 months can save you the inconvenience and cost of having to put a room out of service and buy a new base.

MATTRESS CLEANING Just like anything your guests come into contact with, cleanliness and hygiene of your mattresses is important.

A regular programme of either steam cleaning or Oxygen sanitising is a great way to keep your mattresses clean, smelling fresh and reduce the incidence of airborne allergens.

If you need to spot clean, avoid using harsh chemical treatments as these will often degrade the foams and fabrics of your mattress. Again, steam cleaning is the best method to remove those red wine stains and “biological contamination” marks that occasionally appear.

While we are on this subject, ALWAYS invest in good quality mattress and pillow protectors for your rooms. The cost is insignificant in comparison to having to replace a mattress because it is it irretrievably stained or damaged and they will help to preserve the life of your mattress, so they pay for themselves several times over.

If you would like more advice, or an obligation free assessment of your beds, please feel free to contact us to have one of our specialist commercial sales team visit your property.

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he engineering industry, more than ever, needs to embrace sustainable and energy efficient developments, and engage in the debate at all levels to change the paradigm in the interests of Australian economic growth. ‘The industry continues to face some serious challenges including the changing nature brought upon through innovation and automation, government regulations, affordability and environmental concerns.

Therefore, it’s vital to keep connected and remain current in the approach to how we design, engineer and build infrastructure and buildings’, says Ian Hopkins, ARBS Chair and industry advocate.

Alongside the exhibition runs the highly anticipated Speaker Series featuring a range of exciting and informative presentations including a case study highlighting the unique features of Sydney ICC’s central energy plant. And given ARBS 2018 is held within this very impressive building it naturally lends itself to be a topic of conversation.

The session will explore challenges faced throughout the project and key lessons learnt and be delivered by the lead consulting engineers and contractors behind the $1.5 billion redevelopment. Presenters, Shane Durkin, Engineering Services Manager, AG Coombs; Michael Dagher, Technical Director – Buildings, AECOM; and Barry Abboud, National Sales Manager, Engineered Systems - Building Technologies & Solutions, Johnson Controls, will provide details on performance levels achieved in the last 12 months and reflect on whether the project has delivered on expectations.

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than its predecessor and is the biggest combined exhibition, convention and entertainment precinct in Australia.

Since 1998, ARBS has provided a unique forum for the entire industry to connect and develop mutually beneficial business relationships, to source and discover the latest products, systems and service evolutions and to share knowledge of emerging technologies, methodologies and best practice. If you are involved in HVAC&R or building services, then you cannot miss this major industry event. Quick and easy preregistration is available online which grants free entry across all three days – visit www.arbs.com.au.

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BACK OF HOUSE

April 2018

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here was only 1.5 metres between the 400 Volt switchboard and the 1000 Ton chiller condenser end. The boys had the water hoses going well. In and out of the tubes, the muck and filthy water all over the floor, the brushes tied to the end of small hoses were surely removing the stuff dropped into the cooling towers during construction. That at least was good. Their bare legs and no footwear on the flimsy scaffold leaning against the live switchboard with water all around was not so good even if as the contractor said, “For you Boss we put a sheet of canvas over the switchboard so the boys won’t be killed.”

The designer had traced the line up of chillers into the space - 3 by 1000 Tons and 3 by 750 Tons - a year or so before, and by happenchance I had seen the plan and mentioned to the Owner that the chillers were not only close to the switchboard but were the wrong way around. But then it was too late. The young son-in-law fresh out of college had been made project manager and the Hotel Operator was not going to get embroiled in family politics, so that was that.

And the young men merrily splashing water into the condenser, on to the live switchboard, and on to each other, what about them? “They could be killed,” says I. “And so could we crossing the road,” says the Owner. End of story.

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NEIL WEENINK

Then on the same trip last month was the steam boiler operating without a water gauge glass or feed pump control.

I was looking at this in awe when the Laundry manager joined me. He was very proud, he said, of his boiler plant. He said he did not fully understand how it all worked, and the brown colour of the steam had him puzzled, but he managed to keep his laundry going most days. I asked him how the heck he knew where the water level was, and he told me he knew because there was a kind of rumbling which he heard from his office. I said do you realise that the rumbling is your boiler with a combustion crown critically overheating and about to blow you and your beloved laundry to Mars? He said, howz that again?

On the same property the taxi drivers have a rest area next to the 33 kV transformer. Separated only by a piece of chicken wire, they told me they enjoyed the warmth from the metal and the quiet hum. Along side the transformer is the main incoming water main - in plastic, and nicely draped over the transformer are vines and other vegetation.

Through this greenery one can see the 6 outgoing feeders looping down and into a pipe going underground towards the hotel. One of the 400 V cables has been effected by solar radiation and has a rather neat bandage of insulating tape

around it. All 6 cables are cradled in a rusty old frame crazily tilting towards the water pipe. I looked at the Chief Engineer, and I thought that what ever has to be said could be said more calmly following lunch. And as we departed he at least threw a few stones over the water pipe.......

One of my favourite visits is to a property away up in the Golden Triangle, from whence the opium comes. You look across the Ruack and Mekong rivers into Burma, Laos, and China from your hotel balcony in northern Thailand and you truly are removed in space and time. Here the muddy water from the Ruack river is pumped to the hotel filters before treatment, more filtration, and away up the hill to the hotel.

The river pumps are slung between 2 canoe type vessels from whence the water is piped across to the staff house compound wherein lies the treatment plant. The power for the river pumps is by way of 4 wires draped across trees and shrubs and separated every 10 metres or so by a stick and string. And to be sure, the pumps would have come from one of Edison’s early experiments, and sound rather like the old Anderson concrete mixers used in the Islands in WW2.

At the staff compound the huge filtration system attempts generally with some success - to separate the brown sludge from the water. There are the usual injectors, back wash devices and so forth; but I noticed that all the pressure

gauges were kerplonk and I said to the old Chief how did his staff manage to operate the thing? His response went something like this: In the staff compound there is a basket ball court which is very popular. Indeed it is a sort of getting-to-know-you venue for the young male and female staff, and there is much noise associated. So Engineering, not wanting to be amiss from any of the shenanigans, have rigged up a high water level alarm on the tallest filter. It is a hooter alarm guaranteed to awaken both living and dead. As the filters block up, the incoming water slowly backs up through the entire maze of equipment until it eventually reaches the alarm float in the highest tower. The hooter blasts off, the guys leave the girls, leap upon their 2 strokes and make for the treatment plant.

The same happens with the emergency generator: there are these bits of wire and pipes and a ruddy great horn.............

All part of the game, the old Chief said. And so help me, I believe him!!

Stay well and good luck.

Neil Weenink

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49

WHY ORP/PH CONTROLLERS don’t work on Spas

DAVID WATSON I MANAGER – SHENTON AQUATICS

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POOL FEATURE In Western Australia commercial spas are required to use a chemical controller to automate dosing of chlorine and pH correction.

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or many years now, I have not been recommending the ORP/pH control philosophy for spa installation. To the point about a year back a pool technician called me and had a go at me for not supporting his preferred ORP/pH controller as they work on commercial spas no problem he said. He was wrong.

There is a lot more going on than I am covering in this short article, however, before covering these other issues these first points need to be appreciated to understand why these controllers struggle in a spa.

To see why try this test.

With a spa turn off any chemical controller, salt chlorinator or any other chemical control system With the spa in normal filtration mode, no blowers operating, no jet booster pump working (for at least 5

Pool Issues

minutes) and test the pH. Assuming the spa is balanced the pH will likely be somewhere around 7.4.

Now turn the blower on, if fitted start the jet pump as well and wait a few minutes‌test the pH it will be increased.

Depending on how long it has been running the pH will be higher the longer the time the higher it becomes topping out around 8.2.

Now turn off the blower and jet pumps wait for the water to settle back down and calm to normal filtration mode, test the pH again it is likely back where it started.

Try this again and you will find this is a consistent behaviour in the spa. This reaction occurs in every spa and for that matter any water body being aerated. Other examples of this are slides, water sprays in a spray pad and fountains.

Water Feature Issues

Spa Issues

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POOL FEATURE

The reaction being observed is an outcome of two chemical functions. To say as the pool technician did the chemical controller works on spas is the equivalent of arguing that gravity no longer works. It is as extreme as this view.

The first function to understand is a principle, a chemistry principle called Le Chateliers Principle. This principle states a change (in our case aeration) will drive a chemical equation to one side of the equation to bring the equation to equilibrium. In our case we altered the amount of aeration this drove the equation towards gassing off and increased the hydroxide content in the water increasing the pH. The pH increase observed is real and whilst harmless to us as humans the ORP/pH controllers don’t respond well to this.

The longer the aeration goes (think a commercial spa where someone is perhaps getting in and out two or three times in a row), the more likely it is to disrupt the pH reading on an ORP controller leading to inaccurate chemical dosing.

To make matters more complicated for the chemical controller, there is a second chemical function at work. This is Henrys Law. Henrys Law is a gas law. Effectively it states the amount of a gas is at equilibrium in a solution at a given pressure. By activating the aeration devices and alters the pressures resulting in a release of gasses. On removing the aeration, the pressure returns to previous and assuming

no other chemicals have been added the spa returns to the previous state.

This entire reaction causes havoc on ORP/pH control. Not because the equipment isn’t up to the task, it’s because the underlying ORP/pH reaction requires a pH that is more or less stable and not moving. By introducing a moving pH, a layer of complexity is added to the chemical equations an ORP/pH controller with its pH dependency cannot handle.

However, how could it be the pool technician has a different view? If this is an inescapable chemical function, then surely it would be constant? It is, it’s as inescapable as gravity. The most likely reason it hasn’t been noticed or has been simply assumed to be a calibration error.

If a spa has a very light loading or no aeration devices fitted, then it is likely the reactions haven’t been observed or are complete and corrected by the time the next service visit occurs.

So, if you find yourself in a situation where every service visit to a spa with an ORP/pH chemical controller fitted you are adjusting the set points only to have the following days tests show low or high readings then consider this article it may be possible to develop a work around now you know the reason behind this.

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POOL FEATURE

ALGAE

UNCOVERED INTERNATIONAL QUADRATICS

1) WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON FORMS OF ALGAE FOUND IN A POOL?

2) HOW DOES EACH ALGAE BECOME PRESENT IN A POOL?

The most common forms of algae found in swimming pools would be Green Algae followed by Black Algae and Mustard Algae. These algae’s can then be separated into two categories, wall clinging and free floating. Wall clinging algae would best be described as an algae that roots into a surface and is more stubborn to remove then free floating algae. Green algae can be described as both free floating and wall clinging as you can find green algae floating through the swimming pool water or attached to the pool surface, where Black Algae is a wall clinging algae. Mustard Algae can sometimes be mistaken for simple dirt and brushes away but will reappear in the same area very quickly.

Poorly sanitised pool water and poor filtration and circulation are the main reason swimming pools end up with an algae bloom. The most common cause for all algae to form is due to poorly circulated areas known as ‘dead spots’ in the swimming pool. These could be areas such as behind pool lights or capped off solar previsions. The poor water flow allows the algae to start to develop and infest the swimming pool water.

Another component of an algae bloom could come from phosphates. Phosphates are nutrients essential to the survival and growth of all living matter including algae. The removal of phosphate from swimming pool water will prevent the growth

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POOL FEATURE

of algae. Phosphate can be introduced into swimming pools by several means including: • Water run-off from lawns and gardens • Fertiliser over spray / over-drift Rain • Dust • Cleaning solutions • Swimmers (body fluids / phosphate based body soap/ swimming costumes (washed in phosphate containing detergents) • Decomposing organic matter (leaves etc.)

The higher the phosphate level the faster the algae growth, leading to higher chlorine consumption and increasing water quality problems. To ensure algae free swimming pool water, phosphate levels should be maintained below 100 ppb.

Phosphate levels cannot be accurately measured while algae is present in the water as a large portion of the phosphate will be bound up in the algae. Therefore, it is important to first kill the algae using an effective algaecide such as IQ Maintenance Algaecide, IQ Polymax or IQ Metal Free Algaecide. The phosphates can then be removed from the pool water with the use of IQ Nil Phos.

3) WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF EACH FORM OF ALGAE? (ON POOL WATER, STRUCTURE, SWIMMER ETC) Algae can effect all aspects of a swimming pool from the pool water, structure and the swimmer. Presence of algae would normally indicate insufficient sanitiser levels making the pool unsafe for the swimmer plus the obvious issue of having an unsightly swimming pool. Secondly, algae can have a variant effect on the pool surface, depending on what type of algae is present and what the pool surface is. The longer any algae is present in pool water the harder it is to kill off and remove as it has now had time to take hold and plant it’s roots. If it is a wall clinging form of algae the roots can remain embedded into the surface and leave a stain, which can be treated using a stain remover.

5) HOW DO YOU PREVENT ALGAE FROM OCCURRING? Algae free and safe water can best be maintained by introducing the following procedures: 1) Remove all organic material from pool water (empty skimmer and pump baskets daily and vacuum pool).

4) HOW DO YOU TREAT EACH FORM OF ALGAE?

2) Ensure balanced water is maintained.

Different forms of algae can require different treatments and our industry has adopted various methods. However, what is widely agreed upon is that algae should be treated quickly. This will ensure blooms do not suddenly occur and it will prevent the algae from reproducing, which can typically happen at a rapid rate. Algaecides and chlorines are synergistic; they complement each other’s actions making the end result more efficient.

4) Use a Maintenance Algaecide to keep algae at bay by dosing the pool with IQ Maintenance Algaecide.

The use of these two forms of product can be accepted as an efficient method of treatment. It is important to understand that algae spores are characterised by forming a wax type of layer around them, which prevents them from being attacked.

54

Chlorine is quite effective in oxidising or burning this layer to kill the algae spore. However, we really need to have chlorine available to kill bacteria, so the use of an algaecide such as IQ Polymax or IQ Metal Free Algaecide is very desirable in the overall effort to kill any algae presence. In treating algae, it is important to brush the walls and floor to breakdown the bond that the algae has with the pool surface. This will also allow the chlorine and algaecide to work effectively. From this point, you would need to increase the chlorine level by using a high concentrate chlorine and adding a strong algaecide.

Whilst adding these products, the filtration system should be operating to allow for adequate circulation. Once the algae has been totally eliminated the phosphate level may be accurately measured using a photometer test kit or a laboratory grade test kit.

3) Maintain adequate levels of sanitizer (IQ shock and Swim).

5) Regularly test and remove any phosphates (IQ Nil-Phos).

6) Conduct a shock treatment to continually remove Chloramines (Combined Chlorine) (IQ Shock and Swim).

Remember that chemicals are only part of the pool system, and it is important to maintain the pool filtration and circulation system.

Article courtesy of http://www.interquad.com.au

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POOL FEATURE

WATER HYGIENE

in pools and spas WATERLILLY AUSTRALIA PTY LTD

Modern water treatment is a basic requirement for healthy pools and spas. Of course, the treatment results should be checked regularly in order to determine whether the water treatment is optimal, especially in consideration of changing operating conditions such as the number of bathers, the weather, the type of disinfection, etc. If there are deviations from the recommended values for the hygiene parameters, measures can be taken to eliminate a potential health risk ahead of time. What does the term hygienic auxiliary parameter mean? Hygiene refers to the general measures for prevention of infectious illnesses – to achieve this water treatment is used. Auxiliary parameters are characteristics on the basis of which the water quality can be measured.

A brief explanation into the significance of the most important verification methods is presented below.

FREE CHLORINE

F

ree chlorine is an effective means of disinfection and oxidation of water in swimming pools and spas. How often and how much chlorine must be added depends on how frequently the pool is used. Other factors, such as the water temperature, solar radiation and addition of fresh water, must also be taken into consideration. The free chlorine formed in the water guarantees disinfection for a limited period and is nearly odourless. The recommended measurement range is between 0.3 and 2.0 mg/l, depending on whether inorganic or

56

organic chlorine (stabilised chlorine) is used. The measurement of free chlorine in parallel to the pH value is normally carried out with the Pooltester.

COMBINED CHLORINE With the chemical reaction of free chlorine with organic impurities, chlorine compounds like combined chlorine or chloramine arise. These chloramines cause skin and eye irritation and the unpleasant chlorine odourâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;. Combined chlorine has practically no effect as a disinfectant. In order to kill off micro-organisms or render them harmless and to break down combined chlorine, the pool water must be re-chlorinated regularly. The concentration of combined chlorine should be minimised (<0.2 mg/l); ideally there should be no trace of it.

TOTAL CHLORINE Total chlorine is the sum of free and combined chlorine.

First the free chlorine is determined, then the total chlorine.

The difference from the two values is the concentration of combined chlorine.

PH VALUE The pH value indicates whether the pool water is acidic or alkaline and is a crucial factor for the efficacy of the free chlorine as a disinfectant. If the pH value is less than 6.5 (acidic range), eye irritation occurs. Signs of corrosion can also appear on metal parts. As pH values increase above 7.8 (alkaline range), the effectiveness of free chlorine decreases. The water can

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ALKALINITY Alkalinity is the term for the acid buffering capacity of the pool water. It is part of total hardness and is also identified as temporary hardness. High alkalinity values prevent heavy fluctuations in the pH value. With a high alkalinity, the pH value is difficult to influence. With a low alkalinity, very small additions of acids or bases can trigger heavy pH value fluctuations. Therefore, the alkalinity affects the stability of the pH value and the pH value, in turn, determines the effect of the free chlorine as a disinfectant. The alkalinity should be adjusted to a range from 100 - 160 ppm (mg/l) of calcium carbonate (CaCO3); this corresponds to a hardness of approximately 6 - 9 dKH.

The new LovibondÂŽ PM 630 Photometer for Professional Pool Water Testing introduces data management and BluetoothÂŽ functionality to the highly proven PM series of photometers Using the free LovibondÂŽ App, AquaLXÂŽ, operators can store, review and share test results.

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COMPLETE WATER ANALYSIS Lovibond Photometer systems operate using a photometric measuring principle with tablets reagents having long-term stability. If all of the values are within the correct range, impeccable water quality is assured along with the long-term preservation of the structural materials and all components of the swimming pool.

The Lovibond Water Treatment and Analysis Handbook is a great resource for pool operators who wish to learn more about water quality testing. Ask for your free copy from Waterlilly Australia Pty Ltd by email at sales@waterlillyaustralia.com or call 02 9798 9975.

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58

POOL FEATURE

DIVING INTO EFFICIENCY IN POOL HEATING RHEEM THERMAL SYSTEMS GROUP

Having committed to the lure of a heated swimming pool as a key point of difference in its guest offering, the onus on owners or facility managers is to achieve the lowest possible ongoing cost, adding as little as possible to the burgeoning energy expense.

I

n essence, a lowered heating cost is driven from two aspects – firstly, understanding the heat loss characteristics of the pool and instigating measures that lower the rate of loss and secondly, selecting the most efficient technology for the task.

LOWERING HEAT LOSS This first aspect of lowering heat loss is an imperative as it provides a lasting change which has a flow on benefit to the efficiency and effectiveness of the heating system regardless of the heating technology chosen. Important measures include the use of a pool blanket, the chosen water temperature and/or changing target range by time-of-year, increasing wind protection of outdoor pools and controlling space for indoor pools. Factors in the initial pool design are also clearly important such as the wind exposure of negative edge or waterfall features.

HEATING TECHNOLOGY However, our focus in this article is the second aspect, i.e. in considering the choice and operation of the heating technology.

To assist this discussion we will look at the example of the Dive In Swim Academy. Dive In provides an excellent case study for the hotel and tourism operator as its experience is directly parallel to a busy resort or hotel pool.

CASE STUDY – DIVE IN The Dive In Swimming Academy is located near Penrith, NSW and offers state-of-the-art facilities for learn to swim classes.

The centre includes a 25M indoor pool heated to 32˚C during winter and a 2-lane 50m outdoor lap pool.

Driven to reduce operating cost, the centre owners moved quickly at the end of 2017 to focus on heating efficiency. The cost of heating of the 25M pool easily represented the single largest component of the total energy cost, being some 70% of the average total monthly energy cost which includes other uses such as showers, lighting, space heating and pump loads.

Heating costs for the pool varied from $3,000 to $6,000/month in summer and winter. The existing heating was natural gas.

The first phase of Dive In’s response was to break apart its energy costs and understand its pattern of use. This requires a detailed review of their gas and electricity billing, looking at both their consumption data and the structure of gas and electricity pricing. Next, they looked for detail on the heat loss characteristics of the pool. In Australia, such information is often derived from a heating simulation created by the University of New South Wales, known as Poolheat. This program examines the hourly heat loss characteristics of a pool taking into account multiple variables of design such as wind and sun exposure for outdoor pools and enclosure R-value and approach to space condition in indoor pools.

It is vitally important that facility managers understand the data available from such modelling and also verify the design assumptions upon which the predictive results are based.

