Engineered Systems articles from May 2002

Engineered Systems archives from May 2002

Commissioning and liquidated damages. (Letters to the Editor).
May 1, 2002... I am writing in reference to Rebecca Thatcher Ellis' column on commissioning "Commissioning: Getting It Right" in the October 2001 issue titled "The ins and outs of functional completion." (page 39). Contrary to the column's title, the...

Ellis responds. (Letters to the Editor).
May 1, 2002... I agree with the fundamentals of what Mr. Nelson is saying. I believe that the "Getting it Right" column has consistently promoted the benefits of commissioning for all parties (including reduced risk, but not stated as succinctly as Mr. Nelson...

The evolving Web. (Letters to the Editor).
May 1, 2002... I read Ken Sinclair's Building Automation column in Engineered Systems titled, "Web Services Evolve" (March 2002, page 30), and I think this a great and necessary area for bas to evolve into. However, bas in general, while evolving, needs to...

Nothing improves the conventional wisdom like some unconventional wisdom. (Editor's Note).
May 1, 2002... Every once in a while, thematic undercurrents develop among a group of articles, giving a particular issue a certain continuity in addition to the explicit editorial topics. The articles in this month's issue seem to have joined forces to...

Back to Basics.
May 1, 2002... 1 ON-OFF CONTROL, IN THE "OFF" POSITION: Outside damper D-1 and chilled water cooling valve V-1 shall be (closed, open, modulating) steam reheat RH 1 valve V-2 shall be closed, humidifier H-1 valve V-3 shall be (closed, open, modulating),...

Grease ducts a big hit for Mud Hens. (Case in Point).
May 1, 2002... After 65 years of great minor league baseball at Ned Skeldon Stadium, the Toledo Mud Hens franchise moved to a brand-new, 10,000-seat, $39.2 million stadium in downtown Toledo OH. A team often fondly mentioned by Corporal Max Klinger in the...

Flexible piping reduces installation stress at Arizona Spa. (Case in Point).
May 1, 2002... The Golden Door Spa, one of the largest and most luxurious facilities of its kind in North America, offers a wide assortment of amenities to attract visitors from around the world. Many of these amenities, including a swimming pool and spa,...

New water heater breaks cold snap in Wrigley locker room. (Case in Point).
May 1, 2002... Hearing "Striiiiike three!" called, eating hot dogs and popcorn, listening to the crack of the bat, and participating in the seventh inning stretch -- all are important facets of the major league baseball experience. As fans are on their way...

Mine "strikes it rich" with self-sufficient fire safety system. (Case in Point).
May 1, 2002... "By any standards, it's a desolate place for a mine," says Apolinar Guzman, a construction industry veteran who works for general contractor Bechtel International Corporation as project manager for the Antamina Mine in Peru. Antamina Mine...

Maintenance software smooths Rockies resort operation. (Case in Point).
May 1, 2002... Don't let the name fool you. The YMCA of the Rockies is not a building, it's an organization that owns and operates camp/resort/convention facilities in the mountains near Denver. With a history stretching back to 1910, the organization's...

Boiler retrofit helps Tavern on the Green keep its lobsters steamed, not its patrons. (Case in Point).
May 1, 2002... Maintaining a heating system for a commercial building is of major importance, especially when the comfort of the buildings' patrons relies on it. However, sometimes the heating system has more of an impact on a project than comfort alone. ...

Training for the long run: a cost-benefit perspective. (Commissioning: Sound Investments).
May 1, 2002... Last month's column was the first in a series about establishing a post commissioning training program that provides ongoing "second-generation" training to help maintain optimum, long-term system performance and realize the fill value of the...

Today's challenge is to create a business model in this dot-com world. (Building Automation: Maintaining Your.Calm).
May 1, 2002... The above title is of course a play on the dot-com craze that is sweeping our lives. It is important to keep focused on the fact that this change is destined to enhance and simplify our lives. It is difficult to remain calm while we are being...

March came in like a lamb and went out like a lamb. (Weather Report: March 2002).
May 1, 2002... March is a "shoulder" month in most cities. Extreme weather conditions are rare and none were evident this year. However, a number of cities experienced a significant shortfall of economizer "free cooling" hours, resulting in higher-than-normal...

HVAC system selection centalized vs. decentralized cooling. (Hvacr Designer Tips).
May 1, 2002... Using ASHRAE Handbook Systems and Equipment 2000, Chapter 1 as a guideline and reference from the beginning can help you to select the "right/best" design for the particular job you are working on by following a simple selection procedure. This...

