PM Engineer articles from June 2006

PM Engineer archives from June 2006

Floor urinals would make sense.(PME Letters)(Letter to the editor)
June 1, 2006... Thanks, Julius, for the interesting article about the proposed ANSI changes (April 2006). I just want to make one comment. The last three paragraphs talk about urinal height changes, and they include the statement, "The use of a urinal...

Another vote for floor urinals.(PME Letters)(Letter to the editor)
June 1, 2006... I enjoyed Julius Ballanco's April 2006 article on changes to the ANSI A117 Accessibility Code. While nearly all of us, at some time in our lives, will benefit from accessibility regulations, there are a few rules that leave one scratching one's...

Dave Yates receives 2006-2008 Carlson-Holohan award.(National Association of Oil Heat Service Managers )(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... At a press conference at the National Association of Oil Heat Service Managers Annual Meeting recently in Hartford, CT, Dan Holohan presented a new recipient with the Carlson-Holohan Industry Award of Excellence, which is passed on every two...

A.O. Smith announces higher efficiency residential water heater.(PME News)
June 1, 2006... For the last three years, A.O. Smith has been working with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the leading technology development firm TIAX LLC to accelerate innovation toward increased efficiency in residential water heaters. This...

Ca Assembly Committees approve 1.3 gpf, lead legislation.(California Assembly)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... The California Assembly's Committee on Housing and Community Development passed legislation (AB 2496) to change the water flush standard for water closets from 1.6 gpf to 1.3 gpf, and urinals from 1 gpf to 0.5 gpf. Because of its potential...

HVAC/R professionals say energy efficiency, building automation are key industry issues.(PME News)
June 1, 2006... According to an online survey recently conducted by the AHR Expo, HVAC/R professionals are most interested in learning more about improving energy efficiency, building automation, and green building technology. More than 800 responses from...

Recent industry events focus on water conservation, new plumbing and radiant technology.(PME News)
June 1, 2006... Several recent events and tradeshows shared a focus on issues that affect all areas of the plumbing and hydronics industries. * The 2006 WQA Aquatech USA show boasted a record number of attendees at the event, held March 28-April 1 outside...

Flowserve Corp.(Appointments)
June 1, 2006... Flowserve Corp. announced that Thomas E. Ferguson has been elected president of the Hydraulic Institute for 2006-2007. He will also serve as a member of the board of directors. Ferguson is a vice president of Flowserve Corp. and president of...

Grainger.(Appointments)
June 1, 2006... Grainger, the leading industrial distributor in North America, announced that James T. Ryan has become president of Grainger. The company also announced that Kevin Peters has been promoted to senior vice president, Supply Chain, and Deb Oler...

Emerson.(Appointments)
June 1, 2006... Emerson Network Power, a business of Emerson, announced that Scott Dysert has been named president of Liebert North America.

Watts Water Technologies, Inc.(Appointments)
June 1, 2006... Watts Water Technologies, Inc., announced that Chad LaCroix has joined the company as product manager for Watts Brass & Tubular and Fittings Products.

A.O. Smith Water Products Co.(Appointments)
June 1, 2006... A.O. Smith Water Products Co. announced that Charles T. Lauber has joined the company as vice president and chief financial officer. Lauber was vice president-Global Finance of A.O. Smith Electrical Products Co. Lauber succeeds Robert Grussing...

International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials.(Appointments)
June 1, 2006... Lynne Simnick, recently hired as field service representative for the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, has been promoted to director of Code Support, reporting directly to the senior director of Codes and...

Limbach Facility Services.(Appointments)
June 1, 2006... Limbach Facility Services has announced the promotion of Timothy Ward to the president of Mechanical Professional Services (MPS), Limbach's internal design engineering group.

