PM Engineer articles from March 2002

PM Engineer archives from March 2002

PME Letters.
March 1, 2002... Plumbing Codes: A Learning Experience It seems that every time I read PM Engineer, someone has written an article about a plumbing code. There are even articles comparing the various codes. For whatever reason, I find that one of the oldest...

Avoid the five mistakes that keep most businesses from getting to the next generation: You spend your lifetime building your business; how much time have you spent planning to protect and preserve it? (Sound Off).
March 1, 2002... Editor's Note: We offer "Sound Off" as an open forum for industry professionals to express their opinions about industry issues, as well as to offer advice to our readers on how to manage their businesses. To submit material for this column,...

California HCD reverses position, proposes to continue using CSST. (PME News).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... The California Department of Housing and Community Development has reversed its position on the use of corrugated stainless steel tubing as an approved gas piping material in the California Plumbing Code. A 45-day period for written comments on...

IAPMO R&T and Chinese agency sign product certification recognition agreement. (PME News).
March 1, 2002... GP Russ Chaney, executive director of IAPMO R&T, and Zhang Wei, secretary general of CQM, have signed what is believed to be the first mutual recognition agreement for product certification since China's entry into the World Trade Organization....

Rheem Mfg. Co. and Paloma Industries. (News Briefs).(to acquire Southcorp Holdings Ltd.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Rheem Mfg. Co. and Paloma Industries have reached a definitive agreement to acquire the Australasian water heater business of Southcorp Holdings Ltd. The acquisition includes Southcorp.'s water heater businesses in its home base of Australia,...

Tyco International. (News Briefs).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Tyco International announced a plan to separate into four independent, publicly-traded companies. One of them will include the conglomerate's fire protection and fire control holdings, including the fire protection trade names Simplex/Grinnell,...

The 2001 International Code. (News Briefs).
March 1, 2002... The 2001 International Code hearings are scheduled for April 8-19 in Pittsburgh. Code change proposal documents can be obtained from BOCA at codes@bocai.org, or by calling Mike Pfeiffer at (708) 799-2300, ext. 338. The proposed code change...

Bernard Kerik. (News Briefs).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik, a key member of the team that coordinated rescue efforts following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the WTC, will deliver the keynote address at the opening general session of the...

BOCA International. (News Briefs).
March 1, 2002... BOCA International has announced a series of Audio. Virtual Seminars, live, instructor-led training events that use the telephone as the delivery medium. Learners "attend" and participate in the audio seminars by phone from their office. The...

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers. (News Briefs).
March 1, 2002... The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Press has announced the release of "Intellectual Property: A Guide for Engineers." The book, published in collaboration with the American Bar Association Section on Intellectual Property Law,...

A.O. Smith Water Products Co. (News Briefs).(publishes "Genesis Engineering and Design Manual")(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... A.O. Smith Water Products Co. has published the "Genesis Engineering and Design Manual," written to assist those who design and specify A.O. Smith Genesis[TM] hydronic heating boilers. The manual is intended to answer the most frequently asked...

American Standard Cos. Inc. (News Briefs).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... American Standard Cos. Inc. reported lower fourth-quarter earnings, weighed down by the additional costs of cutting, 700 more jobs than the 1,000 facing elimination under a plan announced in October. The Piscataway, NJ-based company said it...

Appointments.(Vanderweil Engineers)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Vanderweil Engineers announced the promotions of 10 employees to vice president and four to senior vice president. In Vanderweil's Boston office, Mark Aprea, P.E., Chris Hastings, P.E. John Hess, P.E., Bill Leuci, Keith Lord, Mike Margareci,...

The International Code Council (ICC). (Internet News).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... The International Code Council (ICC) has announced that its Code Development Hearings in Pittsburgh in April will also be broadcast on the ICC Web site at www.intlcode.org/springinfo.htm. All Track 1 hearings will be broadcast live from start...

The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI). (Internet News).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) has launched Buildcertified.com, a free searchable database that will allow architects, specifiers, engineers, contractors and other building professionals to search local markets for certified...

www.siouxchief.com. (Internet News).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Sioux Chief's new Web site at www.siouxchief.com is easy to navigate and offers up-to-date information about its products, including downloadable spec sheets and other literature in PDF format, a section on water hammer, sales rep information,...

