Engineered Systems articles from March 2006

Engineered Systems archives from March 2006

We blog together.(editor's note)
March 1, 2006... As far as song titles go, you can't get much more generic than "We Belong Together." In fact, a quick search of www. allmusic.com reveals at least 50 recording artists who have released a song with that title, and I'd bet almost all of those...

Calendar of events.(editor's note)(Calendar)
March 1, 2006... APRIL 2006 For more events and details, visit ESOnline at www.esmagazine.com. 10-12 Total Facility Management Show Group C Comunications Chicago. For info, visit www.tfjshow.com. 24-27 NFPA Life Safety...

CAD layering standards.(letters to the editor)(Letter to the editor)
March 1, 2006... In response to Howard McKew's "Tomorrow's Engineer" column about construction CAD layering standards (April 2005, page 78), it seems to me that the AEC industry as a whole would benefit from having such standards, although this would likely be...

Keeping the power on.(letters to the editor)(Letter to the editor)
March 1, 2006... This letter refers to Lindsay Audin's "Energy Wiz" column titled "Back-Up Power" (February 2005, page 26). I, too, have some experience installing supplemental power systems into homes and businesses--our own farm with its multiple...

FCI or FBP?(LETTERS TO THE EDITOR)(Letter to the editor)
March 1, 2006... The closing statement of Howard McKew's "Tomorrow's Engineer" column titled, "Facility Condition Index or Facility Business Plan?" (December 2001) states the following: "In 2002 we will continue with roundtable sessions that look at...

Helpful hints.(Back to Basics)
March 1, 2006... * Refer to this month's "HVACR Designer Tips" for project closeout, as well as the "Application Checklist" for scoring the system. * When designing an energy conservation system, it is important to be able to collect the operating data so...

HVAC controls put middle school in energy efficiency LEED[R].(case in point)
March 1, 2006... The first thing students attending the new Twenhofel Middle School in Independence, KY, do when they arrive at school each day is watch TV. But the programming broadcast on the 42-in. plasma screen TV at the school's main entrance lobby isn't...

Negative pressure produces positive results at St. Mary Schools.(case in point)
March 1, 2006... The steam systems at two Church of Saint Mary schools in Manhasset, NY were in need of a serious overhaul. High fuel cost and inadequate comfort presented officials at both the high school and elementary school with a quandary. "It was...

High school earns an 'A' for energy efficiency with new BAS.(CASE IN POINT)
March 1, 2006... Buffalo Grove High School, in Buffalo Grove, IL, has been transformed from an "energy hog" to a model of energy efficiency and savings. Students are learning in a comfortable and safe environment while taxpayers reap the savings following the...

Boilers help laundry clean up with $11,000/ month savings.(CASE IN POINT)
March 1, 2006... Located in Hickory, NC, Maple Springs Laundry is one of the largest independent laundry businesses in the Southeast. Ever since the business was launched in 1972, founder Bob Daughtry has focused on efficient resource management. For...

Pinpointing building success.(commissioning)
March 1, 2006... It doesn't all rely on the latest BMS. What is the definition of a great building? One of the keys to success for a great building project is achieving the intended performance (design intent) of the building systems at the end of the...

Ten takeaways.(building automation)
March 1, 2006... The winds of change blew at the AHR Expo in Chicago. The largest ever AHR Expo 2006 in Chicago was a kaleidoscope of change, powered by the windy city itself. The energy and feeling of the transition into a new era was everywhere. Industry...

Specification language.(perSPECtives)
March 1, 2006... As with diamonds, the 4 C's translate to value. In the life of a building design and construction process, various formal and informal forms of communication are used--written or verbal communication and body language are a few....

Laboratory and office space served by a dual-fan, double-duct system:--commissioning and project closeout checklist.(hvacr designer tips)
March 1, 2006... Equipment type: AHU-1 Equipment designation: Dual-fan, double-duct supply air system Bar code designation: 1111111C, 1111112, and 1111113 Area served: Laboratory facility Equipment location: Central fan roof at column line...

A clearview of the future.(Cover story)
March 1, 2006... This Pennsylvania elementary school picked up LEED[R] Gold certification while costing less per square foot than the state average for schools. That's not "new math," just the reality of what smartly integrated systems can do combined with...

