Newsletter Number 76
April 2013
2013 2012 2011
Fantech celebrates Forty years ago Jack Pirie and Glen Harries met for a drink at a pub one evening. The meeting had a profound effect on both men’s lives as they began a journey to form a new company and start an unbreakable friendship that would see many highs and lows.
2010 2009
To commemorate the 40 year anniversary and thank customers for their continued support, Fantech held their annual customer function at the Melbourne Aquarium where over 320 customers, suppliers and staff came together. Master of Ceremonies and actor Shane Jacobson (also known as plumber Kenny Smyth, in the 2006 film Kenny and Australian Top Gear host) kept the crowd entertained as Jack and Peter talked about Fantech’s history and some industry first developments.
1999
“ What has evolved is a family of employees with a ‘can do’ attitude...”
1992
Talking to guests, Peter said it was important to show where the company had come from, but also demonstrate its future direction. “Fantech has recently introduced a new service, offering fans prefabricated to include a range of ancillaries, ready for lifting and mounting into position,” he said. “This is a first for Fantech and a real opportunity for projects to gain installation efficiencies on the building site.”
1989
Years
Air & Noise Equipment began in 1973, and later changed its name to Fantech. Glen’s daughter’s bedroom soon became Head Office as the two men, full of passion, commitment and vision, set out to create the most trusted and well respected fan company in Australia.
Today Fantech is part of the Elta Group Asia Pacific (EGAP) operation with approximately 340 staff and facilities in Malaysia, New Zealand, and most states of Australia. Fantech Managing Director Peter Wingfield said the company’s success could be traced back to the initial philosophies established by Jack and Glen. “Their aims were to provide a new level of customer service and high quality products which are still a core value of the company today,” he said. The two men strongly believed they could improve the design of existing products in the market so by 1978 Fantech started selling axial flow fans and roof units that they had designed and manufactured. To help them with the constant push to provide a better product and superior service, they surrounded themselves with like-minded people, some of whom are still with the company today. “What has evolved is a family of employees with a ‘can do’ attitude and a commitment to providing intelligent ventilation solutions,” Peter said. “We continue to listen to our customer base and to respond to their needs with innovative new energy efficient products.”
Fantech is passionate about pursuing intelligent ventilation solutions as the trend towards ‘green’ technology continues to grow in demand. The company is researching and developing ideas that will integrate purpose-built software with Fantech products to improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000
1973-2013
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1991 1990 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984
In driving the company forward he spoke of the immense number of products available from the Elta Group and the company’s ability to offer customers a packaged ventilation solution that could include duct and diffusion products, fans, silencers, air handling units and filter systems. “It is a real advantage to our customers and partly explains why we have been able to confirm a major project in Hong Kong.”
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1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978
Peter thanked everyone for attending and helping the Fantech team celebrate their 40th year anniversary. An enjoyable night was had by all.
1977
From left to right: Gary Ritchens (James L. Williams), Shane Jacobson (MC), Peter Wingfield (Fantech), Warwick Stannus (A. G. Coombs) and Anthony Lamaro (Fantech).
1974
1976 1975
1973
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The
truth about
Technically Speaking
fan performance
However, when this motorised impeller is fitted into a housing, which could consist of a cowl, casing or plenum, the fan’s performance characteristics change significantly. It is important to remember that motorised impellers will be used in many fan types, including roof mounted in downflow and vertical discharge configurations, wall mounted and duct mounted. These components all have an effect on the way the air leaves the impeller and the overall performance of the fan. For example with an in-line duct mounted centrifugal fan, the air is forced to change direction once it hits the wall of the casing. This together with the air flow losses associated with surface friction, dramatically affects the pressure development capabilities of the fan. In addition to these reductions, the noise level increases and the overall efficiency of the fan decreases. Furthermore if these components are poorly designed, the performance loss is amplified.
• 15% reduction in air flow • 37% reduction in pressure development • 14% reduction in efficiency • 8% reduction in peak efficiency • 1.2dB noise increase ISO5801 Type A Test Results Comparison 800
Difference in air flow
700
Ps F, Pressure (Pa)
Australian fan manufacturers purchase their motorised external-rotor centrifugal impellers from the major suppliers in Europe and increasingly cheaper product from Asia. These suppliers only test the fan in the very basic configuration where the setup consists of a motorised impeller, inlet cone and a simple motor mount. This allows the fan to perform without restrictions which produces the optimum values for air flow, noise and efficiency.
