In the interest of fire safety innovation, Elta emerges with a new pioneering solution for smoke fans with its certified prefabricated smoke range. This comes as an add on solution to Elta’s fans for both general and emergency situations.

Engineered to streamline installation processes, these prefabricated units mark a significant shift in the industry’s approach to designing and implementing smoke ventilation systems. We aim to redefine standards by simplifying complexity and reducing project timelines with prefabricated solutions, to ultimately ensure on-site safety and compliance.

Elta offers a range of car park fans that operate on well-proven tunnel ventilation principles, producing a high velocity jet that, as it diffuses, imparts thrust to the surrounding air through mixing and entrainment. The range includes both induction and impulse ventilation models, specifically designed to serve as both general ventilation systems and for one-time emergency extraction of smoke during fire incidents, and are able to operate at temperatures up to 400°C. The product design eliminates the requirement for ducted systems, making efficient use of the limited space of enclosed car parks, in addition to reducing power consumption and associated running costs.

Recognising the critical nature of rapid smoke extraction in fire incidents, our emergency smoke extract fans are specifically engineered for high performance, and high temperatures. These fans are designed to efficiently remove smoke from affected areas, contributing to a safer environment for building occupants and emergency responders. We can offer F200, F300 and F400 models with a range of motor mounting arrangements, as well as both 50hz and 60hz versions available across the different models.

Complementing the comprehensive range of smoke ventilation solutions, we also offer advanced bespoke control systems designed to provide real-time monitoring and response capabilities. Seamlessly integrated within smoke ventilation systems, these intelligent controls provide building managers with precise and automated smoke extraction management. From emergency scenarios to routine maintenance,  control systems play a pivotal role in enhancing overall system reliability and effectiveness.

The fundamentals of the Elta product range are quality, performance and integrity. Our quality procedures comply with the requirements of ISO 9001, and all smoke fans are certified to EN 12101-3. We also have our own dedicated test laboratory facilities which are AMCA accredited, with products sound tested to BS EN ISO 5136:2009 and BS ISO 13347-2:2004, and air performance tested to BS EN ISO5801:2007.

Elta’s commitment to fire safety goes beyond complying with industry standards. We adopt an innovative approach, ensuring our solutions not only meet regulations, but also exceed expectations. Through ongoing research and development, Elta continually pushes the boundaries of what’s achievable in smoke ventilation, establishing new standards for safety in the process.

“You cannot effectively solve what you cannot measure.”

It goes without saying, you cannot effectively solve something without effectively measuring it first. With this in mind, as more pressure is placed on ensuring healthier indoor air quality, we’re recommending businesses implement the RESET program as a useful tool to follow for creating healthier and more sustainable environments.

What is RESET?

RESET is the world’s first sensor-based certification program that is performance driven. Established as an accredited standard for air quality monitoring, it places emphasis on continuous results and long-term occupant health. This data will be key to building awareness around the problems we face and will go a long way in supporting us in achieving the ultimate goal of clean air.

Lights, camera, ACTION

In-line with our own ethos at Elta, we understood that monitoring pollutants was essential for achieving good IAQ and elevate the need for more rigorous ventilation strategies. We therefore, made it our mission to become one of the UK’s first companies to hold the RESET certification.

Along with monitoring other parameters, for the purpose of the RESET Air certification, our Midlands head office was audited against CO₂ (carbon dioxide), PM₂.₅ (particulate matter up to 2.5 micron) and TVOCs (total volatile organic compounds). This process is carried out predominantly online and consists of a sensor deployment plan submission, a preliminary audit and a three-month long continuous data collection/audit with monthly reports to gain pass status. Once achieved, the certification is then valid for 12 months.

Results so far

By achieving the new accreditation, not only has our office already seen a 33% decrease in peak CO₂ levels, but we have also successfully achieved a pass status on all data to become RESET certified.

We will continue to push for increased awareness around the importance of good IAQ and its link to occupant health as there is still a long way to go. However, achieving the RESET certification is a big step in the right direction and we hope others are inspired to take the same route of change.

For more information on how to improve, monitor, and provide evidence of enhanced IAQ, please visit: https://eltauk.com/

In late 2019, adidas LDN flagship outlet in London opened its doors as the brand’s most technologically-advanced store worldwide. As a result, it required a ventilation system that would deliver a mammoth fresh air supply across the four-storey, 27,000 sq ft site.

What does the store feature?

Being one of the biggest and most well-known sports brands in the world meant that adidas wanted to create a shopping experience like no other. The store features some of the most digitally-savvy and ahead of the game innovations in retail, such as:

• Interactive mirrors in changing rooms that allow shoppers to order different sizes direct from the stockroom
• A ‘Bring It To Me’ feature using in-store geolocation tracking to allow customers to shop without queueing
• Over 100 digital touch points that are all powered by green energy
• A MakerLab where clothes can be customised with personalised designs.

What was needed?

While we knew incorporating these interactive elements would help to revolutionise the high street, it did mean we required a solution that was capable of managing the increased energy usage and additional heat loads.

