Independent tests cast doubt on claimed performance of some trickle vents

Concerned that Greenwood Airvac’s claims for the Equivalent Area (EA) and acoustic performance of some of its ventilation products may be inaccurate, Titon decided to submit Greenwood’s 5000EA ventilator and canopy (as well as Greenwood’s 5000EAW.AC2 and 2500AW.AC2 acoustic variants) and Titon’s own Trimvent Select, SF Xtra and SFX Sound Attenuator trickle vents for independent testing. These tests revealed a significant difference between performance data declared by Greenwood and the actual figures achieved during independent testing.

The independent EA testing, which measures airflow through the product, was conducted by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) and the acoustic testing by SRL Technical Services Ltd. The EA tests were carried out in accordance with UK Approved Document F (ADF) 2010 and the Scottish Technical Handbook 3.14.6 using the recognised test method to BS:EN 13141-1 clause 4. The independent testing substantiated the claimed performance data of the Titon Trimvent Select, SF Xtra and SFX Sound Attenuator trickle vents.

Greenwood’s 5000EA vent, known as Pyramid, and canopy is marketed in the UK as delivering 5000mm2 EA, yet the independent tests revealed the actual figure to be just over 4000mm2 EA. Similarly, the acoustic variant, 5000EAW.AC2, known as Pyracoust, only achieved 3634m2 EA. In addition, when these Greenwood products were tested for sound attenuation, the results show less attenuation than generally claimed.

No other products within the Greenwood portfolio were tested, as Titon’s research had only deemed that the products mentioned required further investigation.

Commenting on the testing, Tyson Anderson, Sales & Marketing Director at Titon said: “Titon prides itself on the accuracy of its stated products performance and test results and believes that the market benefits from factually accurate data derived from recognised test procedures. This data will help manufacturers and specifiers ensure compliance with Building Regulations and that the provision for ventilation in a dwelling is correct for its occupants’ health and wellbeing. All our test reports are available for reference and can be explained if required.”

For more information about Titon, please visit: www.titon.co.uk.
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Kalwall® brings light and security to Gatwick Airport

Good lighting is always essential but sometimes a well-lit interior also needs to be discreet when viewed from outside. This is the case with the very long Pier 1 which runs alongside the baggage system and gates at Gatwick Airport’s South Terminal Building. The two stringent requirements of privacy and security have been neatly solved using Kalwall®, with the added benefit of enhancing the long walkway by creating a pleasant interior ambience.

Kalwall offers complete line-of-sight protection, maintaining privacy for building occupants while bathing the interior with diffused daylighting regardless of the weather. It can also be manufactured for blast resistant applications such as in airports and other sensitive public environments, or to protect workers in areas at risk from explosions, such as in refineries or industrial complexes. Kalwall is also key to overcoming security concerns. Apart from providing visual protection, its inherent strength makes it ideal for secure locations. With heavy duty impact resistance properties, access through wall or rooflights can be denied while fire and most chemicals will not affect its surface.

Aesthetically, Kalwall will eliminate shadows and glare and the stark contrasts of light and shade. The system also enhances simplicity by doing away with the need for blinds, curtains or solar control. Even on cloudy days, the interior is flooded with natural daylight, which means less artificial lighting and, because Kalwall is highly insulating, energy costs are reduced. The standard Kalwall 70mm thick panel offers insulation up to 0.28W/m2K – equivalent to a cavity filled solid wall.

Apart from being specified for all types of new build project, Kalwall is increasingly used for the refurbishment of cladding or rooflights on aged buildings.

Case studies and technical information are available from Structura UK Ltd, Tel: 01233 501 504 or visit www.structura-uk.com/kalwall.
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The best event for window & door specifiers for more than 20 years

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FIT Show moves to NEC with more than 200 exhibitors and dozens of aluminium exhibitors for the first time ever!

Taking place towards the end of May at the National Exhibition Centre, the Fabricator Installer Trade Show – or FIT for short – will have more than 200 exhibitors showing a huge range of the latest windows, doors and related products and equipment in a business-to-business event that has grown by more than 60% over last years event. But what makes this window and door exhibition the most exciting for at least 20 years is the sheer diversity of products.

Whilst ‘the FIT Show’ is now a household name amongst window and door manufacturers and installers especially in the home improvement sector, the ‘FIT’ acronym does not ring bells for everyone. And yet behind the brand lies the most powerful buying tool available in the UK for commercial buyers and specifiers of residential windows and doors.