A quick overview of the 2002 IPC Changes: There are three code changes to the IPC that are of interest to the plumbing/mechanical engineering community--water pipe sizing, hot water temperature control, and venting. (Codes).(International Plumbing Code)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... The ICC published the code changes for this year's cycle to the I-Codes. You can download all of the changes off their Web site at www.intlcode.org. They have upgraded the system to download very quickly. The Web site is set up to permit you to...

The adoption of a village ordinance: Many U.S. municipalities are enacting legislation requiring residential fire sprinkler systems to be installed in newly built private homes. (Fire Protection).
March 1, 2002... Right now, over 700 U.S. municipalities have successfully enacted legislation requiring residential fire sprinkler systems to be installed in newly built private homes within their communities. That number is growing. Last November 26, the...

Scottish Water and how it's used. (Thoughts from Abroad).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... The benefits of a 1.6-gallon flush volume with a reduced flush (dual flush) for toilets, reduced flow showers and improved design of clothes and dish washing machines are being assessed through recent surveys performed in the U.K. In...

Selecting fire pumps for ESFR sprinkler applications.
March 1, 2002... Probably the most contentious issue in the application of fire pumps over the last few years has been the use of relief valves in ESFR sprinkler applications. ESFR systems offer many benefits to a facility owner, such as faster and more...

Hydronic Heating design considerations: Baseboard? in-floor radiant? Why not both?; Here's a look at the considerations that went into the design of a hybrid hydronic heating system to heat an addition on an existing house.
March 1, 2002... This article discusses how the decision was made to heat an addition to an existing house with a hybrid (in-floor radiant/baseboard) hydronic heating system. It was written by a practicing engineer and presents practical engineering analysis...

The Readers speak.
March 1, 2002... Many of you have written to us with substantive comments about various content within this magazine. In many cases the appropriate author has responded to you personally via phone or e-mail, but space limitations and a priority given to...

Top 10 products of 2001.(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... Here are the top products run in PME throughout the year 2001. These products got the most attention from our readers, according to the number of reader inquiries we received after they appeared. In case you missed the opportunity the first...

Condensate pumps. (ASHRAE: Product Overview, Part 1).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Hartell's new Powerflow Series KT Plus condensate pumps feature a removable mounting template to quickly mark the mounting screws to aid installation and maintenance. The pump also offers an inlet port at the bottom of the pump reservoir for...

Bathroom System. (ASHRAE: Product Overview, Part 1).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... The Evolve Healthy Bathroom System includes three products that prevent mold, mildew, bacteria and unpleasant bathroom odors. The Fresh Vent toilet bowl odor and bacteria evacuation system removes airborne bacteria, viruses and odors by venting...

Packaged Pump Systems. (ASHRAE: Product Overview, Part 1).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... The Thrush Packaged Pump Systems contain water pumps, interconnecting piping and other essential components assembled onto a common base or skid. The systems are UL listed with ASME code-compliant vessels. Thrush also offers a Heat Transfer...

Steam Boiler. (ASHRAE: Product Overview, Part 1).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... MIURA's EX Gas/Oil Series High Pressure Steam Boilers feature the company's "low water content watertube" design in a once-through, forced circulation steam boiler, producing steam in five minutes while maintaining an 85% fuel-to-steam...

Terminal unit piping. (ASHRAE: Product Overview, Part 1).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... HCi's Terminator System is a method of piping hvac terminal units that minimizes the time and space required to make the connection between the distribution piping and coil. The system eases terminal unit piping because all components typically...

Rod Hanger. (ASHRAE: Product Overview, Part 1).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... Features of ERICO's Caddy Multi-Flange Rod Hanger for Purlins, Beams & Joists include: C or Z Purlins or up to 1/4" horizontal beam flanges; Slotted, Hex, Robertson, and Philips combo head bolts; a hardened cup point setscrew for a secure grip;...

CSST piping. (ASHRAE: Product Overview, Part 1).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... Tru-Flex's Pro-Flex corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) gas piping system is a corrugated, semi-rigid stainless steel tubing with fully integrated components which are tested as a complete system. Pro-Flex eliminates the majority of...

Strainers, check valves and butterfly valves. (ASHRAE: Product Overview, Part 1).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... Mueller Steam Specialty offers a full line of pipeline, specialty strainers, check valves and butterfly valves. The strainer line includes Y, basket-type, duplex, special stainless, and fabricated strainers/line blinds. The check valve line...

