Dave Nicholls has made the decision to retire from Afcon Industrial Equipment and his last day will be the 30th September 2025.
Dave feels after working for almost 60 years it’s time to enjoy his golden years and pursue his hobbies - a workshop with lathes and even a metal spinning machine are waiting. Having worked half day and from home since Covid he has eased his move into full time retirement.
Dave has been a valued employee of Afcon Industrial Equipment for over 20 years joining us in 2004. Afcon has benefited from the professionalism and the knowledge he added to our business. It has been a pleasure working with Dave who is always ready with a joke
and a laugh.
Dave started in the HAVC&R industry 49 years ago, doing his apprenticeship with Barlows. Dave was Branch Manager of IRS (Independent Refrigeration Supplies) for many years and then Branch Manager at RECO prior to joining Afcon. Dave is a highly respected member of the refrigeration industry.
Dave’s major achievement at Afcon has been the excellent relationship he has created both with his customer base and especially with Cubicool our refrigeration supplier.
Dave will be a loss, not only to Afcon, but to the whole HVAC&R industry.
The staff at Afcon Industrial Equipment wish Dave and Janis the very best for his retirement and look forward to him popping in to check up on us at his leisure.
It is with sadness that one of our oldest employees has made the decision to retire from Afcon Industrial Equipment.
Jane came to work at Afcon in 2004. Firstly as a cleaner and then later promoted to the warehouse. Her cheerful presence and the best toasted cheese sandwiches in South Africa will be sorely missed.
Jane will be a huge loss to Afcon, but we are lucky to have taken her daughter on to replace her. Welcome Jane 2.0!
David stayed on through Independent’s sale to Reco, but when Reco sold to Danfoss Dave Nicholls and David came to Afcon. David has been a valued member of the Afcon family ever since (12 years and counting). David says his favourite part of his job is chatting to the customers, and seeing new places every day.
David is the proud father of 4 grown up children, and two grandchildren – his youngest son is our very own exceptional stores manager Mandla. David is proud of the career he has had, and that it’s allowed him to set up his children with university degrees and good jobs.
David is excited for this next chapter where he’ll be returning to his birthplace and he plans to farm the land and sell on his produce.
We wish David well, and know he’ll be driving down regularly in his “Speed Demon” (previously our longest serving delivery vehicle). David retires at the end of this month, so please take the opportunity to say your goodbyes and bid him farewell.
CAREL's solutions are typically concealed within larger units. Valves measuring just a few centimetres in size, probes, controllers, thermostats and supervisors that go to make up control solutions for air-conditioning, refrigeration and heating, and humidification and evaporative cooling systems. Components that primarily play a fundamental role within a broader system. Their work in monitoring and controlling such systems in fact helps improve overall performance and ensure significant energy savings.
Although they can't be seen, CAREL's solutions make the difference.
CAREL, the difference that counts
Understanding the system as a whole means Carel can provide innovative and efficient solutions. Their vast and varied offering has applications in many different contexts.
From cleanrooms to datacenters, supermarkets to paper mills, hospitals, offices and museums, through the combination of electronic controllers, humidifiers, valves, probes and monitoring systems we can supply complete and integrated solutions that significantly improve energy savings.
Backed by over forty years' experience and detailed knowledge of different contexts, we bring improvements to the entire system. Our integrated solutions improve overall efficiency. Not just products, but also expertise and professionalism, all serving to boost performance.
The results can be measured in terms of the energy saved thanks to the innovations introduced and the features implemented.
Consultants for high-efficiency solutions
Applied in two broad categories, CAREL's solutions are designed to improve the efficiency of complete environments (system solutions) or units (unit control). Numerous applications can enjoy the benefits of our innovative systems.
Our professionals can moreover identify custom solutions and tailor-made systems following careful analysis of individual situations.
Over the years we have earned the trust of our customers, whether OEMs, licensed dealers, installers and contractors or end users, thanks to the performance of our solutions.
Taking the example of supermarkets, we have determined that over 50% of store running costs are due to the energy consumption of the refrigeration system, followed in second place by room air-conditioning. Consequently, we have designed electronic expansion valve technology that can bring estimated annual system energy savings that exceed 20%. At the same time, we ensure the compressors work in the best possible conditions (lower pressure, lower discharge temperature), consequently meaning less faults and much lower maintenance costs.
