Engineered Systems articles from September 2003

Engineered Systems archives from September 2003

Strategy for movies and blackouts: do what you can to avoid the sequels.(editor's note)
September 1, 2003... Going to the movies is a time-honored summer maneuver for cooling off, and patrons have had their share of sequels (underwhelming as they may have been) to consider. Sequels are less common in the world of music, but if Vicki Lawrence is...

Calendar of events.
September 1, 2003... October 2003 For more events and details, visit ESOnline at www.esmagazine.com. October 1-3 ISH North America Messe Frankfurt, Inc. Las Vegas. For info, visit page (I&E page) or www.usa.messefrankfurt.com.

Operating outside the box.(letters to the editor)
September 1, 2003... Editor's note: The first two tellers refer to Gil Avery's article, "Operating Chillers in the Max-Cap Range," that appeared in the June 2003 issue (page 66). Just a note to say thanks for publishing this article. We need more authors like...

Breaking through the design 'ceiling'.(letters to the editor)
September 1, 2003... I wanted to pass on my compliments on the concept that Gil has written about: operating chillers in the max-cap range. Recently, our office had the opportunity to hear him give a seminar on primary, variable flow chilled water systems and,...

Making it write the first time.(letters to the editor)
September 1, 2003... This letter refers to Howard McKew's "Tomorrow's Engineer" column titled, "Right It By Writing It," that appeared in the July issue (page 102). Great article, and how true. A lot of design engineers rely on the controls contractor to do...

Stopping the buck.(letters to the editor)
September 1, 2003... I just read Howard McKew's "Tomorrow's Engineer" August column ("The Buck Stops Where?" page 86) and raise my voice in agreement with him concerning his basic premise that the building owner does not receive complete documentation of his...

Back to Basics[TM].
September 1, 2003... 1 ON-OFF CONTROL, IN THE "OFF" POSITION: Process cooling tower CT-1 shall be off and associated condenser water pump P-2 shall be off. Cooling tower water makeup valve MV-1 shall remain under the control of its associated water level float...

Dataloggers optimize cheese-aging process for Tillamook.(case in point)
September 1, 2003... In natural cheese making, life begins at 40. At least that's the temperature at which the aging process can occur. However, as with winemaking, if temperature conditions aren't just right, aging will not occur the way it's supposed to. ...

BAS increases the energy efficiency beat at Sacred Heart.(Case In Point)
September 1, 2003... In operation for more than 100 years, Sacred Heart Medical Center (SHMC) of Spokane, WA, is driven by its mission: "Offering health care services with prudent stewardship to meet physical, emotional, and spiritual needs." Sacred Heart is...

Prison design locks up reliable steam supply with watertube boilers.(Case In Point)
September 1, 2003... Reliable steam supply is just one of many serious problems a correctional institution must address when demanding fail-safe system design. However, that issue was one of particular concern to Fayette Thermal, the company under contract with the...

Art college draws on technology to update life safety.(Case In Point)
September 1, 2003... The Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, GA, occupies more than one million square feet and spans over 60 buildings. The college is located in Savannah's historic Victorian district and includes several prestigious structures, most...

Documenting our changing world: use the Web to stick to Cx clients.(building automation)
September 1, 2003... My recent columns all have a common theme: the rapid metamorphic change in our industry. This month's column deals with putting in place a plan to document all this change. Our ability to assemble and document the information we are about...

Industrial facilities commissioning: in a world where process means bucks, there's little patience for bugs.(commissioning)
September 1, 2003... At first blush, one may ask what's the difference between industrial buildings and other types of buildings: a building is a building, isn't it? Yes, and no. Although industrial and nonindustrial buildings can have the same facility HVACR...

New 'center' to fill gaps in HVAC & energy research.
September 1, 2003... The National Center for Energy Management and Building Technologies, now established with U.S. government funds, will seek to improve the efficiency, productivity, and security of the U.S. building stock. First suggested in a 1999 letter...

