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CONTENTS O F
F E A T U R E S
43Got plans for a hydronic system? Our Wet Heat
24TROUBLESHOOTING
Applications & Technology supplement (WHAT for short) is the place to start. From products to trends and advice, you’ll find it in this, the second of our twice-annual homage to Wet Heads.
Working with flooded equipment Andrew Snook
26PLUMBING
Yoke venting is no joke Sam Steele
30REFRIGERATION
Keeping systems acid-free Dustin Zastrow
34VEHICLE REPORT – PART 2
Pickups target fuel economy Howard J. Elmer
38COVER FEATURE 40PLUMBING
The Troublesome Trio John Cardiff
58FIND THE FIX 84EVENT IN PICTURES - CIPH ABC 86PLUMBING
Piping for national and environmental security Steve Wilhelm
For Dan Riskin, co-host of Discovery Canada’s science show Daily Planet, the best part of science is the sharing of the process of discovery. Adam Freill
MB SPECIALISTS 20HVAC/R Dealing with wet air Gord Cooke 70HYDRONICS Everybody into the pool! Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr
92HVAC/R
80REFRIGERATION The compressor operating envelope Phil Boudreau
98PLASTIC PIPE
82ASK ROGER Competing in a changing landscape Roger Grochmal
100HVAC CONTROLS
88MARKETING Building brands Doug MacMillan
103TOOL TIP: PPE
116WORLD VIEW Assisting and retaining plumbers Jeff Patchell
Understanding harmonics Ken Tomihiro
Ensuring a clean, tight fit Matt Harvey
Strategies for heat pumps Greg Leupin
PRODUCTS 74,76,78,106Hydronics 90,104Plumbing 96,108HVAC/R 110Stuff you need DEPARTMENTS 04From the editor’s desk 06News 18Profile: Robert Whitty 114The Info Page 115Calendar 118By the numbers CHECK US OUT ONLINE
mechanicalbusiness.com
On the cover: Dan Riskin, co-host of Discovery Canada’s science show Daily Planet and host of Animal Planet’s Monsters Inside Me, is making science fun and interesting. Photo: David Chidley
FROM Content Media Group Inc. 19 – 1525 Cornwall Road Oakville, ON L6J 0B2 CANADA Tel: 905.465.2919 Fax: 905.465.2913 www.mechanicalbusiness.com
THE
EDITOR’S
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Making the mechanicals safe again At the time of preparing the current issue of Mechanical Business, several areas in Southern Alberta were still emerging from the worst flooding the region has ever seen.
July/August 2013 Issue Published 6 times per year. Editor: Adam Freill, ext. 224 adam.freill@mechanicalbusiness.com Associate Editor/Web Editor: Andrew Snook, ext. 225 andrew.snook@mechanicalbusiness.com National Accounts Manager: Laura Goodwin, ext. 221 laura.goodwin@mechanicalbusiness.com Controller: Liz Mills liz.mills@mechanicalbusiness.com Art Direction: JJM Graphic Ltd. davem@jjmgraphic.com Circulation Manager: Shila Naik (905) 272-4175 shila.naik@mechanicalbusiness.com Publisher: Bruce Meacock, ext. 222 bruce.meacock@mechanicalbusiness.com PM:41536047 ISSN 1916-0674 MB (Print) ISSN 1906-0682 MB (Online)
Postmaster – Please send all address changes or undeliverable copies to: Mechanical Business, 19 – 1525 Cornwall Road, Oakville, ON L6J 0B2 We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.
Submissions: Copyright in material submitted to the magazine and accepted for publication remains with the author, but Mechanical Business and its licensees may freely reproduce it in print, electronic or other forms. Mechanical Business also reserves the right to edit said submitted materials to suit the editorial needs and mandate of the publication. Notice: Mechanical Business is published for owners, managers and decision makers with mechanical contracting firms and the sector’s supply chain partners in Canada. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information, Mechanical Business, Content Media Group Inc., its staff, directors, officers and shareholders (‘The Publisher’) assume no liability, obligation or responsibility for advertised claims, for errors and/or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. Manufacturers’ instructions take precedence over published editorial. The publisher reserves the right to publish a printed correction in a subsequent issue for editorial errors, omissions and oversights. Subscriptions are available for $90 plus taxes in Canada and the U.S. Single copies are $15.00. Outside Canada and the U.S., the rates are $150.00 (annual) and $25.00 (single copy).
