NEWS


Cool Talks breakfast briefing sparks debate


T


he Institute of Refrigeration in conjunction with A-Gas hosted a free breakfast briefing on key issues facing service engineers and technicians. Taking place in November at the A-Gas facility in Bristol, the briefing featured guidance for field engineers about recovering and recycling refrigerants, a best practice guide on brazing and jointing and, up to date information on the pricing trends for refrigerants.


The event started with bacon butties and an overview of the Institute of Refrigeration by Rob Lamb. Jane Gartshore, director of Cool Concerns Training Centre, addressed the issue of variable standards in brazing. She explained the


qualification levels available and that the pressure equipment directive (PED) requires brazers to be qualified. She observed that many engineers who should hold the relevant brazing qualifications do not. Ms Gartshore went on to cover some of the brazing basics, pointing out the increasing use of CO2 systems with its higher pressures.


A-Gas product manager Roger Smith spoke about A2L refrigerants, with particular emphasis on the fact that flammable refrigerants should not be used to replace non-flammable refrigerants in existing systems. He clarified the degree of fammability, explaining that A2L refrigerants are difficult to ignite and require a naked


flame to do so; a spark is not enough. However, safety should always be observed, including, said Mr Smith, avoiding ignition sources, ensuring good ventilation and using appropriate approved recovery equipment and cylinders. A2Ls should not be mixed with other refrigerants when recovering.


Mr Smith also pointed out that because ADR does not recognise the A2L classification, A2L refrigerants should be stored and transported as if flammable.


The event concluded with a lively debate from members of the audience. Cool Talks breakfast briefings take place throughout the year at venues around the country.


Extended opening at Hawco I


n an unprecedented move in its 44-year history, Hawco has extended its opening hours.


From November, customers can reach Hawco’s sales team between 08:00 and 18:00. The new longer hours mean orders can be made right up until 18.00 (or 17.00 on Fridays) and still get despatched the same day. The business will also be open between Christmas and New Year for the first time. The change has been prompted by the demands of major retail, contractor and installer


customers who are looking for a more responsive service to meet their own stringent performance targets. Commenting on the change, Hawco’s managing director, Mark Taylor, explained: “We consider ourselves to be a vital component in our customers’ success. In an increasingly 24/7 world, we are delighted to make changes to the way our sales team, warehouse staff and logistics suppliers operate to better support contractors with their last- minute requests.”


Mexichem unveils R404A


alternative M exichem has


announced the launch of Klea 407H, a lower


GWP alternative to refrigerants such as R404A and R507 in medium and low temperature applications.


The result of a partnership with Daikin, Klea 407H has a GWP of 1495 and in many cases can be used as a drop-in solution. Efficiency testing has shown it to have comparable COP to both R404A and other replacement products, including HFO blends. Pressure to move away from higher GWP refrigerants such as R404A will increase significantly from 01 January 2018 as a major reduction is made to the HFC supply quota under the EU F-Gas Regulation.


Klea 407H delivers


performance and lower GWP using a new blend of existing HFC technology, and as such offers an effective, competitive alternative for the industry.


Wolseley launches feedback system W


olseley has launched a new customer feedback system to improve customer experience across its UK-wide branch network.


‘Tell Wolseley’ is an anonymous customer feedback service, available 24/7 for Wolseley customers to share their branch experiences via a short online survey on their smart phone.


Each time a customer provides feedback, they are given the opportunity to enter a monthly prize draw to win one of three £100 Love2Shop vouchers. Feedback provided is used to improve the overall experience on a local and national level.


Delivering great customer service is a number one priority for all branch teams, as well as the Wolseley business as a whole. Branches receive instant feedback so they can work on understanding what, or who, makes


their branch so great or, in some cases, what makes them miss the mark.


Hannah Foley at Wolseley said: “It is important we receive honest feedback from our customers to ensure the right things continue to be done well, and the not- so-good things, done better. We want to know what our customers think and all feedback, both positive and negative, is acted upon and directed to the local management teams to review.


“One of the best bits of customer feedback is hearing which members of our team have given great service so that we can give them a well-deserved pat on the back! The survey takes a couple minutes to complete, and can be done during a quick tea break; all you need is a charge note number from your most recent transaction.”


Sarah Hughes, EMEAI commercial director for Mexichem’s Fluor Business Group, explained: “The move away from higher GWP refrigerants is gathering pace, and the F-Gas quota reductions due in January 2018 makes finding reliable, accessible alternatives to refrigerants such as R404A a priority for the industry.


“We are delighted to partner with Daikin in offering Klea 407H, which provides an effective combination of performance and lower GWP to meet this need with minimal retrofit requirements for the refrigeration market.”


www.acr-news.com


December 2017 11


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