Rinnai – a full range of fanned convection space heaters

Rinnai – a full range of fanned convection space heaters

Rinnai Energysaver fanned convection powered flue gas fired space heating solutions are suited to all types of sites – schools, community centres, libraries, conservatories and churches.

Rinnai Energysaver models deliver smart, energy-efficient and consistent warm air without the use of central ductwork. And installation is quick, easy and simple.

The Rinnai Energysaver range comprises of models that exceed seasonal thermal heating guidance under the Building Regs Part L.

Rinnai provides an innovative solution by heating from the floor up and by modulating gas usage in relation to room temperature, enabling its units to provide unparalleled levels of comfort and efficiency. They provide safe, controllable heat with maximum energy efficiency, combined with flexibility of location.

Any number of Rinnai space heaters can run off a central time clock providing heat to large spaces. The Energysaver Multi is not limited to single Energysavers as the flexibility of the system guarantees any units can be mixed and matched together to satisfy even the most unique buildings.

The Rinnai range of Energysaver fanned convection powered flue heaters includes three products – the Energysaver 309 FTR, the Energysaver 559T, the energy Saver 1004T, which are available in both Natural Gas and LPG options. All models come with a 15 year warranty on the heat exchanger.

Fully modulating burners mean heat output and energy input are reduced as the space warms up. The units, encased in a low surface temperature casing to eradicate any risk of burns, are swift to warm up, easy to control and are very economical to run. Rinnai Energysaver 559T, and 1004T heaters are also suitable for central timer control.

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com

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Hush Acoustics: Hard wood flooring replaces carpet in apartment

Hush Acoustics: Hard wood flooring replaces carpet in apartment

A 4 month refurbishment project has been completed by Hush Acoustics in a block of apartments in Kensington, London.

The client wanted to replace their existing carpet with a more modern timber flooring in the apartment but the lease dictated that a change in floor finish was not permitted due to potential sound transmission to neighbouring properties.

Hush Acoustics were called in to solve this problem and specified Hush Mat 15 as the acoustic underlay for the project. This allowed the carpet to be removed and a timber floor to be installed. Hush Mat 15 decoupled the hard floor from the existing floor structure. The floor construction consisted of: Hardwood floor finish 15mm, Hush Mat 15 acoustic underlay, existing timber structural deck and existing ceiling.

Hush Acoustics carried out Sound Testing before and after the works were carried out. The results confirmed that the treatment proposed by Hush showed an improvement in both Impact and Airborne acoustic performance. This satisfied the leaseholder and the management company and allowed a timber floor finish to be installed. This is a very common problem within multi-occupancy buildings and Hush Acoustics provide solutions to treat it.

For more information on the Hush product range please visit www.hushacoustics.co.uk or call direct on 01519332026.

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Celotex provides an exceptional degree of insulation at York University

Celotex provides an exceptional degree of insulation at York University

Sustainability is a key feature of the £30 million Goodricke College which forms part of the £750 million development of the Heslington East campus at the University of York. With this significant investment set to prepare the university for the future, and materials chosen to meet the development’s high performance criteria as efficiently and effectively as possible, PIR insulation from Celotex was specified to create a thermally efficient building envelope.

Designed by architects BDP and built by Shepherd Construction, the 16,000㎡ college has incorporated a range of energy saving measures such as high performance insulation to achieve a BREEAM ‘excellent’ rating. To aid with this, Celotex provided its innovative EL3000 insulation board, specially designed for use in flat roofing applications.

For six campus buildings, specialist contactor Roofdec Ltd of Rotherham installed 7,500㎡ of 100mm thick Celotex EL3000 boards onto a vapour barrier which was adhered to the roof’s metal structural decks. The built up flat roofing system was then finished with Sarnafil G410-ELF single ply membrane, attached directly to the surface of the insulation boards to create a thermally efficient bonded roofing system.

Celotex EL3000 has an excellent lambda value and with a glass tissue facer which is perforated on one side, it removes the requirement for a two layer solution and is suitable for either bituminous or single-ply roofing. It provides a quick and easy method of achieving effective thermal insulation in flat roofing structures and does not allow a build-up of moisture below the waterproofing membrane.

