McDonald Engineers Calorifiers Clean Up at Melrose Sevens
McDonald Engineers played a key role at the recent Melrose Sevens, by ensuring that all of the teams participating at the historic event, were able to enjoy hot showers by supplying 3no. 900 litre calorifiers for the Melrose Rugby Club.
As the oldest rugby sevens tournament in the world, the Melrose Sevens is one of the biggest events on the Rugby calendar, attracting teams from all over the world. With its continued expansion, the resulting dramatic increase in demand for hot water meant a requirement for a flexible hot water system, that was also energy efficient.
The solution installed, featured 3 x 900 litre calorifiers which were fitted in sequence, to enable 1 or 2 of the cylinders to be shut down dependent on the day to day requirements of the club.
During busy events, such as the Melrose Sevens, the system automatically heats the next available cylinder to maintain a constant flow of hot water whilst minimising energy consumption.
Sales Director, Jamie Stewart, explained “We were delighted to have McDonald Engineers calorifiers supply the hot water for this prestigious tournament, and as a keen rugby fan, it is all the more special to have our name associated with the Melrose Sevens.”
He continued, “McDonald Engineers are widely recognised as the experts to turn to when it comes to bespoke cylinders thanks to our flexible manufacturing process and our ability to advise on the optimum solution for design and installation.”
For more information on the range of calorifiers offered by McDonald Engineers visit www.mcdonald-engineers.com or to discuss your project in more detail call our technical sales team on 01592 611123.
A special cylinder for Hamilton and Inches
When it comes to creating special moments in time, very few companies can come close to luxury jewellers and royal silversmiths, Hamilton and Inches. So when a company famed for their quality and attention to detail required a bespoke horizontal cylinder, they chose a company that shared their values.
McDonald Engineers were asked to manufacture a horizontal grade 1 cylinder for one of the Hamilton and Inches stores, designed and manufactured to their exact requirements.
McDonald Engineers’ Sales Director, Jamie Stewart, commented “there is nothing more rewarding than having your quality recognised by a company that is renowned for its craftsmanship, especially one that specialises in working with one of the most desirable metals.”
Specialists in quite another highly desirable metal, McDonald Engineers, have long championed the environmental and health benefits of Copper for hot water cylinders. And as Jamie states “it’s the superior performance offered by Copper that makes it the perfect material for our products and keeps us firmly on the map for high quality hot water cylinders”.
To find out more about McDonald Engineers and the benefits of Copper visit www.mcdonald-engineers.com or call our technical sales team on 01592 611123.
Bespoke Calorifier for Major Scottish University
McDonald Engineers has manufactured and supplied an 800 litre, electrically heated calorifier for a clean room facility in a major Scottish University.
The calorifier featured a 60Kw immersion and was manufactured from copper to the exact requirements of the installation contractor.
McDonald Engineers’ Sales Director, Jamie Stewart, explained, “Copper’s superior bacteria killing properties has seen it become the material of choice when it comes to calorifiers and renewable energy applications, but it is almost critical for clean room environments.”
He continued, “Our experience and expertise in bespoke calorifiers has enabled us to develop an extensive portfolio of universities and schools and we are delighted to add this unique project.”
For more information on McDonald Engineers range of calorifiers visit www.mcdonald-engineers.com or to discuss your project in more detail call our technical sales team on 01592 611123.
2no. 2000 Litre Calorifier for Annan Academy
McDonald Engineers has demonstrated its expertise when it comes to calorifiers by manufacturing and supplying 2no. 2000 litre cylinders as part of the refurbishment programme of Annan Academy.
The company has seen demand for its calorifiers grow in recent years as more and more organisations recognise the extraordinary bacteria killing properties of copper, which minimises the risk of legionella, ecoli and MRSA to name a few.
However, it’s McDonald Engineers’ commitment to delivering a world class service, which delivers superior quality calorifiers, with ever reducing lead times, that has seen it become one of the UK leaders.
McDonald Engineers’ Sales Director, Jamie Stewart, explained “The nature of the Market in which we operate, means that sometimes we have to react to emergency situations which require a very quick turnaround.”
He continued, “We have developed our manufacturing process to be able to meet even the most demanding requirements, without compromising on the quality or customer service that we have become synonymous with.”