Such data is essential in allowing a comparison of the relative economics of heating technology options and will also allow a review of the impact of differing energy price options on heater sizing and overall heating costs.

Ultimately, Dive In determined that they would convert to high efficiency electric heat pump, with the existing gas heater retained for redundancy and temperature boosting.

The anticipated saving in heating costs of this change is some $20,000 per annum.

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POOL FEATURE

HEAT PUMP TECHNOLOGY The characteristic of the heat pump of absorbing heat value from air means that the unit has a low electrical input relative to its heat transfer. Heat pumps output heat at a rate of around 5:1, relative to their input, greatly reducing total usage. This factor is called the heat pump's co-efficient of performance or COP. The capture of solar energy from air means that the heat pump's performance will vary with air temperature. Higher efficiency is gained in more temperate locations but heat pumps are capable of maintaining pool temperatures yearround in nearly all areas of Australia.

Dive In’s electricity pricing is somewhat old-fashioned in the sense that it is based solely on metered usage (kWhs). While it is time-of-use based, their electricity price structure does not include any kVA or demand charges. For larger resorts and hotels, the electricity price structure will include these Network charges and this introduces the need to consider the demand profile of any new plant relative to the load of the total building. Ideally, any increase in the total recorded maximum demand would be avoided. The role of Power Factor is another consideration.

OFFSETTING NEW DEMAND WITH SOLAR POWER (PV) Dive In is now considering the use of a solar power system (also known as photovoltaic or solar-PV) as the next step in their reduction of energy costs. A photovoltaic system or solar-PV converts light into electricity and so it can directly offset the new electricity demand of the heat pumps and other electrical demand. While the heat pumps provide a cheaper heating option to gas at all times of the day for the centre, they will add significantly to electricity usage. As was the case with the gas heater, the demand of the new heat pumps will become the major use of electricity in the centre by a factor of around 2.

So an investment in solar-PV provides an opportunity to substantially lessen the P&L impact of this new electricity usage.

The bottom-line in this decision is the rate of return of the investment.

MAXIMISING SAVINGS WITH TARIFF CHOICE Dive In’s decision to introduce heat pumps as their primary heating source was an economic one as this equipment is clearly more expensive as an initial investment. So their action reflected the predicted comparative heating cost between the existing gas and the new heat pumps based on the breakdown of their specific energy costs. The parallel for the hotel and tourism operator is important but it will not be the same in all States nor for all sites as electricity and gas pricing varies by supplier and by State and Region. For example, Melbourne has considerably lower gas pricing than say Perth and likewise, Canberra has substantially lower electricity pricing than Adelaide. The economics of the pool heater technology selection will vary accordingly.

Dive In’s breakdown of their electricity billing showed that their usage is metered on a time-of-use basis with peak, shoulder and off peak rates. This is significant as tariff sensitive control of the heat pumps does allow a level of manipulation of run hours to achieve a lower average input price for electricity by favouring off peak and shoulder periods. For example, the peak time price for electricity is 33.2c/kWh with this applying from 2PM to 8PM Mon-Fri. The overall modelled price for operation of the heat pump set is 22.2c/kWh. The lesson here is that this onethird reduction in the electricity cost achieved doesn’t reflect anything other than the clever management of the plant by its owner relative to how they are billed for energy costs.

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Reputable suppliers of solar-PV will provide detailed calculations of solar generation and will further plot this against an assumed load profile allowing a detailed consideration of the portion of load which is met from in-house produced power and what remains unused for feedback to the grid.

The graphs below show a sample of the performance estimates which can be derived.

SOLAHART COMME POOL FEATURE

SOLAR two efficiency projects (conversion to heat pump and solar-PV offset), Dive In will have reduced its total annual energy cost by above 40%, with a payback on the capital cost of around two years.

This is a fantastic result and is testimony of the benefit of a management which is committed to understanding the cost base of its business and looking for more efficient approaches to energy.

Free energy business

Electricity Offset in Summer

What can be seen from these graphs is the gap between predicted solar-PV output and the load profile of the client.

The breakdown of this information would merit another whole article in its own right and is beyond the scope that we can cover today but the key lessons are in understanding and gaining confidence in the predictive data for the solar-PV and being able to overlay this to your own

Electricity Offset in Winter

load profile, inter-laid with the detailed breakdown of your electricity price.

For Dive In, the solar generation covers periods of shoulder and peak priced electricity usage so its value is high and equates to between 28 – 33c/ kWh. Given the estimated total kWhs provided by solar-PV for the year, the further reduction in electricity costs is some $10,000 per annum. With the total energy cost savings made between the

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POOL FEATURE

POOLS & SPAS

Get the knowledge, save money and reduce downtime

A COMPLEX ENVIRONMENT

T

he operation of a swimming pool and spa facility is a highly involved and sometimes complex process. An operator must ensure the health and safety of their staff and guests are underpinned by proper processes across all areas of the pool and spa facility.

Whilst some of the duties associated with maintaining pools and spas might be outsourced to external service providers, it is essential that one or more team members have an adequate understanding of how a pool and spa operates and the maintenance functions that are required.

By performing maintenance regularly, minor changes in conditions and wear on equipment can be managed to reduce the incidence of unsafe conditions and downtime due to equipment repairs.

Guests are not the only ones who enjoy swimming. Pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and other parasites can flourish in pools and spas unless the appropriate steps are taken to control their numbers.

Pools are used by many people of varying age and health status.

Bathers introduce a range of pollutants to pool water, including micro-organisms, saliva, fat, urine, skin, hair, sunscreen lotion and other foreign matter. Operators have a duty of care to provide facilities that are safe, hygienic and comfortable for bathers.

So, it makes good business and risk sense to have a sound knowledge of pool and spa maintenance and operating procedures.

OPERATING THE POOL & SPA ENVIRONMENT Pool and spa facilities will have different requirements that may be dictated by legislation, the design and nature of operation of the facility, bather loads and operating hours.

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As a public facility, the establishment must ensure that the pool and spa is under the control and management of a dedicated team member who is knowledgeable and competent to operate the plant and maintain the pool water quality.

Peripheral staff should also be exposed to training in plant operation and water treatment measures required to maintain water quality. They should receive proper training to gain an appropriate understanding of basic water chemistry and the testing, water treatment, plant operation and the general procedures required to maintain good water quality.

Currently, in Australia there is legislation in place to regulate and guide the operations of a public pool and spa facilities in each jurisdiction. Aligned to these are Australian Standards, Occupational Health and Safety requirements as well as many other important guidance documents.

The pool operator should ensure that those left in charge have a working knowledge of the Regulations and can ensure that the treatment plant continues to provide pool water that meets these requirements. They should also be able to identify problems and know how to obtain corrective advice.

POOR TRAINING & TECHNIQUES CAN INCREASE COSTS With increasing demands to reduce expenditure, there always going to be ongoing pressure to find more cost-effective ways to operate swimming pools and spas.

Water, energy and pool water treatment costs are very real concerns for operators but there is a real risk that where the consequences of alterations and variations to limit these costs are not properly understood, disaster can follow.

