EOGB Energy Products Ltd have recently completed two B30K installations, with one located at EOGB’s manufacturing and training facility and one at a residential property in Cambridgeshire. The tanks were supplied by Kingspan and Harlequin, the fuel is sourced from Argent Energy and the boiler is EOGB’s new fully-modulating blue flame system – due to be launched later this year.

Martin Cooke, Technical Director at EOGB, comments: “This is really a continuation of the initial B30K trials that were conducted by OFTEC in 2010. Since then, new technologies have emerged like blue flame low NOx and, of course, modulating burners and boilers. The increase in this kind of technology shows us that testing for this decarbonisation solution is well underway to ensure a smooth and well-planned roll out of the fuel.”

EOGB and other companies have also since produced bio-compatible products that are already used as standard today – like the bioliquid ready green hoses and filters – meaning that the bioliquid solution for off-grid decarbonisation will ultimately result in minimal changes for the end user.

Considering all options for the future

“With the recent interest in heat pumps and electric heating solutions, it is important to ensure that we all have all of the information available to us in order to promote and take on the best solutions for net zero by 2050,” continues Martin Cooke. “With this in mind, the liquid fuel industry is keen to point out that electrification and heat pumps are not suitable for all property types – particularly the more rural, less insulated properties that typically run on oil systems that would require major extensive renovation work to install a heat pump – only to result in similar or greater energy costs for the end user.”

Avoiding fuel poverty

“As a company, we’re keen to tackle the issue of potential fuel poverty, which could result from the installation of heating upgrades that do not necessarily fit a property’s existing construction fabric. For this reason, and many more, EOGB backs the bioliquid decarbonisation solution, which keeps the existing installation and simply changes the fuel to a bio blend with a planned program for the whole industry to be on 100% bioliquid by 2035.”

EOGB are one of the UK’s leading manufacturers and distributors of oil, gas and dual fuel burners for domestic, commercial and industrial applications.

Following the busy Christmas season, we’ve finally found a moment to properly reflect on one of the highlights of EOGB’s 2019! Back in November, EOGB had the pleasure of attending the first M&E Excellence Awards in London.

Nominated for the Employer of the Year award, our team put forward a compelling case to Maintenance & Engineering magazine, with a focus on the company’s investment in staff training, the company’s willingness to make adjustments for staff wellbeing, and the company’s creation of a close-knit, trusting and positive community in the workplace.

Recruitment

The retention rates at EOGB are incredibly impressive, with a lot of employees remaining with the company for an average of 10 years or more! One of the many reasons for this is the company’s old-fashioned mentality – “before it goes looking for external candidates to fill a role within the company, it looks at the staff it already has and considers what potential is there to be developed.”

Previous winner of HVR’s ‘Trainee of the Year’ Award (2016), Reece Summerfield, started out his time at EOGB with an offer of 3 months’ work in the warehouse (now 10 years ago!) He was then offered a position in production, later joining the Technical team and now also works in the company’s Training centre.

Harry Holmes, currently a Technical Engineer at EOGB, also started out in the warehouse and now has his hand in the company’s exciting R&D projects. When talking about his development at EOGB, he recalled how the company “put him through OFTEC qualifications, Gas Safe qualifications and NVQs in engineering.” Many staff members like Reece and Harry have also been given the opportunity to attend the company’s annual burner training trip to Baltur’s base in Bologna, Italy.

Training & Development

As briefly mentioned, EOGB has a fully accredited training and assessment centre, where both external and internal candidates benefit from high-quality and thorough learning, from incredibly well-informed trainers and assessors. At EOGB we also currently have staff studying for apprenticeships, PhDs and everything in between! Development opportunities are everywhere at EOGB and every staff member is made to feel valuable and aware of their own potential.

Staff Wellbeing

EOGB strongly believes that small adjustments and accommodations can make all the difference to the morale and happiness of its employees. Some examples of this include the option to work remotely for staff members who can, the option to head home should a site visit finish slightly early, and small adjustments to working hours (now from 8:30 to 4:30) in order to help staff avoid rush hour traffic and get home to their families much sooner.