To find out more about McDonald Engineers and the benefits of Copper visit www.mcdonald-engineers.com or call our technical sales team on 01592 611123.
Demand for McDonald Engineers’ CUBEflow Rectangular Hot Water Tank Grows
McDonald Engineers has seen a sharp rise in the demand for its CUBEflow range since launching at the beginning of the year. Following the withdrawal of a competitor’s rectangular hot water tank, McDonald Engineers have stepped in to provide their customers with an ongoing solution.
McDonald Engineers has a long standing reputation, as a manufacturer of hot water storage systems, which have included rectangular hot water tanks, however the company had been manufacturing them as a bespoke item as opposed to offering a standard range.
However, with the launch of its CUBEflow range of standard tanks, including direct, indirect and thermal stores and the appointment of rectangular tank specialist, Doug Rodgerson, McDonald Engineers has become the market leader for rectangular hot water tanks.
Spearheading the development of the CUBEflow range, Doug Rodgerson, explained “McDonald Engineers technical capabilities are widely recognised in the industry, however since joining the company, what has impressed me the most, is their uncompromising commitment to quality and customer service.”
He continued, “The CUBEflow range of rectangular hot water tanks, offers customers a direct replacement for earlier units. McDonald Engineers bespoke capabilities continue to provide the wide variety of products previously available.”
URGENT WARNING: The Danger of Under Specifying Hot Water Cylinders
A hot water cylinder may appear to be a trivial issue when it comes to the overall design of a project, however its performance will have a major impact on the client’s satisfaction, the perception of the architect’s performance and therefore the payment of fees.
When it comes to specifying the type of hot water cylinder to be used within a property, it’s generally the installation contractor who is given this responsibility, but what is their priority in the process?
The current economic climate is forcing many contractors to reduce their tender prices just to win the work and therefore it is only natural that many firms will look at the cheapest option they can get away with.
But the impact of under-specification of the hot water cylinders could have serious long term implications on the performance and the day to day usage whether it’s a house, a hotel or a commercial office.
So, what should be considered when specifying a heating system and why should architects be more involved at the specification stage?
As well as cost the following topics should be addressed with the client in mind:
- Mains pressure – Does the hot water need to be delivered at mains pressure?
- Multiple outlets - Does the pressure need to be maintained throughout when several outlets are being fed?
- Heat recovery times – How quickly does the water need to regain heat?
- Capacity – Is the capacity ample for the project?
- Positioning of the cylinder - Where the cylinder is located will play a major role in determining the type of cylinder to be used.However by considering a bespoke cylinder you can obtain a cylinder that works round your design instead of having to design around the cylinder.
- Life – What is the life span of the product and how long is it guaranteed for?
- Environmental Factor – What is the GWP? What type of lagging should be used? Is the system easy to recycle? Copper hot water cylinders are better for the environment as they are recyclable.
- Energy source - do you want to incorporate multiple and renewable fuel sources such as heat pumps, solar energy and solid fuel?
- Materials used – Copper hot water cylinders, in addition to having excellent anti-bacterial qualities, will significantly reduce running costs compared to Stainless Steel particularly with renewable energy.
Incidents of hot water systems not performing to the expectation of the client are often caused by a poorly designed solution, an inferior cylinder or a contractor simply selecting the cylinder that is currently on special offer.
By working with the contractor, the architect could help to specify a hot water cylinder that meets the needs of the clients.
For these reasons, it is vital that Architects become more involved at the specification stage to ensure that the initial outlay does not become the main factor in the decision making process.
These issues can prove costly in terms of delays to the project and in some cases fees being withheld.
To discuss your requirements in more detail simply contact us on 01592 611123.
All Buffer Tanks Great and Small
Filed under: Buffer Tank, Buffer Vessel, Uncategorized, steel buffer vessel

Mild Steel Buffer Tanks
McDonald Engineers has demonstrated its flexibility in supplying mild steel buffer tanks with two of their latest orders, which showed the true diversity in sizes with a 1000 litre tank and a 6000 litre tank.
The 6000 litre buffer tank was ordered to replace an existing tank for a school in the highlands whilst, the smaller 1000 litre was for a stately mansion in the Lake District.
