5713 api magazine mar 11

plumbingAUSTRALIAN

I N D U S T R Y M A G A Z I N E | M A R C H 2 0 1 1

your industry

magazine

Hibernating House

water monitoring that worxPiPing Hot

energy savings from pipe insulationPixel Perfect

australia’s first carbon neutral building

* Subject to you meeting specific eligibility criteria.

Read the relevant Cbus Product Disclosure Statement to decide whether Cbus is right for you. Cbus’ Trustee is United Super Pty Ltd ABN 46 006 261 623 AFSL 233792 Cbus ABN 75 493 363 262.

To give our sole trader members peace of mind, Cbus now provide Income Protection insurance cover as part of our standard insurance offer.*

In the event that you are unable to work due to injury or illness, Income Protection Insurance provides financial support via a monthly income.

This means you can relax, knowing that you and your family are looked after, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For more information call Cbus on 1300 361 784 or visit www.cbussuper.com.au

Peace of mind for sole traders

As well as holding the 2009 Australian Green Product of the Year for their 26eco+ unit, Bosch have recently developed the Commercial Condensing (32C) to complement their already comprehensive range of highly efficient Commercial gas hot water units. The new Bosch 32C will sit at the top of the range as the most efficient Commercial gas hot water unit on the market today with a 6.0 STAR rating. With the ever increasing push in the Commercial hot water market for greater efficiency to meet Environmentally Sustainable Development (ESD) standards and return on investment, the new Bosch 32C will be a welcome addition to the market.

The Bosch 32C appliance is suited to both Commercial and Domestic settings – anywhere there is a demand for large volumes of hot water. The 32C can be configured for either external or internal* installations and is available in Natural Gas or LPG.

Phone 1300 30 70 37 or visit www.bosch.com.au/hotwater

KEy FEaturES:> 6.0 star energy efficiency rating

> Condensing technology

> Commercial grade heat exchanger

> Ability to be manifolded

> Is available in 37°C – 85°C temperature range (without temperature controllers), 37°C – 80°C temperature range (with temperature controllers) or 50°C locked (50°C locked units are not available in NZ)

> Compatible with warm water return/solar**

> Internal* or External installation – Lightweight polypropylene (PP) and aluminium flueing components and a stainless steel external vent cap make both installations corrosion resistant and easy to install.

> Commercial grade components/Resin coated PC board

> In-built neutraliser for the safe release of condensate

> Easy temperature adjustment – controllers/built in bridges to adjust max temperature range

*Internal installations require flueing, supplied exclusively by Bosch through Plumbing Supply Stores. **Reduced condensing efficiency due to warm water input.

Bosch like to keep itGreen.

HHHHHH6.0 Star Energy rating

If you’re in business, you know that having tough, versatile workers makes a huge difference

to your bottom line. This is where Volkswagen Caddy, Transporter and Crafter really shine.

The new Volkswagen Caddy is Australia’s leading compact van. With a host of new features,

transmissions and engines, Caddy is even better to drive, more fuel efficient and kinder on

the environment. The legendary Transporter showcases Volkswagen’s superior German

engineering. Transporter’s mix of engine and body sizes and incredible specification list makes

it the first choice for business owners everywhere. And Volkswagen Crafter is big, agile and

combines all Volkswagen’s genius for creating business machines that work tough and work

hard. From building sites and heavy industry to courier work and deliveries, our range is tough

to beat in terms of value and build quality. It’s also the most versatile range around, with every

van able to be customised to meet all your business needs. See your nearest Volkswagen

Commercial Dealer and test drive new Caddy, Transporter and Crafter today or call

1800 VW VANS (1800 898 267).

www.volkswagen-commercial.com.au

Need workers who can handle tough jobs?You need Volkswagen Caddy®, Transporter and Crafter.

The product name Caddy® is a registered trademark of Caddie S.A. and is used by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles courtesy of Caddie S.A.

If you’re in business, you know that having tough, versatile workers makes a huge difference

to your bottom line. This is where Volkswagen Caddy, Transporter and Crafter really shine.

The new Volkswagen Caddy is Australia’s leading compact van. With a host of new features,

transmissions and engines, Caddy is even better to drive, more fuel efficient and kinder on

the environment. The legendary Transporter showcases Volkswagen’s superior German

engineering. Transporter’s mix of engine and body sizes and incredible specification list makes

it the first choice for business owners everywhere. And Volkswagen Crafter is big, agile and

combines all Volkswagen’s genius for creating business machines that work tough and work

hard. From building sites and heavy industry to courier work and deliveries, our range is tough

to beat in terms of value and build quality. It’s also the most versatile range around, with every

van able to be customised to meet all your business needs. See your nearest Volkswagen

Commercial Dealer and test drive new Caddy, Transporter and Crafter today or call

1800 VW VANS (1800 898 267).

www.volkswagen-commercial.com.au

Need workers who can handle tough jobs?You need Volkswagen Caddy®, Transporter and Crafter.

The product name Caddy® is a registered trademark of Caddie S.A. and is used by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles courtesy of Caddie S.A.

CH-PC MQ Comfort Unilift CC+KP SQE CME Booster

Don’t let inadequate water supply let you down

Give your customers’ the ultimate in pressure creation and control with the Grundfos CME Booster. The Grundfos CME is a compact booster pump for water supply and boosting around the home and garden. The integrated speed controller enables the CME to keep constant pressure in the pipe system.

Don’t let inadequate water supply let you downDon’t let inadequate water supply let you downDon’t let inadequate water supply let you downDon’t let inadequate water supply let you downDon’t let inadequate water supply let you downDon’t let inadequate water supply let you downDon’t let inadequate Don’t let inadequate Don’t let inadequate Don’t let inadequate Don’t let inadequate Don’t let inadequate Don’t let inadequate Don’t let inadequate Don’t let inadequate Don’t let inadequate Don’t let inadequate Don’t let inadequate Don’t let inadequate Don’t let inadequate Don’t let inadequate Don’t let inadequate Don’t let inadequate Don’t let inadequate Don’t let inadequate Don’t let inadequate Don’t let inadequate Don’t let inadequate Don’t let inadequate Don’t let inadequate Don’t let inadequate Don’t let inadequate Don’t let inadequate Don’t let inadequate Don’t let inadequate Don’t let inadequate Don’t let inadequate Don’t let inadequate Don’t let inadequate Don’t let inadequate Don’t let 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The HOME PERFORMANCE range holds the solutions to all domestic water supply, wastewater and hot water needs. See the entire range at www.homeperformance.grundfos.com or email [email protected] for more information.

A u s t r A l i A n P l u m b i n g i n d u s t r y M A g A z i n e | M A r c h 2 0 1 1

read about some of the projects and initiatives that are taking place across the country as plumbing industry leaders recognise the benefits of employing female plumbers. APi magazine is a forum for the industry and we want to make sure we are including news, stories and features that are important and relevant to you. share your thoughts, opinions or stories about the industry and you could win a great prize (see page nine for details).don’t be shy, drop us a line at [email protected] reading

melissa Chrys editor, Australian Plumbing industry Magazine

Welcome to the march issue of australian Plumbing industry magazine.

March is a very busy month for the plumbing industry, with a number of major events taking place including the national Plumbing regulators Forum (Monday 7 – Wednesday 9 March); World Plumbing day (Friday 11 March); and the announcement of the Plumbing industry training Awards on 10 March.in this edition, we’ve got plenty of news from across the industry and several features:Discover Hibernating House, a new water monitoring device that is bringing peace of mind to homeowners and creating new business opportunities for Australian plumbers.Join sustainable energy consultant, trevor Berrill, as he explores the issue of energy savings from pipe insulation on split solar water heating systems.

