OUTSTANDING MAINTENANCE DELIVERS PEACE OF MIND TO HERSCHEL GRAMMAR SCHOOL

  • Unexpected gas leak was a challenge

Based in Slough, Berkshire, Herschel Grammar School is a selective, co-educational secondary school that was deemed outstanding in all categories in its last Ofsted inspection. Outstanding is the same word used by Judith Vucic, the school’s business manager, when talking about the service and support she receives from Southern Maintenance Solutions (UK) Ltd, (SMS). The company has been providing a full maintenance contract for the school’s heating and plumbing systems for over 10 years. The last two summers have proved particularly busy for the company as in 2019 the old oil boilers were renewed, whilst in 2018, the school had an anxious time when a series of gas leaks were discovered on existing steel pipework in the underground pipe ducts, just weeks before the school was due to open for the new academic year.

“The oil boilers were over 60 years old, more suited for a museum than a vibrant 21st century school with over a thousand pupils, and certainly not very efficient;” commented Vucic. The removal of the boilers, which delivered the hot water and heating for the school’s main three storey building, the sixth form centre and two additional blocks, had been budgeted into the school’s plans since earlier in the year and the work was scheduled and completed during the extended summer holiday period.

SMS were already familiar with the school’s systems having resolved the problem of significant gas leaks in the underground pipes the previous year, 2018. This was a major problem and one, that if it was not resolved safely and swiftly, would prevent the school from opening at the start of the new school year in September. “It was a real shock to learn about the gas leaks and such was the extent of the remedial work required that the school was forced to apply to the Department of Education for emergency funding;” explained Vucic.

Glenn Nicholls, Service Manager, SMS, explains more; ” My first knowledge of this problem was on the 1st August 2018, I looked at it and designed pipe sizes, routes etc and got a quote to the school by 3rd. We started work on the 9th August and the job took 2 men x 12 days to complete. All existing underground pipework was disconnected and left in situ. Then, new surface mounted 89mm, 54mm and 42mm stainless steel pipework totalling 180 meters in length, was installed to pick up existing services. We also had to employ ground workers to dig up 6 meters of driveway for an external section and then make good to a tarmac finish.”

The school secured £40k worth of emergency funding to cover the costs of the unexpected gas problem and the replacement of a leaking calorifier, and both aspects of the programme were completed on time and on budget, much to the relief of the school’s management team. “SMS saved the day. It feels like a real partnership working with their team who are always professional, highly skilled and are always looking to find the best solution for the school, one that not only works but also gives us value for money;” concluded Vucic.

Martyn Neves, Operations Manager at SMS, said; “We are delighted that we have been able to establish and maintain such a longstanding relationship with the team at Herschel Grammar School. We will continue with our maintenance contract for the school and next on the list, in addition to the boilers, is the maintenance 51 fan convector units located across the school, as well as the electric water heater and the water treatment facility.

“With so many schools facing the triple challenge of aging building stock, ever decreasing budgets and a growing demand for greater energy efficiency, companies with the experience and expertise of the SMS team are a vital support for any school’s management team;” said Vucic.

www.southernmaintenancesolutions.com

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Consort Claudgen introduces new LST fan heaters

Consort Claudgen have expanded their Electronic 7-day Timer range to include three new low surface temperature fan heaters; two of which are 500W and 750W heaters in the PLSTiE Slimline range and the other a 2kW CN2MLSTiE heater. These heaters comply with NHS Estates Health Guidance Notes with a maximum surface temperature of 43°C, making them perfect for environments with vulnerable people such as children and elderly residents. All heaters offer six heating periods per day, seven days a week and have an optional open/close window detection feature. There is an easy-to-read display, four large control buttons with tactile feedback and an electronic lock to prevent tampering with the controls. The heaters are also enhanced with safety monitoring features and one of the latest low energy consumption EC motors. This allows the heaters to operate quietly, whilst still providing the best possible levels of comfort.

For more details, visit www.consortepl.com or contact Sales at 01646 692172.

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Consort Claudgen launches new electric heating brochure

Consort Claudgen has launched their latest Heat brochure which includes a host of new heating controls and heaters in their product range. The 48-page brochure features motion-activated and waterproof run-back time controllers, new heater models in the electronic 7-day timer range and advanced wireless controllers which are now compatible with Consort’s RX and SL heaters. As well as several other new products, it showcases heaters with safety monitoring features. All of these are detailed in the brochure along with the established panel and fan heaters, convectors, LST heaters, air curtains, downflows and towel rails.

 

Download a copy from www.consortepl.com or request at 01646 692172.