Betting on better controls.
May 1, 2002... The days of gambling with your energy chips are over. So when it came time for a bas retrofit at one of Las Vegas' famous casinos, Harrah's decided to wager on increased system versatility and control. With a side bet on solid training for the...

A Chiller challenge.
May 1, 2002... Does design sometime lag behind the available technology? Using a new convention center as an example, the author suggests how a chiller configuration taking better advantage of today's chiller capabilities can reduce expenses and emissions...

Q-Sox[R] by Fabric Duct Systems. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... Discover the economics, efficiency & flexibility of fabric ventilation for HVAC&R applications. Draft-free, uniformly distributed air with no noise or condensation. Multiple cost savings on shipping, installation, energy & maintenance....

McQuay[R] water source heat pumps. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... McQuay water source heat pump products help reduce operating costs and comply with ASHRAE Standard 90.1-1999 efficiency guidelines. In addition to significant energy savings for boiler/tower and geothermal applications, the products offer...

Domestic hot water heaters & boilers. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... RBI's new Dominator Series boilers offer BTU's from 300 to 2100 MBH with thermal efficiencies up to 85%. Four-stage proportional firing provides built-in redundancy and high turn-down for system efficiency. Stackable feature allows multiple...

Krueger's PLQ-R architectural ceiling diffuser. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... Offering a 360[degrees] horizontal air pattern for thorough room turnover and entrainment, reduced pressure drops, excellent throw pattern characteristics at high and low velocities, and a quiet sound profile, Krueger's PLQ-R ceiling diffuser...

Mason industries Seismic Guidelines. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... The Seismic Restraint Guidelines is a detailed presentation of bracing for both vibration isolated and solidly mounted HVAC equipment piping and ductwork. It is accompanied by "A Practical Guide to Seismic Restraint" published by ASHRAE as an...

Staefa Control System product catalog! (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... Expanded and revised HVAC Controls catalog on CD. Introducing TALON -- a complete Open Protocol HVAC Building Control System, and also including the MS1800 system and Siemens HVAC end devices -- valves, actuators and sensors. Staefa Control...

Noise control. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... Quiet-Duct/Conic Flow Silencers and Quiet-Flow Plenums control mechanical equipment noise. Quiet-Vent Silencers provide acoustical privacy. Cooling Tower Silencers protect the neighborhood from acoustics annoyance. Big-H Enclosures shield...

Raypak Hi Delta[TM] sealed-combustion boiler. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... Raypak's Hi Delta sealed-combustion boiler offers optimum thermal delivery with super low NOx levels, multiple firing options and venting flexibility in a compact footprint, It is available in a range of capacities from 150,000 to 2,340,000...

Modulating Combustion Air-Supply System. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... EXHAUSTO's Modulating Combustion Air-Supply System (MCAS) controls and maintains pressure in mechanical rooms by modulating the air-supply rate so it always matches the exhaust rate. This leads to savings and eliminates problems such as flame...

Combination Control Valves. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... Griswold Controls' Automizer Combination Flow Limiting and Actuated Control Valves combine a 100% stainless steel flow limiting cartridge with an actuated ball valve, giving you accurate temperature control with a smaller footprint and a...

Innovative Windows[R] based HVAC design tool for Engineers, Designers and Contractors. (Engineer's Techneer's Library).
May 1, 2002... What Engineer, Designer or Contractor would not want to save time, reduce errors and increase profits? HVAC Solution's Windows(r) based drag-and-drop program designs HVAC systems using intelligent objects that share information. Calculation...

INTREPID[R] Filtration Media - IAQ reference guide. (Engineers Technical Libray).
May 1, 2002... Now in its second edition, this popular, pocket-sized guide to IAQ features a glossary of HVAC industry terms, formulas & conversions, particle & dispersoid chart, technical data and samples of the expanding line of INTREPID(r) Media products....

Thermofoil[TM] heaters. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... NEW Bulletin HS-202 describes etched-foil and wire-wound heating elements for precise thermal control in medical, aerospace, and commercial devices. New products include integrated heater/sensor designs and electronic controllers. The 60-page...

Ruskin's new All Products Specification Guide. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... Ruskin has unveiled their newly revised All Products Specification Guide (RAPSG). The RAPSG features over 240 pages of specification, application and technical data on the entire product line, including control dampers, fire dampers, smoke...

New approach for facility maintenance. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... The P-Trak[TM] Ultrafine Particle Counter gives you a new approach for maintaining HVAC systems, controlling energy costs, and providing a safe indoor environment. Uses include checking performance of HVAC components, identifying sources of...

