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INDUCTION LIGHTING Induction lights are fluorescent lamps without electrodes or filaments. They have a lifespan of up to 100 000 hours compared to conventional incandescents (1000 hours) and high pressure sodium lamps (25 000 hours). They also offer instant start and restrike, crisp white light and dimmable ballasts. The induction lamps require a correctly matched electronic ballast for proper operation. The ballast takes the incoming mains AC voltage [or DC voltage in the case of 12 and 24V ballasts] and rectifies it to DC. Solid state circuitry then converts this DC current to a very high frequency which is between 2.65 and 13.6 MHz depending on lamp design. This high frequency is fed to the coil wrapped around the ferrite core of the inductor. The high frequency creates a strong magnet field in the inductor which couples the energy through the glass and into the mercury atoms inside the tube.
Financial: ŸCost effective – average of a 50% saving ŸReduced maintenance costs due to extended lifespan ŸLow heat generation reduces air-conditioning costs in summer ŸImproved productivity due to better light quality ŸI n - s t o r e products potentially appear more
BENEFITS:
CO2 emitted for every 1kWh generated ŸReduced coal burning for electricity generation
–only 0.38kg of coal burnt for every 1kWh generated ŸReduced ash from burnt coal – only 0.1292kg of ash produced for every 1kWh generated ŸS a ves water – only 1.32 litres of water used for every 1kWh generated Performance: ŸImproved light quality and output ŸReliable ŸHigh luminous maintenance rate
(95% after 20 000 hours and 85% after 60 000 hours) ŸHigh working frequency (230KHz) means no flickering ŸBetter colour definition – colours of objects are brighter and more defined ŸNo glare (better eye protection)
The ballasts contain control circuitry which regulates the frequency and current to the induction coil to insure stable operation of the lamp. In addition, the ballasts have a circuit which produces a large “start pulse” to initially ionize the mercury atoms and thereby start the lamp. The close regulation of the lamp by the ballast, and the use of microprocessor controlled circuits allows the ballasts to operate at around 98% efficiency so only around 2% of the energy is wasted in the induction lamp ballast compared to the 10-15% wasted in traditional “core and coil” designs
ŸLess waste on lamp replacements ŸReduced carbon emissions – only 0.0546kg of
Applications: ŸLow/high bay lighting ŸRetail ŸGeneral outdoor ŸRoad, tunnel and building
floodlights
appealing due to improved colour rendition (potential to increase sales) Ÿ5 -10 year warranty on lamps and ballasts Environmental: ŸLamps use Amalgam <0.25mg (solid nickel/mercury alloy) – eliminates mercury evaporation risks and seepage into ground water
PUBLISHED BY: WOOTA PUBLISHERS AND PROJECTS TEL: +27 11 483 0860 FAX: +27 86 601 9195 EMAIL: info@developmentsnews.co.za WEBSITE: www.developmentsnews.co.za P.O.BOX 46593 ORANGE GROVE 2119, NO. 4, ACROPOLIS, 107 LOUIS BOTHA, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA The Publisher does not accept any responsiblity for the accuracy or authenticity of the contributions contained in the Magazine and advertisements. Views expressed by the contributors are not necessarily those of the Publishers.
© All rights
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De Wet House The site is positioned in the heart of Bantry Bay, on the slopes of Lion's Head. Views to the east are of Sea Point and Robben Island in the distance
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The brief was to create a home with all the spectacle of an Atlantic Seaboard showpiece but also to respond to the practical needs and complexities of family life. The thinking was towards massive open-plan and double-volume spaces and tasked zoning," says Stefan Antoni, owner and partner at SAOTA. Approach Working with a relatively tight site required lateral thinking, thereby creating a dynamic play on levels. Built over four floors, the areas, although open-plan, have definitive identities. A simple redwood and grey-shale façade, that opens on to a sculptural courtyard and leads into an entrance gallery, serves as a taste of the impact ahead. Sculpture, dramatic volume, far-reaching views and raw textures – rock, timber, concrete – are the cornerstones of the look of this house, designed to maximise the setting and develop a patina over time.
