TPI July 2012

products & developments

Alternative uses for isolator technology In March 2012 NLB started selling its new invention, the Aladdin EasyFit Isolator, which is used to isolate part of a 15mm water-pipe system for maintenance or repair. It can be fitted, leak-free, even where there is pressurised hot running water, in just 3 to 5 minutes. Alternative methods of draining down or freezing take 30 to 50 minutes, and damage the environment through dumping water, or releasing hydrofluorocarbons (gas- freezing). I kept coming up with new potential uses and new concept designs. In the end we focussed on 15mm plumbing pipes; we had to get to market to ‘prove’ the technology and make some sales to help fund more R&D. We are currently working 100% on the launch, but soon we will be ready to start planning what we are going to develop next. There are so many markets and so many alternative uses of our pipe-cutting technology, that NLB cannot do it alone. We are looking for potential partners with ideas and development resources that would like to talk to us about commercially exploiting our technology.”

Plumbers we have tested the product during development, and we are looking forward to using it.” Benefits of the Aladdin EasyFit Isolator include reduced overall job costs versus freezing or draining down by time-saving. The technique inserts a large-bore on/off valve, with a flow-rate reduction of just 2%. It avoids flooding risk (ice-plug fail) and health and safety risk (freeze-burn) inherent in freezing. The Aladdin EasyFit Isolator is made with WRAS-approved seal materials and lubricants incorporated into a stainless steel body (NLB is currently seeking WRAS approval). It is fitted by using a mains or battery-powered drill, with a reusable installation kit consisting of a hex-bit driver, a special socket/socket driver and a standard Phillips-head driver. Once installed, the isolator becomes an on/off valve, for on-going use.

The technology is protected by Patent GB 2472265, and international patents are being sought. Alternative uses include plumbing, to fit isolation valves in other UK and international sized pipes; plumbing to fit other valves and meters, eg water meters; and gas – NLB’s R&D testing included using compressed air.

20 UK plumbing maintenance companies helped with beta testing in an EEDA- sponsored testing programme. Martin ConwayofPimlicoPlumberscommented, “Isolating pipe work by freezing has always been an unsatisfactory and potentially damaging technique, so the Aladdin EasyFit Isolator is the answer to a lot of plumbers’ prayers. At Pimlico

NLB Engineering Ltd – UK sales@nlbengineering.co.uk www.nlbengineering.co.uk

John Heffernan, inventor and NLB’s founder, said, “From early in the R&D,

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July 2012 Tube Products International