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Published: March 9, 2018

National Apprenticeship Week: My Apprenticeship Story

By David Glover | Published: March 9, 2018

As the end of the 11th National Apprenticeship Week #NAW2018 approaches, we wanted to celebrate our own Apprentice Emrys Hughes!

Recently fully qualified as a Technical Engineer, Emrys talked to us about his Apprenticeship experience.

How and why did you start your Apprenticeship?

After completing my A Levels I did not think that the university route was for me. To learn more on the job and gain hands on experience was more important to me.

I researched apprenticeships and applied through SETA and spent two years as an apprentice welder/fabricator for a crane manufacturer. 

Plasma Clean approached me through SETA and saw the potential benefits I could offer to the business. I have now spent 2 years at Plasma Clean and have not looked back since!

Why do you think apprenticeships work?

The best thing about being an apprentice is the large amount of support and training. Being an apprentice has enabled me to show my potential. It has also pushed me to develop skills such as communication, organisation and project management. Rising to each challenge has increased my self-confidence.  I also enjoy the time I spend in the classroom at college as the course enables me to apply and expand on what I have learnt on the job. 

What’s been your greatest achievement as an apprentice?

One project I am proud of is the complete management of an odour control project. Faced with a notice the owner approached Plasma Clean.  From initial site assessment, to supply and then commissioning of equipment I worked closely with the customer and local council to find the right odour control solution. As a chip shop there was a high level of grease and odour to factor in as well as access and spacing.

We provided our Techniclean UVC– grease and odour control solution. I specified the correct model that enabled a simple retrofit of the UVC tubes to the ductwork. The units were installed and completed to meet the approval of the local council.

The smell was completely removed, Environmental Health were very happy and the customer’s feedback – especially for the service I provided – was brilliant.

Read the case study here.

Next steps…

In the next stage of my career I will be looking to develop even more knowledge. I am also looking to make my way up the Plasma Clean ranks, with the help and support of my colleagues; I’d like to work towards a Supervisor role in Technical Services!

What would you say to someone considering an apprenticeship?

I would say that it is definitely worth it. I believe that an apprenticeship is a beneficial way to learn and develop into a highly skilled professional. The amount of support given is great and also the opportunity that can be created is unimaginable. I would highly recommend an apprenticeship. #worksforme

Over the last two years with Plasma Clean Emrys has successfully completed the Advanced Level Apprenticeship in Engineering Manufacture. He is now working towards a HNC Mechanical Engineering Qualification.  Emrys is an invaluable member of the Plasma Clean team! Read more here.

For more information on Apprenticeships please visit https://www.naw2018.co.uk/

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Published: February 13, 2018

The Plasma Clean Lent Challenge: Grease free for 40 days!

By David Glover | Published: February 13, 2018

As grease control specialists, here at Plasma Clean, we know that the two requirements for an effective grease control solution in commercial kitchen ventilation are:

  1. High efficiency grease capture equipment
  2. Regular servicing and cleaning

The type and size of equipment and frequency of servicing and cleaning does depend on the cooking application and volume. Whatever you’re cooking Plasma Clean can help you reduce grease, costs and downtime.

But could we get the similar results for ourselves by reducing our own ‘grease’ intake throughout Lent?

The Challenge:

40 days grease and caffeine free.

Why?

As a team we pride ourselves on prompt, personable and positive customer service. Whilst our approachable demeanour is not a chirpiness borne from caffeine addiction, it is true that the Plasma Clean cafetiere sees a lot of action!!

As is traditional at this penitential time of Lent we decided to challenge ourselves. According to The Express last year coffee was one of the top 10 items that Brits ‘give up’ for Lent  (https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/food/880431/Brits-chocolate-cheese-cheddar-brie). For 40 days and nights the Plasma Clean team will be deprived of caffeine. Hopefully with us all abstaining there will be no roasted coffee bean aroma to tempt us! It’s an office-wide vice but I’m sure we can do it.

Not content with a 40 day caffeine free challenge we also wanted to use these 40 days to introduce a new habit and possible lifestyle change. We’re excited to see what impact reducing the greasy, fatty foods in our diets will do for us.

The Aim:

Just as controlling and reducing grease in your ductwork can reduce fire risk, reduce downtime and save money HOPEFULLY cutting the fat and oils from our main meals and snacks will improve our health (and waistlines?), give us more energy and perhaps be more cost effective.

We’ve fruit teas, food diaries and coconut oil at the ready!

We will be reporting back on our findings, and sharing our trials and tribulations as we go, wish us luck!

The Plasma Clean Team

#teamplasma

Posted in General News, Grease control, Odour Control | Comments closed
Published: January 12, 2018

Reduce Fire Risk with Canopy Mounted Coil Filters

By Heather Hazelwood | Published: January 12, 2018

Build-up of grease and oil in the canopy and kitchen extraction duct work is the major cause of duct fires. You can prevent this by installing our high efficiency Coil Filters. If a fire is able to spread through the ventilation and kitchen extraction as a result of built up grease the consequences could be dire, possibly fatal.

Our kitchen canopy grease filters are designed to remove 95% of grease particulate at the canopy rather than 20-40% capture for traditional baffle filters. By capturing more of the grease at the canopy less is able to travel into the duct work.

