Kee Safety gates comply with BSI Standard

Kee Safety, a leading global supplier of safety railing systems, has adjusted the design of its Kee Gate range to satisfy the requirements of BS EN ISO 14122-3:2016 Safety of Machinery – Permanent means of access to machinery – Part 3: Stairs, Stepladders and guard-rails. The new Kee Gate range retains the key elements of the existing safety gates, but has been modified to meet the BSI Standard.

Released in 2016, the revised standard defines the requirements for safe access to machines. It applies to both stationary and mobile machinery where a fixed means of access is necessary. The standard specifies that when the height of a fall could exceed 500mm, a guardrail should be installed, and the chosen system needs to meet several dimensional requirements. It also notes that a self-closing gate should be used.

The revised standard states that the gap between both railings and the floor must not exceed 500mm. To remain compliant with this standard, Kee Safety has had to modify the design of its safety gates.

The Kee Gate design now features a larger D bend, which closes the gap between the bottom rail of the gate and floor, whilst still allowing full width adjustability along with a new mid rail which closes the gap between the top of the gate and the mid rail. The new gate is 668mm high, its mid rail is positioned 467mm from the top rail and a lower bottom rail is positioned 433mm from the floor. These modifications ensure that the Kee Gate range is compliant with the revised BSI standard.

Designed to work both internally and externally, on ladder and stair access points, roof hatches, walkways and roof tops, Kee Gate, ensures maintenance, inspection and warehouse staff can fulfil their job, follow best practices and comply with current safety standards, without putting their safety at risk. Kee Gate safety gates are spring loaded so can automatically close behind the user, providing an added level of security and overcoming the potential for human error. This type of system is the preferred solution to chains, bars or sliding tubes, as these traditional forms of protection can lead to a hazardous void, when used incorrectly.

The Kee Gate range is available in galvanised steel and if required can be powder coated in safety yellow. It is available with standard ‘U’ bolts for fixing to uprights of 33.7, 42.4 and 48.3 mm diameter, enabling the gate to be fixed quickly to existing support structures, posts or stringers. An additional fixing pack is provided which allows the gate to be fixed to square, flat or angle uprights. Kee Gate is 1 metre wide and is designed to be trimmed on-site, saving companies the time and money it takes to fabricate their own gates.

As well as being compliant to BS EN ISO 14122-3:2016, Kee Gate also complies with the requirements of EN 13374 Class A, and is CE marked to EN 1090. The system has undergone extensive testing to ensure total reliability of the gates. These include salt spray testing to ASTM B117-11 Neutral solutions over 200 hours to assess the coating’s corrosion resistance, life cycle testing to BS 6375-2:2009 Clause 6.5 – Opening and closing of Gate through 90 degrees 50,000 cycles and Abuse Testing where 9 x 25kg weights were suspended from the gate to test what happens if pressure is applied. This ensures durability, superior corrosion resistance and defence against signs of wear.

For more information, visit www.keesafety.co.uk.
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Brookhurst handmade clay roof tiles for Suffolk new build and renovation

Brookhurst handmade clay roof tiles have been specified for a glorious new build project in the Thredling Hundred, mid Suffolk. Close to the village centre of Debenham, this outstanding and spacious home is surrounded by outbuildings, both old and new. A new two-storey car lodge offers accommodation on the first floor and sits beside an original 1914 barn, while the jewel in the crown is the converted tower mill which dates back to 1839. The two acre estate was purchased at auction, subject to planning, and provides far reaching views of the stunning Suffolk landscape, an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and birthplace of John Constable.

“There is certainly a lot of history attached to this spot and I recall we were surprised and delighted that local planners allowed us to replace the existing cottage that was on this site,” says Joe Johnson. “The property was very run down and needed considerable work to make it habitable so for us it made total sense to knock it down and start again. In fact the whole site was in need of recovery, high roadside hedges completely obscured the buildings and the mill was so deeply covered in bramble that we couldn’t even see the brick building beneath.”