"TotalAire" dehumidifiers control 100% outdoor air while providing operational savings. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... Desert-Aire's eight-page brochure explores the company's Total-Aire line of dehumidifiers and their ability to control the temperature and humidity of outdoor air while providing significant operational savings. The literature also...

New "CC-01" condensed catalog. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... Penn Separator Corp. a certified ASME Code welding shop has been manufacturing boiler auxiliaries and pressure vessels since 1956. Penn is a leading supplier of Blowdown and Flash Separators. Other items include Blowoff Tanks, Exhaust Heads and...

TM Series Cooling Tower. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... The TM Series Cooling Tower expands Delta's unit capacity up to 2000 cooling tons. This engineered plastic molded tower provides longer life than traditional metal towers without the high budgeted costs typically associated with those designs....

New color brochure on HVAC/R leak detection. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... Spectronics Corporation's six-page, color brochure explains how its Spectroline products detect refrigerant leaks in systems of all sizes, using tailored dye distribution methods. Solvent-free AR-GLO[R] dyes are compatible with all lubricants....

New McQuay[R] MicroTech II[TM] controllers with Protocol Selectibility[TM]. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... With new MicroTech II unit controllers, you select the equipment options, building automation system and protocol that best meet your facility management requirements. Protocol Selectibility[TM] allows McQuay equipment to be easily integrated...

Armstrong International, Inc., introduces the Flo-Direct[TM] direct contact gas-fired water heater. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... Flo-Direct[TM] water heaters are all-stainless steel units idea for a wide variety of hot-water applications. They're available with capacities from 1 million to 25 million Btu per hour and can offer greater fuel efficiency than conventional...

Belimo's new product guide! (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... The industry's most comprehensive and useful guide to damper actuators and control valves! Over 80 pages of informative solutions for your applications. * Features all Belimo actuators, control valves and accessories. * New product...

Pressure sensors and transducers. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... Kavlico's newly released capability brochure highlights 20 of their standard & custom sensors, transducers & transmitters for flow, level, differential, absolute & gage pressure measurements. Typical product specifications & features are noted...

3E Plus Insulation Thickness Computer Program free download! (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... www.pipeinsulation.org New brochure describes 3E Plus[R] Insulation Thickness Computer Program which calculates the thermal performance of both insulated and uninsulated piping and equipment, translates Btu losses into actual dollars and...

Electronic FlowHood CFM-88. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... Air Balance and energy audit are faster and easier with the new CFM-88 electronic FlowHood. The unit offers unequaled accuracy and direct digital readout of density and corrected air flow measurement. No Ak correction factors are ever needed....

Variable/fixed speed combustion air systems. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... IN-FORCER[TM] Variable or fixed speed combustion air systems provide a cost-effective option over traditional louvers. New variable speed models provide the optimum "neutral" pressure operating environment for equipment. Reduce wall/roof...

All-products catalog. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... New 12-page brochure shows the complete line of commercial and industrial fans and blowers along with steam heating products. Convenient charts assist in matching application requirements to fan capabilities by presenting flow and pressure...

Free HVACR gas detection guide. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... New 2002 product guide for HVACR safety products features new generation Haloguard[R] refrigerant leak monitors and SCBA personal protection for cost-effective compliance with ASHRAE Safety Std 15. The guide also contains essential information...

"UVC" lights reduce mold. (Engineer's Technical Labrary).
May 1, 2002... Research study of an office building found that Steril-Aire "UVC" lights reduced mold contamination up to 99% in test air handlers. Results include enhanced IAQ energy savings and reduced coil cleanings. For the complete study, "Effectiveness...

The Pinnacle[TM] System technical guide. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... The Pinnacle [TM] System economically provides high quantities of outdoor air and controls indoor humidity levels at the same time. It accomplishes this by dehumidifying the supply air to very low dew points in an energy efficient manner,...

The SynergyPLUS[TM] technical guide. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... The SynergyPLUS [TM] Energy Recovery Module is an outdoor air pre-conditioner specifically designed to mate up to a Trane Precedent [TM] series rooftop air-conditioner. The SynergyPLUS [TM] reduces the energy required to cool or heat the...

Cooling tower filtration. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... Filtration breakthrough shows one year payback by cutting cooling system energy costs. Automatic sand filter provides 0.5 micron filtration to minimize energy wasting biofouling of heat transfer surfaces. Reduced maintenance, longer equipment...