The mood and role of each zone shifts as one moves through the different spaces; from cocooning and comfortable in the family room wing with its solid and secure hunkered down L-shape focusing on functional living spaces, to all-out contemporary cathedral-like in the double volume living area with its rippling concrete feature wall and commanding views. This ocean fronting section is a soaring space anchored by concrete and rock – a five-tonne bar of rough-hewn granite that had to be craned in holds down one side of the living space. Descending two levels below this to the bedroom floor (one down) and guest and 'playroom' floor below that, the spaces have a feeling of connectivity – cut-out shapes and open atrium spaces linking it all back. Although sea-orientated, with the pool terrace to the west, it also leads off to the courtyard garden on the east, access to both by the way of sliding glass doors, which open it up so completely that it's little more than
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Sculpture, dramatic volume, farreaching views and raw textures are the cornerstones of the look of this house
a roof. The way the living level is configured means that the children are visible at all times, whether they're playing outside, watching TV or swimming in the pool; a brilliant combination of challenging architecture and family practicality. Bedrooms, too, were configured with children in mind, and all three inter-lead through sliding doors closest to the matching window seats in each, massive frames in which to sit and appreciate the picture-book sea views. The pool terrace with two pavilions, offers a lounging area on one end, and a braai-and-dining area on the other. The interiors create an emotional and sensorial journey when moving through the house. Art plays a pivotal role here, with select pieces
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forming the initial impression â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the first piece once inside the door is a massive dugout canoe; the couple has always wanted a dedicated gallery and aims to fill out the space over time with special pieces. This dream space was pivotal in developing the feel of the house as a whole, with its large expanses of wall, new spaces, and a simple approach to adornment. Furnishings are minimal, to allow the layering of finishes to really shine."With so many raw materials in the house, we thought it best to keep lines simple and neutral," explains Adam Court of OKHA Interiors, who worked on the look of the interior with Stefan. "We consciously emphasised the different roles of each zone, shifting the mood from room to room. We wanted the space to surprise," explains Stefan.
By utilising a broad base of textures and finishes, the dĂŠcor feels natural and subtly organic, comfort being of paramount importance at all times; the overall ambiance is one of calm and serenity. Colour is kept to a bare minimum; the interior works predominantly with a light and shade tonal range, allowing the exterior views, the mountain, the ocean and sky and also the artwork to bring in colour.
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The New Tsakane Special School Development Project
NEW TSAKANE SPECIAL SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
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SPEROSENS OFFERS A TURNKEY SOLUTION FOR FIRE DETECTION AND SUPPRESSION Fire Suppression and Detection is the fastest growing product group in the Sperosens basket of products and systems. Sperosens became a leading supplier of fire suppression solutions. Sperosens offers a turnkey solution for Fire Detection and Suppression systems. We design, engineer, manufacture, install, commission and maintain all these systems. We offer full SLA (service level agreements) or support, auditing and maintenance agreements on demand. The company is affiliated and registered at various professional bodies for e.g. SAESI (South African Emergency Services Institute), NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), and SABS (South African Bureau for Standards). Individuals are registered, affiliated or associated with either IFE (Institute of Fire Engineers (UK), SAQCC (South African Qualification & Certification Committee â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Fire Equipment), SFPE (Society of Fire Protection Engineers USA, SAESI (South African Emergency Services Institute) or FDIA (Fire detection Installers Association). The suppression group of products includes the Dose system which is a non-electrical water induction system for larger fire zone area protection. The Dose system will be offered if sufficient dedicated fire water and pressure exists and if the solution will meet the client's requirement and budget. The system is designed to comply with NFPA16 standards. The CAFS (compressed air film system), a premixed foam system, will be offered for smaller
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fire zone area protection and if there is insufficient dedicated fire water. The belt fire suppression system consists of a constant pressure agent cylinder vessel filled with an AFFF foam film/water mixture which is pressurised by nitrogen. The CAFS is also designed to comply with NFPA16 standards. The rest of the Belt fire suppression system comprises a flame sensor, an IR temperature scanner, various bearing temperature sensors and a custom designed electronic control panel. In-line inductor fire suppression systems have also been installed and commissioned to meet various clients' environmental requirements and budget. Sperosens has also installed the Deluge Water Spray Systems at various clients in the industry. The design complies with the NFPA15 standard with 10.2l/M/m² for 30 min. NOVEC1230 Clean Agent Gas and Condensed Aerosol STAT-X installations have been successfully completed. The Clean Agent Gas designs comply with NAFS125 standards. These solutions are offered for in-cabinet protection, total flooding if the room integrity is taken into consideration, for computer, control and server rooms and substations. DCP (Dry chemical powder) fire suppression systems compliant with NFPA17 standards have been installed at various workshops, fuel storages and xanthate storages. All our fire suppression systems comply with all local and international standards.
