HVAC&R Nation April-May 2021

The wheel deal Fridgies share their best storage hacks for work vehicles

Skills

WORKSHOP

Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation

COVID confidence 10 essential pieces of advice for you and your customers

April–May 2021 / ISSUE 137

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2 | HVAC&R Nation | www.airah.org.au/nation | April–May 2021

April–May 2021 / ISSUE 137

COVID confidence 10

HVAC&R Nation is published by the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air conditioning and Heating (Inc).

AIRAH – National Office James Harrison Centre 3/1 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia.

Tel: 03 8623 3000

Fax: 03 9614 8949

www.airah.org.au/nation

Magazine team Communications Manager Matthew Dillon matt.dillon@airah.org.au Tel: 03 8623 3000 Editor Mark Vender mark.vender@airah.org.au Tel: 03 8623 3001 Contributing writers Danny Chan Sean McGowan Willow Aliento

Do you know where to get reliable information about COVID-19 and HVAC&R systems?

Danny Chan pulls together 10 vital pieces of advice and guidance.

Advertising sales

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HVAC&R Nation regulars

Glenn Douglas glenn.douglas@airah.org.au Tel: 0411 839 667

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The Toolshed

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Global Update

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Business tips

John McGrath john.mcgrath@airah.org.au Tel: 0419 556 108

ISSN 1834-9522

HVAC&R Nation is printed on paper sourced from well manned forests and other controlled sources.

Disclaimer HVAC&R Nation is an official publication of the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating Inc. Statements expressed in HVAC&R Nation do not necessarily reflect the policy or views of AIRAH or its members.

No responsibility is accepted by AIRAH, the Editor or HVAC&R Nation’s supply partners for the accuracy of information or for errors or omissions. HVAC&R Nation is distributed without charge to all financial members of AIRAH. The publisher reserves the right to alter or omit any article or advertisement submitted and requires indemnity from advertisers and contributors against damages or liabilities that may arise from material published.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without permission of the Publisher.

11,510 September 2020

Industry news from around the world

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Around the Nation

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Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation

Exclusive to this issue

How to measure success in field service businesses

AIRAH News

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See what’s new in the ‘Shed

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Skills Workshop

The countdown is on to the coolest conference of the year: Refrigeration 2021!

Who’s in the news?

Smoko with …

Q&A with Nicolas Perugino

The wheel deal

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We’ve found that fridgies are generally very proud of their work vehicles. Sean McGowan talks to four field techs about their cool rides – and their even cooler storage solutions.

Cool Tech

Cop a serve with this new ice‑cream maker

Lighter Side

The shonkier side of the nation

PLEASE CONSIDER THE ENVIRONMENT AND RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE IF YOU ARE NOT GOING TO KEEP IT.

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Ed’s letter

THE LITTLE THINGS A fridgie came over to my place the other day.

The real estate agent sent him to look at our evap cooler, which was leaking water into the gutter.

A visit from a fridgie isn’t the highlight of the day for most people. But since starting in the industry, I find it exciting. My days are spent in front of a screen, so it’s great to talk to someone working in the field.

Granted, it’s a bit of an awkward conversation at first.

I have loads of questions, but I don’t want to come across as a weirdo. Plus, the guy has a job to do.

He can’t spend his day gabbing.

When the young(ish) tech arrived, I explained that I worked in the industry and if he had a few minutes after he finished, maybe we could have a chat.

I got a chance to ask the usual questions: how did you get into HVAC&R, what do you like about the trade, how’s business in these COVID times?

The bloke who attended our job was a one‑man band who mainly works in residential, doing jobs for real estate agents. He wanted to become a sparky when he was younger, but got an apprenticeship in refrigeration and air conditioning. He said he likes it, although he wouldn’t mind more varied jobs.

We spoke for a bit and I gave him a copy of the latest issue of the mag. It struck me that working solo is a tough gig. It’s not just about doing the actual work, you’ve also got to do finances, online marketing, stay up to date with changes in technology and regulations, and more.

When do you fit that into a full working day?

In the end the unit needed to be replaced – it had done 220-odd years of service.

The decommissioned unit shown in the photo was taken away, but unfortunately a few bits and pieces were left lying on our other lawn.

What’s that old saying? People who live in glass houses with overgrown gardens shouldn’t throw stones.

The new system works, that’s what counts.

But it’s surprising that in all the “tips for trades” stories we receive, no one mentions the importance of cleaning up. We know that most end-users don’t

Note: no evaporative coolers were harmed in the making of this magazine.

take much interest in the finer aspects of RAC work, and often it’s hidden away. Surely, in an increasingly challenging business environment, it’s an easy win.

So if you do by some chance come over to our place to do a job, please leave it neat and tidy. And excuse the bloke who asks you all the questions. ■ @AIRAHnews

Mark Vender Editor mark.vender@airah.org.au

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April–May 2021

5/02/2021 3:59:52 PM

AS90

Designed for spacious living NEW AS90 Wall Mounted Indoor Unit Mitsubishi Electric introduces the NEW 9kW wall mounted split system, the MSZ-AS90VGD. With features such as advanced air filtration, Dual Barrier Coating and long airflow operation, the MSZ-AS90VGD is perfect for large open domestic living areas. » Dual barrier coating

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» Night mode

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For more information on our products please visit www.mitsubishielectric.com.au

Phone:1300 280 625

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Toolshed 1

Manifold delight

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Aussie ICU innovation

The Testo 550s and Testo 557s are smart digital manifolds with Bluetooth and two-way or four-way valve block.

They feature a large graphic display, showing the measurement data and evaluation of the results.

The new digital manifolds also come in multi-purpose kits.

The McMonty Medihood is a specialist ventilation system designed and developed by the head of mechanical engineering at Melbourne University, Professor Jason Monty, in collaboration with Dr Forbes McGain from Western Health, and Westaflex.

Guided menus accompany the measurement and allow the automatic recording of parameters. According to Testo, Bluetooth probes can be wirelessly and automatically connected to the instrument with a range of up to 150m.

Primarily designed for containment of large droplets, the McMonty Medihood can be assembled and mounted over a patient and is typically used in the ICU ward of a hospital.

The Testo 550i is a compact, digital manifold designed to be controlled by a smartphone or tablet. It communicates wirelessly and automatically via Bluetooth 5.0 with the wireless Testo Smart Probes for temperature, pressure and humidity, and calculates parameters automatically in the Testo Smart App. The Testo 552i is an app-controlled wireless vacuum probe. Testo says the vacuum is measured wirelessly (without hoses) via just one service port, without any loss of refrigerant. The probe also communicates via Bluetooth with the Testo Smart App.

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The ventilation unit has a fan located on the back that pulls air over the patient and away from the caregiver. The air is then released through a HEPA H13 filter, designed to clean and scrub the air of smaller droplets of the virus.

“Healthcare workers are able to treat and monitor patients with minimal restrictions, as it provides peace of mind with the added layer of protection,” says Medihood.

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“It is also easy to remove should the patient require immediate clinical intervention.”

The product is distributed by Westaflex Australia.

Go to: www.testo.com ■

Go to: www.westaflex.com.au ■

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Road to recovery

Global clean air solutions manufacturer Camfil offers a complete range of in-room air cleaners designed to improve indoor air quality through the removal of ultrafine airborne particles, specific odours and hazardous gases.

Numerous studies have shown that increased outdoor ventilation rates improve our health and productivity while reducing the transmission of germs such as airborne virus and bacteria.

Due to compliance issues, however, HVAC system designers face limitations increasing the rates, says Armcor Air Solutions.

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“Every time we double the outdoor ventilation rate, we reduce the concentration and therefore the transmission rate of all indoor contaminants by 40 to 50 per cent,” says the company.

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“If the mandatory 10L/s per person of fresh air costs $30 per annum, doubling this will consequently become $60 per person. But if energy recovery was installed, it is possible to introduce 20L/s per person for a cost of $18 per annum.”

Camfil air cleaners are designed for use within communal shared spaces, commercial offices, hotel rooms, hospital suites, warehouses, server rooms, cleanrooms and food production facilities.

Go to: www.camfil.com.au or www.airepure.com.au ■

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Armcor Air Solutions is an Australian-owned and operated enterprise specialising in manufacturing energy recovery fresh air units. Its range of products includes fresh air packaged units, dehumidification units, INDEC indirect evaporative cooling units, and multi-flow compact ceiling-mounted units.

On guard!

Activ8 Barrier Guard HVAC is a Queensland-made, TGA‑registered COVID disinfectant designed for use in the HVAC industry.

Go to: www.armcor.com.au ■

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Available through Camfil Airepure, air cleaner configurations include particulate filtration using Camfil Absolute HEPA filters or E11-rated filters and molecular filtration using activated carbon or custom gaseous filtration options.

Camfil’s CC 6000 ProSafe model conforms to BRCGS standards for food safety to help food and pharmaceutical processing facilities comply with stringent industry standards on safety, traceability and control.