Lack of training and knowledge about energy efficiency and water sustainability can increase the cost of operations dramatically. Operators and staff should be trained to

POOL FEATURE

obtain and benefit from the maximum life from their facility equipment as well as operate them in a cost-effective way.

Poor maintenance and operation can often be attributed to a lack of expertise or knowledge or lack of resources. Either way, it can represent a significant failure to a facility and may require the operator to spend unnecessary funds on the facility.

This may include new filters, plumbing, pumps, tiling, grouting, calorifiers, steelwork in the pool hall, heating and ventilation plant, lighting and electrical work.

THE SWIMMING POOL & SPA ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA (SPASA) SPASA is Australia’s Peak Swimming Pool & Spa Industry body and is committed towards advancing the integrity, promotion and professionalism of our industry in the eyes of consumers, regulators and government. SPASA is also a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) that provides training and assessment to the swimming pool and spa industry.

Who better to turn to for your training needs than SPASA. Our Training Division is the only RTO in Australia dedicated entirely to the swimming pool and spa industry.

SPASA understands that the maintenance required by hotels, motels or other similar types of accommodation businesses, are a complex logistical undertaking that requires careful planning and challenging work by the maintenance team.

If you are reading this article, you have recognised the great benefit of having your team trained by industry experts.

Whether you enrol in one of our nationally accredited courses, attend our many workshops or work with us to develop your own training sessions tailored to meet your company's needs – SPASA can work with you to find the most appropriate solution for your business.

If you would like to know more about any of our courses or if you have a question, email us at training@spasa.com.au or call us on 1800 802 482 to discuss your needs.

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POOL FEATURE

Are your guests diving into a nasty cocktail?

Guests should be able to enjoy a cocktail by the pool, not feel like they’re swimming in one. With hospitality clients across Australia and New Zealand, Poolwerx understands that a hotel pool needs to be as clean and inviting as the rooms themselves. We ensure that your pools and spas are healthy and comply with legislation.

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Service all year round, with options to suit your seasons and location

Poolwerx can do as much or as little of the work you require. As a Registered Training Organisation, we can also provide training for work you wish to be performed in house. Starting with a complementary on-site visual inspection, Poolwerx will then tailor a solution, keeping your current resources and budget in mind.

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TM

POOL FEATURE

IS YOUR POOL A hindrance or a highlight?

POOLWERX

What does your pool say about your hotel? Does it truly represent the relaxing, majestic oasis that your brand promises its guests?

A

sparkling clean pool and spa pool have the potential to whisk your hotel guests away to whole new place that they never want to leave and if you exceed your guestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expectations, they will let everyone know. This means more customers are coming back for longer and even more new customers are coming through the doorsâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; word of mouth advertising is a powerful marketing tool.

Along with the long sunny days, and cooling storms, comes higher bather loads in swimming pools. Whether hotel guests want to cool off or simply relax and take in the ambience, your pool will have a constant high bather load. The heat and higher bather loads will dramatically increase the chemical demand placed on the pool and spa. A pool that is incorrectly maintained can cause bather discomfort, skin irritation and possibly illness. Another bi-product could be pool staining and dirty water, which could be costly to reverse. Maintaining a pool

can be a bit of a daunting task without the expertise and help of a pool professional.

With new technology in pool dosing equipment and management systems, robotic cleaners and quick, easy to use, fool-proof water testing units makes managing one of your largest assets easier than ever. Along with your site staff doing daily testing and cleaning and by including a regime of regular servicing, maintenance and monitoring by insured, certified trained in swimming pool and spa commercial pool technicians like Poolwerx.

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POOL FEATURE

So as summer draws to a close and the busy swimming season draws to an end, we reflect back on the most frequently asked questions over summer regarding pools. We have compiled a list of a few of the most frequently asked questions and some tips to help out.

WHY IS THE POOL WATER CLOUDY? A cloudy pool is the first sign that the water is imbalanced and, if left untreated, will result in a murky green pool that will need to be shut down. This will not only incur extra labour and maintenance costs but also result in many unhappy hotel guests.

Cloudy water usually is a result of 3 issues; decreased efficiency of the filtration, a decreased level of sanitizer in the water caused from a high number of users (bather load) or lack of sanitizer being added to the pool water. Sometimes it can be a combination of all three.

A pool can turn from slightly cloudy to a green mess rapidly.

To avoid this happening, all pools require regular professional water testing. If the water is unbalanced, sanitizer may need to be added. Filtration media should be inspected to ensure its work effectively. With the cooler months approaching, it is the perfect time to service the pool equipment, particularly the filters.

GUESTS ARE COMPLAINING OF ITCHY IRRITATED SKIN AFTER SWIMMING? Do your hotel guests complain about stinging eyes, dry skin and strong odour around the pool?

Free chlorine can bond with nitrogen from swimmer waste to form chloramines. These are the guilty culprits that cause all the problems above. They can be eliminated by oxidizing or shocking in the correct dosage.

WHY DOES MY POOL HAVE A DIRTY WATERLINE? Over time, the buildup of oils, sunscreen and fatty residue can leave a ‘scum line’ around the waterline of your pool. This is a sign that the pool isn’t being properly maintained. Every pool maintenance schedule should involve the scrubbing of the scum line.

Maintaining proper water balance will help reduce the scum line effect, there are also specialized chemicals on the market that can help prevent and reduce the scum line on your pool.

Talk to your pool care professional about starting a chemical maintenance program to beat the scum line.

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I HAVE A NOISY PUMP, WHAT COULD BE THE PROBLEM? A noisy pool pump will not only annoy guests and residents, it’s also a sign that a pump needs repairs or replacement. Pumps have two distinct sides, the wet end and motor end. The wet end is the side of the pump that handles the water. The water comes in one end, the impeller spins creating a vacuum, forcing the water out under pressure. The other end of the pump is the motor end. The electric motor spins a shaft that has the impeller fitted to one end and a cooling fan on the other end.

Water and electricity don’t mix, so to keep water from getting in to the motor, there is a mechanical seal behind the impeller.

Mechanical seals wear out over time and need to be replaced.

If they are not replaced, water can enter and cause bearings to rust and become noisy. If bearings are left to long they can seize and cause irreparable damage to the pump.

The moment you hear a pump not sounding quite right, you need to act. A simple repair can save a lot of money down the track.

If you know that your pool is not quite right, but you feel like a fish out of water, it’s important to remember to act quickly.

Refer to these tips or contact a pool care expert.

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OC-1 is an open cell media that has very low resistance to allow more water to be turned over in a pool. It has a huge capacity to store debris and matches the filtration quality of sand and glass filter media. However unlike all other media, the flow rate will not slow down once a small amount of dirt is caught, therefore optimising your filtration system and resulting in healthier water for you and your clients.

The proven, scientific design and ability, means extended Back Washing cycles which translates into thousands of litres saved annually

OC-1 SAVES YOU TIME Extended back washing cycles along with faster back washing, due to open cell design, not only saves water but hours in staff time. And hours in staff time = money saved.

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POOL FEATURE

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POOL FEATURE

MEDIA FILTERS –

Are you getting what you expect?

