Engineered Systems articles from October 2004

Engineered Systems archives from October 2004

Need to search? Hit the LINX!(editor's note)
October 1, 2004... Practical business information is a precious commodity--concise and current information is even more invaluable. The print issues of ES that you receive each month are a testament to that and a trusted resource that you turn to for the latest...

Calendar of events: November 2004.(Calendar)
October 1, 2004... For more events and details, visit ESOnline at www.esmagazine.com. 3-5 Teaming For Success: The Integrated Advantage 2004 Professional Design-Build Conference Design-Build Institute of America Chicago. For info...

Relief from high electric rates.(letters to the editor)(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2004... I am sending Tim Coyle this e-mail with the hope that he might offer advice on a matter that is affecting my business in the Dominican Republic. Down here, the power company is abusing its customers to a point where most businesses are...

No-load transformer losses.(letters to the editor)(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2004... Are they any tables or rules of thumb for no load transformer losses? I am looking to get a ballpark feel for these losses on our plant transformers. We have two main transformers on 69 kV at 18,500 kVA and 3,500 kVA as well as several on 13.8...

Sweating the small stuff.(letters to the editor)(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2004... This letter refers to Tim Coyle's "Current Affairs" column from August 2004 titled "Sweat the Small Stuff" (page 20). I thought I was a "voice in the wilderness" when I, too believed that for mission critical software designed for use in...

Core competency classes.(letters to the editor)(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2004... This letter refers to Howard McKew's "Tomorrow's Engineer" August column titled "Core Competence" (page 70). It is refreshing to read an experienced engineer say what I have been thinking for the past couple of years. As a control...

Helpful hints.(Back to Basics)
October 1, 2004... * Refer to this month's "HVACR Designer Tips" for the central equipment checklist's assessment of a VAV (two-speed) exhaust system with gas-fired makeup air for heating and ventilating of the enclosed garage space. Design Phase *...

In major agricultural center, savings is the latest growth crop following TES retrofit.(case in point)
October 1, 2004... San Joaquin County is situated in central California and is probably best known as the nation's 8th largest producer of agricultural products. Stockton, the county seat, is home to several county office buildings, including the Canlis...

Underground effort reforms City Hall's comfort.(case in point)
October 1, 2004... When it comes to attractive city halls, Auburn, NY, boasts a Colonial Revival beauty on the National Register of Historic Places. Designed in 1930, the building features a masonry exterior over a steel frame, a columned porch, pediments,...

Forty-two facilities, one big payoff after city's BAS upgrade.(case in point)
October 1, 2004... Always mindful of how it spends taxpayer dollars, the city council of Wichita, KS, wanted to implement an effective strategy to reduce energy, maintenance, and operating costs across all municipal sites. Achieving that objective, however, would...

BAS sets the stage for Montgomery's riverfront rebirth.(case in point)
October 1, 2004... Widely known as a landmark of both the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement, Montgomery, AL has preserved much of its history through a variety of museums, memorials, and attractions. included in these attractions are concerts, statewide...

Hot water 'nightmare' quickly turns to customer 'thrill' at Zinc Restaurant.(case in point)
October 1, 2004... "Absolutely thrilled!" That's how a relieved Donna Curran, owner of Zinc Restaurant in New Haven, CT, describes not only the performance of her new Rheem-Ruud AdvantagePlus[TM] commercial gas water heater, but also the sharp reduction in...

Mechanical pipe-joining products benefit Houston's largest hotel.(case in point)
October 1, 2004... When the Houston Convention Center management team wanted to enhance its venue by adding a 1,200-room hotel with first-class accommodations, state-of-the-art meeting space, and dining and recreational facilities, they demanded unparalleled...

Training produces skills--who's the best trainer?
October 1, 2004... An Analysis Using Data From the Registered Apprenticeship Information System is a study conducted for the Department of Labor over apprenticeship data for the 1995-2003 period. It concludes that "union apprentice training programs for most...

Free HVAC technical paper from the industry source.
October 1, 2004... SMACNA, the HVAC contractors association, has been writing HVAC and sheet metal standards for decades. Thanks to the Internet, engineers--with the help of the free Adobe Acrobat Reader--can obtain a number of SMACNA technical papers, free. ...