National Institute Standards and Technology.(Appointments)
June 1, 2006... Cita M. Furlani has been named director of the Information Technology Laboratory at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Grundfos Technical Institute.(training programs )(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Grundfos Technical Institute will conduct two 1/2-day training programs for commercial and industrial pump installation and sales professionals. Training takes place in Grundfos Pumps Corp.'s state-of-the-art laboratory in Olathe, KS, Aug. 8-10...

NIBCO Inc.(News Briefs)
June 1, 2006... Rex Martin, chairman, president and chief executive officer of NIBCO INC., announced that the company has signed a purchase agreement to acquire the assets of Consolidated Plumbing Industries. CPI manufactures cross-linked polyethylene (PEX)...

The Grundfos Group.(News Briefs)
June 1, 2006... The Grundfos Group has agreed to buy American pump manufacturer PACO Pumps. The PACO name will remain as a product brand under a newly established entity called Grundfos CBS Inc.

Taishan Maeda Boiler Co.(News Briefs)
June 1, 2006... Weil-McLain has acquired Taishan Maeda Boiler Co., located in Taian, China. The company produces commercial boilers for the China market, exports castings to Maeda Boiler Co. in Japan, as well as producing several other assorted iron castings....

Cooper Industries, Ltd.(News Briefs)
June 1, 2006... Cooper Industries, Ltd. has acquired Wheelock, Inc., a designer and manufacturer of fire safety and emergency incident communications systems and devices. Based in Long Branch, NJ, Wheelock is a privately held company with 2005 annual revenues...

Selkirk Americas, L.P. (Selkirk) has been purchased by Tomkins PLC.(News Briefs)
June 1, 2006... Selkirk Americas, L.P. (Selkirk) has been purchased by Tomkins PLC, a world-class global engineering and manufacturing group with market and technical leadership across its two business groups--Industrial and Automotive, and Building Products....

Villeroy & Boch AG.(Merger and acquisitions)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Villeroy & Boch AG, the German ceramics company, has made its first-ever acquisition of a North American company. The purchase of the sanitary ware business from Grupo Industrial Saltillo, one of Mexico's leading industrial corporations,...

Ward Manufacturing, Inc.(Wisconsin Nipple and Fitting Corp)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Ward Manufacturing, Inc. has acquired the assets of Wisconsin Nipple and Fitting Corp. of Milwaukee, WI. This purchase expands Ward's product offering of malleable pipe fittings and unions, cast iron pipe fittings and WARDFLEX corrugated...

Lochinvar[R] Corp.(Hydronic Heating Tour)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Lochinvar[R] Corp.'s Hydronic Heating Tour continues to travel throughout the U.S. and Canada demonstrating the Solution and new KNIGHT Heating Boiler. This self-contained tour van provides visitors with a hands-on demonstration of Lochinvar's...

Tyco International Ltd.(fire suppression technology worldwide)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Tyco Fire & Building Products, a division of Tyco International Ltd., has announced that it has entered into an exclusive license agreement with Pursuit Dynamics PLC for its patented PDX technology. Under the terms of this agreement, Tyco has...

A.O. Smith Corp.(News Briefs)
June 1, 2006... A.O. Smith Corp. has completed its acquisition of GSW Inc. GSW, a Canadian-based manufacturer of water heaters and building products, with 2005 sales of approximately $520 million (U.S.), was acquired for approximately $340 million in cash.

IAPMO/ICC agreement near? Now that IAPMO are ICC are working on developing a single set of codes for the U.S., the question is, how will it be accomplished?(Codes)(International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials)(Interstate Commerce Commission)
June 1, 2006... It is hard to find anyone who can technically justify not having one plumbing or mechanical code for the entire country. Oh, they provide justifications, but they are not technically based. Typically the reasoning is to restrict, limit or...

The 60-second rule, Part II: this second installment on dry pipe sprinklers looks at the concern about too many sprinklers opening prior to water delivery during a fire.(Fire Protection)
June 1, 2006... Last month in Part I, we reviewed various problems incurred when attempting to secure dry pipe sprinkler system acceptance. One of the big issues concerns the number of sprinklers opening during the elapsed time between sprinkler activation and...

