Engineered Systems articles from July 2006

Engineered Systems archives from July 2006

Mission: commissioning.
July 1, 2006... When Howard McKew started talking to us about reviving a one-day commissioning and TAB seminar for owners, I tossed around a few titles and thought that headline might make a good one. However, I didn't want anybody to be disappointed when the...

Calendar of events: summer/fall 2006.
July 1, 2006... For more events and details, visit ESOnline at www.esmagazine.com. JULY 27 Datacenter Dynamics San Francisco. For info, visit www.datacenterdynamics.com. SEPTEMBER 28-30 ISH North America 2006 Messe Frankfurt....

Ensuring access.(Letter to the editor)
July 1, 2006... While I agree with the intentions outlined in Howard McKew's May 2006 "Tomorrow's Engineer" column (Haven't You Had Enough Manual Labor? page 90), there is a problem I see with his suggestion. His solution of doing away with the printed manual...

Keeping equipment clean during construction.(Letter to the editor)
July 1, 2006... This letter refers to Howard McKew's "Tomorrow's Engineer" columns. Thank you for you wonderful articles and interesting perspectives!! I am an avid reader of your published articles and enjoy your guidance and education from all of these...

Back to basics.(cooling tower systems' maintenance)
July 1, 2006... Helpful Hints * There are basically two types of cooling tower systems: direct cooling (or open cooling) and dosed circuit, indirect contact towers. There are a wide variety of cooling towers that make up these two types of tower...

Hospital has its cooling--and heats with it, too.(case in point)(Evansville State Hospital and Veazey, Parrott, Durkin & Shoulders)
July 1, 2006... Evansville State Hospital in Evansville, IN, is recovering more than patients these days--it's recovering BTUs. Since installing a 45-ton "dedicated heat recovery chiller" (DHRC) from Multistack, LLC, the psychiatric hospital is reclaiming...

New system speaks to life safety at senior living facility.(CASE IN POINT)(Paumanack Village)
July 1, 2006... One of the main reasons seniors opt for adult living communities is the prospect of affordable, convenient, stress-free living. Residents of these communities cherish their independence, but they also love the idea of declaring their...

One room + three separate pools (and temperatures) + two IAQ zones = one big challenge.(CASE IN POINT)(RWJ Hamilton Center for Health & Wellness and HLM Design's contract)(indoor air quality)
July 1, 2006... The success of a 21st-century medical trend of combining hospital and health club services in one facility is as dependent on high-technology HVAC equipment as it is on medical and fitness technology. The new 87,000-sq-ft RWJ Hamilton...

Small [not equal to] unimportant: left unchecked, big problems can come in small packages.(commissioning)(Column)
July 1, 2006... To close out my recent series of columns addressing easily neglected yet critical aspects of commissioning, I want to unequivocally state that just because a project is small doesn't mean it shouldn't be commissioned. Facility operators know...

Strengthening connectivity week: at this year's BuilConn, Cisco assumes the lead.(building automation)
July 1, 2006... I am writing this column after returning from BuilConn's Connectivity Week in Palm Springs, and I feel compelled to share with you the excitement of this event. The following is extracted from a perspective and review by Anto Budiardjo,...

Specification formats: for clarity and effectiveness, proper placement can be half the battle.(perSPECtives)(Construction Specifications Institute)
July 1, 2006... Specifications have taken a variety of formats in the building construction industry. Some are more formal than others. Sometimes, specifications are written simply on contract document drawings or in a style that reads like a simple paragraph...

Design review/startup checklist--cooling tower replacement/ retrofit.(hvacr designer tips)
July 1, 2006... Job number: Area served: Equipment type: Equipment designation: Barcode designation: Equipment location: REPLACEMENT PHASING CONSIDERATIONS * Is cooling tower installation safe and in compliance with OSHA? *...

A precision operation.(Franklin Memorial Hospital's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning)(Cover story)
July 1, 2006... When this Maine hospital decided to implement a totally new HVAC system to manage temperature ant humidity levels in its operating suites, the resulting custom ventilation/dehumidification system got the attention of the DOE. The project team...