“But the cost of introducing fresh air has usually meant that we have designed HVAC systems with the minimum outdoor air to comply with the standards.”

The answer to this conundrum, Armcor says, lies in energy recovery.

Bring in the cleaners

Magnehelic marvel

According to air conditioning system supplier Complete Air Supply (CAS), the product includes non-toxic products that are anti-bacterial, anti-fungal as well as anti-viral. It is available in 5L and 15L containers.

The Series AT-605 is an ATEX/IECEx-approved magnehelic differential pressure indicating transmitter from Dwyer Instruments. The unit provides for both visual monitoring and electronic control of very low differential pressures in hazardous locations.

“These products create a barrier, which provides a protective layer on any surface,” says Complete Air Supply.

The dial gauge is supported by the two-wire, 4–20mA control signal, utilising the Dwyer magnehelic gauge mechanical design and Series 600 transmitter technology.

The two-wire design simplifies any 4–20mA control loop powered by a 10–35VDC supply.

Go to: www.completeairsupply.com.au ■

Product applications include: monitor duct, room, or total building pressures; filter monitoring; local indication of clean room pressures with process signal sent to control room; and hazardous area pressure measurement and transmitter output.

Go to: www.dwyer-inst.com.au ■ 6

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“Once bonded, it is extremely difficult to remove, and it stays active for up to 30 days against bacteria on hard surfaces (independently validated).”

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Pumping ion

IAQ Ventilation is bringing to market Needlepoint Bipolar Ionisation (NPBI) from Global Plasma Solutions (GPS).

According to IAQ Ventilation, needlepoint bipolar ionisation is a technology that produces a stream of ions that can capture gaseous and particulate contaminants in the air

Toolshed – including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odors – to improve indoor air quality.

Main benefits include the effective filtration of fine dust particles (PM1), energy efficiency due to low air resistance filter media with a durable pre-layer, Eurovent‑guaranteed performance, longer use time, fewer filter changes per year, and less labour expenses.

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“NPBI produces ions that kill pathogens by robbing them of life‑sustaining hydrogen,” says IAQ Ventilation.

“The ions also break down harmful VOCs into harmless compounds like O2, CO2, N2, and H2O.”

Go to www.afprofilters.com.au ■

According to IAQ Ventilation, the NPBI technology releases ions that immediately begin attaching to particulates.

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“When ions come into contact with pathogens, they not only make them more filterable, their microbicidal effects also reduce the infectivity of the virus,” says the company.

Temperzone has announced the launch of a new virtual exhibition showcasing Temperzone and Hitachi products.

Go to: www.iaqventilation.com.au ■

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According to the company, the site was partly created to circumvent COVID-19 restrictions that have made it difficult to present products at physical exhibitions.

A+ for AFPRO

The HQ85 A+ bag filter from AFPRO Filters is designed for use in air treatment cabinets, air conditioning systems, public areas, and as a pre-filter in cleanrooms and the pharmaceuticals industry.

Take a virtual tour

The virtual tour provides a visual perspective of the products, as well as the ability to download information and view video content.

“The tour will also be expanded to hold training seminars and other functions,” says Temperzone.

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“Displaying our products at exhibitions will always be desirable, however, this is a way to bring an element of exhibitions to customers in regional areas and those who may not be able to attend actual events at specific dates.”

Made from both polymer and glass fibres, the unit’s medium structure are assembled in a galvanised steel or aluminium frame.

“Although these filters will initially be more expensive to purchase, they will be cheaper in the long run,” says AFPRO Filters.

Other features of the virtual exhibition include multiple digital touch points, one stop for all visual and technical data, and digitalisation to extend the life of the exhibition design.

“A dirty air filter causes your heating and cooling system to run longer in order to keep the temperature constant.”

Go to: www.temperzone.com ■

DO YOU HAVE A NEW PRODUCT TO GO IN THE TOOLSHED?

Email mark.vender@airah.org.au All submissions received will be considered, though publication cannot be guaranteed.

The hospital provides the best surgery.

AFPRO Filters provides the clean air.

Everyone is entitled to clean, healthy air. It is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and essential in all public spaces. That is why we take our filters to the next level. AFPRO Filters stands for health, sustainability, efficiency and innovation. They all come together in our latest creation: the AFPRO A+ filter.

Find out more at www.afprofilters.com.au sales@afprofilters.com.au +61 3 9312 4058

AFPRO A+ filter main quality features are: ● effective on even the smallest fine dust particles (PM1) ● extremely energy efficient due to low air resistance ● innovative filter media with a durable pre-layer for easy installation ● Eurovent guaranteed performance

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Global Update

USA

ASIA

LEAKS CAUGHT ON CAMERA

BULK PURCHASE

The Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) has released the details of an investigation into refrigerant leakage in US supermarkets. The project, aimed at raising mainstream awareness of refrigerant management issues, is titled “Leaking Havoc” – and the results are indeed alarming.

EIA investigated supermarkets in the District of Columbia, Virginia, and Maryland using portable refrigerant leak detectors and found most stores to be leaking high‑GWP refrigerants.

The Hisense Home Appliances Group has announced the deal to buy a 75 per cent stake in Sanden Holdings, a Japanese company that makes heat pump systems and compressors for air conditioners, in addition to automotive and electrical equipment.

According to the Home Appliance subsidiary of the Hisense Group, Sanden was the second-largest auto air conditioner compressor maker in the world as of 2019.

The investigation focused on Walmart and other top-grossing supermarkets in the region, documenting leaking systems and capturing them on video.

Hit by plunging auto sales, the Japanese company filed for debt restructuring with its creditors claiming the coronavirus pandemic had made it difficult to pursue its restructuring plans. It was also accruing losses after pulling out from Iran following pressure from the US.

It found that refrigerant leaks were detected in 60 per cent of the Walmart stores that were investigated. Across all other companies visited, 55 per cent of the stores were measurably leaking, consistent with concerns that refrigerant leaks are an industry-wide problem.

Hisense Group is a household brand in Chinese home electronics, occupying strong positions in product markets such as air conditioners, TVs and refrigerators. The group is positioning the acquisition as a strategic move into the automotive sector. ■

The EIA recommends improving company policies and government regulations to identify and repair the leaks in every store. ■

EUROPE

WORLD

PLUGGING THE LOOPHOLE

COOL DAY FOR COOL CAREERS

The European Fluorocarbons Technical Committee (EFCTC) has recommended changes to Europe’s transit procedure in order to prevent illegal HFC imports.

The committee believes the illegal imports are being trafficked in the EU due to exploitation of the T1 transit procedure, which facilitates border crossings of goods within the EU and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) states.

The group claims that loopholes in this system accounted for a total of 34MtCO2e – approximately 15,000 tonnes – of illegal HFC imports from 2018 to 2019.

Recent EFCTC investigations showed a difference between declared EU imports and Chinese exports of HFCs to the EU, in addition to an analysis of T1 Transit shipments and products seized in EU ports.

To weed out offenders, the EFCTC recommends making it mandatory for consignees of T1 to register with customs, be assigned a profile ID, enabling checks on the consignees’ company details. ■

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With just a short time to go until World Refrigeration Day on June 26, organisers of the annual event have announced this year’s theme: “Cooling Champions: Cool Careers for a Better World”.

The WRD 21 campaign will focus on careers in the HVAC&R industry.

“The goal of the campaign is to inspire students and young professionals – both men and women – in all countries, encouraging them to meet the challenges faced in their communities,” say the event organisers.

“A new generation of cooling champions – engineers, technicians, researchers, educators, policy experts and executives – are needed to create controlled environments modern life requires. The benefits of reaching into a wide diversity of communities for promising talent will be a high campaign priority.”

The WRD Secretariat will partner with UNEP OzonAction to run the international awareness campaign, which was created to raise the profile of the HVAC&R sector. ■

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Engineered and built in Australia, the industry-leading apac units are ready for new developments and are perfectly suited to replace existing apac units nearing the end of their life cycle.

The new apac ranges are manufactured to superior standards, using the highest quality materials and components. Fully MEPS compliant and

Visit apacair.com.au for more information April–May 2021

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Cover Feature

COVID CONFIDENCE We provide 10 essential pieces of advice for you and your customers during the pandemic.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), there is evidence that droplets and airborne particles can remain suspended in the air and be breathed in by others, and travel distances beyond 1.8m (for example, during choir practice, in restaurants, or in fitness classes). In general, indoor environments without good ventilation increase this risk.

Since our world got turned upside down, we’ve been learning more and more about COVID-19 and how to prevent its spread. Although we’re still a long way from understanding the virus completely, the time seemed right to provide an update.

Drawing from AIRAH’s extensive COVID-19 guidance and external resources, we’ve compiled a list of 10 HVAC&R-related pieces of information and advice.

We hope they’ll answer some of your questions, and your customers’ too.

Respiratory droplets and small particles can also land on surfaces. Other people can become infected with the virus by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.

