Heat Exchanger World November 2022 | Page 16

Industry News
RETECH honored for leadership and innovation
Expediting growth for air-to-water heat pump business in Europe
In two recent awards from industry media , RETECH was acknowledged as ‘ the most innovative metallurgical equipment specialist ’ and its managing director as one of the ‘ top 20 most dynamic business leaders of 2022 .’ Retech , a SECO / WARWICK Group company , was acknowledged by Acquisition International Magazine as ‘ the most innovative metallurgical equipment specialist in 2022 for the USA .’ In the June 2022 issue of AI , the article “ The Best Innovations for the Best Metalwork ” cites RETECH as a global leader in metallurgical processing equipment supplier that has been focused on the creation of innovative products that provide customers with the safest , most dependable , and most environmentally responsible metallurgical solutions on the market . At its core , SECO / WARWICK creates and develops technologies that advance heat treatment and vacuum metallurgy . However , the company ’ s innovations are not limited to producing modern furnaces or technologically advanced assembly lines . Innovation ( from Latin innovatio , i . e ., renewal ) is a sequence of activities leading to the creation of new or enhanced products , technological processes , and organisational systems . Innovation is everywhere . Innovation should be visible in our thinking and taking actions anywhere in the world and in every position .
LU-VE Group : First exchanger in the former ACC Wanbao plant
Panasonic Corporation has announced that its heating & ventilation A / C company is expediting its growth strategy for its air-to-water ( A2W ) Aquarea heat pumps business in Europe . The company plans to release three new environmentally conscious models for homes ( with different heating capacities ) using natural refrigerants in Europe by May 2023 , a first for a Japanese manufacturer , and to more than double the lineup by the fiscal year ending in March 2026 . To meet active demand , Panasonic is investing approximately YEN 50bn by 31 March 2026 to enhance production capacity at its factories in the Czech Republic and Malaysia , to boost technology development capabilities at its new R & D Centre , and to expand its cloud-based maintenance solutions business and marketing . Aquarea A2W is a heating system that captures energy from the air to create hot water for use in homes . Demand in Europe is growing owing to the lower environmental impact of this technology thanks to lower
CO 2 emissions compared to fossil fuel heating systems . Panasonic began sales of its A2W Aquarea heat pumps , in Europe in 2008 developing this energy-saving technology and refining it with its Eco Cute2 and air conditioners . Key features include its heating function which remains unchanged even in cold regions and at the same time can be used for cooling in warmer areas . Remote monitoring services are provided via the cloud .
Glacier Energy ’ s Inspection Services division achieves IRATA membership
Production of LU-VE Group heat exchangers has started in the Mel plant ( Belluno ) which was acquired on July 29 from Wanbao ACC , the Italian branch of the Chinese multinational . Three production lines have recently been installed there and are currently operational . Others will be added in the coming months . The aim is to expand the production of static
heat exchangers for refrigerated counters , air conditioning , chillers , and heat pumps , which are already manufactured by LU-VE Group in the Limana ( Belluno ) factory . In addition to the conversion of the industrial activity , LU-VE Group has undertaken the training of former Wanbao ACC personnel , guaranteeing employment and stability for workers in the area .
Glacier Energy ’ s Inspection Services division has achieved IRATA Membership . IRATA , the leading professional Rope Access authority ’ s membership is a fantastic addition to the existing achievements of the Inspection Services division . Previous achievements include the recent Safe Contractor accreditation , being an ISO17020 accredited Type C UKAS Inspection body , and being ISO9001 , 14001 , and 45001 certified . To achieve the IRATA membership , the team worked hard to ensure all requirements were met . The team went through an extensive auditing process to ensure all management system procedures were compliant along with confirming the new Rope Access procedure and risk register met IRATA ’ s requirements . It is a requirement of IRATA members to follow approved procedures
, which will be continually assessed through audit , review , and control both internally and externally . This will contribute towards ensuring the quality and safety of the work being carried out is sustained . The achievement of the membership further assures clients of a safe working environment for all NDT requirements via Rope Access . The membership builds on the rigorous safety regulations that Glacier Energy already has in place including UKAS appointed chartered professionals such as PCN Level 3 supervisors and technical authorities .
16 Heat Exchanger World November 2022