Alongside its U-value, which lowers heating requirements and thereby CO2 emissions, Celotex EL3000 has low Global Warming Potential and zero Ozone Depletion Potential. Available in a range of thicknesses from 50mm – 150mm and in two different length of boards – 600mm and 2,400mm – it is versatile and easy to cut to shape on site, providing Roofdec with an easy method of constructing the roof.

Celotex insulation is incredibly durable, dimensionally stable and unaffected by temperature cycles. It also does not corrode or degrade on contact with welding chemicals used in conjunction with many flat roofing systems.

With Phase 1 and 2 of the development now complete, this project demonstrates the versatility of Celotex’ products – and with flat roof applications well established in the UK building industry, the company’s portfolio of solutions offers specifiers and installers thermally efficient, simple and cost effective methods of insulating such rooftops.

For further information please visit www.celotex.co.uk

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The Build Show welcomes the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists as event partner

The Build Show welcomes the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists as event partner

Bringing together contractors, specifiers and suppliers from across the construction industry, preparations for the Build Show are going from strength to strength with the recent addition of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) as event partner.

As the leading qualifying body for architectural technology, CIAT represents those practising and studying within the discipline, focusing on understanding design and turning design ideas into reality. CIAT will use its wealth of knowledge and resources to help develop the show’s skills-focused seminar content, demonstrations and training workshops, with an emphasis on buildability, durability and sustainability of construction.

CIAT members are often the link between architects and builders and contactors, bridging the gap between concept, innovation and reality. CIAT’s involvement in the Build Show will provide a unique opportunity to those attending the inaugural event to better understand the design process and how to create a space that is both buildable and functions well.

Adam Endacott, Media & PR Director at CIAT, commented: “We are delighted to be working with the organisers of the Build Show and supporting this new high profile exhibition. There has been a large gap in the market for an event of this kind and I am hopeful that the Build Show will be a beneficial example of collaborative working in the built environment sector. There is a wealth of knowledge that visitors to the show can tap into and we look forward to contributing our part into the event’s programme.”

Paul Godwin, Managing Director of the Build Show, said “CIAT plays a vital role within the construction industry, ensuring that buildings are sustainable, perform to the highest standards and continue to do so into the future. Its expertise will be critical in the development of our seminar programme by providing cutting edge insight into the most relevant new technologies and best practice on how to incorporate them into modern buildings.”

“Perhaps more importantly, CIAT will provide a pragmatic link between those that design buildings and the people and organisations that bring them to reality.”

Celebrating its 50th year in 2015, CIAT was founded after the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) called for an institute to be set up for architectural technicians. CIAT upholds and advances the standards of education, competence and practise within its sector and will provide a valuable source of information and guidance to those attending the Build Show next year.

The Build Show will take place at the Birmingham NEC from Tuesday 27th to Thursday 29th October 2015, and will bring together contractors, specifiers, builders, suppliers, housebuilders, architectural technologists and clients, to network, showcase new products and discover opportunities for professional development.

Other event partners developing the show’s seminar schedule include, the Federation of Master Builders, Glenigan, the Construction Products Association, the National Federation of Builders, the National House Building Council and the Construction Industry Training Board.

Some of the exhibitors already signed up include, VEKA, Festool, VW, Marmox, Kingspan and many more.

For more information about exhibiting at or attending the Build Show, please visit www.buildshow.co.uk

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Cinema is the perfect Showcase for direct replacement

Cinema is the perfect Showcase for direct replacement

When Showcase Cinemas decided to replace the air handling units at some of its UK sites, Weatherite’s ‘direct replacement’ air handling systems delivered a reliable, cost effective, energy efficient, long lasting solution.

Showcase Cinemas is a major UK cinema chain, owned and operated by National Amusements Inc. Efficient air handling is essential to the comfort of its cinemagoers and staff. Unreliability and the cost of continually replacing components had become a concern with some of the existing air handling units, a number of which were failing in well under the 15 year life cycle expected with this type of equipment.

Showcase Cinemas investigated replacing the equipment with standard proprietary units, however, this proved unviable due to unit size, space constraints and the cost and down time involved in moving M&E services to connect with the new units.