Focus on future drives TBS: staying ahead of the market created 23 years of success for TBS in temperature control and building automation. Most recently, it led to a U-turn on service and maintenance, affiliation with a key union-contractor team (SMWIA & SMACNA), and TABB certification.
October 1, 2004... Contractor Gerald Jannicelli of Technical Building Services, Inc. (Ballston Spa, N.Y.) always has a game plan. And the plans usually work! But sometimes, the market throws him a curve ball. That's when Jannicelli adjusts. He's been in...

Help in avoiding 'commodity' status.(TABB Viewpoint)
October 1, 2004... As an HVAC engineer, you face a quandary: You want to design a quality installation. But most decision-makers and customers can't differentiate between a great HVAC system design and one that's average (or worse). Sure, they'll find out...

What's an NCEMBT? And, what does it do? The National Center for Energy Management and Building Technologies sure has a long name. With inspiration, due diligence, and dedicated pursuit of its mission, answers it develops should last a long time, too.
October 1, 2004... Don't look now, but the National Center for Energy Management and Building Technologies is up--and running. NCEMBT's mission is to "improve the efficiency, productivity, and security of the U.S. building stock by developing and...

Behind the UFAD tsunami: UFAD's proponents certainly talk the talk, creating a tidal wave of interest. When it comes to facts--like actual performance of real-world installations--the 100-year-wave resembles a splash in the kiddie pool.
October 1, 2004... Underfloor air distribution systems (UFAD) were being included in plans for numerous U.S. buildings still in the design stage. According to a tabulation performed near mid-year, UFAD was incorporated into buildings representing 20 million...

Division 23: an opportunity to specify excellence: the revised MasterFormat '04 takes the old Division 15 and divides mechanical work into two divisions. What does this mean for the facility owner and engineer?
October 1, 2004... Many engineers and specifiers know that the Construction Specification Institute has revamped its construction MasterFormat, with a newly revised edition due this fall. But perhaps even those who followed the new document are not aware...

System operating procedures: save time and trouble (and money) by thinking through SOP at the start.(commissioning)
October 1, 2004... Over the past couple months, I've concentrated on design intent documents (DID) and how to enhance them. September focused on O&M metrics to help the design team think about operability and maintainability of systems in addition to required...

Have an earthly idea: our grounding overview starts here.(current affairs)
October 1, 2004... Proper grounding of electrical systems is critical for personnel safety, equipment protection, lightning protection, and error-free analog and digital signal transmission, yet it is probably the most misunderstood area of electrical design. ...

Going global: the industry convenes in Europe and Asia to confirm standards.(building automation)
October 1, 2004... Several international events that will go far in globalizing building automation standards will be held this month. The global acceptance of these standards will greatly enhance their overall powers. On October 20 to 21, the LonWorld[R]...

Garage ventilation application: design review and startup checklist.(hvacr designer tips)
October 1, 2004... DRAWING CHECKLIST YES N/A * Designate equipment on drawing. [] [] * Schedule and specify equipment in construction documents. ...

Analyzing the 'total' impact of weather on utility costs.(weather report)
October 1, 2004... With August behind us, we can now look back at the 2004 summer and officially ask, "Where's the beef?" The data in Figures 1 and 2 indicate that August was a continuation of the mild conditions we saw in July. In fact, this summer has been...

Civic progress part 1.
October 1, 2004... Once upon a time, the gulf between the government and commercial HVAC worlds seemed all too clear to the author, and all too wide. Then he got to know the GSA's design standards, and the more he examined the process, the more he saw relevance...

Proportional electric heat control from Krueger.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... Krueger's LineaHEAT[TM] is the latest product innovation available with Krueger VAV terminal units and is in compliance with ASHRAE Standard 62 requirements. The LineaHEAT (patent pending) design uses a time proportional, solid-state digital...

Automatic Filters, Inc. Tekleen.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... * Fully automatic self cleaning water filters. * No flow interruption. * 2 gallons per backwash. * Stainless steel filters at carbon steel prices. 800-336-1942 310-839-2828 Fax 310-839-6878 sales@tekleen.com ...

EXHAUSTO model RSIB draft inducer.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... The EXHAUSTO RSIB is for venting flue gases from condensing and non-condensing heating equipment: * Variable speed, Class H TEFC-motor * Capacities up to 6,000 CFM (12-16,000 MBH) * Stainless steel fan-housing * Versatile...