BRYAN GOH I WATERCO

C

ontrary to the belief that fibreglass filters are simply laid up, with simple distributor and collector systems, there is in fact a great deal of design and engineering that goes into making a long-lasting filter that works effectively. Both longevity and effectiveness are as important as each other, with effectiveness often overlooked.

CONSTRUCTION A filter that is not designed and built to last, is a risk. There are safety risks if it fails under pressure, to people and other equipment. In most domestic situations, a failure can appear as a simple crack. In commercial or high pressure applications the consequences can be far more devastating.

Then there are cost risks, both intangible and intangible.

Manufacturers may be liable for product failures, however the cost of system downtime to the end customer can be significant. The time taken to rectify vessel failures whether covered by warranty or not is also major lost opportunity cost for contractors, as is the cost to reputations of those who have specified the equipment.

When a vessel fails on a commercial project, the stakes are high.

So is the risk of legal action.

The British standard BS13121 is used by fibreglass vessel manufacturers as the design and construction standard. The ultimate test of compliance though is to pass independent, third-party design review and hydrostatic testing. This is the requirement for registration of pressure vessels in Australia.

It’s no surprise that costs of vessels that can comply with this are higher than those who do not.

Construction weaknesses can occur at dome ends, any penetration of the vessel such as flanges or ports, manholes, tank joins and even bases. The constant expansion and contraction in the tank will expose these weaknesses. Lateral systems can also prove vulnerable. We have recently been fielding calls to source replacement laterals for a brand that are failing at just 2-3 years old.

Nozzle plates are very efficient and effective, though are not easy to engineer with expansion and contractions of the tank often causing failures of the plate/wall joint in sub-standard vessels.

Perhaps not in the first year or two, but any weakness will be found.

PERFORMANCE Filter purchases are made in the belief that the filter will do what we expect it to do. Unfortunately, the performance of all filters is not the same.

Performance standards are not prevalent for media filters and are rarely discussed. They do exist though and ensure that the filter will perform as it should. NSF50, for example, is a swimming pool performance standard. To pass, the vessel is put through a number of tests, such as the following general examples (please refer to the NSF50 standard for full test criteria): 1. Toxicity – materials must not pass toxins to the filtered water 2. Hydrostatic test – 1.5x rated pressure 3. Cyclic tests – 15,000 pressure cycles – Waterco further exceeds this in its own testing to create additional durability 4. Turbidity test – using NSF grade media, incoming and outgoing turbidity is measured at a determined velocity 5. Media migration – to ensure that hydraulic flows within the vessel do not cause media to move around within, thereby guaranteeing an even bed of media and effective filtration over the life of the vessel These key test criteria ensure that you get what you expect – a vessel that effectively filters for the length of a durable and reliable life.

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POOL FEATURE

A range of Waterco’s commercial filters have passed this NSF50 test, and the design lessons learned have proven invaluable to many other domestic filters. Beware claims of ‘built to NSF50’.

Always check the NSF website to validate any claims of NSF compliance.

Sectors of the aquatic market have argued in the past that these standards are onerous and cost prohibitive, however the performance risks are real. The water treatment sector has been somewhat more aware of the issues.

Competition between contractors for major projects is forcing price pressure on major components such as pressure vessels. This price pressure is compromising both quality and performance.

With nearly 40 years in the business, Waterco has seen just about every design, construction and performance challenge that will present – and the traps for users. With more brands of fibreglass vessels entering the market, there is a wide range of both construction and performance options that exist.

Glen Eira Sports & Aquatic TheCentre • Case Study questions remains though, are you getting what you expect – and what you paid for?

“

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70 Commercial Equipment half page Ads_90(w)x270(h)mm.indd 1

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The new $45 million Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre boasts a state-of-the-art pool water filtration system, thanks to Waterco.

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POOL FEATURE

SWIMMING POOLS and spas PAUL WERE I DONTEK

Swimming Pools and Spas are an attractive way for Hotels to entice new patrons and to keep existing ones. Although an inviting pool or spa may look great, the ideal water temperature must be set to a level where the experience meets expectation, therefore a heating system is required, but which one.

POOL AND SPA HEATING OPTIONS

A

s there are many options in heating a swimming pool or spa it is advisable to contact a pool heating specialist and have a heat load evaluation to find the most practical, cost effective and environmentally friendly system that is best suited. The most commonly available options that are currently used are: Solar

Solar is an extremely economical and effective way of heating a pool and has a relatively low capital cost. Water is pumped from the pool to a heat collector fitted to the roof that absorbs the radiant energy from the sun and returns to the pool. This heat collector can be made in many different styles; some are made from extruded PVC Nitrile or EPDM rubber strip, moulded tube panels, glazed poly panels and more. As year round heating is normally required a Heat pump or Gas heater backup system will be recommended.

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There is a long life expectancy for most solar systems as they are made from high tech plastics, maintenance is negligible as there is minimal moving parts and solar is generally easily installed, all of which makes this a great option to help heat a pool.

Solar takes full advantage of the suns free heat which is the most environmentally friendly and economical way to heat a pool, while avoiding rising energy costs over the warmer swimming season.

Heat Pump

and transferring this to water from the pool or spa passing through the unit.

The characteristic of the heat pump of absorbing heat value from air means that the unit has a low electrical input relative to its heat transfer. A well designed heat pump will output heat at a rate of around 5:1, relative to its energy input under summer conditions. This greatly reduces total energy consumption. This factor is called the heat pump's co-efficient of performance or COP. The capture of solar energy from air means that the heat pump's output and efficiency will vary with air temperature. Higher efficiency is gained in more temperate locations but heat pumps are capable of maintaining pool temperatures year-round in nearly all areas of Australia and New Zealand.

Heat Pumps have become more common for heating as capital costs have been reduced and can be used as a stand-alone system as long as heat load calculations have been performed correctly. Heat pumps are least efficient during the coldest months and it is common practice to have a gas heater as back up for prolonged cold spells.

Heat pumps work like a reversed air conditioner. Instead of taking air from a room or building, removing the heat and returning it, a heat pump takes large quantities of air from the atmosphere, removing the heat contained in the air

Gas Heater

Gas heating has traditionally been the most common form of pool heating as it is easy to install, has a low capital outlay and can

POOL FEATURE

provide rapid heat up times. There are two styles of gas heating systems, one has pool water pumped through a heat exchanger that sits above a gas fired burner and the other has pool water pumped through a water to water heat exchanger which is heated by a gas fired boiler in a closed loop. The water to water heat exchanger method can be a more robust system as the chemically treated pool water is kept away from the heater.

Newer style gas heaters utilise fan assistance that aids in the combustion and heat transfer process that increases efficiencies and reduces operating costs.

A gas heater is an ideal standalone system when natural gas is available or the perfect back up for Solar or Heat Pump systems.

SMART HEATING CONTROL ELECTRONICS MEANS MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY Even the most economical heating systems for pools and spas can require a backup system and this is where a digital control system can pay dividends. The

reach the limit, then both heat sources will run concurrently.