TABB gains entry into Army Corps' specs; TABB won a look-see from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers--and is now included in its standard testing, adjusting and balancing specifications. What's more, only one testing-and-balancing organization spoke and exhibited at the Corps' recent Infrastructure Conference.
September 1, 2003... In 1775, the Continental Congress authorized the post of Chief Engineer. His job was to build the fortifications near Bunker Hill. So, from one point of view, it's taken 228 years to get specifications from the Testing, Adjusting and...

Report details IAQ market's promise.
September 1, 2003... What promise does the indoor air quality (IAQ) market hold for engineers and contractors? It's a difficult market area to sum up conveniently, as reflected in a recent 78-page National Energy Management Institute (NEMI) market study. ...

Why 'cutting edge' engineers include TABB in specs.
September 1, 2003... Grumman/Butkus Associates (Evanston, Ill.)., is a leading mechanical/electrical design firm that specializes in working with existing buildings. The company's promotion notes that it wants to be "on the cutting edge of building engineering."...

TAB & commissioning: an alternative.
September 1, 2003... Systems commissioning is in its infancy. A definition: "Whole building commissioning" is testing a building's entire system performance and all co-systems synchronization to ensure they meet the building's intended use. How does testing,...

Diagnosing vs. commissioning: what's best for building occupants?
September 1, 2003... As the concepts of building diagnostics and commissioning have evolved, confusion has arisen--how are these process similar? How do they differ? True, each seeks to improve a building's performance (and that of its systems). But...

Wading through our alphabet soup!
September 1, 2003... Every industry has buzzwords, "shorthands," and acronyms--and the HVAC business is no different. If you wonder who is behind the special insert you now are reading, here's a detailed answer--a healthy serving of our own particular flavor of...

Empire state's contractors form first TABB affiliate group.
September 1, 2003... "The way TABB is structured, we provide a significant level of comfort to the architects and engineers. TABB is producing certified technicians supervisors, and contractors--and that technician is the product of a four-year apprenticeship...

Why engineers like TABB.
September 1, 2003... Chances are, you're reading this 16-page publication as an insert into either Engineered Systems magazine or SNIPS. If you've reviewed the contents, you've seen how the Testing, Adjusting and Balancing Bureau (TABB) is working with the U.S....

HazMat & safety issues get attention.
September 1, 2003... Does it matter to customers whether the workers handling their HVAC installation or maintenance stay healthy and safe on the job? It certainly does. Large construction customers, especially, have focused in recent years on the safety of the...

HVAC databank.
September 1, 2003... Commercial Floorspace In The U.S. 95% Confidence Billion Range Year Square Feet (billion sq. ft.) 1979 51.088 47.483 to 54.693 1883 56.116 52.376 to 59.376 1986 ...

A label and the able: LEED[TM] is becoming a popular tool, but it's not the whole toolbox.(sustainable & attainable)
September 1, 2003... When it comes to sustainable design, there is some good news and some bad news. The good news is that as of this writing, there are 3,387 LEED[TM]-accredited professionals offering their design expertise. The bad news is that there are 3,387...

2002 in review (continued): how to use VLI data to analyze the impact of weather on utility bills.(weather report: July 2003)
September 1, 2003... In the May 2003 "Weather Report," we described the origin of VLI data (ventilation load index) and discussed how it can be used in calculating ventilation energy costs and evaluating the impact of those costs on utility bills. We also...

Equipment startup checklist: cooling tower.(hvacr designer tips)
September 1, 2003... Equipment type: -- Equipment designation: CT-1 -- Bar code designation: -- ELECTRICAL INSPECTION: YES NO * Electrical completed and disconnect install per code compliance. ...

Let there be air!
September 1, 2003... A Boeing aircraft production facility in St. Louis had a storied history, but it didn't have air conditioning. To give the building (and workers in it) a second wind, a team rose above AHU placement issues, ductwork retrofit challenges, and...

Power boilers for HVAC applications.
September 1, 2003... When does the situation call for a power boiler? Long-distance distribution, laundry or kitchen facilities, and absorption chillers requiring hot water service are just three examples where a power boiler may be preferred or even required. Read...

Prescribing VAV diffusers.
September 1, 2003... The patient: a major pharmaceutical client. The symptoms: industry-specific needs, such as ensured privacy during drug trials and constantly changing workgroups. Preferences: varied, ranging from energy efficiency to individual temperature...