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Air Vent Technology

Models from Air Vent Technology’s extensive range of heat recovery units are ideal for schools, hospitals, hotels etc – ensuring proper ventilation and keeping heat loss during the winter to a minimum.  The new range of Infinity® low profile HRUs (HRPSL/EC) come in 10 standard sizes with airflows to 4.33 m3 /sec, combining low energy with very high efficiency.  Internal models with side access are standard, but bottom access, or stacked, as well as roof models are available.  They can be used with either EHB or LPHW heater batteries, and are pre-wired to speed controllers and isolators for straightforward electrical connection.  They are manufactured in AVT’s Andover factory to ISO9001 Standard with EC motors and are ErP Directive compliant.   AVT can design ventilation schemes from small to large, providing a total package (including installation), guaranteeing a quality ventilation solution.

Air Vent Technology Ltd – Tel: 01264 356415

Email: sales@airventtechnology.co.uk

www.airventtechnology.co.uk

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Estimated £38k savings for student block, thanks to Helec

Helec Ltd, a specialist in the specification, design and installation of Combined Heat and Power systems (CHP), are proud to announce the completed supply and commissioning of a CHP solution at Crown Place Norwich (formerly St Stephen Towers), which has been converted by Crown Student Living into student accommodation.

Helec was selected to provide an industry leading, highly efficient, low NOx (Nitrogen Oxide) exhaust gas emitting CHP system for the redevelopment, which is expected to save an estimated £38,000 in energy costs and 204,000 kg ofCO2 emissions per year. Helec specified and supplied two 33 kWe Energimizer EM33NG CHP systems, which were installed in the plant room by building services company F P Hurley in June 2019. The refurbishment of the705-bedroom accommodation block opened in September 2019.

Anthony Isaacs, Project Engineer at F P Hurley, said: “The Energimizer CHP units supplied by Helec are very easy to work with, with plenty of installation information provided to aid the correct installation. Helec’s engineers were also very helpful with regards to getting the units started for the purpose of the Building Management System’s control strategy. This was all done over the phone with ease. I would highly recommend these units to other engineers and consultant specifiers–they’re great items of plant, and Helec are great people to deal with.”

 

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F P Hurley, a mechanical and electrical systems contractor based in Bridgend, South Wales, have been partnering with Crown Student Living over a number of years in order to design and deliver the complete mechanical and electrical services. F P Hurley had previously commissioned Helec with other projects, delivering CHP solutions to new plant rooms within new build student accommodation blocks.

In December 2018, Helec were brought in to commission a solution to the hot water requirements and to help reduce electrical power consumption of Crown Student Living’s Crown Place Cardiff, a 374-bedroom student accommodation block. The requirement was to ensure consistent hot water throughout the   year   while   keeping   costs   to   a   minimum   per   residence.   Taking   into   account   all   individual requirements, an Energimizer EM22NG Combined Heat & Power unit was specified and installed within Two Energimizer CHP systems provided by HELEC the building’s plant room. This CHP system is expected to lead to annual fuel savings of £9,900 and reduce annual CO2 emissions by 56,500kg.

Earlier in 2018, another Crown Student Living project, a new 576-bed student accommodation block, Crown Place Portsmouth, specified and installed two 22 kWe Energimizer EM22NG CHP units to deliver hot water services and on-site electrical power, reducing the need for grid dependency. It was estimated that this CHP system would lead to annual fuel savings worth £21,000, and reduce annual CO2 emissions by 114,000 kg.

Jonathan Passmore, Technical Sales Manager at Helec Ltd, said: “It’s been a pleasure to work with F P Hurley on the CHP systems at Crown Place Cardiff and Crown Place Portsmouth. We look forward to our CHP system at Crown Place Norwich helping Crown Student Services reduce costs and drive down CO2 emissions.”

Anthony Isaacs of F   P   Hurley said: “We   have   used the same CHP units for   all the student accommodation jobs we have done with Crown Student Living. We have been successful with our design and installation to date on all other projects, so we have kept them all the same using the same items of plant throughout. We will almost certainly use the same items of plant on the next projects with Crown Student Living going forward.

 

www.helec.co.uk

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VIEGA’S PRESS CONNECTION TECHNOLOGY PROVIDES MODERN SOLUTION FOR ENGINEERING TRAINING FACILITY

Viega has supplied its German engineered press connection technology to the development of a new state-of-the-art engineering centre at Coleg Menai’s Llangefni campus. The construction of the new facility, which will help train the next generation of engineers has utilised Viega’s Profipress copper piping connections as well as the industry first Megapress solution for thick-walled steel tube across the hot and cold water and heating systems.