New modular combo FSN controller and plumber block temperature sensors have been included in the solution for fire suppression. The modular FSN Zone Controller complete with power supply and battery back-up is developed for fire protection systems and used to monitor fire detection sensors and subsequent suppression activation, one point of extinguishing release. Belt trip facility, fault, maintenance, fire and fire suppression failure alarms. 4-20 mA inputs are assigned to different levels of alarms. The responses of the controller to various inputs can be configured using a PC based application. The fire suppression systems can also be linked to our harsh terrain environmental telemetry system the Sl2010. Sperosens' excellent track record, 24/7 remote back-up support and SLA agreements and unique fire detection and suppression options is well known in the industry. For more information contact Sperosens at +27 12 6650317 or 0861773767 or email info@spero.co.za or visit our website at www.spero.co.za
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Basumi Construction Safety Consultancy
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asumi Construction Safety Consultancy was established in 2005 with focus on providing Occupational health & safety and Environmental health services. Our mainstay is in designing and implementing new, customized and efficient methods of Environmental health and safety in a cost effective manner for our clients. We offer a broad spectrum of services to: ŸCivil engineering firms and construction
project managers ŸConstruction and building companies ŸMunicipalities ŸManufacturing and production firms ŸNon-governmental organizations ŸHospitals and other health institutions ŸAssist with project development and finance ŸBrokerage in development projects and sales
of plant and commodities
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Through our highly competent consultants we render the following:. ŸDesign and compilation of workplace health and safety plans and/or policies ŸDesign and compilation of workplace health & safety rules and systems ŸDesign and compilation of community health & safety rules and systems ŸD e s i g n & c o m p i l a t i o n o f environmental management plans, EIA, ROD, SCOPING monitoring and waste management ŸDesign & compilation of health & safety specifications ŸConducting risk assessments and designing risk management plans ŸConducting pre-employment health and safety assessments ŸConducting safety audits ŸDevelopment & training of safety representatives
& staff on accredited courses among including First Aid Level 1 & 2, accident reporting & manual handling ŸSupply of personal protective equipment like overalls, safety shoes, helmets, etc.
We handle diverse business situations including: ŸCompliance with Environmental health, health & safety and Regulations ŸCommercial tendering ŸCompliance with health and safety for insurance purposes ŸSecure finding for various organisations Our Strengths ŸOur qualified Environmental health and safety
consultants ŸOur consultants with many years of experience
developing a Construction Phase Health and Safety Plan, method statements, subcontractors Site safety Plan, day to day risk assessment and assisting construction companies win business. ŸHelp break through the construction health and safety legislation that surrounds running a Construction business and assist to become recognised as a low risk by principal contractors. ŸIncreasing the potential for your business to win more contracts and allowing you to concentrate on your efforts elsewhere
helping construction companies, to organize or improve their knowledge for managing health and safety regulations toward business routines increasing their potential to win more contracts. ŸOur ethos of win-win relationships with our clients and understanding of their unique needs ŸProviding health and safety training along with practical solutions for Principal Contractors, Sub-contractors such as
Basumi Construction Safety Consultancy provides highly professional and personalized service to all its clients through a dedicated team of consultants. We always demonstrate high flexibility in meeting clients’ specifications at competitive rates. Our competitive edge lies in the quality of our service at all stages of our delivery systems and processes, emphasis on service excellence, and sheer flexibility to meet our clients’ unique & dynamic needs. Strategic Business Associates We enjoy very strong synergetic relationships with various strategic associates and stakeholders in the construction, occupational health and safety industry. These include individuals and organizations with multiple competencies, among them: Higher grade contractors & project managers, Safety experts & fundis Engineers & quantity surveyors, Environmentalists Government Ministries & departments, including labour and public service Industry associations including CETA and NABCAT Above all, faith in Almighty God.
