Newsletter Number 78
For
December 2013
Faster, more Efficient Project Delivery
PRE FAB A S S E M B L I E S
Fantech has just introduced a new and unique prefabrication service to help save customer’s time and money when installing fans on site. On-site installation of individual components requires storage and working space that often causes site congestion, OH&S issues and time wastage from needing to collect and assemble components. Providing a prefabricated modular assembly that is simply lifted and mounted into position gives customers the opportunity to improve site productivity and control labour costs. Also, project delays while waiting for single components to be delivered will no longer be an issue. The Fantech prefabricated assemblies include adjustable pitch axial inline fans ranging from 560mm to 2 metres diameter and are fitted to transition ductwork, anti-vibration mounts and flexible connections at both the inlet and outlet of the fan.
Customers also have the option to either free-issue or purchase a Variable Speed Drive from Fantech which will be suitably mounted and pre-wired to meet EMC electrical regulations. The modular assemblies have been structurally certified by an independent engineer to meet the following Australian Standards:AS1418.1 Cranes, Hoist and Winches - General and AS3990-1993 Mechanical Equipment Steel work. This therefore ensures compliance with structural regulations and enables better management of OH&S onsite. Cost savings can be made in the project design stages due to the modular, certified designs needing no client engineering. Furthermore, three-dimensional Revit models are available for all modular assembly sizes, significantly reducing project drafting costs. Customers can be assured they are getting a high quality, structurally certified product that has been assembled for optimal performance. Fantech has a proven project delivery capability - and the prefabricated assembly products offer efficiencies and further risk minimisation ensuring projects are delivered on time and on budget. The wide range of prefabricated adjustable pitch axial inline products is now available through the Fantech network.
puorG hcetnaF
“ ... gives customers the opportunity to improve site productivity and control labour costs.� There is limited variation to the standard width and heights of transition ductwork to ensure system performance is optimised, however, three non-standard options are also available for each fan diameter. The square to round transitions are offered in plain and a range of internally lined configurations.
Fantech Group
Part 2: Selecting the right fan blade material for the job As discussed in the last edition of TechTalk (issue number 77), materials perform differently when they operate at various stresses, temperatures, speeds and in corrosive environments. For this reason it is important to select the right fan impeller material for the application. In this edition we will look at specific applications and why some materials are more suitable than others.
Car Park Exhaust fans National Construction Code - NCC 2013 Table E2.2a Class 7a Buildings states “Fans with metal blades suitable for operation at normal temperature may be used” The intent of this clause is that while car park fans are not classed as an essential service, it is recognised that it is more beneficial for exhaust fans to run in the event of a fire to assist in clearing smoke, rather than stopping. Therefore steel and aluminium impellers are typically used for car park exhaust fans.
Hazardous Environments When fans are being used in a hazardous environment where explosive gases, vapours, dusts or fibres may be present there is a need to reduce potential ignition sources that may cause the hazardous substance to explode or catch fire. Ignition sources can occur between components rotating relative to each other. There are four main ways this can occur:
1. Sparks between steel and/or iron components striking each other. This is the most likely cause of sparks so the fan design and construction must eliminate this possibility. 2. A “Thermit” reaction caused when aluminium and rusty or oxidised steel strike each other. 3. Sparks from a build-up of static electricity on non-conductive parts, such as plastic fan blades or housings, which can spark to an earthed component. 4. Heat from two surfaces brushing against each other.
Fan impeller to casing/housing tip clearances are normally increased to reduce this possibility. If choosing an impeller made from aluminium material, there must be sufficient clearance to avoid contact with the steel housing. As only “allowable material pairings” may be used, an anti-spark ring or inlet cone made of aluminium, brass or copper is normally supplied for hazardous environment fans with aluminium blades. A Glass Reinforced Plastic impeller can potentially generate a spark through the build-up of static electricity and subsequent discharge to an earthed component. Therefore an anti-static impeller material should normally be used in this instance as they have a much lower surface resistivity to avoid the static electricity build up.
