Latest News

 

Introducing the EMS20 Combi interlock control with dual current sensors

This customer led development has been created in response to feeback from our interlock market.  The EMS20 Combi control provides a ventilation to gas interlock control for two fans together with Caledonian’s unique fail-safe current sensor, known separately as the ECS10/e.  The EMS20 is based on Caledonian’s EMX interlock technology, which has been certified by Advantica to comply with BS6173, the standard which covers the use of gas burning appliances in commercial kitchen environments.  The twin integral current sensors are unlike other similar sensors in that they can easily detect ventilation defects caused by broken belts, reversed motors, progressive filter blockage and the like. Additionally the sensors are tested at every start up using the 'Safe Start Check' method, an internationally accepted fail safe procedure.

• Conforms to BS6173:2009 and DW172.

• 24 month manufacturer's warranty.

• CE marked & tested to comply with the low voltage directive & EMC emissions.

• Controls up to 2 fans (e.g. exhaust & fresh)

• Protected to IP65 allowing normal catering hygiene operations

Managing Director, Bernard Patrick comments:

 “Whilst we prefer only to make bespoke controls for our larger OEM customers, we were persuaded by ‘customer clamour’ to add the EMS20 Combi to our interlock range. We fully accept that installers of BS6173 compliant solutions quite often prefer to use indirect current sensing methods for testing fan performance. Checking that the fan is drawing a current, as used in simple current sensors, is insufficient evidence of airflow. This is why we have developed our unique current sensor which can easily detect ventilation defects. Unlike other systems on the market, the EMS20 control has fully shielded electrics, so final adjustment whilst the system is in operation is completely safe and moreover, legal. We also believe that independent NAMAS certification, combined with the unique and fail safe current sensing, offers an invaluable aid to specifiers and purchasers of this type of equipment, who need to demonstrate that they are using safety control equipment which complies with their legal obligations.” 

New & greener control solution for the Frying Range Industry

Caledonian is well known to UK and international fish and chip range manufacturers. Since the very first standards & test schedules were drafted by the Advantica in 1985, to cover gas burning ranges, Caledonian has pioneered certified controls to comply with the standards. The majority of the certified air proving systems, as well as the multi-flame failure controls currently used, are based upon Kiln and Metal industry solutions designed & developed by Caledonian in the early 1980s.

Caledonian has just launched an entirely new range of dedicated catering controls, and these new solutions will be on our stand next January, at the Hospitality 2011 show in Birmingham. These products include a new digital version of our well-established EP6 flame failure & ignition control, together with updated fan proving systems that cover not only the actual range extraction, but also independently certified gas interlock controls that guarantee full compliance to BS 6173:2009.

The new range of Deep Fryer temperature controllers are ground-breaking and unique developments. This is a 100% British designed & developed solution produced by Caledonian after many years of customer consultation and planning. The temperature control allows full integration, via its bright blue/green gas fluorescent display, of features not found on any other similar device. Information such as the burner performance, flame signal, service intervals and number of operations is available on entering the correct PIN code. Standard versions of the control are available that produce output signals directly to fan speed controllers or modulating controls that allow the highest possible frying and combustion performance. The convenience, flexibility and performance offered by the new control system, in our opinion, exceed all current offerings to the industry.

Illustrated is the Cal-Chef 100 Deep Fryer Temperature control incorporating the following features:

* Integrated mains isolation switch.
* PT 1000 Sensors as standard.
* Bright Gas Discharge display withstands high ambient temperatures.
* Plug in replacement.
* Integrated  PWM fan motor control
* Full service data available on screen including Fan Speed, Flame Signal, Firing
  Frequency, Lockout Re-Set, Programming of Cook Time & Temperature
* In-house bespoke programming available for OEM customisation.

Managing Director, Bernard Patrick comments:

“We have a long history of providing controls for the UK made fish & chip ranges and this revolutionary development continues the co-operation.  We were happy to work with our range manufacturers to develop a new solution which consists of a new temperature control, gas burner control and combustion air control.  It is possible to use any of the three main components independently, as well as in a fully integrated system.  Integrated applications have the advantage of not only simplified installation and service but also superior fault indication and auto correction technology not found with other assembled systems.  Put simply, our control solution will help reduce costs by lowering the chippy’s carbon footprint and at the same time improve their clients’ product satisfaction … a win-win solution!” 