Consequently the number  of duct cleans and maintenance of downstream equipment required is significantly reduced. On going maintenance of the coil filters is simple. Kitchen staff remove the coil filters from the canopy and can clean them using hot soapy water to soak. The oil and grease captured in the drip trays is also recyclable, adding a further component to the overall return on investment.

The main body of the grease filter can be 153mm high x 375 mm W x 59D or 153mm high x 475 mm W x 59D. The units are manufactured in Grade 304 stainless steel so they are corrosion resistant, easier to sanitise and more durable. Therefore they are ideal for use in kitchen environments.

The filters can be retrofitted into an existing canopy by employing an adapter plate designed to replace an existing canopy baffle filter. Once we know the dimensions of the baffle filters then we know what size adapter plate is required. We have a simple order form diagram that can be used to check these measurements. The filters can also be built into new canopies.

Download our Coil Filter product data sheet HERE to find out more

Coil Filter vs Traditional Baffle Filter Key Points

  • Stop 95% of grease particulate (20-40% standard baffle filter)
  • Longer life span  – made from 304 stainless steel
  • Return on investment within 12 months
  • Suitable for retro-fit sites
  • Captured oil can be recycled

Please contact Plasma Clean for your quote now on 0161 443 4125 or email ask@plasma-clean.com.

TR/19 Regulations and how Plasma Clean can help

TR/19 are the ductwork cleaning guidelines provided by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA). The guidelines dictate:

  • The internal cleanliness of ventilation systems
  • The design of kitchen ventilation systems to allow effective duct cleaning

Plasma Clean coil filters reduce the grease build up by capturing grease particles; reducing the number of duct cleans per annum. If levels are under 200 microns the TR/19 inspection certificate can be granted without further cleaning required.

If a fire occurs and a valid TR/19 certificate is not held the insurance policy could be invalidated.

Find out more

Request a Return on Investment Calculation from the team today and learn how coil filters can reduce downtime, cleaning costs and fire risk.

Read our Six Step Specification Guide. This simple guide details how to select appropriate equipment in line with DEFRA guidance.You can also contact us with any product and project enquires – we’d love to help!

The Plasma Clean Team

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Published: November 15, 2017

INTRODUCING THE NEW PLASMA CLEAN RESOURCES HUB!

By Heather Hazelwood | Published: November 15, 2017

Plasma Clean are delighted to announce the launch of our new online Resources Hub. Access to a wide range of various resources, all relevant to odour control.

Our customers can exclusively access a knowledgeable and expert source of advice via our website. The hub features the latest product information for kitchen ventilation, grease and odour control and washroom odour control, as well as detailed industry guidance and support tools.

Our expertise

Since our 2002 start at University of Manchester, Research and Development is at the heart of what we do. Always looking ahead, we constantly research new technologies.  We provide unique air filtration and purification systems no matter what your particular environment and problem. We are excited to share our product and technical expertise with you, including unique design details and pertinent industry regulation standards (DW/172 and TR/19 for example).  Providing understanding and knowledge on the consequences of non-compliance such as commercial considerations, insurance implications as well as fire risk and health and safety enables you to make informed decisions.

Smells are rarely simple. It’s not unknown for firms to invest thousands of pounds only to find grease dripping down the windows; fans so noisy staff can’t hear themselves speak, and exhaust gaseous odours irritating neighbours and raising concerns with Environmental Health Officers. How can that happen? All too often, people specify products without taking time to understand the problem.

Through the Plasma Clean Resource Hub you will have access to DEFRA Guidance documentation and odour risk assessment criteria (as recognised by EHOs and planning supervisors). Follow our Six Simple Steps to Fresh Air to look at where the problems are coming from and help devise a system that’s effective, reliable, and legally compliant.

Additional support

As scientists, we apply sound science to each individual case. As specialists we provide insight and resources to our partners. We offer training and support documents around the latest UVC and ozone technology. Our recent R&D work on washroom problems produced the highly effective Ambion range; using plasma ionisation for odour control in ambient air. Ambion ionisers are now an increasingly popular choice for washrooms in commercial and public buildings. We’re constantly researching new technologies.  We are now developing new methods of air and surface disinfection for use in areas such as food production, hospitals and clean rooms.

Plasma Clean can also offer informative and engaging courses and training workshops.

We provide CPD accredited presentations that can be delivered within your organisation.   Each session is interactive, packed with real-life examples and covers both practical and technological considerations. Workshops are CPD certified by the Chartered Institute of Building Service Engineers (CIBSE). We will regularly update with information about our CIBSE Approved CPD (Continual Professional Development) Seminars and Courses.

For all the latest information and guidance, product videos and case studies for kitchen odour control and keeping your washroom hygienically clean simply visit our Resources page.  Unlock the knowledge today.

https://plasma-clean.com/resources/

Posted in General News, Grease control, Odour Control | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments closed
Published: February 16, 2017

The Gastro Pub Dilemma – How do you keep the neighbours happy?

By Matt Jones | Published: February 16, 2017

Gastropubs are popular. In fact, they have been popular for a long time. And the new love of craft ales that’s spread across the country has only enhanced the attraction of the gastropub. Particularly in more affluent areas, where an afternoon trip to the gastropub is a regular activity of a wealthy, upwardly mobile population.

And who doesn’t enjoy a good pub, where good beer and good food are combined to great effect? Read More »

Posted in Grease control, Odour Control | Comments closed

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