Technically Speaking with Kerry Dumicich Smoke Spill Fans While impeller types are not specified, Australian Standards AS1668.1 1998 requires that: 4.8.1” …The smoke-spill fan shall be type-tested for these rating requirements in accordance with AS4429(Int).” As the rating requirements are 200°C for 2 hours in sprinklered buildings, or 300°C for 30 mins in un-sprinklered buildings, steel or aluminium impellers are normally the only types to operate at such high temperatures.
Kitchen Exhaust fans There is a common misconception that kitchen exhaust fans require steel or aluminium fan impellers. However AS1668.1 1998 11.2.5 Amdt 1 states that: “Kitchen exhaust fan casings and cowls shall be manufactured from non-combustible materials that have a fusing temperature above 1000°C.” The clause is specifically targeting the fan housing so that in the event of a fire the integrity of the housing is maintained to restrict fire spreading to other areas. Impellers are not required to be non-combustible and therefore plastic and composite impellers may be used in kitchen exhaust fans. Refer to your local Fantech office or agent for assistance and advice on fan materials and applications.
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: Viewing Adjustable Pitch Axial Fan Performance
When viewing the Performance Data for an adjustable pitch axial fan, a performance curve for each pitch angle is shown. The selected pitch angle’s performance curve is shown in blue. You can change the pitch of the fan while moving the duty point (the red-cross hair) by holding shift, providing the selected motor is capable of meeting the required power – these performance curves are shown in a darker grey colour. Lighter grey curves (pitch angles) would need a larger motor. If you haven’t got your copy of Fantech’s new Product Selection Program, make sure you contact your local office.
From left to right: Thanh Nguyen, Lauren Buttigieg, Jennifer Ransford, Stuart Bryson, Michelle D’Silva, Damien Kelly, Colin Coulston & Paul de Bruin
15 Years Brian Duffy: Fantech NSW - Fantech Plus Internal Sales
Brian has acquired a thorough knowledge of Fantech products having worked in production, QA and now internal sales. “I get a buzz from helping people and providing a solution - whether it’s selecting the appropriate fan or sorting out wiring problems,” he said. He enjoys many outdoor sports and spending time with the extended family and friends.
Staff A lifetime of service
From left to right: Jacky Cai, Brian Duffy, Angie Hawkesford, Peter Kelly & Kathy Gross
Fantech recognises the important contribution of its staff to the success of the company and thanks them, particularly those who have reached 10 or more years of service.
10 Years
20 Years
Stuart Bryson: Fantech Victoria - Information Systems Manager
Lauren Buttigieg: Fantech Victoria - Human Resources Manager
Stuart began with Fantech as a student in the marketing department and today oversees the Product Selection Program, company intranet and computer systems. “Fantech is a good environment to work in with great people,” he said. On the weekends Stuart relaxes with family and friends.
Jacky Cai: Fantech NSW - Credit Officer
As a credit officer Jacky’s tasks include: invoicing, crediting, banking and reconciling customers’ accounts. “It has been great to work along-side such a friendly team and to be a part of the growth of the business,” he said. Jacky’s interests include soccer, badminton, bushwalking and sea life watching.
Lauren oversees human resources, industrial and employee relations, OH&S and payroll for the company. “My job is challenging because legislation and work practices are continually modified, and this changing environment is the reason I love what I do,” she said. A team manager for her son’s baseball team, Lauren enjoys spending time with family and friends. Shawn Harris
Having worked in both internal and external fan sales, Shawn was the first sales person for Air Design’s Modutherm air handling units. “I like working with the Air Design team and enjoy being involved with the HVAC component of the construction industry - they are very positive and professional people,” he said. Three kids keep Shawn busy, but he likes to cycle when time allows.
Michelle D’Silva: Fantech Victoria - Sales Support Clerk
Michelle enjoys every aspect of her job, especially talking to customers and building up relationships. “There are lots of different things to do and it’s very rewarding,” she said. Michelle savours spending time with her children and family and in her spare time sings in a cover band.
