Ireland's Plumbing & Heating Magazine Issue 113 May-June

The only bi-monthly journal for the plumbing & heating industry in Ireland.

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ISSUE 113 - MAY/JUNE 2023

Durability means Sustainability

www.snickersworkwear.ie/find-retailers FIND YOUR LOCAL STOCKIST

www.altecnic.co.uk For further details: oemsales@altecnic.co.uk +44 (0) 1785 218208 or Chris Reilly, Country Manager for Ireland, on 00353 (0)85 2152288, chris.reilly@altecnic.co.uk or Gary Swann, Northern Ireland Sales Manager, on 07760 596727 or e-mail gary.swann@altecnic.co.uk

CONTENTS

In this issue...

Issue 113 - May/June 2023

News & Views 47 The best one yet -

Product News 11

In Focus 12 New build Dominick Street apartments With seven rooftop plant rooms, Murphy & Kelly delivers large- scale social housing project. 20 Carbon reduction using HVO in real life In a pioneering project, a

Trousers that work hard You have a job to do, and

PLUMBEX Belfast 2023 Gathered the best in the province’s plumbing and heating sector with an impressive number of visitors.

Snickers Workwear trousers have the durability and functionality you need to get it done. 23 Fernox launches a dedicated filter for heat pump systems Fernox engineers innovative flow and filtration technology that works at high flow rates. 43 Waking up to a more powerful shower experience Give your clients more power to their showers with a Grundfos booster pump.

50 SEAI: is a new approach needed? Latest news and views from the Amalgamated Heating and Plumbing Contractors Group. 57 New National Laboratory in Limerick Uisce Éireann has announced a new €60m National Laboratory to improve water quality.

Millisle consumer converted a new liquid fuel boiler to run on HVO.

60 M&ECA

Denise Tuffy discusses the support provided by the CIF Specialist Contracting Office.

THE TEAM: Managing Director Karen McAvoy Editorial Heather Campbell, Ana Corradini Publication Manager Jacqui Fairley Advertising Julie Patterson Production Manager Julie Anne Guiney Digital Creative Manager Jo Hendron Design Tomo Pattison Digital Communications Rachel Freeman Accounts Andrea Simpson Photography Gordon McAvoy Administration Laoise Boyle Printed by W&G Baird

CONTACT US: The Forge, 13b Lisburn Road, Moira, Co. Armagh BT67 0JR T: Moira: 028 9261 2990 T: Dublin: 01 696 8319 E: plumbing@kmpltd.co.uk www.plumbingmag.com

plumbing & heating magazine

plumbing & heating magazine @plumbingmag plumbingmag

Plumbing & Heating Magazine is published on a bi-monthly basis and distributed throughout Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland on a controlled circulation.

PLUMBING & HEATING MAGAZINE | 3

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NEWS

Warmflow, the manufacturer of some of the most innovative and efficient home heat products, is offering free training across the UK and Ireland. Engineers looking to start installing air source heat pumps or simply brush up on oil installation and fault finding can update their knowledge at one of the seven Warmflow training centres. Warmflow has partnered with several centres to offer OFTEC & BPEC heat pump courses in addition to less in-depth product familiarisation courses. Engineers will learn more about Warmflow’s Zeno air source heat pump with Warmlink remote control technology and the Agentis oil boiler range, which includes the UK’s only AA- rated combi oil boiler. The course will also feature the Zeno range, which includes several market-leading components, such as a Panasonic EVI compressor and a Grundfos circulating pump. Get in contact with your local sales manager or training centre to avail of this free training, or call +44(0)28 9262 1515 for more information. WARMFLOW OFFERS FREE TRAINING

L-R: Thermodial’s Managing Director Turlough Kinane, Projects Director Mark Carrick and Operations Director Alan Keegan.

THERMODIAL MANAGEMENT TEAM ACHIEVES 100% MBO

The management team of Thermodial has completed the 100% buyout of the company with the goal of increasing turnover by 30% to €13 million and growing employee numbers to over 100 people by 2026. Headed by Managing Director Turlough Kinane, Thermodial is a leading operator in the installation and maintenance of commercial (HVAC) and building energy management systems (BEMS) in Ireland. Their clients include Eir, Microsoft, JLL and Super Valu, as well as institutions in the public, education and leisure sectors. The buyout sees Turlough Kinane, Alan

Keegan (Operations Director) and Mark Carrick (Projects Director) acquire the remaining 45% shareholding from the founders, giving the trio 100% ownership of the company. Turlough commented, “We have built a strong reputation in the market and have been successful in being accredited with four ISO standards. That combination of client trust and expertise has enabled us to broaden our services and to grow the BEMS side of the business. This provides a diversified base to continue our growth story.” www.thermodial.ie

FREE TRAINING

TOOL MONSTER TECH TOUR HITS SERC’S NEWTOWNARDS CAMPUS

Tool Monster Tech Tour hits SERC’s Newtownards Campus. Plumbing and Electrical apprentices enjoyed a skills day with a difference when popular YouTubers PB Plumber, Nick Bundy and CP Utility Solutions visited SERC’s Newtownards Campus for the Tool Monster Tech Tour. The event, in partnership with KNIPEX and Velocity Pro Gear, two of the biggest tool and bag companies in Europe, offered the apprentices and trainees the opportunity to get hands-on with state-of-the-art equipment, try out new tools, put their skills to the test in competitions and visit the pop-up shop, which offered apprentice discounts. Sam Lyttle, Deputy Head of School Construction, Engineering and Skills for Work, said the Tool Monster Tech Tour provided their Level 2 and Level 3 Plumbing and Electrical apprentices and trainees with an “enriching learning experience” and a great opportunity to meet and engage with the popular YouTubers

during what turned out to be a fun skills day. www.serc.ac.uk - www.toolmonster.store

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PLUMBING & HEATING MAGAZINE | 5

