Ruskin launches natural-ventilation business
Ruskin Air Management has entered the market for natural-ventilation systems with the offer of five systems to satisfy the requirements of a wide range of buildings. Called Airolution, the service will provide complete natural-ventilation solutions for commercial buildings. Its scope includes system design, supply of equipment, controls, installation and commissioning. The final part of the service includes returning to site 12 months later to ensure the system works as intended or adapt it.
The products used are selected from Ruskin’s Actionair, Air Diffusion and Naco brands. David Fitzpatrick, sales and marketing director with Ruskin, explains that products from these brands have been installed in many natural-ventilation systems and ‘we felt it was about time we got serious about natural ventilation’.
The Airolution concept has been developed over the last couple of years. David Fitzpatrick explains, ‘We have three brands of very good products, and we have spend 12 months testing lots of combinations of products for natural-ventilation systems.’
Testing was carried out in Ruskin’s £400 000 test facility at Whitstable, which was opened a year ago. It is a 2-storey facility of 1300 m2.
Every component of an Airolution system is tested together to ensure the final system meets the design brief and aspirations of the building owner and operator. It is then delivered to site, tested and commissioned before being handed over to the building’s operating team.
This approach enables design engineers to verify performance claims before, during and after commissioning.
The five systems are Aura, Mood, Spirit, Sense and Status. Their key features are summarised below.
• Aura is similar to Status, but the introduction of air is used in conjunction with the building’s radiator system for heating the remaining space. The system is more suited to cooler external climates.
• Mood. This system is similar to Status, but tempered air is introduced into the room via the intermediate floor. One benefit is that walls and window areas are left free. This system is well suited to IT suites and offices.
• Spirit allows for induction of high levels of air to achieve rapid changes in indoor air quality. There is a range of mix-and-match product options, depending on specific requirements.
• Sense is the most attractive system and has the least effect on a building’s appearance. Is expected to be the favourite of architects.
• Status allows for the introduction of tempered air from the inlet unit to prevent the draughts that could occur with Sense and Spirit systems.