Australian Plumbing industry magazinePlumbing industry house 525 King street West Melbourne Vic 3003 t 03 9329 9622 F 03 9329 5060 e [email protected] Australian Plumbing industry Magazine (industry and Member editions and occasional supplements including the MPMsAA group training news, are official journals produced by the Master Plumbers’ and Mechanical services Association of Australia (MPMsAA)ABn: 56 296 473 997 Print Post number: 381712/02399 issn: 1325-6289

MPMSAA LocAtionSHead Office525 King street West Melbourne Vic 3003 t 03 9329 9622 F 03 9329 5060

brisbane group Training91-93 commercial road teneriffe Qld 4006 t 07 3854 2345 F 07 3854 2346

Plumbing industry Climate Action Centre306 Albert street Brunswick Vic 3065 t 03 9356 8921 F 03 9356 8929

contActSPublisherthe Master Plumbers’ and Mechanical services Association of Australia (MPMsAA)

EditorMelissa chrys t 03 9321 0703 e [email protected]

national Advertising ExecutiveJohn Mcgrath t 03 9321 0780 e [email protected]

Supplierssalt creative www.saltcreative.comBambra Press www.bambrapress.com.audirect Mail solutions [email protected]

welcome

Share your thoughtS,

opinionS or StorieS and

you could win a great

prize

f R o M T H E E D I T o R

W W W . P l u M B e r . c o M . A u | 7

Welcome from the ceo / page 8Ken Gardner, MPMSAA CEO, talks about the year ahead.

industry news / page 9The latest news and information from across the industry.

construction outlook / page 12Take a look ahead at the construction industry with Omni-Quant.

black water revolution / page 14WJP Solutions are leading the way in black water treatment technology.

Hot water just got smarter / page 16Rinnai introduces their new water saving hot water system.

farewell bill durham / page 18Outgoing MPMSAA President, Bill Durham looks back on a lifetime in the plumbing industry.

apprentice update: Women in plumbing / page 20Plumbing industry leaders are recognising the benefits of employing women.

Water efficiency labelling and standards (Wels) scheme / page 22Important news for suppliers of plumbing products.

Water monitoring that worx / page 24Sarah Robertson reports on Hibernating House, a new water monitoring device set to bring peace of mind to homeowners.

training news / page 27Find out about the MPMSAA’s new Green Plumber course.

Piping hot / page 29Trevor Berrill discusses energy savings from pipe insulation on split solar water heating systems.

Pixel perfect / page 33Discover Australia’s first carbon neutral building.

Product news / page 35Check out the latest products and services from key industry suppliers.

WPc news / page 38The latest news and events from the World Plumbing Council.

33 22 1214

Disclaimerstatements and information appearing in this publication must not be interpreted as having the endorsement of being the opinion of the publisher, which takes no responsibility for the correctness of the statements made. it is a condition of purchase or acceptance of this publication that the publisher does not assume any responsibility or liability for any loss or damage which may result from any inaccuracy or omission in the publication, or from the use of information contained herein and the publisher makes no warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to any of the material contained herein. the publisher shall not be liable for any failure to publish any advertisement where such failure results from circumstances beyond their control. if advertising material is not supplied in accordance with deadlines, the publisher reserves the right to repeat any material previously provided by the advertiser. the publisher reserves the right to refuse and edit material. All prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. copyright Australian Plumbing industry Magazine. All rights reserved. no part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without permission in writing from the publisher.

Hibernating House is helping to revolutionise home water monitoring / see page 24

contents


WeLcoMe to our firSt edition for 2011. As with each year we hope it will be better than the last, however, in Australia 2011 has started off with significant natural disasters including floods, cyclones and bush fires.our hearts go out to those people who have been affected by loss of life and damage to their properties at a time when most would have expected to be winding down and relaxing.the impact of these events will be felt more broadly as government policies and the economy change in response to the widespread damage. some of these changes will impact directly on the building and plumbing sectors, with significant rebuilding and repair required and with the cancellation and/or deferral of some government policies to re-direct funds to the clean-up and restoration efforts.the Association looks forward to an active year with many on-going issues that will require our attention in 2011. these include:> development of Policies and

regulations to support the national occupational licensing system

> Amendments to the Plumbing industry Award

> comments on the national ohs standards

> comments on competency based completions for apprentices

> World Plumbing day on 11 March> Promotion and development of

the apprenticeship group training scheme

> World Plumbing conference in edinburgh, scotland

> Promotion of training and skills development for plumbers

> input into debate on continuing Professional development

> input into the plumbing provisions of the national construction code

> negotiation of a new enterprise Bargaining Agreement

so you can see that there are many things happening in your industry in which you might like to have a say, why not drop us a line at [email protected] Ken gardner ceo, MPMsAA

welcomef R o M T H E C E o

Congratulations on the new look Australian Plumbing Industry magazine.

The November 2010 issue has arrived today and I think it looks very professional and well presented, with lots of interesting pieces. I particularly like the page which you have devoted to World Plumbing Council news and I would like to thank you for promoting the work we do in this way. Keep up the good work.

Robert Burgon Chairman World Plumbing Council

____________________________________

Can we have more stories like the ‘BlueGen… Fuelling the Future’ piece that featured in the November issue of API Magazine?

It’s great to read about Australian companies leading the way in the development of sustainable energy generation. As the future of power generation shifts towards renewable and low emission technologies, its time government and policymakers sat up and took notice of innovative solutions such as BlueGen.

Adam Wiley Lithgow, NSW

____________________________________

thanks for your letter Adam. As the winner of our best letter, you will receive a brand new Bernzomatic Quickfire torch and Quick-connect gas cylinder, worth $149.95. ed.

Letters

Win!

industry news

ShAre your StorieS, thoughtS, oPinionS

or ideAS And Win! We will consider letters, jokes, story suggestions and comments for publication from throughout the industry. Please note that letters may be edited for style or length. drop us a line at [email protected] month, our best letter will receive a toolbag full of goodies worth $450 from Accutherm, including:the new 608 Compact Digital manometer by tPi – small and easy to use, the 608 is perfect for pressure testing appliance burners and ideal for measuring low pressure air and gasses. it features press button operation, and comes with a three year warranty. the new 315C user Calibrated Waterproof Digital Thermometer by tPi – excellent for calibration of thermostats, vents and compressor heads and perfect for food product handling, food safety and hVAc requirements. it’s simple to use, has a fast response time and features an easy to read lcd.Accutherm is a specialist supplier of high quality components and engineering services to the gas sector.

dux unveiLS neW hot WAter WebSitedux hot Water has launched their new website, www.dux.com.au the new site features a number of assessment tools and calculators to help plumbers and consumers choose the correct water heater and fully understand all relevant government rebates.steve linton, Marketing Manager at dux hot Water says, “the new dux website has been designed to engage with visitors, offering them comprehensive product information, useful calculators and online tools.”Key site features include warranty registration, product and technical information and the dux complete hot Water Assessment tool.

WorLd PLuMbing dAy – fridAy 11 MArch 2011Plumbing organisations in a number of countries are planning to mark the second World Plumbing day with a number of activities to promote the important role that plumbing plays in public health and the environment.this year, the principal World Plumbing council (WPc) celebration will take place in Bangalore, india where a joint meeting has been arranged between the WPc and the World health organisation.WPc chairman, robert Burgon says: “the idea behind having a single day to promote plumbing was very simple and it is already clear that this idea has sparked the imagination and enthusiasm of the global plumbing community.”For details of World Plumbing day events, visit www.worldplumbingday.org

buiLding induStry vALueS SuStAinAbiLityrecent surveys by the Building commission and sustainability Victoria show that registered Building Practitioners (rBPs) and building consumers continue to support environmentally sustainable building practices. on average, rBPs rated their environmentally sustainable building knowledge as reasonably thorough, and 64 per cent of consumers stated that their knowledge in this area was high.Both consumers and practitioners continue to engage in discussions on environmentally sustainable building before commencement of a project, and consumers continue to value environmentally sustainable building, with 85 percent reporting its importance as high.Find out more on sustainability at www.pulse.buildingcommission.com.au

find out More About the nAtionAL conStruction code the national construction code (ncc) will be released on 1 May 2011. the

national seminar series is your opportunity to hear about the ncc from the experts.the Australian Building codes Board (ABcB) will publish the Plumbing code of Australia as Volume three of the ncc. Future editions of the ncc will eventually comprise all on-site construction regulation