NEWS

Warmflow, who is known for their high- efficiency Agentis range of oil boilers, also produces Warm Air Heaters, which are a popular choice for heating factory floors, commercial and industrial units, as well as garages and workshops. These air heaters are manufactured at Warmflow’s state-of-the-art 150,000sqft facility in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, and are a great solution for heating large spaces with the latest leading technology and safety in mind. For more information about Warmflow’s range of Warm Air Heaters and to find the perfect solution, please contact Warmflow at +44 (0)28 9262 1515. www.warmflow.co.uk WARMFLOW AIR HEATERS WILL BLOW YOU AWAY

SNIPEF Deputy CEO - Stephanie Lowe

STEPHANIE LOWE APPOINTED AS NEW SNIPEF DEPUTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Stephanie Lowe has been appointed Deputy Chief Executive of the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF). Stephanie joined SNIPEF in 2006 and has held a variety of executive, operations, and project leadership roles. Most recently, she was appointed Acting Chief Executive to support the SNIPEF Chief Executive, Fiona Hodgson. “Stephanie has impressed the SNIPEF Board by bringing clarity, structure, focus, and drive in helping us through the difficult pandemic years,” Fiona commented. “Apart from her evident

passion, energy, and commitment to SNIPEF and the plumbing profession, Stephanie’s experience will assist me in continuing to improve SNIPEF and realise its new strategy beyond this year’s centenary celebrations.” Stephanie stated she is impressed by the quality of the people at SNIPEF, as well as by the strength of its culture and desire to build stronger industry relations for employers and plumbing operatives. “I am excited to continue my close working relationship with Fiona and ensure SNIPEF remains relevant,” she said. www.snipef.org

RENEWABLE ENERGY TO BENEFIT FROM WINDSOR FRAMEWORK VAT EXEMPTION

The Windsor Framework, a post- Brexit legal agreement between the EU and the UK, will make installing renewable energy and energy- efficient measures for homeowners in Northern Ireland cheaper, thanks to a tax break. VAT exemptions for solar panels and heat pumps that are already in place in the rest of the UK will be extended to NI. This will reduce the average cost of renewables installations by between 5% and 20%, and homeowners could save up to 20%. The lifting of VAT will be a boost to

the green sector in NI, says renewable energy charity MCS Charitable Foundation, which campaigned for the exemption. MCS ‘s Director of External Affairs David Cowdrey commented, “Installing energy efficiency measures and renewables in people’s homes is a boost to the economy by providing skilled green jobs and will help also reduce energy bills. We need to be scaling up the installation of renewables across all housing in NI to tackle the climate emergency and bring down the cost of living permanently.” www.mcscharitytablefoundation.org

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PLUMBING & HEATING MAGAZINE | 7

HOT WATER HEAT PUMP RANGE

HEVAC’S SPECIALIST RENEWABLE ENERGY DIVISION ORIGEN IN PARTNERSHIP WITH DE DIETRICH LAUNCH THE LATEST IN HEAT PUMP TECHNOLOGY, ELENSIO.

• Environmentally friendly performance • Ultra-low embodied carbon refrigerant – R290 • Up to 338 litres domestic hot water at 40°C • Compact thanks to its very low height • High-performance exchanger • Suitable for multiple domestic application • Plug’n’Play installation with ambient air or ducted outdoor air

For enquiries, design information and quotations, please contact: Muirfield Drive, Naas Road, Dublin 12 - Tel: +353 (0)1 419 1919 Unit L, Furry Park Industrial Estate, Santry, Dublin 9 - Tel: +353 (0)1 842 7037 South Ring West Business Park, Tramore Road, Cork - Tel: +353 (0)21 432 1066

NEWS

An NI Water employee has received international recognition for leading the way and helping to inspire women in the wastewater industry. Claire Cowden won The Nereda Operator of the Year Award from Royal HaskoningDHV (RHDHV), in recognition of her innovation and dedication to her challenging work as a Wastewater Assets Technician at the Dungannon Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW). Claire was selected from operators worldwide to receive the award at the Golden Granule Awards, during an Operators Day. For Claire, it is not only an award for her but also for NI Water and women in this service. “The award was a huge surprise but I’m honoured to be recognised and privileged to be working with a fantastic team at both NI Water and RHDHV,” she commented. “I am proud to be a woman working in wastewater and I hope I can encourage and inspire more women to join the industry!” www.niwater.com CLAIRE CHAMPIONS FUTURE OF WOMEN IN WASTEWATER

Leading heating technology manufacturer Grant has announced that its team will attend a diverse range of trade exhibitions and country shows throughout NI and Ireland in 2023. As a manufacturer, it is important for Grant to meet the needs of its customers and develop the highest standard in heating technologies. This is why it is vital to attend shows and discuss ongoing innovations with members of the heating trade and homeowners. This year’s programme includes: Self Build, Sport Ireland Campus, Blanchardstown, Dublin, stand F2 – 5-7 May Energy & Farm Diversification Show, Gurteen College, Tipperary – 20 July PLUMBEX, RDS, Simmonscourt - 6-7 September Association of Energy Engineers Conference, Setu Sports Arena, Waterford – 14 September National Ploughing Championships, Ratheniska, Co Laois – 19-21 September Self Build, Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast, stand F26 – 13-15 October GRANT ANNOUNCES ATTENDANCE AT UPCOMING TRADE SHOWS

Keep up to date with show stand numbers and the latest news from Grant on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @mygrantNI @grantirl

Claire Cowden, Wastewater Assets Technician at NI Water.

