October 2018
Newsletter Number 88
Stadium like no other The new Perth Stadium (known as Optus Stadium) is a 60,000 seat, world-class multi-purpose stadium designed to host a variety of sport and entertainment events including AFL, cricket, rugby codes, soccer and concerts. Owned by the Western Australian state government, the stadium is located east of Perth’s CBD on the Burswood Peninsula overlooking the city and Swan River. The unique architectural design acknowledges Western Australia’s unique sporting, cultural and Aboriginal heritage, with the bronze façade reflecting WA’s unique geology by day. At night, a state-of-the-art LED lighting system transforms the façade into home team colours. The stadium features a lightweight fabric roof covering 85% of seats, which has been designed to respond to Perth’s climatic conditions. Constructed by Multiplex as part of the Westadium Consortium, the project commenced in 2014 and was completed in around 36 months. Mechanical services were designed by Wood & Grieve Engineers, with MPM Group contracted to supply and install all airside services including fans, ductwork, air handling units and fan coil units. Based in Perth with offices across the state, MPM Group is a diverse, multi-discipline mechanical services contracting firm. It comprises of three divisions specialising in HVAC installation, air conditioning/ refrigeration maintenance and service, and duct /sheet metal fabrication. Systemaire first became involved in the project with Wood & Grieve Engineers during the design phase, before assisting MPM Group during the procurement, installation and commissioning phases. “From the early design stages, the best acoustic, performance and efficiency outcomes were the governing criteria,” says Systemaire’s WA Sales Supervisor, Jeremy Feichtinger. Having developed a long-standing relationship with MPM Group over 30 years, Systemaire was able to offer the full range of Fantech products,
provide advice on alternative selections and solutions, and give technical and commissioning support where required. This led to Fantech equipment being installed into all corners of the stadium – from ticket control points and kitchens, to player locker rooms and even the vehicle infrastructure located beneath the stadium.
iu m Photo credit: Optus Stad
“JetVent fans were used throughout the Service Ring Road to assist fresh air intake on a demand driven basis,” says Jeremy. He says one of the major challenges of the project was the pace and scale of construction, which was unlike any other project. Systemaire’s ability to meet the demands of the project was appreciated by MPM Group. “They were able to make timed deliveries as required to the Optus Stadium site and kept accurate tracking records for all fans and attenuators that we required,” says MPM Group Project Manager, Scott Woodcock. “They were also able to reduce the turn around on some equipment when we were under pressure to deliver kitchen fans and attenuators to 39 kitchens in under six weeks.” The new Optus Stadium hosted its first major sporting event – a cricket one-day international match - on January 28 and has since played host to the Big Bash League, AFL, AFLW, Rugby League and a music concert.
Photo credit: Optus Stadium
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The unique architectural design acknowledges Western Australia’s unique sporting, cultural and Aboriginal heritage….
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Technically Speaking with Kerry Dumicich
Fan Casings and Cowls
The 2015 standard requires that the fan casings and cowls be made of non-combustible materials (e.g. metal) if “within the building envelope”. The intent is that fans should have similar protection to that of sheet metal duct to stop the spread of fire to other areas of the building.
Kitchen exhaust fan casings and cowls
Clauses 6.2.5 makes an allowance for minor penetrations, such as small plastic fittings, electrical conduit, gaskets and grommets on the fan’s casing, as it states that these components are not considered to affect the fusing temperature of the casing. It is important to note that components inside the fan (such as impellers) are exempt from this requirement - therefore plastic components inside the fan are allowed. The temperature of kitchen exhaust airstreams are generally lower than 60 oC and therefore plastic components inside the fan are typically able to handle the temperatures encountered.
Recently, the Standard relating to kitchen exhaust fan casings and cowls for commercial buildings was updated. As there has been some confusion regarding Section 6.2 of AS/NZS 1668.1 2015, Fantech has sought an interpretation from the committee responsible for this Standard. Clause 6.2.5 of AS/NZS 1668.1 2015 “The use of ventilation and air conditioning in buildings – Fire and Smoke control in buildings” states:
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The equivalent clause 11.2.5 in AS/NZS 1668.1 1998 Amendment 1 states:
! “Kitchen exhaust fan casings and cowls shall be manufactured from non-combustible materials that have a fusing temperature above 1000°C.”
AS1668.1 2015 Clause 6.2.5 (Draft Amendment 1) has been revised to better define the intent of the term “building envelope” as follows:
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“Where kitchen exhaust fans are located inside the building, fan casings and cowls shall be manufactured from materials that are not deemed to be combustible and that have a fusing temperature above 1000°C.” Therefore, metal casings and cowls for kitchen exhaust fans are only required when installed within the building. This would apply to in-line fans below the roof line.