Take a break.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Dedicated to the proposition that having fun is an indispensable part of doing business Lesser Proverbs 1. He who laughs last, thinks slowest. 2. Everyone has a photographic memory. Some don't have film. 3. A day without...

www.neoperl.com. (PM Engineer Information Showcase).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... Visit the new www.neoperl.com and search an interactive database of flow control products for plumbing systems, water treatment and appliances. Select multiple criteria such as size, flow rate or stream quality to identify the faucet aerator,...

Vandal-Resistant P-Trap. (PM Engineer Information Showcase).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... The Vandal Trap[R] is a serviceable and maintainable p-trap that discourages vandalism. Easy to install, Vandal Trap[R] is appropriate for schools, public buildings, sports stadiums and light- to medium-correctional institutions. McGuire...

S-6080 Ultra-Sense sensor faucets. (PM Engineer Information Showcase).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... Symmons Industries' S-6080 Ultra-Sense[R] sensor faucets incorporate the durability and reliability of the original Ultra-Sense models by utilizing PSD (Position Sensitive Detection), an advanced form of photo-electronics technology, which...

MIFAB's new expanded product catalog. (PM Engineer Information Showcase).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Our new catalog encompasses a whole range of new and innovative Drain Products from MIFAB. A function-driven, modern product line designed specifically for the challenges of today's building methods and materials. To simplify specifications, we...

Clamp-All brochure. (PM Engineer Information Showcase).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... Clamp-All's new brochure details the advantage of Hi-Torq 80 and Hi-Torq 125 pipe couplings in their new larger sizes, 12" and 15". Factory Mutual approved to FM 1680 Class 1, Clamp-All couplings are guaranteed for the life of the system....

Bradford White introduces new Millivolt technology. (PM Engineer Information Showcase).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Bradford White Corp.'s new line of MAGNUM Series[R] commercial water heaters features the company's exclusive Millivolt technology that enables these units to generate their own energy from the pilot and thermopile assembly to operate the flue...

Radiant ceiling panels. (PM Engineer Information Showcase).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... Sterling radiant panel ceiling systems are an energy- and cost-saving method of heating and cooling. They are available in three basic types: linear for wall-to-wall installation, modular for installation in standard t-bar ceiling grids, and...

Beacon/Morris horizontal serpentine hot water unit heaters. (PM Engineer Information Showcase).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... Beacon/Morris is pleased to offer hot water horizontal unit heaters for residential, commercial and industrial use. With pipe connections from the side, these units are ideal for installation in areas where ceiling space is limited, such as...

GYP-SPAN Radiant From Hacker. (PM Engineer Information Showcase).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... Hacker Industries' GYP-SPAN Radiant is the preferred thermal mass to deliver exceptional uniform heat transfer and a hard, smooth, crack-free surface for finished floor coverings. Using GYP-SPAN Radiant, the homeowner is treated to the warm,...

The first name in Kickspace heaters. (PM Engineer Information Showcase).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... Beacon Kickspace heaters are the space-saving alternative to hot water baseboard. Designed to fit inconspicuously under a cabinet, in the floor, on or in the wall, kickspace heaters are ideal for hard to heat areas such as foyers, kitchens and...

REHAU Pro-Balance[TM] manifold ideal for use in RFH and SIM applications. (PM Engineer Information Showcase).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... REHAU provides the pre-assembled PROBALANCE[TM] brass balancing manifold with gauges for use in hydronic radiant floor heating (RFH) and snow and ice melt (SIM) systems. Available with two to 12 outlets, REHAU's PRO-BALANCE is...

More cast iron means better performance. (PM Engineer Information Showcase).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... The Series 8, with its rugged cast iron construction, offers commercial quality in a residential boiler. With cast iron sections, thicker and deeper than in other leading boilers, the Series 8 offers a multitude of performance advantages,...

RTI systems--Radiant heating. (PM Engineer Information Showcase).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... Radiant heating made easy. Radiant-Trak panels are attached below floors, above ceilings or behind walls to provide radiant floor heating. Suitable for all flooring materials (tile, wood, carpet). ThermalBoard [TM] is a modular radiant heating...

Hydrotherm Sabre Boiler. (PM Engineer Information Showcase).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... Introducing the Hydrotherm Sabre Boiler, with its brushed stainless steel jacket and its all on top connections. A boiler that is sure to be well received by contractors and homeowners alike. The brushed stainless steel jacket gives an...

