Newsletter Number 68
August st 2010
“Silence” The next generation apartment fan is here There’s a whisper that Fantech is about to unveil the latest development in apartment ventilation. The TD Silent range of mixed-flow fans incorporates a number of new technologies that make them very quiet. Fantech Engineering Manager Kerry Dumicich said the revolutionary design was quieter than other similar products in the market and was a real advance in fan and acoustic technology. “This breakthrough in noise reduction is due to a specially designed perforated internal skin. Sound waves produced inside the fan are directed through the perforations and are captured by a layer of sound-absorbent material,” Kerry said. “The result is outstanding, a fan that operates very quietly while at the same time maintaining efficiency”.
“...operates very quietly tly while at the same time e maintaining efficiency” y”
360° rotating junction box makes power connection easier
Easy to release clamps
The most popular model, the TD-500/150 Silent has a sound pressure of only 33dB(A) at low speed and 40dB(A) at high speed. This makes it perfect as an extract fan in apartments, hotels, and offices where rooms are often close together and the constant sound of the ventilation system could distract the occupants. Kerry said it was the small details that helped make the TD Silent so quiet. “The fan body is held in place with plastic straps at each end which form part of the mounting bracket. These straps grip onto a special ribbed rubber gasket on the fan body that further reduces vibration and noise” he said. The inlet and outlet spigots also include a rubber gasket which helps to reduce air leakage when connecting to ductwork, making the duct system more efficient, but also absorbs vibrations which can sometimes be heard as noise. All these inbuilt innovations mean that in most cases there is no need for additional attenuation components to reduce noise.
Fan body can be removed easily
Furthermore, its engineers have been able to include all this in a sleek, compact unit. The TD-500/150 Silent is 245mm high, making it ideal for installations in false ceilings or apartments where space is often restricted. “The engineers have really thought of everything,” Kerry said. “The TD Silent range is more than just an innovative inner skin; its designers have considered where the fan will most likely be installed and what the limitations are.” Conscious that installers often have confined spaces to work in, the distinctive body of the TD Silent can be easily removed from the support brackets by releasing its clips. These unique clips make removal simple for maintenance and cleaning. Another unique feature of this fan is its 360° rotating junction box that makes it easier to connect the power cable in tight spaces. The TD Silent range of fans are now available from your Fantech office or agent. The range includes 150 and 200mm spigot diameter models. For further information visit
www.fantech.com.au/silent
Cutaway of TD Silent C showing sound-absorbing system
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Technically Speaking With Kerry Dumicich
In addition to the four requirements detailed earlier, other important mandatory features of a smoke spill fan are:
Spilling the facts on smoke control The Standard AS/NZS1668.1:1998 – Fire and Smoke Control in Multi-compartment Buildings prescribes several important requirements concerning smoke spill fans. As with other essential services requirements this standard should be adhered to so that people’s safety is ensured and the risk of litigation due to non-compliance and/or performance is mitigated. The four important requirements are summarised as follows: 1. Fans must be ‘type tested’ and approved to Standard AS4429, 1999 - Methods of test and rating requirements for smoke spill fans (clause 4.8.1, page 34). The requirements are 200°C for two hours (sprinklered buildings) or 300°C for 30 minutes (unsprinklered buildings). To satisfy overseas market requirements Fantech has extended these tests to achieve 300°C for 2 hours. 2. Smoke spill fans must also be tested for aerodynamic performance to an approved standard such as ISO5801 or BS848.1:1980. This is a vital, but often overlooked, element of conformance within the Standard. The performance data for Fantech’s adjustable pitch axial product range complies fully with all of the above requirements.
