VALVES
DAVID RHODES, TECHNICAL MANAGER AT ALBION VALVES (UK) LTD EXPLAINS WHY SPECIFIERS SHOULD ASK MORE OF THEIR VALVE MANUFACTURERS WHEN IT COMES TO TODAY’S CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS…
Askmore of your manufacturer
B uildings are becoming more complex in their design along with the desire for more efficient heating and cooling systems. In addition to this, new legislation is driving the use of low-carbon technologies to cut emissions from our building stock. As a result, consultants and contractors must access ever-more detailed information on the products they specify, install, and ultimately hand over to clients. This information can include BIM (building information modelling) data, installation requirements, commissioning techniques and maintenance instructions. It’s a lot to expect, especially in an industry where expertise in such diverse and specialist topics can be hard to find. So, what features should consultants and contractors be looking for to find a manufacturer that can be a strategic partner rather than simply a product supplier? Designers and installers require manufacturers to supply clear and accurate performance information about their products available on the market. This enables them to make good and informed choices about the products they are selecting to better enable them to design combinations of products used within systems that will not only meet their clients’ requirements, but also those set out in building regulations. This has become known as the ‘golden thread’ of information, and manufacturers should be a key source of correct and current data for consultants and contractors.
ASSURANCE Consumers can be assured that our valves have relevant approvals such as WRAS for water and EN331 for gas, as well as product guarantees and supporting documentation such as technical datasheets, installation and operating manuals, and material certification. Valve selection depends on many factors, so involving a manufacturer’s technical experts from the design stage can help to identify any potential challenges that may occur during the installation and commissioning stages, through to the water treatment stages to ensure a successful project handover. FACTORS The three most important factors to consider in sourcing valves are quality, reliability and accuracy. The first two of these can be identified through relevant approvals and warranties. For valve accuracy, ensure that a manufacturer can demonstrate their valves have been tested to provide accurate data on flow characteristics. We now have to consider ourselves an integral part of the construction team and take that responsibility for technical input seriously. Specifying valves for your project should involve in-depth discussions about your technical requirements with a team that understands the demands on today’s building. And at Albion, we don’t think that’s asking too much.
“Valve technology has developed significantly in the past decade, so it’s vital to work with a team that can provide advice on the latest products, such as standard or pressure dependent control valves, hydronic control or pressure independent control valves (PICVs).”
For further information, T: +44 (0)1226 729900 E: sales@albionvalvesuk.com www.albionvalvesuk.com
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PLUMBING & HEATING MAGAZINE | 9
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