Kathy Gross: Fantech NSW - Sales Support Officer
Kathy provides sales support by working with the sales, dispatch and production teams. “No two days are ever the same,” she said. “We have a really good crew and I love working with them.” At home Kathy is kept busy chasing around after two young children.
Nigel McQueen
Nigel McQueen: Fantech New Zealand - Sales & Training Engineer
Semi-retired, Nigel has worked as a sales engineer, senior sales engineer and technical manager. “I enjoy working with the people here and take pleasure and pride in being able to solve problems and provide advice to both staff and customers,” he said. At home Nigel gardens, reads and walks when his knees let him.
Angie Hawkesford: Fantech NSW Senior Sales Representative, Fantech Plus
A senior sales rep, Angie is there to help solve problems. “I have a great customer base, great products and a great company,” she said. “Coming to work each day is a pleasure.” Away from the office, a passion for baking has earned Angie the title of ‘Cupcake Queen’ among her peers.
Shawn Harris: Air Design - Queensland State Manager
Thanh Nguyen: Fantech Victoria - Engineer
Damien Kelly: Fantech Victoria - Axial Fan Assembler
Hired to help develop new products, Thanh now concentrates on special orders where Fantech standard products are modified for clients. “You never stop learning,” she said. “There’s always new technology and materials becoming available, and we need to be up-to-date to ensure we meet customer’s requirements.” Thanh is also secretary of a Vietnamese charity that sponsors the education of orphans and disabled kids.
Peter Kelly: Fantech NSW - Assembler
25 Years
Damien worked in the QA department before moving to assembly. “It’s a fantastic working environment with friendly colleagues and managers who are supportive and provide a great sense of camaraderie,” he said. Damien enjoys caravanning and camping, taking care of his dogs and fishing. Hired to assemble fans and roof units, Peter moved to dispatch for three years. He returned to the factory when his assembly skills were needed to clear an increasing number of orders. “I played cricket for 10 years, but am now a spectator,” he said. “I also like to watch motor racing.”
Jennifer Ransford: Fantech Victoria - Despatch Clerk
Organising transport and making sure items are dispatched on time keeps Jennifer on her toes. “It’s exciting and there are always new challenges,” she said. Away from work Jennifer looks forward to travelling overseas to visit family living in Phuket and Hong Kong.
Sue Triama: Systemaire WA - Credit Officer
As Systemaire’s inaugural bookkeeper, Sue loves the challenge of reconciliations and getting it all to balance. “Sometimes it doesn’t balance and it’s really frustrating, but when you crack it, it’s an awesome feeling,” she said. Sue enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, walking and travelling.
Josh Whittle: Airepure WA Technical Sales Engineer
Josh began in manufacturing and servicing and then proceeded into the office. “I like dealing with customers,” he said. “It’s a niche market, so you get to know people that sometimes can extend to friendships.” Josh is the drummer in a band and enjoys working on his Camaro and Trans-Am.
Josh Whittle & Sue Triama
John Bent
John Bent: Fantech Business Development Director
John has held National/International sales roles for a large portion of his time at Fantech and through his interaction with staff in different offices he has been instrumental in bringing national ideas to the head office in Melbourne. “The people at Fantech are our most valuable asset and the people are what I like most about the company,” he said. John has given up rugby, but still runs to keep mentally and physically active.
Colin Coulston: Fantech Victoria - Dispatch Supervisor
Starting in production, Colin worked in inward goods and dispatch before being offered the supervisor’s role for dispatch. “Fantech is a good place to work, and I’ve enjoyed my 25 years here,” he said. Colin enjoys travelling and visits Queensland often to see family. He also likes to read thriller and crime novels and watch sport.