HOW DOES COVID-19 SPREAD? SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is mainly transmitted through respiratory droplets or small particles such as those in aerosols, produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, sings, talks, or breathes.

People can become infected with the virus if they directly inhale airborne droplets from a person with COVID-19 who has expelled the droplets from their mouth or nose.

Please note that organisations around the world are still assessing the ways COVID-19 is transmitted. AIRAH is regularly updating the information on its webpage.

ROLE OF HVAC SYSTEMS Well-designed and maintained HVAC systems can help control the spread of COVID-19.

The WHO recommends increasing outdoor air ventilation using initiatives such as economy cycles, and avoiding recirculation of air. Building owners and operators should seek qualified advice on increasing ventilation in existing systems.

In line with guidance from SafeWork Australia, AIRAH recommends that employers seek confirmation from their building owner or facilities manager that the air conditioning system is properly designed and maintained.

Keeping relative humidity between 40 and 60 per cent will create conditions that reduce the

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risk of infection through inhalation of airborne droplets carrying the virus. Research from the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate (ISIAQ) shows that viruses survive better at increased humidity with 60 per cent active above 60 per cent relative humidity.

Low humidity in occupied buildings should be avoided as this can dry out the mucous membrane, which is one of our primary means of defence. ISIAQ research shows that virus survival decreases with decreasing humidity.

The WHO recommends increasing air filtration to as high as possible without significantly diminishing design airflow. AIRAH strongly advises seeking qualified advice that effective air filters at the recommended performance level have been selected and maintained appropriately.

The WHO has also provided specific advice on the use of fans. It notes that table or pedestal fans are safe for air circulation among family members living together who are not infected with the virus. However, fans should be avoided when people who are not part of the immediate family are visiting, since some

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Ph.1300 654 684 hello@iaqventilation.com.au www.iaqventilation.com.au April–May 2021

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Cover Feature people could have the virus despite not having symptoms. Air blowing from an infected person directly at another in closed spaces may increase the transmission of the virus from one person to another.

The typical split-system air conditioning units common in Australia also circulate air within a room.

As indicated above, care should be taken to avoid situations where air from an infected person may be blown directly onto other people.

Please note that some ventilation systems, such as those in carparks, do not recirculate – all air is exhausted directly to the atmosphere. These systems are therefore highly unlikely to spread the virus unless they feed into nearby air intakes for other HVAC systems.

WEARING MASKS AND PPE

Please note, however, that the typical split-system air conditioning units common in Australia circulate the air within a room, much like fans. As indicated above, care should be taken to avoid situations where air from an infected person may be blown directly onto other people.

EVAP AC: TRANSMISSION RISKS? Evaporative air conditioning systems use drinking water. According to the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA), drinking water in Australia is high quality and is well treated. There is no evidence that drinking water will be affected by the COVID-19 virus or that it is transmitted by drinking water. Existing water treatment and disinfection processes, including use of chlorine, are effective in removing viruses from water supplies. The WSAA has developed a public fact sheet for customers around water and COVID-19.

For the latest advice on wearing masks, refer to the Australian Department of Health and WHO websites.

SURFACE CONTAMINATION According to the WHO, coronaviruses (including preliminary information on the COVID-19 virus) may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. This may vary under different conditions (e.g., type of surface, temperature or humidity of the environment).

The WHO recommends cleaning surfaces that may be affected then treating with simple disinfectant to destroy the virus and protect yourself and others.

Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.

COVID-SAFE SCHOOL BUILDINGS In Australia, ventilation of school buildings can be a challenge, but in times of COVID-19, good indoor air quality is crucial.

AIRAH recommends that HVAC&R professionals conducting essential work, especially in areas with community transmission of COVID-19, remain informed about the latest recommendations and consider the use of masks where appropriate.

AIRAH’s COVID-19 guidance for ventilation in school buildings is as follows: • Increase outdoor ventilation of spaces

Australian building services company A.G. Coombs recommends that technicians wear PPE when replacing or servicing air filters. This includes P2 mask or appropriately rated respirator, coveralls and gloves.

• Switch air handling units with central recirculation to 100 per cent outdoor air*

“After turning off the air handling unit, filters should be carefully removed to avoid dust or other particles being released into the air, and the dirty filters should be bagged and tied, and the bag disposed of in an appropriate waste disposal process,” says the company in its advisory note on HVAC and COVID-19.

• Switch on ventilation at least two hours before and after occupancy

“Surfaces should be cleaned to remove any residual particles. Service of washable air filters should be carried out with similar approved procedures and use of PPE.” For more information go to www.agcoombs.com.au/ news-and-publications/advisory-notes/ hvac-and-covid-19/

RESIDENTIAL AC: DISINFECT OR NOT?

• Ensure CO2-controlled ventilation runs at maximum capacity during occupancy

FROZEN FOOD SAFETY AND RISKS According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is currently no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with food. It says that “there is likely very low risk of spread from food products or packaging that are shipped over a period of days or weeks at ambient, refrigerated, or frozen temperatures”.

The CDC says that before preparing or eating food it is important to always wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds for general food safety.

It also recommends washing your hands throughout the day after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, or going to the bathroom.

There is no indication at this stage that home air conditioning systems can spread the disease.

Although AIRAH recommends regular maintenance and cleaning of air conditioning equipment, there is no special cleaning or disinfecting requirement because of the coronavirus.

If you suspect that the surface of an air conditioning unit has been affected – by someone coughing on it, for example – use a simple disinfectant similar to that recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency to clean the surface.

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• Instruct teachers and staff on proper use of ventilation facilities • Open windows as much as possible during school hours and air during breaks • Install a CO2 monitor with traffic light indicator • Keep toilet ventilation 24/7 in operation and/or keep windows open. * Depending on the school’s climatic region, some air conditioning systems will struggle to adequately condition the air with 100 per cent outside air being introduced. The school’s personnel are advised to consult their air conditioning service provider or seek assistance from suitably qualified people before changing the function of their systems.

Cover Feature

AIRAH STATEMENT ON COVID-19 AIRAH continues to closely monitor developments and advice regarding COVID-19. Gathering people together to share ideas and discuss the most important HVAC&R issues is a large part of what we do with our conference and events program, but public safety is paramount, and we have adjusted our programs accordingly.

Where possible, AIRAH is running face-to-face events and training, always with strict COVID-19 protocols in place to ensure you can participate with peace of mind. To find out what is planned in your state or territory, go to www.airah.org.au/events

WORKING DURING LOCKDOWN Australian states and territories have different levels of restrictions to deal with COVID-19.

To stay on top of how they affect your daily work, here are the go-to sites organised by state: • ACT Health: www.covid19.act.gov.au • NSW Health: www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19 • Northern Territory Department of Health: www.coronavirus.nt.gov.au/home • Queensland Health: www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/ coronavirus-covid-19 • SA Health: www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/ public+content/sa+health+internet

• Tasmanian Department of Health: www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au • Victoria – Department of Health and Human Services: www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus • WA Department of Health: ww2.health.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Coronavirus

EXPERT ADVICE FROM OVERSEAS • The Indian Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ISHRAE) has shared a document with AIRAH members and the broader HVAC&R community – the COVID-19 Guidance Document for Air Conditioning and Ventilation. ■

Some of the key resources from international industry bodies include: • ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force core recommendations for reducing airborne infectious aerosol exposure • ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force reopening guide

For the latest AIRAH updates on COVID-19, visit www.airah.org.au/coronavirus

• REHVA online course on the safe operation of buildings and HVAC systems during the pandemic

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Business Tips

TOP FIVE KPIs FOR FIELD SERVICE SUCCESS Over the past year, the world embraced remote working, but for field service managers it was business as usual.

Here are five KPIs that will help you succeed – with or without a global pandemic.

1. USER ADOPTION The greatest technology in the world is useless unless it has buy-in from the user. The golden rule is that it should be simpler and quicker to complete than paper forms and documents.

Mobile applications need to be designed for the mobile field worker, not office-based workers, otherwise they are unlikely to be successfully adopted. They should reflect the actual workflow of the user, while still capturing all of the data and information that is needed back at the office. And they should be specific to the task at hand, so workers only need to access and work with data that is relevant.

They will include filters and map schedules to maximise efficiency in job allocation, and communication tools, for notes specific to each job.

4. CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

If a worker is excessively late to a job or has taken a strange detour (via that beach, for example), your tools will make this clear. Maximum visibility leads to maximum productivity.

Today, when customers order food it’s tracked every step of the way. They expect the same from your business. “Chris will be around sometime Wednesday after lunch” will no longer cut it.

3. SAFETY COMPLIANCE

Ensure your solution shows maps and the location of workers, plus reliable and accurate arrival times.

It should be able to cope with meeting SLAs (service level contracts) too – many contracts stipulate these, and penalties may be incurred if they are not achieved.

Traditionally, workplace health and safety obligations have been managed via paper-based forms such as the Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) or a Take 5.

But would the worker always have the correct form with them? And enough of them? What about updates? Returning completed forms safely to the office for storage? Auditing and retrieval?