A. Smoke spill fans are classified as Dual Purpose or Emergency Use Only. The motors in Dual Purpose fans have a warm up period before commencing the high temperature test. These fans may be used for normal ventilation in addition to smoke spill (they are commonly dual speed). Emergency Use Only fans may only be used for smoke spill mode. B. The motors in smoke spill fans may be changed to a different brand provided they have been ‘type tested’ to AS 4429 and approved for the temperature/time rating. Thida Kao & Peter Cotterell The motor must also be approved as dual purpose if used for this purpose. C. Additional labelling is required to show: i/ The time and temperature rating of the fan. ii/ Year of manufacture and date of the Type Test. iii/ Type of bearing lubricant. iv/ Impeller blade pitch angle. v/ Design air volume and pressure. D. The fans produced must demonstrate compliance with the Standard. A certified quality control system such as ISO9002, as used by Fantech, achieves this through component specifications, shop drawings and assembly procedures. Other important notes i/ Fans should be tested as a single unit. ie. impeller, fan casing, motor and associated components. There are no allowances in the standard for the impeller and fan casing to be tested separately from each other. In fact, Fantech has had impellers fail in smoke spill tests due to thermal expansion causing the blades to hit the casing. These issues needed to be rectified and retested before they were able to be sold. At high temperatures, materials can also have a reduced strength, which can lead to failures under smoke spill testing (particularly when highly stressed).
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Graph of pressure against time in a typical smoke spill test 3. The noise level during operation of the smoke control fans must not exceed 65dBA in the occupied space, or 5dBA above ambient noise levels, to a maximum of 80dBA (Clause 4.6, page 33). To ensure compliance, acoustic analysis of smoke control systems is recommended during design stage, particularly for enclosed hard surfaced areas such as stairwells and carparks. The Fantech product selection program can perform a basic acoustic analysis to check the fan selected complies. 4. Non-return discharge gravity dampers must mechanically latch open or fail open if the building is not sprinklered (Clause 2.4.7, page 16). Explanatory note C2.4.7 provides the rationale behind this requirement. Suitable dampers with electro and mechanical latching devices have been developed for the Fantech SS and RSS axial roof-mounted smoke spill fans. Smoke control in buildings is of paramount importance and when applied correctly, it allows the occupants to survive a fire. The building itself, and the smoke-control fans, are considered expendable.
ii/ Smoke spill fans require slightly increased tip clearance to accommodate impeller blade expansion due to the high temperature smoke. We therefore recommend that fans not be selected beyond 75% of their maximum pressure capacity. Fantech’s product selection program CD provides an easy reference to aid the fan selection process. iii/ Air flow tests for Fantech’s range of adjustable pitch axial fan impellers were conducted to BS848.1:1980 and ISO5801 by Elta Fans UK and Fantech. Full performance data is reported in the Fans by Fantech (2008) catalogue and Interactive Product Suite Selection Program CD. If you require copies please complete the form on the back page.
Reliable smoke control is a vital component of any multi-compartment building. Check very carefully that the fans you use for smoke spill have been tested as a complete assembly for aerodynamic and time-temperature compliance. If reliable certification is not forthcoming then don’t take the chance with someone else’s life.
Fantech wins business award Each year the Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce run the Premier Regional Business Awards which are designed to profile and highlight successful businesses in the region. Fantech was nominated in three award categories as well as the overall Premier Regional Business Award. The awards were presented at a Gala Dinner held in mid-March 2010, which was very successful for Fantech having won the Employment category and the overall award. Greater Dandenong is an important region in The awards acknowledged Melbourne’s Southeast. the teamwork and innovation Statistics have shown that that staff contributed. some 43% of the state of Victoria’s manufacturing GDP comes out of this region, and nationally it contributes approximately 15% to Australia’s production output.
Fans by Fantech
Product Selection Program
Tip No.8:
With Stuart Bryson
Performing an acoustic analysis (Part two) In the previous issue, we began an acoustic analysis by calculating the sound power leaving the duct system. Next we will convert this to a sound pressure level by entering the room characteristics. On the Acoustic Analysis screen, click Sound Corrections. First, enter the percentage of the air flow that reaches the specific outlet and the distance of the listener from the outlet. Choose the size and position of the outlet (terminal) to get the direct sound pressure. To calculate the reverberant corrections, enter the percentage of the air flow that reaches the room (all grilles combined) and choose the room absorption type and size.
Fantech Managing Director Chris Ogilvy said the awards acknowledged the teamwork and innovation that staff contributed to the company. He thanked them for their hard work and on-going commitment to provide customers with the best service and the highest quality products.