Ultraviolet light for coil cleaning in schools: shed some light on the potential of UVC with this primer. Sizing and operation tips join info about the three main system types, energy usage, and LEED[R] ramifications. After a look at several current K-12 applications, the lesson ends by comparing pros and cons of UVC and traditional coil cleaning methods.
March 1, 2006... Poor indoor environments in schools influence the health, performance, and attendance of students. Many existing school space conditioning systems have dirty cooling coils, drain pans, and plenums that have been fouled by the growth of...

Boilers for today: types, cost, and controls.
March 1, 2006... With the number of boilers on the market today and the plethora of boiler manufacturer's representatives who are constantly presenting the benefits of their products, it can be difficult to choose the most appropriate boiler for a particular...

The winter efficiency protagonist: best practice for a partial waterside economizer.
March 1, 2006... When it came to wringing the most efficiency out of its new chiller system, this growing North Carolina hospital had to be very patient. Determining whether to use an economizer was followed by deciding which type to use. The staff also had to...

The importance of stopping smoke.
March 1, 2006... Stopping smoke from migrating through HVAC systems is important to save lives and to minimize property damage. Deaths due to smoke inhalation far outnumber deaths due to burns. Interestingly, smoke inhalation deaths have dropped with the advent...

LonMark[R] International readies new proficiency certification initiative.(issues and events)
March 1, 2006... LonMark[R] International recently announced that it is developing a new program to test and certify industry professionals of LonMark Open Systems. The new program will target individuals that install, integrate, and maintain systems utilizing...

Buildy awards deadline nears.(issues and events)
March 1, 2006... BuilConn will be held May 16-18, 2006, at the Palm Spring Convention Center in Palm Springs, CA, and the event's organizer, Clasma Events Inc., has announced the 2006 Buildy Awards program which celebrates the North American organizations and...

Autodesk Green Index predicts 100% increase in green design practices by architects by 2010.(issues and events)
March 1, 2006... Autodesk, Inc. announced the results of its first annual Autodesk Green Index, a study commissioned to evaluate the use of green design elements and practices by architects. The study indicated that the rate of adoption of green building...

Berner International.(Industry News)
March 1, 2006... Berner International is celebrating its 50th year in business in 2006.

MARCOR Remediation, Inc.(Industry News)
March 1, 2006... MARCOR Remediation, Inc., a leading provider of environmental contracting services, is expanding into the Midwest market with the opening of a new office in Pittsburgh.

MAMAC Systems.(Industry News)
March 1, 2006... MAMAC Systems, a global manufacturer of industrial and commercial sensors and control peripherals, has reached an agreement with MA-based Metropac Industries which allows Metropac to distribute MAMAC products to more than 8,000 wholesalers and...

Anvil International.(Industry News)
March 1, 2006... Anvil International recently announced its membership in the USGBC.

Baltimore Aircoil Company.(Industry News)
March 1, 2006... Baltimore Aircoil Company recently completed the relocation to its state-of-the-art, 95,000-sq-ft Research and Development Laboratory and Global Headquarters building in Jessup, MD.

Power Measurement.(Industry News)
March 1, 2006... Power Measurement, acquired by Schneider Electric in April 2005, recently announced that as an integrated part of the Schneider Electric family, the company will operate as a global "power monitoring and control" group under the Schneider...

Researchers study energy-saving method for small office buildings.(ISSUES AND EVENTS)
March 1, 2006... Engineers have developed a method for "precooling" small office buildings and reducing energy consumption during times of peak demand, promising not only to save money but also to help prevent power failures during hot summer days. The...

University of Maryland engineers offer long-term relief for heating and cooling costs.(ISSUES & EVENTS)
March 1, 2006... As winter marches on, and with energy resources in question after a disastrous hurricane season, American homeowners are opening their energy bills with trepidation, and heating and cooling system manufacturers are seeking ways to offer them...

2006 AHR Expo[R] shatters records en route to biggest show of all time.(ISSUES & EVENTS)
March 1, 2006... More than 57,000 HVACR professionals filled the aisles and booths at the 76th AHR Expo in Chicago, January 23-25 as the world's largest HVACR event broke several records. Driven by unprecedented association support, new show features, and...

Woolpert, Inc.(Engineering Beat)
March 1, 2006... William Orne, Jr., RE., recently rejoined Woolpert, Inc., as a project manager in the site/civil design group in the Columbia, SC office.

The Stellar Group.(Engineering Beat)
March 1, 2006... The Stellar Group announced the recent promotions of Tim Dickson, Reymond Prieto, Tom Draper, Buck Smoak, and Scott Mark to senior project manager.