Joe and Sandra Johnson designed the house themselves together with architect Tim Linstead of Anglia Design LLP, Norwich. The property incorporates the very latest technology including air source heat pump, photovoltaic solar panels and a heat recovery ventilation system, which together has resulted in a highly sustainable building. The open plan kitchen and day room is reached via a generous utility room which is adjacent to the gym. The day lounge is flanked by a contemporary garden room, with natural solid timber features, and offers far reaching rural views across the moated garden. Bricks and beams reclaimed from the original cottage have been used to create a large and welcoming inglenook fireplace which houses a log burning stove in the day lounge.

In the spacious entrance hall, which serves two formal reception rooms, a regal two way oak staircase leads to a minstrels gallery and five double bedroom suites. A large floored-out area in the roof space above provides substantial and valuable storage and can be reached via its own door and staircase off the first floor landing.

“We started the build in autumn 2014 having meticulously planned the build schedule”, continues Joe, “and we moved into the house in November ’16. Work is still ongoing to the mill which is reported to have been one of the finest examples of a tower mill in the country.” The mill was originally five stories at a height of 57ft with four sails. It was tail-winded in July 1918 and suffered significant damage. The mill was repaired using the sails from Preston Mill, near Lavenham in Suffolk, with the help of a £100 Government grant. The mill was set to work again on 21 June 1921, working until 1935. It then stood derelict until December 1962 when it was literally pulled down to a two-storey stump. The truncated mill has been extended to the rear by the Johnson’s and will provide lovely accommodation for visitors to the region.

As a successful carpenter and builder Joe Johnson is familiar with the specification of many leading materials’ and systems and presented Sahtas UK with drawings early in 2015. “It has been a delight to work with Joe and Sandra on this very ambitious build and I know how much hard work and effort has gone into the last three years,” says Iain Webster, director of Sahtas UK Limited. Working with samples of the Brookhurst natural clay roof tiles, the couple chose the Wentworth tile for the main house and the rear extension to the mill. “In fact, this was the first project to specify the Wentworth when it was first launched so we are pleased and proud that it was chosen for such a special build,” comments Iain. “The Wentworth gives the feel of a weathered, reclaimed tile with its dark red base and heavy dark weathering that looks old and established from the very first day.”

Brookhurst tiles are made from the highest quality clay material using traditional hand moulding and coal firing techniques. Whilst these glorious traditions are maintained, Brookhurst tiles meet the highest technical standards and are fully compliant with BS EN 538 and 539 test standards for strength, durability and weather protection. The artisan skills of this production method has also founded a vast inventory of bespoke designs, intricate and unique shapes, and varied components with refined colour matches essential where extensive renovation is undertaken.
Externally, the original barn has been fully restored and the clay pantiles have been replaced with well-matched reclaimed tiles. “It was important to source a good match for the new build car lodge as the two barns sit side by side,” says Joe. “Here Sahtas helped us again and colour matched the tiles in Turkey and shipped samples back to the UK. We were delighted with these and most of our visitors can’t identify the old from the new.”

Sahtas traditional pantiles are manufactured to the same high standards as the rest of the collection and available in the same colourways as the Brookhurst tile range. “We will always help clients who have a very specific requirement, or regional bias, and if we have to make something bespoke we have the capacity to do so,” comments Iain. “We are passionate about producing premium handmade clay products which exceed the expectations of both the industry and our customers. This goal is achieved through stringent in-house quality control at all levels, as well as continuous external independent testing. Bespoke or not, all Sahtas products are backed by our 100% quality guarantee.”

More product information is available at www.sahtas.co.uk. Alternatively please telephone 01908 311411 or email sahtasUK@sahtas.com
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Visit Saint-Gobain Weber on YouTube for guidance on repairing fine cracks in monocouche render

Saint-Gobain Weber takes training in the specification and application of their innovative, market leading materials responsibly. A team of technical advisers are available to support and advise, either over the telephone or on site, on the correct use of a diverse product offering.

“In addition to the Saint-Gobain Technical Academy here in Bedfordshire, one of several across the country,” says Rob Speke, training academy manager, Saint-Gobain Weber, “we now have a wide inventory of How To videos posted on You Tube for specifiers and applicators who are unable to attend a related course at the Academy.”

