Waterloo test laboratory offers hands-on training
Waterloo Air Products’ test laboratory in Maidstone is well equipped to provide training, in addition to mock-ups to help ensure projects run smoothly. A recent example of its training potential is Atkins, a major consultancy, sending a group of apprentice engineers to Waterloo’s head office in Maidstone for training, including a practical demonstration in the laboratory.
The fully equipped laboratory includes state-of-the-art test equipment, with a floor space of 5 x 10 m and a ceiling that is adjustable from 2.5 to 3 m.
The laboratory’s capabilities include heated flooring, heated walls, adjustable ductwork in the ceiling and floor, a floor void for floor grilles and a wall partition that can be adjusted to the required room size.
Demonstrations for the Atkins’ apprentices included slot diffusers, grilles, chilled beams, LCT and eyeball diffuser.
Smoke tests were carried out for visual effect so that the patterns of airflow could be seen.
They were also shown how airflow meters worked with temperature and velocity.
Matreya Southgate, product and training manager with Waterloo, says, ‘When we run training days, we want attendees to be engaged. Carrying out smoke tests is a great way of injecting some fun into the training which we hope will be memorable. Judging by the feedback we receive, our courses are very beneficial.’