Showcase’s Consultants, Hoare Lea contacted Weatherite who suggested replacing the old AHU’s with ‘bespoke direct replacements’ that match the existing units in terms of size, footprint and positioning of service connections. Using the latest technology, such as EC fans, scroll compressors, high efficiency indirect gas fired heaters and web-enabled Trend control systems, Weatherite’s solution also delivered high operational efficiency and energy savings.

Weatherite also developed bespoke BMS software for the control systems integration which has given National Amusements real time access to each of the AHU’s performance and operational data. The software allows the client to make adjustments remotely, and includes self-diagnostics to aid maintenance of the equipment.

The first Showcase Cinema to be updated with new Weatherite equipment was Walsall, in the West Midlands where 14 AHU’s were installed over a three-day cycle. In conjunction with Elite Air Services Ltd, Showcase’s service and maintenance company, Weatherite carried out the work after the last evening performance, working overnight until the building was handed back ready for the following day’s screenings.

Weatherite also supplied the new centralised control access system and carried out the commissioning with Showcase’s BMS contractor, to ensure everything ran smoothly. The success of the Walsall project has led to further installations in Coventry and Teeside.

The direct replacement approach has delivered many benefits to the client. The new system features ‘like for like’ equipment in terms of air volumes, heating and cooling performance and M&E service connections. It will also substantially reduce ongoing energy costs.

Thanks to the overnight installation process, system downtime was minimised and no business days were lost. The control software provides much greater management information in real time, plus immediate control of the operating system.

For further information please contact Steve Cartledge, Sales Director, Weatherite Manufacturing Limited on
+44 (0) 121 665 2266; email: sales@weatheritegroup.com or visit www.weatheritegroup.com

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Decseal provides police protection in Leeds

Decseal provides police protection in Leeds

A car park built as part of a new £34m police station in Leeds has been structurally protected using Stirling Lloyd’s dual function Decseal waterproofing and anti-skid system.

Some 4,182m² of the advanced resin-based Decseal system has been applied throughout the decks of the two-storey car park which serves West Yorkshire Police’s new divisional headquarters. With almost 400 spaces, the new car park provides parking for the force’s operational vehicles as well as for staff and visitors.

With a proven track record in similar car park applications throughout the UK, the fully reinforced Decseal system incorporates a tough, impermeable waterproofing membrane with no vulnerable joints. It has been designed to cope with the awkward contours and profiles associated with multi storey car park decks and ramps and protects the deck from water and chloride penetration and corrosion as well as providing essential skid and slip resistance for both vehicles and pedestrians.

Construction of the new police headquarters, a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) by main contractor, Interserve, was completed earlier this year. Located in Elland Road, opposite Leeds United’s football ground, the new police station and custody suite have become the nerve centre of police operations in the city.

To find out more, please visit www.stirlinglloyd.com

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Harlow MP reminds residents to stay safe from deadly carbon monoxide

Harlow MP reminds residents to stay safe from deadly carbon monoxide

Harlow MP, Rob Halfon (pictured left), urged people to ensure they stay safe against the potentially fatal dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) as he joined local campaigner, Melissa Matthews (right) to mark the start of this year’s Gas Safety Week.

Rob Halfon MP said: “Too many people continue to put themselves at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning by failing to ensure their appliances work safely and efficiently. I would like to thank local resident Melissa Matthews for all of her work on this issue and I urge Harlow Council and all of the relevant local health authorities to help make Harlow a Carbon Monoxide Awareness town. The more Harlow residents who understand the dangers of CO and how to protect themselves, the more lives that will be saved.”

Melissa is one of a group of women known as the CO Angels, who are each striving to raise more awareness about carbon monoxide poisoning after each losing someone special to this silent killer.

Melissa explains: “Gas Safety Week reminded us all of the need to ensure our homes are gas safe. Carbon monoxide is a highly poisonous gas. As you can’t see it, taste it or smell it, it can claim lives quickly with no warning.”

Even exposure to low levels of the gas over a short amount of time can be lethal; causing long term damage to your health.

During Gas Safety Week Melissa Matthews challenged the residents of Harlow and surrounding areas to fit an audible carbon monoxide alarm before the clocks go back.