Insertion turbine flow meters and BTU meters. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... Onicon Incorporated is the industry leader in providing highly accurate and cost effective flow measurement and BTU measurement solutions. Brochure features the patented Dual Turbine configuration for increased accuracy in short pipe runs....

Results of Cross-contamination Testing on Desiccants. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... This report summarizes the results of independent research completed in accordance with ASHRAE Standard 84-1991 (Method of Testing Air-to-Air Heat Exchangers). The purpose of this research was to provide the industry with quantitative data...

Importance of the 3A Molecular Sieve Desiccant. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... This technology update provides credible, quantitative data on important technical differences between pore size and particulate carry-over in energy recovery wheels. SEMCO Incorporated, Columbia, MO. CIRCLE NO. 835

VEP line of Control Valves from KMC Controls. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... KMC Controls' new Parabolic Control Valves regulate hot and chilled water in HVAC applications. Combining KMC's MEP-5000 series of ControlSet Actuators with a revolutionary control valve that has a parabolic insert to reduce and characterize...

Airtherm has the right options for the job. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... Airtherm fan coils are the smart solution for institutional, commercial and multi-residential heating and cooling applications. Airtherm units are extremely durable with 18-gauge casing standard and the industry's only 14-gauge option....

Barry Blower offers new vaneaxial fans. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... Barry Blower has introduced two lines of vaneaxial fans designed to maximize fan efficiency and minimize fan sound. Direct drive fans are available in sizes 18" through 60" and belt drive models in sizes 12" through 60". These AMCA certified...

Industrial Air's Air Handling Product line. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... Industrial Air offers a complete fan line for ventilation and industrial processes plus the application know-how to provide you with solutions that optimize the cost/performance equation. Eight-page Air Handling Product Guide covers general and...

Graphite Port Connectors. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... New Graphite Port Connectors give you the installation ease of a gasket and the longevity of a push nipple. Graphite Port Connectors from Smith Boiler are made from flexible, inert carbon material and provide a lifetime seal that is impervious...

Energy saving gas infra-red heaters. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... Suntube Global Quality gas infra-red heaters save up to 75% in energy costs while providing dry, quiet, uniform heat. No drafts or air movement to disturb dust or work. Improve productivity and employee comfort. Eliminate dampness, corrosion...

Bayley's engineered air handling products. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... Bayley, a quality manufacturer of both centrifugal and axial fans, offers its full line catalog. Centrifugals include vent sets, freestanding blowers, industrial exhausters, plug and plenum fans, tubular inline fans, fume hood exhaust fans, and...

Penn Ventilation quick delivery program. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... Penn Ventilation offers a forty-page brochure which describes its PDQ2 quick delivery program. Air handling products through PDQ2 include roof exhausters, ceiling and inline fans, make-up units, wall mounted propeller fans, axial panel fans,...

Free! NEW 2002 catalog from Dwyer instruments -- for measurement, control and instrumentation. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... Over 3600 Products! Reliable yet inexpensive controls and sensors for all your pressure, flow, level, & temperature applications. NEW items including our NEW Valves. Complete with PRICES, and full technical details on Dwyer [R], Mercoid [R],...

Enviro-Kool increases heat transfer efficiency. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... Enviro-Kool, a new heat transfer fluid, provides increased heat transfer efficiency and a favorable environmental profile. Enviro-Kool is a non-toxic, low viscosity alternative to glycols, and is designed for secondary cooling systems, process...

New ComfortPac[TM] PTAC/PTHP. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... McQuay[R] ComfortPac[TM] Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner and Heat Pump is the perfect choice for zoned comfort applications. Standard features include 16" X 42" wall sleeve and digital touch pad controls, dual fan motors, universal heater and...

Rink SoundChek panels and silencers. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... Since 1966, Rink Sound Control has been recognized as a leading manufacturer of acoustical panel enclosures and duct silencers. Rink has developed a complete line of acoustical products as well as the experience and knowledge to design product...

Hurst boiler product Info Disk ver. 2.1. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... Get information quick and easy with version 2.1 Interactive Info Disk It features the complete line of Hurst steam and hot-water boilers, feedwater systems and blowdown accessories, This user-friendly disk is based on the engineer's first...

Automated water treatment. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... Santa Barbara Control Systems offers the CHEMTROL[TM] CT Series controllers for Cooling Towers, Boilers and Wastewater. Features include conductivity, pH, ORP, temperature, additive feed programs, data logging, and remote computer/voice...

Chimney Automation System. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... Brochure presents improved aesthetics, operation and cost savings, improved safety and design freedom as reasons for using EXHAUSTO's Chimney Automation System (CASV). The CASV System provides and maintains a perfect draft for any boiler or...