Night shift: what if you adjust the hours, not the load? What if you focus less on a setpoint and more on the ideal working relationships between equipment in a system? Why is the flow distributor a critical part of an above-ground TES tank? This California facility asked and answered all that and more as it tore down its chiller plant and bet its energy budget on thermal storage and an unorthodox controls philosophy.(Lanterman Developmental Center)
July 1, 2006... The Lanterman Developmental Center in Pomona, CA, is one of four facilities in the State of California that helps and houses people who have developmental disabilities. The facility is home to around 530 developmentally disabled patients. Until...

Know the design intent.(filtration system)
July 1, 2006... Knowing the codes for your facility isn't enough. Opportunities abound to throw off your filtration system and overall performance, from trying to save a few bucks when buying replacement filters to not realizing the impact that installing...

What is a loop duct? Glad you asked. It involves less ductwork, simpler duct runs, easier system expansion, less demolition if switching from constant volume to VAV, a maneuver for handling solar load shift, and more. For when to use it, why to use it, and how to design it, read on.
July 1, 2006... A loop duct is a distribution layout that is joined at the ends. Supply air can feed a zone control device from two or more paths. This arrangement can be helpful when faced with any of the following circumstances: * Ceiling space is...

Sixth annual TABB Conference a success; group goes global as well.(Testing, Adjusting and Balancing Bureau)
July 1, 2006... The fifth annual TABB Conference highlighted a year of success, laid the groundwork for the challenges ahead, and gave a glimpse of the future and direction of TABB. The conference opened with some exciting news from Erik Emblem, TABB...

Siemens Building Technologies, Inc.(Industry News)(prices on electronic room thermostats increased)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Siemens Building Technologies, Inc. has reduced list prices on electronic room thermostats by up to 57%. Thermostat applications include room control of constant air volume (CAV), fancoil, hydronic, and heat pump equipment.

Daikin AC (Americas), Inc.(Daikin Industries Ltd. to acquire O.Y.L Industries Bhd)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Daikin AC (Americas), Inc. announced that its parent company, Daikin Industries, Ltd., will acquire O.Y.L Industries Bhd, a Malaysian-based global HVAC company that owns U.S.-based McQuay International.

Schneider Electric.(Industry News)
July 1, 2006... Schneider Electric announced recently that it will acquire Invensys Building Systems operations (IBS) in North America and Asia, subject to regulatory approvals.

Greenheck.(Greenheck Fan Corp. wins Export Achievement Awards)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Greenheck was one of 10 Wisconsin companies recently honored by the state's governor, Jim Doyle, with Export Achievement Awards for achieving extraordinary results in international sales and for contributing to Wisconsin's increased ability to...

Lindab Inc.(Gowco acquired)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Lindab Inc., manufacturer of products and system solutions for improved indoor climate, has acquired the business activities of Texas-based Gowco, a manufacturing company within the ventilation industry servicing Texas and the surrounding...

Spirax Sarco, Inc.(Industry News)(Steam Technology Training Center opened )(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Spirax Sarco, Inc. marked the grand opening of its fifth Steam Technology Training Center in the U.S., located at the company's Midwest Regional facility in Lisle, IL.

Multistack USA.(Industry News)
July 1, 2006... Multistack USA has completed relocation of its corporate offices and manufacturing from West Salem, WI, to a newly constructed 70,000-sq-ft facility in Sparta, WI.

Honeywell will partner with Crossbow Technology, Inc.[R], a wireless sensor network platform provider.(Industry News)
July 1, 2006... Honeywell will partner with Crossbow Technology, Inc.[R], a wireless sensor network platform provider, to deliver products for the rapidly growing wireless sensor network segment.

Guttmann & Blaevoet.(Engineering Beat)
July 1, 2006... Guttmann & Blaevoet announced that Muhammad Bashir, P.E., principal electrical engineer, will head the firm's electrical engineering department.

Albert Kahn Associates, Inc. (AKA).(Acheson Venture, LLC Harborside Office Center receives Green Building Council)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Albert Kahn Associates, Inc. (AKA) announced that the Acheson Venture, LLC Harborside Office Center located in Port Huron, MI, received a LEED[R] for Core and Shell Silver Level Certification from the USGBC.

The Stellar Group.(Engineering Beat)
July 1, 2006... The Stellar Group recently finished its second project for Fruit Cove Baptist Church along S.R. 13 in Jacksonville's (FL) Fruit Cove community.