Caledonian's MD Bernard Patrick featured in Safety & Health Practitioner article

Entitled 'Kitchen Confidential'  by SHP editor Martina Weadick, this is a root and branch analysis of current legal and best practice requirements for gas and electrical safety in commercial kitchens.  In Martina's words:

"Risks and hazards abound in the busy, hot and confined space that is the average commercial kitchen, and the sources for many of these are the myriad gas and electrical systems and appliances necessary for running large-scale catering operations. Here, Bernard Patrick outlines the regulations and standards governing such equipment, and suggests how practitioners can ensure compliance."

The Safety and Health Practitioner is the official magazine of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), the UK's largest organisation for individual health and safety professionals.

For the full article click here

Die Pat Come on Board

We are proud to have been selected by Die-Pat Divisions Limited to supply our complete range of commercial kitchen safety equipment. The range is independently certified to conform with the requirements of BS6173:2001,  and includes interlock controls, gas tightness proving controls and our unique range of electronic sensors and switches.

Managing Director, Bernard Patrick comments:

"Following what were comprehensive discussions with Die-Pat, Caledonian have developed an additional interlock control, proving control and supporting sensors. As a major player, with extensive expertise in the catering equipment supply market, Die-Pat have shown us a number of significant pointers to increase market acceptance of our products.  We are confident that this synergistic relationship will benefit both Caledonian and Die-Pat, but perhaps most importantly, it will be of enormous benefit to our mutual customers"

GLT10 Certified with Unique 'Fail-Safe' Programming

Caledonian are pleased to announce that the latest GLT10 Gas Leakage control has received full certification for all of its advanced features. The new GLT10 incorporates fail safe ‘Category 3’ software which was recently introduced by EC certification authorities as the latest and toughest requirement for safety applications using microprocessor based technology. It is understood that this in-house development by CCTL is an industry first.  The GLT10 control provides for most types of leakage tests including:

·         Sequential
·         Weep
·         Pre and Post Test or Combination

In any event the GLT10 caters for all appropriate European test methods.

Managing Director, Bernard Patrick comments:

“Caledonian prefer to seek and acquire independent certification for their control products, even in a market sector which seems to buy product on price and without independent certification to the legal requirements.  Gaining certification for the GLT10 (as previously with the EMX50 interlock) was both rigorous and expensive.  What this means though, is that when installers use our products they can be assured they are using 100% compliant and safe equipment.  We have also found that insurance companies are increasingly taking comfort from this competent approach to certification, which is commonplace in the both the EU and USA.  A good example being the recent acquisition of one of the UK’s premier NAMAS approval authorities Advantica by Germanischer Lloyd, who are renowned for their underwriting skills.”

GLT10 Gas Proving Control from Caledonian Control Technology

Caledonian's MD Bernard Patrick sets the record straight in H&V News article

Wittily entitled 'As a matter of fat' by News editor Simon Duddy and with by-line 'Ensuring safety of ventilation systems in commercial kitchens can provide considerable challenges' Bernard has given an in depth analysis of the requirements of proving air flow in BS6173 gas interlock applications.  Particular attention has be paid to the use of indirect current sensing methods as many such installations fail to meet current requirements.

The article was conceived and written to coincide with the launch of the ECS10 Current Sensor.

For the full article click here

CCTL are pleased to announce that the ECS10 motor current monitor is now available for use with their range of commercial kitchen gas interlock controls.  The ECS10 is a fully indicating instrument that allows an output relay to operate at precisely determined current levels.

Managing Director, Bernard Patrick continues:

“Whilst the HSE accepts the use of current monitoring as a means of proving the safe operation of fans, it is important to realise that this type of sensor can only be safely used if safe ‘pull-in’ and ‘drop-out’ current levels are precisely determined and then set.  All too often installations are encountered that are unsafe because an inappropriate ‘works every-time’ current level is used.

For safety critical applications such as BS6173, the ECS10 allows the ‘pull-in’ and ‘drop-out’ current levels to be set both quickly and easily via the front panel.  The clear LCD screen continuously displays the average motor current during operation. When the ECS10 is used in conjunction with the certified EMX50 gas interlock control, the system will perform to internationally accepted fail safe levels.