Services Value Orientation
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Sasol Infrachem Laboratory The Sasol Infrachem Laboratory provides routine laboratory services to the Sasol Chemical Industry complex in Sasolburg. With the expansion of the various plants at the Sasol One and the Midlands complex, there is an annual demand for approximately 1,800,000 laboratory sample tests. Quality Assurance tests are conducted 24 hours a day throughout the year. Several laboratories, some dating back to the 1950s, have been consolidated into the new laboratory building. The laboratory was expanded during design phase to include a new materials laboratory for Sasol Research and Development. This facility includes a microscope laboratory which includes the most powerful HRTEM industrial microscope presently available in the world. Site Selection Various sites were evaluated and, finally, a brownfield site adjacent to existing laboratories was selected. This creates the Science Campus on the Sasol One plant site. Laboratories have been consolidated into a single building, rationalising the activities, laboratory instrumentation, services and personnel. The existing laboratories were found to be operating at 180% of the original design capacity. Associated risks were with safety, management of procedures for handling of samples, maintenance of control standards and maintenance of services which become uneconomical.
The Infrachem Laboratory Building is a significant laboratory serving the Sasol Petro Chemical Industry and Sasol R&D Complex
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Opportunities Initiating a new laboratory design process allowed a review of the existing facilities and the opportunity to design a laboratory based on global best practice for laboratories of this nature. The Site The site selected presented numerous challenges which included a 2 storey high Tension Transformer station with 11KV underground cables requiring to be exposed and
suspended, while a new concrete culvert was constructed to protect the cables. On the south east corner, a 5m wide services rack needed protection from falling objects during construction. The site was bound on all sides by active roads, and existing (operational) laboratories. The contractors lay down area and site offices were located 200m from construction site. Off-loading of trucks was only possible by tower crane reaching over an existing operational laboratory and from temporary delivery and loading bays. The Design A modular laboratory floor plate design was developed over six levels providing for maximum flexibility to accommodate the changing laboratory needs expected to take place over the serviceable life of 25 years for the building. A column-free laboratory zone provides an unobstructed area for laboratory benches to be placed and relocated without modifications or major building alterations. Circulation Visitors and staff to the laboratory enter the building from the north with vertical circulation provided by lifts and a stair case. Meeting rooms, conference and canteen facilities are provided on each level from these lobbies. Access control restricts access to the laboratory area and to each laboratory to ensure the safety of laboratory activities being undertaken and the safety of visitors/ staff. Sample movement is managed from the sample reception area on ground floor from the south. Samples are loaded onto trolleys for laboratories and are dispatched in unmanned lifts to designated floors. The trolley is then received on the respective floor and taken to its destination in one of the laboratories.