EYP Mission Critical Facilities[R], Inc. has promoted Kfir Godrich.(Engineering Beat)
July 1, 2006... EYP Mission Critical Facilities[R], Inc. has promoted Kfir Godrich to the role of director of technology development.

Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc.(Engineering Beat)
July 1, 2006... McCarthy has been selected by Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. as the general contractor for a $350 million casino, hotel, and spa project in downtown St. Louis.

HDR.(Engineering Beat)
July 1, 2006... HDR has hired Steve Riojas, AIA, LEED[R], as regional program director.

Comprehensive Energy Services, Inc. (CES).(contract with Marriott's Orlando World Center (Orlando, Florida))(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Comprehensive Energy Services, Inc. (CES) was recently awarded and is performing a major HVAC project valued at $5.6 million--a 150,000-sq-ft, exhibition hall addition for Marriott's Orlando World Center.

Convergence experts, projects honored with 2006 Buildy Awards.(ISSUES AND EVENTS)(Industry Gala at BuilConn 2006)
July 1, 2006... A large gathering of building integration and IT experts selected the five Buildy Award finalists who represent the North American organizations and individuals who best support the vision of networked building systems at the Industry Gala at...

Staefa TALON[R] announced that a number of new dealers have been certified to install and service the TALON open protocol BMS, increasing its national coverage and customer service.(Staefa Control Systems Inc.)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Staefa TALON[R] announced that a number of new dealers have been certified to install and service the TALON open protocol BMS, increasing its national coverage and customer service: Building Control Integrators in central Ohio; Chesapeake...

Danfoss Turbocor Compressors.(Places and Faces)(Henrik V. Jorgensen appointed)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Danfoss Turbocor Compressors, a Montreal-based joint venture between Danfoss A/S and Turbocor, providing the HVAC market with oil-free centrifugal compressors, announced that Henrik V. Jorgensen has been appointed president.

Siemens Building Technologies, Inc.(Places and Faces)
July 1, 2006... Siemens Building Technologies, Inc. appointed Jennifer Olmstead to vice president of human resources for the company's U.S. operations.

Taco, Inc.(Places and Faces)(restructured sales and marketing department)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Taco, Inc. has restructured its sales and marketing department. The company has decided to form two separate divisions, based on its major product markets--commercial and residential. Heading up Commercial Sales and Marketing will be Tom...

Bradford White Corporation.(Places and Faces)
July 1, 2006... Bradford White Corporation has appointed Dennis J. Travisano to the newly created position of director business development.

LONMARK International.(Places and Faces)
July 1, 2006... LONMARK International announced that Charles W. Holland P.E. is joining the board of directors.

The Rheem Manufacturing Company.(Places and Faces)
July 1, 2006... The Rheem Manufacturing Company has promoted Simon Parfitt to president of its Water Heating Division, based in Montgomery, AL.

Industrial Scientific Corporation.(Places and Faces)
July 1, 2006... Industrial Scientific Corporation announced that Justin McElhattan has been elected to the newly created position of vice president, operations by the company's board of directors.

Siemens.(Association Agenda)(joining ZigBee Alliance board of directors)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Siemens is joining BM Group, Ember Corporation, Freescale Semiconductor, Inc., Honeywell, Mitsubishi Electric, Motorola, Philips, Samsung, and Texas Instruments on the ZigBee Alliance board of directors.

The Sheet Metal Workers' International Association.(Association Agenda)(grants for Construction Specifications Institute)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... The Sheet Metal Workers' International Association presented a grant of S 180,000 this week to the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) for the Construction Taxonomy Project initiating a partnership between the National Center for Energy...

ASHRAE.(American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc's conference)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... ASHRAE recently presented a seminar focused on airborne/droplet transmission of infectious diseases and effectiveness of isolation room ventilation at its 2006 Annual Meeting. The seminar was titled "Preparing for the Next Pandemic: Controlling...

AMCA International.(Association Agenda)(Windy City Manufacturing and Nadi Airtechnics Private Limited licensed)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... AMCA International announced that Windy City Manufacturing, of Chicago, and Nadi Airtechnics Private Limited of India have recently licensed products through the group's Certified Ratings Program.

The Cooling Technology Institute's.(Association Agenda)(revision program of standards)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... The Cooling Technology Institute's committees are working on a five-year revision program for each of its Standards and Chapters by looking a each every five years and revising and reprinting those that need to be updated with new and better...