How To Videos have been created to address the most frequently raised technical enquiries received by Weber’s technicians for tile preparation, flooring products, renders and external wall insulation systems.

A popular and frequently viewed Weber video identifies the benefits and characteristics of weberpral monocouche renders. This is a high performance range of low maintenance, cementitious, through-coloured renders in which small knocks and abrasions are not as noticeable as with traditional painted render. But if a fine crack appears, caused by drying shrinkage, aesthetic repairs can be easily carried out.

“With over 3,000 views this video is designed to help render applicators ensure that perfect aesthetics are easily achieved when dealing with fine cracks in monocouche render,” says Rob Speke. “By following a few simple stages – from opening the crack, to accurately preparing the render repair mix, achieving the correct application technique and the final finishing treatment – a perfect and satisfactory remedial job will be delivered.”

This How To video is one of 30 currently hosted on YouTube with plans for many more over the coming months. For more information, or for technical support, please contact Saint-Gobain Weber on 08703 330 070, or visit www.netweber.co.uk.

A free download of the Weber App for iPhone and iPad users is also available from iTunes and from Google Play for Android smartphones and tablet users. Follow Saint-Gobain Weber on Twitter @SGWeberUK for the latest company news and updates.

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RHS turns over a new leaf with Kingspan TEK

The Kingspan TEK Building System of Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) has been erected in just three weeks to form the structure of a new office building at the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) flagship gardens in Wisley.

RHS Wisley is currently undergoing a major renewal programme, including re-landscaping its grounds and the construction of new laboratory and learning spaces. As part of this work, Evelegh Designs collaborated with design and build contractors, Ashley Group, to create a single storey office building for the site’s 72 staff members. Whilst the building has the appearance of a traditional barn, its construction is thoroughly modern with the walls and roof formed from 142 mm and 172 mm Kingspan TEK Building System panels respectively.

Kingspan TEK Building System panels feature an OSB/3 facing bonded to a highly insulated core. The panels were factory cut to the office building’s design, including space for the specified windows and doors. This ensured a straightforward erection programme once on-site and allowed Ashley Group to erect and weathertight the building shell in a matter of weeks.

The excellent thermal performance provided by the Kingspan TEK Building System was another key benefit as Tony Frend, Contracts Manager at Ashley Group explained: “The original tender specified that the walls needed to achieve a U-value of 0.22 W/m2.K. The Kingspan TEK Building System was our preferred specification as, in addition to providing a reliable build programme, the 142 mm wall panels also allowed us achieve an enhanced U-value of 0.19 W/m2.K on the walls. For the roof construction we were able to go one step further, installing the 172 mm Kingspan TEK Building System panels to achieve a U-value of just 0.17 W/m2.K.”

The OSB/3 facing of the Kingspan TEK Building System panels supports a wide range of façade options. To complete the barn’s rustic external aesthetic, black weatherboarding was installed on timber battens fixed to the facing of the panels, whilst clay tiles were used to clad the roof.

Kingspan TEK Building System panels also feature a unique jointing system which, in combination with their OSB/3 facing, can help to create highly airtight buildings. The manufacturing facility where the panels are produced carries both FSC® (FSC®-C109304) and PEFC Chain of Custody certification. As standard, the OSB/3 facing of all Kingspan TEK panels is PEFC certified.

For further information, please call +44 (0) 1544 387 384, email literature@kingspantek.co.uk or visit www.kingspantek.co.uk.

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Kemper System helps protect concrete heritage

Cold-applied liquid waterproofing specialist, Kemper System, has helped to preserve a grade II listed building thanks to its Stratex warm roof and Kemperol liquid roofing systems.

Because of the unusual design of St Thomas More Church in the Sheldon area of Birmingham, architects Wood Goldstraw Yorath worked in close consultation with Kemper System to enhance the waterproofing performance by addressing leaks and U/V damage to the existing substrate, whilst also improving drainage and reducing the risk of standing water on the roof.