Plumbing, heating and bathrooms merchant Bassetts has announced they will support Motor Neurone Disease Association (MND) as their chosen charity of the year. Motor neurone disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects the brain and spinal cord. It is currently incurable and can lead to complete paralysis. The MND Association is the only national charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland dedicated to supporting people with MND, their families and carers. Bassetts Managing Director Neil Collins said, “We are proud to support such a worthwhile charity that does so much to help people living with this debilitating disease. We hope our support will benefit as many people as possible.” Stephen Thompson, Branch Chairman at MND, commented, “This is a huge help to the team, both in terms of fundraising and supporting the services we work so hard to provide.” Bassetts is committed to making a difference in the communities in which they operate. They have just presented their dedicated charity of 2022, PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland, with a cheque for over £21,937. www.bassettsonline.com BASSETTS ANNOUNCES NEW CHARITY PARTNER

L-R: Brenda Hall, Charity Partnerships Manager, Steven Reid, Accounts Manager at Bassets and Helen Brogan, Fundraising Engagement Manager from PIPS.

L-R: Stephen Thompson, MND Branch Chairman, Neil Collins, Managing Director at Bassetts and Brenda Hall, Charity Partnerships Manager.

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PLUMBING & HEATING MAGAZINE | 9

COVER STORY

“Snickers Workwear invented the modern work trouser over 50 years ago, and they have continued to reinvent them ever since.”

YOU HAVE A JOB TO DO, AND SNICKERS WORKWEAR TROUSERS HAVE THE DURABILITY AND FUNCTIONALITY YOU NEED TO GET IT DONE.... Trousers that work as hard as you S nickers Workwear trousers are designed to meet the specific demands of different jobs and working conditions. They are packed with intelligent details and smart solutions that solve the everyday problems you can run up against in the building and construction industries.

MADE TO LAST Hard work and even harder working conditions will put your trousers to the test. That is why Snickers Workwear trousers have the durability necessary to crawl, climb and carry your way through whatever your workday can throw at you. And that is no matter if it is boiling hot, freezing cold, or soaking wet. Snickers Workwear is hard-working and long-lasting. IT IS WHAT THEY HAVE ALWAYS DONE Snickers Workwear invented the modern work trouser over 50 years ago, and the have continued to reinvent them ever since. Snickers Workwear utilises the latest technologies and matches them with innovative fabrics and materials to construct trousers that are the first choice for professional craftsmen and craftswomen everywhere. Contact your Hultafors Group Ireland (Snickers Workwear) Area Sales Manager for further information about the range, call: +353 (0)1 409 8400 or email: info@hultaforsgroup.ie

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PROJECT

DOMINICK STREET REGENERATION PROJECT, DUBLIN

MURPHY & KELLY DELIVERS LARGE-SCALE SOCIAL HOUSING PROJECT WITH A FOCUS ON RENEWABLE SYSTEMS… SEVEN ROOFTOP PLANT ROOMS SERVE NEW BUILD DOMINICK STREET APARTMENTS

M echanical services contractor Murphy & Kelly (Thomastown) Ltd has successfully delivered a mechanical services installation for 72 A-rated social housing units in Dublin 1. The newly built Dominick Street Regeneration Project, just off Parnell Street, consists of 67 apartments, five standalone townhouses, a community centre, retail space and a basement car park. “This was a sizeable project in terms of physical proportions and complexity of work,” explained Dean Kelly, Contracts Director at Murphy & Kelly. “The apartments are spread across seven stair cores, with seven rooftop plant rooms serving each core. We installed two large buffers inside each

plant room, one for domestic hot water and one for LPHW, which were fed from three Kronoterm heat pumps – 21 in total – supplied by Glenergy. “Each stair core plant room has its own BMS panel, supplied and commissioned by Controltech, which then link to a central BMS system located in the basement car park. “Each townhouse has its own, standalone heat pump, while the community centre also has its own heat pump serving hot water, plus underfloor heating, heat recovery units and air handling units throughout.” Internal pipework from the apartment plant rooms terminate in a heat interface unit that was supplied by RVR Tecnnologies. “The heat interface

units then feed directly into the underfloor heating system, which was designed, supplied and installed by Base Engineering,” said Dean. “Each apartment has a demand control ventilation system supplied by Systemair, which is operated on humidity,” he added. All the lobbies, stairwells and communal areas are heated by Zehnder radiators supplied by Versatile, Cavan and fed by the rooftop plant rooms for each core. All water services are fed from the water services plant room located in the basement car park. Booster pumps were supplied by Wilo, and all the tanks on the site were supplied by CubicM3. The dry riser runs throughout the seven stair cores for fire protection, and was supplied by Apex Fire and installed by

“This was a sizeable project in terms of physical proportions and complexity of work.”

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PROJECT

DOMINICK STREET REGENERATION PROJECT, DUBLIN

Murphy & Kelly. The considerable fire- rated ductwork in the basement car park was supplied by Airforce H&V. Ecocool supplied air conditioning equipment for the community centre and the comms room. In addition to the heat pumps and other renewable and efficiency-minded equipment installed on the project, is a rainwater harvesting system. Dean explained, “The rain water captured from the large surface area on the roof of the apartment block flows into a tank in the basement area, where it is filtered in the water plant room and then distributed throughout the seven stair cores to the toilets in each apartment for flushing. “From a water conservation point of view, it’s a great addition to the project to be able to collect rain water from the roof and use it to flush the toilet,” said Dean. CHALLENGES “The biggest issue was the sheer amount of pipework and work that went into such a large-scale project, but we are extremely experienced in delivering complex mechanical services projects. Under the

direction of Site Manager, Alan Grogan, who co-ordinated all the subcontractors, we ensured the highest standard of work was adhered to at all times. “It was also great to work alongside MMA Consulting Engineers to find practical solutions to the onsite installation,” Dean added. The risers below the seven plant rooms all terminate within the basement car park - with plans to connect to the future district heating scheme, which is hoped to be rolled out within Dublin City in the next few of years. Commenting on the complete job, Dean said, “Murphy & Kelly was delighted to be appointed as mechanical contractors by Duggan Brothers Ltd, Templemore on this project; one of many we have successfully delivered for them.” He spoke highly of the supply chain who helped pull the project together. “I like to say that our subcontractors don’t work for us, they work with us. This relationship results in projects of the highest standard of quality being handed over to the end- user and the client.”