Datacenter event brings the cool and the hot to San Francisco.(ISSUES AND EVENTS)(DatacenterDynamics)
July 1, 2006... Environmentally friendly datacenter design and bridging the power gap will head the agenda as DatacenterDynamics arrives in San Francisco on July 27. DatacenterDynamics is a global knowledge exchange for professionals involved in the design,...

Cooling system selection.(computers & software)
July 1, 2006... The company has released a selection program for its representatives, allowing them to rate and select its standard equipment in one easy step. Designed with their representatives in mind, the program is designed to give users as much...

Moisture measurement logging.(computers & software)
July 1, 2006... The company has introduced a new feature called the Grains Per Pound Assistant to its new HOBOware 2.1 datalogger software. The software utility is designed to make it fast and easy for users to measure the grains of moisture per pound of air,...

Asset management.(computers & software)
July 1, 2006... MicroMain CM[TM] is a capital planning and asset management (CPAM) software, which is an integrated suite of products encompassing all critical facility operations--capital planning, maintenance management, and facility management. The program...

Honeywell.(BITS & BYTES)(ComfortPoint introduced)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Honeywell has introduced a BACnet[R]-compliant, Web-enabled control system for HVAC products--Honeywell ComfortPoint[TM]--which features a family of BACnet controllers and a simplified interface that gives consulting engineers and building...

Autodesk's.(BITS & BYTES)(Revit Structure 3's building information modeling software under development)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Autodesk's Revit Structure 3 is building information modeling software for structural engineering and documentation that can increase efficiency, accuracy, and design flexibility. The program integrates a physical model--for layout,...

Engineered Software, Inc. announced that it has reached a four-year agreement with Crane Valve North America to produce, market, sell, and distribute worldwide, Crane's Technical Paper 410, The Flow of Fluids through Valves, Fittings, and Pipe.(BITS & BYTES)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Engineered Software, Inc. announced that it has reached a four-year agreement with Crane Valve North America to produce, market, sell, and distribute worldwide, Crane's Technical Paper 410, The Flow of Fluids through Valves, Fittings, and Pipe,...

Flomerics.(BITS & BYTES)
July 1, 2006... Flomerics has announced that its Flovent software for airflow prediction in buildings has been awarded the Expert's Choice Award for Software from Controlled Environments magazine.

ALGOR, Inc.(BITS & BYTES)
July 1, 2006... ALGOR, Inc., a provider of design, analysis, and simulation software, announced that its latest finite element analysis (FEA) software release, ALGOR VI 9.1, features all-new support for the 64-bit HP-UX[R] operating system for all analysis...

Bluebeam Software.(BITS & BYTES)(Bluebeam Conversion Server 2.0 released)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Bluebeam Software, a provider of PDF solutions for CAD users, has launched the Bluebeam Conversion Server v 2.0, which provides customers with access to new tools for seamless and automatic conversion of CAD and Windows files to PDF and 10...

TAC.(BITS & BYTES)(BACnet[R] service tool introduced)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... TAC has introduced the industry's first BACnet[R] service tool designed to provide easy field access to controller point information. The Roam IO2 ServiceTool is a compact hardware adapter with software applications designed to run as a BACnet...

Bry-Air.(new website launched)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Bry-Air has launched an innovative website that provides users with an easy to navigate and educational environment. The new site, www.bry-air.com, offers many resources such as in-depth product information, specific applications for...

RSES.(Refrigeration Service Engineers Society's new website)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... RSES announced the launch of its newly redesigned website, www.rses.org. The latest site displays a new look while integrating the new RSES logo to help continue the branding of RSES as the HVACR Training Authority.

Tyco Electronics Corporation.(website enhanced)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Tyco Electronics Corporation recently completed a major overhaul of its website (www.tycoelectronics.com) to improve access to product information by reducing the number of clicks required for users to obtain the most desired product...

Sensor System Solutions, Inc.(new website launched, www.corp3s.com)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Sensor System Solutions, Inc., a manufacturer of (MEMS) sensors, intelligent sensor interface electronics, and intelligent embedded control systems, announced the launch of a new company website at www.corp3s.com.

The Industrial Automation Group of Advantech.(World Wide Web)
July 1, 2006... The Industrial Automation Group of Advantech has introduced a new online technical chat service located at www.eautomationpro.com/.