The pressure was on us therefore, to deliver the size and volume of air necessary to keep the building and shoppers cool. We needed a ventilation system that would be able to meet a consistently high demand at all times. What’s more, we were set the task of working within a limited timeframe, gain the relevant planning permission and eliminate as many risks as possible to nearby occupants and shoppers within budget – and not to mention navigate a busy Oxford Street location! 

How could Elta deliver?

After an initial interview and factory review, I was confident that Elta was the right brand for the job. Not only did the company offer the enhanced technical support and understanding of the project that we needed, but also met the tight delivery date with its bespoke Air Design unit, the fully-configured PURA+ Air Handling Unit (AHU). The custom-made unit promised to effectively ventilate across all four floors, and crucially, could be mounted on the roof to maximise space on site.

In order to minimise road closure time and ultimately disruption, the Elta Air Design division was helpful enough to manufacture the unit offsite, so that it could be lifted into place by crane. This also improved ease of installation, as it was delivered in two parts and could be easily bolted together once in place.

What was the end result?

Now installed and operational, the AHU delivers a consistent fresh air supply into the building by removing polluted air and replacing it with clean air, at the most efficient temperature.

Through the Building Management System (BMS), the store manager is able to ensure the ventilation system is working effectively. The controls on the unit essentially determine how it runs, whether that’s scheduling airflow, linking to the BMS, permitting fault signals and alarms, or communicating that filters need changing. Ultimately, this allows the store manager to balance that all-important indoor air quality (IAQ) with energy efficiency, and also effectively manage operating costs.

We always knew this project was going to be a big ask and finding such a bespoke solution in short amount of time was no easy feat. However, we were very pleased with how well PCB Technical Services and Elta worked together. It just goes to highlight the importance of choosing a brand that offers thorough knowledge and support in all aspects of the job.

For more information on Air Design AHUs by Elta, click here

Here are three reasons why Mechanical Ventilation with Heating and *Coolth Recovery can provide a complete solution all year round.

• Effective ventilation, whatever the weather

Mechanical Ventilation with Heating Recovery (MVHR) is a well-known option that works best in the colder months when the outside temperature is low with incoming air passed over a heat exchanger. However, there are growing concerns surrounding this type of ventilation system as it can have an adverse effect and raise the internal temperature during summer when the air entering the home is warmer.

MVHCR units essentially act in reverse to MVHR systems as outgoing cooler air is passed over the heat exchanger instead, ensuring the building temperature remains comfortable from January, right through to December.

• Working collaboratively to maximise energy efficiency

Increasing global temperatures have resulted in more people becoming reliant upon air conditioning units to keep cool, particularly during the hot summer months. MVHCR units perfectly complement air conditioning units as they prevent cool air escaping, transferring it to the warm incoming air.

This provides an energy-efficient solution as air conditioning units don’t have to work as hard to cool the room temperature – great news for the environment considering they use a significant proportion of the UK’s energy consumption.

• A rounded ventilation solution

Although advancements in building technology have made houses capable of retaining warmth better than ever before, this also makes them more prone to overheating. These innovative structures are great for energy efficiency and keeping down heating bills, but not so great for distributing cooler air into buildings.

MVHCR provides a solution that is both energy efficient and effective in cooling the building, helping to achieve the ideal internal temperature.

*coolth includes the transfer of hot and cold air

Elta’s Design PREMA range boasts the smallest and lightest energy recovery ventilation units on the market, which also offer peaceful performance for a comfortable indoor environment. The units work by maintaining good indoor air quality and comfortable temperature levels by efficiently transferring thermal energy from the stale air to the incoming fresh air.

The units are available in four sizes to provide an airflow ranging from 0.006 to 0.936m³/s, and are suitable for a wide range of markets and applications, from schools and offices, to restaurants, hotels, and leisure centres.

Enhanced Filtration

The established product range now boasts improved indoor air quality by including a fine particulate filter on intake as standard. ISO ePM₁ 55% (F7) supply fine particulate filters are fitted in the units to remove pollutants and provide pure, clean, fresh air that encourages concentration and productivity.

Heat/Coolth* Recovery

In ‘heat recovery’ mode, the unit utilises the heat in the extracted air to warm the incoming air to increase the incoming external supply air to the desired temperature for the space or room. In ‘coolth recovery’ mode, the unit utilises the coolth in the extracted air to reduce the incoming air temperature via the heat/coolth exchanger block when desirable.

Dual Condensate Tray

A crucial addition to the new product range is the dual condensate tray meaning condensate can be dealt with on both sides of the high efficiency heat/coolth exchanger block via two separate drain points. This twin condensate drainage arrangement prevents unit internal air leakage and the possible undesirable accumulation of condensate on the fan chamber which could lead to poor quality air entering the occupied space.

Controls Capability

The PREMA and PREMA+ units can be easily paired with the innovative Kinairtico0 and Kinairtico Mini indoor air quality and energy recovery management devices. Offering easy and adjustable installation, set-up and BMS monitoring, along with superior controllability of the ventilation system, customers can select the best control option for the applicated via a tiered structure.