Client: Dublin City Council Main Contractor: Duggan Brothers Ltd Architects: Denis Byrne Architects & Carr Cotter & Naessens Architects PROJECT TEAM...

Mechanical Consultants: MMA Consulting Engineers

Mechanical Contractor: Murphy & Kelly (Thomastown) Ltd

MURPHY & KELLY PROJECT TEAM... Contracts Director: Dean Kelly Site supervisor: Alan Grogan Financial Director: Steven Kelly Managing Director: Denis Kelly

T: +353 (0)56 7724294 E: info@murphyandkelly.ie www.murphyandkelly.ie

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PROJECT

DOMINICK STREET REGENERATION PROJECT, DUBLIN

GLENERGY SUPPLIES KRONOTERM ADAPT HEAT PUMPS IN FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND PROJECT INSTALLATION FOR IRELAND… HEAT PUMP SUPPLIER

R enewable expert Glenergy supplied the Dominick Street Regeneration Project apartment buildings with high efficiency Kronoterm ADAPT heat pumps – the first installation

(SCOP of 5.2), its ability to provide flow temperatures in excess of 65°C, if required, and its super-quiet operation. Through operational analysis and settings optimisation, the ADAPT heat pump will automatically adjust (ADAPT) to a building and

of its type in Ireland. In total, 21 Kronoterm ADAPT heat pumps were provided. Mechanical services contractor, Murphy & Kelly (Thomastown) Ltd installed three in each of the seven roof top plant rooms of the apartment buildings. Bespoke heating and DHW

“We are proud to have to have

its heating and cooling needs, without any input from the end-user or a service technician. The finely tuned, built-in IAH™ system intelligently uses algorithms for oil recapture,

supplied the first ADAPT

temperatures and traditional radiator systems. Commenting on the project, Jonathan Leonard, Director for Glenergy said, “We are proud to have supplied the first ADAPT heat pumps to be used in this type of project in Ireland. It also incorporated the first centralised plant room without the use of gas – another great step forward in delivering renewable and low energy heat source solutions.”

heat pumps to be used in this type of project.”

ensuring the heat pump is well lubricated in all working conditions and revolutions per minute, even if the outside air is a freezing -25°C or a boiling 40°C. It is perfect for any climate and heating system, including extreme low

buffers were supplied by Glenergy and fitted to the plant rooms above the lift shafts in the new building. The main benefits of the ADAPT air- to-water heat pump are its efficiency

Glenergy Limited, Unit 34, The Village Mill Enterprise Park, Rathnew, Co. Wicklow A67 HD32 T: +353 (0)1 556 3100 - E: info@glenergy.ie www.glenergy.ie

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PROJECT

DOMINICK STREET REGENERATION PROJECT, DUBLIN

VERSATILE CONTINUES STRONG SUPPLY PARTNERSHIP WITH MURPHY & KELLY ON MAJOR SOCIAL HOUSING DEVELOPMENT FOR DUBLIN 1… HEATING, COOLING & VENTILATION SOLUTIONS

H eating and ventilation specialist suppliers, Versatile was awarded the order to supply Runtal radiators for Dominick Street Regeneration Project’s A-rated social housing apartment phase. The sleek vertical Runtal radiators were specified to heat the lobbies, stairwells and communal areas of the five-storey block providing 67 units at the new inner-city, mixed-use development just off Parnell Street, Dublin 1. Tony Kennedy, Commercial Manager at Versatile said, “We have a long-standing relationship with the mechanical services contractor, Murphy & Kelly, which has been built up over many years. We maintain this strong bond by supplying quality products, technical support and providing reassurance in the availability and quality of products.

“With that in mind, we were asked to look at the Dominick Street Project and provided a proposal. Working closely with the project manager onsite, we adhered to the agreed lead times and delivery schedules to ensure the contract ran smoothly. We liaised onsite to confirm all products were delivered and site checked correctly and that they fitted their specific locations. Any queries and requests for technical information were responded to quickly.” Commenting on the completed project, Tony said, “This was a good project for Versatile to be involved in. We’re very fortunate as suppliers to work with extremely professional contractors such as Murphy & Kelly who have a great reputation in the marketplace for their quality work.”

“Working closely with the project manager onsite, we adhered to the agreed lead times and delivery schedules to ensure the project ran smoothly.”

Versatile Group, Beechmount Home Park, Navan, Co. Meath, C15 WR60 T: +353 (0)46 902 9444 - E: info@versatile.ie www.versatile.ie

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PROJECT

DOMINICK STREET REGENERATION PROJECT, DUBLIN

ALMA ENGINEERING SUPPLIES LTD. PROVIDED VALVES, GAUGES AND FLUID CONTROL SOLUTIONS FOR THE 72 NEWLY BUILT SOCIAL HOUSING UNITS… VALVES, GAUGES AND FLUID CONTROL

A lma Engineering Supplies Ltd. provided various valves, pressure gauges and other fluid control products for the newly built Dominick Street Regeneration Project in Dublin 1. With over 10 years of a confident trading relationship between the two, Alma Engineering was once again chosen by

mechanical services contractor Murphy & Kelly (Thomastown) Ltd to supply the parts for the seven rooftop plant rooms that serve the 72 A-rated social housing units. The products installed included isolating valves, commissioning valves, pressure reducing valves, thermometers and pressure gauges. CE and WRAS approved quality products, from our trusted European supply network, were specified and installed. Brands include Cimberio, CSA, VYC, Albion, Altecnic and Malgorani, to mention a few. Alma Engineering hold large valve stocks in their Rathnew warehouses and deliver to Dublin on a next day basis, every day of the week. GREAT PARTNER Dean Kelly, Contracts Director at mechanical services contractor Murphy & Kelly, was very happy to work with

Alma Engineering once again. “Andy Kidd and Eamon Smyth from Alma offer us a wide range of products with great service. They are always there to propose a suitable product for each application,” he commented. “This service makes Alma a great partner for our wide range of projects.” 48 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE Alma Engineering Supplies is celebrating. its 48th anniversary providing fluid control and allied industries with a wide range of valves and actuators, ABS pipes, fittings and expansion joints, products for HVAC, process and pipeline services. Installers who have special requirements and need to locate a particular type or brand of valve can contact the team at Alma with their enquiries, as the company relies on a large supply network of factories and merchants around Europe.

