FOCUS ON PIPES, VALVES & FITTINGS
the monitoring and control of water supply and saving space, as well as time, at both the design and install stages. For example, the Altecnic Apartment Control Assembly allows designers and installers the flexibility to control and monitor water supply for any individual self-contained apartment in multi- occupancy dwellings. The monobloc contains a full-bore spherical stop valve, self-contained pressure-reducing cartridge and single check valve, with union connection for direct connection to a water meter. This modular approach means that the valve assembly can be ordered as a standalone monobloc, with the option to add a moulded insulation cover and gauge, a non-pulsed water meter, a water meter with MBUS connectivity or a class D water meter. Importantly, there is no requirement for additional adaptors to be used with any water meter configuration, saving additional time and cost at install. As multiple occupancy buildings continue to be an effective solution to meet housing demand, the requirement for water system componentry to offer flexibility for varying applications will assist in delivering greater efficiency overall. It will, for example, save time, money and, most importantly, provide safe controlled water to each home. For more information, contact Chris Reilly, Country Manager for Ireland: T: +353 (0)85 215 2288 E: chris.reilly@altecnic.co.uk www.altecnic.co.uk “Manufacturers of water system componentry should always consider design, installation and maintenance when developing solutions for multiple occupancy projects.”
Altecnic’s Apartment Control Assembly allows designers and installers the flexibility to control and monitor water supply for any individual self-contained apartment in multi-occupancy dwellings.
ADDRESSING COMMON DESIGN AND INSTALLATION PROBLEMS To comply with the above standards and regulation, selecting individual valves which must then be fitted and tested by plumbers on installation can be extremely time consuming at both the design and installation phases. This approach can also contribute to additional maintenance problems. One of the most common problems with water systems is leaks from poorly installed components. The quality of the workmanship, and the time and care needed to ensure this is overcome, is a necessary consideration when a designer specifies the componentry in the water system, as surplus time is often not available. Another common problem is the freezing of pipes. Often, a designer will need to consider the location and the temperatures that the pipes will likely be subjected to when installed. Lack of insulation around the pipes and fittings can lead to the loss of water supply due to freezing and splitting of components. For the insulation to be effective, the workmanship at installation must be of a high standard to prevent any opportunity for the cold to penetrate the system. A further issue faced by designers, and eventually installers, is access to the components for maintenance. To ensure that the water system maintains the designed quality and efficiency, a system should be designed in a way which ensures easy access for maintenance.
This can be difficult where designers wishing to optimise space for the apartments themselves can then only provide minimal space for the system install. FINDING A SOLUTION FOR DESIGNERS AND INSTALLERS Manufacturers of water system componentry should always consider design, installation and maintenance when developing solutions for multiple occupancy projects, especially as the popularity of this building type continues to grow. By offering practical solutions to the common problems that are faced, a manufacturer can help to progress the overall compliance, quality and performance of water system design. Well-designed water meter assemblies that offer a monobloc as a standalone product, with an option for a wide range of water meters to be connected, provide flexibility of install and design to meet the needs of each individual apartment. For example, the development of a monobloc which combines the key components needed for the water supply to a single dwelling in a multi- occupancy building is an ideal solution to assist at every stage of the building and maintenance process. A monobloc, with the addition of a water meter, enables the required components to be combined in a compact unit. Thus, it reduces any potential leak points while still allowing
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