Fantech recently undertook testing to determine the actual differences in performance between a motorised centrifugal impeller only assembly and a built up centrifugal fan in a housing. At a given duty point the results are as follows:
600
Fan Assembly Impeller Only
500 400
Difference in pressure
300 200 100 0 0.000
0.500
1.000
1.500
2.000
2.500
3.000
qv , Air Flow (m3/s)
Static Efficiency (%)
To ensure a ventilation system functions in the built environment as it was intended in the design stages, it is crucial to know that the fan’s actual performance matches the catalogue data published by the manufacturer. The only true way to measure the performance of a fan is by using a specially designed air flow test rig which is compliant to an international standard, such as ISO5801:2007, industrial fans - performance testing using standardised airways.
with Ben Lowerson
45% 40% 35%
ISO5801 Type A Test Results Static Efficiency (Input Power) Fan Assembly Impeller Only
Difference in Peak Efficiency Difference in efficiency
30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0%
0.000
0.500
1.000
1.500
2.000
2.500
3.000
qv , Air Flow (m3/s)
Motorised centrifugal impeller
Complete built-up centrifugal fan
It has been observed that “motorised impeller only” performance data is being published by several local fan manufacturers as the performance data for their complete built-up centrifugal fan. This method is not only incorrect, it is misleading as the complete built fan will never perform to this level. As a result numerous sites have required larger fans to be installed, as the original selected fans did not perform as per the catalogued performance data. These reworks are an extremely costly exercise as access to the fan can be difficult and can cause disruptive project delays. Fantech’s in-house capability allows it to perform air flow testing using their purposebuilt air flow rigs which have been specifically designed to test to ISO5801:2007. In addition, Fantech’s sister company Elta Fans UK, has the capability to perform noise testing to BS848:Part 2 1985.
It should also be noted that the tests performed by the motorised impeller manufacturers are completed using their purposely-designed inlet cones and are set to have an ideal overlap between impeller and inlet cone. To reduce production costs many of the local fan manufacturers use their own inlet cones which suit a variety of their fan ranges. These inlet cones often do not follow the supplier’s overlap recommendations, thereby further reducing performance. When ordering fans it is important to question whether the performance data comes from a complete built-up centrifugal fan with housing, brackets etc, or is it from the motorised impeller only. The majority of imported motorised centrifugal impellers are sourced from Germany and these are tested to a German DIN standard such as DIN24163 so if the data of a locally assembled complete built-up fan is published to a German DIN standard rather than an ISO standard you have to question how accurate the assembled fan performance data is. Every fan range engineered and sold by Fantech is thoroughly tested as a fully assembled fan during the development process to determine its true performance. The fan tested is exactly the same as the unit purchased and installed by the contractor. As a result Fantech has comprehensive data on each fan model and therefore has the ability to publish accurate and reputable technical catalogue data. This information is beneficial to the end user as they can be confident that the fan will perform as intended.
New manager for
Fantech NZ
With more than 25 years experience in the building industry, and as Fantech New Zealand’s Southern Area Manager since 2007, Mark Rickard has been appointed the new manager of the New Zealand operation. Appointed to his new role in January 2013, Mark is committed to drive further improvements in customer service, and supply customers with superior products and innovative technologies that improve efficiency and reduce costs. The technical partnership between Fantech and its customers is one of the company’s greatest strengths. Mark aims to build and strengthen these relationships and position Fantech as a partner and an integral part of their business. Fantech NZ will be introducing a number of new brands into New Zealand soon and have some exciting products in development which will be released later this year. “Innovation and our ability to provide a solution has resulted in Fantech being awarded the contract to supply EC JetVent series car park fans for the SkyCity refurbishment, the largest refurbishment in New Zealand for years,” Mark said. “This was a particularly satisfying result, due to the complexity of the design, but the result is outstanding for the client and contractors alike. This demonstrates our team’s capabilities and problem solving skills, of which we are very proud of.”
