Enhancements to hydraulic balancing unit

The brass SpiroCross 3-in-1 solution from Spirotech has a brand new design that saves on space, installation and maintenance. The new SpiroCross AX-J is the latest update to the SpiroCross hydraulic balancing unit, featuring a new powerful external neodymium magnet, which optimises dirt separation and ensures even the smallest magnetite particles are removed from system water. Collected contaminants can then be quickly and easily removed from the SpiroCross AX-J using the draining valve, and can be carried out even while the system remains fully operational.

The product, which combines hydraulic balancing with air and dirt removal, is suitable for domestic and light commercial heating systems, is available in three sizes from 1in up to 1½in connections, and comes with a 20-year warranty.

ASM Pete Chamberlain says: “Our brass SpiroCross 3-in-1 hydraulic balancing, air and dirt removal unit has been a firm favourite amongst installers working on larger domestic and light commercial systems for many years. The enhanced SpiroCross AX-J includes the familiar external magnet found in the SpiroTrap MB3 to keep systems free from contaminants.”

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Rhino unveils internal racking

Known for its external accessories for vans, Rhino has now unveiled an internal racking product, the MR4, said to provide a durable and modern internal racking system.

With leg panels and shelves made from rigid and robust powder-coated steel, alongside sleek and modern aluminium drawers, each MR4 configuration has been tailored to maximise vehicle storage space, with Rhino providing bespoke fitting kits for all units. MR4 is described as being easy to fit, with no drilling required for many vehicles, using only Tek screws to secure into place.

Speaking on the new launch, Steve Egerton, group CEO, says: “In 2022 we launched a wealth of new external accessories, and we start 2023 with our very first internal product in our 20-year history. Our focus has always been around continuous product development and innovation, and we are excited to be applying these same principles to this new product range.”

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LowBoard 2 has a 15% higher heat output than its predecessor and a 40% higher heat output than unfoiled low build-up systems or alternative overlay solutions.

The panel’s routing allows for a multi-directional pipe channel pattern, eliminating the need for separate straight and loop panels while also ensuring the warm water pipe can be easily laid around any room layouts. The channels are spaced 150mm apart.

The upper ‘over’ panel is 6mm thick wood fibre (or 12mm plywood for tiled applications) and the proportional pipe channel pattern places the encapsulated warm water pipe within 3mm of the floor surface. Bonded to the over panel is a layer of patented aluminium AL HEX foil diffuser to improve the in-channel foiled surface area that is in contact with the warm water pipe.

Omnie says the result is greater heat output, better heat transfer and a more even heat distribution.

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30% recycled packaging

Water treatment products from Fernox will now be packed in 265ml and 500ml bottles manufactured from 30% recycled high density polyethylene (HDPE). This move is part of the company’s longstanding commitment to product innovation and energy efficiency of heating systems. To expand on these innovations, it is now also focusing on the environmental impact of product packaging.

“Although the bottles will look and perform like our existing ones, the adoption of 30% recycled content will lower our overall use of virgin plastics,” explains sales director Greg Banham.

“However, there is always more to do. Sustainability is a work in progress, and we are continuously looking to improve our efforts in our supply chain, logistics and overall environmental impact.”

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Heat pump design service supports new installers

Heat pump distributor Secon

Renewables is launching a design service to guide installers, builders and merchants through the equipment selection process. It offers a complete solution to the new build sector, while also supporting installers who are new to the renewables industry. Secon’s Heating Design Service will be available to customers who place an order for a heat pump and cylinder package and aims to ensure the correct information is available in order to size heat pumps, underfloor heating and radiators correctly. Once an order is placed, the client then completes a form and forwards all drawings and information to Secon, who will prepare the necessary calculations and drawings and return an indemnified design to the customer. This process is expected to take 10 to 15 days.

MD Kevin Carling says: “Our design offer not only saves contractors time but also gives them the confidence that all the products they get are designed to meet the building’s needs. There is a shortage of installers in this sector and we need to make the transition for traditional fossil fuel installers to start installing heat pumps as seamless as possible.’’