Waste pulping systems for commercial kitchens: commercial kitchens create a large amount of food waste that includes packaging materials that need to be processed without extensive labor, and waste pulping systems seem to be the ideal solution.(Cover story)
June 1, 2006... What is a pulper? Sometimes referred to as a grinder, shredder or even "a disposer on steroids," a pulping system consists of a machine (pulper) that grinds or cuts up food waste materials in water to create a slurry and a machine (extractor)...

The radiant heat market: despite Challenges within the industry, there are still opportunities for contractors to make a profit with radiant heat.
June 1, 2006... THE POPULARITY of radiant floor heating systems is gaining, even among home builders. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Almost a quarter (23 percent) of 302 home builders surveyed by the National Association of Home Builder's Research Center (on...

Radiant alternatives: Ever think about radiant walls or ceilings? It's not as far-fetched as you believe.(Radiant Heating Report 2006)
June 1, 2006... So, Grasshopper, what shall we discuss today? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] (Sigh) Been watching reruns of "Kung Fu," have we? Sorry, sometimes I can't help myself. What wonders of radiant heat shall we kick around today? Well, a...

A geothermal primer.(Radiant Heating Report 2006)
June 1, 2006... Heat pump systems using the ground as a source of energy are gaining in popularity with the recent climb in energy costs. Homeowners looking at their monthly budgets for their residences are finding the cost of energy to be a bigger slice of...

The torch is passed: Dave Yates is chosen for the 2006-2008 Carlson-Holohan Industry Award of Excellence.(Radiant Heating Report 2006)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... At the 2006 National Association of Oil Heating Service Managers Annual Meeting in Hartford, Conn., Dan Holohan announced the name of the new recipient of the Carlson-Holohan Industry Award of Excellence, which is passed on every two years to...

Ensuring the quality of radiant tubing: NSF/ANSI Standard 14.(Radiant Heating Report 2006)(NSF International)(American National Standards Institute )
June 1, 2006... In recent years, consumer interest in radiant floor heating has increased significantly, sparking a wide variety of radiant floor heating products on the market. Plumbing and mechanical codes require these products be certified and labeled by a...

A brief history of radiant heating.(Radiant Heating Report 2006)
June 1, 2006... Like many aspects of modern life, we all owe a debt of gratitude to the ancient Romans. Up until the time Roman armies conquered the world, about the best you could hope for was a fire in a fireplace. If your hut burned down in the middle of...

2006 radiant & hydronic training opportunities.(calendar)(Calendar)
June 1, 2006... VIEGA NORTH AMERICA TRAINING PROGRAMS Facility: Bedford, Mass. June 21 Climate Panel June 23 How to Sell Radiant July 20 Combi-Flex July 25 How to Sell Radiant Aug. 1 Radiant Wizard Aug. 8 Basic...

Warmboard radiant heat--simply smarter.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
June 1, 2006... Get the best performance and value with Warmboard--the only structural subfloor and radiant panel in one. Tubing installation is easy. No heavy concrete and no staples. Warmboard provides the most responsive, even and energy-efficient form of...

Let our products warm you.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
June 1, 2006... Experience luxurious, comfortable, heated floors with Hacker Industries Inc.'s GYP-SPAN[R] Radiant. Installed by trained, licensed applicators, GYP-SPAN Radiant is mixed on-site and pumped 3/4 inch over the top of hydronic tubes or electric...

EZ Floor's RAZ Panel.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
June 1, 2006... EZ Floor LLC is excited to announce the roll-out of its acclaimed new product for radiant floor heat applications, the RAZ Panel[TM]. The RAZ Panel is subslab insulation, vapor barrier and PEX tube holder all in one simple, easy-to-install...

Oventrop valves, controls and systems.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
June 1, 2006... "Cofloor" system for surface heating and cooling; practical and economical. Oventrop RFH is a system approach complying with DIN EN 1264 and in accordance with the latest technical developments. Quick and economical installation--even by only...