New humidity transmitter from Vaisala.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... The new Vaisala HUMICAP[R] Humidity and Temperature Transmitter Series HMT330 is designed for most demanding industrial applications. The series offers a unique graphical trend display with one year of historical data. It continues the Vaisala...

New auto-draft[R] combustion air/draft systems.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... CPC-2 Controller regulates fan speed, resulting in perfect draft and/or combustion air for true energy savings and optimum efficiencies. Reduce vent diameters up to 50% and eliminate large combustion air louvers. Eliminate multiple vents by...

UNILUX Boiler Corp.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... 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 war rarity against thermal shock damage, UNILUX provides a built in...

HumiFog from Carel USA.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... The company's HumiFog is one of the most efficient high pressure water atomizing humidifiers in the world. The HumiFog has communication capability and accurate precision control. The HumiFog is pre-built, not an erector set, so there is no...

HumiSteam from Carel USA.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... The HumiSteam Immersed Electrode Steam Humidifier features a new, larger cylinder, while maintaining the same overall size footprint. They allow for greater water volume, which allows more uniform and slower formation of mineral deposits, thus...

New Anvil pipe hanger catalog.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... The most comprehensive catalog of pipe hangers and supports available to the industry has now been published by Anvil International. Anvil, formerly know as Grinnell Supply Sales, offers the most complete selection of engineered hangers and...

Automated water treatment.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... Santa Barbara Control Systems offers the CHEMTROL[R] CT Series controllers for Cooling Towers, Boilers and Wastewater. Features include conductivity, pH, ORP, temperature, additive feed programs, data logging, and remote computer-/voice...

HeaterSteam from Carel USA.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... The HeaterSteam Electric Element Steam Humidifier features removable stainless steel cylinders and a removable plastic liner on most units for easy cleaning. It can also be set to "stand-by" mode, where the humidifier will keep the water at a...

Revised SideWall Vent System reference guide.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... Tjernlund's new SideWall Vent System reference guide includes sizing and dimensional data on their full line of SideWall Power Venters and accessories. An affordable option to conventional chimneys, sidewall venting can increase living space by...

Variable/fixed speed combustion air systems.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... 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...

4900 Series Air separators.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... Taco's 4900 Series Air and Dirt Removal Systems save money and lengthen the life of system pumps, piping and components. The 4900 Series scrubber system is designed to ASME code, with technology proven in the field, around the world. Built with...

Data loggers.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... ACR offers a full line of compact, portable and self-powered data loggers for use in a variety of applications: building commissioning, testing and balancing HVAC systems, analyzing indoor air quality, determining power consumption, and much...

Staefa TALON open protocol building management system.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... TALON integrates your building controls into one easy-to-use building management system. You have the flexibility to integrate LonWorks[R], BACnet[R], and other protocol devices for: * Anywhere internet system access * Energy cost control while...

Lighting control solutions.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... TRIATEK Lighting products integrate with the best in Building Automation Systems. BAS integration simplifies day-to-day operations while reducing installation costs. Lighting control solutions include patented Web Based control & service over...

Precision air conditioners for mission critical environments.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... The Stulz-ATS CyberAiR vertical floor-mounted air conditioners provide supplemental and precision cooling solutions for mission critical applications requiring 7 x 24 operation and provide temperature and humidity control from 1 to 90 tons. The...

New Pressure Independent Control Valve.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... Belimo's Pressure Independent Characterized Control Valve (PICCV), is everything you want an automatic flow control valve to be. It's reliable, accurate, lightweight, affordable, and it incorporates Belimo's patented Multi-Function...

New FSNF fire & smoke actuator.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... At last, Belimo brings its fire and smoke actuation expertise to the US! Designed for operation of fire and/or smoke dampers in ventilation and air-conditioning systems, FSNF actuators provide faster containment in ductwork, less damage to...

2-Stage hi-intensity gas infra-red heaters.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... Solaronics SunTwin 2-Stage "Optimal Combustion" Heaters save up to 75% in fuel costs with dry, quiet, uniform heat. * Heat an entire building or use singly for spot & area heating to improve productivity & employee comfort. * Operate in energy...

Air monitors.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... The Sam-I Basic and SAM-IV Basic air monitors quickly detect very low refrigerant concentrations in ambient air where a compound-specific monitor is needed and 10% accuracy is sufficient. Compound-specific monitors dramatically reduce false...