Paul de Bruin: Fantech Victoria - Marketing Director
From sales engineer to marketing director, Paul’s journey with Fantech has been exciting and very rewarding. “We have worked hard to create and keep a supportive culture and have strong team collaboration which gets things done effectively,” he said. “Part of the challenge is to keep fresh and keep evolving as an individual and a business.” A family man with kids, Paul plays tennis and still surfs when he can.
Sydney goes wild about
new water park
The final touches are being applied to Australia’s newest and biggest water theme park. Wet’n’Wild Sydney in the western suburb of Prospect is the second water park built in Australia by Village Roadshow.
Situated on a 25-hectare site the park has been designed by The Buchan Group and features over 40 slides and attractions. Among these, the world’s tallest double Sky Coaster, an inland surf beach complete with white sandy shores and a 70-metre wave pool with three-metre swells. Up to 15,000 guests are expected each day during the peak summer period.
“... with all fans required to have a high level of efficiency to keep energy costs down.” Equilibrium Air Conditioning won the mechanical services contract. Project Manager and Design Engineer, Robert Pham said a range of ventilation equipment from Fantech was installed including roof-mounted fans and silencers for the kitchen exhaust; axial fans for exhaust and supply; and roof cowls. “In the plantrooms which contain chemicals to treat the water in pools and slides, specialised epoxy-coated axial fans were installed to serve the highly-corrosive exhaust,” he said.
Selection Program update saves even more time
Since its release last year, the new Fantech Product Selection Program has received a lot of positive feedback on its ease of use and powerful, time saving features. We’ve also received some great suggestions from customers, many of which have been incorporated in this most recent update, version 5.2.
This latest version of the program is now available and includes the following features: Selecting matching Silencers with a Fan: When entering your criteria for a Fan selection, you can choose the types of silencers you wish to have automatically matched. Selected fans will have their sound levels adjusted to allow for the insertion loss of the silencer, and you will be prompted to add the fan and matching silencer(s) to the schedule. As you update the information for the fan in your schedule (such as Location and Designation), or re-select it or delete it, you will be prompted to update the silencers too. Adjusted Sound Data when using a Variable Speed Drive: When a fan is controlled by a VSD, adjusting the speed will also calculate and display the estimated sound data for the fan at that speed.
Robert said the Sydney project was the most advanced water ride park in the world and had some of the fastest and tallest rides ever constructed. But the park was not just for the thrill seekers, there was something for everyone from toddlers through to grandparents. With so many pools a key design criteria was efficient use of water. The latest water filtration technology has been installed, requiring less backwashing. Further water savings are made by using rain water and recycled storm-water on the park’s gardens, in toilets and to wash down paths and pool entrances. Robert said environmentally friendly choices had extended to the selection of fans with all units required to have a high level of efficiency to keep energy costs down. Robert said one of the challenges was to comply to special acoustic specifications while engineering fan capacity, location and maintaining cost budgets. “Fantech’s fan selection program was essential in our design process to optimise all three,” he said. “Fantech engineers were very helpful in selecting quiet fans and silencers to suit the kitchen exhaust application and meet the client’s specifications.” Wet’n’Wild is due to open in December this year.
New criteria options: You can now choose to add Additional Motor Capacity when selecting an Adjustable Pitch Axial Fan, and improve Silencer selections with a Maximum Passage. Velocity parameter. Updated Data: We have added the new JetVent carpark Impulse fan models, the Provent (RIL) mixed-flow in-line fan models, more ancillary options and improved linkage to our new website. Version 5.2 will automatically download and update if you have Version 5 or higher. If you don’t have a copy, you can now download the latest version from our website – www.fantech.com.au/psp/ or it can be delivered to you on a CD by your representative. Simply contact your local Fantech office or agent.
Redeveloped Adelaide Oval
hosts 2nd Ashes Test
South Australian sports fans will return to a bigger and better stadium this summer as the new Southern Stand at Adelaide oval is unveiled. The $535 million redevelopment began in late 2011 and includes two new grandstands, a new international standard indoor cricket centre and oval works. It follows on from a smaller project completed in November 2011 to upgrade the Western/Members grandstand.