McDonald Engineers has established a proud reputation for buffer tanks with its ability to supply a diverse range of buffer tanks in both copper and mild steel and from as little as 100 litres up to 10000 litres.
McDonald Engineers’ Sales Director, Jamie Stewart, explained “Clients enjoy our ability to advise on the best materials, the optimum size and the perfect design to deliver the required solution within the budget and timescale.”
And with the growth of the renewable energy market, the growing demand for buffer tanks looks set to continue.
Jamie continued, “One of the key strengths of renewable energy sources is their ability to continue to deliver energy, e.g., by a wood burning stove on a cold winters day, solar thermal energy on a sunny day, or through heat pumps. However, that can also pose an issue when too much energy is produced, which is when buffer tanks come into their own with their ability to store excess heat which can then be used when the energy source isn’t producing.”
Click here to find out more about the full range of Buffer Tanks
McDonald Engineers Cylinder Featured in Renewable and Innovation Centre
Filed under: Copper Cylinder, Renewable Energy Cylinders, heat pump cylinder
McDonald Engineers has shown its credentials in the renewable energy sector with the announcement it has secured the order to manufacture and supply the hot water cylinder for a Scottish Renewable and Innovation Centre.
The high tech facility located at one of the UK’s leading renewable energy parks, has been purpose designed to create high quality work space in a low carbon facility and will feature one of McDonald Engineers POWERflow Commercial Heat Pump Cylinders.
McDonald Engineers has established itself as one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of hot water cylinders for renewable energy applications such as solar, heat pumps and wood burners, however this latest contract reinforces it reputation even further.
McDonald Engineers’ Sales Director, Jamie Stewart, who was delighted to win such a prestigious contract in the Renewable Energy Sector, explained “The Renewable and Innovation Centre has set out to provide incubator units for firms looking to enter the renewable energy sector and as such is looking to make a statement with its construction.”
He continued, “Having made our first cylinder for solar energy back in the late 1970s, we have come an awful long way to where we are now, during which time the technology has changed dramatically.
However copper’s position as the preferred material for renewable application has remained constant throughout thanks to its unique properties, including superior thermal transfer properties, as well as it unrivalled ability to kill bacteria such as Ecoli and Legionella.”
To find out more about McDonald Engineers range of hot water cylinders for renewable energy sources click here or contact us now on 01592 611123
McDonald Engineers Launch New Calorifier Brochure
Filed under: Calorifier, Horizontal Calorifiers, Marine Calorifiers
McDonald Engineers has launched its new Calorifier Brochure. This details its full manufacturing capability when it comes to Calorifiers. The brochure details types of calorifiers, renewable energy options, horizontal calorifiers and marine calorifiers amongst other useful information.
The brochure also features a sizing guide, which shows some of the more standard capacities and associated dimensions however McDonald Engineers are renowned for their manufacturing capabilities when it comes to bespoke cylinders.
McDonald Engineers has also made it easier for clients to specify a calorifier and get a quote with a handy order form on the back page of the brochure, which can be completed and returned to for pricing or simply to supply a detailed drawing.
To get your brochure contact us now or download it from the website now
McDonald Engineers Supply 38 Thermal Stores for Luxury London Apartments
The company has established an enviable position in the Thermal Store market, thanks to their willingness to manufacture bespoke cylinders.
Working closely with the client’s project team, McDonald Engineers technical sales team advised on the potential solutions available, before designing a bespoke cylinder to maximise the capacity in the available space.
McDonald’s also re-positioned the connection to optimise the installation process by reducing materials on site and improving access for the installer.
McDonald Engineers’ Sales Director, Jamie Stewart, explained “Whilst we offer a range of thermal stores available for despatch from stock, we are seeing a growing number of enquiries from clients looking for cylinders made to custom sizes or with additional connections.”
He continued, “And when it comes to projects such as these luxury apartments in London, where there are multiple cylinders, the client is able to maximise capacity in a small space whilst the contractor can enjoy significant savings on installation time and costs.”
To find out more and to download the THERMflow Thermal Store brochure click here or call 01592 611123 for more information