All these issues can be solved by technology.

If you need a checklist for ensuring the application you are implementing is fit for purpose, try the five Es: effective, efficient, engaging, error tolerant and easy to learn.

2. PRODUCTIVITY Many a manager shuddered at the thought of losing direct visual contact with their team during the pandemic. “If I’m not sitting there keeping an eye on them, how will I know they’re not down the beach eating ice-cream?” Some handled this fear with constant catch-ups on Zoom or Teams. Others used a different technique: before and after benchmarking.

This technology should incorporate enforceability within the workflow (so you can’t go on to further job stages until the JHA is completed), faster completion time, logical workflow, time and location stamping, updates, photographs and immediate safety reports.

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5. ASSET UPTIME A streamlined and fully comprehensive tech solution has a clear and significant effect on the bottom line via the successful completion of jobs.

When breakdowns and servicing are handled swiftly and efficiently, there is less downtime for the customer, which has a direct flow-on effect on revenues. ■

This column was provided by Retriever Communications CEO Chris Calamos. For more information about Retriever Communications, go to retrievercommunications.com

Good applications incorporate measurement tools to calculate the productivity levels of each worker.

These will record the time taken to complete tasks and the time spent on non-productive activities.

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This gives customers peace of mind and confidence.

And support staff can provide accurate updates without taking the field worker away from the task at hand.

April–May 2021

ULTRAVIOLET GERMICIDAL IRRADIATION

MODULE

137

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

Skills summary

Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) is a disinfection or sterilisation method that uses ultraviolet (UV-c) light at sufficiently short wavelength to break down or degrade organic material and inactivate microorganisms.

It is used in a variety of applications including food, air and water purification.

■ What?

An introduction to ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) as a disinfection or sterilisation method.

■ Who? Relevant for HVAC&R system designers, installers, operators, and maintainers.

Introduction Using a UVGI device in air systems creates a deadly effect on any microorganisms such as pathogens, viruses and moulds that are in these environments.

The system is not a filter; inactive particles remain in the airstream and, in the case of dead fungal spores, may still cause a negative human response due to their integral mycotoxins.

Coupled with an air-filtration system, UVGI can remove harmful microorganisms from these environments. UVGI is best applied in conjunction with pre-filtration to protect lamps and filtration downstream of the system to remove the inactivated microbes.

UVGI theory Ultraviolet light is electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths shorter than visible light.

UV can be separated into various ranges, with short-range UV-c considered “germicidal UV”.

At certain wavelengths UV is mutagenic to bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms. At a wavelength of 2,537 Angstroms (254nm), see Figure 1, UV will break the molecular bonds within microorganismal

UVGI utilises the short wavelength of UV that is harmful to forms of life at the microorganic level. It is effective in destroying the nucleic acids in these microorganisms, so that their DNA is disrupted by the UV radiation. This removes their reproductive capabilities and kills them.

The wavelength of UV that causes this effect is rare on Earth because the atmosphere effectively blocks it. of factors including the:

DNA, producing thymine dimers in their DNA thereby destroying them, rendering them harmless or prohibiting growth and reproduction. Ultraviolet radiation in the range of 2250 to 3020 angstroms is used in a variety of UVGI disinfection applications.

• Length of time a microorganism is exposed to UV-c (exposure/dwell time) • Presence of particles that can protect the microorganisms from UV-c

It is a process similar to the UV effect of longer wavelengths (UV-b) on humans, such as sunburn or sun glare. Microorganisms have less protection from UV-c, which does not occur naturally on Earth, and they cannot survive prolonged exposure to it.

• Type of microbial contaminant (specific species) and the microorganism’s inherent ability to withstand UV-c exposure • Lamp distance and placement, air movement and patterns, temperature; relative humidity and air mixing

An HVAC UVGI system is designed to expose the air stream (or surface) to germicidal UV-c shortwave radiation. Exposure comes from germicidal lamps, which emit germicidal UV-c electromagnetic radiation at the correct wavelength, irradiating the passing air or the protected surface. Lamps use a gas-filled tube with no phosphor coating and composed of fused quartz because ordinary glass absorbs UV-c. The typical source of UV-c in commercial HVAC systems is low-pressure mercury vapour lamps, which emit near optimal wavelength, see Figure 2. The lamps are designed to specifically emit 254nm ultraviolet radiation.

Ultraviolet radiation

• Power fluctuations to the UV-c source that may impact the electromagnetic wavelength produced • Lamp life cycle and cleanliness.

Contaminants targeted by UVGI Given enough intensity and exposure duration UV-c kills or deactivates bacteria (including spores), fungi, DNA viruses and RNA viruses. It damages prions, but it is not proven that it permanently disables them. DNA and RNA are helical arrangements of various sequences of 4 amino acids – adenine, thymine, guanine and cytosine in the case of DNA. In RNA uracil replaces thiamine.

Doped glass Electrons

Violet Visible Red

Mercury atom Cosmic rays

Gamma rays

X-rays

Ultraviolet

10 -9m

Vacuum UV (UV-V) 100

185

Short wave UV (UV-C)

200

254

Micro waves

Infrared

10 -7m

10 -1m

Middle wave UV Long wave UV (UV-B) (UV-A)

280

300

315

Radio waves λ(m)

(nm)

400

Figure 1: UV inactivates microorganisms at a wavelength of 2,537 Angstroms (254nm).

Electrode

UV affects DNA mainly by breaking it, causing adjacent thymine amino acids to join together forming thymine dimers. DNA may self-repair after this process, so enough UV-c must be used to overwhelm any repair process. RNA is similarly affected but UV-c mainly acts on the uracil amino acid.

Figure 2: UV-c Lamp.

Usual UVGI lamps produce most of their output at a 254nm peak wavelength, when the optimum bacterial ‘kill’ is at about 265 nm (it varies with species). The optimal kill wavelength at 265nm is about 15% better than at 254nm, so the usual 254nm lamp kills with a high efficiency.

UVGI can control microbial growth on surfaces that are subject to moisture or high humidity; coils, ducts, filters, humidifiers. Microbial growth

The effectiveness of germicidal UV-c in an HVAC environment depends on a number April–May 2021

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HVAC&R Skills Workshop describing the airstream (air volume, velocity, temperature and humidity), identifying the specific surfaces to be treated, and possibly targeting specific microbes (the likely air contaminants).

that can be controlled include fungi, bacteria, or even algae, but not viruses. The variety of microbes encountered by a given UVGI system is unpredictable and depends on the application (type of facility) and geographical location.

Performance of UVGI lamps

Spores, which are larger and more resistant to UVGI than most bacteria, can be controlled effectively through the use of high-efficiency filters. The coupling of filters with UVGI is the recommended practice in UVGI applications in general.

UVGI for HVAC application is usually generated by shortwave UV-c lamps, which use a lamp tube with no phosphor coating and composed of fused quartz. These lamps emit ultraviolet light with two peaks in the UVC band at 253.7nm and 18 5nm due to the mercury within the lamp – as well as some visible light. One type of quartz glass allows only the nominal 254nm wavelength light to pass, another allows both to pass.

While the sterilisation of medical equipment using UVGI is a common and reliable practice, the disinfection of airstreams using UVGI has a history of varying success and unpredictable performance. A distinction exists between the terms “disinfection” and “sterilisation.” Sterilisation is defined as the complete destruction of all microbial species. Disinfection is merely the reduction of microbial population. HVAC airstreams are generally disinfected, not sterilised.

254nm lamps are primarily used for germicidal use. Because this usage may be near people these lamps should not emit ozone.

ASHRAE Standard 185 establishes a test method for evaluating the efficacy of UV-c lights for their ability to inactivate airborne microorganisms.

Part one covers duct or airflow irradiation and part 2 covers surface irradiation. The results of these tests can be used to directly compare UVGI equipment on a standardised basis, irrespective of their application. Results from these tests give the design engineer a basis for specifying UV devices or estimating the relative performance of UVGI for a given application.

Health effects of UVGI UV radiation kills microorganisms. UV radiation damages people – for example it can cause skin cancer and damage the eyes (photokeratitis).

Also, it helps vitamin D generation in the body and has minor medical uses. Disinfection is a major use.

There is limited evidence on the direct effects of UV-c on health, particularly when applied outside of healthcare settings. UVGI has been shown to be effective in reduction of microbial and endotoxin agents, which can breed and accumulate in HVAC systems, especially where condensation of water vapour occurs; however, no direct evidence of health benefits exists. UVGI for in-duct and in-room systems was named by ASHRAE as among the two highest research priorities for developing engineering controls to reduce infectious disease transmission.

• ASHRAE 185.1 provides a method for testing UV-c lights for use in air handling units or air ducts to inactivate airborne microorganisms • ASHRAE 185.2 provides a method of testing ultraviolet lamps for use in HVAC units or air ducts to inactivate microorganisms on irradiated surfaces.

