Cal Bailey shares his hard experience of the benefits of off-site manufacture — especially for pipework.

Microflex preinsulated pipework is available in the UK through Watts Industries. It is composed of thermal insulation around carrier pipe(s) and covered by a double-skinned closed chamber jacket. These pipes can be used for distributing water for heating, cooling and hot and cold water supply services.

The commissioning of piped services inevitably faces time and budget constraints. Peter Rees considers how these challenges can be addressed.

Peter Rose reminds us of the very real, but avoidable, risks posed by legionella bacteria.

The time taken to power flush central-heating systems can be halved using Adey’s VibraClean radiator agitator.

The ECOflo range of high-efficiency gas-fired condensing water heaters from Andrews comprises seven models with heat outputs from 35 to 79 kW and recovery rates of up to 1400 l/h through 50 K. They have storage capacities of 230 or 380 l.

Using Kingspan Tarec phenolic insulation on cold and chilled-water pipework in Coventry’s new University Hospital have solved the problem of space restrictions and helped the hospital meet stringent targets for carbon-dioxide emissions.

Keraflo’s KP float-valve kits can be used with large water-storage tanks served by pipes in five sizes from 50 to 200 mm in diameters to provide full flexibility in the level of stored water. This feature is said to be particularly important in buildings with seasonal occupancy — such as universities and colleges, football stadia etc.

AquaTech pressurisation units for heating and chilled-water systems provide back-pressure and back-siphonage protection to fluid category 5, as required by the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations of 1999.

As part of the refitting of the Millennium Dome into the O2 venue for music entertainment and sports, Grundfos worked with M E Engineers to develop pumping solutions that used 36 pumps to provide the full range of M&E services, nine pressurisation units and two booster sets.

BSS has added a new product to its range of BOSS White jointing compounds.

Nu-Heat has made it easier for installers to direct underfloor heating tube back to the main manifold with the introduction of a 25 mm polystyrene tray.

Said to offer major advantages over steel for supplying oil to heating appliances is the Universal Petro Pipe range of polyethylene pipes distributed in Britain by Hytek. This lightweight and flexible pipe comes with a 15 year manufacturer’s guarantee.

Grundfos now offers a UK-specific disc of its WinCAPS CD-based electronic product catalogue and selection tool. It allows the user to select from product catalogues, size the most suitable pumps, choose the best replacement for a Grundfos or non-Grundfos pump and choose accessories and/or spare parts.

Simple pumping less water round a heating system at times of reduced demand can save significant amounts of energy. Britta Frank explains how.

A potential saving in installation time of up to 67% is claimed using Tectite Sprint push-fit fittings in plumbing and heating systems by Pegler Yorkshire.

The key to maximising the benefits of prefabricated valve assemblies is to adopt a flexible approach with a high level of inherent configurability — according to Marflow Hydronics.

CIBSE president John Armstrong believes that the wealth of knowledge owned by facilities managers is vital to meeting Government targets to reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.

To address the skills shortage that is posing a threat to the future of the facilities-management industry, GSH is stepping up its recruitment programme for apprentices. The company already employs 65 apprentices and is planning a substantial increase.

Two long-term contracts won by PME, the building-maintenance and facilities-services arm of Carillion are worth over £2.5 million.

The benefits of a partnership between facilities managers and building-services specialists has never been more valuable than it is today, says HVCA president Mike McCloskey.

Ian Fielder of the British Institute of Facilities Managers argues that the experience of facilities managers in operating buildings day by day has a key role to play in designing sustainability into new and refurbished buildings and delivering corporate social responsibility.

EWS is warning about the likelihood of air-conditioning systems failing during what is predicted to be a long, hot summer — unless companies take preventive action.

The major maintenance contract of Honeywell with the head office and operations centre of Wessex Water has been extended, and Wessex Water has also contracted with Honeywell to manage 12 other buildings.

When in the latter stages of last year, Sir Nicholas Stern in his review ‘The economics of climate change’ highlighted the impact on the world's GDP of climate change, there was considerable scepticism in some quarters. The spread of his predictions was very wide — ranging from unabated climate change costing the world at least 5% of GDP each year right up to over 20% if more dramatic predictions come to pass. At the very best, he believes that the impact of climate change on GDP can be limited to around 1%.