PM Engineer articles from October 2008

PM Engineer archives from October 2008

Yeah, but can you fix the toilet?(Editor's Note)
October 1, 2008... Be honest. How many of you have found it easy to explain what you do to for a living to your family and closest friends? I ask because it's never been that easy for me. I'm often referred to as the "writer" in the family... or the guy who...

IAPMO defends its code development process.(Letter to the editor)
October 1, 2008... Dear Julius Ballanco: As IAPMO's Standards Council Secretary, I wish to convey IAPMO's concern with your August PM Engineer column entitled "One Step Forward, Two Steps Back". Our concern results not from the expression of your personal...

Gravity tanks as organic design.(PME Letters)(Letter to the editor)
October 1, 2008... Recently I came across an older article by Mark Bromann (March 2007) about wooden gravity tanks in PM Engineer that I really enjoyed. I've always thought that if these structures were out in the countryside with barns and silos they would be...

Sprinklers mandated for all residential buildings: a historic first takes place as ICC members vote overwhelmingly in favor of sprinklers for the 2009 International Residential Code.(Codes)
October 1, 2008... The International Code Council held their annual Meeting in Minnesota the third week of September. Due to the large volume of code changes, the meeting lasted 10 days. From the start of registration to the final code change, the buzz was...

Competing collectors (part 3): there are several qualitative factors to consider in the decision process--any one of which could tip the scale in favor of a specific type.(SOLAR DESIGN NOTEBOOK)
October 1, 2008... In the last Solar Design Notebook (August 2008, page 14), we compared the thermal efficiency of flat plate and evacuated tube collectors. To recap: Either collector can have the higher efficiency depending on the instantaneous operating...

Burning up the fax machine: questions come to me on a daily basis. Interestingly, the two I hear most often are: "Is there money in the budget for this?" and "What's the story?".(Fire Protection)
October 1, 2008... Q: If you were running an underground line 120 feet to a free standing fire department connection, would you use more than one ball drip drain valve? If so, how many for 120 feet of 4" pipe? A: One ball-drip assembly will suffice. And since...

From fog to fuel: the time is now and the opportunity is real--to take advantage of the energy potential of fats, oil and grease, and make them a viable source of alternate domestic fuel.(Cover story)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "Whoever is number 44," meaning the next president, "will transfer $2 trillion to $3 trillion out of the economy--the amount America will spend on foreign oil in his first term."--Shai Agassi, an Israeli entrepreneur...

Water conditioning and treatment--some essential things to know: complex systems, these devices can't be plugged in anywhere and be expected to meet all the building's demands.
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] As with fingerprints, no two water supplies are exactly the same and water use requirements differ. Water's chemistry dictates the process for making that water aesthetically pleasing, palatable, and suitable for its...

Public bathrooms, bacteria and water savings: our industry has done much to increase access to safe water and sanitation for the general public. But much more is required to change human behavior.(Guest Commentary)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The World Health Organization estimates that 3.1 million people die every year from preventable diseases related to contaminated water and poor sanitation. Recently, the United Nations issued a declaration that...

Green plumbing opportunities for healthcare facilities: reducing water use is not only the socially responsible thing to do, it also makes economic sense for healthcare facilities.(HEALTCARE PLUMBING & PIPING 2008)
October 1, 2008... The scale and complexity of hospitals and healthcare facilities, combined with their 24/7 operation, equals significant water and energy use. Depending on size, location and other factors, water use in healthcare facilities can range from...

Green plumbing in healthcare: merging efficiency and hygiene: proper plumbing system design and placement can meet sustainable objectives while reducing germ transmission.(HEALTHCARE PLUMBING & PIPING 2008)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Hygiene and cleanliness are naturally top considerations when designing plumbing systems for hospitals or other medical facilities. With the green movement gaining momentum in the healthcare market, professionals...

Nitrogen-charged ACR tube.(ASPE: Show Enhancers)
October 1, 2008... Cambridge-Lee manufactures a full range of ACR copper tube, which is dehydrated, degreased, cleaned, charged with nitrogen, and capped to ensure ultra-pure cleanliness and defect-free condition. ACR Tube is also suitable for medical gas systems...

Why we are a better way.(ASPE: Show Enhancers)
October 1, 2008... At Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co., we want to thank the engineering community for their support and dedication to the Yellow Product. We are proud to be a leader in innovative products for any of your job site requirements. Please visit Booth #737 at...

Charlotte Pipe and Foundry offers ChemDrain[R] CPVC Chemical Waste Drain Systems.(ASPE: Show Enhancers)
October 1, 2008... Charlotte Pipe and Foundry's ChemDrain[R] CPVC Chemical Waste Drain System offers a safe, durable and economical alternative for the disposal of a wide range of chemicals in institutional, academic and commercial laboratories. CPVC (chlorinated...

Apollo[R] introduces ASSE/CSA single fixture mixing valve.(ASPE: Show Enhancers)
October 1, 2008... The new American-made MVD "mini-mixer" from Apollo[R] Valves is designed for "point-of-use" mixing valve applications on single lavatory fixtures. It is both ASSE 1016 and 1070 listed, and is approved to CSA B125-3-05. The Apollo MVD...