TechTalk
speaks volumes after 25 years TechTalk was born from the desire to share Fantech’s knowledge with the HVAC industry and educate it on how to make more efficient product selections and installations. Twenty-five years, 76 issues and over 700 stories later, TechTalk still remains an important communication tool for Fantech to reach out to customers. Fantech Marketing Manager Frank Cosentino said TechTalk had undergone a number of face lifts over the years, but its objective had remained essentially the same - to keep customers informed of what Fantech and the industry were doing. “A key role of the newsletter is to promote best practice in the industry, to educate the market on how to make better installations that are more energy efficient and cost effective,” he said.
Fans by Fantech Product Selection Program with Stuart Bryson
Fantech’s new Product Selection Program is full of powerful new features and is now available through your local Fantech office or agent. In each issue of TechTalk we will include tips which will hopefully save you time.
Hints and Tips: Sorting through the Results After you enter in your criteria and click ‘Search for Fans’, the program displays all of the matching fans and some key data relating to them. Each of the columns can be sorted by simply clicking the column heading. A number of the columns can also be swapped for different data by right-clicking on the heading; these are: Diameter, Power, Efficiency and Sound. This can help you compare fans on a wide range of factors, for example peak power, individual noise spectrum values and percentage of maximum pressure.
“Technically Speaking indepth articles provide information that helps our readers decide what type of product is best for certain applications and suggest installation methods that provide the greatest energy efficiency. Feedback has shown our readers find this and the article on Product Selection Program Tips the most valuable,” Frank said.
“ A key role of the newsletter is to promote best practice in the industry...” In addition to profiling new products and technologies, TechTalk uses interesting key projects to highlight where the products are used and the benefits gained from using them. It also points out the features of the project and any unique aspect it may have. Each issue spotlights significant consultant or contractor milestones and each year the December issue celebrates 10, 15, 20 and 25 years of service by staff. Together with the printed version, TechTalk is now available as an electronic turn-page file. Anybody wanting to go on the mailing list for the electronic version should visit the Fantech website or contact Rafael Mayen on rmayen@fantech.com.au or (03) 9554 7868. “We welcome further comments and encourage readers to contact us with ideas for future stories.”
High volume fan, low operating cost Conventional high revolution wall-mounted or pedestal floor fans can be noisy, expensive to run and create annoying disturbances.
Product News
with Frank Cosentino
Fantech now offers a quality, cost effective solution with BladeTec High Volume Low Speed (HVLS) fans made by DuctSox, an American company with over 30 years experience. BladeTec HVLS fans help to eliminate the build-up of hot stagnant air by maintaining constant air movement. It creates a feeling of freshness that results in a more productive and comfortable environment. The BladeTec HVLS fans are effective at cooling occupants in large enclosed commercial spaces. They can also be used in winter to push hot air down from the ceiling space to help keep employees warmer. BladeTec’s high mounting position helps create a safer environment by eliminating the need for dangerous power cords and extension leads. BladeTec HVLS fans have a unique three blade design which delivers a large volume of air at relatively low cost. The mill finished aluminium blades have been designed and engineered for maximum air movement while maintaining low noise. Vibration absorbing material reduces stress to the hub by up to 75% and reduces noise, allowing the fan to work quietly and efficiently. The easy to use control panel operates up to four fans in forward or reverse and allows the speed of the blade to be adjusted.
The BladeTec range is both stylish and efficient. It comprises of a commercial series for smaller spaces and an industrial range that caters for larger areas. The commercial series can provide air movement up to 18m from the fan’s centre in all directions, but does so quietly, making them ideal for environments where noise should be at a minimum. There are three fan sizes in the series - 2440mm, 3050mm and 3660mm - with a capacity of 131,000m3/h (77,000 CFM) to 158,000m3/h (93,000CFM). The series is suitable for retail spaces, health clubs, schools, office buildings, restaurants and theatres.
“...designed and engineered for maximum air movement while maintaining low noise.” The industrial series can extend air movement up to 29m in all directions from the fan’s centre. With capacities of 138,000m3/h (81,000CFM) to over 671,000m3/h (395,000CFM), the industrial series is ideal for use in large buildings with high ceilings such as distribution centres, manufacturing facilities, convention centres, stadiums, warehouses, livestock barns and airports. There are five models in the series, starting at 2440mm through to 7320mm. BladeTec HVLS fans are available now. For further information contact your local Fantech branch or agent.