Ark leads the way to the future
A new commercial office tower at 40 Mount Street in North Sydney is leading the way in sustainable, yet stunning design. The Ark is the first high rise building in New South Wales to be certified Six Star Green Star for Office Design V2 and developers, Investa, are also targeting five star NABERS energy rating.
You will now have the Total Sound Pressure at the distance entered previously. By entering either the required dBA, NR or PNC for the room, if attenuation is required this data can be reliably used to select a silencer. You can Save the analysis for later retrieval or print it for inclusion with other documents.
Designed by architects Rice Daubney and built by Thiess, the Ark features a huge glass wing which appears suspended in front of the southern façade. This lets in light and takes advantage of the uninterrupted panoramic views across Sydney Harbour to the city. Inside, tenants are delighted with the large floor plates, natural light and energy efficiency. The building was 85% leased at completion, anchored by Coca-Cola Amatil and Vodafone Hutchison Australia. “A key feature of this environmentally sustainable building is the implementation of a tri-generation plant,” Hastie Australia Project Manager, Paul O’Reilly said. “The plant is primarily made up of a 770 kWe reciprocating gas engine and a 650kWr absorption chiller which allow three outputs – electricity, heating and cooling. It produces about 80% of the building’s electricity requirements as well as producing domestic hot water for bathrooms and kitchenettes, and chilled water for space air conditioning throughout the building.”
Tenants are delighted with the large floor plates, natural light and energy efficiency.
The mechanical services were designed and constructed by Hastie Australia. Paul said, in keeping with the sustainable design, MEPS2 High Efficiency motors were incorporated into all Fantech fans throughout the job with their operating life being no less than 100,000 hours. The green design also incorporates facilities for cyclists, recharging bays for electric and hybrid pool cars, as well as stormwater and greywater recycling systems. “The old site of the North Sydney Telephone Exchange has been dramatically transformed, but its history is not forgotten with the building’s forecourt featuring major works from leading Australian artists linking the old with the new,” Paul said.
Helping to rebuild lives Through the generosity of companies like AE Smith, in conjunction with Baulderstone and Brookfield Multiplex, the survivors of the Black Saturday bushfires are beginning to rebuild their lives. These companies have supported the construction of a Rebuilding Advisory Centre at Kinglake, and another at Marysville, which will provide local communities with a step-by-step guide through the reconstruction process.
Advisory Centre at Kinglake, and another at Marysville
The Victorian Black Saturday fires were the worst bushfires in Australia’s history. Those fateful days in February 2009 left a burnt scar on Australia’s landscape. In its wake 173 people lost their lives, many more were seriously injured and 430,000 hectares of land were destroyed, including an estimated 2100 homes. AE Smith construction manager Darren McGrath is a member of the Patterson River CFA and spent a week at Kinglake fighting the fires. He now heads a team that is responsible for the mechanical installation at the two advisory centres.
He said the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority approached AE Smith, and Chief Executive Officer Andrew Permezel was only too happy to get on board. “As a company we strive to support local communities,” Darren said. “We have donated the project management, engineering, drafting and site installation for the mechanical services. We have also contacted a number of key suppliers including Fantech to help the cause.” The new centres are built to the Australian Standard (AS3959:2009) construction of buildings in bushfire prone areas. Fantech has developed a specialist range of products to this standard, including the GL Gamma vertical exhaust roof unit which was donated to each of the new centres. This product is made from galvanised steel and includes a bronze mesh cover over its inlet to prevent the entry of burning embers. Darren said the Black Saturday fires were the biggest he had been associated with during his 25 years with the CFA. “It’s great to be involved with the advisory centres and know that you are doing something positive to help these people get their lives back on track.”
Frail Crusaders cross Oxfam’s finish line After 30 hours and 100 kilometres, Team 52 representing Fantech, proudly hobbled across the Oxfam Trailwalker finish line. The event challenges teams of four to walk (or run) the 100km trail through A great opportunity Australian bush in less than 48 hours and to keep fit while commit to raising at least $1000 for Oxfam’s raising money for a various charity programs.
great cause.