Expanded line of commercial hand sinks.(ASPE: Show Enhancers)
October 1, 2008... Advance Tabco continues to expand its complete line of "Commercial Hand Sinks" with innovative new product ideas. Advance Tabco will introduce a new ADA-compliant "hands-free" hand wash sink at the ASPE EPE show this year. The new model 7-PS-41...

Stiebel Eltron Tempra[TM] tankless electric water heaters.(ASPE: Show Enhancers)
October 1, 2008... Stiebel Eltron Tempra[TM] tankless, on-demand, electric water heaters are designed for whole house and various commercial applications. The Tempra features an advanced microprocessor control that allows the exact water temperature to be set via...

BrassCraft pushes water stop performance, installation ease to next level with PushConnect.(ASPE: Show Enhancers)
October 1, 2008... BrassCraft, the acknowledged leader in water stop manufacturing, has introduced PushConnect: the high-performance, push-on stop that brings advanced design and ease of installation to the plumber's craft. PushConnect is the only stop combining...

Elkay delivers fresh water solutions for your cooler applications.(ASPE: Show Enhancers)
October 1, 2008... Elkay Commercial Products introduces the hands-free Elkay WaterSentry[R] Cooler with Visual Filter Monitor--a drinking water solution engineered to enhance the quality of water and improve the experience at the water cooler. Ideal for education...

Committed to excellent service, first and foremost.(Director's Update)(IAPMO R&T Lab)
October 1, 2008... IAPMO R&T Lab today finds itself in the midst of an unprecedented period of growth, both in the figurative and physical sense. We grew by 49% in 2007 and an additional 25% in 2008. Looking toward 2009, our growth appears poised to continue in...

T&S Brass: any way you want it.(ASPE: Show Enhancers)
October 1, 2008... T&S Brass has the quality plumbing products you need, when you need them. At the upcoming ASPE Convention, T&S Brass will introduce their AB1953-compliant product offering. The entire line will be available by the summer of 2009. Using the...

Visit ASPE EPE booth #229.(ASPE: Show Enhancers)(Company overview)
October 1, 2008... Chicago Faucets' commitment to conservation and sustainability is evident by an extensive product offering designed to assist in maximizing water conservation, including HyTronic[TM] sensor-operated faucets, manual faucets with adjustable...

ABS advanced microprocessor duplex pump controller.(ASPE: Show Enhancers)
October 1, 2008... The ABS pump controller, PC242, has many advanced features, making monitoring pump stations not only easier but less costly. The PC242 is the result of our years of experience with both pumps and controls. Benefits of the control include:...

You are invited ...(ASPE: Show Enhancers)
October 1, 2008... SyncroFIo invites all attendees of the American Society of Plumbing Engineer's Convention and Engineered Plumbing Exposition to a very special dessert party. This dessert party will be held at The Madison Restaurant (see photos), located at 102...

Charlotte Pipe and Foundry offers ChemDrain[R] CPVC Chemical Waste Drain Systems.(ASPE: Show Enhancers)
October 1, 2008... Charlotte Pipe and Foundry's ChemDrain[R] CPVC Chemical Waste Drain System offers a safe, durable and economical alternative for the disposal of a wide range of chemicals in institutional, academic and commercial laboratories. CPVC (chlorinated...

McGUIRE commercial fixture trim products treated with antimicrobial SANIGUARD[R].(ASPE: Show Enhancers)
October 1, 2008... Please visit our booth at the ASPE EPE Exhibit in Long Beach, CA, to learn more about how McGUIRE's SANIGUARD[R] treated p-traps and strainers are a necessity for your health care plumbing specification. With your help, McGuire will strive to...

System secures pipe/tube/conduit/cable.(Information Showcase)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Litchfield Intl. offers its CLIC[R]-X supports and hangers for all types of pipe, tube, conduit and cable. The Strutcatcher[R] allows redundant piping systems to be prefabricated. Product has 23 years of field...

High-efficiency boilers.(Information Showcase)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Bryan Steam's HE-AB Series forced-draft, gas-fired "Flexible Water Tube" water boilers feature a guaranteed efficiency of 85%. The high-combustion efficiency results from a uniquely designed integrated extended...

FlexHead industries.(Information Showcase)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] FlexHead is the premier manufacturer of flexible sprinkler hose fittings, which connect sprinkler heads to the branch line, eliminating traditional arm-overs of rigid pipe. Flexible sprinkler hose fittings have...

Easy-to-operate shower unit.(Information Showcase)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It doesn't get much better than this... technology in an easy-to-operate shower unit! Features include a stainless steel riser, base, and base cover that come with a 10-year warranty! Measuring 82" tall, the unit...

The finest tankless electric water heaters available.(Information Showcase)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 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...

We've got your mechanicals covered!(Information Showcase)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Are you perplexed by the sight of those exposed mechanicals? Not certain how to protect and improve the appearance of unattractive fire sprinkler systems, piping, plumbing, and HVAC? Consider the Soffi-Steel[R]...

Pro-Pal valves for professionals.(Information Showcase)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Webstone has created a line of valves that separate the professional installation from the DIY look by offering these innovative valves to the professional contractor only. They simplify installations, create an...

A pioneer in solar hot water.(Information Showcase)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Heliodyne[TM] has been a pioneer in solar hot water since 1976. Through innovative design, superb product lines made in the USA, and dedicated service and support, we're a trusted industry leader. We always strive...