The danger is – with no taste or smell – CO is undetectable to the human senses and because symptoms are often mistaken for ailments including flu, food poisoning and even a hangover, its presence can go unnoticed until it’s too late.

Badly fitted, poorly serviced or faulty gas appliances can put occupants at risk from gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning. Worryingly CO can also leak from adjoining properties and garages.

The only way to detect its presence is with an audible carbon monoxide alarm. As a smoke alarm alerts you to fire, a properly placed CO alarm detects the lowest levels early, warning you before the gas becomes life threatening so you can take action to stay safe.

The fourth annual Gas Safety Week aimed to bring gas safety to the forefront of people’s minds. Dangerous gas work can kill, so it is vital that gas appliances are safety checked at least once a year. If left unchecked, poorly serviced gas appliances can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning. In the last year alone, 343 people were injured and 10 people died as a result of gas related incidents.

Russell Krämer, chief executive for Gas Safe Register, said: “Every year, far too many people suffer from preventable gas related accidents, such as gas leaks, explosions, fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s great therefore, that we’ve had so much support in raising awareness of gas safety issues, helping to let the 23 million gas consumers in the UK know about the simple checks they can make to stay safe.”

Watch out for the signs:

Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are often mistaken for other ailments such as flu, a hangover or food poisoning, so its presence can go unnoticed until it’s too late. Symptoms include:

  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Breathlessness
  • Headaches
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Collapse

One useful indicator that carbon monoxide may be the cause is if symptoms disappear when you leave your home and reappear when you’re at home.

Follow these simple checks to stay gas safe:

  • Always use a Gas Safe registered engineer when having gas work carried out in your home. You can find a registered engineer in your area by calling Gas Safe Register on 0800 408 5500 or visit www.GasSafeRegister.co.uk
  • Get your gas appliances safety checked at least once a year and serviced in line with the manufacturer’s instructions. This includes your gas boiler, gas cooker and gas fire. Sign up at www.staygassafe.co.uk for a free reminder service.
  • Check the front and back of your engineer’s Gas Safe Register ID card, making sure they are qualified to do the specific type of gas work you require.
  • Install an audible carbon monoxide alarm which will alert you if dangerous levels are present in your home.
  • Check for warning signs your appliances aren’t working correctly, such as lazy yellow or orange flames instead of crisp blue ones, black marks on or around the appliance and too much condensation in the room.

For more information or to find a Gas Safe registered engineer visit www.GasSafeRegister.co.uk or call 0800 408 5500.

For more advice and information on Sprue’s complete range of carbon monoxide alarms, visit: www.fireangel.co.uk.

To read the experiences of the CO Angels, visit: www.co-angels.co.uk

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Rinnai offers a ‘BMS gateway’ to hot water efficiency – another innovation

Rinnai offers a ‘BMS gateway’ to hot water efficiency – another innovation

Rinnai is introducing yet another product innovation in its continuous drive for the highest possible efficiencies and control over hot water provision in all commercial sites. This pioneering product allows end-users to exercise ultimate control and maximise energy efficiencies in all sizes and types of buildings, even in multi-tenanted sites.

Utilising the BACnet and modbus compatible protocol, Rinnai has introduced a gateway that allows a seamless integration of its continuous flow hot water heating products and systems into Building Management Systems (BMS).

The Rinnai Gateway enables access to its advanced product functionality including temperature control, fault diagnostics and communication, energy monitoring, trend logging and on/off status.

“We have recognised the growing market demand for a reliable and efficient supply of hot water. The Rinnai gateway will provide end-users and FM managers alike with the facility to manage and maintain their hot water supply more efficiently than ever before” says Managing Director Tony Gittings.

The Rinnai smart controller offers on/off status as well as fault codes to facilitate first hit repair. For example, the BMS can communicate a precise error code to the central system meaning that in the event of a breakdown the user can communicate the correct parts and information to the engineer for a first time fix, limiting down time and improving Rinnai service response.

The controller allows the end user to remotely monitor and change system temperatures and also to monitor and adjust burners for maximum efficiencies. In effect, the controls monitor gas usage to dictate business periods and energy savings. Rinnai units modulate the gas supply in relation to the amount of heat input required to optimise gas usage meaning high energy efficiency is delivered at all times. This is monitored and visualised by the controls.

