22
Feature
JOIN THE FRIGAIR 2025 EXPERIENCE – REGISTER TODAY!
As the buzz grows and exhibition stands are quickly filling, there’ s no better time to get involved!
22
Be part of one of SAIRAC’ s flagship events— the FRIGAIR expo, Africa’ s largest dedicated HERVAC trade exhibition, happening from 4-6 June 2025 at the Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand.
Since its inception in 1980, FRIGAIR has been the go-to platform for industry professionals to connect, learn and grow. This year promises even more energy, innovation and expansion for the HERVAC sector. Join us to discover supplier stands featuring the latest products and seize these valuable opportunities:
• SAIRAC workshops( free)
• SAIRAC training seminars( free)
• A first-ever FRIGAIR Skills Development Hub where skilled artisans can test and hone their skills
Stay tuned for more details on SAIRAC’ s upcoming workshops and seminars as they are revealed— don’ t miss out! Reserve your spot today and be part of the most anticipated event in the industry.
Another highlight of FRIGAIR 2025 will be the FRIGAIR SKILLS DEVELOPMENT HUB, where six contestants will compete headto-head in the following challenges: 1. Electrical – three-phase motor test and star / delta wiring 2. Hand tools 3. Refrigeration tubing – bending, flaring, swaging and compression joints 4. Installation – pipework, electrical, pressure testing and evacuation 5. Commissioning – charging, evacuation, superheat, including recovery
Visitors will have the opportunity to witness these competitors in action. As they work with hazardous gases and brazing equipment, the workstations will be carefully arranged to ensure safety and prevent any harm to onlookers.
Organiser Rory Macnamara is seeking volunteer judges with extensive experience in these tasks, and our thanks to Metraclark, Rothenberger, Maksal, A-Gas and Dromex for their generous contribution of equipment, gas, tools, safety gloves and glasses. Training centres are still welcome to submit contestant names. For more information or to get involved, please reach out to Rory Macnamara on 079 436 1829 for further details.
EXCITING WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS COMING YOUR WAY
The final details for the SAIRAC workshops and seminars are almost locked in— so don’ t miss out on your chance to be part of the action. Reserve your spot today and get ready for an unforgettable experience filled with top-tier insights and industry-leading speakers.
Workshops organiser, Grant Laidlaw, has substantially increased the number of sessions, which will be finalised over the coming months. Here’ s a sneak peek at what’ s in store so far:
RACA Journal I May 2025
LETTER FROM PAT BURKE, FSAIRAC, RPM CONSULTING ENGINEERS: To the Editor RACA Journal Dear Sir,
The FRIGAIR exhibition is almost upon us once again and the excitement is palpable, without doubt, an exhibition of this magnitude clearly indicates the powerful dynamics within our industry. Indeed, FRIGAIR 2025 is destined to become another resounding success.
When perusing the list of exhibitors published in the latest edition of your Journal, one can’ t help but notice that the local suppliers of chilled water generators are conspicuous by their absence. This, to my mind anyway, is a matter of some concern. While I understand that there are many reasons for nonparticipation such as budgetary restraints, manpower, logistics, corporate decisions for whatever reason, I still remain of the opinion that the need to participate in trade shows is important, nay, it’ s imperative.
Exposing the product and showcasing new technology is, for all intents and purposes, the very essence of a trade show. The days of an expert chiller sales engineer calling on prospective customers is long gone, leaving the industry to find its own solution as to what seems best for their particular application. Relying on an agent’ s representative to drop off a pamphlet, simply does not cut it, resulting in time-wasting and the inevitable related problems, reflecting poorly on the industry as a whole.
Very dramatic, I agree. Nevertheless, I personally believe that chillers will remain the true workhorses of the industry and deservedly so. They are destined to play a major role whatever the specific application, for many generations to come.
Notable developments within the chiller sector, particularly with regards to energy conservation and the environment, performance and efficiency, general reliability, longevity and overall cost per kilowatt cooling, have all played their part in securing their industry status as the way to go for larger, more complex projects.
What is most encouraging is the clear emphasis on the continued research and development being implemented by most leading chiller role players( manufacturers), clearly endorsing their commitment to the future of the world’ s major cooling needs.
You may be sure that the more committed chiller manufacturers will continue with this essential tendency( to improve their product), thereby ensuring a long-term return on their not-too-shabby investment, going forward.
In the meantime, I certainly look forward to viewing all the plant and equipment on show, which hopefully will include a few state-of-the-art chillers.
Mr Editor, this letter is not intended as a criticism of any party involved or otherwise. It is simply a personal observation on my part, which hopefully will encourage the participation of the leading chiller manufacturers in future FRIGAIR exhibitions.
Kind regards, Yours sincerely, Patrick Burke FSAIRAC RPM Consulting Engineers
www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za