The images on the news told the story of considerable damage to property as people were forced from their homes and offices as the flood waters reached Donate and help higher and higher. CIPH is matching donations by CIPH members to the Canadian Red Cross It says a lot about the resilience Alberta Flood Relief Fund, up to a total of the city and the people in the of $25,000. Want to help the relief region that they were still able efforts? You can do so by going online to put together one of the best parties in Canada, the annual to www.redcross.ca, or from your Calgary Stampede, in the weeks smartphone, text REDCROSS to 30333 following the disaster, and to donate $5. ciph.com they should be applauded for maintaining some level of normal during one of the most challenging times in the area’s history. Unfortunately the effects of the flood will not go away with the hosting of the annual party, however, and Southern Albertans will be coping with property damage for some time to come. Between insurance companies and governments, affected home and building owners are facing some considerable challenges, not the least of which are the expenses associated with rebuilding. The reality is that thousands of water heaters, furnaces, boilers and other mechanical systems were either partially or fully submerged in the flooding, and that’s a danger that cannot be ignored. Shortly after the flooding that hit the East Coast of the U.S. last year, industry suppliers routed all available stock to that region to help keep residents there warm and safe. With the Alberta floods happening in early summer, there will be more time available to repair and replace affected heating systems. However, home and business owners – many of whom may not be covered by insurance – may be hard pressed to take the full and proper steps of having their equipment inspected, repaired and/or replaced by a professional tradesperson. But the mechanical systems are not an area to cut corners, and owners need to be made aware of the dangers that can exist with systems that have been compromised by a flood. In an effort to help raise awareness of those dangers, whether dealing with flooded equipment in the Calgary area or anywhere else that floodwaters have risen, we’ve gathered a number of tips on page 24 that might be helpful as mechanical systems are brought back online.
From time to time, Content Media Group Inc. makes subscribers’ names available to reputable companies whose products or services may be of interest to readers. If you would like your name excluded from these mailings, please notify the publisher.
Until next time, keep safe.
© Copyright 2013. The contents of this magazine may not be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission of the publisher. Proud members of:
Adam Freill, Editor
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Printed with bio-renewable vegetable-based inks with less than 3% V.O.C.
4-Valve Aluminum Manifold
RUGGED, DURABLE AND BUILT FOR PRESSURE. IT’S TIME YOU MEET
YOUR TWIN.
Introducing hilmor’s ruggedly durable 4-Valve Aluminum Manifold, featuring a forged aluminum body, easy-to-read gauges and high-impact boots. Finally, a manifold built to handle anything thrown its way. We’re sure you can relate. EASY TO READ Improved graphics and high-contrast colors for precise readings.
FAST, PRECISE READINGS Get faster vacuum pulls with a true 3/8" bore.
COMFORT GRIP Rubberized handles are optimally sized for easy turns.
See all the innovations you can put to work at hilmor.com. © 2013 hilmor, Newell Rubbermaid. All rights reserved.
08.13
News
www.mechanicalbusiness.com
Emco buys Noble
HRAI GTA chapter honours long-time volunteer
Talisker Plumbing Corporation, a subsidiary of London, Ont.based Emco Corporation, has agreed to purchase Rona Inc.’s commercial and professional market division for plumbing, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning. The value of sale is $215 million and the deal is expected to finalize over the next few months, once all regulatory clearances are in place. Included in the deal are Noble, Don Park, MPH Supplies, Boutique Eaudace and Boutique Plomberie Corp. The division currently employs 1,400 people across Ontario, Quebec and B.C. Rona originally formed the division when it purchased Noble in 2007.
HRAI’s GTA chapter recognized one of its longest-standing volunteers at the association’s meeting, in May. Chapter pastpresident David Weishuhn, president of Blue Flame Heating & Air Conditioning, presented Marisa Soulis with the chapter’s first HRAI GTA Chapter Lifetime Achievement Award at the meeting. Soulis has spent more than a decade volunteering her time as the meeting manager for the chapter. She recently passed the reigns over to Kim Stark, who will now look after all chapter meetings and events. hrai.ca
emcoltd.com noble.ca
Saying YES to the industry
Michael Scheideman holds high the Canadian flag after being named the co-winner of the Gold Medal in the refrigeration and air conditioning category of the WorldSkills competition, which took place in Leipzig, Germany. The Grand Prairie, Alta.-native was the lone gold medal winner for Canada.