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As previously mentioned, a kitchen exhaust system is designed to stop the potential spread of fire to another part of the building. Therefore the rationale behind this clause is to contain the fire within the fan and duct system. Roof Fan
Background Information
Discharge Vertically
In a kitchen exhaust system there are two potential sources of fire – a fire within the duct itself and a fire within the compartment served. If the kitchen exhaust ductwork is not well cleaned, grease can line the duct walls along its complete length. Because this ductwork may pass through other areas of the building, the requirement for metal construction is to stop a potential fire from spreading, and importantly, escaping through the duct walls. This is particularly important as fire dampers cannot be used in kitchen exhaust ductwork.
Plantroom Hood
The supporting commentary within Clause 6.2.5 of AS/NZS 1668.1 2015 states that the integrity of the exhaust duct and fan within the building and to the point of discharge, is critical to containing a fire within the duct system.
In-line fan
Hood Fire Compartment
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“Where kitchen exhaust fans are located within the building envelope, fan casings and cowls shall be manufactured from materials that are not deemed to be combustible and that have a fusing temperature above 1000°C.”
Building envelope
Ventilation system in commercial kitchens As roof mounted fans are above the roof line (and are unlikely to spread a fire to another part of the building) they are not required to comply with Clause 6.2.5 and therefore do not need to be made of metal, unless being used as part of a smoke spill system. It is important to note that the BCA is a minimum performance standard and designers can choose to exceed these requirements.
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BCA Volume One 2016 references AS/NZS 1668.1 2015 and therefore complying with the above clauses will meet the Deemed-to-Satisfy solution requirements of the BCA in this matter.
Fans by Fantech Product Selection Program with Stuart Bryson
Hints and Tips
NCC/BCA compliant selections
Volume 1 Part J5 of the National Construction Code of Australia, which incorporates the BCA, has a clause regarding the maximum allowable fan motor power to air flow ratio W/(L/s) in a system delivering over 1000 L/s of air. Over the years, the NCC/BCA has changed how this is calculated, and under which conditions. The Selection Program makes it easy to select fans based on the year of the code you are conforming to. The latest adopted version is 2016. When selecting in Advanced mode, select the year of NCC/ BCA Compliance, and specify the “with filter” option if your ventilation system contains filtration. This will determine which W/(L/s) values appear green in the Results window, indicating compliance. If you do not select a NCC/BCA compliance year, the program will indicate the compliance in the Motor/Power Data section of the Fan Specification, and if filters are required to meet compliance. Version 5.5 of the Selection Program can be downloaded from our website. Remember to use the auto-updater to make sure you have got all the latest features.
John Webster’s 30th “ Anniversary A sheet metal worker by trade, John Webster’s early career saw him employed in other areas such as building switchboards and semi-trailer trucks before he eventually returned to sheet metal work – this time working on air conditioning units.
… he has built almost every fan in the Fantech range.
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In 1987 he joined Direct Air, which would later be acquired by Fantech. At that time, Fantech was based in Mulgrave, Victoria. John recalls how Fantech’s rapid growth necessitated the acquisition of surrounding factories to accommodate production and stock holding. He has fond memories and the utmost respect for the company’s founders, Jack Pirie and Glen Harries, who he says created a family-orientated culture. “Everyone in the company were essentially family,” he says. Fantech eventually moved to its current premises in Dandenong, Victoria, where the company has continued to design and develop new products – but that family-orientated culture remains. John says he has built almost every fan in the Fantech range, and recalls the times he travelled to Tasmania, Sydney and parts of Melbourne to repair fans. And despite his decades of experience, he still finds himself being challenged “every now and then”, by Fantech’s innovative products. Fantech recognises the important contribution John Webster has made to the company, and congratulates him on 30 years of wonderful service.
Sharing knowledge for 30 years
Tech Talk was born from the desire to share Fantech’s knowledge with the HVAC industry and provide the industry with information on how to make more efficient product selections and installations.
Thirty years, 88 issues and over 800 stories later, Tech Talk still remains an important communication tool for Fantech to reach out to customers. Fantech Group Marketing Manager Frank Cosentino said Tech Talk had undergone a number of face lifts over the years, with more copies now delivered electronically. The focus had remained essentially the same during his time - 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 and to educate the market on how to make more energy efficient and cost effective installations,” he said. “Technically Speaking and Product
…born from the “desire to share
Fantech’s knowledge with the HVAC industry
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Selection Program Tips articles provide information that helps readers decide what type of fan is best for certain applications. Feedback has shown that our readers find these two sections to be the most valuable,” Frank said.
In addition to profiling new products and technologies, Tech Talk showcases key projects from around Australia and New Zealand. The story highlights the key features of the project and any unique aspect it may have. Each issue also spotlights significant consultant or contractor milestones and every year the December issue celebrates 10, 15, 20 and 25 years of service by Fantech staff. To go on the mailing list and receive the electronic version, please email us on rkealy@fantech.com.au or call (03) 9554 7894. “We welcome any feedback and encourage readers to contact us with ideas for future stories.”