The magnetic fields generated by the lifts were measured before a specification was drafted to ensure that no magnetic fields were detected in the microscopy laboratory located near to the lifts. Change rooms, showers and lockers are located on each floor for laboratory technicians. Access to the vertical service shafts for maintenance is external (from service walkways with restricted card access) away from the operational areas of the laboratories. Flexibility and Adaptability A modular planning grid was developed from the ergonomic space norm to allow safe movement between the laboratory benches and the space requirements for the depth of the benches. This was developed from a survey of all the laboratory equipment requirements in consultation with the Infrachem laboratory managers. The detail design of the benches permits the retrofit of a new division (dry wall partition) should there be a new space requirement for a laboratory change. The planning modules permit potential partition divisions between laboratories every 3.2m. Interconnected laboratories are provided with motorised sliding doors to allow handsfree movement for sample trolleys. Generic movable under-counter cabinets were developed with options for drawer units, open shelves (adjustable) and doors. This permits an
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infinite combination of units to suit the needs of a laboratory with leg space for seated laboratory technicians between the units. 1,200 linear metres of laboratory benches were provided and planned with differing under-counter options for seating, drawers, cabinets and service points for equipment. Laboratory Services The following services were required to be provided to any point on any of the laboratory benches: • 36 types of gas • Hydrogen • Potable water • Fire water • De-ionised water • Condensate • Plant steam • Vulcathene drainage joints • Calibration gases • Fume hood extraction • De-oxo Nitrogen • Electrical points • Instrument air • LAN / Communication point • Gas detection • Smoke detection The final layouts provided for: • 18,500 running metres of gas piping (with all joints welded and inspected by X-Ray). • ± 1,000 flow regulating needle valves. • 59 state of the art (Berkley/ Esco) fume hoods.
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No wet services were permitted overhead in the ceiling void to prevent potential damage to laboratory equipment and instruments from leaks. All wet services and drains are provided from below the counters. The ceiling void is limited to 800mm in the laboratories to avoid the need for fire sprinklers. The ceiling void accommodates the reticulation of gases, electrical services, refrigerant pipes, fresh air etc. Electrical and gas services to benches are provided by mid-bench service shelves. These are positioned to permit easy access by reaching over the laboratory bench and to be clearly visible. No storage is possible (or permitted) on the service shelf for safety reasons. Vertical service shafts are provided to serve each module with a full battery of services and multiple options of fume hoods on each laboratory bench module. Separate extraction to the fume hoods is provided to prevent potential reaction between exhaust gases. Each service shaft accommodates 10 fume extract ducts, waste and chemical waste pipes, fresh air supply ducts, various utilities and gas supply pipes and refrigerant pipes. All maintenance is conducted from external service balconies. This provides free access to services. The operation of the laboratory being 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, is designed to minimise any disruption through maintenance activities. Effectively, operational and maintenance activities are separated. This was an operational safety requirement. Demand for functional space on ground
floor was at a premium for sample deliverables from the plants and provision of space for the microscopy laboratory. All plant (with separate stair and lift access) is located on the roof which is dedicated to services, equipment and maintenance activities. The first and second floors are dedicated to research and development with the third, fourth and fifth floors dedicated to routine laboratories. The roof deck is a plant area with restricted access. Chilled water plant, de-ionised water, heat exchangers, extraction fans, exhaust ducts, gas cylinders (not located on ground level) are accommodated on the roof. The modular laboratory design permits laboratories to be expanded or downsized to suit changing needs. Services to laboratory benches emerge from the vertical service shafts and feed at 3 levels into the benches on a central spine. This can be done below counter level, at eye level (service shelf) and over the ceiling into an alternative vertical shaft at the end of each bench. Wet services are located below the laboratory counters. Gases, electrical services and other services feed down from the service shelf to the laboratory equipment allowing service pipes and cables to be managed neatly to the respective instruments. Under-counter cabinets are modular and loose to permit interchangeability between cabinets, drawers, and seating areas to suit any specific arrangement.
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Occupational Health and Safety The planning of the laboratory revolved around the safety of personnel and operations as being the overriding criteria. Every aspect of the operating envelope around the laboratory staff members was reviewed. HAZOP studies were conducted at a macro and micro level during planning phases to ensure that all movements, material and sample handling and operations were within safe ergonomic norms. Samples from the industrial plants are received on ground level and have a dedicated lift allowing unmanned trolley transport to specific floors. (Infrachem calculated that 1,8 million tests are conducted annually). The laboratory technician travels by separate lift with key access to open the lift at the destination. Hazardous or toxic substances are held in dedicated stores and cabinets. Gas stores are located at ground level and are naturally ventilated. These stores are fitted with gas sensors. Gas cylinders are placed on earthed mentis grating to prevent the risk of ignition. Long term chemical storage is remote from the building and storage for daily use is provided in the laboratories. External risks in the surroundings ie: nitrogen storage tanks are managed by sensors linked to air-intakes which are shut down in event of leaks. A hydrogen storage tank has been relocated and oxygen relief valve on an adjacent plant has been redirected. Air-flow modelling on the building around the exhausts from the fume hoods was undertaken to manage risks of fumes and exhaust gases affecting neighbouring buildings. Within the laboratories, full emergency stations with emergency showers and safety equipment are provided in the corridors. Eyewash stations were omitted in favour of sterilised eyewash bottles at localised areas.
