Features | HVAC-R

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Heating and Cooling

Service agreements reduce cost of ownership

22nd September 2023 The productive uptime of capital equipment is often compromised by heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) failure, with a primary casualty being the machine’s total cost of ownership (TCO), says local developer and manufacturer of custom designed HVAC systems Booyco Engineering.... →

Grundfos solutions for sustainable commercial buildings

22nd September 2023 In the intricate world of modern commercial buildings, efficiency reigns supreme. Engineers and operators continually grapple with challenges in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry, where every element must harmonise to create a comfortable and cost-effective... →

Phasing out of HCFCs in HVACR units continues

By: Lynne Davies 22nd September 2023 Amid the regulations on ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) adopted by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment on behalf of South Africa, there has been a resurgence in using alternative refrigerants, such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs),... →

Outsourced cooling can help market navigate challenges

By: Cameron Mackay 19th May 2023 Refrigeration services provider Energy Partners (EP) Refrigeration GM Dawie Kriel stresses that constraints in the local market offer the company opportunities to provide innovative refrigeration and cooling solutions to help local companies mitigate loadshedding and meet economic challenges. One... →

MITIGATING CAPITAL COSTS Cooling as a Service benefits companies that lack the capital, technical skills and required capacity to manage these application

Lack of regulations hampers transition

By: Cameron Mackay 19th May 2023 Industry body the South African Institute of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (SAIRAC) president Robert Fox stresses the need for government to implement regulations to compel local operators to transition to using newer and more environment-friendly refrigerants. Using more natural... →

Humidification solutions to make maintenance easier

By: Nadine Ramdass 23rd September 2022 Maintenance schedules depend on the type of humidifier and the humidifier application. Humidification and dehumidification equipment supplier Humidair owner Pieter Aldred notes that modern humidifiers are sophisticated and can assist end-users in identifying faults or servicing requirements.... →

Maintenance neglected amid economic constraints

By: Nadine Ramdass 23rd September 2022 Economic challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic have resulted in many companies’ “skimping” on air-conditioning maintenance, as it is viewed as an unnecessary additional expense, says cleaning chemicals developer and supplier O3 Chemicals. O3 Chemicals marketing manager Dave Papenfus... →

Electronic certificate of conformity now compulsory

By: Nadine Ramdass 23rd September 2022 The electronic format certificate of conformity (CoC) became available last month for refrigeration and air-conditioning systems practitioners. The Coc in paper format has previously been available and used within the industry. The CoC is issued to provide assurance that the installation is safe... →

New containerised bulk air cooling solution ideal for African mines

By: Cameron Mackay 20th May 2022 Cooling equipment supplier Industrial Water Cooling (IWC) added a containerised bulk air cooler (BAC) to its range of BACs last month. The coolers keep underground temperatures at an optimum level, ensuring increased productivity and a safer work environment. The company uses robust... →

Image of a containerised bulk air cooler

CONTAINERISED SOLUTIONS IWC aspires to provide end-to-end solutions for the mining market

Supplier provides innovative cleaning method

By: Cameron Mackay 20th May 2022 Cleaning chemicals supplier O3 Chemicals has developed two cleaning chemicals specifically for heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) equipment, the first of which is called Smart Air, and the second Smart Finish. The chemicals are designed to remove mould and bacteria... →

EFFECTIVE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Previously, facility management companies would have no way of measuring the work done by contractors to meet service level agreements

Association releases new training manual

By: Halima Frost 17th September 2021 Last month, South African Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association (Saracca) released its updated training manual, which will be implemented, from this month onwards, by heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC-R) training providers throughout South Africa.... →

Metal pipes of a correctly installed pipe system for the HVACR system

HOW TO... The association has released a new installation manual which will be used by training providers form this month

Refrigeration system to cut energy costs available

By: Halima Frost 17th September 2021 With South African retailers looking for ways of recovering from the latest lockdown, as well as the looting and vandalism, an opportunity to decrease costs on the system that comprises the bulk of their energy spend, which is refrigeration, has arisen. “All food retailers rely on refrigeration... →

A large solar installation on a clients roof installed by EP Refrigeration, which is grid-tied and decreases the clients reliance on grid power

LIGHT WORK Adding a solar installation to a company's refrigeration unit deceases the cost of running the unit off grid power alone

New units installed at zinc mine

By: Marleny Arnoldi 17th September 2021 Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) expert Booyco Engineering is installing the first of its “new generation” units at a South African zinc mine, later this month. →

COOL SPOT Booyco Engineering operates a world class HVAC assembly facility in Johannesburg

Booyco Engineering executives unpacks its extensive product design and testing process

