In this issue of Building & Facilities News, we are proud to announce Reflex Winkelmann GmbH as the winners of our HVAC Industry Excellence Award.
Reflex Winkelmann GmbH is an expert, leading supplier of innovative product solutions for heating and water supply technology. The product portfolio includes pressure maintenance (both static and dynamic), vacuum degassing systems and separation technology, hot water storage and buffer tanks along with bespoke manifold technology. The company is renowned for its exceptional expansion vessels producing in excess of 6 million pieces each year, all manufactured to comply with the latest UKCA & CE Directives.
The company was established in 1889 from humble beginnings, with a kitchen and household appliances workshop set up by founders Heinrich Winkelmann and Caspar Pannhoff, to a now truly global company with over 30 business units and production facilities across the globe.
The headquarters remain in Ahlen, North-Rhine-Westphalia in Germany to this day and the company is continuing to enjoy a growth portfolio in all sectors. We caught up with Tim Williams, Country Manager – UK & Ireland, for Reflex Winkelmann to find out how the company has fared over the last twelve months, “Despite the many (well documented) challenges regarding energy, labour, materials and, dare I say it global politics, Reflex Winkelmann continues to maintain solid and sustainable growth in all sectors.
“In order to get a better understanding on the actual performance of the business, the business have looked closely at our operation in order to mitigate any inflation effect and the results have been extremely encouraging.
“Over recent years, we have strived to continuously improve our service levels, and the Winkelmann Group are investing €25+ Mio. in a central distribution centre in Poland which is due to go online in 2024. In addition to this and in order to service the explosion in buffer tank demand (heat pumps), an announcement was made earlier this year on a major investment on a new production facility due to go online in 2025. In addition to the operational aspect, focus is moving towards digitalisation across all parts of the business from marketing & sales though to production, logistics & service. Looking closer to home, we continue to grow the UK & Ireland operation with particular focus on emerging and after sales & service.”
What’s new with Reflex?
Refix DD and DT ‘Flow-Through’ vessels in Potable Water Systems
The demand for ‘flow-through’ vessels in the UK are increasing in order to increase the quality of potable water systems. It’s all about the right pressure, and Reflex have created reliable and approved expansion vessels suitable for residential dwellings to large industrial systems. Potable expansion vessels from Reflex offer simple, safe and hygienically suited solutions and the DD and DT range of flow-through vessels now come with Regulation 4 approval to give further assurance to the building owner.
Working with Kiwa Watertec in the UK, the DD vessel range of pipeline-mounted flow-through vessels has achieved WRAS approval for capacities up to 18 litres. This includes the ‘flowjet’ valve, which enhances the efficiency of the DD vessel.
For DD vessels of 25 litres and above, and the entire DT range from 60 to 3,000 litres, KUK Reg4 approval applies, boosting customer confidence in their installations. Both the DD and DT flow-through vessels feature bottom entry/exit through flowjet valves or DUO flanged connections. This preferred configuration facilitates installation and, as extensive testing shows, significantly improves water flow, reducing the risk of the vessel becoming a ‘dead-leg’ in the system.
Buffer Tanks for Heat Pumps
Storatherm Heat Mini V and H are the new solution for heatpump installations in both newbuilds and existing building stock.
With a heating capacity of up to 20kW, Storatherm Heat Mini H and Storatherm Heat Mini V accurately meet the needs of various systems with high volume flows. The Storatherm Heat Mini H is available in five sizes from 25 to 200 litres, and the Storatherm Heat Mini V in four versions from 25 to 100 litre volume.
Each buffer tank was designed with ultimate efficiency, in which a consistent flow temperature can be maintained while reducing the cycling effect of the heat pump. As long as the buffer tank is sized big enough, the system can use the buffer tanks as an energy store smoothing the demand to the system. This greatly reduces the cycling, extending the service life of the heat pump.
The two designs depend on the application. The Storatherm Heat Mini V has two connections, one at the top and one at the bottom, for simple system connection.
By contrast, the Storatherm Heat Mini H has multiple 1½” connections, 4 to 8 numbers depending on buffer tank volume, further increasing the efficiency and flexibility of the system.
The SINUS ProfiFixx
With the SINUS ProfiFixx, Reflex is offering a flexible system solution for hydraulic distribution in heating systems up to 1,600kW. It efficiently connects the primary and secondary side into an overall system.
The SINUS ProfiFixx saves time on-site, helping meet tight schedules and budgets. It offers benefits in insulation, installation, and flexible configuration. Easily assembled with tightening straps, the insulation can be removed and refitted as needed, eliminating extra insulation work. High-quality welded and primed steel components are fully inspected, so no on-site welding is required, making installation faster and more cost-effective. Its flexible design accommodates various manifold and heating circuit configurations, with outputs from 160kW to 1,600kW, all within a compact footprint.
The SINUS ProfiFixx supports pump groups from DN 25 to DN 80, in both regulated and unregulated versions. These groups include shut-off valves with thermometers, backflow preventers, and adapters for on-site pumps, ensuring compatibility with all conventional pump manufacturers. Additional sensors can be installed via flow and return connections. For enhanced efficiency, supplies up to DN 100 can integrate a Reflex ExdirtV for sludge and magnetite separation, allowing the SINUS ProfiFixx to evolve into a decoupling and separation system.
With the new central distribution centre in Poland and another planned production facility in 2025, the future looks bright for Reflex Winkelmann, with increased demand across all sectors.
T +44 (0)161 266 1043
sales@reflexuk.co.uk
www.reflex-winkelmann.com/en