HOW TO SAVE ON RUNNING COSTS AND THE ENVIRONMENT controller will monitor temperatures and use the most practical and economical way of heating, switching between heat sources as required.

When Solar Systems are used the controller will monitor the pool temperature and when heating is required will turn the solar system on if there is enough solar gain. If fitted with a gas heater or a heat pump in conjunction with solar – the controller will determine which heat source is best to use. If heating is required the controller will check solar temperature and if insufficient, it will switch on the auxiliary heater and will run until the limit is achieved or until there is sufficient solar gain. If solar gain is insufficient for the water temperature to

When multiple heat sources are utilised it is imperative to set the most economical heat source to a higher temperature setting than the other. Consequently, the cheaper heat source will push the water temperature above the minimum limit so the extra energy is stored in the pool water which minimising the backup heaters run time. The greater the temperature difference between the two settings the larger the savings will be. What needs to be considered are the minimum and maximum temperature settings that are comfortable for the patrons. Commonly used minimum and maximum temperatures are 26 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius respectively, however, this will differ from State to State as pool temperature needs to be set relevant to ambient air temperature to achieve a comfortable level.

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POOL FEATURE

CARBON DIOXIDE DAVID WATSON I SHENTON AQUATIC

Conventionally I hear and read using Carbon Dioxide gas as pH correction chemical causes a reaction increasing total alkalinity over time. Various fixes involving acid dosing have been suggested to alleviate this issue.

I

n 1996 I read as extensively as I could on carbon dioxide and water reactions and thought I understood the conventional thinking enough to develop a solution to the issue. The theory I had was based around the content of the carbon dioxide in a normal water body and mimicking this will assist in both reducing consumption and correcting the escalating total alkalinity. It did work to an extent, however it still required bulk acid treatment to the pool to correct the total alkalinity.

I now realise I was wrong in my thinking.

to the carbon dioxide gas shows the gas is released or in our case trying to leave the pool.

From time to time, if you treat water bodies in the field you will see this yourself. When you add acid to, more often, fibreglass or vinyl water bodies small bubbles may be observed clinging to the pool wall. These bubbles are like the bubbles sticking to your beer or soft drink glass, as they are the same gas carbon dioxide gas.

We don’t observe this phenomenon in water bodies using acids for pH correction, therefore it must be the carbon dioxide that is causing the issue. This is an error in logic. Understandable error, but an error nonetheless.

As the carbon dioxide gas leaves the pool the pH rises calling for more acid. More acid is added destroying more sodium bicarbonate leading to a decreased total alkalinity and a lower pH. To correct the decreased total alkalinity, we add buffer and the cycle repeats.

In looking at the pool chemical system a change is observed.

The change is removal of acid and replacement with carbon dioxide. The result is an increasing total alkalinity therefore the carbon dioxide must be causing this. But is it?

Before moving on its important to appreciate this concept. We observe it, we make money from it and it is a cornerstone of pool chemistry acid destroys buffer to create carbon dioxide to control pH.

Let’s look beyond pools for just a moment.

Natural waters contain carbon dioxide too. The balance of these water bodies holds the carbon dioxide at equilibrium with the atmosphere, without a lot more science to explain it this is sufficient.

Aquariums also use carbon dioxide both in fresh water for plant tanks and in some other specialised applications for increasing hardness by dissolving limestone.

In the aquarium the carbon dioxide was originally introduced by a bell jar. Effectively a surface exchange mechanism. Whilst it can be argued the plants removed the carbon dioxide leading to a stable pH, a complete departure from where we are, fish would occasionally be added to these aquariums without any apparent increased distress as may occur from an increasing total alkalinity or in aquarium language KH (German term).

First things first. All water bodies pH is corrected by carbon dioxide. Yes, even water bodies using hydrochloric acid are producing carbon dioxide consider the following: HCL + NaHC03 ↔ H20 + NaCL + CO2 ↑ This formula shows the result of adding hydrochloric acid to sodium bicarbonate to produce water, salt as in table salt sodium chloride and carbon dioxide gas. The upward arrow next

Next to understand this consider the chemistry of sodium hypochlorite. As sodium hypochlorite is the more commonly used chemical when correcting pH with carbon dioxide gas it is worth looking at its reactions and properties.

Sodium hypochlorite is a yellow liquid with a pH about 13.00 as I trust we were all taught at some point in our career. The reason for the pH being around 13.00 is without a small amount of sodium hydroxide added the chlorine wouldn’t store and would be degraded to near useless levels prior to being delivered to the store.

The chemical formula for sodium hypochlorite is NaCLO. So, lets add this to water and see what possible outcome may be: NaCLO + H20 ↔ NaCL + 20H

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POOL FEATURE

This formula suggests sodium hypochlorite added to water will (eventually) result in salt sodium chloride (table salt) and hydroxide. Does this mean sodium hypochlorite on its own will push the pH up as hydroxides have a very high pH? Let’s do an experiment. We all love a good experiment, and this is simple enough to do.

Buy a bottle of distilled or deionised water.

Add this to a small container and measure the pH. Using some household bleach (4% sodium hypochlorite usually with a bit of smell with it) add a few drops don’t get too carried away maybe 2-4 drops (we don’t want to bleach the pH reagent) Give the chlorinated water a good mix, stir or whatever suits you.

Measure the pH. It went up didn’t it?

Depending on the amounts of water and the amount of bleach added the pH will rise and rise a lot (compared to the amount added).

Okay we can accept that sodium hypochlorite increases pH. Why is this important? Contrary to the common thinking being carbon dioxide increases pH, we can see it’s the chlorine

increasing the pH. What’s worse is we learnt this in the first year or so working on the retail store floor.

So, if the chlorine is increasing the pH why is it only happening when we use carbon dioxide to correct the pH? Its because carbonic acid, the acid made with carbon dioxide gas is not a very strong acid. It creates as much total alkalinity as it destroys.

CO2 + H20 ↔ H+ + HC03 This means there is no excess hydrogen ions around. The above equation shows the first stage reaction and it does show a spare hydrogen molecule, however that combines with the bicarbonate to work back to create carbon dioxide gas which reduces the pH and is attempting to gas off the water body again.

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Go back to our acid to bicarbonate equation.

HCL + NaHC03 ↔ H20 + NaCL + CO2 ↑ But this time we will replace the NaHCO3 being the sodium bicarbonate with the hydroxide OH from the chlorine reaction lets resolve this?

HCL + NaCL + 20H ↔ H20 + NaCL0 + H+

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This equation suggests the hydroxide is neutralised by the acid and a spare hydrogen ion is left over (to combine with the bicarbonate ion to create carbon dioxide to suppress the pH).

I hope this helps gain a better understanding of the chemistry involved in treatment of the water with carbon dioxide. It is still worth lowering the total alkalinity as equivalent calcium carbonate and increasing the calcium hardness as equivalent calcium carbonate these, I suspect, alter the surface tension altering the gaseous interchange however I run out of chemistry around here.