Global citrus demand increases refrigeration demand

By: Halima Frost 17th September 2021 A global increase in demand for South African-grown citrus, as well as more export regulations, has resulted in a substantial increase in demand for refrigeration capacity, says local refrigeration manufacturer EP Refrigeration business development head Dawie Kriel. “We not only need to add... →

A roof top refrigeration system installed by EP Refrigeration at a produce packing house

FRUITFUL SERVICES An increased need for refrigerated storage and transport capacity in the citrus sector is being addressed by EP Refrigeration

Project aims to transform HVAC-R sector

By: Khutso Maphatsoe 12th February 2021 The Bavarian State Ministry of the Environment and Consumer Protection, together with the Bavarian Environment Agency, has entered into bilateral cooperation with the Western Cape government in what is known as the refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) partnership project. The project being... →

Specialist installs humidifier at tobacco plant

By: Khutso Maphatsoe 12th February 2021 Humidification specialist Humidair, in collaboration with air conditioning contractor Fifty-two Engineering, completed a humidification project for a tobacco company in Edenvale, Gauteng at the end of last year. The project entailed the installation of large JetSpray humidifier systems comprising... →

Planned maintenance essential during pandemic

By: Khutso Maphatsoe 12th February 2021 With ventilation and filtration having become paramount in the prevention of Covid-19 infections, preventive maintenance for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment has become “vital” in ensuring that machines work optimally, says air conditioning specialist Flat Foot... →

Wieland SA

30th September 2020 Wieland SA celebrates 45 years of supplying high-quality, semi-finished copper and copper alloy products to the local and export markets. Based in Edenvale, Johannesburg, Wieland SA specialises in producing high-performance low- and high-finned mono- and bi-metal tubes. →

Rising data-storage demand calls for cooling systems

By: Marleny Arnoldi 18th September 2020 There has been a surge in the construction of data centres in South Africa since 2017, and the centres need accurate and reliable cooling regimes to function efficiently, says pump manufacturer Grundfos. →

DRIVING OUT THE COLD A Grundfos TPE pump using the functionality from the onboard variable speed drive to provide pinpoint accuracy for a cooling application.

Company’s products ensure longevity

18th September 2020 Engineering components provider BMG’s portfolio of Fenner power transmission components includes a range of high-strength friction transmission belts that offer dependable performance in demanding heating, cooling and ventilation applications. →

ALWWAYS ON CALL BMG offers a technical advisory and 24-hour support service throughout Africa

Parallel compressor systems brought on by tech development

18th September 2020 In the past, individual or single compressor systems were used for most medium and low temperature applications. However, with continuous refrigeration technology development, multiple or parallel refrigeration systems were introduced into the industry. →

INSIDE OUT The multiple parallel compressor rack system may be designed for either indoor or outdoor use

Environmental concerns driving industry change

By: Mamaili Mamaila 18th September 2020 A disruptive change is currently underway in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC-R) refrigerant market, global safety science company UL states. →

GOING GREEN Driven by environmental concerns, global promoters are advocating the phase-out of traditional refrigerants in favour of new alternatives with a lower global warming potential

Engineering collaboration assists local development

18th September 2020 Mechanical engineering contractor Brimis Engineering is working together with air conditioning contractor Blue Hemisphere on the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) installation at the Middelburg Provincial Hospital. →

Heating solutions ensure energy efficiency

18th September 2020 Electrical and digital building infrastructure specialist Legrand South Africa’s smart Netatmo solutions, which are designed for convenience, safety and comfort at home, ensure energy efficiency and enhanced aesthetics. →

UNMATCHED CONSISTENCY Smart Netatmo thermostats ensure the home environment stays at the correct pre-set temperature – no matter what the outside weather conditions are

HVACR industry at a turning point

By: Mamaili Mamaila 18th September 2020 The heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) industry is at a turning point and it is up to all the innovators in the industry to take the lead and set a new standard for South Africa, multinational air-conditioning manufacturing company Daikin South Africa MD Koen Van... →

KOEN VAN WYNENDAELE Before the Covid-19 outbreak, the industry in general was under pressure owing to a sluggish economy with limited to no growth, a difficult political climate and a tough investment climate

Skills shortage plagues natural refrigerant sector

By: Darren Parker 14th February 2020 One of the most pertinent issues facing the local heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC-R) industry is the lack of specialised skills needed for the systematic adoption of natural refrigerants in place of traditional synthetic refrigerants. Heightened pressure on... →

SNEAKY LEAKS Refrigeration systems charged with odourless CO2 need to be monitored with sensors to ensure leaks do not compromise air quality in enclosed spaces

Renewed call to ban disposable cylinders

By: Darren Parker 14th February 2020 Despite various heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC-R) industry participants contesting the banning of disposable gas cylinders in South Africa for years, there is no indication of a decision on the matter being reached. South African Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning... →