With more than 200 exhibitors showing the vast majority of major and minor brands serving the UK market, the event provides a fertile buying ground for design and procurement professionals from all sectors. But what marks out this year’s event is the huge contingent of exhibitors showing aluminium window and door systems and finished products in addition to virtually every PVC-U systems supplier in the UK.

An estimated 30% of exhibitors are showing aluminium window and doors, more than at any other similar UK event for at least 20 years, providing a huge choice for visitors from all sectors. And emphasising the continued buoyancy in the market and the success of the FIT Show in satisfying the needs of buyers hungry for innovation and choice, for 2017 the event moves to the NEC for the first time, taking place from 23rd to 25th May in halls 6, 7 and 8.

 

A look at the current exhibitor list will more than justify the decision to attend, with more exhibitors signing for the last few available stands on a daily basis.

The Fabricator Installer Trade (FIT) Show, 23rd, 24th, 25th May 2017, Halls 6, 7, 8 The National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham. Register now to visit here.
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Studor develops unique solution for unique building

It was local council concerns of the perceived risks from SARS and other airborne viruses that resulted in an innovative, new drainage solution at the iconic O2 arena. Once Greenwich Council dismissed the option to use open stacks within the tented area of this iconic London landmark, it was down to the UK’s best plumbing engineers to resolve the issue.

Studor, with their deep knowledge of drainage ventilation systems, worked together with ME Engineers and a team at Heriot-Watt University. The Studor System solution incorporated Studor Air Admittance Valves (AAVs) coupled with P.A.P.A. (Positive Air Pressure Attenuator) units. The P.A.P.A. acts like a shock absorber, dissipating pressure waves and stopping them bouncing around the plumbing system, thereby eliminating the need for roof penetrations at the O2.

“The O2 was a difficult project because it was breaking new ground and no typical model existed,” explained Studor expert Steve White. “The data we produced included flow calculations, flow rates and pipe sizing to deal with air and transient pressures.”

The university team which worked alongside Studor, determined that any gas build-up would follow the water flow. By placing all urinals on a twelve-hour flush cycle they greatly alleviated the potential of any gas build-up problem.

“This resulted in the world’s first sealed drainage system, totally without the need for any open vents,” said White from Studor. “It not only maintained the clean lines of the iconic roof but also minimised the environmental impact and kept costs down by reducing materials and labour.”

The O2 has an overall diameter of 365m, a circumference of 1km and is 50m high at its central point. When at full capacity, the building can hold 60,000 people and has 548 toilets.

While inside the O2 the full drainage and ventilation system is sealed, the outside pump stations are on pillars with open vents that are spaced 300 metres apart to dispense any odours are generated within the complex.

For more information please visit www.studor.net.
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Rinnai creates ‘system efficiency’ solution for longer life

Limescale can be a major contributor to a loss of efficiencies for water heating systems of any type, so leading continuous flow water heater manufacturer Rinnai has taken steps to maintain superior efficiencies throughout the life of the system by incorporating a proven limescale inhibitor that will significantly reduce the impact of limescale, thereby maximising efficiency over the product’s lifetime.

Rinnai has teamed up with electrolytic in line inhibitors, pioneers in limescale inhibitor technology, to maximise system efficiency on its range of A rated commercial water heaters.

This electrolytic scale inhibitor kit is for commercial hot water systems. Independently tested, it is a low-maintenance way to protect against the damaging and expensive impact of limescale on hot water systems.

Not only does it offer long lasting protection against the formation of hard limescale it also ensures bacteria has fewer places to hide as a result of cleaner surfaces, so in a secondary return DHW system the problem of Legionella is also heavily reduced. The independently tested and proven technology protects capital investment and occupier health.

The electrolytic zinc anode technology used in this solution is mentioned in the Part L Building Services Compliance Guide, whereas “external to pipe” water conditioning techniques are not.

The system’s low level zinc additions change the water chemistry to inhibit the formation of limescale by transforming calcite in such a way that they do not stick to the interior of the unit or pipework.

The system delivers value engineering as it does not decay after dosing and its effectiveness is not impacted by water storage or agitation caused by passing through a booster set.

Rinnai has recently supplied its system efficiency systems for London-based SGA Consulting, a specialist in low energy buildings, after liaising with the practice’s mechanical engineer Vivek Devan on two restaurant projects. Devan says “The Rinnai units are compact and their smaller footprint both physically and environmentally made them a good choice here. The scale inhibitor technology was also a factor.” Devan spoke with Rinnai technical experts before specifying the units and heard that Rinnai is actively promoting and selling scale inhibitor solutions following the successful results obtained from various trial sites.