(building, plumbing, gas, electrical and telecommunications). the implementation of this national policy initiative will improve regulatory consistency across jurisdictions and deliver benefits for both the industry and community.the 2011 national seminar series will play an important role in raising awareness of the issues associated with the launch of the ncc and other code amendments scheduled for this year. the ABcB will be conducting seminars in all capital cities throughout March, providing an opportunity for practitioners to hear about relevant aspects of the consolidated code and how it will affect their work.to find out more or to register for seminars, visit www.abcb.gov.au

W W W . P l u M B e r . c o M . A u | 9

nAWic WoMen in trAdeS netWorkthe national Association of Women in construction (nAWic) Victoria has begun Women in trades, an exciting new mentoring and networking initiative. the aim is to establish a core group of mentors from each trade who will meet regularly and be available for support and discussion with other female workers. the initiative is aiming to support the construction industry by creating a place where women in trades can network and be part of an informal mentoring program.if you’d like to find out more about the Women in trades initiative, contact laurice temple ([email protected]) at nAWic Victoria, or visit www.nawic.com.au

exiSting buiLdingS reAch for green StArSthe green Building council of Australia (gBcA) is developing a new green star rating tool to assess the operational performance of existing buildings.“green star will soon address the 95 per cent of the market that isn’t brand new, with green star – Performance being developed to assess the full range of existing buildings in the market, regardless of building type,” says the gBcA’s green star director, Andrew Aitken.“the tool will also help us to compare green star designed buildings with non-green star designed buildings in operation, providing a better understanding of holistic sustainability performance in the market,” he added.green star-Performance will cover all nine green star environmental impact categories – management, transport, indoor environment quality, land use and ecology, emissions, materials and innovation – in addition to energy and water covered by the national Built environment rating system (nABers).

AuSSie PLuMber heLPS oxfAMsydney plumbing and electrical services firm, Mr Washer, is assisting people living in rural villages of timor-leste through oxfam Australia’s Water, sanitation and hygiene (WAsh) program.Mr Washer donated $10,000 to improve and maintain sanitation and hygiene for people living in the oecusse and covalima districs.only 610 kilometres from darwin, timor-leste is one of the poorest countries in Asia. only 40-50 per cent of timorese live close to clean water and even fewer have access to basic sanitation. tim cook, founder and principal of Mr Washer says, “As a plumbing company, we really understand the significant effect that clean drinking water and access to sanitation facilities can have on the health and wellbeing of any community.”oxfam Australia gives communities the tools and resources to achieve their basic human rights, including education, healthcare, food, clean water and the chance to earn a living. to find out more, visit www.oxfam.org.au

cAroMA kickS off the I Love my Bathroom cAMPAign on World toilet day (19 november 2010) the red cross and caroma launched a joint, long-term fundraising program called I Love my Bathroom to raise money for toilet facilities and clean water for people across the Asia-Pacific region. neil evans, caroma ceo said: “our industry plays an important role with regards to public health and we are pleased to be able to use our capacity as an industry leader to help improve conditions.” red cross Water and sanitation Manager, Mr Bob handby, said: “clean running water and flushing toilets are things most Australians take for granted, but in large parts of the world they are unimaginable luxuries. every year at least four million people die because of something as simple as a lack of safe water and basic sanitation facilities.”to find out more about the program, or to make a donation, visit www.ilovemybathroom.com.au

industry news


world toilet day …World toilet day was held on Friday 19 november 2010 to highlight the importance of sanitation and to raise awareness for the 2.6 billion people (nearly half the world’s population) who do not have access to toilets and proper sanitation. to find out more visit www.worldtoilet.org

H

Y

Inside it’s temperature- controlled.Not all Continuous Flow units are the same.

Rheem 12 & 16 are electronically controlled, not mechanical.

So they can deliver hot water more consistently for increased safety.

Rheem 12 is 5.9 star energy-efficient1.

50°C and 60°C models available.

Compact for easy installation.

Rheem reliability.

The Rheem 12 & 16. Steady, hot and strong.

INSTALL A RHEEM1Rheem 12 – 5.9 star energy-efficiency, Rheem 16 – 5.3 star energy-efficiency. Rheem Australia Pty Ltd ABN 21 098 823 511.

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RHM0013_1216_API.indd 1 4/02/11 3:27 PM

looking forward…the conStruction induStry in the neW yeArJanuary proved a tough month for construction starts with the wild weather in QLD, Northern NSW and regional Victoria bringing construction in those areas to a halt and wiping out months of work. While the signs are still tentatively positive for the next three months, there is no doubt that business confidence has taken a hit over

the Christmas period and this, combined with the uncertainty of upcoming state elections, has led to a ‘wait and see’ approach and widespread deferrals. While it is difficult to predict exactly when the reconstruction efforts in QLD will swing into full force (with the possibility of more rain looming on the

horizon) there is no doubt that the medium term picture looks strong with pent up demand and confidence returning to the construction market.February 2011 seemed to be significantly quieter than the same time last year, with $736 million less work lined up – a drop of 11%. Nonetheless, it represents the highest point of the steady stream experienced in the post-recession / post-stimulus market. The $5.7 billion of work expected to commence made it the biggest month since mid 2010.

The overall growth is fuelled by particularly strong performances in several sectors, the most notable being SA where the $1.2 billion of construction will be the state’s highest level in two years. WA is also expected to see a peak in education projects ($304 million).2011 also appears to be promising for the commercial office market. VIC had an influx of commercial construction in January 2011 as $293 million of work commenced. As mentioned above, February 2011 is a boom month for SA whose comparatively small office demand will generate $126 million of construction. WA’s commercial peak is expected in March 2011 and QLD’s in April 2011. Perhaps a result of market saturation, some of the lowest commercial construction estimates come from NSW / ACT where work has been scarce for the past 12 months. From January to April 2011, a meager $242 million can be expected.Before the chaos caused by floods and cyclones hit QLD in January and early February, its residential market was set to be one of the strongest nationally, and in QLD’s recent history.

Many of the multi residential projects producing unprecedented peaks in February 2011 ($280 million) and April 2011 ($337 million) will not go ahead quite as planned but it is expected that the large majority of this work will not be abandoned, but rather pushed further down the pipeline. In the meantime, large-scale residential work is anticipated in the short term in the forms of repairs and maintenance and single dwelling reconstruction. For more information call 02 9882 2200 or fax 02 9882 2211 or visit www.omniquant.com.au

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A MEMBER OF THE BCI GROUP

By MICHELLE AIzENBERG

RHM0013/247/API

Inside it’s the No. 1 for energy-efficiency.The Rheem 24/7. Other Continuous Flow units might look the same. But they’re not the same.

This is the most energy-efficient in the market1 with a rating equivalent to 7 stars2.

24 litres/minute capacity.

Digital diagnostic display for easy servicing.

The Rheem 24/7. Comes on steady, hot and strong.

INSTALL A RHEEM1Annual energy usage of 16,439MJ as per AS4552 Energy Rating test method. 2Annual energy usage as per AS4552 Energy Rating test of 16,439MJ, equivalent to an annual saving of 42% compared to AS4552 reference water heater. 5 Stars represents 28% annual saving, 6 Stars represents 35% annual saving. Rheem Australia Pty Ltd ABN 21 098 823 511.

RHM0013_247_API.indd 1 4/02/11 3:28 PM

black water

A strong focus on engineering and design, research, development and building integration has allowed WJP Solutions to cement its position as an industry leader in water treatment and recycling systems.

Based in Melbourne, WJP solutions specialises in the design, construction, delivery, commissioning and maintenance of state-of-the-art decentralised plants for treating grey water, storm water and black water; facilitating the efficient re-use of water for purposes such as toilet flushing, cooling towers and irrigation supply.the team at WJP solutions work closely with clients to design treatment plants which can be housed within building plant rooms and are purpose built to meet client requirements and a wide range of applications, including office buildings and health care facilities, as well as retail and residential developments.WJP solutions has secured strong partnerships with industry leaders including siemens Water technologies and more recently, development company lendlease.

