Mark Vender
Articles by Mark Vender | Page 41
IBM pushes limits of low-temperature refrigeration
As part of its ongoing work in quantum computing, IBM has built the world’s largest dilution refrigerator. Dubbed Project Goldeneye, the super-fridge contains 1.7m3 of experimental volume and uses two helium isotopes to run at -273.15°C – about a hundredth of a degree above absolute zero. Quantum computing is an emerging technology that harnesses the […]
Testo launches 316 series of leak detectors
Testo has launched the 316 series of leak detectors, which the firm says incorporates “an absolute world first”. Key to this claim is the two-in-one sensor in the Testo 316-EX-2, for combined gas and refrigerant detection. “Additional time savings are provided by the sensor’s self-test and automatic zeroing,” says Testo, “as well as the PPM […]
NSW heeds calls to defer licence deadline
After an intense series of meetings with stakeholders from the HVAC&R industry, the NSW government is set to push the implementation of the new mechanical services licence back from October 1, 2022, to March 1, 2023. The exception to this will be the medical gas licence, which will go ahead as planned at the end […]
Beijer Ref continues Australian expansion
Beijer Ref has signed an agreement to acquire 51 per cent of the shares in the Australian wholesaler AAD (Australian Airconditioning Distributors) and Australian HVAC&R solution and service provider HVAC Consolidated, with the option to acquire the remaining shares. According to Beijer Ref, during the 2021/22 financial year, AAD and HVAC Consolidated had a combined […]
Celebrating milestones on World Ozone Day
World Ozone Day is being celebrated on September 16 with the theme “global cooperation protecting life on Earth”, in recognition of the 35th anniversary of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. On September 16, 1987, governments adopted the Montreal Protocol to control and reduce ozone-depleting substances, mainly chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons. […]
Standards Australia to run webinar on digital twins
Standards Australia is inviting government and industry stakeholders to join a digital twin informational webinar on Monday, September 19. A digital twin is a virtual representation of an object or system that spans its life-cycle, is updated from real-time data, and uses simulation, machine learning and reasoning to help decision making. Standards Australia says it […]
Deadline looms for new mechanical services licence
The New South Wales government is pressing ahead with plans to begin a new licensing class for mechanical services and medical gases on October 1. Given the tight timelines, and the concerns raised by HVAC&R stakeholders, NSW Fair Trading is working intensely with industry groups to better define the scope of the new licence – […]
Air monitoring project expanding to 100 schools
After a successful pilot, an air quality monitoring project developed by UNSW researchers is expanding to 100 schools to gather more information on the environments where Australian children learn and play. UNSW Associate Professor Donna Green says it is fantastic to be able to extend the program more widely to schools throughout NSW, and in […]
Flying the flag for mental health in construction
More than 800 construction, energy, and mining sites across Australia came together on September 8 to mark the annual MATES in Construction “Fly The Flag Day”. Held in conjunction with R U OK? Day, the event is geared towards improving mental health and preventing suicide specifically among construction workers. In Australia, male construction workers have […]
Status update on low-GWP refrigerants
The International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) has published a new informatory note outlining the requirements and options available for low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants. The refrigerants were selected according to performance, material compatibility, safety (flammability, toxicity), environmental protection and their cost. The note presents performance simulation results obtained using an advanced simulation model with […]
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