The structure of the building with its many glass and concrete terraces, saw Kemper System’s Stratex tapered warm roof system being specified along with their solvent-free and odourless Kemperol 2K-PUR waterproofing membrane to refurbish the church’s failing asphalt roof.

The technical team at Kemper System also devised a series of drainage channels to address the volume of standing water on the roof, whereby excess water would be caught and drained off the building.

Contractors, Alliance Technical Services Ltd, a specialist conservation company, not only worked to recover the roof with Kemper’s Stratex warm roof system, but also installed new glazing to the central ribs and high level roof windows, fitted an external downpipe and drainage, and completed concrete repairs and concrete rib replacements.

For the recovering of the roofs with the Kemper designed system, operatives removed the existing chippings on the roof ready to clean and prime the asphalt substrate, and installed a hard top tapered Kempertherm PIR insulation board. This was adhered to each terrace section in such a way to create channels behind and either side of each piece of insulation.

As primarily structural engineers, Alliance Technical Services Ltd undertook thorough product and application training at Kemper System HQ in Warrington before installing the Kemperol 2K-PUR system, to familiarise themselves with the liquid waterproofing product application.

Derek Lowe, Managing Director at Alliance Technical Services Ltd, said: “This was a particularly interesting project for us as the church required remedial works to the concrete whilst also installing an alternative waterproofing solution to ensure the graded building remained watertight. The Kemperol 2K-PUR liquid applied waterproofing system was an ideal solution to work around the complicated structure of the building with its many terraces, outlets and joints. These formally weak areas were able to be fully waterproofed in one seamless, easy application.

“We undertook excellent training at Kemper’s headquarters to ensure we were able to apply the system effectively and efficiently. Thanks to the durability of the Kemperol 2K-PUR waterproofing system, the church’s heritage has been protected and can continue to be enjoyed by its many visitors.”

Technical manager at Kemper System, Ross Smith, added: “This interesting project presented design, specification and installation challenges which were easily solved thanks to versatile qualities of the Kemperol membrane.

“The wet-on-wet, cold applied liquid was the perfect solution to ensure a quick and easy installation, yet providing the reassurance of a sound, waterproof solution for many years to come. Its odourless, solvent-free qualities meant the refurbishment works created little disruption to local residents or those using the church.”

Added to Historic England’s ‘At Risk’ register in 2015, the Roman Catholic Church of St Thomas More was designed by renowned architect, Richard Gilbert Scott – who also designed the Guildhall’s West Wing and Art Gallery – with stained glass by John Chrestien.

For more information please visit www.kempersystem.co.uk.
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Rinnai Solo has multiple advantages

The Infinity Solo condensing and low NOX condensing water heater is the first Rinnai product for the UK to bring together the advanced technology of its wall mounted continuous flow water heaters with a stainless steel storage cylinder in one compact footprint.

Originally envisaged as a single installation product for light commercial operations such as B&Bs, small hotels and schools, Infinity Solo is now being manifolded by installers for larger projects including a recent major primary school installation.

There is no restriction on the number of units that can be linked together as the installer can simply work out the volume of hot water required to determine the number of units required.

This versatile newcomer has also very quickly carved itself a niche in new build and refurbishment housing projects where it is being installed in larger three – and four-bed houses where specifiers have identified it as a cost effective hot water provider for a family bathroom, ensuite and a downstairs cloak room/shower.

Several of the 24kW-59.5kW Infinity Solo range are renewables compatible and supplied pre-fitted with a coil, ensuring the primary energy source will always be from renewable gains and the complementary Rinnai water heater will only apply the precise amount of gas to boost the difference in temperature.

The Solo cylinder is stainless steel, greatly reducing the weight compared to glass lined models, which makes transportation and installation a whole lot easier. The cylinders also boast extremely low heat loss (as low as 1.41kW/h day), which means the customer pays less to maintain the heat within the tank.

Rinnai’s new Solo range incorporates 35kW and 54kW appliances, ensuring that even sites with a smaller gas meter can utilise its advanced technologies.