Confusion clouds revised standards.
September 1, 2003... What if they updated a makeup air standard and nobody noticed? Well, the manufacturers certainly noticed when an ANSI revision meant additional work, expense, and testing to market their equipment. Awareness is not quite so uniform on the...

Banking on retrofit investment.
September 1, 2003... Financial institutions tend to be risk-averse, but Citigroup's retrofit of the HVAC supporting its Manhattan data center was high stakes: the $9 million project could not interrupt the 2,400 global stock traders in the facility or their...

Getting what you specify--part two.
September 1, 2003... Part one covered product selection criteria procedures by ASHRAE and CSI. This installment provides information about some nontangible aspects of the design process, like communication and documentation, and knowing your client's project needs...

Sharpen your skills and inspect what's new at ISH North America.(issues and events)
September 1, 2003... With more than 50 seminars, 400 exhibitors, and a range of special events, ISH North America (ISH NA) promises a comprehensive learning experience, all in the backdrop of exciting Las Vegas. Following the success of last year's ISH NA launch in...

SEMCO, Inc. and Venmar CES, Inc.(Industry News)
September 1, 2003... SEMCO, Inc. and Venmar CES, Inc. have settled the patent litigation that has existed between the parties in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri. SEMCO owns U.S. Patent No. 4,769,053 entitled High Efficiency Sensible And...

Lochinvar Corporation.(Industry News)
September 1, 2003... Lochinvar Corporation recently donated more than $4,000 to Cumberland University (Lebanon, TN) in support of the local community and the Cumberland University Business School.

Aerotech.(Industry News)
September 1, 2003... Aerotech recently announced that it is now a distributor for RAE Systems, Inc. IAQ monitoring products.

West Side Plumbing Supply Co.(Industry News)
September 1, 2003... West Side Plumbing Supply Co. announced the opening of a new 10,000-sq-ft warehouse contiguous to its existing facility.

Carrier Corporation.(Industry News)
September 1, 2003... Carrier Corporation's Customer Technical Training Program now offers 18 courses, totaling 472 hours of HVACR technician training, recognized by the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification program.

ABB.(Industry News)
September 1, 2003... ABB recently announced that it has received three separate orders totaling $25 million to install flexible AC transmission systems for utilities located in the United States and Australia.

Gutmann & Blaevoet.(Engineering Beat)
September 1, 2003... Gutmann & Blaevoet has added Nav Patel as an associate.

The Stellar Group.(Engineering Beat)
September 1, 2003... The Stellar Group announced that Darren Ross has been promoted to senior project manager for the company's thermal division.

Cannon Design.(Engineering Beat)
September 1, 2003... Cannon Design recently announced that Roland A. Coleman, II; Ralph W. McCormick, CIPE; and Brian K. Sitzman, AIA; have been appointed to the position of vice president.

New England Mechanical Services, Inc.(Engineering Beat)
September 1, 2003... New England Mechanical Services, Inc., a Consolidated Engineering Services company, recently received the national "Eagle Award" for excellence in construction from the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC).

RDK Engineers.(Engineering Beat)
September 1, 2003... RDK Engineers recently announced that Michael J. Joanis, P.E. joined the firm as the new chief fire protection engineer.

Affiliated Engineers, Inc.(Engineering Beat)
September 1, 2003... Affiliated Engineers, Inc. recently announced that Steve Tredinnick, P.E. has joined its Madison, WI, office as a mechanical engineer.

Enerfab, Inc.(Engineering Beat)
September 1, 2003... Enerfab, Inc. recently announced the acquisition of certain assets of Phillips, Getschow Co., a mechanical contractor specializing in commercial and industrial metal fabrication, boiler, and piping systems.

Teletrol Systems Inc.(Places and Faces)
September 1, 2003... Teletrol Systems Inc. announced that Silvia Linares has been promoted to the position of manager of software engineering.

Vilter Manufacturing Corp.(Places and Faces)
September 1, 2003... Vilter Manufacturing Corp. announced several promotions at its Cudahy, WI, plant. Wayne Wehber has been named director of engineering and Randy Kastello was appointed manager of production/application engineering. Dave Swarthout was promoted to...