WorLd cLASS WAter treAtMentWJP solutions are leading the way in water treatment. the company has developed its unique Black Water recycling Process with the assistance of Memcor, a company owned by siemens.the system is designed specifically to treat and recycle black water from commercial buildings for re-use and is designed around a Membrane operating system (Mos).the process was originally developed in 2002 for two key projects in the Melbourne cBd: the urban Workshop (department of human services) on lonsdale street, and southern cross (department of treasury and Finance) on exhibition street. these were the first black and grey water recycling plants to be built and operated in Melbourne and since then WJP solutions has enhanced their processes, to deliver better water quality and move outside the commercial office sector.

the recycling plant has a number of features, including a Membrane Bioreactor which acts as a sophisticated filter, removing waste and impurities during the recycling process. Adrian Pratt, director of WJP solutions, refers to the MBr as the ‘heart’ of each recycling plant.combined with post-chlorination, the process converts sewage to class A+ water standards and treated water is suitable for a number of re-use applications such as toilet flushing, wash-down, irrigation and industrial use. Visit www.wjpsolutions.com.au to find out more.


AnZ gLobAL heAdquArterSSource water: black water and grey waterCapcity: 120kl/dayPopulation: 6500End use: toilet flushing and cooling towers

the Anz building is located in the docklands precinct of Melbourne and is the global headquarters for the Anz bank. Boasting the largest floor plate for any commercial office development in Australia, it houses 6500 office workers and is one of the few 6 star as-built buildings in Australia.At the very early design stage of the development, WJP solutions assisted in designing a black water treatment plant onto the base building with treatment tanks built into the structural design.the treatment plant incorporates a split flow design, collecting all sewage from the building and treating it to a level suitable for toilet flushing, while a further treatment process polishes the water to a standard suitable for cooling tower top-up.the water recycling system treats 120,000 litres of office wastewater per day and produces two streams of water, appropriate for use in toilet flushing and cooling towers. treated water meets high risk regulations for reclaimed water and reverse osmosis [ro] provides very stable water for the cooling tower.

WeStfieLd Sydney citySource water: sewageCategory: mixed commercial and retailCapacity: 300kl/dayEnd use: cooling tower top-up, toilet flushing, washdowns

situated in the heart of sydney, Westfield sydney city is a huge development that consists of three commercial towers, six levels of retail and incorporates the centerpoint tower. it is one of the few 5 star mixed use sites in Australia.the water recycling system treats 300,000 litres of mixed use office/retail wastewater per day and produces water appropriate for use in toilet flushing and cooling towers. during the early design development stage WJP solutions assisted in designing a black water treatment plant into the base of the building with treatment tanks built into the structural design of the building.

MeLbourne univerSity econoMicS & coMMerce buiLdingSource water: black water and grey waterCategory: educational facilityCapacity: 32kl/dayEnd use: toilet flushing and closed circuit cooling system

the economics and commerce Building at the university of Melbourne incorporates many innovative features into its design, making this unique building both environmentally friendly and technologically advanced. the plant features the latest technology in MBr with dual membrane operating systems, reverse osmosis and intelligent automation controls and monitoring seamlessly integrated into the building management system. the plant produces 32,000 litres per day of treated water outputted in two continuous streams. the first stream, used for toilet flushing, treats raw sewage with fine screening, biological treatment and ultra-filtration combined with chlorination disinfection to achieve a log reduction of viruses and water quality well within the limits of class A water. the second stream of product water is further treated by reverse osmosis and produces desalinated water fit for use in the Muller 3c closed circuit cooling system by adding to the efficiency of the building’s mechanical systems.

cASe StudieSWJP solutions have the capacity to manage entire water purification processes which can include MBr, uV treatment and reverse osmosis, and the company has worked on a number of large and high profile developments across the country.

black water Revolution

WJP SoLutionS, LeAding the WAy in WAter treAtMent

W W W . P l u M B e r . c o M . A u | 1 5

While it seems that one minute we are in drought and the next inundated with too much water, the fact remains that this cycle will continue and once again we will need to take steps to actively conserve water.

every day literally thousands and thousands of litres of water are wasted whilst people wait for the water in their showers to heat up.

to fully understand the effects of this problem on consumers and the environment, rinnai Australia commissioned an

independent study to ascertain the impact and potential savings.

the study estimated water savings for a number of different sized households and compared usage patterns of pre-heat flow and return (loop) systems with those with no water preheat system installed.

the report found that a typical three to four person home using a pre-heat system 18 times a day over the course of a year could save around 15,000 litres of water normally washed down the drain. over the average lifespan of a continuous flow water heater – 15 years – that equates to an estimated saving of at least 225,000 litres of water per household. these savings are significant.

in order to combat this high volume of water wastage from the dead leg, rinnai formulated the inFinity 26 smartstart® system, which removed the wastage by pre-heating cold water left in the pipes around the home. unlike similar ‘flow and return’ systems that continuously heat the water in the pipes, the inFinity 26 smartstart® system only heats water on demand.

conveniently integrated into the popular 26 litre model as shown on the left or installed as a separate smartstart unit compatible with all other rinnai continuous Flow models (see below).

the rinnAi SMArtStArt®

The Rinnai INFINITy 26 Smartstart® is Australia’s first dedicated Water Saving 26 litre hot water system.It has all the features of the standard Rinnai INFINITy Continuous Flow, with the addition of a circulation pump to pre-heat the water in the pipes before you turn the hot tap on. The Smartstart® is a high efficiency hot water system with an ‘on-demand’ pump system and is simply operated by selecting the ‘preheat’ button on any Water Controller installed in the home. The pump automatically switches off after one pass of the ring main, saving energy.The INFINITy 26 Smartstart® has been designed to suit a ‘ring-main’ or ‘flow and return’ plumbing system, which makes it perfect for new homes, renovations or retro-fitting into houses where access can be gained to run additional piping. And unlike traditional ‘flow and return’ systems, where the water in the pipes is continuously heated, the INFINITy 26 Smartstart® only heats the water before an outlet is opened. This results in the saving of literally tens of thousands of litres of precious water over the life of the hot water system. To find out more about the INFINITy 26 Smartstart® and other products by Rinnai:T 1300 555 545 F 1300 555 655 [email protected] www.rinnai.com.au


Water conservation is slowly but surely becoming a way of life for Australian consumers.

conservationwater

did you know that one of the biggeSt

waSteS of water can be found in

almoSt every auStralian home?

our future

Introducing >> Australia’s Smartest 26 Litre Hot Water Unit

Australia’s No 1 selling Continuous Flow Hot Water unit just got Smarter!

Plumbers & Builders throughout Australia embraced the development and release of the original Rinnai Smartstart® Water Saver unit. We are proud to say that we have helped save literally millions of litres of precious water over recent years. Continuing this tradition, Rinnai have developed an even smarter product that ensures that water saving is made even easier than before.

Introducing… the new Rinnai INFINITY 26 Smartstart®A fully integrated 26 Litre hot water unit with an inbuilt Smartstart®. Not only does it save thousands of litres of water, but it is:• Cheaper than purchasing the units separately• Less expensive to install as less pipework and fittings are required• Takes up less space, is quicker to install and now fits into the RBOX02 recess box

Designed specifically to reduce the water wasted in hot water dead legs, the Rinnai INFINITY 26 Smartstart® is installed with a hot water ring main (loop) to all ‘wet areas’ of the home. • Allows the user to pre-heat the water in the pipes before the tap is turned on• Activated by the ‘pre-heat’ button on any Rinnai Water Controller• Pump automatically switches off after one pass of the ring main, saving energy• Save 1000’s of dead leg litres. As an example, a single 15m run of 20mm copper holds approx 3.5 litres

Combine this with the existing benefits of the Rinnai INFINITY range and you truly have the Smartest water saving hot water system in Australia.• The lowest minimum gas rates on the market• Operation at the lowest hot water flow rates• Best compatibility to 3 star (WELS) water saving fixtures

For further information, call Rinnai on 1300 555 545

11.11_PlumbingIndustryMag.indd 2 1/2/11 2:20:50 PM

At one point during the night the band started up and out

came this young lady dressed up as Hygeia – the

Association’s logo. I remember being quite surprised.