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Stepping up production to meet demand

With more people turning to their wood stoves and fires to provide an affordable source of heat, DRU is reporting an increase in production of its Dik Geurts Ivar selection of classic and contemporary stoves. They meet British and European emissions and efficiency standards and are suitable for replacing older, inefficient stoves or open fires.

The Ivar series includes the Aste, Soren and Modivar stoves, all based on classic designs. They are easily installed into Class 1 chimneys, and feature a dark anthracite colour finish. Each model in the range has an A+ energy label, with an efficiency rating of over 80%. And for added air quality, there are external air and room-sealed options available. For homes with no chimney, customers can choose from a range of freestanding models, which are available in a selection of sizes and capacities with built-in wood storage.

This month we’ve teamed up with testo to give one reader the 300 Ultra Smart Kit, giving engineers the power to take accurate measurements in domestic heating systems

In addition, the Ivar 10 H2O Store model is an Ecodesign ‘boiler stove’ with a substantial 4.7kW room heating output and 5.5 kW of water heating power. It provides supplementary water heating for radiators, showers and general domestic hot water.

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Monobloc is among the quietest

Quiet Mark accreditation has been awarded to LG’s air-to-water heat pump – the Therma V Monobloc ‘S’. This certification assures customers that their heat pump will not make noise that interferes with a home’s health and wellbeing. LG says the low noise and high performance of this model is achieved by using inverter motor technology and an improved fan and orifice.

The unit comes with a Seasonal Coefficient of Performance of up to 4.67 (average climate/low temperature application) and a A+++ rating. The COP rises to 4.9 (outdoor air 7°C/leaving water temperature 35°C) and can deliver a leaving water temperature of 65°C if required.

The models that have achieved the Quiet Mark accreditation are the 5, 7, 9 and 12kW models in single phase as well as the new 9 and 12kW three phase models ◼ phamnews.co.uk/423/69

Terminal meets fire standards

The Titon FireSafe range has been expanded with the addition of the non-combustible FireSafe 100mm Push Through Pull Kit, suitable for social housing as well as new build and refurb residential applications. The product is a fire rated terminal and ducting kit that has been designed specifically for applications that need to be non-combustible, as set out in Approved Document B (fire safety) Volume 1: Dwellings, 2019 edition. It is performance tested to BS EN13141-2:2010 and corrosion salt sprayed BS EN ISO 9227:2012.

The new kit has been developed to work with Titon’s constant flow Ultimate dMEV, but it is also compatible with the vast majority of 100mm fans on the market. For easy installation on site, it can be cut down to a desired length.

Speaking about the introduction, Roy Byom, Titon’s social housing manager, says: “This product will enable installers with achieving a fire rated through the wall duct application, from ground floor to properties at higher levels.”

The new product comes in terracotta and white, with special paint finishes available on request, depending on the quantity required.

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Get your hands on the testo 300 for smart measuring technology that supports you every day in the efficient, problem-free performance of your tasks and has the ability to connect to up to four smart probes. Alongside resilience and high performance, the testo 300 features intuitive touch operation via its 5in HD display with self-explanatory measurement menus, fast start-up, easy electronic reports that can be sent wirelessly, and the newest design gas sensors for all applications, including hydrogen (20% mix).

This device will also offer screen mirroring when used with the testo SMART app, which gives you access to an integrated customer address book – this means you can email your reports while on site directly to anyone who needs access to them.

With the testo 300 Ultra Smart Kit, you will be equipped for all the most important measurements for domestic heating systems: the testo 300 flue gas analyser is supplied with O2 and CO sensor up to 4000 ppm, basic flue gas probe, testo Bluetooth connector, 1x testo 510i Bluetooth differential manometer, 2 x testo 115i Bluetooth pipe clamp thermometers, 1 x testo 316i gas escape detector, instrument carry case, and AC/USB power supply.

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