PM Engineer articles from February 2009

PM Engineer archives from February 2009

Radiant for commercial.(editor's note)
February 1, 2009... For quite a while now I've been interested in radiant systems and hydronics, having been introduced to them through the writings and webinars of our Hydronics Editor John Siegenthaler, RE. Equally important is my reading of the annual Radiant...

Piping materials: just the basics.(Letters)(Letter to the editor)
February 1, 2009... I'm a regular reader of pine and was hoping you could provide me with some basic information piping materials. What is the main difference between PP-R, PEX, CPVC, and aluminum-reinforced PVC? Do you have some length guidelines for attaching...

Ground joint unions--gas systems.(Letter to the editor)
February 1, 2009... Recently, I noticed two ground joint unions within the runs of the gas system pictured here (Nov. 08, page 53). It has been my understanding that unions were permitted just before an appliance. If it was necessary for a union at these...

Correction.(Correction notice)
February 1, 2009... A couple errors appeared in the Nov. 2008 article, "Back to Basics: Sizing Gas Piping Systems." On page 62, third column, first full paragraph, the number 210 should have been 220. In Figures 2 and 3 on page 70, the number 210 should have been...

Multipurpose fire sprinkler systems.(Letters)(Letter to the editor)
February 1, 2009... I recently was given an older article on multipurpose residential fire sprinkler systems (Nov. 2007). As a fire protection engineer for almost 35 years, I read it with great interest. I must commend the author, Alan Larson, CET, CPPS, for his...

ISH Frankfurt to focus on sustainable use of water, energy.(Industry News)
February 1, 2009... Next month, the ISH show will celebrate its 50th anniversary while looking to the future by focusing on how our industry can use water and energy in a sustainable and cost-saving way. Among the questions to be answered: How can everyone be...

GSA releases first in-depth federal study on sustainability.(Industry News)
February 1, 2009... The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has released the first comprehensive document undertaken by a federal agency regarding acquiring, constructing, operating and maintaining sustainable buildings. "Sustainability Matters" is a...

New cast iron soil pipe certification requirements added to ASTM standards.(Industry News)
February 1, 2009... Recently, the ASTM A04 Main Committee passed proposed revisions to ASTM A888 and ASTM A74--the ASTM standards for the manufacture of no-hub and hub and spigot cast iron soil pipe and fittings, respectively. The changes involved the addition of...

NAHB loses ICC sprinkler appeal; sprinkler mandate upheld by Appeal Board and Board of Directors.(codes)
February 1, 2009... In this fast world of communications, it was reported almost instantly that the appeal of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) was denied by the International Code Council (ICC). Many asked, "What appeal?" Having a front row...

Solar loop pressurization: it's different than with standard hydronic systems.(solar design notebook)
February 1, 2009... Solar thermal systems, like hydronic systems, operate best when pressurized. Increasing pressure raises the boiling point of the fluid, adds to the Net Positive Suction Head Available (NPSHA) of the system to help suppress circulator...

The benefits of BIM in plumbing design: building information modeling can help specifiers with basic design and beyond--from earning LEED points, to code compliance, to interference checking.(Cover story)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] First things first--let's clearly define building information modeling or BIM, as it's more commonly known. Building information modeling is the process of generating and managing building data during its life...

Bariatric water closets: what specifiers need to know: as obesity increases in our society, plumbing designers and manufacturers must meet the challenge of creating bariatric-friendly environments.
February 1, 2009... [FIGURE 1 OMITTED] During the past quarter century, we have seen many changes in our industry relative to product design, product capabilities and increased flexibility as manufacturers, designers and specifiers to meet customers' need for...

How to survive a lawsuit: here are 13 tips to help you get through the emotional and financial trauma, which are sure to accompany this experience.
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Just minutes ago you were having a relatively calm dinner with your family, At least it was as calm as a dinner table can be with an 11-year-old and a 14-year-old both trying to simultaneously relate the trials and...