HFCs join the fray as CO2 takes a bow at MAC summit 

With compulsory registration on its way, it’s time to look at what schemes are currently available and what’s to come 

David Bell, md of Estimation (right), explains how a combination of the right software and mobile technologies can bring efficiencies to service and maintenance work 

WHEN something goes wrong with the building services the usual course of action is to call in a service/contracting company with the necessary resources to fix the problem. If the equipment manufacturer or installer provides such a service under a warranty or service agreement, then this may be a satisfactory solution. The question that has to be raised in this scenario is how cost effective is it to have separate service agreements for each component within the building? Also, in older buildings tracing the OEM or installer can be a problem. The route that a number of companies are now taking is to appoint a specialist maintenance company. 

A round-up of supermarket news and gossip 

FETA president Neil Afram hit back at "green" criticisms of the EC's use of high level policy groups, claiming that the bodies are unbalanced dominated by industry, and, by including MEPs in their membership, threaten consitutional confusion. 

Process Packaged Water chillers range from 4.5kW to 180kW 

THE Government has again come under fire over retentions, this time from the new president of the ductwork contractors association ADCAS. 

COMPRESSOR manufacturer Bitzer has introduced a weekend emergency helpline for UK customers requiring spare parts or technical advice outside of normal weekly office hours. 

HRP's Bristol Service Centre has moved to new premises at Unit 100, Quadrant Industrial Estate, Ash Ridge Road, Bradley Stoke. 

THE Denman Group has secured a three-year deal with Sainsbury's Stores Ltd to be the single source of supply for FM solutions for all Sainsbury's convenience stores throughout the UK. This totals 112 locations and includes fridge service and maintenance, and m&e services. 

CONTRACTORS needing to comply with the new building regulations can now self-certify their work online through BESCA, Building Engineering Services Competence Accreditation Ltd. 

US CONDENSATE pump manufacturer Little Giant is to be sold by its parent Tecumseh to Indiana-based Franklin Electric for $121m. 

GERMAN domestic boiler manufacturer Vaillant has turned its attentions to air conditioning. 

A round-up of supermarket news and gossip 

WE ARE definitely our own worst critics in this country. Listening to environmentalists, for instance, you could easily get the impression that we are the main “dirty men” of Europe, if not the world. In contrast, countries like Denmark, particularly because of their stance in banning HFCs, are held up as paragons of virtue in “green” terms. 

In the last article we looked at the vapour compression cycle and the behaviour of the recirculating refrigerant (R22) as it passes through the evaporator, compressor and condenser. In this month’s article we continue with the expansion device and ... 

DAIKIN, the UK's leading air conditioning manufacturer has entered the refrigeration market with Conveni-pack, a combined air conditioning and refrigeration system for forecourts and convenience stores.