I have a tremendous amount of respect for Ken (second from left), who has made a significant and important contribution to the industry.

B I l l D U R H A M

After 17 years as President of the Master Plumbers’ and Mechanical Services Association of Australia (MPMSAA), Bill Durham announced he would be standing down in April 2011.

It was great to have Kevin

(Sheedy) there, he is a wonderful guy and I can’t think

of anyone who doesn’t get along

with him.

Farewell

Bill has been an active member of the MPMsAA for 59 years (he was honoured with a life Membership in 1997) and was elected President of the Association in 1994. during the last 17 years has helped to shape the Association and greatly influenced the plumbing industry.“i’ve have been priveledged and honoured to be a member and President of the Association and during my time i have had the opportunity to work alongside some truly wonderful people. i’d also like to pay tribute to my wonderful wife dawn who has always supported me and has been a great ambassador for the Association and the industry,” says Bill.Bill took some time out with APi Magazine to share some of his memories of his time with the Association.1 this was at the launch of the green Plumbers program back in 2001.

We had people from all over the country come to Plumbing industry house for the occasion. green Plumbers was a big initiative for the Association, and our message was that plumbers were the best equipped to educate households and industry on how to conserve water.

2 this is ray herbert, our former ceo, and i at one of our industry dinners – we’ve held a lot of successful events over the years. here ray is presenting me with a gift to celebrate my 10th year as President of the Association. ray was very passionate about the Association and took on causes with a great deal of vitality.

3 our annual Plumbing industry dinner in 1995. We were putting a lot of effort into building and promoting our brand and our functions were very popular.

4 taken before the 1998 gold Medal and training Awards. Kevin sheedy was there to receive an honourary membership to the Association, and John howard was our keynote speaker.

John was superb, he wanted to meet everybody, got along with everyone and was very genuine. Before we went out to the ceremony we presented him with this painting and he was thrilled to bits.

5 this was at an MPMsAA christmas cocktail party. All these gentlemen played a very central role in the Plumbing commission Advisory council. on the far left is Michael Kefford, who was the former Plumbing commissioner and next to me is dr dennis Brockenshire, oAM.

in the middle is Ken gardner, who is now ceo of the MPMsAA. At the time he was with energy safe Victoria.

The Gold Medal and Training Awards are a very special event that I’m very passionate about. They represent the future of the industry.

1

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3

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in 2010, the Building industry consultative council industry Advisory Body (BicciAB), in association with skills Victoria, developed a project to raise awareness of women in plumbing. the program aimed to increase understanding and awareness of the unique skills that women can bring to the industry, encouraging employers to take on women plumbers and providing a point of contact for the two. the BicciAB program focused on women completing a certificate ii in Plumbing (pre-vocational) course at holmesglen chadstone; as part of the program, each participant was supported by a mentor and a woman

who has completed a plumbing apprenticeship and is now

working in the industry.Jane clancy, program coordinator at BicciAB, worked closely with training providers and other female ‘tradies’ to provide advice and assistance to women keen to enter the industry and coordinated with plumbing companies, to match female

apprentices with host employers.

Jane says, “the reaction from plumbers has been very encouraging and we are slowly seeing more and more women entering the industry.”BicciAB executive officer, John Mcnally agrees that while cultural change can be slow, the BicciAB program definitely succeeded in raising awareness.“We are definitely seeing increased interest in female apprentices and plumbers from across the industry,” he said.Further north, the Queensland Plumbers’ union has also implemented a Women in Plumbing initiative after securing funding for a five year project to provide women with information about the plumbing trade, help them into apprenticeships and arrange work experience placements. the project has recently had its first two women qualify as plumbers with another 12 going through apprenticeships – four of these in sprinkler Fitting. Annie cowling, manager of the Women in Plumbing program says, “the program has been very effective in assisting women to get involved in the industry and we’ve had many positive responses from current and prospective employers.“there has also been an excellent response from employers to provide work experience to interested women and this is an extremely useful stepping stone for encouraging women’s participation in the trades.”employers are also taking a keen interest in women in the industry. Brenton carey from select solutions (formerly schultz Plumbing) says the company is dedicated to increasing its workforce of female plumbers, which currently includes three female apprentices and one full qualified female plumber.

“there is an increasing demand for our female plumbers,” says Brenton. “some customers feel more comfortable having a female tradesperson in their home. Also, utilising female plumbers on certain jobs can be more effective, for example a maintenance job in a female change room can mean the other facilities can still be used while the work is being carried out.”to find out more about either program, visit: www.bicciab.org.au or www.plumbersunionqld.com

apprentice update

WoMen in PLuMbingPlumbing industry leaders are recognising the benefits of employing women in what has traditionally been a male dominated industry. As a result, a number of organisations are developing programs to encourage women to enter the industry.

in June 2011, the MPMsAA will hold its 104th gold Medal and training Awards. this year, the Association will be awarding the rose curtis Award to a high performing female apprentice. the award is presented in recognition of rose curtis, a past President for the ladies Auxilaliary of the Victorian Master Plumbers’ Association.

For more information on the MPMsAA gold Medal and training Awards, contact Jo darley 03 9321 0702.

SPrinKlEr FiTTing APPrEnTiCES FrOm CEPu QuEEnSlAnD’S WOmEn in Plumbing PrOgrAm. (l-r): lil, liSA, mArEE AnD CASSAnDrA.

MPMSAA supports female apprentices


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2011 W W W . P l u M B e r . c o M . A u | 2 1

Many product registrations under the mandatory Water efficiency labelling and standards (Wels) scheme will expire in 2011.the Wels scheme requires showers, over-basin tap ware, lavatory and urinal equipment, dishwashers and clothes washers to be registered with the regulator and labelled for their water use and efficiency before being offered for sale.

WhAt you need to knoW> registrations expire after five years

and the Wels scheme has now been in operation for more than five years.

> once a product’s registration expires it can not be legally supplied for sale.

> if you supply Wels products and rely on someone else to register them, you should check the registration status of the products yourself at: www.environment.gov.au/wels_public/searchPublic.do

> if you want to supply Wels products beyond their current expiry date they will need to be re-registered before this date passes.

> if an unregistered product is sold to a consumer they will not be eligible for water efficiency rebates.

> if a Wels product is no longer being offered for sale, it does not need to be re-registered.

regiStrAtionyou can apply to re-register a product up to six months before its expiry date, and a new five-year registration period will commence when the original registration expires.registrants must manage their own re-registrations, keep track of registration records, and monitor when re-registrations are due.it is recommended that suppliers keep a record of the registration information and water efficiency of the products they supply.

WAterMArkWaterMark may soon become a prerequisite for Wels scheme product registrations, following a recommendation from the house of representatives inquiry report, Managing the flow: Regulating plumbing product quality. An amendment to the Wels Act is currently before Parliament and if enacted, will enable the Minister responsible for Wels to determine that WaterMark certification is a requirement of Wels registration.For more information on the Wels scheme, visit www.waterrating.gov.au

water efficiency labelling & StandardS (welS) Scheme

Plumbers and builders play an important role in encouraging

people to use water more efficiently. The WELS scheme

labels a range of products for water efficiency, helping

Australian households to save water and money.


iMPortAnt neWS for SuPPLierS of PLuMbing ProductS

HHHHHHHH

MANy PRODuCT

REGISTRATIONS

uNDER THE WELS

SCHEME ExPIRE

IN 2011

Important information regarding flood affected water heaters.

Community service announcement from Rheem Australia Pty Ltd

In the majority of cases, water heaters that have been partially or fully submerged will need to be replaced. The reasons for this requirement vary between water heater types and the extent of damage to the specifi c water heater unit in question. As a general rule, submerged water heaters will have:

• Electrical components including controls, pumps & motors damaged beyond repair and/ or with indeterminate functionality following contact with water.

• Gas components and fl ue paths including heat exchangers that may be affected by silt & blockage leading to unsafe operation.

• Other components of the water heater such as insulation that may be rendered ineffective, thereby affecting the operation of the water heater.