The £13.6m centre for engineering excellence, named Canolfan STeM, was officially opened by the First Minister of Wales in spring 2019. The centre will provide training to over 1500 learners of all ages, from school enrollments to higher and further education courses, to work based learning and commercial clients.

With a wealth of employment opportunities expected to be created by energy and infrastructure projects being proposed for North Wales, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai identified an opportunity to make Coleg Menai’s Llangefni campus a nationally recognised campus for supporting industry. Spanning 4612m2 over three floors, Canolfan STeM features workshops, Mechanical Systems & Electrical Training, CAD Suites, IT based training classrooms and a second floor glazed refectory featuring breathtaking panoramic views of Snowdonia.

Viega’s Profipress connections for copper pipe were used across the centre’s domestic hot and cold water (DHCW) and drinking water systems. Specialist M&E contractor AJ Field selected the Viega system in consultation with Capita who provided M&E consultancy on the project and merchant Smith Brothers Stores (SBS) Merseyside.

 

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David Sanders, Mechanical Operations Manager at AJ Field explained: “We had used press connection systems previously and while the speed and simplicity of the install was a big advantage we had experienced some issues with reliability. On a project such as this we had to ensure that the fittings would perform as intended to prevent costly remedial work after the building was completed. Quality at each stage was a key focus for RL Davies Construction, the main contractor on the project. SBS was able to show us the particular benefits of the Viega system and we were convinced by what we saw. The SC-Contur feature was a major factor in our selection of the system.”

Viega’s patented SC-Contur technology, included in press connections across its range, is designed to deliver a 100% positive leak if the fitting is inadvertently unpressed – clearly discernible during leakage testing or when the system is filled for the first time. This ensures a reliable method of detecting these issues early in the process.

In addition to the copper pipework, thick-walled steel tube was specified to provide enhanced durability for the new building’s heating system. Viega’s Megapress system allows press connections to be used on thick-walled steel and provides between a 60% and 80% time saving compared with alternatives such as welding, grooving or threading tube.

Graham Foster, Area Sales Manager at SBS Merseyside explained: “The AJ Field team had originally intended to use screw and socket fittings however when we looked at the plans and requirements we recognised that the Megapress system would be ideal.”

A range of Megapress fittings were used during the installation of the low pressure hot water (LPHW) heating system, including the latest addition, Megapress S. The unique innovation allows larger sized tube with diameters between 2½ and 4 inches to be press connected.

Furthermore, the construction of Canolfan STeM is intended to serve as an illustration of modern construction techniques and engineering technology. As such, sections of the pipework will be left exposed to provide an installed example of the systems that students will be trained to use.

David Sanders added: “From the start of the project we looked for systems and solutions that represent the cutting edge of modern construction. We have been thoroughly impressed with not only the Viega systems but also the product training and support we have received throughout the project from the merchant.”

Scott James, Director at Viega concluded: “We are delighted to have been able to contribute to the success of a development that will have such an important impact not only for Coleg Menai and the local area but also the future of industry.”

 

To find out more about Viega’s range of solutions visit: www.viega.co.uk.

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Infinite Air Vent Technology

Models from Air Vent Technology’s extensive range of heat recovery units are ideal for schools, hospitals, hotels etc – ensuring proper ventilation and keeping heat loss during the winter to a minimum. The new range of Infinity® low profile HRUs (HRPSL/EC) come in 10 standard sizes with airflows to 4.33 m3 /sec, combining low energy with very high efficiency. Internal models with side access are standard, but bottom access, or stacked, as well as roof models are available. They can be used with either EHB or LPHW heater batteries, and are pre-wired to speed controllers and isolators for straightforward electrical connection. They are manufactured in AVT’s Andover factory to ISO9001 Standard with EC motors and are ErP Directive compliant.   AVT can design ventilation schemes from small to large, providing a total package (including installation), guaranteeing a quality ventilation solution.

Tel: 01494 522333

Fax: 01494 522337

Web: www.airventtechnology.co.uk

 

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A masterclass in low energy ventilation for classrooms

Air quality in classrooms has a major bearing on the academic performance and productivity of occupants and with air pollution levels continuing to rise in the UK, especially in cities, it has become increasingly important that these issues are addressed.

 

 

 

Dunham-Bush’s Commercial Manager, John Tarling, focuses on indoor air quality.

 

 

Released by the government last year, BB101: ‘Ventilation, thermal comfort and indoor air quality 2018’ has been instrumental in the most significant changes in ventilation design, regulation and guidance in schools since 2006. Working in parallel with BB93: ‘Acoustic designs for schools, performance standards (2015),’ it gives a detailed holistic approach to the internal environment in schools with the emphasis very much on energy efficiency.