Applying UVGI Chemical and mechanical cleaning of HVAC systems to control microbial growth can be costly, difficult to perform, and dangerous to maintenance staff and building occupants.

System performance can begin to degrade again shortly after cleaning as organic and microbial deposits begin to reappear or reactivate.

Fungal contamination found in ventilation systems may contribute to fungal infections in individuals. A UVGI system is not a filter; inactive particles remain in the airstream and may still cause a negative human response.

Using particulate filters in association with UVGI improves the potential health benefits.

UVGI is a way to prevent or reduce the growth of bacteria and mould on system components and keep surfaces clean continuously, rather than periodically restoring fouled surfaces.

This can mean reduced maintenance cost and improved HVAC system performance.

Types of UVGI systems The UV light germicidal effect is used in assorted medical applications (e.g. UV sterilisers). It is also used to treat potable water supplies. The types of UVGI systems developed for building and airhandling-unit (AHU) applications include:

Removing and suppressing the formation of biofilms and organic growth on coils should

• In-duct systems

Coil bank

• Microbial growth control (surface‑disinfection systems)

UVGI lamp

➠

• Room recirculation systems

Use of UV in for treating air in ducts or rooms (outside of the medical context) does not seem to be common in Australia, but appears to have a wider use in the USA.

➠

The use of UVGI as a HVAC surface-disinfection system is not uncommon in Australia.

The first step in the design of an airstream – or surface-disinfection – UVGI system is to characterise the application. This includes |

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Most UVGI applied in HVAC systems is for coil irradiance to assist system maintenance and provide continuous cleaning to surfaces of coils, drain pans, filters and mixing boxes, see Figure 3.

The UV light must reach the actual contamination (direct line of sight) and any light blockage by filter material or coil fins must be avoided.

UV light may not adequately penetrate stagnant condensate or biofilms in corners of trays, etc.

Correctly applied UVGI coil irradiance can help maintain as-built performance and generate energy savings, improved IAQ, and comfort benefits for existing systems. In new constructions it is applied as a preventative measure to help maintain as-built conditions, in retrofit projects it is often used as a problem-solving measure.

UVGI eliminates or reduces the build-up of organic material on surfaces. This: • Improves or maintains airflow • Returns and/or retains design heat‑transfer levels • Reduces maintenance cleaning (inspection is still required).

The system tends to be gentler on coils than mechanical cleaning alternatives and can prolong system life.

Clean coils and HVAC surfaces will help improve indoor air quality (IAQ) by reducing mould products, pathogens and odours, which can improve comfort levels and improve productivity.

UVGI system design parameters A number of parameters must be considered when considering UVGI products for HVAC designs. The most crucial factors are the: • Air-flow or HVAC equipment that will be disinfected • Lamp wattage and distance • Ventilation system design.

The characteristics of an airstream that impact UVGI design are relative humidity (RH), temperature, and air velocity.

Increased RH is believed to decrease decay rates under ultraviolet (UV) exposure.

Air temperature has a negligible impact on microbial susceptibility to UVGI, but it can impact the power output of UVGI lamps, particularly where manufacturer design values are exceeded.

Excessive lamp operating temperature can significantly degrade system performance.

Operating a UVGI system at air velocities above manufacturers’ design limits can also degrade the system performance. The cooling effect of the higher air velocity on the lamp surface will cool the plasma inside of the lamp and reduce UV-c output.

Designing UVGI systems

• Upper-air systems.

Direct UVGI exposure can sterilise any surface if given enough time.

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reduce air-side pressure drop, increase heat transfer coefficient, and reduce fan and refrigeration system energy consumption.

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Air fl ow

Air contaminants

Figure 3: Coil irradiance in HVAC. |

April–May 2021

UVGI units are commonly located in an AHU, downstream from the mixing box, typically downstream from the filter bank and upstream from the cooling coils.

UV-c output is a function of plasma temperature when power input is constant.

Data from the manufacturer should be consulted to determine the cooling effects or the limiting design air velocities and temperatures within which the lamps can be operated efficiently.

Doses are determined by the time of exposure

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Dust, dirt or any other films coating the UV lamp surface can lower UV output. Therefore, lamps require scheduled inspection and cleaning as well as periodic replacement to ensure continued effectiveness. The lifetime of UVGI lamps varies depending on design and manufacture.

UVGI for airstream disinfection The effectiveness of this form of disinfection is dependent on line-of-sight exposure of the microorganisms to the UV light. Environments where designs have created obstacles that block the UV light are not as effective. The placement of the UVGI lamps must achieve line of sight for disinfection to be achieved.

Removal rates depend on filtration rates, outdoor air rates, and the level of microbial contaminants in the untreated airstream (the contaminant challenge). The following design parameters must be considered when sizing a UVGI system for airstream disinfection:

UVGI for coil cleaning The effectiveness of UVGI to inactivate microorganisms on surfaces has been demonstrated. The long-term irradiation of cooling coil and other wet surfaces to avoid fungal amplification can also be applied as an effective microbial control strategy.

• Potential energy savings (5–30%) from a clean coil, due to improved heat-transfer efficiency • Improved off-coil air quality • Reduced coil maintenance tasks such as inspection and mechanical cleaning, which can damage the coil fins and impact debris into the centre of the coil

• Air velocity and temperature/humidity range

• Extended working life for the coil, by eliminating corrosive biofilms and reducing mechanical cleaning.

• Disinfection performance required • Type and power of UV-c lamp(s) • Reflectivity of duct materials, liner, surfaces.

Where the enclosing surfaces are highly reflective, reflectivity, can be an economical way of intensifying the UVGI field in an enclosed duct or chamber. Inter-reflected light, specular and diffuse reflection, contributes to the initial direct intensity.

Note that some materials reflect visible light but not UV light. Polished aluminium for example is highly UV reflective, while copper is not.

Table 1 – Locating UVGI coil cleaning systems

• Deactivated mould, microbial growth (bio‑films) and biological odours on the cooling coil

• Reduced static pressure through the coil, reducing fan energy use or increasing airflow

• Air contaminant challenge, microorganism types and their sensitivity to UV

UVGI systems can be applied before or after the cooling coil (or both), see Figure 5, there are advantages and disadvantages to each position, see Table 1. Combining upstream and downstream irradiation provides the most comprehensive coverage.

UVGI is commonly used in HVAC applications to help keep cooling coils clean, see Figure 4.

Cooling coils have a high risk of microbiological contamination due to the presence of both moisture and nutrients. The benefits of UVGI coil cleaning can include:

• Duct height, width and length where air is exposed to UV-c • Lamp de-rating due to cooling and fouling

The use of reflectors to focus lamp output on surfaces can reduce the power required for surface treatment, but at the expense of reducing air treatment effectiveness.

The UV light must have direct line of sight to the actual contamination and be assisted by reflective internal surfaces.

UV Lamp Location

Survival predictions for mixed- and unmixed-flow conditions differ in systems in which the lamps do not span the duct’s entire width or length.

with a minimum of 750µW/cm2, after which the lamps would need replacing. This should provide the necessary penetration and ongoing coverage of microorganisms and their associated biofilms.

Advantages

Disadvantages

More space to install equipment.

Better irradiation of surfaces where condensation is highest.

Downstream

The design velocity of a typical UVGI unit is similar to that for a filter bank.

Airborne disinfection is best applied in conjunction with particle filtration; with pre-filtration applied in order to protect the lamps from surface contamination and downstream filtration applied to remove the inactivated microbial particles.

Irradiation of most contaminated part of coil and drain is achieved.

Surface irradiance levels in the order of 1µW/cm² can be effective although 50–100µW/cm2 is more typical.

These are minimum clean‑surface values.

For practical HVAC UVGI cooling coil applications higher levels are required. An initial irradiance level of 1225µW/cm2 (measured on the coil face in 2.5m/s airflow and 13°C) is recommended,

Lamp and fixtures may be subjected to less moisture.

Upstream

and UVGI intensity, both of which are dependent on the velocity profile and the degree of air mixing and turbulence in the airstream.

Operating a UVGI system to disinfect a moving airstream may not provide adequate killing rates because of the short dwell time.

Under ideal conditions, inactivation and/or killing rates of 90% or higher can be achieved, but performance depends on the following:

Fewer lamps or less power may be needed.

Cooling coils

Fan

• Specific species of microbial contaminant in the air

Cooling effect on lamp may reduce UV output and system, performance or require additional lamps and power.

May be space constrained for the installation.

May take longer to clean coil.

May not disinfect drain pan.

Air filter

Downstream UV lamp

• Air exposure/dwell time

Lamp and fixtures must be rated for moist environment.

Pre-filter

Air flow

Upstream UV lamp

Figure 5: UVGI coil cleaning – upstream and/or downstream.

• UV-c lamp intensity • Lamp distance and placement • Lamp life cycle and cleanliness • Air movement patterns

TRA THE AUS

• Temperature, relative humidity, and air mixing.