Alma Engineering Supplies Ltd, Units 13 & 14 Village Mill Enterprise Park, Rathnew, Co. Wicklow, A67 HX57 T: +353 (0)404 64353 - E: info@alma-valves.ie www.alma-valves.ie

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BOILER SPARES

THE SUPPLIER’S RANGE OF BOILER SPARES INCLUDES EVERYTHING FROM VALVES AND THERMOSTATS TO PUMPS, HEAT EXCHANGERS AND CONTROL BOARDS, ALL SOURCED FROM LEADING MANUFACTURERS… Plumbmaster plays its part with spares hotline the industry, including Vaillant, Worcester and Ideal, ensuring that customers can find everything they need under one roof and on one website.

P lumbmaster is a leading supplier of spare parts for boilers, offering a comprehensive range of products designed to cater to the needs of repairers and maintenance professionals. The company has been in the business for over two decades, and during this time, they have built a reputation for sterling customer service, which explains the significant allocation of resources to their spares range to make life easy for its customers. Plumbmaster’s range of boiler spares includes everything from valves and thermostats to pumps, heat exchangers, and control boards. These spare parts are sourced from the leading manufacturers in the industry, ensuring that customers get access to high-quality products that are designed to last. One of the primary benefits of Plumbmaster’s range of boiler spare parts is the diversity of their products. Their selection caters to every type of boiler, including gas, oil and electric models. They stock parts for all the top brands in

Plumbmaster has a team of trained professionals available to help customers find the right spare part for their boiler. The company has even gone one step further and created a spares hotline number (+44 (0)28 9590 3233) for those in need of a part and fast. The e-commerce side of their spares business has proved valuable to existing customers too, offering them the capability to check the stock of parts across the group and in their local branch. The Plumbmaster team is always ready to help customers navigate the vast selection of products available, ensuring they find the right part for the job. The team is knowledgeable, helpful and responsive, making the process of finding replacement parts a seamless experience.

Plumbmaster’s range of spares consists of genuine and approved replacement parts, meaning that each Plumbmaster customer can purchase with confidence. Genuine parts ensure that boilers operate correctly and efficiently, avoiding the need for regular repairs and maintenance. Additionally, genuine parts guarantee customer safety and reliability by adhering to quality standards and meeting manufacturer specifications. Another huge benefit of shopping for spares with Plumbmaster can be credited to their network of 11 branches in Northern Ireland. With Plumbmaster lorries constantly distributing stock between and throughout the branches, it is no issue for every branch to carry a stock of boiler spares, meaning that, wherever you are in the country, you are never too far from a Plumbmaster branch that has the part you need.

To find out more, call +44 (0)28 9590 3233, stop by your local branch or visit www.plumb-master.com

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PLUMBING & HEATING MAGAZINE | 19

OFTEC IRELAND NEWS

Update:

PLUMBING & HEATING MAGAZINE PROVIDES AN INSIGHT INTO OFTEC IRELAND AND THE PROMOTION OF THE LIQUID FUEL INDUSTRY IN IRELAND…

The team behind the project (L-R): Mark Bailie (Nextgen), Chris Renehan (GBL), Magnus Hamick (GBL), David Blevings (OFTEC) and Patrick Keatley (Nemo Energy).

IN A PIONEERING PROJECT, A CONSUMER IN BALLYFRENIS, MILLISLE, HAS TAKEN THE PLUNGE AND CONVERTED A NEW LIQUID FUEL BOILER TO RUN ON HVO WITH THE HELP OF OFTEC, NEXTGEN POWER, NEMO ENERGY AND GBL… Carbon reduction using HVO in real life

I f you were planning to move, build, or renovate your house and were given a choice of what fuel to use for your central heating and hot water demand, what would you choose: air source heat pump, ground source, natural gas, oil or biomass? There is a wide range of heating solutions on the market and the recent energy ‘spike’ has made consumers more energy-aware as we look to a Net Zero carbon future. WHAT OPTION IS REALISTIC AND AFFORDABLE TODAY? As Northern Ireland looks forward to a heat consultation in the summer months, many pundits are suggesting we need a range of technologies, and that all low- carbon pathways should be explored. In GB and the Republic of Ireland, both governments are proposing an all-electric future, with air source heat pumps (ASHP) being promoted as the

preferred option and district heating in urban areas. In the author’s opinion, an ASHP is an ideal product for a new build or thermally efficient house, but with 70% of bungalows, 50% of semis, 53% of detached and 44% of terraces in Northern Ireland being in SAP Band D – G, the question remains: will these houses be suitable for a heat pump?

answer. He has taken the plunge and converted his new liquid fuel boiler to run on a renewable liquid biofuel called hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO). The solution was designed by NextGen Power, and London-based Green Biofuels Ltd. GBF supplied the advanced HVO fuel, called GD+, which is made from renewable waste cooking oil and reduces CO 2 equivalent emissions by up to 90%. As part of the project, the hot water is hydraulically separated from space heating and supplied by a solar-assisted heat pump. This allows the boiler to operate in condensing mode all the time. The client has also added 4.5kW of solar PV linked to battery storage in the garage. He charges the battery pack overnight and any excess is exported back to the grid. The new homes in Ballyfrenis were completed in 2022 and are built to a high energy efficiency specification. A biofuel-

Many will claim they will, but with Governments’ data showing that

retrofitting or upgrading insulation and installing a heat pump will cost anywhere from £23K to £30K, and with consumer finance at a real-time low, is this really a viable option for the approximately 500,000 homes currently using oil and circa 200,000 using natural gas in NI? TAKING THE PLUNGE INTO HVO One consumer in Ballyfrenis, Millisle, believes that low-carbon liquid fuels and off-peak battery storage are the

“The recent energy ‘spike’ has made consumers more energy- aware as we look to a Net Zero carbon future.”

