Modern Building Services

FEATURE INSTALLERS VIEW MODERN BUILDING SERVICES MARCH 2022 23 A modular approach To assist designers, contractors, and installers in managing compliance, minimising issues, and even futureproofing water systems, manufacturers have the opportunity to develop quality solutions for multiple occupancy dwellings. 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. Well-designed water meter assemblies that offer amonobloc as a standalone product, with an option for a wide range of water meters to be connected, provide flexibility of install and design tomeet 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, reducing any potential leak points whist still allowing the monitoring and control of water supply whilst 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. Futureproofing with MBUS With a flexible valve assembly installed in a water system, a designer is given the ability to futureproof the systems and has available options to keep up to date with new technologies in regard to water monitoring and reading. Since the data sent by themeters are used for end user billing, a high degree of transmission integrity is required. For example, when a water meter offers MBUS connectivity it allows for the energy consumption data from themeter to be remotely read. MBUS (or Meter Bus) is a communication protocol used betweenmeters and the central data collection system, with it being cost-effective in its design as no engineers are required to go out and take readings. Devices fromdifferent manufacturers can also be connected to a bus system, which does not bind users to a meter manufacturer, thus adding an additional level of flexibility and removing constraints that may be set by using other water meter types. Building automation, new technologies, and flexibility in design will be key focusses in the coming years as designers attempt to create dwellings that are forward looking for tenants. This, coupled with increased competition for securing development land, highlights why multiple occupancy buildings are becoming more popular. The speed at which modern buildings are required to be designed and then built, to meet the growing demand, means that designers and contractors must look for componentry which is fast to specify and install, and will optimise modern technologies. Manufacturers should look to develop solutions that limit any potential issues that could be faced at the specification, design, and installation stages, with themalso being flexible enough to consistently cater for modern technology.