This year more than 720 teams lined up at the starting line and trekked across three national parks to finish in the Yarra Valley, a premium wine growing region about 100km east of Melbourne. Among them was Team 52, the Frail Crusaders, comprising Christine Thompson, Karen Griffith, Paul Menara and Peter Lorenc. The team began training in early February and over the coming months they showed their dedication, giving up weekends and starting at 2am to improve their fitness, condition their feet and familiarise themselves with the trail.
At 10am on 16 April, the Frail Crusaders set off on their journey. “The walk was as much a mental challenge as a physical strain,” Peter said. “We had to cross each checkpoint as a team so the camaraderie that developed during our training was a great help to keep up team morale. This was particularly true towards the end of the event when blisters and weary muscles began to take their toll.
Frail Crusaders Team, from left to right: Karen Griffith,, Peter Lorenc, Christine Thompson, Paul Menara
“Despite this, the team pulled through and we found the whole experience very rewarding and look forward to next year’s event.” Peter said it was a great opportunity to keep fit while raising money for a great cause. “We aimed to raise $3000, but through the generous support of companies like Offshore Engineering, Thomas Warburton, Uniair Distributors, CMG Engineering and Fantech, we actually raised $5223. We would also like to thank our support crew and our families, friends and work colleagues for their donations and encouragement throughout our journey. “The money helps ease the pain and suffering of poverty by providing clean water, shelter and food to people in need, including our own indigenous population.”
Jack Pirie joins ARBS Hall of Fame Fantech’s Chairman, Jack Pirie, is one of nine men to be inducted into the ARBS Hall of Fame.
The Hall of Fame recognises outstanding service, contribution and commitment to the HVAC & R industry. Inductees were announced at the ARBS Gala Dinner held at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre on 13 April, 2010. “I was delighted to be among the first inductees to the Hall of Fame,” Jack said. “But at the same time, it is very humbling because there are so many others in the industry who have contributed as much, and more than I have, and I would dearly love to see those people recognised in the future.” Each of the six organisations that make up ARBS were invited to select two names for the Hall of Fame. The nominated individuals must have served a minimum of 25 years in the industry and have a well documented performance record of working tirelessly to further the industry and its endeavours.
New face o f National Sales After 22 years with Fantech, Sales Director John Bent is looking forward to a change in direction. He has taken a well earned European holiday and, upon his return, will take up a position as a Non-Executive Director on the Fantech Board.
Jack was nominated by the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), along with CIBSE ANZ region founder John Tyerman. Other inductees include: James Harrison, Denis Joseph, Greg Groppenbacher, Kevin Noyes, Allan G. Coombs, Brian Stapleton and Doug Staniforth. “It’s a real honour to be among some of our industry greats,” Jack said. “I knew all their names Jack Pirie receiving his award and the work that they did.” from ARBS chairman
Allen Williams From his early days as a student and lecturer at the National College for Heating Ventilating, Refrigeration and Fan Engineering in London, “It’s a real honour to Jack has always been willing g be among some of to share his knowledge our industry greats.” and passion for the industry.y.
Jack introduced a number of well respected brands to Australia and later began developing new and improved products for Air & Noise Equipment, a company formed with Glen Harries and Charlie Sutherland. The products became the cornerstone of Fantech, as the company was later renamed. Aside from his innovation, Jack has continually given back to o the industry, serving on the AIRAH committee, CIBSE ANZ regional committee and on the Board of ARBS.
Engineer’s training program goes national
Roland Pryce
“My job was very demanding so I am looking forward to being able to spend some more time with my wife Kim, while at the same time continue to make a contribution to the success of Fantech,” he said. “We recently took on a renovation project, so it will be good to work with my hands again.” The Non-Executive Director’s role will see him work on the business rather than within it. John played an integral part in the growth and success of the Fantech business, and will draw on this experience, his exposure to a range of other businesses, and his in-depth knowledge of the ventilation market to help steer the company into the future. Roland Pryce began working as the new National Sales Manager in April. “John and I have had a lengthy transition period and his comprehensive handover has been very beneficial,” he said. “We have visited each of the branches together and I feel I have a good handle on the national business activities, its strengths and the personalities within the sales team. As a Sales Manager his core objective is to develop and maintain the success of the business through its relationship and interaction with its customers. “I want to ensure that customers receive a consistent and high level of service and technical support where “...ensure that and whenever they customers receive approach Fantech and its partners,” he said. “It a consistent and high is important we retain, level of service.” develop and continue to attract the best people so that each office is optimally resourced and has simple but effective processes to support our customers. Roland will also focus on encouraging staff to participate in industry and professional groups which will keep them better informed and better equipped to provide a superior service to customers.
