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Good vibes from Vokèra by Riello new boiler range
Vibe MAX is the boiler range from Vokèra by Riello, which the company says combines value for money with high-end functionality. Available in combi and system models, the compact Vibe MAX is 20 per cent hydrogen-blend ready and features include built-in Modbus connector, revised universal pipework layout and a primary heat exchanger in corrosion-resistant stainless steel.
The entry-level Vibe MAX’s stainless-steel heat exchanger ensures optimum strength and durability, potentially increasing the life of the appliance and resulting in less downtime for maintenance. The boilers use advanced electronics, including a modern human-machine interface (HMI) and digital touchpad to help with operation, installation and servicing.
Vibe MAX also incorporates a Bluetooth clock module so that users can easily programme the heating schedule via the app on their smart phone.
The 26kW and 30kW Vibe MAX measure 700mm x 400mm x 275mm, ensuring ease of handling and siting in all types of residential property, even where space is at a premium.
Wi-Fi connectivity enables users to programme and control their heating.
www.vokera.co.uk
Target legionella with Martindale digital thermometer
Digital thermometers can help in the fight against legionella and Martindale’s DT173 is suitable when servicing and monitoring hot and cold water systems. The single-input digital thermometer, with a bead thermocouple as standard, is compatible with Martindale’s full range of K type probes, including air probes, penetration probes and clamp and surface probes.
As part of the ThermokitLGN legionella testing thermometer kit, which also includes two robust surface and immersion probes, you can monitor and test the temperature of both standing water, and the surface of pipes and tanks that form part of the water system.
The thermometer is supplied in a tough holster and has large digits and a back light for easy viewing in all light conditions. There is a fold-away built-in stand, and readings can be displayed in centigrade and fahrenheit. The DT173’s sister thermometer is the DT175, a dual-input digital model which enables you to take readings from two type-K thermocouples simultaneously. An example might be the input and output of heating equipment and other systems. When used with its differential mode, you can use the readings to monitor the effectiveness of both heating and cooling systems.
www.martindale-electric.co.uk
Auto-balancing TRVs from Drayton
Drayton’s auto-balancing TRV technology is now available for its TRV4 and RT414. The chrome thermostatic radiator valve has been designed for UK homes and there’s no need to change pipework to retrofit, which makes it straightforward to swap out.
Product manager David Kempster says: “Radiator balancing is an essential practice to improve boiler efficiency and avoid cold spots within the home, but it is a practice that most installers find very timeconsuming and complex.
“Our aim with this new auto-balancing TRV technology is to make this process as simple as possible, reducing the time it takes to balance a system and eliminating call backs.”
Simply identify the heat output from the radiator to which the TRV will be fitted and correlate it to the correct position on the TRV using the setting table provided. For existing radiators, you can use the handy valve setting calculator on Drayton’s website to determine the correct setting for each auto-balancing TRV. The Drayton balancing key, or an 11mm spanner, can then be used to select the correct position.
Once installed and set, the auto-balancing valves will ensure that radiators receive the correct flow rate regardless of other TRVs opening and closing or changes to the system. Drayton says this can save an average 8.8 per cent on energy costs.
www.draytoncontrols.co.uk
Resideo raises the pressure differential
Resideo’s VC water valve range can handle higher-pressure differentials, making them suitable for larger heating systems with higher flow rates or installations with more powerful circulation pumps. 5m and 6m pumps are standard for many installations. However, larger properties with a hot water cylinder and around 30 radiators may need 7m or 8m higher-pressure pumps to ensure the effective circulation of water through the system. This increased pressure can cause the issue of heated water seeping through standard domestic zone valves - running into radiators - when water was only called for by the hot water cylinder. The same issue applies to heat pump installations where the low heat requires a bigger circulation pump selection to push the water around the circuit.
To ensure that no water can pass through the valve when in the closed position, the new heavy-duty VC valve from Resideo has a robust linear mechanism that moves up and down to open and close the valve and can resist up to 4 bars of pressure without leakage.
It can also add a priority route where the hot water is heated before the radiators, so that it works effectively in conjunction with the service called for.
Steve Mist, senior technical support supervisor, says: “The new VC valve is as simple to fit as its spring-return counterparts but can handle greater pressure with ease. This means it can be the ideal option for installers taking on larger or renewable heating installations.”
