An innovative technique to keep water cool in overhead tanks during Gulf's hot summers was introduced at the Aircon Gulf 2001 held in Bahrain last month.

More than 50 specialists in the air-conditioning and refrigeration industry took part in the event which was held at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre from April 17 to 19.

The exhibition is the region's only heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC) showcase, according to its Bahrain-based organiser Almadina Exhibition Company.

Major companies such as Carrier, Tecumseh, Boke, Walter, SKM, Friederich, New Widetech, Tatung, Media, Awal Gulf and Awalco participated at the event, while several principals such as Rheem, Diversitech, Rodha, Copeland and Refcomp were represented by their local agents.

Bahrain-based firm Tankool Technology launched a prototype of the British-patented water cooling technology and announced that it was looking for manufacturers for the tanks throughout the Gulf.

In Bahrain, the tanks are manufactured by Bahrain Tanks, a division of Haji Hassan Group of companies.

'Tankool gives the most practical and efficient water-tank cooling solution,' said Ishaq Kooheji, who is promoting the technology.

'It provides instant cooling, has low power consumption, is maintenance free and calls for low investment. It cools water to 37 deg C (98 deg F) to keep it at the comfortable body temperature.

'The beauty of the system is that it can be fitted onto new or existing tanks of different capacities.

'Safety and hygiene are given high importance, with every effort made to ensure that no light penetrates the tank.

Chinese companies made a strong presence at the show including firms such as Zhejiang Dunan Group Company (Dunan) making its debut in the GCC market. 'The company is trying to break into the market and is keenly looking for agents in the Gulf region,' said sales manager David Hua.

Dunan manufactures residential central air-conditioning units and a variety of spare parts for the industry.