FUTURE SURE WEBSITE

The new Future Sure website is now live and a consumer campaign is also underway. This digital campaign is designed to raise interest in and awareness of renewable gas and to provide assurance that gas will keep flowing as New Zealand makes the transition.

Visit Future Sure at www.futuresure.co.nz

Times are changing for gas industries the world over. A combination of climate change and the ongoing war in Ukraine has accelerated the pace of change internationally.

Here in New Zealand, the gas industry is grappling with the challenge of how to lower the carbon content of the current gas supply, whilst also establishing a pathway towards carbon neutral gas fuels for the future.

Outlined below is some of the work afoot at Rinnai to support these changes.

1. Hydrogen and natural gas blends (H2/NG)

One of the concepts for New Zealand is to blend a percentage of hydrogen with the current natural gas supply. Put simply, this lowers the carbon content of natural gas whilst retaining its characteristics. It allows combustion of the hydrogen/natural gas mix in an existing natural gas appliance without any changes to the appliance.

To ensure this mix remains within the same range as pure natural gas on the Wobbe Index, the hydrogen content is limited to a maximum 20%. To see how these hydrogen and natural gas blends performed in current and older appliances, Rinnai ran a series of tests on water heaters, gas hobs, gas space heaters and flame effect fires. This tested for: ignition performance complete combustion flame stability combustion noise flame colour light back.

Rinnai ran the tests with a variety of hydrogen and natural gas mixes, up to and including a 25% mix, and did not note any abnormal performance. Whilst this testing is not exhaustive, it does illustrate the feasibility of running a H2/NG blend from an appliance perspective.

2. 100% hydrogen appliances (H2)

To showcase what can be achieved, Rinnai Japan has been working on the technology required to run a water heater on 100% hydrogen. Taking an existing N series water heater—which uses a very different burner and gas valve set up from a traditional Infinity—they modified the appliance to combust 100% hydrogen.

Before 100% hydrogen appliances can become available on the New Zealand market, the safety standards and infrastructure must first be put in place for the production and distribution of hydrogen.

3. Dimethyl ether and LPG blend (DME/LPG)

Dimethyl ether (DME) is an organic compound that can be mixed with LPG. DME produced from biomass has a lower carbon footprint, so the blend lowers the carbon content of LPG.

Rinnai has been reviewing the large amount of DME research and testing being carried out in Europe. Getting hold of DME gas blends here in New Zealand has proved challenging, with DME needing HSNO approval.

With this approval now in place, Rinnai has imminent plans to conduct a test series using varying blends of DMG/LPG. Testing will include how the DME impacts rubber components in the appliance.

CHECK OUT THE LATEST INNOVATIVE PRODUCT RELEASES FOR THE PLUMBING, GASFITTING AND DRAINLAYING TRADES.

MultiSafe – a new level of protection from costly water damage

MultiSafe Leak Detector Control Valve by Reliance Valves provides ultimate leak detection and intelligent water management by constantly measuring water flow rate, pressure, temperature, and hardness.

When unusually high usage is detected or water is running for a long period of time, the isolating valve automatically shuts off the water supply and sends an instant alert by text or email. Even the smallest leak is detected, thanks to microleak testing at regular intervals.

Features and benefits

Constantly monitors water usage to safeguard plumbing and heating systems

Automatically closes isolation valve and sends an alert when a leak is detected

Settings can be adjusted to suit individual requirements

Includes temperature monitoring for frost protection

Monitor, control and change settings via a free user-friendly app

Compatible with copper pipe.

Contact Reliance Worldwide Corporation for more information on 0800 800 523; sales.nz@rwc.com or visit www.rwc.com/brands/multisafe

New DualPex Clip from Aqualine

Introducing the new DualPex Clip from Aqualine Products. New to the market in early 2023, the DualPex Clip features a flexible tongue that allows one clip to fit both 16mm and 20mm PEX pipe. Comes in both DualPex to suit PEX pipe and DualBute to suit PB pipe. With a strong concrete nail included, the DualPex clips onto the pipe and stays in position until the nail is driven in. Save money by stocking fewer types of clip

Save space in your nail bag

Save time sorting out clips.

The DualPex and DualBute clips are two clips to rule them all. For more information and to secure a sample, please contact your local Aqualine Territory Manager: www.aqualine.co.nz or call 0800 889 914.

Dux expands AdjustaPit® range

Already one of New Zealand’s most innovative silt pits, the AdjustaPit® range from Dux has been expanded with the introduction of the AdjustaPit® Basic 250mm. Featuring the same innovative adjustable riser, this product is paired with a basic pit base to provide an entry level option to the AdjustaPit® range.

The AdjustaPit® Basic 250mm offers increased flexibility for different installations. There are two pit options—one with no outlet, and one with a fixed outlet; two grate options—aluminium and cast iron; and two finish options—square or round.

New Zealand’s original height adjustable silt pits are faster to install than traditional pits. A few quick turns of the Dux AdjustaPit® patented screw system enables fast fine tuning to the finished ground level, reducing the need for pit adjustment call backs.

Check out the range at www.dux.co.nz/adjustapit

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Drain Snake

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Drain Snake (M18FDCPF8-0C) with Cable Drive

Locking Feed System represents the next level in performance for handheld machines, and is the first to bring brushless motor technology to the drain cleaning industry. Redlink Plus Intelligence ensures maximum performance under load and improves control throughout the entire process. The RedlithiumIon battery pack powers through multiple jobs on a single charge, delivering cordless mobility, safety, and power supply to the drain cleaning industry. The Cable Drive Locking Feed System maintains the selected feed speed, and its twist lock design auto-adjusts to all compatible cable sizes for the best cable grip when feeding and working the clog. The M18 Fuel Drain Snake has a fully enclosed drum to ensure the best protection and mess containment.

To book a visit from your local Milwaukee Job Site Solutions rep, visit www.milwaukeetool.co.nz/jobsite-solutions

Active bra for women in trades

With the growing number of women entering physical roles in the construction industry, the way bras are designed and worn is changing.

Lingerie specialists Rose & Thorne have created an Active Bra, especially engineered for women working in trades and other physically demanding professions. Unlike sports bras, the active bra is fully wired and has been designed to be worn throughout the day to support and not compress.

In the past women in these roles have had to rely on a sports bra, which compresses the bust and features a racer back. Regardless of how well engineered these bras are, they are not designed to be worn for long periods of time.

The Rose & Thorne Active Bra is available in six colours and costs $59. Premium Support options are also available. roseandthorne.co.nz