For nearly 30 years, A‑Gas has invested in its people, processes, and technology to recover and reclaim fluorinated gases for further use. The result of this effort is that today, they have successfully built the world’s foremost refrigerant lifecycle management company. At the same time, A‑Gas has captured thousands of tons of gas that may otherwise have been released into the atmosphere – and they aren’t stopping there.
A‑Gas has pledged to become a ‘Net Zero’ company by the year 2035.
Afcon Industrial Equipment stocks Gulf-O-Flex® Tube insulation an environmentally friendly CFC free, flexible elastomeric thermal insulation.
With smooth shark skin and is available in unslit form in wall Thickness of 1/4 “ , 3/8 “ , 1/2 “, 3/4 “, 1 “, 1-1/4 in sizes ranging from 1/4 “ ID to 4-3/8” Iron Pipe size. Gulf-O-Flex® Tube is non porous and resists mildew growth.
- Available in a wide range of materials and sizes
- High tensile strength with very low insertion force
- Only high quality plastic is used meeting recycling targets
- Inside serrated cable ties for a strong hold onto bundles
- Ergonomic bent tail offers quick and simple installation
- Easy application either manually or with an application tool
Long liquid lines or high vertical lift from the liquid receivers, due to pressure drop, will develop liquid line flashing which is worsened as condensing pressures are reduced. This has a negative effect on system efficiency.
If flash gas is creeping into your liquid lines, additional stages of compressor cylinders are often required to circulate it leading to additional cost. Consider this option as a savings of both energy and money.
GREEN POINT
The exclusive Green Point organisation is the BITZER service network and works closely with customers.
Working in close cooperation with BITZER headquarters and coordinated by the regional Master Green Points, they represent excellence, optimum quality and expertise all over the world.
Staffed with expert employees, our Green Points offer maintenance as well as the overhaul and repair of BITZER compressors. The exclusive Green Point Quality Kit stands for unconditional replacement of all wearing and safety-relevant parts.
BITZER ORIGINAL SPARE PARTS and refrigeration oil are available off the shelf at all Green Point locations.
The unique Green Point service cycle concept is a modular and flexible portfolio covering all life cycle needs of compressors and units.
What is refrigerant glide?
Afcon profiles our own Mike Ladell
This year Mike Ladell has been a part of the HVAC&R industry for 60 years. Beginning with a 4-year apprenticeship at JH Stranack. Mike then went on to work at both Marshall’s and Brown’s Refrigeration before starting his own business, Ladell’s Services, which he ran for 16-years. Mikes next ran Yucon Coils’ Natal branch, before leaving to launch a new company Afcon.
Afcon’s initial focus was on selling Yucon shell and tube condensers, that were at the time manufactured in South Africa, as well as split units. Mike’s specialty soon presented itself when he designed, manufactured and sold Industrial Units to Telkom, Richard Bay Minerals and Richard Bay Coal Terminal. In the 90s, Mike was also one of the first in the industry to develop, in conjunction with Recoil, V shaped coils for a client.
Mike has thoroughly enjoyed his time in the industry, stating that he particularly enjoys the new and ever different challenges each job poses, and we are sure he’ll be around for some time to come. As someone once said “If you don’t know Mike Ladell, you aren’t in refrigeration”.
Mike advocates for a refocus on training in the HVAC&R industry and the introduction of a levels system through which standardisation across the industry can be ensured.
Cubimax Units
Remember installing Window wall units? Basically make a hole, slide in unit and connect to power!
We now offer the same convenience with our Cubimax units. It’s even simpler as the hole can easily be cut into the Cold Room Panelling. Your installation time is reduced and you have the knowledge that the unit is pre-charged and factory tested. Note the Cubimax units are suitable for Freezer rooms and Cold Rooms.
Click on the following link to download more information.
Look no further than ONDA Heat Exchangers
We have now introduced a range of ONDA Gasketed Plate Heat Exchangers. Manufactured in Italy, ONDA Plate Heat Exchangers are designed for small to large applications. Materials available 304 s/s, 316 s/s and Titanium. Our advantage is our highly competitive pricing and fast delivery times. Units can leave the factory in 2 weeks prior to airfreight or sea-freight depending on your requirements.
We select and price enquiries within 1 hour and ensure you have quick turnaround in all aspects, from ordering to supply.