Kota Kasablanka brings Morocco to
Eltafantech, Fantech’s facility in Malaysia, is helping to bring a touch of Morocco to Indonesia through their involvement in Kota Kasablanka. Inspired by the architectural grandeur of the Moroccan port Casablanca, CADIZ International Architects and PT EnviroTec Indonesia designed Kota Kasablanka to be a ‘lifestyle centre’ - somewhere you would work, rest and play. The 9.5 hectare site in South Jakarta includes a 30-floor office tower and two 30-floor apartment towers. But one of the main attractions is the 4 floor podium shopping mall that covers 195,000 square metres. Eltafantech Managing Director Peter Lester said the development followed the newest trend in retail complexes by providing the shopper a better environment in which to spend their leisure time. “The architects have designed an open air village complete with Spanish steps, a fountain, gardens and a stage for musicians or art performances. The Moroccan theme continues with its brick and stone paving, vibrant colours and mosaic tiles,” he said.
“ With more than 4,300 car spaces, ventilation was a key concern.” “But the development is not just for locals, it is also designed to be a tourist destination and includes a 25-floor hotel tower that sits on top of the podium,” he said. “We have had a great deal of success in Indonesia with our reputation and strong track record due to the hard work of our
Indonesia
agent PT Multitek,” Peter said. “We have worked together for 23 years, and we certainly appreciate their contribution.” With more than 4,300 car spaces, ventilation was a key concern. Eltafantech supplied over 100 JetVent impulse axial fans for the 3 levels of basement car park in the mall and the apartment complex. The fans are used in conjunction with carbon monoxide sensors which monitor the pollution of the air and operate the fans if air quality deteriorates. In addition to the efficiencies of the impulse technology, the fans are designed for fire and smoke control ventilation. A large range of axial, bifurcated, compact, short case and DWDI fans were also used throughout the development. Peter said the project had been initiated in 1994, with phase 1 construction beginning the following year. However, construction was terminated in 1997 as a result of the financial crisis in Asia. Almost eight years later, PT Elite Prima Hutama took over the ownership of the project and restarted it. The project was complete with the official opening in November 2012.
Fantech launches new website
retail, domestic and mining. The search will produce a list of suitable products for that application, brief information about their construction, and a link to the series for more detailed information. Additional product categories will also make it easier to find the product you are looking for. These categories are fan controllers, attenuators, VAV diffusers and ducting.
An easy to use more intuitive interface, faster processing speed, downloadable content and enhanced search engine capabilities are just some of the features in Fantech’s new website. Fantech’s Multimedia & Web Developer Din Ibrahim said, “The old website contained excellent product information and data, but lacked some of the functionalities and key information we wanted to convey to customers. In developing the new website we have not just changed the appearance, we have re-engineered the entire site, incorporating the latest technology.” A key driver for the website redevelopment was to make it easier for users to search for products. To achieve this, the new website integrates the database and programming framework from the Fans by Fantech Product Selection Program, resulting in faster, more accurate product selections. This new framework ensures that all new products and their relevant data are added to the website very quickly. Consistant feedback from customers has led to a new website function which enables products to be searched by application. There are 10 applications to choose from, including: medical and hospital, car parks, commercial and
Downloading copies of brochures and other Fantech literature has also been made simple with the addition of a ‘downloads’ section on the home page. Here electronic files of product brochures, TechTalk newsletters and individual catalogue pages can be downloaded to your computer.