Product News
Fast, lightweight installation
Supaflo is made of light weight PVC and provides a cost effective alternative to sheet metal ducting. It is also an efficient alternative to flexible round duct that is known for producing high air flow static pressures. Due to its smooth inner surface, Supaflo delivers better air flow and minimises pressure loss. This results in a low pressure, high efficiency system that delivers quiet air extraction from bathrooms, ensuites, kitchens and other internal spaces.
with Wayne Norton
Supaflo
In some applications, the installation of Supaflo low profile ducting may also allow the use of a smaller fan that could reduce energy consumption. The Supaflo system has been engineered for fast and easy installation, and to provide the installer with the flexibility to achieve almost any ducting configuration.
The low profile duct
Increasingly, architects and builders of residential apartments, hotels and commercial properties are seeking ways to lower construction costs by reducing the size of ceiling voids and therefore minimise the overall building height.
Improved Air Flow
The Supaflo range consists of the 165 series (220 x 90mm) and the new 180 series (320 x 76mm) which is the result of extensive research and feedback from the market. “The new 180 Series has been designed for installations where even greater air flow is required, while maintaining a relatively low, compact profile,” says Wayne Norton, Fantech Marketing Executive.
While these cost savings may be appealing to builders and developers, the resulting spatial constraints in ceiling voids impact on the ability of installers to run services including HVAC ducting.
“We’ve already had a positive response on the new 180 Series, and look forward to continue developing fit for purpose solutions for our customers.”
Fantech’s new Supaflo low profile duct system has been designed specifically for restricted ceiling spaces found in buildings. Designed to meet the ventilation requirements of Australia’s modern buildings, the Supaflo system features a low profile design that allows it to be concealed when installed along ceiling voids, cavity walls and other confined spaces. This avoids the need for unsightly bulkheads that impact negatively on the interior space and add unnecessary cost to the build.
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…engineered for fast and easy installation...
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Supaflo has been tested to UL181.11-2013 and AS1530.3-1999 and has been shown to comply with the performance under many typical scenarios.
Bowled over by SACA
A multi-million dollar redevelopment of the South Australian Cricket Association’s (SACA) Park 25 has seen a new three-storey sports hub created to support grassroots and women’s cricket in Adelaide.
Fantech also supplied attenuators and supply air fans. “We used a number of PowerLine Series fans for this project to meet the specification, and Vacon Variable Speed Drives (VSDs), supplied by Fantech, for commissioning and to achieve the controls functionality,” says Matt.
The facility, officially named the Karen Rolton Oval, sits at the corner of Port Road and West Terrace and provides spectators with great views over the redeveloped SACA main oval, as well as ovals further afield. Designed by Cox Architects and constructed by Kennett Builders, the new building has dramatically reduced the footprint of previous buildings while simultaneously delivering much improved facilities.
Fantech also supported IAS during the commissioning process and assisted with the setup of the VSDs to achieve the specified air quantities. Matt says “IAS has always used Fantech products since the day we opened the front door. The range, service, quality, reliability and pricing is always spot on, and we have an excellent working relationship with the team at Fantech Adelaide.”
According to SACA online publication, Stumps, the clubrooms are “first-class compliant” to allow the facilities to be used as an alternative to Adelaide Oval for domestic one-day games if required. The range, service, The state-of-the-art building – completed quality, reliability in January 2018 – features six changerooms and pricing is always (including dedicated women’s and umpires’ spot on… change rooms), a function room, tiered seating, event management and player viewing areas.
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A high efficiency HVAC system services the building, installed and commissioned by local mechanical services contractor, Integrated Air Services (IAS). “The project had a mix of products from Fantech, which was required to serve a number of different applications,” says Integrated Air Services’ Matt Longhurst. This includes general exhaust, car park exhaust, chemical storage exhaust, and bathroom, kitchen and dishwasher exhaust. Matt says one of the challenges of the mechanical services design was in achieving the correct fan selection for the chemical store area. Through consultation with all parties on the design team, the chemical exhaust requirements were accurately identified and appropriate fans selected.
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Photo credit: Calum Robertson
Committed to the development of staff
Traineeships play an important role in Fantech’s commitment to the professional development and career progression of its staff. And for some, this has led to bigger things.
For the past 7 years, Fantech has offered traineeships across a number of areas of its business. Combining work-based training and formal training modules, they typically run over a 12-18 month period and provide young people with an opportunity to develop important skills. Most trainees are employed in Fantech’s Customer Order & Projects Solutions (COPS) team which interacts with every business unit within the group – both locally and nationally.