Best space heater.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... Cambridge direct gas-fired space heaters offer the Lowest Total Heating Cost for large commercial/industrial buildings including lowest installed cost and lowest operating cost. Patented gas burner and Blow-Thru heater construction deliver more...

Corporate brochure describes equipment and services offered.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... A new, 16-page color brochure describing the many different types of equipment and services offered by Nationwide Boiler is available at no charge to qualified companies and individuals. In addition to covering rental boilers, this new brochure...

Industrial water filter.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... Conserves Rinse Water * Automatic Self-Cleaning * Line Pressure Powered * Screens down to 10 microns * 1 inch to 20 inch line sizes * Single Unit flow rates to 10,000 gpm Orival, Inc. 201-568-3311 * FAX...

System guide for mechanical draft and dryer venting systems.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... The 16-page four-color brochure covers Chimney Automation Systems, Modulating Air Combustion Systems, Modulating Over-draft Damper Systems and Mechanical Dryer Venting System. It describes each system thoroughly and provides sequence of...

TM Series Cooling Tower CTI certified performance.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... 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 thermally and acoustically superior ToughGard[R]2 textile duct liner.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... New ToughGard[R]2 now provides improved levels of acoustical and thermal performance, enabling engineers to meet IECC codes without specifying thicker duct liner. In addition, enhanced acoustical values keep noise to a minimum over a broad...

Single duct low height VAV terminal.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... At only 10" in height, the Enviro-Tec Model SDL is ideal for shallow or congested ceiling plenum applications. Available in four unit sizes, SDL can handle airflows up to 4100 CFM. The product's unique invertible design allows installation with...

Parallel flow fan powered low height VAV terminal.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... The Enviro-Tec Model VFL is designed for quiet operation in a shallow ceiling plenum, with unit heights of only 10 5/8" and 12". Eight size combinations are available, with the primary air valve handling up to 3000 CFM Model VFL can be...

100% front accessible desiccant dehumidification system.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... Stulz-ATS's redesigned DEZ-300-40-E desiccant dehumidification system available from 150 to 600 scfm now offers 100% front accessibility. Features and options available include a desiccant rotor, manometer pressure taps, pressure indicating...

HVAC pressure sensors.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... Designed for high volume, OEM applications, Kavlico sensors feature voltage or current output, media compatible housings, pressure ranges from [+ or -] 1 in. [H.sub.2]O to 3000 psi gage, absolute, and differential, have high overpressure...

New "CC-01" condensed catalog.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... 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...

PIC-V Pressure Independent Valve.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... Griswold Controls' new PIC-V ("PIC-VEE") Pressure Independent Valve is the new standard in exact flow control--especially at reduced loads. The valve combines our patented Optimizer two-way control valve with a diaphragm cartridge assembly,...

Flow meter.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... ONICON's F-2200 vortex mass flow meter delivers accurate, cost effective, direct mass flow measurement of saturated steam, eliminating the need for expensive external flow computers. Performance is enhanced by the use of a titanium shedder bar,...

Oil burners.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... The company's R-Series line of oil burners is described in this booklet. Full color photos; features and benefits; and charts depicting specifications, dimensions, capacities, and firing rates are included. --Riello Burner, Mississauga, ON...

Ultrasonic humidifiers.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... The STULZ Ultrasonic humidifiers offer clean, virtually contaminant free humidification and use 93% less electrical energy than electrode boilers or infrared humidifiers; a cooling effect that helps reduce compressor run time is achieved...

Q-TEC "QA" packaged air conditioner.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... The "QA" packaged air conditioner is designed to provide cooling, dehumidification, and ventilation. The unit is available in sizes ranging from 2 to 5 ton, and comes equipped with "Quiet Technology," which features low sound levels, allowing...

All plastic corrosion resistant fume exhaust products.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... The 2B-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...

Laminar & Radial Flow Hepa Filter Diffusers.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... Designed for Class 10 to Class 100 HVAC Clean Room Systems, our new Laminar Flow Hepa Filter Diffuser (LFHFD) provides clean air performance with a continuous uni-directional flow of large volumes of highly filtered air that washes contaminants...