The electrolytic unit may be installed in the rising main, before the water heater and booster set. Capex cost savings are probable because the rising main pipe size is often a smaller diameter than the hot and cold water distribution pipe sizes. Therefore, just one inhibitor system will treat the whole location, also offering an attractive value engineering opportunity.

The inhibitor is widely specified and installed in a range of sectors such as manufacturing, hotels, retail and supermarkets, healthcare and education as well as public authorities.

For buildings using BMS systems, a Pulse Splitter is an option that provides water flow rate or water usage data directly to the BMS from the water meter in the system.

The inclusion of the electrolytic system in Rinnai’s A-rated continuous flow water heating systems delivers peace of mind to installers and end users as performance is maintained throughout the lifetime of the appliances.

The scale protection units are available in a variety of pipe sizes – large 67,76 and 108mm; medium 28,35,42 and 54mm; and small 22mm.

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com.
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MEDITE SMARTPLY announces major investment in new factory

In a significant move for the construction industry, MEDITE SMARTPLY, producers of innovative timber panel products, has signed a commitment as part of a consortium planning the construction of the world’s first Tricoya® wood chip acetylation plant. To be built in Hull, the plant will produce the raw material for the manufacture of MEDITE® TRICOYA® EXTREME, the market leading high performance wood panel.

The consortium is between MEDITE SMARTPLY, chemical technology group Accsys, venture capitalists BP Ventures and Acetyl industry leader BP Chemicals. The plant, due to come on stream in 2019, will produce Tricoya Wood Elements using Accsys’ proprietary technology for the acetylation of wood chips and particles.

These acetylated elements are used to manufacture the high performance MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME Medium Density Fibre panels. The panels exhibit outstanding durability and dimensional stability which allow them to be used in exterior and wet area applications once limited to products such as concrete, plastics or metals. With the added benefits of light weight, sustainable raw materials and a guarantee of up to 50 years above ground and 25 years in ground, these revolutionary panels provide architects, specifiers and designers with an entirely new construction material, allowing great design flexibility and endless opportunities for creativity.

MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME was launched in 2012 and demand has outstripped supply consistently since that time. With a buoyant building market and huge demand for this product, the factory will not come on stream a moment too soon for the team at MEDITE SMARTPLY.

Neil Foot, MEDITE SMARTPLY CEO, is clearly delighted with this development: “The commitment to develop this facility is a huge step forward, providing the opportunity to significantly increase our manufacturing volume and unlock interesting new markets where wood-based products would not previously have been applicable. It’s a very exciting development for the company and the construction industry as a whole.”

Two years in the planning, the €68 million venture will see the construction of a new factory adjacent to BP’s existing acetyls facility and the place where much of the original research and development into wood acetylation was carried out. Anticipating an accelerating demand, the consortium envisages constructing the plant in such a way that further capacity can be added to the site as required.

For MEDITE SMARTPLY this is a game-changing development, enabling the rapid development of the market for MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME into a new era for the use of “high technology wood” in new applications.

For more information please visit www.mdfosb.com.
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Charcon’s new Infilta permeable block paving offers improved visual appeal

Charcon, the commercial hard landscaping division of Aggregate Industries, has enhanced its successful Infilta permeable block paving range by incorporating a new design element.

The new Infilta range now features nibs that end 13mm short of the face of the block. The result is a totally unique block paving solution that does not compromise interlocking performance and offers enhanced aesthetic appeal with the unsightly nibs being hidden from view when laid.

Not only is Infilta more appealing from a design perspective, it is a totally unique permeable paving solution that does not compromise on water drainage performance, enabling water to drain away through the gaps. Incredibly hardwearing, it offers excellent durability and grip which makes it perfectly equipped for all trafficked applications including car parks, retail areas and other heavy-use commercial locations such as HGV loading areas.

This new stylish offering is available in four different variations: Ecopave Textured, Andover Washed, Andover Textured and StoneMaster. Designers can also choose from a range of textures and colour options to complement their project, such as Grey Fleck, Pink Granite, Sandy Buff and Rustic.

Mike Davies, Category Manager for Charcon, comments: “Not only do the new straight edges provide a much cleaner and contemporary finish, they significantly enhance the design options available as architects and specifiers can now opt to have have Infilta laid alongside and in combination with a vast range of standard paving. Not only that, Infilta is part of our Life® range of products which makes it the ideal choice for sustainable specification.”