Albert Kahn Associates, Inc.(Engineering Beat)
March 1, 2006... Albert Kahn Associates, Inc. (AKA) announced that Lawrence Fill has become certified as a qualified commissioning provider.

Sebesta Blomberg & Associates.(Engineering Beat)
March 1, 2006... Sebesta Blomberg & Associates announced the addition of an Energy Management Division to focus on integrated management of energy costs, consumption, and billing for large energy users. Rick Sievertsen and Bill Douglas will lead the division.

Maxitrol Company.(Places and Faces)
March 1, 2006... Maxitrol Company recently announced the appointment of Josh Blackmore as director of sales.

Danfoss.(Places and Faces)
March 1, 2006... Danfoss announced that Jamie Kitchen has accepted the position of training manager.

Mestek.(Places and Faces)
March 1, 2006... Brian D. Benard has re-joined Mestek as marketing manager, responsible for developing and implementing strategic marketing initiatives for Sterling HVAC and SpacePak.

Sacramento/San Joaquin Valley (CA).(Places and Faces)
March 1, 2006... Robert Z. Gibson P.E., age 77, a key member of the mechanical engineering community in the Sacramento/San Joaquin Valley (CA), died peacefully at home after a nearly year-long battle with cancer on January 25, 2006.

United CoolAir Corporation.(Places and Faces)
March 1, 2006... United CoolAir Corporation named Air Conditioning Equipment Sales, Inc. as its exclusive distributor within the Richmond, VA and Hampton, VA markets.

ASHRAE news.(ISSUES AND EVENTS)
March 1, 2006... * ASHRAE will offer six online professional development seminars this spring. ASHRAE Learning Institute's professional development seminars provide in-depth information that is timely, practical, and advanced beyond a fundamental level. Seminar...

Data center event examines gap between IT and facilities.(ISSUES AND EVENTS)
March 1, 2006... DatacenterDynamics, a global knowledge exchange for professionals involved in the design, construction and management of datacenters, has announced DatacenterDynamics New York, to take place on March 28th, 2006 at the Hilton New York, Avenue of...

ASHRAE.(Association Agenda)
March 1, 2006... ASHRAE's newly adopted Sustainability Roadmap, which can be viewed at www. engineeringforsustainability.org or www.ashrae.org, will help members lead the march toward a sustainable built environment through use of advanced technologies

ISH North America.(Association Agenda)
March 1, 2006... ISH North America announced that the International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) intends to join the ISH North America show partnership and that starting September 2006, the association will hold its annual convention...

The Tennessee Technology Center.(Association Agenda)
March 1, 2006... The Tennessee Technology Center in Memphis, TN was granted accreditation of its HVACR program by HVAC Excellence, the national accrediting organization for HVACR programs.

The Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE).(Association Agenda)
March 1, 2006... The Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) has updated its position statement entitled The Engineer and the Technician--Designing Fire Protection Systems because of industrywide concerns over the inconsistencies in state and local...

Low voltage drive CAD catalog.(computers & software)
March 1, 2006... Incorporating the company's drives into machine design now is faster and easier thanks to the launch of a complete low-voltage drives CAD catalog that provides drawings for machine designers quickly, and in the proper formats. The 3-D drawinqs...

Datalogger software.(computers & software)
March 1, 2006... HOBOware 2.1 for Windows is the company's next-generation software package for HOBO dataloggers. It combines fast, easy logger launch and readout functions with powerful data plotting capabilities, making it easier for users to analyze...

Harmonic estimating software.(computers & software)
March 1, 2006... The new E7 Harmonic Estimating Tool (E7/HET) software is available at no cost as a downloadable file from the company's website, www.yaskawa.com. It enables users to estimate and calculate the voltage and current harmonic distortion produced by...

Siemens Building Technologies, Inc. and CyboSoft announced an industry-exclusive agreement which teams the latter's patented Model-Free Adaptive control technology.(BITS & BYTES)
March 1, 2006... Siemens Building Technologies, Inc. and CyboSoft announced an industry-exclusive agreement which teams the latter's patented Model-Free Adaptive control technology with the former's APOGEE[R] BAS to launch a new adaptive control system.

Hoffman Specialty.(BITS & BYTES)
March 1, 2006... Hoffman Specialty's Web-based "Steam Component Selection" program is designed to make it easier for engineers and installers to quickly and accurately choose the components they need and save the information for their records.