Fan Training program at NSW
Fantech’s Engineer’s training program is now available nationally. Developed initially in Melbourne, the training program provides a unique opportunity for engineers currently employed in the HVAC industry to gain knowledge and a better understanding of fan types, fan laws and best practise application. Courses have since been held in Tasmania, South Australia, Queensland and NSW. Fantech’s Market Development Engineer Daniel Tan said 50 consultants and contractors attended the training in Brisbane and, most recently, about 30 in Sydney. “Most of the guys have been working in the industry for a number of years and wanted to brush up on their technical fan skills,” he said. The revamped one day program includes presentations from Fantech’s technical experts on a range of key concepts including: fan selection, noise management, air movement and the Do’s and Don’ts of ventilation design. In addition, it is a great opportunity for the attendees to network and meet new people in the industry. Participants taking part in the program may also be eligible to claim CPD points. Fantech Chairman Jack Pirie said the attendances were fantastic and clearly indicated there was a strong demand to be met. He encouraged engineers to contact Barb Parker in the Melbourne office to find out more about the program and when it would be available in their state. The next programs are scheduled for the 7th and 9th of September in Perth and will be followed by sessions in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch later in September. Barb’s contact details are phone: (03) 9554 7804 or email bparker@fantech.com.au.
Offering an Entire service The Entire group of companies has it covered by offering a complete design, supply, installation and maintenance service for mechanical services and fire protection. The Melbourne-based company began in 1985 as a small fire protection company, but the idea was always to offer a multi-disciplinary service that provided clients with a smooth-running project that is free of disruption. In 1986 Mark Franklin was appointed to head the mechanical services side of the business. “We began doing installations on the back of the fire protection business and have grown to become a group of six companies each working in their own right,” he said.
Goods Shed, Docklands Victoria. Photo Courtesy of Equiset
...the idea was always to offer a multi-disciplinary service.
Entire Mechanical Services is one of the six companies in the group which employ more than 150 people and most of the staff have been with the group for a long time. “We try and look after our staff and train them to become multidisciplinary,” he said. “Many of our apprentices are now working in project management and our trainee draftsmen have become estimators. “The group likes to work with new technology and, as a result, we are involved in some interesting and niche projects,” Mark said. In December last year Entire completed the mechanical installation of the North Goods Shed. Railway Goods Shed No.2 was built in 1889 to accommodate increased railway traffic in Melbourne. The original shed extended 385 metres from Bourke Street, but has since been bisected by the Collins’ Street extension to create the North and South Good Sheds.
Westin Hotel, City Square Victoria
“It was an interesting challenge to retrofit a heritage building built in the 1800s with a modern five star Green Star (for office design) fit out for VicUrban, the Building Commission and the Plumbing Industry Commission,” Mark said. The open plan office space with mezzanine levels left little space to hide anything, he said. A central, under floor trench, housed all the key services as well as an underfloor displacement system for heating and cooling. A chilled beam system was installed to provide a quiet and efficient cooling solution, and the heating achieved with hydronic heating via skirting heaters. A tri-generation system comprising four micro-gas turbines coupled to an absorption chiller was installed to produce electricity, heating and cooling.
WOULD YOU LIKE MORE INFORMATION?
Please send me a “Keen to be Green” Mouse Mat. Please send me a “Keen to be Green” Poster. Please send me additional information on the TD Silent range of mixed-flow fans Please send me a copy of the Fans by Fantech Product Selection CD. Please send me a copy of the 2008 Fans by Fantech Catalogue.
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Fantech - a member of the Elta Group of Companies
Ericsson Building, Docklands Victoria
Fantech Contacts
Fantech congratulates the Entire group of companies on their 25 year milestone.
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