Such changes may seem trivial or even silly to others, but EOGB’s willingness to make adjustments as a result of staff feedback and the company’s trust in its staff has had an incredible impact upon the morale and positivity of all. And so, on 20th November, we were chuffed to accept the Employer of the Year Award from M&E Magazine and incredibly proud in light of our employee’s humbling testimonials!

 

 

Since its foundation, Baltur has always set ambitious goals and reaching milestones like 70 years of business truly confirms the company’s strong position in the heating, air conditioning and climate technologies sector.

Our story began in 1950, when Ballanti and Tura founded Baltur Srl for the production of burners for domestic use. In 1960, the Fava family joined the company and went on to run the company for three generations.

Since then, we have expanded our product range and increased our offered services – striving towards creating a ‘one stop shop’ experience for customers that also achieves the best balance between performance and savings, comfort and sustainability, reliability and safety. In 2000 we consolidated our global presence with a new representative office in Shanghai, whilst still maintaining the quality of relationships and services typical of a local company – we love to call ourselves “a family that speaks all languages.”

Since 2007 we have made a number of other changes to optimise and perfect our production, reduce waste, and improve the performance of processes and services in order to manage energy in a way that is increasingly rational and effective – respecting both man and the environment around us.

Thanks to this process, with constant efforts and investments into bettering our research and development, in 2015 we made the largest test tube for burners in the world (EN 267 – 676 standard) and, in 2019, we installed the new R&D laboratory and the new Automated line for large burners.

Today, we are proud to say that we are able to satisfy both industry and the private sector through a complete range of products for comfort and air conditioning, low emission burners and the latest generation thermal systems, powered by clean energy. Baltur has been able to bring the originality of Italian style into its industrial and residential solutions, combining high-quality technology and design.

#WeAreBaltur #WeAreBaltur70

Visit our vast range of products on our website here!

 

2018 was a great year for gas safety awareness – with a BBC Watchdog episode that focused on exposing a ‘rogue trader’ who had been carrying out illegal gas work, and the profound advertising campaign later in the year that reminded consumers not to ‘cut corners’ when it comes to gas safety. Both of which drew important attention to the cause and spread vital advice for all.

Where are we on this issue in 2019? Well, it’s currently Gas Safety Awareness Week (16^th – 22^nd September) and various social media channels, websites and print media are sharing graphics, tips and further information to promote the cause for consumers and installers alike. Some of the key focuses for 2019 have been: the specific symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning (e.g. headaches, nausea, breathlessness, dizziness & loss of consciousness), and looking out for those that might be more vulnerable and need reminding of gas safety measures.

By law, all gas engineers must be on the Gas Safe Register (the official list of engineers and businesses who are legally approved to work on gas appliances. This list works towards preventing unsafe gas work, which can result in carbon monoxide poisoning, gas leaks, fires and explosions.

Make sure you’re following our social media pages to receive all of the latest tips and information for gas safety:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/EOGBburners

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EOGBtraining/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eogb-energy-products-ltd/

If you’re looking to learn more about what it takes to become a Gas Safe registered engineer, feel free to get in touch with our training team on 01480 477066 or via email at training@eogb.co.uk!

You can even sign up for our monthly Training newsletter, packed full of our latest course dates, relevant industry topics and even the odd dog picture! Subscribe here: http://eepurl.com/gpvG31

In the meantime, keep yourself and your customers safe by maintaining the most up to date knowledge and providing any useful resources via the Gas Safe Register website: https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/

The standard came into effect on 30^th June 2019 and it sets a new scope, now solely for domestic applications with an output not exceeding 70kW and oil storage that does not exceed 3500 litres. The standard is to be applied to existing as well as new and replacement installations and calls for customers to be formally notified of any deficiencies found.

Non-domestic installations and installations at domestic premises in excess of 70kW should refer to BS 5410 Part 2 2018.