For further information, please visit www.charcon.com or call 01335 372222.
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Andris Lux Eco: the UK’s number one water heater just got better

The Andris Lux Eco from Ariston is a small unvented electric water heater, encompassing leading Italian design, energy efficiency, durability, usability and safety. This premium model also boasts new features, including anti-legionella and anti-overheating functions.

Available in 10, 15 and 30-litre models, each with a 2.5kW element, Andris Lux Eco is perfect for a variety of specification-led locations, including commercial properties, building sites, kitchens, bathrooms or offices.

From an energy efficiency perspective, the hot water heaters feature Ariston’s ‘ECO EVO’ function – a new electronic control with automatic learning software, which enables users to achieve energy savings of up to 15%. Andris Lux Eco units also have an ErP ‘A’ rating across the range.

Andris Lux Eco has also been designed with ease of use in mind, featuring an advanced electronic temperature management system. This includes an electronic thermostat for precise temperature control and regulation, as well as user-friendly, intuitive display with simple button layout.

Once a month, the unit will automatically raise the temperature of the water stored inside it to 65°C, in order to eliminate the risk of legionella bacteria developing. Among the other safety features included with the Andris Lux Eco is an anti-overheating option which, in the event of an error, will shut off the heating cycle before it reaches too high a temperature. Similarly, the anti-freezing feature keeps the water at a minimum temperature of 5°C even when the unit is turned off (as long as it is plugged in). Plus, should there be a lack of water in the tank, a ‘dry heating auto-diagnosis’ detects this and prevents the heating cycle from starting and damaging the unit.

In terms of durability, the Andris Lux Eco has a special titanium enamelling, providing the tank with greater strength and longevity when compared to standard enamelling. Furthermore, a copper heating element offers greater protection against corrosion, while the composition of the component ensures a high and hygienic level of water purity. Durability is further bolstered by a robust four-bolt flange, allowing for easy operation, maintenance and/or repair.

The modern and elegant styling of the Andris Lux Eco was created by leading Italian industrial and automotive designer Umberto Palermo. Aesthetic features include a curved black front incorporating a smart, intuitive display, complete with LED temperature control.

Commenting on the small electric water heaters, Antonio Piana, Product Manager at Ariston, said “Andris Lux Eco is ideal for properties not on the mains gas grid, yet require small amounts of hot water. Its compact design allows it be installed in a variety of locations, while the plethora of on-board features ensure high levels of energy efficiency.”

Ariston Thermo UK, which is part of the Ariston Thermo Group, is a manufacturer of domestic heating, hot water and renewable products. With over 30 years of experience in the UK, Ariston Thermo is a worldwide leading company in the heating and water heating industry.

For more details about Ariston and its range of water heaters, please visit www.ariston.co.uk.
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Hot Water Heating Continuous Flow Systems shows dramatic savings – says independent report

A recent independent report emphatically concluded that continuous flow water heating systems have a clear advantage in terms of initial capital costs as well as life cycle costs over 20 years, when compared with traditional stored hot water systems*.

The study** shows that continuous flow water heating systems can be up to 7% more economical than equivalent ‘traditional’ stored hot water systems but that capital costs can be 41% less than indirect systems and a whopping 49% less than direct systems.

“In terms of maintenance you need to be realistic and not theoretical,” says Rinnai managing director Tony Gittings. “If a site has direct or an indirect system then it has to effectively shut down for maintenance. There’s no way around this problem. Not so with Rinnai continuous flow units as we cascade them together so that the demand for hot water can be met without closing down the whole site.”

AECOM, the world’s biggest building services consultants, was commissioned to carry out a totally independent life cycle study on continuous flow water heating systems, and to provide a comparison with conventional storage systems. Two case studies were provided on projects using continuous flow water heating systems.

AECOM then determined an equivalent storage based system for each case study and compared operational and capital costs.

For the life cycle comparison, the analysis period was 20 years, based on the expected service life. The net present value (NPV) calculation is based on a discount rate of 3.5% (The GREEN BOOK – HM Treasury), an inflation rate of 2% for servicing costs and projected retail fuel costs from DECC1.

In both case studies the continuous flow system showed a clear advantage in terms of initial capital costs, as well as life cycle costs over 20 years, with the continuous flow system consistently lower in energy use than the two storage systems.

Case study 1

This was a system for a typical, small, pre-fabricated fast food restaurant. It is assumed the system only serves the hot water demand.