New Adelaide Oval Eastern Stand
Set in parklands, Adelaide oval is considered one of the world’s most picturesque grounds. This is in part due to the northern end where spectators can relax on the famous grassed mound or take shade under the historic Moreton Bay fig trees. Further in the distance are views of the parkland and St Peter’s Cathedral.
been an enormous help, suggesting new improved products such as the Fan & Blower Centrifugal Fans which are new to Australia and are working well to meet the requirements of the specification.”
Fantech has supplied about 130 fans for the project including: toilet exhausts, supply and exhaust fans Southern Stand toilet exhaust for the basement car park, smoke spill fans and in-line installation supply air fans. Many fans had been fitted with quality Fantech sound attenuators to reduce the noise impact on Colin Batey, Project Manager for mechanical spectators and staff. Fantech also worked with OP Industries to services contractor OP Industries, has been ensure maximum fan and pump energy efficiency was achieved by involved with the project from the start. He said the new design was supplying 85 Vacon Variable speed drives for the project. thoughtful, and care had been taken to preserve the northern vista. As such, the northern area was revamped in 2012, but all its unique “ Fantech has been an enormous help, features, including the Edwardian scoreboard which has been in suggesting new improved products...” operation since 1911, had been retained. Seats were added in front of the mound and timber decking now winds through the fig trees Colin said the project was staged with key delivery times to fit in providing an additional viewing platform. with major sporting events. “The next deadline was the Southern “The main changes are of course the two new grandstands which will boost the ground’s capacity from 36,000 to 50,000 spectators,” he said. With more than 75% of seats under cover, the two new stands will provide shade in summer and protection from the elements in winter. Colin said providing all the air conditioning and ventilation requirements for the project, including chiller and boiler installation and about 30km of pipework, was a massive job. “Looking at kitchen exhaust alone, there are 20 large blower type fans serving the 65 kitchen canopies throughout the complex. Fantech has
EltaFantech
Spreads the word
An eight foot diameter High Volume Low Speed (HVLS) ceiling-mounted BladeTec fan was just one of the products EltaFantech Asia showcased in exhibitions across the region. This year EltaFantech Asia was one of over 250 exhibitors at CamBuild 2013, the biggest international event for the building and construction industry in Cambodia. “The exhibition was held from 10-12 September and focused on energy efficiency and new technologies,” Managing Director Peter Lester said. “Apart from our extensive range of fans, we have some great new products including the BladeTec HVLS fans and Rickard Variable Air Volume (VAV) diffusers. It was also an opportunity to build on the EltaFantech Asia brand.”
stand and entrance plaza to be completed before the Second test where Australia versed England,” he explained. “It was a very tight construction program and to ensure everything ran smoothly for the players, officials and spectators, we were on standby from the 5th to 9th of December.” The project will continue into 2014 with the Eastern stand and indoor centre due for completion in March, just in time for the new AFL season.
A week later Mr Lester and his team showcased their products at Ecobuild South East Asia in Kuala Lumpur. A proven event for sustainable design, construction and the built environment, this was the first time Ecobuild had occurred outside the United Kingdom. The results were fantastic with senior government officials, developers, architects, consultants, contractors and planners from across the region collecting information to ensure they were well informed of the latest technologies and developments. Mr Lester said visitors to both exhibitions were impressed with the products on display. “Many were pleased to see an alternative supplier, especially one that gave them a greater choice of higher quality products with cost and energy saving features,” he said. EltaFantech Asia is a subsidiary of Fantech Australia and part of the Elta Group of companies.
EltaFantech at Ecobuild South East Asia in Kuala Lumpur
Westside Group celebrates 15 year milestone As mates during their apprenticeship, neither Allan Sage nor Wayne Irvine knew their friendship would evolve into a business partnership that would lead a group of four companies. Today the Westside Group employs in excess of 100 staff with an additional team of 30 to 40 specialist subcontractors. “Wayne and I had been in the mechanical services industry for several years before deciding to form Westside Mechanical Contracting in 1998,” Allan said. “Our initial business plan was to work towards a structure that allowed us to undertake major projects and soon after we formed Westside Services. This specialist service and maintenance company compliments the main contracting business by attending to its service and maintenance obligations during the warranty period, and is also successful in its own right with a minor contracts division.” To ensure the Eyre Peninsula was serviced in a reliable and timely way, Westside Eyre was formed. A fourth company, Westside Plumbing, was formed only three years ago, enabling the group to offer a professional multi-discipline building and engineering service.
Fantech sends Christmas
cheer to Leukaemia Foundation
“Throughout my career I have always been associated with Fantech, so it was only natural to continue that relationship with Westside, ” Allan said. “They offer a professional service and follow through with the whole package, from sales and engineering through to delivery and back up service.” Wayne agreed, reiterating the importance of product support from key suppliers to ensure projects ran smoothly with optimal outcomes for all parties. “When confronted with higher than expected external static pressure during the commissioning of a major toilet exhaust system on the new South Australian Police Headquarters, we turned to Fantech,” Wayne said. “Working with their engineers we developed a solution by changing the material of the discharge shutters. This provided the required result with minimal adjustments to the installation. This timely response helped to ensure the project was completed on time and on budget.” Fantech congratulate the Westside Group on reaching their 15 year milestone.
As has become our tradition at Christmas, Fantech will donate funds otherwise used to buy Christmas cards to a worthwhile charity. This Christmas the proceeds will go to the Leukaemia Foundation of Australia. The Leukaemia Foundation is Australia’s peak body for blood cancer, funding research and providing free services to help people with leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and related blood disorders, and their families. 31 Australians are diagnosed with blood cancer every day. The foundation receives no ongoing government funding and relies on the generous support of the community to fund their Vision to Cure and Mission to Care. For further information, or if you would like to make a donation, visit www.leukaemia.org.au or call 1800 620 420.
Would You Like More Information? 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 Prefabricated modular assemblies range brochure
We know you enjoy Tech Talk. How would you prefer to receive it? Please tick one, complete your contact details and return it to us I would prefer the electronic version of Tech Talk only I would prefer to get both electronic and printed versions of Tech Talk I would like to be removed from the Tech Talk distribution list
Have you relocated? Please help us keep our records up to date by including your new details NEW DETAILS Name:......................................................................... Position:..................................................................... Company:.................................................................. Address:..................................................................... ...................................................................................
OLD DETAILS (if applicable) Name:............................................. Position:......................................... Company:...................................... State:..............................................
Suburb: ................................... State:........................ Postcode:.............................................. Tel: .......................................... Fax:........................... E-mail:.................................................... Photocopy this form and mail, fax or email the information to: Fantech Pty. Ltd., 42 - 62 Pound Rd West, Dandenong South, Vic. 3175, Australia. Fax: 61-3-9554 7833 or E-mail: rmayen@fantech.com.au
Fantech - a member of the Elta Group of Companies
Fantech Contacts Australia Adelaide (08) 8294 0530 Albury (02) 6025 1866 Brisbane (07) 3299 9888 Canberra (02) 6280 5511 Coffs Harbour (02) 6652 9435 Darwin (08) 8947 0447 Hobart (03) 6273 6455 Launceston (03) 6344 6888 Melbourne H.O. (03) 9554 7845 Melbourne CBD (03) 9696 3044 Newcastle (02) 4961 6088 Perth (08) 9209 4999 Sydney (02) 8811 0400 Sydney CBD (02) 9698 8130 Sydney South (02) 9153 6005 Townsville (07) 4775 5222 Wollongong (02) 4226 5133 New Zealand Auckland H.O. (09) 444 6266 Christchurch (03) 379 8622 Wellington (04) 566 0532 Asia For agents in the Asian region call (603) 7846 0340 or visit www.eltafantechasia.com
Visit our website at www.fantech.com.au