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OFTEC IRELAND NEWS

L-R: David Blevings (OFTEC) and Mark Eccles (Grant Engineering) overseeing the conversion to HVO.

The property outside Millisle.

footprint using kerosene and 100% grid electricity. We will be monitoring the property over the next 12 months and confirm the findings at the end of the year”. In terms of CO 2 emissions, an HVO-fired boiler can deliver the most rapid and significant reductions and requires the least behavioural change by customers. While there are challenges around cost and supply at scale, it is clear that HVO could be an effective decarbonisation solution for energy-efficient, liquid- fuelled homes in the future. Government support for HVO as a low-carbon heating solution could make it a relatively straightforward and cost-effective option for decarbonising liquid-fuelled homes today. “In terms of CO 2 emissions, an HVO-fired boiler can deliver the most rapid and significant reductions and requires the least behavioural change by customers.”

ready condensing boiler was already in place and air permeability is 6.7 m³/h.m², which is average. The EPC on completion was B86, which is very good but that was before the fuel change and the addition of solar. HOW ‘CARBON-FRIENDLY’ IS THIS HOUSE? We have modelled the emissions on kerosene and grid electricity, and, for this exercise, we have assumed a space heating demand of 9,000 kWh, hot water demand of 3,000 kWh and a further 6,000 kWh of general electric use. This provides a projected annual carbon emission total of approximately 6.3 tonnes. This is made up of 4.5 tonnes for space heating, 1.125 tonnes for hot water and 1.80 tonnes from the grid. By using HVO in the model for space heating, it is possible to reduce the carbon emissions to 0.48 tonnes per annum. With the hot water being provided by the solar-assisted heat pump, the emissions are reduced to around 0.18 tonnes. For general electrical requirements and utilising the 4.5 kW solar PV generation and an assumed load factor of 0.1, we can assume

approximately 4,000 kWh from solar energy over the year, leaving a 2,000 kWH requirement from the grid. This results in about 0.6 tonnes of CO 2 from general electric use. Utilising HVO and solar energy, we are estimating a total carbon emission of approximately 1.14 tonnes: that is a reduction of over 5 tonnes of CO 2 or an 88% reduction in the overall carbon footprint! The revised EPC (incorporating the fuel change and solar energy) moves from a B85 rating to an A96 one, which is extremely high. The average energy rating in Northern Ireland is D60 for reference. OFTEC oversaw the boiler conversion, and the project is being monitored by Dr Patrick Keatley of NEMO Energy Limited. Looking at the figures, he commented, “With HVO emitting 0.036 kgCO 2 /kWh compared to kerosene at 0.298 kgCO 2 /kWh, we can achieve a substantial reduction in the carbon footprint immediately. Adding in the benefits of the solar-assisted heat pump for hot water, along with battery storage, we can estimate a decrease in carbon emissions to 1.14 tonnes, which is almost 90% lower than the original

David Blevings, OFTEC Ireland Manager on T: +44 (0)28 9186 2916 Sean McBride, Ireland Representative on T: +44 (0)7540 502 304 (NI) or +353 (0)87 241 7041 (RoI) www.oftec.org

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PLUMBING & HEATING MAGAZINE | 21

HEAT PUMP FILTERS

FERNOX ENGINEERS INNOVATIVE FLOW AND FILTRATION TECHNOLOGY THAT WORKS AT HIGH FLOW RATES (UP TO 80 L/M), TYPICAL OF HEAT PUMP INSTALLATIONS…

Fernox launches a dedicated filter for heat pump systems

L eading manufacturer Fernox has extended its portfolio with the new TF1 Sigma HP Filter, which has been specifically designed to protect air and ground-source heat pumps. Through exceptional design and engineering, the filter provides a high-quality option and unparalleled performance to help maintain the efficiency of new or retrofit installations. As a pioneer of filter technology, Fernox has developed the new TF1 Sigma HP Filter to offer the best possible protection. The filter’s unique shape allows for the efficient capture of system debris and the settlement of particles within the main body of the filter. Manufactured from engineering-grade polymer, the TF1 Sigma HP Filter provides excellent strength and hydrolysis resistance. Key to its market-leading performance is the utilisation of the innovative flow and filtration technology (patent pending), which allows the filter to be highly

effective at capturing all types of debris, including magnetite, hematite and scale – at high flow rates (up to 80 L/M), typical of heat pump installations. The Fernox TF1 Sigma HP Filter is supplied with 22mm or 28mm full-bore valves as standard. The design of these valves is crucial as it means that there is no restriction of flow through the filter assembly, ensuring the heat pump can maintain the required COP (Co-efficient of Performance). Due to its double radial seal between the manifold and main filter body, the Fernox TF1 Sigma HP Filter is very flexible. Installation is quick and simple, enabling horizontal or vertical orientations, and also at any point around a full 360° pipework orientation. Following the robust design of other products in the Fernox TF1 range, the TF1 Sigma HP Filter is engineered as a sealed unit without a lid for greater integrity and security, reducing any potential for leaks. Fast and simple to service, unlike lidded

filters, there is no need for replacement ‘O’ ring seals, thus minimising ongoing maintenance costs. Greg Banham, UK & Ireland Sales Director at Fernox concluded, “The TF1 Sigma HP Filter has been extensively tested, proving it has the best Kv value of any available filter on the market. A combination of features, including the unique, patent-pending filtration technology and the low-pressure loss from the carefully engineered flow paths, means that COP levels and heat pump efficiency can be maintained. Furthermore, the use of high integrity and high-quality components ensures that the Fernox TF1 Sigma HP Filter provides unparalleled performance.”