The larger Infinity Solo model will also act as a high-efficiency alternative to other current forms of gas fired storage appliance. The cylinders also have extremely low heat loss figures (achieving 1.41kW/h day), which means the customer pays less to maintain heat within the tank.

Integral controls on the units ensure optimum performance and efficiencies whether locally or when integrated into a building management system. And there is also Legionella protection available too. Rinnai has invented technology for secondary return DHW systems in the form of additional controls which allow for safe running of water at 42°C core temperature during the day and 60°C at a time when the building is closed. By the time the building reopens, core temperature is 42°C for safe use.

The Rinnai Infinity brand carries the widest range of condensing water heaters on the market today with the most impressive efficiencies in operation, leading the field in technological innovation.

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com.
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SFS intec’s Powder Coated Fasteners Deliver on Aesthetics and Performance in Prestigious Retail Project

Powder coated high performance fasteners from SFS intec have played a key role in enabling leading roofing and cladding contractor Roofdec to create a striking new building envelope for a major extension to the White Rose Shopping Centre in Leeds.

The prestigious £13.7m project completed by Morgan Sindall for client Land Securities expands the popular shopping centre with an additional 65,000 sq ft. This space incorporates an 11 screen Cineworld cinema with IMAX technology, numerous restaurants and an extension of both the existing Primark and Debenhams stores.

Meeting the colour consistency and long-term performance brief across the various elements of the contemporary façade, Roofdec turned to SFS intec for 40 variations of fasteners, many of which were powder coated in-house to match the different forms and colours of the rainscreen exterior. This included ensuring that fastener heads complemented the building’s unique curved facias which were formed of purpose-made anodised panels in various colours.

Jon Barnes Senior, Managing Director of Roofdec, says, “For all of our prestigious jobs, we choose SFS intec’s fasteners for their excellent quality, ease of installation and value for money.  SFS intec provide excellent technical support throughout the design and construction phases of a project and with their production facilities being located in Leeds with in-house powder-coating, the logistics to get the right coloured product on-site were a breeze.

“With their unbeatable warranty, we’re confident that we will have no teething problems on site and the sustainability of the building is secure for a longer warranty period.  Once the project is finished, we can move on to our next project with total confidence in our work.”

SFS intec powder-coats fasteners, available to meet any RAL colour and in bespoke finishes, at its UK HQ and production plant in Leeds. This ensures it can provide complete consistency in fastener design, manufacture and colour-matching for total peace of mind – all within industry-leading lead times.

The company’s sales and technical teams are available to advise on how best to colour-match fasteners with panels. Currently, SFS intec’s most popular requests for powder coated heads reflect the trends in contemporary architecture, and include Goosewing Grey, Poppy Red, Light Metallic Silver, Solvent Blue, Hamlet and Sargasso Blue.

David Osborne, National Sales Manager at SFS intec says: “With architects continuously pushing the boundaries of façade design, and OEMs leading the charge with constant innovation in panel design and construction, maintaining the visual appeal of the building envelope is vital, particularly for clients in the fiercely competitive retail market.

“Our powder coated fasteners, which provide a high-quality finish for our A2 (grade 304) or A4 (grade 316) stainless steel fasteners, is the ideal way to ensure a façade retains its integrity over a long service life, without suffering significant visual defects that will inevitably impact on the visual appeal of the structure.

Powder coating is an advanced alternative to using moulded nylon heads. Finely ground particles of pigment and resin are sprayed on to the metal fastener head using an electrostatic spray process, causing the charged particles to permanently bond to the metal surface. The powder is then heated and fused into a smooth coating in a curing oven at up to 200 °C, melting the powder onto the metal, to deliver excellent weather resistance and colour stability in even the most exposed locations.

Customers can access detailed information about all the fastening solutions available from SFS intec through its 2017 Roofing and Cladding Catalogue which is accessible via the new website www.sfsintec.co.uk. Customers can also benefit from UK-wide sales and technical teams, both dedicated to providing market-leading customer service, along with extensive resources and training facilities to ensure the best possible result in the finished building envelope.

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Regeneration and recreation inspires town’s new leisure scheme

Masterminded by Niven Architects, the new Feethams leisure and retail development in the heart of Darlington has helped breathe new life into the County Durham market town.