Where required, class 16 light fittings are provided. Chemicals are stored (on drip trays) at low level to obviate the risk of dropping containers and spillage. Control panels for each laboratory are located at the doorways with centralised provision for fire alarms, light switches, intercom and access control. Emergency gathering rooms are located around the vertical circulation lobbies with shutoff switches for air-conditioning and provided with oxygen candles in the event of gas leaks from the surrounding environment. Electrical Services Computer modelling was undertaken for the lighting over the laboratory benches to ensure that there is no glare into the eyes of the laboratory technicians and no shadows forming on the laboratory counters. The lighting design was a challenge to get the correct lux levels on the laboratory workbenches to avoid glare and shadows where sensitive research or testing is done. The correct luminiares with energy saving lamps were thus important and installed in ceiling bulkheads provided above the benches and 30KVA UPS was installed for emergency lighting. Movement sensors were installed in offices to save electricity but light switches in laboratories to make is safe for people walking with hazardous materials from one laboratory to another. The supply cables were installed from the substation on vertical cable ladders to main distribution boards on each of the six floors. Cables to sub distribution boards on the benches were installed on horizontal cable ladders in ceiling voids and co-ordination of the routes and other services was critical.
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A sub-distribution board is provided for each laboratory bench module. This allows control of the bench with direct line of sight. In event of a circuit tripping this will be isolated to a single laboratory bench. Normal, dedicated, UPS socket outlets and outlet points were installed in a horizontal service shelf in the middle of each bench on a comfortable height to make it easy to plug in equipment. MECHANICAL SERVICES Air Conditioning and Ventilation The entire building is served by a chilled water and steam heating air conditioning system. Steam heating was used, due to the availability of steam at the Sasol site to provide pre-heating of fresh air. Five chillers are located on the roof of the building, with total capacity of 3 megawatt, and are used to generate chilled water. Conditioned air is distributed throughout the building by means of a total of 188 off air handling fan coil units. Fresh air is circulated throughout the building by means of a ducted system with an average total air change rate of six per hour. Certain areas have significantly higher air change rates due to the particular activities in the respective laboratories. Fresh air systems had to be carefully balanced with the laboratory fume hood extraction systems to ensure that extraction from the unit remained effective. Laboratory Fume Cupboard Systems Air extraction from a variety of different types of fume cupboards is done with a dedicated duct system to the roof of the building for ventilation to the atmosphere via filtering systems and scrubbers. A total of thirty nine normal fume cupboards, five “walk-in” fume cupboards, fifteen normal extraction
hoods and twenty flexible Nederman extraction hoods are used. Eight specialist fume cupboards are used i.e. Radio Active, Peroxide, Sulphur, Perchloric and Cyanide. Finishes Criteria for the finishes in the laboratory required hard-wearing and chemical resistant finishes and fittings. Laboratory benches are provided with TRESPA counter tops, grooved to allow spillages to drip to the floor. The floors are 100% rubber floors and chemical resistant and are non-slip. The softer finish provides greater comfort to the laboratory technicians who are required to spend a large part of their shift on their feet. Cabinets are manufactured from timber as the chemicals and chemical fumes are found to corrode steel fittings over time. The Microscopy Laboratory High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopes (HRTEM) are extremely sensitive to electromagnetic interference, temperature fluctuation, acoustic noise and vibration.
An extremely low earth resistance of 0,1 ohm was specified (and achieved), and particular diligence was paid to earthing and bonding throughout the electrical installation.