Recirculation systems deliver multiple UV-c doses to airborne microorganisms representing an effective increase in deactivation rate in comparison with the single-pass system.

Redundancy in exposing microorganisms to UV is achieved by circulating the air repeatedly.

Multiple passes ensures that the UV is effective against the highest number of microorganisms and will irradiate resistant microorganisms more than once, to break them down.

ITUT LIAN INST

IGER E OF REFR

ATIO N,

DITIO AIR CON

HEATING NING AND

DA15 D ERS AN AIR FILT DEVICES NG CLEANI

DES IGN

Next issue: Needlepoint bipolar ionisation

Figure 4: UVGI for AHU cooling coil cleaning.

April–May 2021

UAL TIO N MAN APP LICA

This month’s skills workshop has been taken from DA15 Air Filters and Cleaning Devices.

For more information go to www.airah.org.au/ da_manuals

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SEARCHING FOR ELECTRICAL INSTALLERS TO INSTALL UV SYSTEMS AUSTRALIA WIDE

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Uses up to 50% less UVC fixtures than the competition.

Provides a 99.99 % disinfection of mould in under 60 minutes.

17,000 hours lamp life / 2 Year warranty The aluminium parabolic reflector focuses UVC energy onto the coil.

Reduces energy consumption of the HVAC system.

BMS Contacts included with ballasts box.

• • • • • • •

Protects the occupants of the building from airborne mould, virus, and bacteria.

Effective against SARS CoV2 (COVID 19).

Designed specifically for each HVAC system.

Destroys up to 99.99% of bio-contaminants in the airstream.

Easy to retrofit into existing HVAC systems.

Inactivates airborne viruses & bacteria on a single pass of air.

BMS Contacts included with ballasts box.

S NOW! CONTACT U Dean Cooper 0473 933 722 | dean.cooper@opira.com.au Arthur Melnitsenko 0499 211 224 | arthur@opira.com.au

opira.com.au

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Feature

THE WHEEL DEAL Trade vehicles sure have changed over the years – from the once ubiquitous Toyota HiAce van of the 1980s to the recent trend towards muscle-utes.

Four fridgies tell us about their cool work rides, and their even cooler storage solutions.

KEVIN NAVARRO, AFFIL.AIRAH Service Technician – Ellis Air, Melbourne Vehicle: Mazda BT-50 Dual Cab Modifications: Custom service body canopy

After a number of thefts from its fleet of service vehicles – and complaints about the time it often took to unpack and pack the standard canopy storage area – Ellis Air decided to move away from standard dual‑cab plastic canopies for its fleet of BT-50s.

It finally settled on its own Ellis Air service team custom design, featuring an aluminium powder-coated body canopy.

“The new fleet custom-made canopies are not only a lot more secure, but they provide great, all-round easier access to our specialist tools, ventilation for the safe storage of flammable gases and also look great with a very usable sign writing area,” says Ellis Air’s senior contracts manager, Gary Ward, M.AIRAH. Importantly, the vehicle also fits within a standard 2.05m carpark, even with ladders onboard.

“Although a lot more expensive to buy initially, we believe we can get up to 10 years out of one custom-made canopy,” says Ward. “So one can be rotated across three vehicle leases.”

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Feature What are the best features?

What types of jobs does the vehicle and fitout work well for?

“The best feature would have to be compartments within the service body, designed particularly for the service technician,” says Navarro.

“The fitout of our vehicles works particularly well for service jobs where a wide variety of tools need to be accessed,” says Ellis Air’s service technician, Kevin Navarro, Affil.AIRAH, “from gauges and refrigerant bottles one day, to extension ladder and power tools the next.

“The design still leaves you a lot of flexibility to further customise your set-up to suit your unique needs or taste, such as adding lighting, flooring, shelving compartments and so on.”

“Having the BT-50 also gives you great mobility to get to the locations of our jobs. You can easily drive off-road in the country, or park in an underground carpark in the city.”

In the future, Navarro hopes to install an inverter to charge all his tool batteries while he is driving. He would also like to install more lighting and a bench vice.

ANDREW FIDLER Business Owner – Tascool, Tasmania

Vehicle: RAM 1500 Modifications: Lift kit, all-terrain tyres, ladder rack, electric roller top and slide‑out bed tray

As owner-operator of Tascool, Andrew Fidler finds himself doing both service and installation work, so the fitout of his RAM 1500 needed to be versatile.

“I have the flexibility of opening up the roller cover to load up with large equipment if I don’t want to hook up a trailer,” Fidler says.

Under the bed roller, Fidler can store four refrigerant bottles, two nitrogen bottles, tool bags and all the usual fridgie tool kit.

He says he likes that the electric bed roller hides his expensive gear out of sight, and helps keep thieves at bay. The bed tray can slide out its full length and hold up to 750kg – even when fully extended.

Importantly, the tray is also vented for safety.

And he loves that the vehicle is unique, and stands out from the run-of-the-mill utes.

“I have had a few good chats on job sites about it (gotta keep those sparkies honest!),” he says. “It is also much more comfortable to drive than my old ute and I have a few remote clients that are a three- or fourhour drive away, so it makes life a little more enjoyable.”

How did the slide-out tray design come about?

“It’s a commercial-strength model from the States,” he says. “I was tossing up putting a steel flat tray on the back with some standard toolboxes, but decided to try this instead.”

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If you could change something, what would it be?

Fidler says he has a bull bar on the way that will feature a rack mounted for carrying full lengths of copper.

He’s also planning to swap the electric bed cover to a full cab canopy that will triple his usable space.

To avoid the cost and shipping of US-made canopies, Fidler will source a locally made model.

“There are a few Aussie guys producing them now,” he says, “so I plan to get one installed and change my fitout to a more upright configuration including some larger storage boxes, an inverter, a second battery, fridge and all the other good stuff to set up for touring – since none of us will be holidaying overseas anytime soon!”

Feature

ALAN LEE Technician – Airmaster, Tasmania Vehicle: Mitsubishi Triton GLS Premium Modifications: ARB Canopy and ladder racks

As one of a team of technicians servicing clients across Launceston and northern Tasmania, Airmaster technician Alan Lee completes a wide range of jobs each day.

He drives a Triton with ARB canopy that provides good storage, safety and security.

What are the best features?

Attending multiple sites every day, Lee loves that the central locking of his Triton will secure both the vehicle and canopy at once.

The fitout includes multipurpose storage draws that also double as a pull-out work bench.

“The multi-compartment and storage areas are easily accessible from all sides of the vehicle, which is also very handy,” Lee says.

Other key features include ventilation for safe storage of refrigerants and gases, LED interior lighting and a soft-open tailgate.

If you could change something, what would it be?

“The current set-up works really well for me,” says Lee. “I wouldn’t change anything.”

www.regulatorautomation.com.au

FIRE & SMOKE Peripheral Products

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For all your HVAC product, design, installation and servicing needs: Call (02) 9804 6366 or visit: www.regulatorautomation.com.au

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Feature

NATHAN WALLACE Business Owner/Operator – MCR Solutions, Melbourne

Vehicle: Renault Trafic X82 (2016) Modifications: Full interior caddy racking system and drawer, internal ladder racking, roof racks with single roller.

As owner-operator of MCR Solutions in Melbourne, Nathan Wallace completes a wide range of work.

“We also do the high-end domestic warranty work for Subzero Australia, so the fitout of the van is designed for refrigeration.”

Wallace describes his custom fitout as an “all-rounder”, and says it suits jobs from general maintenance to compressor and full air conditioning unit changes.

What are the best features?

Gas bottle and nitrogen bottle storage is critical, and Wallace spent some time getting the set-up right, both for his work and safety.

“We do general breakdowns and service of all types of refrigeration systems (excluding ammonia and standard domestic refrigerators),” Wallace says. “And we focus on the medical, blood and scientific industries as well as commercial.

He loves the “bits and pieces” removable drawers in the caddy fitout, and the internal ladder rack system.

“One of the biggest issues with carrying smaller ladders internally is that they just get in the way of getting tools and parts in and out – no matter where they are placed,” says Wallace.

Installed on the internal roof, the rack system keeps the ladder out of the way, safe and dry.

He deliberately left the front of the van space clear for air conditioning units to be loaded into.

Do you have any hacks or tricks to share?

“Have water with you,” says Wallace, adding that he loves the wash station he has as part of his van set-up.

“Being able to wash your hands and clean up between jobs is critical, especially during these trying COVID times.”

If you could change something, what would it be?

Having miscalculated his needs at the time of the fitout, Wallace is keen to install a single bottle holder above the welding bottle cabinet.

“A slightly deeper drawer would also be nice – maybe 100mm more,” Wallace says. ■

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April–May 2021

Do you have a work vehicle tip to share?

Tell the ed: mark.vender@airah.org.au

Laboratory ventilation

Smoke spill and general ventilation

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Eurovent Hygienic Certified AHU

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Air distribution CO Monitoring System

Home Sensors Fans Diagnostics

SYSTEM RUNNING Carbon Monoxide Level: Variable Ventilation Rate: CO Sensors:

17 ppm 45 % Healthy

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Active Alarm GFA Active

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Future-proof ventilation

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Comprehensive information for selecting the most suitable fan for your application is available via our fansSelect selection software.

