Engineered Systems articles from December 2006

Engineered Systems archives from December 2006

Off the beaten path.(editor's note)(AHR and ASHRAE events)
December 1, 2006... In either my first or second AHR Expo, I brought a new pair of dress shoes. That's a mistake you make exactly once. Yet, we're getting close to the next pair of AHR and ASHRAE events, so if you're going, it's time to start breaking in any...

Back to basics[TM].
December 1, 2006... Helpful Hints * Refer to this month's "HVACR Designer Tips" for the project closeout checklist, as well as "Application Checklist" for scoring the AHU replacement and retrofit sytem. * When replacing and/or retrofitting a central...

Texas Denny's restaurant takes humidity off its menu.(case in point)
December 1, 2006... Scientifically speaking... evaporation is the change of a liquid into vapor at any temperature below its boiling point. For Alvie Britton, quicker evaporation means higher profits. Britton, the owner of four Denny's franchise restaurants in...

Fair and balanced: in which we put assumptions about test procedure to the test.(commisioning)(Column)
December 1, 2006... In my October and November columns, I explored the complexities associated with motivating contractors to install, start up, and test new building systems as required to have the commissioning testing and demonstration be successful the first...

Eight and counting: time for another set of educational sessions at AHR Expo 2007 in Dallas.(building automation)(Calendar)
December 1, 2006... Each year, your mild-mannered columnist joins forces with Dave Branson and provides four educational sessions at the AHR Expo (www.ahrexpo.com). Ok! So I am not so mild, and certainly not so mannered, but seriously, we have done these...

Design review & equipment startup: checklist for AHU replacement / retrofit.(hvacr designer tips)(Product/service evaluation)
December 1, 2006... Equipment type: AHU Equipment designation: AHU-1 Barcode designation: 1111111 Area served: Base building Equipment location: First-floor equipment room SPECIFICATION REVIEW * Confirm Division 1 mechanical requirements...

Engineering for high attitudes.(Cover story)
December 1, 2006... Athletes aren't the only ones to feel the effects of trying to operate significantly above sea level. HVAC systems can gasp for air, too, and you don't need to be in the Rockies to encounter this situation. See how great heights do (and don't)...

Inappropriate use of VSDs: usually in life, we think of flexibility as being good. And it often is, in HVAC and elsewhere. However, if you don't pay sufficient attention to motor and impeller details before you decide to invest in VSDs, you could be pumping up your costs and draining your efficiency. See how a careful evaluation and new system curve put one data center on track for a leaner budget.(JDA Consulting Engineers development)(variable speed drive)
December 1, 2006... Commissioning and testing has been a core component of the consulting and design work developed at JDA Consulting Engineers since 1990. Our firm's experience suggests that VSD technology has become a panacea for solving the complex design...

A clean start for cleanrooms: for this precision manufacturing company, working near a recycling center provided too many jolts for delicate work. So it moved out to the country, gutting a warehouse to host its cleanrooms, equipment, and small staff. Everything in the new facility, including tailored humidification and BAS, points toward protecting efficiency and quality in what can truly be called Optimum conditions.
December 1, 2006... Optimum Manufacturing Corp. is a very precise machine shop that specializes in complex, critical-tolerance components, CNC jig boring, and parabolic mirror housings. Using the most modern and precise machines, the company manufactures optical...

Southern discomfort (Part I): moisture problems are nothing new in the South. However, you may be surprised to find a few other locations where moisture deserves special attention, even if the inhabitants aren't sure what a grit is. Weather aside, have your facts down cold when it comes to the fundamentals of building envelopes and pressurization, lest you find yourself muttering that your troubled system could've been a contender.(Column)
December 1, 2006... I have to admit, I've never seen the movie A Streetcar Named Desire, but I think most of us know that scene when Brando bellows, "Stella...." Frankly, I don't even know who Stella is or why he is yelling for her, but it's a safe bet that in the...

DOE proposes new efficiency standards for furnaces and boilers.(issues and events)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... The DOE announced that it is proposing to raise the minimum energy efficiency standards for furnaces and boilers. Relative to the current standards, the proposed standards represent an improvement in energy efficiency of 2% to 7% for most...