Lastly, a word of caution, in that the relationship between fan motor current consumption and the workload of the fan is dependent on several factors. If a fan motor has been greatly oversized it may well be impossible to use its’ current consumption as a safe indicator of performance.”
 

The Caledonian ECS10
- the only 'intelligent'
Electronic Current Sensor
 currently available.

The following letter written by Caledonian's Managing Director appeared in the letters section of a recent edition of H&V News.  The letter was written following the recent court  judgement in a case involving the death of a young girl due to CO poisoning.

Low standards are really appalling

Sir
Unfortunately the heartrending loss of Elizabeth Giauque to CO poisoning should not come as a surprise.  Likewise that ignorance and incompetence were to blame.
As an engineer who has specialised in the design of combustion safety controls for over 40 years I’m appalled at the low standards that now exist in the gas industry, particularly since the dismemberment of the British Gas Corporation (BGC).
As in all industries, there is good and bad, but surely the basic structure that now exists does not compare to that of the days of BGC? This is particularly true when one moves away from residential installations into the commercial and industrial arenas.
For example, although the bypassing of safety controls used in commercial kitchen ventilation is now proscribed by the HSE,  I am astonished that this most stupid and criminal act was ever condoned in the first place.
It may not be permitted now, but some CORGI technicians are still passing new jobs, as well as thousands of existing installations, that are capable of  running without a safety control as soon as the back is turned. Many of these so called safety controls are produced by manufacturers without the benefit of independent certification, CE marking, ISO registration or any attempt at fail safety.
The connection between inadequate ventilation and the excess air requirements of gas burning appliances is often overlooked and rarely fully understood. Oxygen depletion and CO generation due to inadequate ventilation is not uncommon.
Although deaths are rare, the symptoms of headache, tiredness and nausea are, sadly, still dismissed in some kitchens as ‘occupational hazards’.

Bernard Patrick, Managing Director, Caledonian Control Technology

CORGI Gas Installer magazine asks "Is it worth the risk?"

The following letter written by Caledonian's Managing Director appeared in the 'Dear Editor' section of a recent edition of the CORGI Gas Installer - essential reading for CORGI registered gas installers.  The telling title was chosen by the editor, Eoin McManus:

Is it worth the risk?

We have found in our discussions with equipment manufacturers and installers of gas appliances in commercial catering establishments some confusion as to the requirements of BS6173 with respect to their products and installations. This must be particularly worrying for CORGI registered installers who shoulder the responsibility for ensuring and certifying compliance. 
The Health and Safety Executive in their guidance leaflet no. 23 entitled Gas safety in catering and hospitality^* offer a clear interpretation of BS6173’s requirements.  They also indicate that a CORGI installer should be used as the ‘competent person’ as required by law.
Surely, as with the humble gas valve, a CORGI gas installer would not use a device which hadn’t been certified to comply with the relevant standards? It’s more than their job’s worth!  It would appear though, that when it comes to the installation of gas interlock controls, they are prepared to use non certified equipment. Not only do they seem prepared to take this huge personal risk, but we would also dare to add that many such controls would not get, if tested, the necessary certification.
.
Bernard Patrick, Managing Director, Caledonian Control Technology Ltd.

^*Copies of HSE leaflet no. 23 ‘Gas safety in catering and hospitality’ can be found on the HSE website at the following address: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/cais23.pdf

The EMX50 gas interlock control - certified by Advantica to comply with BS6173

Whilst Caledonian Control Technology Limited advocates the use of true volumetric air proving when at all possible utilising differential pressure sensors or anemometer technology, we have conducted a series of experiments to determine whether an indirect method, and more specifically using current sensing, can be safely employed.

The following three basic aspects have to be considered if an indirect method is to be deemed safe:

• Can a safe start test be made?  i.e. is the sensor working
• Can a rising set point be set?
• Can a falling set point be set?

We found in our tests that all of these criteria could be met and that an indirect current sensing methodology could be used safely in situations where direct methods are inappropriate or even impossible.

The chart to the right, which plots Air Flow against Motor Current drawn in Amps, clearly shows that there was, for our test ventilation system, a specific range of current drawn when the system was working correctly.

We named this the ‘Effective Range’

When employing this test in the ‘real world’ the effective range has to be determined for each installation so that the controller and sensor can be calibrated.

Having done this correctly, we found that using the indirect current sensing method is as reliable and safe as the more traditional direct methods.

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