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PV00164 HVAC&R Nation FPC R10 FINAL • 220mm x 310mm • No Bleed • CMYK • 300dpi • 6/3/2021

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AIRAH News

COUNTDOWN TO THE COOL CONFERENCE AIRAH’s Refrigeration Conference will make its highly anticipated return from May 17–18.

After postponing one of its most popular events due to coronavirus restrictions last year, AIRAH has rescheduled its Refrigeration Conference from May 17–18 at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne.

Besides reviving physical networking opportunities, Refrigeration 2021 is also an important platform for practitioners to convene on industry issues and current trends in the coolest part of our sector.

Attendees will hear from international and local industry experts reviewing the latest developments in legislation and technology, as well as a multitude of specific case studies.

ON THIS KEYNOTE

PICK YOUR PANEL Four panels have been confirmed featuring broad‑based group discussions on technician issues in the field, heat pump analysis, rerigeration end-users, and global warming and how we as an industry can make a difference.

Woolworths’ innovations engineer, Dario Ferlin, M.AIRAH, |

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The talk will touch on the renewed pressure to accelerate the phase-down of F-gas refrigerants under the Biden administration.

Ferlin will also be giving a talk on sustainability and integration initiatives that are driving supermarket change.

Session topics include natural refrigerants and energy efficiency, transitioning to low-GWP refrigerants, and case studies reviewing a variety of technologies.

HVAC&R Nation

This panel will discuss the present and future of the industry; skill shortages and career opportunities; and what the key organisations are doing to address the phase-down, skill shortages and other issues.

“The calibre of both local and international speakers is consistently of the highest standard and a drawcard for this annual event.”

Thomas Lund of Danfoss Industrial Refrigeration from Denmark, Bruce Nelson, M.AIRAH, of Colmac Coil Manufacturing, and Thomas Frank of Refolution will headline a list of more than 20 speakers and four panel sessions over the two days.

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“Mr Trump obviously no longer occupies the White House and some of his environmental policy decisions have already been reversed,” says Nelson.

“The Refrigeration 2021 Conference is without a doubt the seminal event in the Australian refrigeration calendar,” says Ferlin.

‘R’ YOU READY?

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will be chairing the panel on refrigeration end-users.

The panellists include Edward Brandt from Woolworths, and Jannie Howard from Gordon Brothers.

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Delivering one of three keynotes, Lund will speak about energy efficiency in industrial-sized refrigeration systems and will review how and why Danfoss has tried to perform more accurate calculations of system performance by defining rules for sizing components (such as air coolers) and applying these to all systems equally.

Nelson’s keynote presentation, Ultra-low GWP Refrigeration Using Natural Refrigerants, is a follow up to his 2017 keynote address on Refrigeration, Politics, and the ‘Donald Effect’.

April–May 2021

“This presentation will focus more on the use of natural refrigerants as a logical choice to meet these new environmental policy goals – that is, more of a discussion about the refrigerants themselves and how to apply them rather than politics or policy.”

Thomas Frank from Refolution will also deliver a keynote on the future of ultra-low temperature refrigeration.

Refolution is a European engineering company that specialises in refrigeration systems using R279 refrigerant (air), including applications such as cryo‑saunas (wellness), freeze-drying and low‑temperature storage of medicines and other perishable goods.

Frank’s presentation will describe the cold sauna and air refrigeration technology in detail. It will also explore further uses of this innovation such as the storage of COVID-19 vaccines. ■

Would you like to know more?

To find out more and register, go to www.airah.org.au/refrigeration2021

April–May 2021

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Aspergillus mould spores

1 AMR COMING SOON

people’s comfort, and their power bills. Our goal is to help everybody understand those differences in as easy a fashion as possible, and we’re really excited to begin telling that story.” ■

The Australian government has introduced the Mutual Recognition Amendment Bill 2021 to the House of Representatives.

3 CLOCK TICKING ON LICENCE APPLICATIONS

If it passes through parliament, it will see a new system for automatic mutual recognition (AMR) of occupational registration beginning on July 1, 2021.

The legislation will allow workers with occupational licences who are registered for an occupation in their home state to carry on activities in a second state without having to pay for a second licence.

The activities are carried on in the second state under automatic deemed registration.

The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) is offering new arrangements for mechanical services workers who apply for their occupational licence ahead of the January 1, 2022 deadline.

Employees who perform mechanical services work for a licensed contractor, including refrigeration and air conditioning, have until January 1, 2022 to hold the relevant occupational licence.

AMR will cover trades such as HVAC&R technicians, electricians and plumbers, as well as a raft of other licensed occupations such as teachers and property agents.

States have the option to exempt a registration from being subject to AMR because of a significant risk to consumer protection, the environment, animal welfare, or the health or safety of workers or the public.

Debate in parliament noted the lack of consistency in licensing across the states, particularly in the building industry. ■

“The deadline is fast approaching,” says the QBCC. “Apply early so you will have the assurance of knowing you have the required licence in time. For those who are granted their Mechanical Services Occupational or Site Supervisor licence after February 2021 and before the January 1, 2022 deadline, the QBCC will arrange for your licence to commence on January 1, 2022, so the first renewal will be January 1, 2023.”

2 COMFORTING AUSTRALIA ActronAir has launched a new website. The Australian air conditioning manufacturer says the new website is designed from the ground up to make navigation easier while incorporating tools to make air conditioning simple to understand for everyone.

“For those first researching it, the world of air conditioning can be a daunting place,” says ActronAir CEO Brendan Simpson. “It’s filled with technical terms and concepts, and the differences between products and brands isn’t always clear. With our new website, we’re looking to change that.

“We know we’ve got a fantastic story to tell – our unique approach in system design, technologies, controls and zoning can have a huge impact on 26

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Normally, these licences will need to be renewed one year after they are issued. Under the new arrangements, employees can apply and receive their licence now, but because the licence will only begin on January 1 next year, the first renewal will be on January 1, 2023.

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Go to www.qbcc.qld.gov.au ■

4 TREATING THE HIVE Clear-Air (Aust) recently remediated a hospital HVAC system where a tape lift sample came back from the lab with 50K CFU aspergillus – a common mould that can cause infection of the respiratory system.

“Aspergillus exposure is difficult to avoid,” says indoor environmental professional and IICRCcertified mould remediator at Clean-Air, David Hill.

“Indoor dust contains spores and thermotolerant April–May 2021

moulds that may colonise damp or water-damaged building materials or components. HVAC systems can shed spores into a building.”

Filters, in particular, are breeding grounds for mould.

“Filters are a massive surface area for harbouring mould-loaded dust particles,” says Hill.

“Generally, no one treats the hive.

“Dust particles provide a source of nutrients for odour‑causing bacteria and mould, which rapidly grow colonies in untreated air filters. Towards the end of its working life, a typical filter is highly contaminated.”

To address this, the remediation team applied a residual biocide to the filter fibres. Hill says that this controls and prevents mould and odour‑causing bacteria from colonising. The treatment migrates to dust particles making it toxic as a food source for micro-organisms. It is also designed to stay on filter fibres even under extreme airflows.

Go to: www.cleanairaust.com.au ■

5 AUSSIE RULES LEGEND AT AAD Australian Airconditioning Distributors (AAD) recently opened its superstore in Bayswater in Melbourne’s north east.

Located on Turbo Drive, the store features 2,200m² of warehouse space and is set on 4,000m² of land.

The company says the location is ideal for servicing HVAC trades in Bayswater and surrounding areas, in anticipation of the region’s population growth over the coming years.

The grand opening of the HVAC superstore was attended by suppliers, local tradespeople and AAD staff, as well as former Sydney Swans player Warwick Capper. Attendees were treated to a site tour, barbecue, raffle and celebratory drinks.

The addition of the Bayswater superstore takes the total number of AAD branches to eight with Clayton, Hallam, Bayswater, Epping, Laverton, and Tullamarine servicing metropolitan Melbourne; a regional branch in Bell Park servicing greater Geelong and surrounding areas; as well as a branch in Arndell Park, NSW. ■

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issues with system capacity and mismatched components; control systems, sensors and wiring issues; and poor equipment location.

The Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) has held its board elections for the 2021–2023 term and voted in Paul Jackson, F.AIRAH, as the new president. He will succeed Ian Harwood, F.AIRAH, whose term ends in May.

The report notes that these common faults occur across most equipment segments, and a large majority are related to maintenance or can be addressed by routine maintenance.

Also appointed to the AIRAH board were Bryon Price, F.AIRAH, and Liza Taylor, M.AIRAH, both re-elected.

Chris Stamatis, M.AIRAH, is a new appointment, and succeeds the outgoing Harwood on the board.

The announcement of the incoming president comes just as AIRAH celebrates its 101st birthday.