Dallas workshop set for the HVAC marketing/sales/service arenas.(issues and events)
December 1, 2006... The HVAC Marketing/Sales/Service Workshop, which will be held January 29, 2007 in Dallas, is designed to help those involved with HVAC marketing/sales/service develop a proactive marketing plan that will address the needs of engineers,...

Bradford White Corp.(Industry News)(ranked highest among water heater and boiler manufacturers)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... Bradford White Corp. ranked highest among water heater and boiler manufacturers in satisfying subcontractors, according to the J.D. Power and Associates/McGraw-Hill Construction 2006 HVAC and Water Heater/Boiler Subcontractor Satisfaction...

Selkirk Americas, L.P.(Industry News)(Acquired Heat-fab Inc)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... Selkirk Americas, L.P. has purchased the assets of Heat-fab, Inc., a manufacturer of AL29-4C venting systems, for use in residential and commercial applications on high-efficiency gas condensing appliances, located in Turners Falls, MA.

Modine Manufacturing Company.(Industry News)(announcement)
December 1, 2006... Modine Manufacturing Company announced it is forming a new Commercial Products Group that will combine the company's Electronics Cooling and Commercial Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration divisions on a global basis.

EMCOR Group, Inc.(Industry News)
December 1, 2006... EMCOR Group, Inc. has acquired S. A. Comunale, Inc., a privately held fire protection and mechanical services company headquartered in Akron, OH.

ABB.(Industry News)
December 1, 2006... ABB earned the Frost & Sullivan "Growth Excellence in Market and Product Leadership of the Year Award, for 2006 Low Voltage Drives."

The Energy Solutions.(Industry News)
December 1, 2006... The Energy Solutions division of TAC was recently awarded a $1.4 million performance contract to improve the operation and aesthetics of the facilities for the South Pemiscot County R-V School District in Steele, MO.

The National Air Filtration Association (NAFA).(association agenda)
December 1, 2006... The National Air Filtration Association (NAFA) elected Stephen W. Nicholas, CAFS, NCT, president of Air Industries, Inc. of North Andover, MA, as its president at their annual meeting in Boston. Elected to serve in officer positions on the NAFA...

ASHRAE.(Association Agenda)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... ASHRAE has proposed an addendum that would extend BACnet to support access control systems--ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 135-2004, BACnet--A Data Communication Protocol for Building Automation and Control Networks, is the only open, consensus-developed...

NFPA.(Association Agenda)
December 1, 2006... NFPA announced that The State of Kentucky has adopted the most recent editions of NFPA 1, Uniform Fire Code[TM] and NFPA 101[R], Life Safety Code[R].

Airflow monitoring.(products in focus)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... The Sure-Aire[TM] airflow monitoring station is suited for applications where flow verification is required for proper system balancing and improving air quality. The system uses multiple pressure taps located on the fan inlet venturi to...

Heat pumps.(products in focus)
December 1, 2006... The company's Transquility Series model TMW100 large capacity, water-to-water heat pump uses EarthPure[R] zero ozone depletion refrigerant. Features include single-side service access and staggered, top-mounted water connections that allow...

Motors.(products in focus)
December 1, 2006... The MUS Series of brushless servo motors are fitted with high flux density Neodymium iron boron magnets that reduce rotor inertia for higher peak torques. The series covers a torque range from 380W to 3.5 kW. --AC Technology FREE...

CO detectors.(products in focus)
December 1, 2006... The CO1224 carbon monoxide detector is suited for use with security and fire panels. Features include system connecting capabilities that ensure around-the-clock protection by a central monitoring station, versatile mounting options, and low...

Evaporative condensers.(products in focus)
December 1, 2006... The RoofPak[TM] evaporative condenser system is sized from 75 to 15 tons and features the company's MicroTechll[TM] controls with Protocol Selectability[TM], allowing for integration into the BAS of choice using open, standard protocols. ...

Differential pressure sensors.(products in focus)
December 1, 2006... The P992 and P993 low-range differential pressure sensors are suited for VAV systems, filter pressure monitoring, duct airflow, and static pressure monitoring. Supplied by a regulated 5 Vdc power supply, the P992 and P993 provide an amplified...