The Rinnai smart controller controls also monitor running hours and service requirements. As Rinnai units are on-demand, operating only when a tap is turned on, suggested service periods can be ascertained from running hours, as well as early warning of scale build up. Rinnai HDC units now contain smart lime scale notification systems to maintain system integrity and prevent in-efficiencies from scale accumulation.

For more details on Rinnai products visit www.rinnaiuk.com

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Evinox Energy Chilled Water meter Kit

Evinox Energy chilled Water meter kit

Perfect for installations that include a communal chilled water system, the new Evinox Energy chilled water meter kit includes all the equipment required to facilitate commissioning, balancing, and flow control of the chilled water circuit, as well as the accurate measurement of energy consumption.

The integrated flushing by-pass allows the chilled water primary circuit to be cleansed and flushed by simply moving the blue lever valve to the off position and the blue T bar lever across the pipe and the apartment circuit. This ensures the Pressure Independent Control Valve (PICV) and meter are protected from the cleansing process of the primaries. The PICV provides flow regulation of the chilled water circuit within the apartment and differential pressure control of the chilled water circuit ensuring that only differential pressure control of the main primary pump set is required.

The PICV also features its own binder points for the commissioning engineer to use when required and the in inbuilt isolation valve has an integral strainer.

The kit includes a MID approved meter head, which is supplied with a wall mounting bracket that enables the meter head to be installed in a position where it can be read easily, normally below the ceiling level. The meter can also be wired directly back to the Evinox ModuSat heat interface unit, allowing the chilled water consumption to be read via our ViewSmart room controller.

The whole chilled water meter kit assembly comes complete with its own sturdy insulation jacket, which allows removal for any maintenance that may be required.

For pre-payment operation with our PaySmart system the assembly can be fitted with an actuator to shut down the chilled water circuit in the event of no credit being available.

For further information about our integrated communal heating solutions, please contact us by emailing info@evinoxenergy.co.uk or visit www.evinoxenergy.co.uk

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Altro provides first class bathroom solution for University of Melbourne

Altro provides first class bathroom solution for University of Melbourne

Altro has delivered an integrated flooring and wall cladding solution for Ormond College at the University of Melbourne. Ormond College is the largest residential college at the University, with more than 400 students and 80 permanent and casual staff.

The college needed practical, easily maintained flooring and wall cladding for new bathroom installations. They selected Altro Aquarius™ safety flooring to provide a surface that would be slip-resistant in wet and dry, shoe and barefoot environments – perfect for their ensuite refurbishment. For the ensuite walls, they selected Altro Whiterock™ wall cladding. Ormond College loved the fact that it is impact resistant and that they no longer needed to worry about repairs to grout, cracks or chips.

They were impressed with the product’s high end look to match their building design whilst providing safe, easy to clean, hygienic and durable surfaces. The bathrooms, being a wet and dry environment, needed flooring that would be safe under both conditions and under bare feet as well as different types of shoes. With a TRRL ≥36 and Class B safety rating, along with Altro’s long warranties, 15 years sustained slip-resistance, and reputation, they knew they were in safe hands.

Dennis Stammer, Maintenance Manager at Ormond College said, “I have experienced Altro in the past and not only do they have excellent customer service but high quality, top of the range products as well. The bathrooms that we installed using Altro safety flooring and Altro Whiterock wall cladding were reasonably priced and of very high quality. I would only recommend and use Altro Aquarius and Altro Whiterock products.”

Altro is a world leading manufacturer and supplier of flooring, walling, ceilings and doorsets. The company supplies hygienic, safe and practical, yet decorative, solutions for all interior environments – without compromising on function or design.

A vast product range features traditional and contemporary, textured and smooth coverings, all in a broad palette of colours. Altro’s customers operate in the education, healthcare, pharmaceutical, retail, leisure, hospitality and food and drink sectors.

Altro is leading the way in sustainable manufacturing and is the first safety flooring manufacturer with the facility to recycle safety flooring in house.

For further information, please visit www.altro.com

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