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

MEMBERSHIP FORM PLEASE CHOOSE THE STATE: NSW 

QLD 

VIC 

WA 

I WISH TO APPLY FOR: Renewal of my Membership 

Membership Number (if known):

I WISH TO BECOME A NEW MEMBER VIA: (a) Fellow – a member of at least 10 years standing who has made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of hotel engineering (as determined by the management committee) or this association may be advanced by the management committee to the grade of Fellow.

This membership class is a life membership of the institute. (b) Honorary Fellow – any person who has rendered conspicuous service to the hotel industry (as determined by the management committee), or any person prominently connected with but not necessarily in the hotel industry who may be approved by the management committee, shall be eligible as an Honorary Fellow. This membership class is a life membership of the institute. (c) Member – a person shall be eligible as a Member if the applicant holds a certificate, degree or diploma or such other qualification in engineering approved by the management committee, and has at least 5 years experience in a head of engineering position and shall be directly engaged in hotel engineering. (d) A ssociate Member – a person shall be eligible as an Associate Member if the applicant holds a qualification in engineering approved by the management committee and is directly engaged in hotel engineering and his/her qualifications and/or experience do not in the opinion of the management committee entitle him/her to admission as a Member. (e) Student Member – a person who is attending an appropriate course of instruction at an Institution approved by the management committee shall be eligible as a Student Member (f) Affiliate Member – shall be a person of 21 or more of age who is associated with the Hotel Industry and whose, qualification or experience do not in the opinion of Council entitle them to admission as a Member or Associate member. (f) Corporate Member – entitles applicants endorsed by the Council to be eligible for Corporate Membership, which will carry those rights and entitlements of an Affiliate Members, with a maximum of (5) members of the corporation being eligible to attend monthly meetings. In addition, this membership will entitle the Corporation to receive all specialised material sourced and published by the Institute for overall benefit of the Hotel Industry.

All applicants’ membership classification shall be determined by Council in accordance with the above guidelines.

Membership  Corporate Membership  Associate Membership  Student Membership  Affiliate Membership  Honorary Fellow Membership (no fee)  Fellow Membership (no fee)  SURNAME: GIVEN NAME(S): COMPANY NAME: POSITION: POSTAL WORK ADDRESS: WORK TELEPHONE: WORK FAX: WORK EMAIL: WORK MOBILE: HOME POSTAL ADDRESS: HOME TELEPHONE: HOME FAX: HOME EMAIL: PERSONAL MOBILE: Please send all my correspondence to my:

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QUALIFICATIONS/EMPLOYMENT HISTORY:

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FEES: Membership/Associate Membership:

New Member AUD$130

Yearly Renewal AUD$100

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New Member AUD$90

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Corporate Fees: New Member AUD$550

Yearly Renewal AUD$550

PAYMENT CAN BE MADE BY: NSW Chapter: Cheque payable to:

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EFT Transfer/Direct Deposit to:

BSB: 062 014 Account Number: 0090 2426 Commonwealth Bank of Australia

(Please use surname/company name as reference)

QLD Chapter: Cheque payable to:

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EFT Transfer/Direct Deposit to:

BSB: 084 462 Account Number: 205126424 National Australia Bank

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EFT Transfer/Direct Deposit to:

BSB: 013 403 Account Number: 4988 69693 ANZ Ringwood Nth

(Please use surname/company name as reference)

WA Chapter: Cheque payable to:

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EFT Transfer/Direct Deposit to:

BSB: 086 006 Account Number: 518 190 216 National Australia Bank

(Please use surname/company name as reference)

MAIL COMPLETED FORMS TO: NSW Chapter: The Secretary, AIHE NSW Chapter, PO Box H263, Australia Square NSW 1215 QLD Chapter: The Secretary, AIHE QLD Chapter, PO Box 5118, Gold Coast Mail Centre 9726 VIC Chapter: The Secretary, AIHE VIC Chapter, PO Box 2136, Caulfield Junction VIC 3161 WA Chapter: The Secretary, AIHE WA Chapter, PO Box 6191, East Perth WA 6892 Your membership application will be processed, which includes the following:: o Certificate of membership

o Membership number

o Member name badge

o Official AIHE receipt

* Note: Allow up to four weeks for processing.

I have read, understood and agreed to conform to the Institute’s Code of Ethics as set out, conditional upon acceptance of my application for membership.

Note: your membership includes receiving ‘Hotel Engineer’ quarterly. As the AIHE is a non-profit organisation, GST is not applicable.

Signed: Date:

FOR INSTITUTE USE ONLY Date received: Fee received: Grading: Cheque #: Entered:

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building solutions ranging from task management to incident management and asset tracking, the Telechnics team have the design and implementation experience to develop integrated solutions.

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organisationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s compliance. Covaris scheduled the maintenance procedures against the assets in the asset register and provided the organisation with load up files and for their respective information systems (SAP, Archibus, Biems, Maximo, others) and assisted in the implementation of the statutory complaint maintenance procedures within their information system.

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Water Water everywhere Accidents happen. The overflowing bath tub, burst pipe or rain and flood, are all too familiar to everyone in the industry.

There’s no escaping the inevitable Fortunately, the Nero Carpet Blower is standing by. Simple to manoeuvre with an easy-tilt handle, weighing in at only 14.5 kilograms with an extra- long 10 metre cable, makes it a breeze to use for anyone on staff day or night. The user-friendly clips hold rugs in place or lift carpet to ensure wide and even circulation of hot air for rapid drying.

Guest disruption is minimised, risk is mitigated and workplace safety practiced as damp and wet patches evaporate into thin air.

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Is your digital experience on par with today’s guest expectations?

Remember the days when your only in-room entertainment option was channel-flicking through 8 channels? Let’s not look back.

As a society, we have grown incredibly attached to on-demand entertainment at home so why wouldn’t we behave in the same way when we’re travelling? We now live in an entertainment-rich environment where content is at our fingertips any time of the day.

The expectations of your guest, shape the way the experience and services need to be delivered. With flexible solutions such as Lifestylepanel, a customised experience can be crafted to deliver a premium digital experience, whilst accentuating and enhancing hotel brand values.

This experience can now encompass BYO media streaming, Digital Compendium, Promotions, Movies On Demand, Wi-Fi, Room Service Ordering, Advertising, Text Messaging as well as Digital Signage.

Once a static platform, the in-room TV is now your best advertising space for a captured market wanting to experience all of the hotel facilities and engage with the local community. Lifestylepanel can bring this to life in your hotel, without the costly replacement of Tv’s or re-cabling.

Keeping up with the technology that underpins your guest experience will deliver a sharp competitive edge in the ever-changing environment of the hospitality industry.

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NEW DESIGN DRY CHLORINE FEEDER PROVING POPULAR The Pulsar System 140 dry chlorine briquette feeder improves on a long-established design and offers a number of benefits for operators.

A touch-screen control panel supervises periodic self-flushing of the feeder and can shut down the system booster pump at quiet times, or during the night, to save energy. The system also features a feed timer, but the most common control method is via a BECSys or Ezetrol pH and chlorine control system, which gives a signal to the control panel to activate chlorine feed.

The hopper and sump design have been improved to make the Pulsar chemical flow more smoothly through the feeder with less chance of product bridging in the hopper and sludge build-up in the sump.

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