Flamco Group (Aalberts hydronic flow control): Hydronic Components for Efficient, Compliant HVAC Systems in Dubai

Discover how Flamco Group, part of Aalberts hydronic flow control, provides advanced expansion vessels, air and dirt separators, and hydraulic separators that enhance chilled-water efficiency and ensure compliance with Dubai Green Building and District Cooling regulations.

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🏢 Introduction

In Dubai’s demanding construction environment, energy efficiency and system reliability are not optional — they’re essential. From high-rise residential towers to mixed-use commercial developments, HVAC systems must deliver comfort while meeting Dubai Municipality and DGBR performance standards.

That’s where Flamco Group comes in. As part of Aalberts hydronic flow control, Flamco manufactures precision-engineered components that stabilize, clean, and protect hydronic systems — the silent backbone of every efficient building.

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⚙️ Who Is Flamco Group?

Founded over six decades ago, Flamco has become one of the world’s leading names in hydronic system components. Now operating under the Aalberts hydronic flow control umbrella (alongside COMAP and Nexus), Flamco specializes in:

• Expansion vessels and pressurization systems

• Air and dirt separators

• Hydraulic separators

• Active deaeration systems

• Valves and accessories for closed water loops

In the UAE, Flamco maintains a strong presence through distributors in Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai Investment Park, providing full regional support for sales, design submittals, and maintenance.

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🌐 Website Summary

The official Flamco website showcases a complete ecosystem of hydronic efficiency products:

• Flamcovent Clean Smart / XStream – advanced air and dirt separation technology for microbubble and particulate removal.

• Flamco Flexcon Expansion Vessels – EN 13831-compliant diaphragm vessels designed for closed heating and chilled-water systems.

• Hydraulic and Low-Loss Separators – ensuring optimal flow balance between primary and secondary circuits.

• Active Deaeration Units – maintaining oxygen-free water for extended system life.

These components collectively enable consistent system pressure, improved energy efficiency, and reduced maintenance — all critical for Dubai’s hot-climate building operations.

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📘 CSI Master Format Classification

When incorporating Flamco products into specifications, align them with Division 23 – HVAC of the CSI MasterFormat:

• 23 21 13 – Hydronic Piping

• 23 22 13 – Hydronic Piping Specialties

• 23 25 00 – HVAC Water Treatment

• 23 05 00 – Common Work Results for HVAC

In Dubai consultant specifications, air and dirt separators typically appear under 23 22 13, with expansion vessels referenced under 23 21 13. Always coordinate with the corresponding sections for BMS integration and commissioning requirements.

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🏗️ Regulatory Context for Dubai

Dubai Green Building Regulations (DGBR / Al Sa’fat)

Mandate efficient chilled-water control and hydronic balancing. Clean, bubble-free water is crucial for proper valve authority and ΔT consistency.

District Cooling Providers (ETS Guidelines)

Operators such as Empower and South Energy demand stable ΔT performance. Using air/dirt separators and correctly sized expansion vessels helps maintain these values and avoid penalties.

Dubai Building Code & UAE Fire & Life Safety Code

All mechanical rooms housing pressure vessels must include safe clearances, access routes, labeling, and fire-stopping coordination.

Applicable Standards

• EN 13831 – Design and testing of closed expansion vessels.

• ASHRAE 202 & 90.1 – Performance and energy efficiency guidelines for hydronic systems.

Together, these frameworks ensure that your design satisfies both technical and regulatory expectations during authority review and post-handover performance audits.

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🧰 Key Products & Engineering Insights

1️⃣ Expansion Vessels

Maintain constant system pressure and absorb thermal expansion. Correct sizing is essential: undersized vessels cause relief-valve lift and oxygen ingress.

Tip for Dubai Projects: Always base vessel sizing on system volume, static head, fill temperature, and relief-valve setting. Reference EN 13831 compliance in your submittals.

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2️⃣ Air & Dirt Separators

Devices like Flamcovent Clean Smart remove microbubbles and sludge, reducing fouling in FCUs and AHUs. This improves ΔT and extends equipment life.

Consultant’s Note: Position separators upstream of pumps and at low-velocity zones for optimal separation efficiency.

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3️⃣ Hydraulic Separators

Maintain hydraulic balance between primary and secondary circuits to protect pump performance.

Best Practice: Integrate with automatic air venting and sludge drains; ensure accessibility for maintenance within ETS rooms.

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4️⃣ Active Deaeration & Pressurization Systems

Fully automated units that remove dissolved gases and maintain stable pressure — a valuable upgrade for high-rise and district-cooled projects.

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🌍 Advantages for Dubai Consultants and Contractors

✅ Improved Energy Efficiency – Stable ΔT improves district-cooling billing performance.
✅ Reduced Maintenance – Air and dirt removal minimizes clogging and corrosion.
✅ Regulatory Compliance – EN-certified vessels simplify authority approvals.
✅ Local Availability – Authorized UAE distributors ensure faster delivery and technical support.

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🧾 Specification & Submittal Guide

When preparing specifications and material submittals:

1. List all hydronic specialties under Section 23 22 13.

2. Attach product data sheets showing EN 13831 or ASME compliance.

3. Provide sizing calculations for expansion vessels (acceptance volume, pre-charge pressure).

4. Include P&ID excerpts showing separator and air vent locations.

5. Cross-reference to BMS points for monitoring and alarms.

Following this format ensures alignment with Dubai Municipality, DDA, and Trakhees submittal requirements — minimizing rejection risk.

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🧩 Design Tips for Dubai Projects

• Design for ΔT, not just cooling capacity.
  Target at least 9 °C temperature difference as per DC operator standards.

• Coordinate clearances in mechanical and ETS rooms for service access.

• Integrate water treatment and specify initial flushing and commissioning requirements.

• Document maintenance intervals within the O&M manual to comply with DGBR handover expectations.

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🏁 Conclusion

Flamco’s hydronic components might stay out of sight, but their impact is felt throughout every system they protect. In Dubai’s high-performance building sector, where energy efficiency and reliability are paramount, Flamco’s air, dirt, and expansion solutions are essential allies for engineers and architects.

By specifying Flamco products correctly under CSI Division 23, and coordinating them with local DGBR and District Cooling standards, consultants can deliver systems that run smoother, last longer, and meet every compliance checklist the first time.

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📎 References & Resources

1. Aalberts Hydronic Flow Control – Flamco Overview

2. [EN 13831 Standard – Closed Expansion Vessels for Water Systems]

3. [Dubai Green Building Regulations & Al Sa’fat 2020 Guidelines]

4. [Empower District Cooling ETS Technical Guidelines]

5. [ASHRAE 90.1 – Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings]