7 July 2010
The Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa, is a new stadium constructed for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The stadium features many impressive features, in particular the beautiful "arch of triumph" rising high over the arena. Hidden away from view, however, are the Frese Alpha valves ensuring an accurate flow of chilled water to the stadium's air conditioning units.
As Germany and Spain prepare to lock horns at the 2010 FIFA World Cup Semi final on July 7 at the world-class Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, the VIP suites fill with guests gathering to watch what is sure to be a fascinating encounter.
As they sit watching the game unfold in air-conditioned luxury, they are blissfully unaware that the air conditioning system, featuring four secondary chilled water pumps, has been installed by Improvair Environmental Solutions (IES) and LSG Mechanical Consultants. Water flowing throughout the system is accurately flow limited by Frese Alpha valves to 13 air handling units and hundreds of fan coil units serving the many air conditioning units stationed around the stadium. These units in turn supply cooling for the VIP areas, Press rooms, conference centre, manager/player/referee changing facilities and presidential suites.
At a cost of over $450m, the stadium capacity of 62,760 will reduce to 54,000 when the tournament ends. The complex also includes an adjoining indoor arena, football museum, sports institute and a transmodal transport station. The stadium is named after one of the heroes of the South African liberation struggle.
Frese's distributor in South-Africa, Vac-Cent Services, was responsible for supplying the valves for the prestigious project. Established in 1987, the company employs 35 staff and has a network of agents operating across the country. Vac-Cent's vision of becoming the preferred supplier of Vacuum in Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands has also enabled the company to become the leading distributor of Frese products in the region.
In South Africa, Frese is the preferred brand among HVAC consultants and contractors. The market potential is determined by contractors who know the advantage of Frese's constant flow valves.
- The potential exists to exploit the market by getting contractors and some consultants to change from manual static valves to the advanced technology of Frese constant flow valves, says Nelson Naicker, Area Manager at Vac-Cent Services.
He goes on to explain that the 2010 World Cup has given the South African people a sense of belonging. It has also given them the opportunity to unite as a country and as true South Africans, and to welcome the world to South Africa.
- The spirit of festivity prevails and many barriers have been broken down. We are all speaking the universal language of soccer and are getting behind the South African soccer team, Bafana Bafana and blowing our vuvuzela horns. It's a wonderful sight to see all the different flags of the World Cup being displayed on every type of vehicle driving around the city, concludes Nelson with a smile.