OAM Purger.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... The company's industrial OAM-Purger is designed for large tonnage centrifugal chillers. The unit is available with Nema 4 or hazardous area control enclosure options; removes oil, acid and moisture from the chiller's refrigerant charge; cleans...

High Pressure Refrigerant Purger.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... New "Redi-Purge" High Pressure Refrigerant Purger Model HPP-3S automatically removes non-condensables from systems utilizing R-12, R-134a, R-22 or other refrigerants with similar pressure ranges. Engineered to assure the highest efficiency in...

Portable Service Purger.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... Finally a truly portable fast & efficient Service Purge for removing non-condensable from R-12, R-22, R-134a and similar refrigerant applications with the New Model PSP-HP-1. Portable Service Purger for Low Pressure Refrigerant (R-11, 113, 123,...

Relief Valve.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... "RuptureSeal" Rupture Disk Backup Relief Valve specially designed for use with existing carbon rupture disk on Low Pressure Centrifugal Chillers (R-11, R-113 & R-123) is patented and minimizes refrigerant loss to the atmosphere in the event of...

Mechanical Draft Systems and dryer venting brochure.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... The 12-page brochure from EXHAUSTO discusses boiler and water heater operation issues/problems and EXHAUSTO's Mechanical Draft System and Modulating Combustion Air Supply System as solutions. Other issues discussed are boiler efficiency and...

Cemline Flash Tanks.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... Cemline Flash Tanks are used to flash steam from high temperature condensate prior to introducing into low-pressure lines and to flash condensate prior to returning to the boiler of the condensate tank. Cemline offers flash tanks in both...

Electronic FlowHood CFM-88.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... 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....

Hydronics.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... This full-color brochure features the company's hydronics systems, including its heating coils, unit heating systems, and unit heaters and door heaters. Cross-sectional drawings, product photos, installation information, and features and...

Plenum Fans.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... Unhoused, compact Plenum Fans maximize application flexibility in air-handler designs, thereby minimizing air-handler first cost. Mechanovent Plenum Fans are available in five different arrangements to meet various AHU configurations....

VerticalAire[TM] brochure explains unit's benefits in IAQ market.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... A free brochure features Desert Aire's VerticalAire[TM], a cost-effective 100% outdoor air dehumidifier that saves on space; the 4 to 8 ton units are less than 34 in. wide. The unit lowers outdoor air dewpoints down to 50[degrees] FDP while...

United Metal Products[R].(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... Cel Air[R] units are high capacity, high efficiency evaporative cooling equipment. With over 120 cataloged units and sizes ranging from 6,000 to 100,000+ CFM, United Metal Products' Cel-Air[R] evaporative coolers give the engineer, contractor...

Revised In-Line Draft Inducer reference guide.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... Tjernlund's new In-Line reference guide includes sizing and dimensional data on their In-Line Draft Inducers and accessories. Draft Inducers assure positive draft when restricted boilers and furnaces, poor chimneys or negative pressures prevent...

Valve & actuator specifying white papers.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... White Paper topics include an overview on valves that are specifically engineered for steam applications, a detailed white paper that addresses technical differences between ball valves and globe valves, and finally a white paper that addresses...

Gastite engineering specifications.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... The Gastite Product Specification, Section 15195, is a handy online reference for engineers looking to incorporate the Gastite Flexible Gas Piping System into a residential, commercial or industrial building project. The document includes:...

Condensate return, boiler feed, vacuum return systems.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... Bulletin HP-1 covers custom-built condensate return, as well as complete boiler feed systems. Several 2' NPSHR pumps available as standard selections. Three series of vacuum return or boiler feed can accommodate special space requirements. Our...

New version of popular gas-to-steam humidifier does more for less.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... DRISTEEM has improved the function, reliability and cost-efficiency of the GTS gas-to-steam humidifier, while maintaining its proven energy efficiency and performance. Integral water tempering automatically cools discharged hot water to...

UVC.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... The V-Ray[TM] provides unique electronically controlled UVC energy output (patent pending) at registers and grills to meet acceptable levels as recommended by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), yet it delivers the...

Direct fired equipment.(Engineer's Technical Library)
October 1, 2004... Describes advanced, cost-effective solutions to heating/ventilation applications. Including ETL listed direct fired air make up units and Demand Air (variable air volume) with variable frequency drive. Also AR equipment, unique air...