BB101 guidelines on ventilation include standards for all spaces within a school or college and new guidance for science labs and other practical areas.

All ventilation systems must have the capability to operate in typical UK weather conditions, including high winds and rain. Final ventilation designs will depend on the following key factors:

  • Building location
  • Type of construction
  • Site ambient noise levels
  • Local air quality / levels of pollution
  • Amount of glazing / solar gain
  • Patterns / type of use

Preventing overheating in summer is a major factor in school design and CIBSE TM52 ‘Limits of Thermal Comfort: Avoiding Overheating’ is intended to correctly model schools. Good ventilation combined with an effective night cooling strategy is recommended, especially where appropriate building thermal mass is present, to maintain acceptable internal room temperatures during summer months.

 

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The Classmaster heat recovery ventilation unit has been developed specifically for classrooms and as with all the VHR range of units now available from Dunham-Bush, fully complies with the very latest BB101 and BB93 guidelines. With nine chassis sizes and airflows ranging from 50 to 600 l/s, Classmaster delivers the very highest standards of air quality to meet every classroom requirement.

Key features include a patented variable air mass flow heat exchanger, which maintains thermal efficiency at both 100% and 50% airflow levels by cleverly keeping turbulent velocity airflow across the heat exchanger. This is not possible with conventional heat exchangers, as airflow goes into a laminar flow with little or no exchange of thermal energy.

The unique configuration of low resistance heat exchangers, used in conjunction with 100,000-hour long life, low energy EC fans, delivers minimal sound levels and an impressive heat reclaim efficiency up to 89%.

With a low-profile height of only 300mm, Classmaster can be installed within a ceiling void or surface mounted. Space heating options are available across the complete range of Classmaster and VHR heat recovery and ventilation units, with a comprehensive range of frost and heating coils pre-installed in insulated casings and matched flanges to fit directly onto heat recovery units.

Versatile control options

The factory fitted Eco-Pro 3 Controller offers a plug and play capability and is ideal where stand-alone control is required. Units can be activated either via volt free contact (VFC) from a time switch or BMS (enable / disable signal). The controller can   give fault outputs to the Eco-Fault panel or BMS panel.

The factory fitted Trend IQ422 Controller offers individual and adjustable fan speeds on trickle and boost settings in all modes of operation. Frost protection, automatic summer by-pass and night time cooling options are standard.

Full integration with BMS BACnet or Trend systems for energy management and monitoring is available with filter monitoring via built in DP switches.

The result of several years research and development, these innovative products offer a proven solution to the requirements of BB101: 2018.

The Smart-Vector range of fresh air fan convectors offer further innovative options to the client, ensuring recommended indoor air qualities (IAQ) are achieved when project budgets are limited or building layout is restrictive. Smart-Vector provide demand-led tempered fresh air and heating using a stand-alone controller with local setpoint adjustment.

There are five models in the Smart-Vector range: floor standing front outlet model SV19; floor standing top outlet model SV88; high wall model SV53; ceiling mounted SV80 and a floor standing ducted tall cabinet front outlet model SV22.

The wall mounted digital controllers provide modulating outputs to control the fan, damper and control valve, enabling minimum use of energy, low noise level and low CO2 levels.

The Smart-Vent controller is used in conjunction with the Smart-Vector controllers and allows Building Managers to enable free cooling. Smart-Vent is specifically designed for projects that require up to 32 rooms to be controlled independently, where a dedicated BMS system is not being installed.

 

www.dunham-bush.co.uk

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Dunham-Bush provides a masterclass in low energy ventilation for classrooms

Dunham-Bush has signed an exclusive agreement with Eco-Airvent to manufacture and distribute their innovative, energy efficient Classmaster® heat recovery ventilation units. 

Classmaster has been developed specifically for classrooms and fully complies with the very latest BB101: ‘Ventilation, thermal comfort and indoor air quality 2018’ and BB93: ‘Acoustic designs for schools, performance standards (2015)’ guidelines. With nine chassis sizes and airflows ranging from 50 to 600 l/s, Classmaster delivers the very highest standards of air quality to meet every classroom requirement.

Key features include a patented variable air mass flow heat exchanger, which maintains thermal efficiency at both 100% and 50% airflow levels by cleverly keeping turbulent velocity airflow across the heat exchanger. This is not possible with conventional heat exchangers as airflow goes into a laminar flow with no exchange of thermal energy.

 

www.dunham-bush.co.uk

 

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