Located on the site of a former bus depot in the centre Darlington, the new scheme has been developed by Urban + Civic and provides much needed leisure facilities, such as a new cinema and several new restaurants, which residents had previously had to travel out of town to enjoy.

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As a major regeneration project within the town, Niven has created a scheme that both modernises and complements the local landscape. The traditional style red brick arches of the lower levels give the scheme a strong foundation and serve to pay homage to Darlington’s railway heritage, with the heavily glazed middle and upper sections providing both contrast and balance. A key focal point of the development is the piazza level that evokes the traditional atmosphere of a town market square and provides a vital community space.

The challenge of delivering such a large scale project meant that the overall massing of the scheme was a key consideration as Simon Crowe, director at Niven Architects, explains: “It was vitally important that we could give the building envelope the correct sense of mass to suit the scale of the project and the chosen glazing system fitted the bill perfectly.”

The specified glazing package was supplied by Senior Architectural Systems and installed by Neu Glas Ltd and although the aesthetic benefits of the slim framed aluminium windows and dark glazing was a key requirement, the technical performance was also paramount.

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Niven opted for Senior’s patented PURe® aluminium window system, which is the first on the UK market to incorporate an enhanced thermal barrier manufactured from expanded polyurethane foam (PUR). Traditionally used in cladding and insulation products, the innovative use of PUR as a thermal barrier in windows and doors gives the PURe ® range the potential to achieve U-values as low as 0.71W/m2 K when calculated as a commercial CEN standard window and 0.93W/m2 K when calculated as a CEN standard door.

Simon adds: “Our senior architects looked at many options as part of the design and technical delivery process and Senior’s system was deemed to be the best of what was out there.”

But thermal performance wasn’t the only consideration. The specified glazing system also had to meet the specific demands of one of the landmark parts of the scheme – a new 80-bed Premier Inn hotel.

The need to ensure guests had a comfortable and undisturbed night’s sleep was a top priority as Simon explains; “The scheme is positioned next to the inner ring road of Darlington so getting the acoustic properties right was crucial to the success of the scheme.”

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The glazing package also plays a key role in unifying the various elements of the scheme across each of the different levels. To create a light and modern feel, the restaurant and retail buildings incorporate Senior’s slim line curtain walling and SPW500 doors, with the attractive curved curtain walling of the new cinema complex adding further interest.

As one of the most significant regeneration projects to be undertaken in the area in recent years, the Feethams leisure development has been designed to enhance the local landscape and satisfy the needs of the local community as well as providing a valuable boost to the town’s economy and employment.

For more information about Senior, visit www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk/pure/
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Brett Martin gives a new angle to £90 million former press and broadcast centre

The former press and broadcast centre in London’s Olympic Park has been transformed into the one of the biggest tech hubs in Europe, with Brett Martin Daylight Systems’ Marlon Clickfix RL glazing system glazed with Marlon Clickfix 1040 polycarbonate, providing a low pitch rooflight which maximises natural light and creates a bright, appealing and naturally-lit environment for a range of businesses.

From a design by Hawkins Brown, Here East is a major new 1.2 million sq ft development in Stratford that is set to transform creative and digital industries in London. Comprising three buildings – the former press and broadcast centres, and a 750-seat auditorium – the challenge for the main contractor was converting what were once windowless and cavernous warehouses into eye-catching, daylight-filled buildings with sustainability at their core. Central to the design was the specification of 34 Marlon Clickfix RL rooflights glazed in clear Marlon Clickfix 1040 polycarbonate to ensure the offices and shops below were bright, appealing and flooded with natural light.

Commenting on the specification, Steve Higgins of Brett Martin said “One of the challenges for the architect was finding a thermally-efficient rooflight solution which would work at a low 7° pitch. Marlon Clickfix RL provided the the most adaptable solution and ensured a fast and straightforward installation for roofing and cladding contractor, Lakesmere.”