Drives.(products in focus)
December 1, 2006... The ACH550 low-voltage drive is BACnet Testing Laboratory-approved and listed. The drive features a standard connection that is MS/TP, RS485-based and supports all BIBBs defined by the BACnet standard profile for an Application Specific...

Split systems.(PRODUCTS IN FOCUS)
December 1, 2006... S-Class SS/SPB 3- to 5-ton commercial split system units are available with R-410A refrigerant and have efficiency ratings up to 16.0 SEER and 8.2 HSPF. Features include a two-stage compressor that reduces temperature swings and the...

Humidity meters.(PRODUCTS IN FOCUS)
December 1, 2006... The 971 temperature humidity meter measures temperature, dewpoint, or wb from -2[degrees]C to 60[degrees]C (-4[degrees]F to 140[degrees]F) and measures rh from 5% to 95%, [+ or -] 2.5% rh.The unit has a 99-point data storage capacity for...

Couplers.(PRODUCTS IN FOCUS)
December 1, 2006... The Bullet Band self-sealing couple requires no tapes or sealants and is suited for installation on round or spiral ductwork. The unit is available in sizes ranging from 6 to 60 in. and can adjust for minor deviations in pipe diameter. ...

Controllers.(PRODUCTS IN FOCUS)
December 1, 2006... The Vapor-logic3 master controller controls the steam production of up to 26 of the company's humidifiers by anticipating increased rh demand and preheating humidifier tanks as needed. The controller also schedules humidifier tank draining and...

Climate control.(literature & catalogs)
December 1, 2006... This brochure features the company's IFL system for controlling temperature and humidity in a space. Included are product photos and information about the individual components that make up the system. The IFL is a dedicated outdoor air unit...

Spot cooling.(literature & catalogs)
December 1, 2006... This brochure features the ceiling-mounted CM12 server room spot cooler. Included are a product photo, technical specifications, and information on the rest of the product line. The CM-12 is designed to fit into virtually any drop ceiling and...

Gaskets.(literature & catalogs)
December 1, 2006... This booklet details facts about the proper installation of no-leak rubber gaskets on boilers. Included is information on boiler research from rubber formulation to steam-safety pop valves. --Topog-E Gasket Co. FREE INFO: CIRCLE NO....

Controls.(literature & catalogs)
December 1, 2006... This all-product brochure features the company's water control products, such as control panels, engineered products, custom embedded controls, alarms, floats, and on-site accessories. --SJE-Rhombus FREE INFO: CIRCLE NO. 513 ...

Gas piping systems.(literature & catalogs)
December 1, 2006... The company's Wardflex[R] double-seal fitting gas piping system is featured in this brochure. Included is information on the system, commercial installation examples, and a chart comparing the Stepsaver to steel pipe and other CSST systems. ...

Valves.(literature & catalogs)
December 1, 2006... Circuit Setter Plus[R] calibrated balance valves are described in this bulletin. Included is information on the valves' design and operating specifications, benefits and components, and dimensional product diagrams. The valves are designed to...

Safety-relief valves.(literature & catalogs)
December 1, 2006... This temperature and pressure and ASME safety relief valve product guide details the company's full line of commercial valves, including pressure-only and ASME-rate pressure relief valves. Also included is a discussion of how the valves work...

Pressure gauges.(LITERATURE & CATALOGS)
December 1, 2006... The company's complete line of 1200 Series digital pressure gauges is included in the 207 edition of the Transcat Catalog, a major calibration, test, measurement, and control instruments publication. --Sensor System Solutions FREE...

Door heaters.(LITERATURE & CATALOGS)
December 1, 2006... The company's direct gas-fired door heaters are featured in this booklet. Included is a door heater selection chart, a list of standard features, installation tips, dimensional data, and a rating table. The heaters feature a duct axial fan that...

Glossary.
December 1, 2006... Here are some common abbreviations and terms found in the pages of Engineered Systems. A A/C--air conditioning AE--air changes per hour AE--architectural and engineering; or architect and engineer AFD--adjustable-frequency drive...

Meet your professional development notebook: not just another self-help book, and no batteries required.(tomorrow's engineer)
December 1, 2006... Are you committed to excellence? How about continuous improvement? And how about those people that you are responsible for on your project, in your group, your department, or your company? If your answer was no or not all the time, and you want...