The life cycle analysis includes the initial capital costs, projected annual fuel costs, and estimated annual servicing costs which are assumed to increase by 2% each year. The annual fuel cost assumes the same daily fuel consumption over the whole year.

The servicing cost is based on £130/year per boiler, and £160/year for a boiler and cylinder. The resulting net present values of the three showed that the continuous flow system is 6 – 7% lower than the two storage systems based on that 20-year analysis period.

Case study 2

This was a system for a shower block in a holiday camp, with six showers and four basin taps.

For the continuous flow option, the analysis is based on a configuration of 4 continuous flow water heaters that each have a nominal output of 48 kW, which, for this particular application, because there is a very short run of pipe work between the water heaters and the fixtures, it is possible for the water heaters to generate water at 40°C. The risk of legionella is overcome by the regular turnover of the system.

For the energy required to deal with the instantaneous hot water demand the analysis assumes that the bulk of the hot water demand would be due to the showers. Each shower would typically have a flow rate of around 9 litres per minute, which if mixed to 40ºC would equate to an instantaneous load of around 19 kW each, so even if there was only one shower running, the load on a single continuous flow water heater would equate to an efficiency of 95% based on the performance curve. As the hot water demand increases, the modular nature of this particular configuration would allow the 95% efficiency to be maintained for the bulk of the demand.

The difference in daily fuel costs between the three systems is around 7%. The usage profile for this case study is particularly suited to continuous flow systems (i.e. high but infrequent demand over the day), which is why there is an advantage in fuel consumption over the storage systems.

Systems employed in the study

* Indirect fired storage systems

This consists of separate heat source and storage cylinders, where for this study the heat source will be gas fired boilers running on 80ºC flow and 60ºC return with gross efficiency of 89%. As the hot water is stored at 60ºC in insulated cylinders there will be standing heat losses. The standby electricity is assumed to be 15W per boiler, and 60W when operating to cover fan and controls.

Direct fired storage systems

This is where the hot water storage cylinder has an integral gas burner to directly heat the water, and the key difference with indirect fired storage systems is that they are designed to operate in condensing mode and generally achieve gross efficiency up to 96%. A disadvantage of direct fired storage systems is that the standing losses are around 3 times higher than indirect storage cylinders.

Continuous flow systems

This is essentially a gas boiler that is designed to instantaneously heat mains water for supply directly to water fixtures without any storage. The key advantages with this type of hot water heating, is firstly saving in space needed for hot water cylinders and the associated standing heat losses. The challenge is that instantaneous hot water demand can vary hugely for most systems and therefore the continuous flow heating system needs to have a wide modulation range as well as maintaining efficiency over that range.

For more information on the RINNAI product range of high efficiency condensing continuous flow hot water heating units and systems visit www.rinnaiuk.com.
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Shape and form with Forbo’s new Allura collection

Forbo has refreshed its popular Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) collection, Allura, in response to the growing trend for combining shapes, sizes and colours to create contemporary floor spaces,. By playing with scale, direction and combinations across the range, the manufacturer has introduced new shapes and sizes to the market, alongside innovative digital print options.

The Allura collection now includes new large scale 180 x 32cm giant oak planks and 1m x 1m tiles, as well as small 50 x 15cm planks. The new XXL plank sizes have been designed to help achieve the illusion of larger and lighter areas in buildings where space is limited, and can be used to create more spacious and social interiors whilst emulating the Scandinavian design trend for a neutral feel and finish. The smaller planks can be used creatively in smaller areas or within the body of more traditional floor designs. A new Hungarian Point plank, cut on a 45-degree angle allows realistic herringbone and chevron designs to be created with ease.

Part of Forbo’s largest wood offer to date, there are also exciting new contemporary solids and more planks than ever before, with in-register embossing to bring designs to life. For a fresh approach to stone, the new marble options bring a soft, natural angular flow to a timeless floor design.

“Allura is 100% phthalate free, REACH compliant and produced in Europe with low emission levels“, says Julie Dempster, Marketing Manager at Forbo. “The excellent dimensional stability ensures safe and hygienic floors, as dirt isn’t trapped in the seams; and the superior embossed lacquering system guarantees long lasting appearance retention and improves the resistance to stains and scratches. Our customers will also find natural stress-reducing designs and high LRVs in the collection. These are just some of the many ways in which Allura can help to create better indoor and outdoor environments.”

For more information please telephone 0844 822 3928, email info.flooring.uk@forbo.com or visit www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/allura.
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