If contaminated water has entered a water heater, the quality of the potable water provided may be compromised and it’s advisable to replace the unit.

Advice for households:Householders should not attempt to operate a fl ood affected water heater without advice from a qualifi ed plumber, gasfi tter and/or electrician. For advice and assistance on Rheem, Vulcan, Solahart, Edwards, Everhot and Paloma brand water heaters, phone 131 031.For advice and assistance on Aquamax water heaters phone 1800 676 000.

Advice for plumbers, installers and relevant trades:Visit www.rheem.com.au for information on which types of water heater can be economically repaired, the minimum requirements for those repairs and general advice.

RHM0025/API


Water Monitoring that Worx

due to be officially launched in April, the hibernating house Water Management system is a water monitoring, diagnostic and isolation system that will help households stay on top of the water they use and protect against, often undetected, leaks.the new product has been developed by Karl and Katie Forti, the directors of Melbourne-based plumbing business, your Waterworx, with software development by daniel Atkinson. Mr Forti initially developed the idea for the water management system and has spent three years developing it for market. With successful testing and installation completed in several houses, the first order of twenty units has already sold out and the pair’s new business, hibernating house, is ready to launch its new product.

Mrs Forti tells Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine that the device, the first of its kind in Australia, aims to prevent damage or loss of water before it becomes a problem. According to the Australian Bureau of statistics, average Australian water use is about 81 kilolitres per capita. While this figure is down on the 2004-05 average, it is still well over the Australian government initiative target of 155 litres per person per day, and with average water prices nearly doubling since then, keeping track of water use and ensuring any leaks are detected and fixed quickly is vital. “We’ve done research on domestic leaks and Australia’s wasting in excess of 8 billion litres of water on small leaks – system leaks, dripping taps and things like that – which is horrific,” says Mrs Forti. At hibernating house hQ in Melbourne’s east, Mr Forti explains how the system works and how simple it is for homeowners to manage. he says hibernating house is primarily a device to educate people and encourage them to reduce their water use where possible. he adds that it is unlike any other device on the Australian market. While competing devices measure water flow, he explains, hibernating house measures water pressure and is therefore a better indicator of potential leaks or pipe ruptures.

A new water monitoring device is set to bring peace of mind to homeowners and create new business opportunities for Australian plumbers.

By SARAH ROBERTSON

A u S T R A L I A N P l u m b i n g I N D u S T R y M A G A z I N E | M A R C H 2 0 1 1

hoW hibernAting houSe WorkSthe hibernating house unit has three main features: monitoring, diagnostic testing and isolation. the unit consists of a small alarm-sized led display panel that sits near the front door and a main unit which connects to the electricity and water underneath the laundry sink. the

unit’s home screen of the display panel tells occupants the time, current water pressure and how many litres of water have been used.

monitoring When installed, hibernating house is programmed with the number of occupants in the house. this number is then multiplied by 155 litres, or less if desired, giving a total water consumption target for the household. As water is used, the unit

monitors any drops in water pressure, displaying the pressure and counting down the litres of water used per day. once a household reaches the 155 target, the figure goes negative showing occupants they have exceeded the target. Water usage information is logged and data for preceding days, weeks or months can be checked on the display panel.

Diagnostic testingevery night the unit runs a diagnostic test on the household’s water lines. several tests are run to register any drops in pressure and determine whether there’s a leak. if a leak is found, the display panel informs householders to either check their plumbing for dripping taps or hoses or to contact a professional plumber. A diagnostic test can also be run at any time by pushing a button on the display panel.

isolationAs the Fortis explain, the isolation feature is important as it allows households to activate the unit and depressurise a household’s water lines to safe levels, effectively putting the water system into sleep mode. With the option of delaying shutdown by between 30 and 120 minutes, Mrs Forti explains that the isolation feature effectively eliminates the risk of burst water pipes. she adds that the feature is suitable for long or short periods of time.

firSt iMPreSSionS iMPreSSto date, hibernating house has been installed in five properties with installation about to commence in 16 town houses in Melbourne, and Mrs Forti says the feedback has been very positive. “yes, amazing; really, really good,” she says. “really positive.” she explains that there was a lot of confusion when the 155 litre per day target was launched in 2008 and that the main feedback their plumbing business, your Waterworx, has received is how the unit helps overcome the ‘unknown’ factor. “People didn’t know how much their dishwasher used or their washing machine used or anything like that so that was one target; we wanted to make people aware of how much water they’re using,” says Mrs Forti.she adds that working as a plumber, Mr Forti often came across properties where the occupants were unaware that their “nice green lawn” was actually due to a ruptured pipe underground that they didn’t find out about until several large water bills later.

coSt And inStALLAtionhibernating house, the business, plans to work with the MPMsAA to run sessions to train plumbers on how to install the units. currently, the hibernating house unit costs $1,599 including gst plus installation. however Mrs Forti explains that a price hasn’t been finalised for plumbers as they hope it will be lower to enable plumbers to make some money on the unit as well as the installation. she adds that installation costs will vary depending on the property and the plumber, and that they expect plumbers will receive about two callbacks per year in relation to leaks found via the unit. she says this will also build customer databases for plumbers, allowing them to be the homeowners’ plumber of choice.

the future for hibernAting houSeonce the product has hit the market, Mrs Forti explains that there are upgrades they want to work on. And in the longer term she says they hope to make hibernating house a complete monitoring and diagnostic tool for households. For more information about hibernating house visit www.hibernatinghouse.com.au or www.waterworx.com.au

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training news

the course contains nine programs (full or half day) designed to provide plumbers with the skills and knowledge they need to be able to give accurate advice to clients on sustainable environmental plumbing solutions for their properties.courses include:> Energy efficient plumbing (C) –

effective plumbing solutions to improve energy usage in domestic and commercial properties.

> Water conservation (C) – reducing the use of water in domestic and commercial properties.

> Solar hot water (C) – the selection and installation of solar heated water systems.

> urban alternative water (C) – alternative sources of water available for urban use to reduce demand on the drinking water supply.

> Environmental plumbing inspections (C) – performing environmental plumbing inspections and completing inspection reports for domestic buildings.

> Commercial hot water systems (E) – efficient commercial heated water systems, including design options for gas, electric, solar and/or heat pump heated water systems.

> Suburban pump systems (E) – differentiate between pump systems suitable for suburban applications, plan the system pipework and size the pump.

> natural wastewater treatment (E) – the use of onsite natural wastewater treatment systems to improve environmental sustainability.

> irrigation systems (E) – the use of irrigation systems to improve environmental sustainability.

Plumbers who successfully complete one or more of these programs will receive a statement of Attainment. Plumbers who complete the five core (c) and two elective (e) programs will receive th course in green Plumbers environmental solutions, a nationally recognised qualification.

go green At night! From March, MPMSAA will offer Green Plumber training on Thursday evenings. For details check the training schedule or call 03 9356 8902.

course times and details can be found in the 2011 PicAc training calendar which can be viewed online at www.plumber.com.au

neW courSe in green PLuMberS environMentAL SoLutionSMPMSAA has been delivering environmental plumbing training throughout Australia under the 2159VIC Course in Green Plumbers Environmental Solutions for more than five years. This year we have launched the new 22079VIC Course in Green Plumbers Environmental Solutions.

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one is the use of inappropriate pipe insulation between the collector and storage tank, resulting in rapid deterioration of the insulation. recent research has shown that this can result in a significant loss of system performance – up to 23 per cent – via heat losses from the pipes. this means customers do not get the promised savings off their electricity or gas bills and the environmental benefits of the system are reduced.

hoW doeS heAt LoSS froM PiPeS occur?heat losses from the pipes occur from three parts of a solar water heating system. these losses occur between the collector and storage tank, between the storage tank and gas booster on solar pre-heat systems with instantaneous gas boosters, and finally, between the storage tank (or gas booster) and the points of use within the home. Figure 1 shows the typical components of a split system. Boosting is typically by an electric element in the storage tank or a gas instantaneous heater after the tank.heat losses from pipes increase as the temperature difference between the pipe and the surrounding atmosphere increases, and as the wind blows over the pipes.

