www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I July 2024 25
Feature
While there are different models available , the core design principles remain consistent across our product range ."
Cool Breeze evaporative coolers originate in Australia : " Our commitment to quality is evident in the high standards upheld by our Australian-manufactured units . While cheaper alternatives may exist , the longevity and performance of our products set them apart in the market ," says Karovsky .
Air-Dale Engineering has the technical resources – and the willingness - to collaborate closely with consulting engineers to ensure optimal system design and functionality . " While consulting engineers may spearhead design efforts , our expertise in evaporative cooling allows us to provide valuable insights and support throughout the process .”
DUCTING Fabric ducting is commonly used in pharmaceutical environments . Fabric ducting eliminates drafts and hot / cold zones by uniform air distribution and minimising temperature differences through the occupied area as low as 0.5 ° C .
Dave Mitchell , general manager Africa of Fabricair talks of an installation at pharmaceutical premises in a project covered in a previous RACA Journal issue . Working in pharmaceutical ( or food ) processing plants is often uncomfortable for workers because of the cold temperatures of anything from 16 ° C down to 8 ° C . The chill factor of air conditioning can take that to almost freezing point . This means workers can ’ t work long shifts and also get sick from regular exposure to different temperatures . Mitchell says that in one study at pork producer Danish Crown , for instance , sick time off was reduced by as much as 30 % just by using fabric ducting .
“ The VarioDuct system installed at Nkunzi Pharmaceuticals is the first installation of its type in South Africa . It ’ s relatively new on our list of products , having come onto the market about two years ago . It ’ s specifically designed to be versatile in summer and winter where we have the widely varying ambient temperatures creating a challenge of getting air to a comfortable level , particularly so in winter .
“ There is a servo motor on the duct which drives the diaphragm within the duct . In summer it will allow the hot air out of the top half of the duct and the cold air will naturally fall – which is what drives the air down to comfort-level . In winter , the top half of the duct is shut off with holes in the bottom half that opens the bottom holes , releasing the pressure so the airflow flows down , forcing past the cold air to the comfort level where the people are ,” explains Mitchell .
“ Every ducting system is specially designed and built for a project . In the case of Nkunzi , because it ’ s a pharmaceutical warehouse with the ducting high up , there were concerns about getting heating to the bottom in winter . That ’ s why our product was selected . With conventional ducting system at heights , the efficiency changes with the seasons and becomes less effective in winter . RACA
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An example of FabricAir ’ s ducting in a pharmaceutical warehouse .
“ Smaller facilities with limited budgets and simpler HVAC requirements may find manual monitoring a pragmatic approach .”
www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I July 2024 25