To find out more about the Fernox TF1 Sigma HP Filter, please visit https:// fernox.com/product/tf1-sigma-hp-filter/

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PLUMBING & HEATING MAGAZINE | 23

HEAT PUMPS

WHEN LOCAL EXPERIENCE COMBINES WITH A GLOBAL

Hevac launches hot water heat pumps with eco-friendly gas refrigerant LEADER IN HEATING INNOVATION, KNOW YOU WILL GET A PRODUCT THAT OFFERS REAL SOLUTIONS…

H evac Group – Ireland’s leading sustainable heating systems provider – has released the De Deitrich Elensio hot water heat pump range with environmentally friendly R290 natural gas refrigerant to the Irish market. The Elensio thermodynamic water heater has been designed

particularly in the case of mid-block, mid- floor units – the Elensio provides a discrete yet high performance solution. It is also ideal for retrofits where someone has replaced the boiler recently, and wants to install a heater that will reduce energy use for hot water.

Benefits...

Environmentally friendly: fluid R290 – natural gas, COP up to 3.48. DHW comfort: up to 338 litres of hot water at 40°C can easily meet the needs of a family of six. Compact: with a height of 1528mm for the 200 model, it integrates very easily under sloping or low ceilings. Installation: it can be easily moved and installed, thanks to its compactness and integrated handles. Quiet operation: it can be installed in any living room, thanks to its reduced sound level (47dB[A].) Boost mode: for permanent DHW comfort. Reliability: equipped with reinforced titanium anode.

With no outdoor unit, Elensio’s air supply is ducted directly from

specifically to generate domestic hot water for dwellings – with the four units in the range achieving temperatures of 54-55°C at impressive COPs of 3.09 to 3.54 when tested in line with the European standard for hot water heat pumps, EN 16147.

outside air, with cooled air also ducted back outside. Silent and compact, thanks to a very low height, Elensio is a low impact installation with only 47dB[A]. The Elensio comes in four variations – the 200 and 250, which work off external air only, and the 200H and 250H, which work off external air but can also be connected to solar panels or a boiler. All units include an immersion as backup. Each machine includes 0.15 kg of R290 in the refrigerant circuit. R290 has a 20-year global warming potential of just 0.072.

Origen, part of the Hevac Group, has

introduced the Elensio as the latest member of the company’s heat pump range, and is targeted at apartments and specific retrofit scenarios. For apartments built to NZEB standard with little or no space heating - demand,

Contact: Paul Devereux M: +353 (0)86 173 8060 T: +353 (0)1 419 1919 E: paul.devereux@hevac.ie E: tender.enquiry@hevac.ie www.hevac.ie

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PLUMBING & HEATING MAGAZINE | 25

COMMERCIAL PLUMBING & HEATING

MANUFACTURER - ALTECNIC

Mark Mogey, Altecnic.

MARK MOGEY, HEAD OF OEM SALES & ROI AT ALTECNIC, EXPLORES IN DETAIL THE ROLE OF A FLOW-THROUGH EXPANSION VESSEL IN PREVENTING HARMFUL BACTERIA BUILD UP IN POTABLE WATER SYSTEMS…

All you need to know about flow-through expansion vessels

W hilst a flow-through vessel can be used effectively on any potable water system, they are particularly useful in healthcare, education, hotel, hospitality and other public use settings. WHAT IS A FLOW-THROUGH EXPANSION VESSEL? Flow-through expansion vessels are designed to keep potable water moving through a system to prevent any stagnation or contamination. The innovative design encourages flushing through the vessel, greatly reducing the

opportunity for clusters to form. How do flow-through vessels work? In a closed hot water circuit, the water cannot be compressed, so any increase in volume created by an increase in temperature has to be accommodated by an expansion vessel. When water is cold, the pre-charge pressure forces the bladder to collapse until the pump is started, when the bladder starts to inflate. As the temperature in the system increases, with the associated increase in pressure and volume, the expanded water enters the bladder creating additional volume and lowering the pressure. When

Flow-through vessel with Flowjet valve.

FLOWJET

T-PIECE

“Flow-through vessels are particularly useful in healthcare, education, hotel, hospitality and other public use settings.”

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26 | PLUMBING & HEATING MAGAZINE

COMMERCIAL PLUMBING & HEATING

Flow-through vessels are particularly useful in healthcare, education, hotel, hospitality and other public use settings.

the temperature decreases, the pre- charge pressure forces the water from the bladder and back into the main water circuit.

• Isolation should the expansion vessel needs to be removed • Drain facility • Bypass WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT KEEPING WATER SYSTEMS SAFE FOR PUBLIC USE? Altecnic works with and is a member of a number of professional industry bodies and associations which advocate the importance of keeping water systems safe from the risks of Legionella and other harmful bacteria, including: • The Legionella Control Association • The Water Management Society • The Society of Public Health Engineers • Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineers. If you would like to speak to a member of the Altecnic Technical team about our flow-through vessels, please email technical@altecnic.co.uk

HOW DO FLOW-THROUGH VESSELS HELP PREVENT

LEGIONELLA AND PSEUDOMONAS?

When fitted with the PVACC Flowjet valve, the vessel is anti- Legionella, which further assists in the constant movement of water in the vessel to prevent stagnation. The PVACC Flowjet valve is supplied as an optional component with an Altecnic Reflex Flow Through Vessel.