Thermal Treatment

The PREMA unit range now includes the PREMA+ that comes with new product features focused on comfort, ventilation and automation. The key addition to the PREMA+ energy recovery unit is its thermal treatment capabilities, allowing it to top-up the heating demand of the ventilation system in colder winter months to bring temperature to a comfortable level for occupants. The thermal treatment components available with the PREMA+ units are an electric heater of hot water coil.

Ana Cross, Associate Product Manager Air Handling Systems (UK) at Elta Group explains: “PREMA is a popular product range for us but in light of changes to air quality standards and strict building regulations, we wanted to improve our offering to be compliant while providing end-users with more benefits in terms of efficiency and control. Our proudest additions to the range are the improved automation packages for both PREMA and PREMA+ which allow clean and comfortable ventilation to be delivered efficiently, whenever it is required.”

For more information on Air Design, visit: www.air-design.com

*Coolth includes transfer of hot and cold air

When specifying an AHU, the first consideration that needs to be made is whether the project needs you to take the bespoke design route, or opt for a more standard offering. While a bespoke AHU is capable of delivering results tailored to site-specific circumstances, standard units can offer a number of benefits. Here are just a few:

1. A Swift Solution
Due to having a fixed set of features, standard AHUs can be produced for significantly shorter lead times for customers. The length of a project, from design to completion, will determine whether a standard product initially specified is still suitable and compliant, or if it needs changing to another size or to a completely bespoke solution. For a quick turnaround of your mechanical AHU project with general comfort ventilation requirements, the standard PURA units are a perfect fit.

2. Spec, Build, Repeat
Opting for a standard solution essentially means that one product ordered today will be the same as one ordered tomorrow. The combination of features, performance and footprint are fixed for each size of the product range, which makes them ideally suited for projects which require equipment of the same specification, such as schools or office blocks. Nevertheless, ‘standard’ doesn’t equate to average, as the PURA units are built to high standards of quality and airtightness, fitted with the latest technology that promotes good IAQ and maximises energy efficiency.

3. Simple Specification
With a standard solution, you are presented with a set of features which meet with general requirements for mechanical ventilation, well ahead of a project taking place. Performance, footprint and pricing information can be easily obtained from a manufacturer’s product brochure ahead of specification, and standard products such as the PURA range are supported by BIM models, making the specification process even simpler.

4. Stay in Control

What’s great is that the use of advanced controls has been streamlined for the PURA units without compromising on its future operation and capabilities. The Kinairtico Controller in Air Design’s PURA range is an IAQ and energy recovery management device, offering various modes of operation according to pre-set parameters. These can be set and re-set for standalone, scheduled operation, or fully interfaced with a building’s Building Management System (BMS). Its sensors are able to detect alterations in occupancy levels, and adjust the ventilation of the occupied space accordingly. Its intuitive design, including a built-in screen, ensures it is easy to operate.

Whether a bespoke or a standard offering is more suitable depends on the project itself, and it’s important to be aware that what may start as a standard solution may become bespoke should circumstances dictate it. To discuss which solution is appropriate for you, please visit:
https://air-design.com/product/pura/

The two Elta Group companies collaborated on the NHS project in order to meet the unit’s requirements as closely as possible and secured the order on the basis of price and service. The dental clinic is due to open later this year and should cater for around 6,000 patients. The new facility, built at a cost of around £1.3 million, will house dentists and hygienists whose turnover will mostly be generated by the provision of NHS services. The scheme was part of a £5.6 million injection to improve NHS provision in Thurso, Dingwall, Oban and Campbeltown.

Fastlane Ventilation supplied one Double Deck and one Side-By-Side ‘Nevada’ heat recovery unit. Elta supplied two ‘Quietflow’ single fans with silencers.

Suitable for internal or external mounting, the Nevada range of direct drive heat recovery units provides a solution for applications, which require a small unit for low air volumes. It boasts a comprehensive range of accessories including matching silencers and summer bypass dampers suitable for motorised operation. The Side by Side and Double Deck arrangements are the two standard versions and both incorporate forward curved single or double inlet centrifugal fans, plate-toplate recuperator, electric or hot-water, heating coils and pleated panel filters within both air streams. The unit has a rigid aluminium framework, with purpose built corners for added strength.

For ease of installation and maintenance, each unit comprises slide rails and entry points on either the top, bottom or side, offering easy access to components with minimal effort and providing hanging, stacking or joining configurations. Units are acoustically and thermally lined with additional acoustic treatment available on request.

A range of compact, single in-line fans for internal mounting, Elta’s Quietflow SQS is also acoustically treated. The units are again designed to overcome space restrictions in buildings with low ceiling voids, whilst also providing exceptional sound characteristics when fans are close to occupants. They are manufactured in galvanized steel with a natural finish.

The units were provided through Elta’s distributor Keets, the ventilation, cooling and bathroom suppliers from Glasgow and were installed by Korrie Mechanical & Plumbing Limited of Inverness.

Elta is part of the £85 million Elta Group, a family of businesses with operations in six countries on four continents which, together with a network of international distributors, provides quality fans and related air movement equipment to customers worldwide.