Crane Valves North America presented L & S Associates.(Places and Faces)
September 1, 2003... Crane Valves North America presented L & S Associates with the company's "Rep of the Year" award.

TES Engineering.(Places and Faces)
September 1, 2003... James Sherbundy, P.E., has joined TES Engineering as senior electrical engineer.

Echelon Corporation.(Places and Faces)
September 1, 2003... Echelon Corporation recently announced that Anders B. Axelsson has joined the company as senior vice president of sales and marketing.

Broan-NuTone LLC.(Places and Faces)
September 1, 2003... Jerome G. Santowski, president and CEO of Broan-NuTone LLC and the Broan-NuTone group of companies, officially retired. David L. Pringle has assumed the position of president and CEO.

Glasfloss Industries.(Places and Faces)
September 1, 2003... Chuck Watts has been promoted to vice president of manufacturing of Glasfloss Industries.

Hydronics Institute Division of GAMA selects BNP to manage I=B=R Schools.(issues and events)
September 1, 2003... Fundamental Courses in Hydronic Heating & Design The venerable I=B=R Schools Offered by the Hydronics Institute Division of GAMA for more than 50 years will be managed by Business News Publishing (BNP) starting this fall. The new structure...

The Mechanical Contractors Association of America, Inc.(Association Agenda)
September 1, 2003... The Mechanical Contractors Association of America, Inc.'s Mechanical Contracting Foundation (MCF) has revised its name to the Mechanical Contracting Education and Research Foundation (MCERF).

The Refrigeration Service Engineers Society.(Association Agenda)
September 1, 2003... The Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES) will hold its 2003 Annual Conference at the Sheraton Music City Hotel in Nashville, October 1-4, 2003.

ASHRAE.(Association Agenda)
September 1, 2003... ASHRAE has released its "HVAC Design Manual for Hospitals and Clinics," which is intended to provide a comprehensive source for the design, installation, and commissioning of HVAC systems for hospitals and clinics.

American National Standards Institute.(Association Agenda)
September 1, 2003... American National Standards Institute's (ANSI) board of standards review has approved and recognized ARI Standards 580-2001, "Non-Condensable Gas purge Equipment For use With Low Pressure Centrifugal Liquid Chillers," and 1060-2001, "Rating...

ARTI 21-CR.(Association Agenda)
September 1, 2003... ARTI 21-CR has released a new research report entitled "Methods For Automated and Continuous Commissioning of Building Systems." The final report can be downloaded at www.arti-21cr.org.

New Standard Institute.(Association Agenda)
September 1, 2003... New Standard Institute will be presenting an expanded series of their maintenance seminars in the U.S. and Canada.

Pump standards.(computers & software)
September 1, 2003... The 2003 Guide and Annual Subscriber service for ANSI/HI Pump Standards allows users to receive updated, comprehensive pump standards as soon as they are published. An annual subscription service then ensures users receive all new and revised...

Facility automation.(computers & software)
September 1, 2003... eBuilding Software 1.2 is an Internet-powered eBuildng facility automation system. This new version includes accelerated, interactive operator screens, extended configuration capabilities, and enhanced system design and debug features. ...

CAD automation.(computers & software)
September 1, 2003... DM HVAC 4.5 runs within AutoCAD and automates the engineering and drafting process using a central database that connects all project drawings. The company says it also offers the ability to track design elements in a database and allows for...

ALTRU-V[TM].(Bits & Bytes)
September 1, 2003... ALTRU-V[TM] has introduced two new V-Smart[TM] software programs designed to help take the confusion out of the selection and application of ultraviolet (UVC) products and solutions for HVAC design and maintenance.

Data-Basics Inc.(Bits & Bytes)
September 1, 2003... Data-Basics Inc. has launched a new generation of its Escalation Manager and ReportAnywhere tools, which run on the company's signature Rules-Based Management[TM] technology and enforce rules that have been predetermined by the customer by...