Insulation Energy Appraisal program. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... New brochure describes new service available that utilizes visual inspections, interviews and analysis conducted by a Certified Energy Appraisers to provide plant owners/managers with a thorough evaluation of a facility's existing insulation...

New cooling fan from Hartzell. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... HartKool cooling fans are designed to move air with high efficiency. Our exclusive propeller "Tip Seal" lowers horsepower and improves airflow. HartKool fans have rugged construction including a cast aluminum, airfoil propeller. Use fewer fans...

Best humidity solutions -- free. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... Vaisala's 2002 catalog introduces new products and features an easy-to-use format. Advanced solutions for all your humidity, dewpoint, carbon dioxide, ammonia, barometer and surface weather problems. For a free color catalog or CD, call (888)...

UNILUX Boiler Corp. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... The unique UNILUX 5 pass flexible water tube boiler design is simply the finest in its class. With standard operating efficiencies at 85% and a standard 20 year warranty against thermal shock damage, UNILUX provides a built in savings/insurance...

Complete catalog available on CD-ROM. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... Pure Humidifier Co. offers entire catalog on new CD-ROM. Includes load-sizing program and full CAD drawings that are easily scaled to size. Save time and money by utilizing these valuable tools. Pure Humidifier Co. provides a complete line of...

Wall-Mount[TM] air conditioners & heat pumps. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... Bard has been building their extensive Wall-Mount[TM] line of air conditioners, heat pumps and gas/electric units for over 30 years. Ideal for commercial, school, telecommunications and modular applications, product sizes range from 1 - 6 tons....

Perfect draft variable speed vent systems. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... Exterior mount Variable or Fixed Speed Auto-Draft[R] Venters are suitable for side wall or roof top venting. Reduce vent diameters up to 50%, overcome convoluted vent layouts & dramatically shorten stack height above roof line. CPC-2 constant...

Leslie Controls, Inc. announces new control valve Handbook. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... This new Handbook details Leslie's complete product line of general and severe service control valves, which includes linear, rotary, three-way and electric actuated control valves. Control valve spec sheets are provided for each style of valve...

All plastic corrosion resistant fume exhaust products. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... The 28-page product data brochure covers PLASTINETICS[R] INC.'s line of corrosion resistant Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) and Polypropylene (PPRO) exhaust systems and duct fittings. Brochure includes...

Energy Recovery Units. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... These Energy Recovery Units are specifically designed for high outside air capacity requirements and up to 60% savings in cooling cost, ease of maintenance and quality construction. The energy recovery principle is simple -- exchanging...

Condensate return pumps and boiler feed pumps. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... Bulletin HP-1 covers custom-built boiler feed systems, simplex and duplex horizontal boiler feed units, vertical condensate return and boiler feed systems, two series of simplex or duplex condensate return and boiler feed pumps, "hydro-turbine"...

National insulation training program. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... Brochure describes new training program available for any individual involved in the design, writing, selection, installation or maintenance of insulation systems. Course has been extremely successful. Worth 1.5 CEU's. Includes class room and...

McQuay[R] rooftop energy recovery system. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... An ARI-certified energy recovery wheel, factory-installed in McQuay RoofPak[TM] applied rooftop systems and air handlers, recovers approximately 75% of the sensible and latent energy from exhaust air to reduce the energy expense to treat...

GS868/XGS868 DigitalFlow[TM] steam ultrasonic flowmeters. (Engineer's Technical Library).
May 1, 2002... The GS868 and XGS868 Steam Flowmeters provide accurate, drift-free measurements without pressure drop. These meters measure mass flow of saturated and superheated steam over a wide range of flow rates and pipe sizes. They have no parts that...

Preserving our natural resources: through design, maintenance, and commissioning.
May 1, 2002... What's wrong with the way we design and construct? An advocate of green design with a leading consulting firm asks the question, then makes the case that sustainable design and commissioning lead to "green" dividends of more than one variety....

Is [CO.sub.2] demand-controlled ventilation the answer?
May 1, 2002... Trying to serve the twin masters of ASHRAE 62 and optimal system efficiency, the author examines DCV in both general and more nuanced terms. That overview leads to a comparison with the performance of a dedicated outdoor air system using a...

DSM: ten years later. (One Person's Opinion).
May 1, 2002... Efficiency usually receives the spotlight, but a previous contributor returns to weigh in with a look at usage and an alternate perspective about smart energy strategy. In the January/February 1992 issue of Engineered Systems, I wrote an...