A lightweight polycarbonate panel, Marlon Clickfix 1040 has integral interlocking connections that simply click into place forming glazed areas of unlimited size and shape. The 40mm structured polycarbonate glazing panel has 10 insulating walls to achieve a U-value of 0.99 W/m²K, for a high performing and thermally-efficient glazing solution. It has a choice of thermally broken aluminium glazing bar systems depending on the application. The Marlon Clickfix RL glazing bar system – used at Here East – has been designed for use in low pitch rooflights and canopies, whilst Marlon Clickfix VF has been specifically developed for vertical installations such as façades, partitioning, rain screens and northlights.

Marlon Clickfix 1040 provides high quality natural light, superior thermal insulation and UV protection. In addition to the impact resistance, resilience and structural strength that is inherent in all of Brett Martin’s high performance polycarbonate sheet products, it is also lightweight and easy to handle.

With this state-of-the-art digital tech quarter now complete, Brett Martin Daylight Systems will demonstrate once again that introducing natural light into spaces is central to achieving the required performance of highly sustainable buildings.

For more information please visit www.brettmartin.com.
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New Evinox ModuSat® XR takes HIU efficiency to another level

Evinox has extended its best-selling range of ModuSat® Heat Interface Units with the introduction of the new ModuSat® XR and ModuSat® XR- ECO Twin Plate models. Providing both indirect space heating and domestic hot water, ModuSat® XR units are ideal for use in modern, efficient district and communal heat networks. All units deliver fast, dynamic domestic hot water response, and the ModuSat® XR-ECO models also provide ultra-low DHW return temperatures to the primary heat network.

With extensive experience in the design and application of HIU’s across thousands of UK-wide installations, Evinox has made significant advances in the performance of its latest range, aiming to help improve the overall efficiency of heat networks, whilst retaining high levels of user satisfaction and comfort levels.

ModuSat® XR – even faster, more efficient domestic hot water performance

An overriding requirement for many consulting engineers involved in the design and specification of heat networks, is to ensure abundant and responsive supply of domestic hot water. This goes hand-in-hand with residents expecting consistent and safe hot water at the tap. ModuSat® XR HIU’s deliver fast hot water without reducing the efficiency of the heat network.

“There is strong evidence that speed of hot water delivery is a key requirement for residents living in homes operating on communal and district heating schemes” comments Emma Alexander, Evinox Energy Marketing Manager. “The ability to be able to deliver abundant hot water quickly, while at the same time ensuring the efficiency of the heat network is not compromised, is a key challenge for heat network designers and HIU manufacturers, so the improved performance of the new ModuSat® XR range is an important step forward in this area.”

Evinox ModuSat® XR-ECO; how low can you go?

It’s clear that lowering system temperatures is a critical factor in the efficient operation of UK heat networks. Reducing the network primary flow & return temperatures enables heat generation plant to operate more efficiently; lower grade, low carbon heat sources to play a more predominant role in the energy mix; and network heat losses to be dramatically reduced.

ModuSat® XR-ECO units have been designed precisely with this in mind, incorporating ultra-high efficiency domestic hot water plate heat exchangers with improved volumetrics that encourage turbulent flow and optimal heat transfer.

These latest improvements mean designers are given the opportunity to focus on the energy efficiency performance of HIU’s and the wider heat network, with the confidence that units will continue to deliver impressive full load hot water capacity and flow rates.

A New Test Standard for Heat Interface Units from BESA

The ModuSat® XR has been tested under a new UK test standard, intended to help heat network designers to evaluate individual HIU performance on their network under typical UK conditions. The new scheme, operated by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), will provide HIU benchmarking, similar in many ways to the SEDBUK scheme for domestic boilers.

Evinox believes independent testing is an important step for the UK HIU industry, so the latest ModuSat® XR and XR-ECO models have been developed very much with these new standards in mind. Evinox is confident that this new standard will lead to HIU systems and heat networks being designed with efficiency as much as maximum hot water capacity being the key consideration.

Find out more about the new ModuSat® XR Range of Heat Interface Units by contacting us on 01372 722277, email info@Evinox.co.uk or visit www.evinoxenergy.co.uk.
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