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab.(Bits & Bytes)
September 1, 2003... Lawrence Berkeley National Lab's database tool provides a structured approach to recording design decisions that impact a facility's performance in areas such as energy efficiency. It is designed to allow owners and designers to plan, monitor,...

The New Standard Institute.(Bits & Bytes)
September 1, 2003... The New Standard Institute's Electrical Safe Work Practices CD-ROM provides people who install, maintain, repair, or just work near electrical power equipment with training related to the hazards electricity may present.

Rolf Jensen & Associates.(Bits & Bytes)
September 1, 2003... Rolf Jensen & Associates has introduced Pathfinder 2.0, a static and dynamic egress analysis engineering tool that integrates with CAD drawing and enables the firm's engineers to provide clients with both occupant loading, egress capacity, and...

Dexter + Chaney.(Bits & Bytes)
September 1, 2003... Dexter + Chaney has launched an integrated human resources module into its Forefront Construction Management Software that automates the employee-management process in all areas of a construction business, from recruitment through retirement.

The American Indoor Air Quality Council.(World Wide Web)
September 1, 2003... The American Indoor Air Quality Council offers information about its IAQ workshops at www.iaqcouncil.org/.

Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc.'s.(World Wide Web)
September 1, 2003... Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc.'s HVAC Advanced Products Division recently launched a new websiteat www.citymulti.net, that provides the latest information on the benefits of the new CITY MULTI VRFZ HVAC systems, as well as detailed...

CB&I.(World Wide Web)
September 1, 2003... CB&I recently changed its primary website address to www.CBIepc.com, to highlight both the company's turnkey EPC contracting approach and the company's brand.

Spot Coolers.(World Wide Web)
September 1, 2003... Spot Coolers offers downloadable catalogs and product information updates at www.spotcoolers.com.

Aerotech.(World Wide Web)
September 1, 2003... Aerotech has made its website easier to navigate, with increased functionality and search capabilities. The site is located at www.aerotechlabs.com.

YORK UPG.(World Wide Web)
September 1, 2003... YORK UPG has developed a Web-based business tool, the YORK Business Analyzer, that offers dealers a thorough and secure analysis of their business.

Kimberly-Clark Filtration Products.(World Wide Web)
September 1, 2003... Kimberly-Clark Filtration Products has announced the relaunch of its website at www.kcfiltration.com. The site provides information about IAQ, liquid filtration, and the company's product lines.

Johnson Controls.(World Wide Web)
September 1, 2003... Johnson Controls offers online information about building automation challenges and solutions and case studies in its "Building Performance" newsletter, which can be accessed at http://69.0.244.128/default.htm.

McQuay International.(World Wide Web)
September 1, 2003... McQuay International is now offering a new dual compressor centrifugal chiller brochure online at www.mcquay.com/eprise/main/mcquaybiz/Lit_CH_WC/Brochures/ASP_WDCpdf.

Roof curbs.(products in focus)
September 1, 2003... The company's line of roof curb products is constructed with overlapped, fully welded, watertight seams; minimum 16-gauge galvanized steel; and factory-installed fiberglass insulation. --Lloyd Industries Inc. FREE INFO: 300 ...

Boiler.(products in focus)
September 1, 2003... The MACH[TM] Series boiler operates across a 5:1 turndown ratio which is infinitely adjustable from 20% to 100% of rating, according to the manufacturer. Other features include a variable-speed fan, zero-offset fuel/air ratio,...

Flex duct with antimicrobial protection.(products in focus)
September 1, 2003... AMBlue is the first flexible air duct specifically designed and engineered with enhanced antimicrobial protection to resist the growth of mold and fungi, according to the manufacturer. The duct is available in both R6 and R8 thermal values and...

Dewpoint transmitter.(products in focus)
September 1, 2003... The DRYCAP[R] dewpoint transmitter DMT142 is a miniature dewpoint measurement instrument suitable for installation on wide variety of equipment where dewpoint instruments were previously considered impractical. The units is engineered to...

Fire control.(products in focus)
September 1, 2003... The company's 4004R suppression releasing panel is designed to control the release of extinguishing systems and is specifically designed for suppressing fires in computer rooms, petrochemical facilities, power plants and other high-risk...