These requirements presented a challenge with regard to selecting the method of air conditioning the room, housing the high performance microscope. The four key environmental challenges are: 1. Electromagnetic fields to less than 0,01 T r.m.s. 2. Room set point temperature of 18°C to 20°C with temperature changes to less than 0,2°C per hour. 3. Airflow across the microscope column to less than 0,076 m/s (i.e. 15 feet per min). 4. Air pressure changes to less than a few Pascal per min.
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To illustrate t he p oint, if a 3 00mm x 6 0mm strip of single ply toilet paper deflects more than 25mm, the air flow exceeds 0,1 m/s. In order to minimise the cooling load, as much of the heat generating equipment must be kept out the microscope room and housed in an adjoining dedicated equipment room. After extensive evaluation it was decided to implement a system utilising chilled water radiant panels mounted on the walls of the microscope laboratory. These chilled panels act as a heat sink by absorbing heat by radiation (the reverse of radiant heating) and creating very slow convective air flow movement within the room. The result is an extremely stable room temperature (< 0,2째C per hour) with no noticeable air movement and therefore no noise or vibration. The only air introduced into the microscope room is the regulatory fresh air for occupants. This air is precooled and dehumidified and introduced into the room at a very low velocity. The temperature and velocity of the chilled water passing through the room mounted radiant panels is critical. Too low a temperature can cause condensation for form on the radiant panels and high water flow velocities create noise and vibration.
challenges for the electrical installation. The heat generated by conventional dimmable lights exceeds the tolerances of the HVAC temperature control, and so LED lighting was used for this purpose, employing specially designed and matched dimmer modules to prevent the usual cut-off and flicker problems experienced with LED dimming. In order to reduce electromagnetic interference from power circuit wiring all individual circuit live and neutral wires were twisted on site prior to pulling into wireways.
Conventional air conditioning systems ultimately utilize air to either cool or heat the conditioned space. The volume of air introduced into the space is a function of the heat to be removed from the room. To achieve even temperature throughout a conditioned space, using air as the cooling medium, requires high air change rates and a very low temperature difference between supply air and room set point. The disadvantage of using traditional air based conditioning, for election microscope laboratories, is that air movement can create noise and vibration as well as cold air streams.
The extreme sensitivity to temperature variation and electromagnetic interference created unusual
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Parklands College Sandown, Secondary Faculty The new secondary faculty campus has been designed in response to the most recent thinking in education so as to offer pupils subjects and facilities that have not previously been available
Parklands College opened in Parklands in 1998, offering education to learners at pre-primary, primary and secondary levels (featured in September/October 2001 issue of the Architect and Builder). The school soon outgrew the first buildings and, in 2006, a second complex across Wood Drive was occupied by the secondary level school. While this relieved the immediate pressure, it was not long before the pre-primary and primary school outgrew their premises with no opportunity for any further expansion on the existing site. Site The Parklands College Board acquired a new 17ha site in Sandown and thus the opportunity arose to build a brand new secondary faculty campus, which would free up space for the expansion of the pre-primary and preparatory school, once the secondary school moved to the new campus.
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Design The new secondary faculty campus has been designed in response to the most recent thinking in education so as to offer pupils subjects and facilities that have not previously been available. The intention was to create a modern campus with the latest technology and facilities, complemented by extensive sporting amenities, so that the school can compete with the best private schools in the country. Starting from scratch on a green-field site, on the suburban edge, with no context to speak of, meant that the design concept for this new campus had to be strong enough to establish a sense of place that would create a distinct identity for the College. Architecturally, the project was conceived as a collection of two-storey buildings, 11 000m2 of space in all, grouped around a large lawn quadrangle. These lawns terrace down from the main entrance in the administration building and terminate in the school hall to the west.
five playing fields which allow for the playing of any combination of rugby, soccer or hockey, and two summer season cricket fields. Positioned to the east of the fields is a sports pavilion and a heated water polo and aquatics swimming pool. Due to its central location the sports pavilion provides spectator seating that overlooks both the fields and the pool, while in the southern distance there is an impressive view of Table Mountain. Campus security, grounds and building maintenance are managed from a separate complex, which includes the College's caretaker's home, located close to the main gate.
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