Flow-through potable vessel.

WHAT IS A FLOWJET VALVE?

“Flow-through expansion vessels are designed to keep potable water moving through a system to prevent any stagnation or contamination.”

The Flowjet valve enables four functions to be performed easily: • Continuous water flow through

the bladder, which helps maintain the quality of the potable water by minimising stagnation

For more information, contact Chris Reilly, Country Manager for Ireland, on +353 (0)85 215 2288 or e-mail chris.reilly@altecnic.co.uk or Gary Swann, Northern Ireland Sales Manager on +44 (0)7760 596727 or e-mail gary.swann@altecnic.co.uk or visit the website at www.altecnic.co.uk

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PLUMBING & HEATING MAGAZINE | 27

COMMERCIAL PLUMBING & HEATING

MANUFACTURER - SANIFLO SFA

SANIFLO IRELAND’S RANGE OF MACERATORS, PUMPS AND LIFTING STATIONS PROVIDES SOLUTIONS WHERE DRAINAGE IS A PROBLEM… Step-by-step: commercial waste water solutions

M acerators and pumps are

INSTALLATION 1 Identify the location for the Sanicom 2, ensuring that enough space is allocated for a grease trap. 2 Assemble the Sanicom 2 ensuring all parts are present and the instructions are followed. 3 Place in position and connect the inlet pipe from the Sanicom 2 to the outlet pipe of the grease trap. Run subsequent discharges from other appliances to the unit. 4 Connect inlet of grease trap to the sink discharge. 5 Saniflo recommends the installation of isolation valves in case that the unit needs to be removed for servicing and repair. These should be fixed to the unit at this point. 6 Connect the Y-piece discharge on the unit to the soil stack, ensuring sufficient fall after the initial rise. 7 Locate alarm position and screw the alarm plate to the wall in a visible and accessible location.

8 Attach the Saniflo carbon air filter* to the air vent on the top of the Sanicom 2. This contains an

increasingly used in commercial situations, particularly in buildings

where there is a change of use. A common application is the conversion of a building to a café/restaurant where the kitchen requires a solution to pump away the waste water, as the mains drains are not in close proximity. In a kitchen scenario, it is necessary to install a grease trap for the safe disposal of fats and grease. This can work in conjunction with a pump to remove the waste water. The Sanicom is one of the popular automatic lifting stations for grey water waste discharge. In commercial applications, Saniflo recommends the larger Sanicom 2 with two powerful motors, in which the second motor is a failsafe back-up that ensures continuity of service for busy working environments. The unit can connect to multiple appliances such as washing machines, glasswashers, dishwashers, ice machines etc that discharge grey water waste.

activated carbon filter ideal for removing unpleasant odours

and gaseous contaminants from an air stream and allows two-way air passage to enable the pump to breathe. 9 Connect all electrics. ** 10 Commission and test the system, ensuring all connections and check for water tightness. 11 Verbally advise the customer on the safe use of the unit and hand over the guarantee. * Particularly recommended for situations where waste water is hot, i.e. commercial dishwashers etc. ** Electrics to be tested by competent electrician. For technical enquiries, prices and stockists, contact: T: +353 (0)46 97 33077 E: robin.jackman@sanirish.com www.saniflo.ie

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PLUMBING & HEATING MAGAZINE | 29

www.warmflow.co.uk

HOT TOPICS

hot topics

The Altecnic 311 Series and 313 Series (pictured) are high-quality examples of SRVs approved by the UK’s Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS).

ALTECNIC EXPLAINS THE APPLICATIONS AND COMMON ISSUES OF SRVS, AND HOW TO INSTALL THE SO-CALLED “LAST LINE OF DEFENCE” ACCORDING TO REGULATIONS… Overpressure protection: safety relief valves

A safety relief valve (SRV),

or a failed expansion tank – so there is nowhere for the expansion to go. Occasionally, the system pressure may be correct, but the valve has activated and has not correctly re-seated. This can be due to a few factors which include: 1 System debris is sitting under the seat, not allowing it to re-seat correctly. 2 System pressure has not reduced significantly for the seat to drop and is being held open via pressure. 3 System pressure is very close to the set point of the valve and the water can create a valley to pass through. INSTALLATION GUIDELINES AND REGULATIONS In a sealed heating circuit building, regulations state, where possible, to install an SRV close to the heat source on the flow circuit. It should be installed in the cold-water supply before the water heater, ensuring that there are no other fittings or narrowing of pipework between the water heater and the valve.

To comply with Water Regulations, valves should not be connected directly to a drain – the discharge should pass through a visible tundish with an AUK3 air gap and be located adjacent to the SRV, to allow vented water to escape. The discharge pipe must be the same size as the valve discharge outlet, cannot be longer than 2 metres, and must have no more than 2 elbows. The SRV should be located at a maximum distance of 1 metre from the boiler. Due to the high temperature of the discharge, the terminal point of the discharge pipe should be located where sudden discharge cannot cause scalding or injury. “In a sealed heating circuit building, regulations state, where possible, to install an SRV close to the heat source on the flow circuit.”

sometimes known as a pressure relief valve, is primarily a safety

device and in many cases the last line of defence. An SRV is not a process valve or pressure regulator and should not be misused as such. It should have to operate for one purpose only: overpressure protection. SRVs are normally installed in sealed heating systems that include a closed expansion vessel or a hot water cylinder. These valves are used for relieving excess pressure on boilers in heating systems and on stored hot water cylinders in domestic hot water systems. SRVs are also used in solar heating systems and water distribution systems generally. COMMON SRV ISSUES If the valve is passing water, the system has reached the pressure set point of the SRV and the valve has activated. The most common reasons for activation are an incorrectly sized expansion vessel, incorrect pre-charge setting in the vessel

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