GE Sensing.(BITS & BYTES)
March 1, 2006... GE Sensing has made keeping field instruments calibrated and in peak operating condition easier with Intecal, its new calibration management software.

TSI Incorporated is now offering Field Server BACnet[R] gateways to allow BACnet communication via Modbus[R] RTU (RS-485 communications).(BITS & BYTES)
March 1, 2006... TSI Incorporated is now offering Field Server BACnet[R] gateways to allow BACnet communication via Modbus[R] RTU (RS-485 communications), which is currently available on all TSI devices, to create a small network which will link all TSI devices...

ALGOR, Inc. announced that it has hired the architectural firm of Next Architecture to expand its O'Hara Township.(BITS & BYTES)
March 1, 2006... ALGOR, Inc. announced that it has hired the architectural firm of Next Architecture to expand its O'Hara Township, PA world headquarters to accommodate additional staffing planned this year.

American Power Conversion (APC) helped diagnose and solve a potential overheating problem in a customer's new data center by using a Flomerics Flovent.(BITS & BYTES)
March 1, 2006... American Power Conversion (APC) helped diagnose and solve a potential overheating problem in a customer's new data center by using a Flomerics Flovent computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software simulation to evaluate alternative designs prior...

Kaon Interactive Inc.(BITS & BYTES)
March 1, 2006... Kaon Interactive Inc, a leader in interactive Web-enabled applications to improve marketing and sales effectiveness, recently announced their induction into the Autodesk DWF Partner Program and their support of DWF within their vSpace Master...

Kees, Inc.(World Wide Web)
March 1, 2006... Kees, Inc., a manufacturer of a wide variety of accessories and specialty items for the commercial sheet metal HVAC, architectural grille specialties, and food service industries, provides information about its products and services at...

Daikin Industries, Ltd.(World Wide Web)
March 1, 2006... Daikin Industries, Ltd. provides information about its A/C and network solution products at http:// global.daikin.com/global/our_product/.

Contemporary Controls.(World Wide Web)
March 1, 2006... Contemporary Controls has created an online interactive tutorial that is intended to be an introduction for industry professionals who wish to acquire the fundamentals of nine management features: IGMP snooping, rate limiting, VLANs, Quality of...

Square D[R] Services for Schneider Electric.(World Wide Web)
March 1, 2006... Square D[R] Services for Schneider Electric has revised its website (www.squared-services.com) to provide more diverse content, along with a revamped structure that allows for more intuitive navigation far users.

Danfoss Turbocor Compressors.(World Wide Web)
March 1, 2006... Danfoss Turbocor Compressors provides information about its new TurboExpress handling program designed to meet special "rush" situations, at www.rurbocor.com/products_technology/ express.html

Certainteed.(World Wide Web)
March 1, 2006... Certainteed's website, located at www.certainteed.com, offers information about its comprehensive program of technical and educational support to help the design community and building inspectors understand the design, specification, and...

DRISTEEM.(World Wide Web)
March 1, 2006... DRISTEEM provides information about its new line of electrode steam humidifiers at www. dristeem.com/WebSite/SilverStream/Pages/topnews.html.

GE Infrastructure Sensing.(World Wide Web)
March 1, 2006... GE Infrastructure Sensing has simplified online ordering of items from its Protimeter product line via www. gesensing.com.

Emerson Network Power.(World Wide Web)
March 1, 2006... Emerson Network Power, a business of Emerson and a global leader in enabling business-critical continuity, announced a new Internet-based remote monitoring gateway that will enhance data security and availability of critical space...

Flow switches.(products in focus)
March 1, 2006... The MakesSensor[TM] liquid flow switch is ideally suited for cooling towers. The unit features an LED flow indicator, uses thermal mass microelectronics, and has no moving parts. The unit can be retrofit into major controller manifolds without...

Chillers.(products in focus)
March 1, 2006... The company's line of AQUAFORCE[TM] air cooled chillers feature non-ozone depleting HFC-134a refrigerant and new microchannel coil technology that allows the unit to achieve class efficiencies of 10.9 EER full-load and 15.4 part-load....

Boilers.(products in focus)
March 1, 2006... The company's Clearfire H, Model CFH compact gas-fired boiler is offered for the commercial boiler market for hot water, low-pressure steam, or high-pressure steam from 10 hp through 40 hp. Utilizing premix burner technology and advanced heat...

