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The Dwyer Series AT-ADPS ATEX/IECEx-approved differential pressure switch incorporates a flameproof aluminium enclosure that protects the device for use in hazardous areas commonly found in process or industrial applications. The ADPS differential pressure switch contained in Series AT-ADPS is designed for monitoring pressure, vacuum, and differential pressure. Due to the unit’s dual-scale adjustment knob, the […]
Polyurethane insulation can help to create more energy efficient buildings, says the Australian Modern Building Alliance (AMBA). AMBA is an interest group of companies established to represent the use of polymers in the Australian construction industry. The Alliance is encouraging the sector to consider polymer-based insulation in the design of new houses and buildings, in […]
The Victorian government is conducting a review of hotel ventilation and air conditioning systems amid an increase in COVID-19 cases linked to quarantine. The situation has raised further concerns about the suitability of hotels as quarantine facilities, and the role of airborne transmission in spreading the virus. The Australian hotel quarantine system has registered outbreaks […]
New training units have been drafted for the electrotechnology training package and are open for comment. The two new units cover variable refrigerant flow (VRF) AC systems, and emergency lighting and alarm systems/fire and smoke control systems. Both will be included as an elective in Certificate III in Air-conditioning and Refrigeration. The new unit of […]
The anywAiR technology ducted controller from Fujitsu General Australia lets users control their ducted air conditioner via a touch pad in the home or remotely through a smartphone or tablet. The Australian-designed smart control device is compatible with Fujitsu General’s residential and light commercial ducted systems. Available as an option when purchasing a Fujitsu General […]
The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) has highlighted the impact of the Montreal Protocol – and the work of refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) technicians in protecting the ozone layer and the environment. The Montreal Protocol is an international environmental agreement between 197 countries to phase out refrigerants and other substances that deplete the ozone layer. […]
Female leaders from Aurecon and the Australian Defence Force will share their success strategies in an event to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8. As in previous years, IWD 2021 will be marked by global events that bring attention to the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The occasion will also […]
The UK government has confirmed a ban on fossil fuel heating systems such as natural gas boilers from new homes by 2025. The ban follows a response to an initial consultation on the Future Homes Standard, which was proposed as a green standard for new build homes. The response sets out broad proposals for ensuring […]
Scientists at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and Tōhoku University in Japan have successfully increased the electrical power per footprint of thermomagnetic generators. Scientists have long been trying to find ways to harness waste heat. Recently, there was increased interest in finding new thermoelectric materials. Many technical processes unintentionally release unused heat into the environment, […]
A new report has revealed that women working in trades and semi-skilled roles in construction experience high rates of discrimination. The Victorian government commissioned the report from RMIT as part of its Women in Construction Strategy, which aims to increase participation of women in the construction industry. The study found that women perceive a lack of acceptance […]
The Energy Efficiency Council and Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC) are launching a research report to support an industry-led roadmap for healthy, comfortable buildings. Last year, the Energy Efficiency Council and ASBEC developed a research report to support an industry-led roadmap for quality control and safety in the installation of insulation in Australian buildings. […]
US engineering body ASHRAE has provided witness testimony in a congressional hearing on COVID-19 risks and response in transportation systems. Titled “Protecting Transportation Workers and Passengers from COVID: Gaps in Safety, Lessons Learned, and Next Steps,” the hearing examined COVID-19 safety gaps in the protection of US transportation workers and passengers. “Protecting the transportation workforce […]
Camfil Airepure has released the ProSafe range of filters, designed to comply with safety, traceability and control demands within the food processing and life science industries. The company says the filters are manufactured with materials that comply with European Food Contact Regulation (EC) No 1935:2004. Camfil’s ProSafe filter range is purportedly free of toxic chemicals […]
Testo has released a new crop of fully digital manifolds with protection class IP 54 and functions suitable for various measuring tasks. The new digital manifolds also come in multi-purpose kits. The Testo 550s and Testo 557s are smart digital manifolds with Bluetooth and 2-way or 4-way valve block. They feature a large graphic display, […]
The Federation of European Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Associations (REHVA) has launched an online course for the safe operation of buildings and HVAC systems during the COVID-19 pandemic. The online course takes around 8 hours to complete and covers key topics on how to resume activities, safely operate buildings, and use densely occupied indoor […]
Dutch scientist Paul J. Crutzen, who earned the Nobel Prize for chemistry for his work understanding the hole in the ozone layer, has died. Credited with coining the term “Anthropocene” to describe the geological era shaped by humankind and its impact on climate change, Crutzen died on January 28. He was 87. Crutzen was the […]
The Australia Building Codes Board (ABCB) is has released three discussion papers on responses to the Building Confidence Report (BCR), and is looking for input until February 28. The BCR was published in 2018 and identified significant problems with the compliance and enforcement systems for Australia’s building and construction industry. In response, the Building Ministers’ […]
An Australian design competition based around tackling major issues facing the construction sector has issued a new challenge this year: adapt and reconfigure empty buildings. Established in 2020, the Fleetwood Challenge Cup is an inter-university, cross-disciplinary team competition which aim is to uncover the next generation of built environment professionals. The competition is developed by […]
The Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE), in partnership with Orica, has developed a remote learning module that focuses on sustainable housing. The module was designed for the STELR (Science and Technology Education Leveraging Relevance) education program and teaches secondary school students to design a low-energy home. ATSE Chief Executive, Kylie Walker, says the sustainable housing education kit is […]
The International Council of Academies of Engineering and Technological Sciences (CAETS) has established two annual communications prizes to find compelling technological and engineering innovations. The Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE) is a founding member of CAETS, and is searching for technological scientists and engineers who are involved in ground-breaking work and are also […]