The BS 5410 Part 1 2019 also covers installations combusting liquid fuels for domestic heating and hot water purposes including kerosene, bio-liquids and kerosene/ bio-liquid blends such as OFTEC’s B30K. Below are some of key points of importance in the newly published standard:

• Clarifies the responsibilities of those installing appliances and systems as well as those undertaking service and commissioning works
• Clarifies what and how engineers are to advise domestic householders when problems are found or arise
• Recommends the fitting of CO detector alarms, including for existing installations
• Recommends HHIC guidance on condensate disposal pipework
• Recommends that installers should only fit integrally bunded oil storage tanks which are designed to permanently vent the bund to atmosphere
• Those oil tanks should have a minimum of 300mm clearance for visual inspection and 600mm for physical access
• All oil storage tanks should have secondary containment and where they do not, they should be identified as either a potential or immediate risk as appropriate. The customer should be formally notified, and a warning sticker affixed
• Oil supply lines should not contain plastic ancillary equipment such as filter bowls or deaerators
• Where oil supply lines are inaccessible or hidden, preventing visual inspection, they should be pressure tested at least once every 5 years
• The standard calls for service and commissioning engineers to have undergone manufacturer’s product type training before working on new technologies e.g. blue flame, two stage and modulating burners etc.
• It also calls for all engineers to be registered with an approved oil registration scheme, such as OFTEC.

Due to such significant and detailed changes to this new industry standard, we strongly recommend that those involved in the manufacturing, specification, design, installation, service and commissioning of oil-fired equipment should obtain a copy and review it against the products, goods and services they offer without delay.

This is the standard against which we in our industry are all measured and judged in the event of civil action or claim against us. The standard can be obtained from the BSI shop, follow the direct link here: https://shop.bsigroup.com/ProductDetail/?pid=000000000030359026

As a consequence of the publication of this new standard, EOGB have reviewed and included additional information and updates regarding BS 5410 to its OFTEC oil training courses. Additionally, and in response to engineers’ requests, EOGB have taken the unprecedented step of writing a dedicated new vaporising training package – increasing the training time available for the OFTEC 101 & 102 (W/D) vaporising course to enable more details to be covered.

This will also be available as a specific standalone training and assessment package for engineers who want to be up to date and do the best job they can for themselves and their customers.

To find out more, call us on 01480 477066 or email training@eogb.co.uk!

In order to comply with the RoHs (Regulation of hazardous substances) 2/3 directive, EOGB have re-designed their staple product – the X Series range (X400, X500 & X600) of burners. The new directive specifies amended maximum levels for the following 10 substances:

• Cadmium
• Lead
• Mercury
• Hexavalent Chromium
• Polybrominated Biphenyls 
• Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers
• Bis(2-Ethyllhexyl) phthalate
• Benzyl butyl phthalate
• Dibutyl phthalate 
• Diisobutyl phthalate 

EOGB have amended the production of their X Series burner to remove the use of Cadmium – primarily affecting the Photocell flame detector. All EOGB X Series burners will now have a Danfoss OBC control box and a Cadmium-free flame sensor. New manuals are now uploaded to our website for further technical details.    

What does this mean for manufacturers and distributors?

RoHs applies to the entire supply chain (including distributors and “all retailers”) and the notice period commenced on 15th November 2017 and would appear to cease at midnight on 21st July 2019. Manufacturers and distributors have a duty of care to ensure that any equipment they are supplying is fully compliant with RoHs legislation.

The deadline for compliance is 22nd July 2019, so all manufacturers need to ensure that all of their products adhere to the updated maximum levels. 

What does this mean for installers?

It’s worth being aware of this update, to ensure that the products that you’re installing comply with the new RoHs directive – not only to protect the accountability of your business but also to provide your customers with an informed service and the appropriate products. For further information, contact EOGB directly on 01480 477066.

Andrew Cooke, Trainee Technical Engineer at EOGB, looks back over the second year of his apprenticeship…

What particular skills and experience have you gained in your second year?

I have built on the skills established in my first year and added to my experience of working on different appliances in our R&D area, whilst also undertaking various training courses and shadowing colleagues on site visits.

One particularly enjoyable site visit, in Manchester, allowed me to work alongside the TGB 210 ME burners, with the ‘O2 and CO trim’, which reduces the amount of excess air and increases the overall combustion efficiency. It was great to see this technology in use as I had only ever worked on it during the Baltur training course in Bologna, Italy.

In terms of the training courses, my second year has involved gaining all of my OFTEC qualifications (101, 102, 105E, 600A), and the OFTEC 201 multi-stage commercial burner course. All of which were very thorough and beneficial to my work, and well-designed for people just starting out in the industry and engineers of all experience levels.