Heaters.(products in focus)
March 1, 2006... The Heating Box[TM] is a fully integrated heat transfer control station that accepts hot water from a heat source then redirects it as required to provide hot water and/or heat to hydronic applications. The unit is engineered to simplify the...

Fire seals.(products in focus)
March 1, 2006... FIRE-SEAL[R] Poke-Thru's are designed to prevent fire and smoke from traveling through floor openings used for power and telephone wiring. The devices mount into the 1-3/8-in. holes regularly drilled into metal decks or reinforced concrete...

Separators.(products in focus)
March 1, 2006... The ASME blow-off separator, Model BD-10C, is suited for use with boilers in the 1- to 50-hp range. The unit is designed to help clean out sludge and sludge build-up from boilers. Features include a compact design; low maintenance; and a...

Grounding brushes.(products in focus)
March 1, 2006... The AEGIS SGR[TM] conductive MicroFiber[TM] shaft grounding brush is designed to improve the reliability of HVACR systems by extending motor life by protecting bearings from electrical damage. The unit can be installed in minutes by sliding the...

Pipeline strainer.(PRODUCTS IN FOCUS)
March 1, 2006... The Model 30R pipeline strainer removes dirt and debris that could potentially damage expensive piping system components: Features include a stainless steel strainer basket, cast iron strainer, and clamp-type cover designed for easy removal....

Boilers.(PRODUCTS IN FOCUS)
March 1, 2006... The surface serration on the company's low water content watertube boiler is designed to optimize heat transfer and is a major contributing factor to its 85% fuel-to-steam efficiencies, according to the manufacturer, with fuel savings averaging...

Combustion analyzers.(PRODUCTS IN FOCUS)
March 1, 2006... The Firetron Pro combustion analyzer is designed for use on all boiler types and can display eight parameters simultaneously showing measurements and calculations of boiler efficiency and pollution. The unit is available in a range from three...

Axial fans.(PRODUCTS IN FOCUS)
March 1, 2006... The company's axial fans are available for air handling in designs for air heaters, heat pumps, condensers, cooling units, and evaporators. The fans feature aerodynamically profiled blades; offer a maximum capacity of 21,100 cfm; are 100% speed...

Relays.(PRODUCTS IN FOCUS)
March 1, 2006... The MR-310 and MR-320 Series relay modules are designed to provide opto-isolated security for sensitive low-voltage and digital circuit protection. They are suitable for use in fire, security, and building control systems. --Air Products...

Water heaters.(PRODUCTS IN FOCUS)
March 1, 2006... The Aurora[TM] tankless gas water heater is rated to provide a continuous 4 gpm supply of hot water at 77[degrees]F rise. The unit is equipped with a copper heat exchanger and operates between 78% and 81% efficiency with inputs modulating from...

Dataloggers.(PRODUCTS IN FOCUS)
March 1, 2006... The HygroLog NT datalogger/digital transmitter features HygroClip[R] digital humidity technology, a compact flash memory card, local display and keyboard option, a wide measuring range from -50[degrees] to 200[degrees]C, and a maximum accuracy...

A/C systems.(PRODUCTS IN FOCUS)
March 1, 2006... The Frigid-X cabinet cooler for electronic control panels works as filtered, compressed air enters the cooler through the vortex component. The air is split into two streams: one hot and one cold. The muffled hot air is expelled through the...

Circulators.(literature & catalogs)
March 1, 2006... This spec sheet explains the company's line of "00" circulators for LoadMatch[R] single-pipe hydronic systems. Included is detailed information on mechanical specifications, electrical data, performance data, and pump dimensions and weights....

Dust and fume collection.(literature & catalogs)
March 1, 2006... This catalog features the company's dust and fume collection products including industrial grade fittings, spiral pipe, and flexible hoses which are designed for quick, easy installation. --Air Handling Systems FREE INFO: CIRCLE NO....

Boilers.(literature & catalogs)
March 1, 2006... The company's LX gas/low NOx Series high- or low-pressure boilers are featured in this booklet. Included are full-color photos, dimension data, features and benefits, and information on the unit's watertube design. Also included is a...

Chimneys.(literature & catalogs)
March 1, 2006... The company's complete line of pressure-rated chimney products are featured in this brochure and includes installation examples, product information, and code information. Products featured include single-wall; double-wall air, insulated;...