Pipes, valves & fittings


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Ask more of your manufacturer B


David Rhodes of Albion Valves explains why specifiers should ask more of their valve manufacturers when it comes to today’s construction projects


uildings are becoming more complex in their design along with the desire for more efficient heating and cooling systems, in addition to


this, new legislation is driving the use of low-carbon technologies to cut emissions from our building stock. As a result, consultants and contractors must access ever-more detailed information on the products they specify, install and ultimately hand over to clients. This information can include BIM (building


information modelling) data, installation requirements, commissioning techniques and maintenance instructions. It’s a lot to expect, especially in an industry where expertise in such diverse and specialist topics can be hard to find. That’s why it’s imperative to work with manufacturers that can offer reliable advice and support for a project from cradle-to-grave. No one understands products better than their manufacturers, and the best of them will offer support for their equipment from the design stage to handover and beyond. In the case of valves, for instance, their selection,


installation, maintenance, and commissioning have a direct impact on the performance of heating and cooling systems, which inevitably affects the occupational comfort of the building. The ever- greater emphasis on operational energy efficiency of buildings puts the focus on heating and cooling as significant energy users. Accurate valve selection improves system performance, so finding a manufacturer that can help make the right choice early in a project pays dividends for contractor and client.


So, what features should


consultants and contractors be looking for to find a manufacturer that can be a strategic partner rather than simply a product supplier? It’s important to ensure the basics are in place. Getting product paperwork in order seems obvious, but it can be overlooked. Yet information on products within buildings is becoming more important to managers and owners. Dame Judith Hackitt’s independent enquiry into the Grenfell


18 January 2022


tragedy highlighted the importance of providing building owners and managers with information on equipment to ensure they know how their buildings should operate. Designers and installers require manufacturers


to supply clear and accurate performance information about their products available on the market. This enables them to make good and informed choices about the products they are selecting to better enable them to design combinations of products used within systems that will not only meet their clients’ requirements, but also those set out in building regulations This has become known as the ‘golden thread’


of information, and manufacturers should be a key source of correct and current data for consultants and contractors. Customers can be assured that our valves have


relevant approvals such as WRAS for water and EN331 for gas, as well as product guarantees and supporting documentation such as technical datasheets, installation and operating manuals, and material certification. All can be downloaded from our website.


With the fundamentals of paperwork out of the


way, it’s important to ensure that a manufacturer has the people and expertise in place to support a project from start to finish. An in-house project support team should be able to work with clients (consultants, contractors or distributors) to offer the detailed technical advice that will be required at every stage. For example, designers can work closely with the manufacturer in the early stages of the project, to gain vital insights into factors that can affect the long-term energy efficiency of a building. In the 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. 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. 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. 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.


New area sales manager


Albion Valves (UK), has appointed Billy Ritchie as area sales manager in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Mr Ritchie’s role will see him working closely with Albion’s network of independent merchants, as well as


contractors and consultants within the area. He has a wealth of experience and knowledge


having held senior management positions within the valve industry for over 18 years. Mr Ritchie comments: “Throughout my years in the industry, I have observed Albion become a leading player in the valve. I am looking forward to working with the Albion team, Albion’s merchants and the contractors and consultants.” Darren Baxter, Albion’s sales and marketing


director, comments: “We are delighted to have Billy onboard. From his time in the industry he has many key relationships which no doubt will help him to develop the area and it will certainly bring a lot to our business.”


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