The Toolshed

1 Energy recovery from Armcor

Armcor Air Solutions has launched a new series of energy recovery ventilators (ERV) – the XCM Compact Multiflow range.

“As we pull out of COVID‑19, the requirements for fresh air and mixing of air between occupied spaces are being re‑evaluated,” says Armcor. “It is predicted that there will be a shift towards individual airflow and contaminant isolation of occupant areas, such as motel and accommodation precincts. Thus, the demand for multiple small‑capacity equipment could rise.”

The R&D team at Armcor has redesigned the XCM range of ERVs, to bring to market what it calls not only the most versatile unit available but also a leading Australian‑made product.

The XCM range was named after three key features and attributes.

Xchange refers to energy exchange, the heart of the unit. Compact signifies the low‑profile height for horizontal or vertical installation, suited for ceiling or underfloor spaces. And Multiflow refers to the variety of duct connection options, available by interchanging the access panel and the duct connection panel.

“No shortcuts with quality,” says Armcor. “A true game‑changer for flexible installation options – installers will love the time saving and versatility of the new XCM Compact Multiflow range of ERV.”

Go to armcor.com.au ■ 2 Sweet instruments from Sauermann

Sauermann has launched a new range of instruments for measuring a variety of parameters in a diverse set of HVAC&R applications.

“For over 40 years, Sauermann has designed, manufactured, and sold products and services dedicated to industrial and HVAC&R markets,” says the company. “The group specifically focuses on the detection, measurement, and control of indoor air quality for HVAC&R professionals.”

Sauermann’s full range of instruments comprises: a dual input thermometer (Si‑TT3), infrared thermometer (Si‑TI3), thermo‑hygrometer (Si‑HH3), vane thermo‑anemometer (Si‑VV3), hotwire thermo‑anemometer (Si‑VH3), and digital differential pressure manometer (Si‑PM3).

These instruments measure a variety of parameters including temperature, relative humidity, pressure, air velocity and airflow.

Sauermann says its user‑friendly Si‑HVACR Measurement MobileApp completes the range by displaying measurement data directly on a user’s smartphone or tablet. Go to www.sauermanngroup.com ■ 3 Condair’s in-duct humidifier and cooler

Condair is launching the Condair MC, a new in‑duct evaporative humidifier and cooler. According to the company, a single unit is capable of supplying up to 360kg/h of humidity and about 245kW of adiabatic cooling to an air handling unit (AHU) from less than 0.15kW of electrical energy.

The Condair MC consists of an evaporative module and hydraulic unit, which sits inside the AHU, and a control panel located outside. The evaporative module is a wall of corrugated glass fibre media cassettes, with stainless steel frames, through which the air flows. The hydraulic unit pumps water to the top of the evaporative module to wet the glass fibre media and humidify the air flowing through it. “With every kilogram of humidity provided by an evaporative humidifier, around 0.68kW of adiabatic cooling is also achieved. This sustainable cooling technology presents great potential to reduce the carbon footprint of our built environment.

“We are seeing more and more air handling unit manufacturers and M&E consultants incorporating direct and indirect evaporative cooling strategies into their AHU designs. The new Condair MC incorporates many innovative hygiene, installation and operational features, making it an ideal solution for evaporative cooling or adiabatic humidification.”

Go to www.condair.com.au ■

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4 The finer points of IAQ

Although ionisation systems have been around for many years, they have recently gained renewed attention due to the COVID‑19 pandemic, and because of advances in the technology.

One such advance is needlepoint bipolar ionisation (NPBI), which has been patented by indoor air solutions company GPS, and is now being made available in Australia through IAQ Ventilation. GPS explains that NPBI differs from other systems because it operates without producing ozone or harmful by‑products.

“NPBI produces millions of positively and negatively charged ions that travel through the air via the HVAC system,” says IAQ Ventilation, “continuously seeking out and attaching to harmful particles — including pathogens’ surface proteins, rendering the pathogens ineffective.”

Two of the names behind the company are Ivi Simms, M.AIRAH; and Jenny Smith, Affil.AIRAH.

After searching for an effective IAQ solution for many years, Smith says she finally found it in NPBI.

“It produces the cleanest, safest air possible,” says Smith, “and is of great benefit not just in preventing the spread of COVID‑19, but also in helping sufferers of mould illnesses, pollen allergies, asthma, chemical sensitivities and air pollutants.”

IAQ Ventilation recommends NPBI for hospitals and healthcare, higher education, airports, offices, care facilities and government facilities, among other applications. White papers that detail the system’s results against various pathogens, including COVID‑19, are available upon request.

Go to www.iaqventilation.com.au ■ 5 testo 883 does the work

Measuring technology supplier Testo has released its thermal imager testo 883.

“This thermal imager, which offers the best image quality and automatic image management, was developed and manufactured entirely in Germany, and greatly reduces the day‑to‑day workload of those who specialise in the efficient operation of plants,” the company says.

The testo 883 thermal imager offers an infrared resolution of 320×240 pixels, which can even be expanded to 640×480 pixels with the built‑in testo SuperResolution technology. Testo says the manual focus guarantees users full control of the thermal image.

Testo says its SiteRecognition technology solves the problem of similar‑looking images by automatically recognising the measuring location and saving and managing the thermal images.

“With the testo Thermography App, thermal images can be quickly analysed on a smartphone/tablet or shared with colleagues and managers. Readings from the testo 770‑3 clamp meter are also integrated directly into the thermal image.”

The testo 883 thermal imager is available now on its own or in a kit with telephoto lens, additional battery and charging station, from specialist dealers and also directly from Testo. Go to www.testo.com/en‑AU/ ■ 6 Tougher technology from Pacific Ventilation

Pacific Ventilation has released its new PRF aggressive media fan. The company says the plastic centrifugal fan is ideal for applications where the extraction of dirt, corrosive gases, or other aggressive vapour will harm a standard fan.

The PRF aggressive media fan is available in a range of sizes and has an available line of tight‑fitting accessories like splinter protection, connections, and dampers.

Manufactured by Systemair Group and assembled in Melbourne, the PRF range is suitable for labs, medical facilities, laboratories, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and food, metal, or chemical industries.

Available in PE or PP, the UV‑resistant, waterproof casing is adjustable during assembly. Contractors and consultants can obtain the complete chemical agent compatibility and handing sheets by contacting sales@pacificventilation.com. Go to pacificventilation.com ■

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7 Sekisui’s dual purpose

Sekisui Foam Australia has announced the release of Thermobreak Ductboard, a new dual‑purpose composite duct insulation. It is designed to provide both thermal insulation and acoustic insulation of air conditioning ductwork.

In the early 1990s, Sekisui Foam Australia developed Thermobreak Insulation based on the properties of physically crosslinked closed cell polyolefin foam, a technology invented by the Sekisui Chemical Co. “The addition of Thermobreak Ductboard further advances the Thermobreak range available in Australia and will be manufactured in Sydney in a range of thicknesses complying with National Construction Code Thermal R values,” says the company. “The new range will offer the combined benefits of thermal insulation, sound absorption and fibre‑free installation. Thermobreak Ductboard provides durability and peace of mind, especially where moisture is a concern or indoor air quality is critical.” The new product is manufactured in Australia and is available nationally. Go to www.sekisuifoam.com.au ■

DO YOU HAVE A NEW PRODUCT TO GO IN THE TOOLSHED? Email mark.vender@airah.org.au All submissions received will be considered, though publication cannot be guaranteed.

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