TIME TO SCRAP THIS PRACTICE Disposed cylinders create about 3 150 m3 scrap metal and can explode if not thoroughly evacuated

Refrigerant recovery service set for expansion

By: Darren Parker 14th February 2020 Speciality chemicals supplier A-Gas South Africa is planning to expand its rapid recovery refrigerant service nationally this year. This follows the appointment of A-Gas business development manager Grant McGill in September last year. →

IT’S A GAS The Rapid Recovery service is up to ten times faster than traditional refrigerant recovery methods

Increase in vehicle sales driving HVAC demand

20th September 2019 Growing vehicles sales and inclination toward safety and luxury are the main factors which are driving the global automotive heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) market, according to a study released by global market intelligence and insights provider Fact.MR. The progression of the... →

MARKET DOMINANCE The Japanese automotive HVAC market has been estimated to dominate the market by value owing to the growing sales of vehicles

HVAC product manufacturing plant in Columbia expanded

20th September 2019 Indoor comfort solutions and services provider Trane marked a celebration last month to commend a significant expansion to its manufacturing facility in South Carolina, Columbia in the US, as well as highlight the company’s ongoing efforts in environmental, social and business sustainability. →

The Columbia facility expansion, in addition to additional workforce initiatives and community donations, are in line with the company’s 2030 sustainability commitments

HVAC-R system to be introduced to S Africa in Q1 2020

By: Cameron Mackay 20th September 2019 Diversified technology company Johnson Controls will introduce Verasys – the first plug-and-play control system that integrates heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC-R) equipment and controls – to the South African market in the first quarter of next year. Johnson... →

Institute establishes drive for CO2 as natural refrigerant

By: Cameron Mackay 20th September 2019 Local heating, refrigeration and air conditioning (HVAC) industry body the South African Institute of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (SAIRAC) has established a drive to introduce the option of using carbon dioxide (CO2) as a natural refrigerant, referred to as R744, through technical talks... →

Versatile drives ideal for HVAC industry

By: Cameron Mackay 20th September 2019 Many features of the variable-speed drive (VSD) solutions provided by drive technology provider SEW-Eurodrive can be applied to projects in the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) industries, says SEW-Eurodrive mechatronic sales engineer Paul Strzalkowski. He states that here VSDs... →

MIXING CONVEYORS The conveyor system consists of a central conveyor that is fed by eight smaller conveyors, each of which contain various frozen-food products to be mixed

AHR Expo showcases excitement at HVAC global market expansion

22nd February 2019 The latest advancements in technology and product advancement in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) industry were on display during the three-day 2019 AHR Expo that took place last month from 14 to 16 January in Atlanta in the US. For the first time since 2001, 1 824 companies... →

ENERGY FOR FUTURE OF HVAC The HVACR industry is in a exciting position at the moment and that energy was evident on the Show Floor this year

Johnson Controls pleased with market response to YZ chiller

By: Cameron Mackay 22nd February 2019 Multinational diversified technology and industrial leader Johnson Controls is pleased with the positive market response to its new YORK YZ magnetic bearing centrifugal chiller, after its global release last September. With energy efficiency and a low global-warming potential refrigerant,... →

ENERGY EFFICIENCY INNOVATION The YZ Chiller’s superior energy efficiency and low carbon footprint has meant it has really taken this industry by storm

BBE Group air-cooling consulting crucial to African mining prospects

By: Cameron Mackay 22nd February 2019 Consulting and engineering services business Bluhm Burton Engineering (BBE) Group’s air-cooling consulting and services are crucial to its involvement in several mining projects, with construction and delivery of design and build turnkey cooling solutions to mines across the African continent.... →

TRANSCONTINENTAL AFRICA FOCUS We’re not considering entering the HVAC industry locally we are staying in our market - where people fear to tread

Unregistered HVAC practitioners still a threat to industry – Saracca

By: Cameron Mackay 22nd February 2019 Despite improvement in the number of people who are obtaining training and qualifications to become registered refrigeration gas practitioners, the number of air conditioner installers without an authorised refrigeration gas practitioner registration licence, or with a fraudulent certification,... →

VITAL QUALIFICATIONS

There are many employment opportunities for those trained and certified practitioners who are compliant

Photo by Hot Mustard
VITAL QUALIFICATIONS There are many employment opportunities for those trained and certified practitioners who are compliant

Increased investment in refrigeration model planned

By: Paige Müller 21st September 2018 Core energy utilities provider Energy Partners Refrigeration plans to invest a further R30-million this year still in its increasingly popular refrigeration outsourcing model. Energy Partners Refrigeration CEO Dawie Kriel tells Engineering News that the company’s two-year-old refrigeration... →

DAWIE KRIEL Businesses are operating refrigeration systems that are performing poorly and are expensive to maintain

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