Check out EOGB’s diverse range of courses here!

How would you say each year has compared? Any major differences?

I’ve found my second year particularly enjoyable, as I’ve been able to get the most out of every opportunity and learning experience with my better understanding of products, processes and improved industry knowledge. I’ve been able to draw value from every aspect of the apprenticeship through self-study, R&D projects, site visits and the training courses too.

Any highlights? Things you really enjoyed?

I really enjoyed working on our fully modulating blue flame burner; testing it on different fuels, on different heat exchangers and testing various modifications on the burner. It was also great being able to test different OpenTherm controls – one of the key features on the Sapphire burner, and a defining feature for the future of the domestic heating industry. I have also been able to test different variants of heat exchangers ranging from 7 to 32 kW.

Has anything surprised you or exceeded expectation?

It’s been particularly great to work with EOGB’s versatile products – ranging from burners for domestic use, through to commercial, industrial and bespoke options like 12v or 24v versions of our X Series, made for specialist applications like road marking vehicles.

Want to see an example of our specialist work? Read the Hofmann Case Study here!

What’s next for you?

I’m going to be moving onto my Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Engineering Technical Support, which will involve working on SolidWorks, producing technical sales materials and moving on to complete all relevant ACS gas qualifications.

Any final advice for anyone thinking about an apprenticeship?

Attend as much training as possible, make the most of every learning opportunity and take the time to consider who you’re going to train with. Completing my apprenticeship with EOGB has given me an unique experience, working with a variety of innovative burners and incredibly knowledgeable people, that I wouldn’t have had access to elsewhere.

If you are a heating engineer looking to add another string to your bow, it’s worthwhile to consider working towards a Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) qualification.

With over four million homes in the UK currently classed as off-grid (according to statistics from the Office of Fair Trading), becoming LPG-qualified opens up a vast new market for qualified installers to tap into.

What’s more, LPG is a common choice for heating in residential park homes and caravans, providing a lucrative opportunity for engineers based in tourism-rich rural and coastal areas.

Once training is complete and you have successfully passed your assessment, you will be able to start offering your customers all the benefits of LPG straight away.

The major benefits of LPG extend to installers too. New or replacement LPG boilers are often simple to install, saving you valuable time on the job. Furthermore, many modern condensing gas boilers can simply be converted to LPG by using an inexpensive conversion kit.

At EOGB, we offer a range of bespoke training courses, including our popular CONGLP1 natural gas to LPG changeover course.

Suitable for engineers who already hold their domestic natural gas ACS qualification (CCN1), the three-day course comprises of practical tasks and assessments and covers installation and repair of domestic appliances, residential park homes and leisure accommodation vehicles.

Despite the benefits that LPG brings, it is still an area that is often overlooked by heating engineers. This provides a gap in the market for those engineers wishing to stay ahead of the curve.

If you are interested in developing your career with EOGB, call 01480 477066 (opt 3) or email training@eogb.co.uk.

EOGB Energy Products Ltd has announced the introduction of an extended warranty on its range of biogreen long-life flexible oil hoses for domestic oil burners.

Initially launched in 2009, the range has recently been refreshed with the introduction of new materials to further increase durability and future-proof the hoses against new and emerging trends in worldwide oil supply.

In line with the new and enhanced product properties, EOGB has increased the warranty from two to three years for all hoses purchased after 1^st April 2019.

The hoses are available in a range of sizes and are fully-compatible with all FAME based biofuel blends up to B100 (100%). They are also suitable for use with other rapeseed-based fuels as well as standard oils.

Martin Cooke, Technical Director at EOGB, said: “We have supplied over half a million biogreen flexible oil hoses to the industry since they were launched 10 years ago, and they have become the product of choice for many heating engineers due to their performance and reliability. We are so confident in the quality of the product, that we’re proud to extend the warranty to three years. This will add significant value for both installers and homeowners and, with the use of biofuel expected to increase, provide a future-proof solution.”

As well as bio-compatible hoses, EOGB also manufactures the popular X Series domestic oil burner range, which is suitable for use with kerosene, gas oil and FAME based biofuel blends up to B10 as standard.