Mindful of the legacy he will inherit, Jackson is also focused on the path ahead.

“The Institute has been very agile over the past 101 years,” says Jackson, “and I’m sure it will continue to evolve to suit the needs of its members and the wider industry for another 100 years. Along with my fellow board directors, I look forward to helping navigate AIRAH into its second century.”

The national contracts manager for Engineering Commissioning Services, Jackson boasts more than 35 years’ experience in the building services industry. ■

7 MOST COMMON RAC FAULTS A new report prepared by the Expert Group for the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment lists the most common faults identified in residential and commercial refrigeration and air conditioning equipment.

The report, titled Leaks, maintenance and emissions: refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, found that the most commonly recurring fault in commercial refrigeration and air conditioning equipment is refrigerant undercharge – directly related to leakage.

Other common faults include dirty condensers and evaporators and associated mechanical problems;

9 SAFE WORK GUIDANCE ON COVID-19 A new COVID-19 fact sheet on improving ventilation in indoor workplaces has been developed by Safe Work Australia.

Patrick McInerney, Director, International Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Section at the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, says there are opportunities to increase awareness and commitment of equipment owners to invest in routine preventative maintenance, proper installation, and commissioning practices.

The fact sheet highlights practical steps to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 and improve ventilation in indoor workplaces.

“These simple steps will contribute to equipment functioning as designed, have minimum leaks, emissions and reduce the running costs over the life of the equipment,” says McInerney. ■

Safe Work Australia also notes that the most effective ways to minimise the risk of COVID-19 infection at your workplace are to ensure workers do not attend work if they are unwell, to practice physical distancing, and to maintain good hygiene and environmental cleaning.

8 WAGE SUBSIDY EXTENDED

Go to: www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/improvingventilation-indoor-workplaces-covid-19 ■

The federal government is extending its Boosting Apprenticeship Commencement subsidy scheme for 12 months until September 30, 2021.

10 HARRISON IN THE SPOTLIGHT

The program, which covers 50 per cent of wages paid to new or recommencing apprentices, has been embraced by businesses. The government says it is has helped create 100,000 apprenticeships in less than five months.

From March 20–28, Geelong Design Week hosted an exhibition about Australian refrigeration pioneer James Harrison at Barwon Grange.

According to the government, 40 per cent of these new apprentices and trainees were employed by small businesses, with the largest take up in the construction, food and beverage, administrative, and repair and maintenance sectors.

Around 36 per cent of the new commencements have been women, and about 20 per cent were over the age of 35.

The new tranche of funding, estimated at around $1.2 billion, is expected to generate 70,000 new positions. It will also cover business that had already employed apprentices under the program, so that they get a full 12 months of the subsidy. ■

The advice covers three main points: ensuring HVAC systems are operating properly; taking steps to improve ventilation; and measures to limit the number of workers.

The exhibition was titled James Harrison’s Momentous Achievements – models, medals, memorabilia and explored Harrison’s life from 1816– 1893. He was the first to create ice via mechanical means, and the founder of the Geelong Advertiser.

Harrison emigrated to Australia from Scotland in 1837, and was a printer by trade. After founding The Advertiser in 1840, he realised the sulfuric ether on printing presses could have other uses.

The exhibition followed his extraordinary life as he became a member of the Geelong Council, made the first attempt to ship frozen meat from Australia to Britain, founded the Victoria Ice Works and much more.

As shown above, some of the AIRAH staff attended the opening, and met James Harrison’s descendants. ■

April–May 2021

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There’s a whole other world of HVAC&R to discover in Ecolibrium magazine.

Get a taste of AIRAH’s official journal at www.airah.org.au/ecolibrium To advertise in ECOLIBRIUM contact — Glenn Douglas 0411 839 667 or John McGrath 0419 556 108

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April–May 2021

Cool Tech

FROZEN TREATS IN A SNAP

The Coldsnap looks awesome … but does it play Greensleeves?

A new machine brings Mr Whippy into your home.

Ice‑cream lovers rejoice – a high-tech version of the soft-serve machine will soon be within the reach of the average consumer. Inventor Matthew Fonte has developed the Coldsnap, an ice‑cream maker that instantly whips up frozen dairy desserts in the comfort of your own home.

You don’t have to mess around with ingredients or spend hours waiting for the ice‑cream to freeze. Better yet, the machine also makes frozen coffee, frozen yoghurt, frozen cocktails, smoothies and slushies.

Fonte developed the Coldsnap based on his daughters’ idea for a home ice‑cream machine, faithfully captured in their invention journals.

Using patented technology guided by compressor/ condenser refrigeration principles, the machine

removes heat from the pod to create a cooling effect. A small part inside the pod churns the mixture while air is sucked in to help loft the contents.

“We’re taking all the cold that it’s generating and we’re harnessing it and isolating it right around the pod, and we’re effectively pulling heat out of the pod and putting it through this refrigeration system,” Fonte says. “What really makes this exciting is it’s never been done before.”

The Coldsnap works pretty much like a Nespresso or Keurig capsule coffee machine. You put a single‑serving pod – a tall aluminium canister – into the machine, select your dessert of choice, then wait roughly 90 seconds for your treat to freeze and dispense. Afterwards you simply toss the pod out – no clean-up necessary.

The pods are shelf stable, last up to a year, and are recyclable. They can be shipped at ambient temperature too. According to Sigma Phase, the company behind the innovation, the pods will result in a 25 to 50 per cent reduction in carbon emissions associated with making and distributing ice cream through the normal cold chain.

The appliance snagged the Innovation Award Product at CES 2021, an influential tech innovation event held in the US. It will undergo a smaller beta launch later this year, before launching fully in 2022. While prices have yet to be finalised, the Coldsnap is expected to cost between US$500–1,000 (AU$645–1,290), with pods costing US$2.99 (AU$3.80) each. There are no plans as yet to bring the product to Australia. ■

Temperzone is going Virtual.

Welcome to the new era of product tours.

Register and access by visiting temperzone.com.

April–May 2021

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The Lighter Side This month’s Lighter Side brought to you by:

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1 OFF THE WALL

4 FEELING THE HEAT

This condensing unit was originally installed on a wall positioned by the builder – who didn’t want to pay to move it later. He sheeted the wall across the unit instead!

James snapped this doozy on a second-storey roof of a townhouse complex in Alice Springs, where he was investigating why the AC wasn’t cooling properly.

Thanks to Zach in NSW for the photo.

Graham says: It is vital we keep pipe runs as short as possible, appropriately insulated, and (when exposed to sunlight) UV protected. An uninsulated suction line will lead to excessive suction line superheat, which will have a detrimental effect on the sealed unit and ultimately cause compressor failure.

It will also cause the system to use more energy as it has to deal with the energy absorbed through the suction line for no gain to the cooling system.

Graham says: How would you ever service this system?

At least it wasn’t a fridgie who did it!

2 LICKETY SPLIT This client was chuffed about the cheap quote they got for their ducted split system.

“Not sure how they would balance the airflow though,” says Shane, who sent us this photo from WA. Graham says: Wall-hung splits are not designed to have ducting attached, the fans are not rated against duct resistance, and while there may be some benefit felt for the air redirection, the outcomes will be less than ideal!

3 PIPE NIGHTMARE “Trying to figure out which pipes service which suite,” says Cameron in Melbourne.

“Going to have to push all my other jobs!”

Graham says: It is a basic principle in situations like these to apply some system of marking that will live up to the rigors of time and aid a service technician to identify different systems with fault diagnosis.

5 ADJUSTABLE DAMPER BLADE “We came across this when quoting a residential job from one of our commercial clients,” says Peter. “The client told us that some 20 years ago, when a Sydney company installed the system, they needed to reduce the airflow in one of the bedrooms.

They installed a bent piece of conduit and taped it half-shut to reduce the airflow.

What a great way of saving money and giving our industry a fantastic name – not!”

Graham says: The lack of air dampers to allow at least a basic level of air balancing is often a problem in domestic ducted systems. A highly competitive market often leads to minimal design, often by people with limited technical ability.

Likewise, there is little formal training available for domestic duct installers.

The ceiling space often hides instances of damage by other trades too.

Ducting is damaged or displaced, ceiling insulation is moved and not put back, all adding to the energy cost that the owner or tenant has to carry.

Additional comments and observations provided by Graham Boyle, F.AIRAH, portfolio manager, heavy automotive and refrigeration at South Metropolitan TAFE. Please note that the comments are provided on the basis of the photos only and should be read with this in mind – not all issues or solutions are apparent from a 2D image.

HAVE YOU COME ACROSS SOMETHING SCARY, UGLY OR JUST PLAIN FUNNY? If your entry is deemed the monthly winner, a 700ml bottle of Jim Beam will be on its way to your door. Please include a postal address with your entry. Entrants must be 18 or over. Send your hi-res (>500KB) photos to Editor, Mark Vender at mark.vender@airah.org.au

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April–May 2021

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