SpacePak central air conditioning. (PM Engineer Information Showcase).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... SpacePak is the ideal compliment for homes using today's modern radiant heating systems. It is a central air conditioning system for homes unable to accommodate conventional system Ideal for older "ductless" homes, SpacePak use flexible 2-inch...

RBI Dominator Series boilers and water heaters. (PM Engineer Information Showcase).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... RBI Dominator Series boilers and water heaters offer BTU sizes from 300 to 2,100 MBH, with thermal efficiencies up to 85%. Proportional firing up to four stages provides built-in redundancy and high turndown for system efficiency. Space-saving...

Futera II. (PM Engineer Information Showcase).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... The Futera II, the next generation of innovative, advanced hot-water-supply boilers, provides 85% efficiency, noncondensing with industry-leading NOx levels of less than 10 ppm. The Futera II operates a step-by-step cycle of operation in which...

SLAB+GARD. (PM Engineer Information Showcase).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... For the first time in the industry, drain insurance at an affordable price! The NEW 603U & 604U will fit most manufacturers' floor drains with 5", 6" & 8" round plus 5" & 6" square strainers with only two covers. Features: economical, labor...

New look for SKAL+GARD ADA. (PM Engineer Information Showcase).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... SKAL+GARD ADA protective devices have a NEW look, The bright white barrier coating will always keep your SKAL+GARD units looking new, clean and bright. Meets ADA requirements. Quick one-step installation saves on labor and material cost, in...

Buderus sealed combustion gas boilers. (PM Engineer Information Showcase).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... Buderus Hydronic Systems, Inc. has introduced the GA124 series sealed combustion gas boilers. All three models (70,000, 94,000 and 123,000 Btu/hr input) exceed the 85% AFUE rating and qualify as an "Energy Star" product. The GAl24 boiler...

Square Max[TM]. (PM Engineer Information Showcase).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... Sioux Chief Manufacturing is proud to introduce Square Max, its newest large capacity floor sink/drain with the built-in features you need. The fully heavy-walled body is one-piece molded from gray or white high-impact bacteria and...

All-in-one Oventrop "Unibox ET". (PM Engineer Information Showcase).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... Oventrop's "Unibox ET" is an all-in-one wall-mounted room thermostat and zone valve. Simply route PEX or copper up and down in the stud cavity to the Unibox for modulating thermostatic control of floor heat or baseboard. For individual control...

Airtherm HVAC. (PM Engineer Information Showcase).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... Airtherm fans 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. With...

Ambassador high efficiency hydronic gas heaters. (PM Engineer Information Showcase).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... Embassy's new Ambassador gas heater series is ideal for virtually any application. From condos, to residential homes, to government housing projects, the Ambassador has quickly become the choice of the trade. Contractors love the Ambassador's...

Hydrocarbon Encapsulation System. (PM Engineer Information Showcase).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... The Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co. Hydrocarbon Encapsulation System (HCES) proprietary media is a mixed polymer material that will capture and adsorb all types of hydrocarbons allowing the water to pass through. Adsorption is the process in which...

The best connector for your water flow needs. (PM Engineer Information Showcase).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... This IAPMO and UPC-approved connector comes with a lifetime guarantee. With a 30,000-pound tensile strength and 1,800-PSI burst pressure rate, it is stronger and more flexible than copper. It won't kink, crimp, corrode, discolor, rust or...

ERICO releases CADDY Corner newsletter. (PM Engineer Information Showcase).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... The newest CADDY[R] Corner[TM] newsletter from ERICO[R] focuses on strut and introduces many timesaving strut installation products. These include: the new STS Clamp for assembling back-to-back strut without welding; the SLICK Strut Nut, which...

New Web site for Anvil International. (PM Engineer Information Showcase).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... Anvil International's new Web site provides a wealth of information on the company's products and services. Users can examine Anvil's product line, contact its sales and distribution representatives, examine engineering data, browse literature...

Fin-tube radiation. (PM Engineer Information Showcase).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... New 32-page catalog features descriptions, ratings and specifications for a broad selection of commercial fin-tube heating products. Most models available in a variety of heights with multitiered elements for hot water or steam heating....

Raypak Hi Delta direct-vent residential boiler. (PM Engineer Information Showcase).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... Raypak Inc. has expanded its highly successful Hi Delta[TM] line of commercial fan-assisted hydronic heating boilers. The new Hi Delta models 122-322 (120,000 to 320,000 Btu/hr.) share most of the features of their rugged commercial...