As collector efficiency has increased, so have the delivered water temperatures. in warm climates like Brisbane, solar collectors can operate for longer periods at high temperatures. even in mild climates, heat losses from pipes can be very significant as the pipe temperature can be much greater than the surrounding air temperature and pipe that runs from collectors to storage tank can be quite long. to ensure good solar system performance, we need to install and maintain appropriate pipe insulation over the system life, according to As3500 and state Plumbing codes. however, maintaining insulation integrity over the system life is often overlooked.

WhAt AffectS inSuLAtion Life?solar collectors on split systems can reach very high temperatures; over 140oc for flat plate collectors and up to 220oc for evacuated tube collectors. if the pipe insulation is not rated to handle these temperatures, then the insulation may deteriorate rapidly, in some cases melting and sagging away from the pipes (see figure 2 – melted pipe insulation.) in addition, insulation must be protected from the sun’s uV radiation – most insulation that i have seen on split systems gives up the ghost either due to melting or uV radiation or both, in the first couple of years (see figure 3 – uV damage).

pipinghotSplit solar systems are becoming increasingly popular. In Queensland alone, the Office of Clean Energy estimates that about 60 per cent of new systems replacing existing electric hot water heaters are now split systems. However, a range of installation problems with these systems are emerging.

Collector

Flat plateAperture: 4m2

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FigurE 2 mElTED PiPE inSulATiOn

FigurE 1

FigurE 3 uV DAmAgED PiPE inSulATiOn



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Vivax VCam Digital 60m 41mm Camera Pipeline Camera Inspection SystemThe Vivax vCam 60m comes with keyboard allowing titling of up to 16 pages of text along with audio commentary. Upload to a PC via USB and make copies for your client or capture images for reports. • MPEG4 recording (up to 40hrs) and playback• Transmitting Sonde - 512Hz/640Hz for cast iron pipe & 33kHz for deeper detection

Vivax VLOCPRO Pipe and Cable Location SystemThe Vivax VLOCPRO is a highly accurate system designed to eliminate issues and correct shortcomings known in other equipment of its kind. Configured with 6 location frequencies.• Works well in congested and noisy areas • Features a light carbon fibre antenna

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hoW SignificAnt Are PiPe energy LoSSeS betWeen coLLector And StorAge tAnk?A recent research project, on behalf of Armacell Australia, and undertaken by myself (trevor Berrill) and my colleagues dr Peter Jolly and Prof graham Morrison at unsW, set out to answer this question. We computer modelled the performance of common size, split systems in Australia and new zealand to quantify the energy and cost savings by using appropriate pipe insulation between the collector and storage tank. We considered high performance flat plate and evacuated tube collectors, as well as differing pipe insulation thickness (worst case no insulation) and pipe run lengths up to 20 metres each way. solar system performance is measured as the proportion of the home’s hot water energy demand that is provided by the solar collectors. this is called the solar fraction or solar contribution. it is typically stated in advertisements as a percentage of financial savings such as “up to 85 percent savings”. this is a rough approximation to energy savings. system performance is also measured by the number of renewable energy certificates (recs) issued for each solar system registered with the office of the renewable energy regulator (orer).

the results of our research showed that:> Appropriate pipe insulation reduced

pipe energy losses by up to 70% for 20 metre (each way) pipe runs.

> energy savings from pipe insulation are very significant, even in warm climates such as Brisbane. Across all climate zones, energy savings ranged from about 2 to 23 percent of the annual load.

> For electricity at 19c/kWh and gas at 2 c/MJ, cost savings of between $27 and $100 per year are achieved across the climate zones. Both energy and cost savings would increase with increased system size, pipe run length, solar contribution and water temperatures.

> the pipe insulation substantially improves the solar fraction and the number of recs issued. solar contribution increased by up to 23 per cent points and recs by over 7 in some cases.

the study highlighted the importance of appropriate pipe insulation on split solar system performance and the need to install and maintain the integrity of pipe insulation over the system life. references: Berrill, t.d., Jolly, P.g and Morrison, g.l. (2010). energy and cost savings from Pipe insulation on domestic, Pumped storage (split), solar Water heating systems in Australia and new zealand. Paper no. 132, Australian solar energy society Annual conference, “solar 2010”, canberra.

about trevor…trevor Berrill is an award winning, private consultant in sustainable energy. he has worked in both renewable energy and energy efficiency for over 30 years, in system design and installation, research and development, technical training, public education and policy. he was formerly branch president of the Australian solar energy society and is a founding member in Queensland of the Alternative technology Association and Wind energy Association. recent clients include Armacell Australia, ergon energy, Queensland government, and clean energy council. trevor is trained in mechanical engineering and energy auditing at Qut and has a Masters of environmental education degree from griffith university.contact [email protected] or 07 3207 5077

www.armacell.com.au

raloSouD

Are you using the right insulation?Many people mistakenly believe that all standard foam insulation is suitable for

the flow and return lines of solar water heaters. Standard insulation materials are usually not designed for this application.

The pipe insulation of solar water heaters can be exposed to temperatures well over 100°C. This occurs from conditions of stagnation. As a result, Armacell has

designed its Armaflex DuoSolar insulation for temperatures up to 150°C.

Solar water heaters often have insulation on the rooftop that is exposed to UV-light and weathering. Armaflex DuoSolar has a factory-applied coating that is designed and tested for long-term UV resistance. This covering also protects the insulation

from damage that may occur during installation.

INSULATION FOR

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located on the corner of Queensberry and Bouverie streets in carlton, Melbourne, the grocon Pixel building is the first carbon neutral office building in Australia. it has achieved the highest green star score ever awarded by the green Building council of Australia (gBcA).“We believe Pixel will lead the way in terms of carbon neutrality and sustainability for years to come,” said Mr grollo, grocon ceo.the Pixel building achieved a perfect score of 100 points under the green star rating system for building design – 75 points is the benchmark for 6 star green star buildings.

it gained an extra five points for innovation for carbon neutrality, a vacuum toilet system, its anaerobic digestion system and reduced car parking. the water initiatives of this project mean that the building could be self-sufficient for water, making Pixel water balanced as well as carbon neutral.Pixel also outshone the competition at the 2010 Banksia awards, taking out the ‘Built environment – harmonious man-made landscapes’ category. it was also a runner up in the ‘Water – our most precious resource’ category.

pixel perfect

The Grocon Pixel building may be the office of the future

Features of the Pixel building include:> 100% fresh air – all of the air

distributed and used in the Pixel building is fresh air

> Gas-fired absorption chiller – originating in Europe, where it is widely used, the gas-fired absorption chiller is unprecedented in Australia. It uses ammonia as the refrigerant source and gas as the energy source. This means carbon emissions from the energy are dramatically lowered when compared with electrically powered chiller systems.

> Anaerobic digestion system – the system extracts methane from waste which is then used as an energy source for hot water in the building.

> Wind turbines – the wind turbines on Pixel’s roof outperform all other 1kW turbines now in production worldwide.

> Green roof – Pixel’s roof features photovoltaic panels designed to capture power and a reed bed system to capture and use rainwater.

> Pixelcrete environmental concrete – Grocon has developed a new structural concrete design which has the ability to halve the embodied carbon within the concrete mix. That mix design achieves the same strength as traditional concrete and can be used the same way.

> Daylight glare control – Pixel is designed to provide 100% daylight penetration into the office space whilst allowing screen based technologies to be deployed without the need for blinds on windows.

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product news

rent the teSto ModeL 350xL PortAbLe fLue gAS AnALySer froM techrentALSthe testo 350Xl Flue gas Analyser allows you to check the efficiency of any combustion process. this hand-held instrument is equipped with gas sensors which measure o2, co, co2 (measured by ndir), no, no2 and so2 concentrations as well as draught, temperature, excess air, and gross/net efficiency values.this product features a data logger with memory for 250,000 readings, an in-built rechargeable battery, and has a rs232c interface with software included. All readings on the testo 350Xl are printed on an in-built printer, making it easier to read the data. the 350Xl is detachable and can operate at up to 50 meters away from the analysis box. it also has a fresh air valve for measurements, which can last up to several hours. the 350Xl has a Peltier gas preparation unit with a hose pump to condensate disposal and for regulation, and has an integrated gas conditioning system which achieves accurate measurements of noX or so2 while the analyser is protected from corrosive condensate from the Flue gas.