“...the new website... resulting in faster, more accurate product selections.” An exciting new aspect of the website is the key projects section which showcases many of the high profile projects Fantech has been involved in. It includes their unique features and some of the major companies associated with the project. Din said the website had also embraced social media, adding twitter feeds to the home page. “Just as important is the company time line which dates back to 1973 and shows some of the major goals achieved and how Fantech developed such a high level of expertise,” he said. Fantech’s new website is now live. Visit www.fantech.com.au
Big bank nabs
gateway to Docklands
The National Australia Bank (NAB) has moved into one of Victoria’s premium commercial hubs, the Melbourne Docklands, with plans to tenant a second major building in the area. The NAB will be the major tenant of the CBUS building, one of two buildings that make up Bourke Junction on the corner of Bourke Street and Wurindjeri Way. The 15 story building includes two levels of car park, bicycle parking, child care facilities, retail areas and NAB office space. D&E was awarded the mechanical contracts to design and construct the base building, followed by the build-only fitout. Senior Project manager Kelvin Richards oversaw the project, assisted by Project Manager/Engineer Matt Plozza. It was the largest project D&E had undertaken up to that time, with a peak of 135 workers on site in mid 2012. “Although we started working on the project in August 2011, the build time was relatively short at 14 months, which was a challenge,” Matt said. “We used Fantech because of their high quality products, technical support and engineering expertise which assisted us in delivering the project in the short time frame.”
Fantech supplied 114 axial and centrifugal fans and 14 custom-made roof cowls. Designed to achieve a 6 Star Green Star rating for the base building and 5 Stars for the fitout, the building has a number of environmentally sustainable features. These include a passive chilled beam system with a chilled water central plant, split to produce high and low temperature chilled water to serve chilled beams and Air Handling Units respectively. Other green initiatives in the building include an energy efficient facade, high performance solar glazing and a black water treatment plant. Approximately 3,000 chilled beams and 50km of copper pipe were installed, a massive undertaking for D&E as this was their first chilled beam project.
“ It was the largest project D&E had undertaken up to that time...” A critical part of the installation was removing any potential damage to the chilled beams by chemically treating the water that is used in the process. “Another interesting aspect of the job was the commissioning,” Matt said. “Due to the tight completion date, most air and water systems were balanced floor-by-floor using temporary fan and pump rigs running from temporary power boards, before the roof-top plantroom was completed.” The building was completed in April 2013.
Promptair celebrates 15 year milestone Like many family owned companies, the core values established 15 years ago when Promptair began, are a driving factor in their success today.
“From the outset we were determined to build a solid business based on quality workmanship and unparalleled customer service,” Managing Director Peter Thornton said. “We focused on understanding the client’s commercial objectives and helping them achieve them, instead of just making a sale.” “In 2002 we established a mechanical contracting division. We quickly realised that there was a need and an expectation in the market for the standard of work that we were providing. We were also very keen to offer a collaborative approach to our projects working close with our clients where possible,” Peter said. “The option of on-going service and providing analysis on future life cycle impacts, particularly during the design and documentation phase of the projects, is a very important aspect of the contracting side of our business.” Today Promptair specialises in HVAC/R installation, maintenance and repair services for industrial and commercial customers in South Australia. They currently employ 80 permanent staff which is supplemented with subcontract labour if required. The company realises that its greatest strength is its people, so new staff are carefully selected on their experience, demonstrated skill level, initiative and commitment to quality. There is also a strong
focus on senior staff sharing their knowledge and experience with apprentices and younger members of the business.
Promptair has had a strong relationship with Fantech for many years as they supply high quality, cost effective products, QSE/HR Manager Terry Vanis said.
“ ...we were determined to build a solid business based on quality workmanship...” Most recently Promptair has been working with Fantech on one of Adelaide’s largest mixed-use developments in the last decade. Terry said 70 Franklin Street was designed to achieve Green Building Council of Australia 5 Star rating and a modelled NABERS 5 Star rating. “As such, a high efficiency air conditioning system was installed, comprising of floor by floor chilled water, low temperature primary air and induction variable volume units with heating hot water coils to serve offices on 16 levels of the building,” he said. “The high efficiency thermal plant room comprised water cooled magnetic bearing chillers, centrifugal fans, fibreglass cooling towers and condensing gas-fired boilers and associated BMS controls.” Fantech congratulates Promptair on their 15 year milestone.
Would You Like More Information?
Fantech Contacts
Please send me a “Keen to be Green” fan installation Mouse Mat
Please send me a “Keen to be Green” fan installation Poster
Please send me a copy of the Fans by Fantech Product Selection CD
Please send me a copy of the BladeTec brochure
Please send me a copy of the Rickard Diffuser range brochure
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Fantech - a member of the Elta Group of Companies
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