PM Engineer articles from May 2006

PM Engineer archives from May 2006

ICC code changes had technical merit.(Letters)(Letter to the editor)
May 1, 2006... It is regrettable that Julius Ballanco has chosen to brand the International Plumbing Code update process as "loaded with politics," and characterize the ICC membership as being unable or unwilling to "recognize inaccurate testimony when it was...

Scald prevention revisited.(Letters)(Letter to the editor)
May 1, 2006... I recently read the story about John Matthews casting his vote to keep Julius' kids from getting scalded (Jan. 2002 PME). On various occasions, I have told my hair dresser and shampoo lady about the ASSE 1016 thermostatic mixing valve that...

PME wants to hear about your most unique design!
May 1, 2006... If you're a consulting, specifying or design engineering firm, you can submit your most interesting projects for PME's Excellence in Design Awards contest. PME is ready to honor the most unique designs in these market segments: plumbing,...

Innovative Thinking is just around the corner.(News)
May 1, 2006... Registration is heating up for the Innovative Thinking Conference, scheduled for June 12-13 at the Emerald Pointe Resort near Atlanta. Co-sponsored by PME, the conference focuses on the #1 challenge facing our industry: how to hire, train and...

Appointments.(Danfoss A/S appoints Frank D. Pulaski)(Dewberry and Davis L.L.C. promotes)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Frank D. Pulaski has been appointed to head Commercial Refrigeration efforts in North America for Danfoss, a global leader in supplying components, controls, compressors and systems for air-conditioning and refrigeration. In his new role,...

In memoriam.(News)
May 1, 2006... Bill Speakman III, chairman of the board of Speakman Co., passed away on April 11 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 67. Great-grandson of the founder of the Speakman Co., Allen Speakman, Mr. Speakman began his career with...

NFPA World Safety Conference & Exposition[R] slated for June 4-8 in Orlando.(National Fire Protection Association)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... The 2006 World Safety Conference & Exposition[R] (WSCE) of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) will begin on Sunday, June 4, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. More than 5,000 attendees will hear keynote...

Sign up now for our radiant e-newsletter.(News)
May 1, 2006... PM Engineer readers may be interested in our new radiant e-newsletter. Radiant & Hydronics e-News is a free twice-monthly newsletter sent directly to your inbox. It is filled with all things "wethead," including industry news and events, new...

Exhibitors were unanimous in their praise of the sixth ISH China, which took place in Beijing March 14-17.(News Briefs)
May 1, 2006... Exhibitors were unanimous in their praise of the sixth ISH China, which took place in Beijing March 14-17. The show was the best attended ISH China in history, with over 15,000 visitors flocking in from 49 countries and regions, including PME's...

Grunau Co.(News Briefs)
May 1, 2006... Grunau Co. President Paul Grunau announced that he sold the company to APi Group, Inc., a Minnesotabased company with nearly $1 billion in annual sales, now comprised of 29 best-in-class, independently managed specialty contractors from across...

Incorporating many aspects of universal design, BASF's "Better Home, Better Planet".(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Incorporating many aspects of universal design, BASF's "Better Home, Better Planet" showcase house in Paterson, NJ, is a three-story, 2,900-sq.-ft. dwelling that will initially serve as a design "clinic" for homeowners, builders, architects and...

Autodesk has signed a definitive acquisition agreement with the intent to acquire Constructware.(News Briefs)
May 1, 2006... Autodesk has signed a definitive acquisition agreement with the intent to acquire Constructware. Autodesk plans to acquire all of the business of Constructware and retain the vast majority of its current employees for $46 million USD.

Latest Mechanical and Fuel Gas Code updates: Julius explains the changes in the 2006 Fuel Gas Code and Mechanical Code that will impact the design of plumbing and mechanical engineering systems.
May 1, 2006... A few weeks ago, I received a box with all of the 2006 ICC International Codes. I still like having the books on my shelf to pull off and read. Of course, the books are not necessary with the electronic version of the code available on a single...

The 60-second rule, part I: here is part I of a review of the requirements in NFPA 13 for designing dry pipe sprinkler systems. Part II will run in the June issue.(National Fire Protection Association)
May 1, 2006... Nearing retirement age, an automatic fire sprinkler contractor once advised me against a career in the contracting field. "Too many problems," he said. "Unforeseen problems--every day. Just after you resolve one, another crazy thing comes up...

Back to Basics: standpipe design: here is a review of the steps in designing standpipes for fire protection systems.(Column)
May 1, 2006... Editor's Note: "Back to Basics" is a column that will run periodically in PME reviewing the basic principles of plumbing engineering. Some of the most frequently asked questions about standpipe systems are about the flows required, such...

Understanding siphonic drainage--the why's and how's: here's everything you need to know about designing siphonic roof drainage systems.
May 1, 2006... Plumbing engineers, architects, end-user clients and contractors across the U.S. are realizing the many benefits of using siphonic roof drainage. This feature attempts to enhance your knowledge of why you would choose siphonic roof drainage,...

Meeting the challenges of an ever-changing storage industry: one of the challenges of designing sprinklers for storage facilities is choosing the right sprinkler type for the task. Here are some guidelines.(Storage Industry)
May 1, 2006... A fire protection engineer designing sprinklers for a storage/distribution or "big box" retail facility is faced with a bewildering array of new sprinkler types and models from which to choose. The task is not made any easier by the fact that...

Ten ways to minimize stagnation in domestic water systems: piping with low or infrequent flows can be a breeding ground for Legionella bacteria, but the following measures will help to prevent these "dead legs" in water system designs.
May 1, 2006... Minimizing dead legs in domestic water plumbing is perhaps the most widely recommended Legionella preventive measure, yet the advice is usually given without even defining "dead legs," let alone substantiating the cost versus benefits of...

IT 2006 speakers.
May 1, 2006... William B. Raymond, Co-Owner, Frank & Lindy Plumbing & Heating Service Co. Bill is a licensed master plumber and co-owner of Frank & Lindy Plumbing & Heating Service Co. in Peekskill, NY (Westchester County). Frank & Lindy has earned the...

Conference schedule.(Calendar)
May 1, 2006... Conference Schedule Sunday, June 11 5-8pm Registration 5-8pm Networking Reception with Cocktails & Hors d'Oeuvres Monday, June 12 7-7:45am Continental Breakfast/Registration ...