A new technical manual with information on HVO has been published by OFTEC. The oil heating body has also announced details of an updated digital field guide – an abridged version of the new manual – which will be offered as a free digital download for registered technicians by the end of this year (with physical copies available to purchase on request).
The publications follow two years of research and feedback from technicians as the organisation looks to further modernises its resources to uphold safety and efficiency standards. The single volume technical manual replaces the existing multi-volume technical books and will be supplied as a learning aid when installers undertake an OFTEC course. It is also available to purchase as a physical copy from OFTEC Direct.
The core module covers Health, Safety and Waste Disposal, Fuel, Fuel Storage, Fuel Supply, Appliances, Flues and Ventilation, Heating and Hot Water Systems, and OFTEC Procedures and Documentation – everything required to cover liquid fuel appliances and storage/supply systems.
Additional optional information on the servicing and commissioning of single stage and multistage pressure jet appliances, as well as vaporising appliances, can also be added. For the first time, the publication incorporates detailed information on the renewable liquid fuel HVO, including the conversion process and new illustrations to enhance understanding.
The technical manual is essentially a training aid, which is why the new field guide for on-site use has also been developed. As well as being a handy reference, can also be used when an inspection is taking place to help technicians ensure work is compliant. The document currently focusses on the installation, servicing commissioning and handover of liquid fuel-fired equipment, but content for solid fuel and renewable technologies is expected to be available in the future.
The field guide will be limited to information technicians need to know when carrying out their day to day jobs and is not designed to replace the technical manual. The free digital copy will be sent to technicians every year and a physical copy will be available to purchase. Registered technicians will also be kept up to date via Technical Notices.
Andrew Mathews, technical director at OFTEC, comments: “We’re pleased to announce these new publications as we further strengthen the resources we provide to registered technicians. Liquid fuels will continue to have an important role to play off-grid which is why we’ve updated our manuals with information on HVO to support with the long term transition.
“We listened to feedback from technicians wanting a detailed, but more concise, technical manual and acted accordingly. The page count for all sections of the manual has been reduced by approximately 600 pages compared to the old technical books. We’re also aware technicians want to be able to access digital resources. In response, our popular pocket guide will be replaced by the new free digital field guide coming out later this year.”
Further information can be found at www.oftec.org.