Left to right: Teagan McCoy, Kerry Dumicich & Alistair Sobotker, Chrystal Smith Rebecca Bishop & Kamille Begeo
“…thetheyexperience receive
“We feel that the experience they receive provides them with a good foundation which gives trainees the opportunity for further career growth within the business,” says Alistair Sobotker, Fantech COPS Manager.
provides them with a good foundation…
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All trainees have the support of experienced staff at Fantech who share knowledge and provide guidance within a busy environment. “Our customers also benefit from dealing with motivated young staff who are eager to learn and provide the best possible service, which is cultivated by our company culture” says Alistair.
Air Design product catalogue out now
The new 72-page full colour Air Design product catalogue is now available. Bringing together the full Air Design product range in one handy and easy-to-reference document, it includes the modular Modutherm series of air handling units, as well as the popular MINItherm, SLIMtherm and SM Series fan coil units. The catalogue also includes an introduction to the Fantech AirLink Variable Air Volume (VAV) system which utilises Rickard diffusers. The new Air Design catalogue uses a similar format to the popular Fans by Fantech catalogue and lists all product features and benefits,
all product “…lists features and
benefits, as well as technical data…
Fantech currently employs four former trainees in full-time roles, including last year’s Glen Harries and Jack Pirie Award winner Teagan McCoy. These awards recognise motivated team members who are problem solvers and demonstrate the highest standard of work. “Teagan is our first success story through the traineeship program, and we feel confident that Teagan can achieve great things in her career.” as well as technical data, acoustic data, and performance data for the heating and cooling coils. Full dimensional information with detailed product drawings are also provided. Products are divided into sections allowing customers to review the features, performance and sizes of each range, and make an easy assessment as to whether the product suits their project. The catalogue also features examples of projects from across Australia where Air Design products have been installed. “Most projects require different size units,” says Fantech Group Marketing Manager, Frank Cosentino. “By having all information in one place, our customers can compare the Air Design product range easily. While the different ranges share some key features, they are also quite different, so customers can use this catalogue to see which product best suits their requirements.” The new Air Design catalogue is available as a printed hard copy or on a convenient USB. For your copy contact your nearest Fantech branch or Agent.
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Steens Gray & Kelly
For 40 years, Steens Gray & Kelly consulting engineers have built an excellent reputation in the Perth mechanical services industry for its personal approach to clients and commitment to the success of its projects. Originally formed by partners Nick Steens and Brian Gray in 1978 as Steens Gray & Associates, rapid expansion necessitated the addition of further engineering expertise and Max Kelly became partner in 1985. This led to the firm’s name change to Steens Gray & Kelly in 1990.
Today, Steens Gray & Kelly is wholly-owned and managed by Directors Paul Matthews, Ashley White, Ben MacLeevernan and Associate Adam Dragovich – all of whom are actively involved in project work.
Growth in the years following saw the promotion of Paul Matthews to the position of Associate in 1994, before he joined the partnership as a Director in 1997.
Based at the firm’s Mt Lawley office near Perth’s CBD, the firm’s team of engineers, designers, draftspersons and office manager provide mechanical services engineering consultancy to all sectors of the commercial construction industry.
In September 2001, Brian Gray and Max Kelly retired, leading to Matthews taking on the role of Managing Director with founding partner Nick Steens, who then retired in 2004. At that time, John Chapman and Ashley White – who had both been valuable contributors to the success of the firm – joined the partnership. John Chapman retired from the partnership in 2013.
Steens Gray & Kelly have provided mechanical services design for several major building developments, including the 5 star Green Star Toyota Headquarters and the 6 star Green Star City of Gosnells Mills Park Community Centre. Both projects continue to be recognised by the industry for their multi-award winning status.
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Fantech congratulates Steens Gray & Kelly on their 40 year milestone.
…commitment to the success of its projects.
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WOULD YOU LIKE MORE INFORMATION?
Please send me a copy of the new 2016 Fans by Fantech catalogue: Electronic version Hard copy printed version Please send me a copy of the Fans by Fantech Product Selection Program.
Please send me a copy of the Air Design AHU catalogue. Please send me a copy of the Supaflo Brochure.
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Fantech Contacts
Gosnells Mills Park Community Centre Photo Credit: City Gosnells
Australia Adelaide Brisbane Canberra Darwin Hobart Launceston Melbourne H.O. Newcastle Perth Sydney Townsville Wollongong
(08) 8294 0530 (07) 3299 9888 (02) 6280 5511 (08) 8947 0447 (03) 6273 6455 (03) 6344 6888 (03) 9554 7845 (02) 4961 6088 (08) 9209 4999 (02) 8811 0400 (07) 4775 5222 (02) 4226 5133
New Zealand Auckland H.O. Christchurch Wellington
(09) 444 6266 (03) 379 8622 (04) 566 0532
Asia For agents in the Asian region call (603) 7846 0340 or visit www..eltafans.asia
Visit our website at www.fantech.com.au