'Will never go back'.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
June 1, 2006... Wiring manifold actuators is now fast and easy. After trying the IVAR Zone Controller, contractors claim they will never go back. Angled connectors provide a clear front view of wiring for easy installation, while dip switches eliminate...

InfloorBoard for easy installation.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
June 1, 2006... InfloorBoard[R] is a modular radiant heating system, constructed of a dense composite board covered with aluminum. The boards, when fit together, form the groove layout for 3/8-inch tubing. Hot water running through the tube warms the aluminum,...

TVM Building Products--Ultra BOARD.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
June 1, 2006... Ultra BOARD[TM] is a new under-concrete insulation product, primarily for use with radiant floor heating and snowmelt applications. It consists of reflective foil bubble and expanded polystyrene, where the top layer of bubble-foil serves as a...

Rock Unroller Uncoiler eliminates tubing troubles.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
June 1, 2006... The Rock Unroller[TM] Tube Uncoiler, by Tools That Rock[TM], makes PEX tubing installation easier than ever. The heavy-duty steel uncoiler is self-contained and portable, uncoiling up to 1,000-ft. rolls of PEX tubing and fitting conveniently...

Finish first.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
June 1, 2006... IVAR Custom Manifold Systems are shipped direct, complete as shown. One- and two-temperature systems are available. Join the team and finish first. Contact IVAR North America at 902/564-5433, info@ivar-na.com. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

The Peerless Pinnacle from Peerless Boilers.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
June 1, 2006... The Peerless[R] Pinnacle[R] gas-fired, stainless-steel boiler is a perfect match for radiant systems. The system design temperature of the high-efficiency condensing boiler can be set by the installing contractor. It requires no additional...

Luxurious warmth at affordable prices.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
June 1, 2006... Warmup designs its heating products to be flexible and simple to install--simply lay the heating element before you tile your room. Providing luxurious warmth at affordable prices, it's ideal for bathrooms, kitchens or any tiled room. Warmup...

Warm Tiles by Easy Heat.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
June 1, 2006... Easy Heat[R] Warm Tiles[TM] electric floor-warming systems have provided economical, energy-efficient warmth under tile, stone and wood floors for more than 40 years. The Warm Tiles system installs quickly in both new construction and...

Ideal Heating--electric radiant.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
June 1, 2006... Lowest prices for U.S./Canadian wholesalers and installers only for premium radiant electric heating products. Radiant heating with under-tile mats or cables. Full stock in New Jersey. 9 W/sq. ft.; (hybrid heating) or 14 W/sq. ft.; 120/240V....

Crack Isolation Waterproof Membrane for radiant-heated floors.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
June 1, 2006... Protect your marble, stone or luxury tile from shrinkage cracks and moisture migration with 40 mil COMPOSEAL GOLD Crack Isolation Waterproof Membrane, used in radiant-heated flooring since 1992. COMPOSEAL GOLD is economic and easy to install,...

Digital dual-display temperature control and thermometer.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
June 1, 2006... The EasyFloor[TM] System--the ideal way to install hydronic radiant heat in new construction and remodeling projects! Perfect for basements! Eliminates messy concrete topping pours or grooved plywood panels. Features interlocking plastic grids...

Integrated control for HVAC systems.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
June 1, 2006... tekmarNet[R] 4 (tN4) by tekmar Control Systems uses two-way communication between thermostats and controls to integrate heating, ventilation and air conditioning. The level of communication in tN4 gives you schedule-sharing across thermostats,...

The other radiant heat.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
June 1, 2006... STEP Warmfloor[TM] is a strong, flexible, thin, semi-conductive heating mat. The self-regulating element cannot overheat, and can be used under almost any flooring--even wood. It is energy-efficient and operates on low voltage. Normally...