Zonex Systems.(online quote program)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Zonex Systems has launched an online quote program, available at www.zonexcontrols.com, for the HVAC contractor to obtain zone control and DDC system quotes, in minutes, via the Internet.

ASHRAE and Elsevier.(American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc., eLearning)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... ASHRAE and Elsevier have launched a new eLearning designed to provide complete learning experiences that focus on learning-by-doing that can be taken at any time and at the learner's own pace. Demonstration modules of the course are now...

Pressure-relief doors.(products in focus)
July 1, 2006... The company's pressure-relief doors function to prevent ductwork from imploding or exploding in the event of excess pressure. The PZ10 (positive) and the VT10 (negative) pressure relief doors are designed to open automatically 1 in. w.g. above...

Controls.(products in focus)
July 1, 2006... The JENEsys[TM], a new multi-protocol internet controller, is available as a factory-mounted option on the company's A/C and heating equipment consisting of rooftop units, chillers, AHUS, condensing units, and coils. The controls allows users...

Air purification systems.(products in focus)
July 1, 2006... The HFX is a combination HEPA UV air filter/purifier that can be duct-mounted or used as a standalone system. The included HEPA filter is 99.97% effective, trapping particles down to .3 microns in size. Purification is done through germicidal...

Fans.(products in focus)
July 1, 2006... The DHK backward curved centrifugal fan is available in sizes 12 to 60 in. and features corrosion-resistant fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) construction and high-efficiency operation. The fans are suited for use in industrial applications,...

Contactors.(products in focus)
July 1, 2006... The company's line of DIL M contactors features a compact design and compatibility with both digital and analog devices. Conventional contactors designed for DC control can be up to 3096 larger than their AC counterparts. The company solved...

Dataloggers.(products in focus)
July 1, 2006... The ST202 is a portable Ethernet-ready standalone datalogger with a built-in sensor and two external sensors for ambient temperature, rh, and equilibrium moisture content measurement capability. Features include a large LCD and an RS232...

Dampers.(products in focus)
July 1, 2006... The company's Iris damper features interlocking steel plates and a calibrated control lever to form an adjustable aperture. Ten sizes are available, from 4 to 32 in, with capacities to 20,000 cfm. The unit is manufactured of galvanized steel,...

Drive controllers.(literature & catalogs)
July 1, 2006... The Altivar[R] 31 S-Flex[TM] enclosed drive controller is featured in this brochure. Product photos, specification information, and dimensional information are included. The unit is designed specifically to meet the needs of the HVAC, pump and...

Dataloggers.(literature & catalogs)
July 1, 2006... The company's full product line is featured in this catalog, including HOBO[R] dataloggers, weather stations, and Tattletale[R] logger-controller products. Detailed product descriptions, specifications, and prices are included as well as a...

Grilles, registers, and diffusers.(literature & catalogs)
July 1, 2006... This brochure features the company's grilles, registers, and diffusers. The units are made with heavy-gauge steel and finished with powder-coated, nonsharp surfaces for smooth and easy operation, according to the manufacturer. --Metal-Fab...

Fire safety.(literature & catalogs)
July 1, 2006... The company's fire and life safety products and capabilities are featured in this booklet. Product photos, product descriptions, and information on emergency response services are included. --Siemens Building Technologies, Inc. FREE...

Steam and fluid control.(literature & catalogs)
July 1, 2006... The company's steam and fluid control products are featured in this catalog. Included are product photos, available accessories, and lists of features and benefits for such products as regulators, control valves, noise attenuation, condensate...

Water heaters.(literature & catalogs)
July 1, 2006... The Eclipse commercial heavy-duty electric water heater is featured in this brochure. Included is detailed specification information on the six available models, features, and product photos. Available models range in inputs from 12.4 to 24 kW...

Unit heaters.(literature & catalogs)
July 1, 2006... The company's line of commercial unit heaters and duct furnaces are featured in this brochure. Included are product photos, features, benefits, and technical data charts for each model. The units are suited for commercial garages, warehouses,...

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

Combining the ATC with the FPT: when it comes to responsible documents, sometimes more is more.(tomorrow's engineer)(functional performance test)
July 1, 2006... In the past year, our group has been bypassing the traditional sequence of operation narratives for a combined sequence-FPT format. It does a lot for the design and startup process by thinking through not only how the system will operate, but...