In this week’s utilities special, we have stormwater storage solutions, a fresh angle on pipes and an automatic hand basin that needs water but no electricity … plus the latest news from the factories

Control for sustainable drainage


Polypipe Civils has added the Stormcheck Vortex Flow Control Chamber to its range of sustainable drainage products. The Stormcheck comprises a prefabricated plastic chamber with a vortex flow control device, which regulates water flow through the chamber. Polypipe Civils says it produces the chamber and control device to individual customer specification. Chambers are available in three designs and range from 1050 mm to 1800 mm in diameter. The depth can be anything up to 6 m. The Stormcheck chamber can be integrated with Polypipe’s advanced drainage systems and can be used in conjunction with Polypipe Stormwater Solutions, and the Ridgidrain ADS system.

Polypipe Civils
www.polypipecivils.co.uk
Reader Enquiry 302


Durable marker poles


Imhotep has launched the Visibilistix range of marker poles. They are constructed from a thermoplastic composite with fibreglass reinforcement. The outer coating is welded to the core, which the Nottingham-based firm says prevents splinters and adds durability. The markers, which cost from 27p each, incorporate ultraviolet stabilisers to reduce colour fade. They are available in 8 mm and 10 mm diameters, and range from 0.5 m to 2.4 m in length. Custom-made markers of different lengths are also available, as are fluorescent, glow-in-the-dark and heat-sensitive options.

Imhotep
www.visibilistix.co.uk/visibilistix.html
Reader Enquiry 303


Dulux bolsters trade brands


Dulux has launched a range of decoration and preparation products across its Dulux Trade and Polycell Trade brands. The company says the Smartec products have quick-drying properties and are formulated to overcome common decorating problems. Smartec products include Fast Matt, Fast Undercoat & Gloss, Tracker Paint and Problem Solving Basecoat, launched by Dulux Trade; and Fast Filler and Textured Coating Remover, introduced by Polycell Trade. Dulux says its Undercoat & Gloss is ready to gloss over in four hours, and says the Polycell filler can be sanded and painted over within three. Problem Solving Basecoat is said to block stains and obliterate strong colours, and the Textured Coating Remover removes textured coatings from walls and ceilings.

Dulux Trade
www.duluxtrade.co.uk
Reader Enquiry 304

Infrared hand basin


Relcross has launched an infrared hand basin that is powered by photovoltaic cells. The “ndite technology” range of handwashing units uses the cells to convert the available light in a room into electricity. This means that the basin’s infrared sensors need neither mains nor battery power to operate. The units are made from Terreon, a polyester blend that Relcross says resembles marble. The firm says the material is easy to clean and inexpensive to repair.

Relcross
www.relcross.co.uk
www.building.co.uk/enquiries 306

Concrete pin for cordless nailer


ITW Construction Products has launched a pin for its Spit Pulsa 700 range of cordless nailers. The HC6 Hard Concrete pin is designed to fix into hard and pre-cast concrete and steel. ITW says that 1066 grade steel, combined with a soft steel outer layer, provides the HC6 with low brittleness as well as hardness. The product is available in 15, 17, 22 and 27 mm lengths all in 3 mm diameter, and comes in 10-pin strips. ITW says that the 10 microns of zinc coating will enable the HC6 to withstand site conditions.

ITW Construction Products
www.itwcp.co.uk
Reader Enquiry 307

Electromechanical locks


ASSA has launched a range of integrated mechanical and electromechanical locks. The Evolution range of locks combines mechanical and electromechanical locking and escape functions in a single device, and incorporates hookbolts as standard. There are five solenoid handle locks and three motor locks in the range, which will be supplemented by a series of mechanical locks. Handles are reversible and the locks can be changed on site to accommodate safety and security requirements. ASSA says the range simplifies the upgrading and retrofitting of buildings as well as installation.

ASSA
www.assa.co.uk
www.building.co.uk/enquiries 308

Safer warehouse lights


Parmer Distribution has upgraded its range of Hilux High Bay light fittings for warehouse and factory units. The double-envelope lamp designs mean the light can be handled before the bulb is completely cool. It also bypasses the need for a protective glass screen, as the lamp will contain any breakages. The lights are suitable for indoor applications where the ceiling height exceeds 15 ft. They are available at 400 W and 250 W.

Parmer Distribution
pd@parry.co.uk
Reader Enquiry 309

Stormwater storage cell

Marley Plumbing and Drainage has introduced Waterloc, a stormwater storage cell that aims to prevent flooding by dealing with stormwater run-off at source. Waterloc comprises 12 columns of honeycomb cell extrusion made from recycled polypropylene. Water fills each of the cells, some of which are hexagonal to give added strength. Marley has also devised the Inlet Chamber, which enables the cells to be inspected and cleaned. It can house an optional filter.

Marley Plumbing and Drainage
Reader Enquiry 301

45° junction pipe

Staffordshire-based Hughes Concrete has developed a junction pipe to be used in conjunction with its Hughflex concrete pipe system. The Hughflex 45 junction is a one-piece unit with a 45° branch outlet and factory-fitted joint seals. Hughes says the junction pipe will ensure clear bores with no projections or intrusions. The firm adds that the pipe simplifies the tricky operation of connecting DN150 branch sizes.

Hughes

Reader Enquiry 305

Movers and Makers

  • Sugatsune has established a new operation in the UK at Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire. The Japanese producer of architectural and furniture hardware will be known as Sugatsune Kogyo and will target the industrial and marine equipment markets. The company’s product range includes conventional hinges, latching systems, fasteners, casters, adjustable feet, drawer slides, locks and brackets. It has 3000 designs available in 304 and 316 grade stainless steel, which the firm says makes them suited to marine and other aggressive environments.

  • Hydro International has launched a website that contains technical data on all its storm and wastewater products. Visitors to the website will be able to access information on cost-effective control of stormwater and the treatment of wastewater. There is also a section on the newly acquired Vexamus Water Group and discussions on the issues affecting the water industry and environment.

  • MJ Gleeson has appointed German engineer Meva and its UK partner A-Plant Acrow as supplier of formwork/falsework systems for the £100m Katrine Water Project. The project is the largest water treatment scheme in Scottish Water’s current £1.8bn investment programme. The project includes a reinforced clearwater tank for the storage of treated water, a new 240 Mlitre-a-day raw water pumping station and a 240 Mlitre-a-day direct filtration water treatment works. Meva is supplying wall formwork products including the small EcoAs panel system and Mammut and Mammut large-size panels.

  • Waterproof specialist Safeguard Europe has launched a website that allows users to search by product name or application – for example, green roof construction, underground waterproofing and waterproofing for water-retaining structures.

    NBS clauses, CAD drawings, case studies and datasheets can be downloaded or viewed, and the site also has CPD seminars.

  • A guide to the use of concrete in aggressive ground conditions has been revised by the BRE. Special Digest 1: Concrete in Aggressive Ground has been updated in accordance with British Standards and in light of new research and recent experience. The guide aims to help contractors assess the presence of concrete-destroying chemical agents in brownfield land. It provides practical advice on assessing the aggressiveness of the ground through a series of rigorous and detailed procedures. The guide updates and consolidates Parts one to four of the previous document into a single source. It costs £65 and is available from .