MiLWAukee getS on Site With Job Site SoLutionShow often do you really get the time to find out about new products in your industry? Maybe at the occasional trade show or when you are quickly dropping off a tool for repair at your local tool shop?Milwaukee understands that as a professional you rely on your tools to make money and can’t afford to be let down or to not be kept up to date with the latest industry trends. chances are that if you’re not using the latest construction tools and technologies, the bloke that you’re quoting against is. While we have always prided ourselves on delivering a great after sales service, we know that we can go even further by offering an equally exceptional pre-sales service. our Job site specialists provide a way for us to help you see what is available – helping to make your job easier, faster and better.this is why Milwaukee tools is has launched a new initiative in the Australian Power tool market with a dedicated Job site solutions team.Working with the Master Plumbers association, professional power tool retailers and tAFe colleges we aim to have the best industry knowledge available to help you make money in 2011.if you are interested to know more about how our Job site solutions team can work with you in 2011, then call 1300 361 505.

SMALL but Mighty: rheeM 12 continuouS fLoW gAS WAter heAter iS Perfect for SMALLer SPAceSWith all the performance and safety features of rheem’s continuous flow water heaters, the rheem 12 continuous Flow is designed with smaller spaces in mind. Whether for an apartment, mobile home or cabin – or a large home where an additional hot water source is needed – the rheem 12 continuous Flow gas water heater has the ‘oomph’ to deliver. its system is ideal for where there’s a lower hot water demand, or for larger homes with long pipe runs, where it can service an ensuite or self-contained unit within the home.Features of the rheem 12 continuous Flow include:> 5.9 star energy rating > electronic temperature control for

consistent hot water delivery> 10 year conditional warranty> 50° celsius and 60° celsius models



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10+ years experience delivering insurance to the plumbing industry – so, we know our stuff!

Arranged more than 1500 new policies for plumbers in the last 12 months – so, we must be doing something right!

Supported by the MPMSAA – so, we’re obviously good!

Ring Master Plumbers’ Insurance Brokers (Aust) today, for an obligation free quote on insurance for your business.

1300 300 511

Marsh Pty Ltd ABN 86 004 651 512 AFSL 238983 trading as Master Plumbers Insurance Brokers (Aust). ™ used under licence from The Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia (MPMSAA). MPSAA receive a financial benefit when a policy is arranged by Master Plumbers Insurance Brokers (Aust) enabling the association to continue to develop and provide further services to the plumbing industry. Marsh is not the insurer. For further information about Marsh, visit www.marsh.com.au. 08/0008.

Why would you go anywhere else?Why would you go anywhere else?Master Plumbers’ Insurance Brokers (Aust)

product news

neW froM AccutherMAccutherm is a specialist company providing high quality components and engineering services to the gas sector.

Accutherm has introduced several new products into their range including:

The new 608 Compact Digital manometer by TPi small and easy to use, the 608 is perfect for pressure testing appliance burners and ideal for measuring low pressure air and gasses. it features press button operation, built in

temperature compensation and comes with a three year warranty.

The new 315C user Calibrated Waterproof Digital Thermometer by TPiA compact electronic instrument that is excellent for calibration of thermostats, vents and compressor heads and perfect for food product handling, food safety and hVAc requirements. it’s simple to use, has a fast response time and features an easy to read lcd.

$50 cASh bAck With SAnifLo saniflo macerator pumping systems enable you to add facilities almost anywhere. saniflo Australia have released the first of a number of national promotions and from 1 February to 30 April 2011, saniflo is offering $50 cash back with the purchase of any sanipro or sanivite.the sanipro is a macerator unit that enables you to install a Wc, vanity basin and shower anywhere you choose, e.g. ensuite facilities, while the saniVite is a grey waste water unit that enables you to install a kitchen or laundry anywhere in the house.the $50 cash back promotion can be redeemed on each purchase and is supported by the following outlets: tradelink, Plumbers supplies co-op, swan, Plumbtec and Plumbing Plus.to explore the entire saniflo range, visit www.saniflo.com.au or see your nearest stockiest to collect your redemption flyer.

neW froM boSchthe new Bosch high efficiency gas storage unit will be released later this month (March). the new unit offers high quality, high efficiency gas storage, with 5 star energy efficiency and a 90 per cent thermal efficiency rating. Available in 130l or 160l storage capacity, it is designed for easy replacement with existing units.Key features of the unit include:> fast recovery rates of 190l within

the first hour> high quality and durable construction

with a genuine 10 year warranty> specially developed vitreous enamel

cylinder made for wide ranging water quality areas

> high density dual layer fibre-glass blanket to reduce heat losses

> easy temperature selection with a user-adjustable thermostat

> solar ready – the 160l unit features two additional connections for solar flow and return

For more information, call Bosch on 1300 307 037

for your chance to win theSe

accutherm productS,

See page nine of thiS

magazine

new!



WorLd PLuMbing dAy – tAking the MeSSAge to SchooLSthe WPc has produced a PowerPoint presentation on water, health and plumbing for use with school children under the age of ten. the presentation is to be used by industry volunteers in several countries including the united states, canada, india and the united Kingdom. executive Board member richard Prospal from cleveland, ohio, usA was the first to use the presentation when he spoke to some 300 children at a local school in late January; he reported a very positive response from the children. copies of the WPc school presentation are available on request from the WPc chairman, by emailing [email protected]

f R o M T H E w o R l D P l U M B I N G C o U N C I l

wpc news

the 9th world plumbing conference iS planned for 7-9 September 2011 in edinburgh, Scotland

PicAc And MPMSAA to feAture At WorLd PLuMbing conference

Earl Setches, Chairman of the Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre (PICAC) in Victoria, and Ken Gardner Deputy Chairman of PICAC and CEO of MPMSAA, will deliver a conference presentation at the World Plumbing Conference in September.

robert Burgon, WPc chairman and chairman of the conference organising committee said organisers were pleased to have received a good range of proposals from a number of countries.“in addition to proposed papers from Australia, we are also considering proposals from speakers based in the usA, denmark, south Africa and the uK,” said Mr Burgon. “We have been encouraged by a healthy flow of delegate registrations for the conference and look forward to what we believe will be an excellent and truly international event,” he added.Further announcements will be made on the conference website within a few weeks, for more information visit www.wpc2011.co.uk

Ian Kiernan AOClean Up Founder &

Brand Ambassador for Dux

We’ve turned up the heat and produced Australia’s best

See for Yourself:

Smaller Carbon Footprint Versus a standard electic water heater, you can reduce your home’s carbon emissions by 3.18 tonnes per year. It’s like taking a car off the road every year2.

Australian OwnedDux is part of Australia’s publicly listed GWA Group.

Most Awarded Airoheat has been awarded 6 major industry awards for its superior efficiency and impeccable environmental credentials, more than any other heat pump.

For a selection of hot water products with impeccable environmental credentials and to easily calculate any applicable State and Federal Government rebates, visit www.dux.com.au

1. Running cost savings based on replacing existing electric storage tank on continuous tariff only. Comparison to electric storage on off peak will result in lower savings. 2. Based on REC value of 30 in zone 3 (NSW). Airoheat can save 3.18 tonnes of CO2 over a ten year period. Calculation uses NSW CO2 coefficient of 1.06kg/kWh electricity - Department of Climate Change (2008).

2

Quick Installation Being a one piece compact heat pump, the installation is typically quick and simple.

3

4

No need for Backup Airoheat doesn’t have an energy wasting back-up element.

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Space SavingAiroheat has a small footprint, taking up little space.

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7

Reduced Energy CostsWith energy prices on the rise, replacing your old electric water heater with a Dux Airoheat could save you hundreds in runnings costs per year1.

1

5713 api magazine mar 11

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