Modern Building Services

MODERN BUILDING SERVICES JANUARY 2021 21 FEATURE WORKING BUILDINGS case of valves, this might include the selection and combination of valves for a project and where they should be positioned in a system for optimum performance. 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. For example, in a building where occupancy levels are likely to change across a 24-hour period, demand for heating or domestic hot water can vary widely. Selecting the right valves will help to keep the system energy efficient at each level of demand. At the tender stage, manufacturers should be able and willing to provide insights into the correct products required, typically in the form of technical submittals. For valve selection, for instance, Albion discusses the requirements of the project to enable them to identify the right valves for each part of the system. 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 (PICV’s). Once a clear selection of products has been identified far more accurate costing for a quotation will be possible. Manufacturers can also be more precise about timings for product delivery if they understand exactly what an order will be. Albion Valves, for example, works with key merchants to exchange information on stock levels, making access to the right products easier - all the more important in our current economic climate. 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. At Albion, we ensure that our products’ flow characteristics and independent flow verification are up to speed with legislation and industry guidance. Commissioning a system sets it up for a long-term efficient and effective operation. For valves, this is a particularly important step in a project and one that as a manufacturer, we are very focused on supporting with information and guidance. The Albion team can offer on-site assistance too. Valve commissioning, when done correctly, ensures accurate performance of the installed terminal units. This in turn means that heating and cooling are delivered as planned – supporting occupant health and comfort, with energy consumption optimised. New projects are demanding a lot from consultants, contractors and installers. Balancing energy efficiency with occupant comfort, achieving rapid and cost-effective project delivery, making more use of technology such as BIM and digital tools – our industry is changing rapidly and keeping up is a challenge. I think that the days when manufacturers were simply suppliers of products supported with a warranty are in the past. 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 buildings. At Albion, we don’t think that’s asking too much…