Armstrong Astro circulators.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
June 1, 2006... Astro Series circulators provide the "whisper quiet" and "zero-maintenance" operation required for residential radiant flooring applications. With a variety of interchangeable models from the Astro 20 to the Astro 70, you can match circulator...

Step-saving valves from Webstone.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
June 1, 2006... Webstone Co. Inc. offers a full line of professional valves designed to eliminate leak paths as well as the need for additional tees, drains or unions. These forged brass valves feature full-port quarter-turn drains, built-in tees, unions and...

Danfoss hydronic heating/cooling system.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
June 1, 2006... Danfoss Heating Group offers CONVEC[R], a packaged hydronic heating and cooling system coupled with a high-efficiency axial fan. The system forces air over a heat transfer tube and silently warms or cools a room within minutes. Slim and...

Thin, Electric Heating Panels.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
June 1, 2006... CaloriQue Thin Film Electric Heating Panels are used in residential and commercial buildings. Advantages of CaloriQue radiant floor or ceiling heat: no plumbing; energy efficient; each room zoned; clean--does not dry air; and maintenance free....

Viega's Snap Panel speeds wet mass radiant installation.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
June 1, 2006... Installing radiant tubing just got faster and easier with the introduction of the Viega Snap Panel[TM]. This versatile, high-density polystyrene fastener system is designed to facilitate every tubing configuration. Unique secure-grip heads hold...

Next generation wood heat.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
June 1, 2006... Greenwood's clean burning, wood-fired hydronic furnace is a state-of-the-art sustainable central heating system. It generates enough heat to heat an entire home, shop or greenhouse; the existing system serves as a backup. At an amazing 85...

Backwater Valves.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
June 1, 2006... In-Line and Terminal Backwater Valves are available in both molded and fabricated designs at Plastic Trends. In-Line prevents fluids from re-entering drainage systems. Unidirectional flow through the valve is created by a flap that freely opens...

Unlimited hot water.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
June 1, 2006... Ergomax[R] instantaneous, indirect water heaters/heat exchangers produce hot water as long as needed--from filling spa tubs to restaurants needing 180-degree F water for dishwashing. Ergomax units operate at 99 percent efficiency. Virtually...

The finest tankless electric water heaters available.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
June 1, 2006... Stiebel Eltron offers the finest tankless electric water heaters available. Its Tempra DHC-E outperforms bulky hot water tanks and reduces hot water pipe runs. It offers the best warranty in the industry. For more information, contact Stiebel...

Myson T6 IVC center-connection radiator.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
June 1, 2006... The Myson T6 IVC center-connection radiator features innovative design, high-quality workmanship and high heat output. This dual-panel, double-convector model offers the advantage of a standard 2-inch central connection as well as the standard...

Distribution efficiency in hydronic systems: find out how to improve something that already has an advantage, with this look at how hydronic systems convey heat from the heat source to the heat emitters.
June 1, 2006... Looking back at the history of residential hydronic heating in North America over the last 25 years, one is amazed at the progress made in the area of thermal efficiency. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] For example, I grew up in a 1960s vintage...

Back to basics: floor drains; Modern construction dictates that we cannot forget the use of floor drains, which must be carefully selected, properly installed and maintained after the system is in operation.
June 1, 2006... Editor's Note: "Back to Basics" is a column that will run periodically in PME reviewing the basic principles of plumbing engineering. During my first quarter-century of employment with Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co., I've had the opportunity to...

Hydrant flow testing: the use of hydrant flow testing data to design automatic sprinkler systems has gotten easier thanks to new computer modeling software.
June 1, 2006... Hydrant flow testing data provides important information for designing an automatic sprinkler system. In this article, we will look at how the data is gathered at the Insurance Services Office (ISO) (1). [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Computer...

2006 KBIS product highlights.(PME Products)
June 1, 2006... The recent Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS), held April 21-23 in Chicago, featured more than 900 exhibitors showcasing the latest in toilets, faucets, lavatories and showers. Here is a review of some of the show's highlights. Visit...