Photo: WorldSkills International
The golden touch
Maintaining trust and respect “Trust is more important than money,” stated CBC anchor and reporter Wendy Mesley during the most recent CIPH Ontario Region business meeting, held in May in Mississauga, Ont. A professional journalist since the ’70s, Mesley talked about the current state of news media and the dangers inherent in making assumptions and failing to think critically about the stories we see, hear and read. “There’s been a lot of change in my industry – a lot of sensationalism,” she noted. The gathering, which was also the regional annual general meeting, marked the transfer of the regional president’s position from Wolseley’s Cathy Warner to incoming chair Randy Winter, of Canplas Industries (pictured above). ciph.com M e c h a n i c a l
B u s i n e s s
ciph.com
Watts launches lead-free foundry
worldskills.org
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CIPH Ontario director Dennis Costello (Flocor) greets the 20-plus young people who met up in Etobicoke, Ont., in early June for the first ever meeting of CIPH Ontario Region’s Young Executive Society (YES). The group, formed to represent the interests of young executives in the industry – those aged 40 years and younger – is aiming to provide networking opportunities and training that will help establish career paths both within member companies and in the heating and plumbing sector in general.
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Watts Water Technologies held the grand opening of its new lead-free foundry in Franklin, N.H., on June 21. With leadfree requirements being mandated for products coming in contact with potable water in the U.S. as of January 4, and with similar plans on the drawing board in Canada, the $20 million, 30,000-sq. ft. foundry will help ensure that the company can provide the industry with fittings and valves that comply under the pending legislation. On hand to officially open the foundry in Franklin, N.H., are, from left, Watts senior officers Tim O’Neil, Ken LePage, Gov. Maggie Hassan, Watts’ Tyler Stone, retired Watts CEO Tim Horne, current Watts CEO David Coghlan, and Ken Chandler, also of Watts. wattscanada.ca
Compact Swage Tool
THOUGHTFULLY DESIGNED TO ELIMINATE SWINGING A HAMMER AT
YOUR JEWELS.
In tight spaces, you need a tool that can pack a punch. Just not below the belt. The all-new hilmor Compact Swage can knock out a picture-perfect swage in one shot. No sweat. No strain. No risk. SMALL SPACE CAPABLE Compact design for cramped spaces.
ONE-HANDED OPERATION LESS EFFORT, MORE CONTROL Built for onehanded swages without fatigue.
Power to swage 5/16" to 1-5/8" without a crack.
See all the innovations you can put to work at hilmor.com. Š 2013 hilmor, Newell Rubbermaid. All rights reserved.
08.13
News
www.mechanicalbusiness.com
High school student shines
Getting steamed Tour guide Kristen Kerr discusses the inner workings and history of a walking beam steam engine inside the pumphouse of the Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology during a luncheon held on June 5 by CIPH’s Industrial Pipe, Valves & Fittings (IPVF) Council. Attendees got a chance to network while learning about the history of the pumphouse, as well as tour Hamilton’s Woodward Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant, which services more than 500,000 residents in and around the city.
Mason Hill, a 17-year-old ACE-IT student, is making a name for himself in the world of skilled trades. Hill competed at B.C.’s annual provincial skills competition in the plumbing category where he earned a silver medal. He was the only high school student in the plumbing category, facing off against post-secondary competitors already working in the industry. Congrats Mason! kwantlen.ca/trades
ciph.com
Tool time Ryan Carr, sales rep and marketing coordinator for E.S. Gallagher Sales Ltd., discusses some of his company’s latest offerings with an attendee during Trent Metal Supply’s open house, held on June 6 at their Mississauga, Ont., branch. The event played host to 25 suppliers, and more than 60 companies.
Meeting a legend Former Toronto Maple Leafs star Darryl Sittler signs autographs for fans as part of the festivities during Noble’s 20th anniversary barbecue on June 21 in Vaughan, Ont. More than 1,000 people came out for the celebration, which also included the company presenting a cheque for $8,000 through the Noble Futures Award to George Brown College. noble.ca
tmlsupply.com
Follow Us on Twitter! It’s MB’s Twitter Roundup Caught the twitter bug? We’ve got you covered with tweets about everything that matters to the mechanical trades in Canada. Follow us @mechbusiness.
Taco, Inc.
Quality Combustion
CIPH News
Skills Canada
(@TacoHVAC)
(@Qualityco2012)
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When upgrading a heating or plumbing system, do you think about saving money? Or getting better comfort?
Warmer weather is a sign that boiler overhaul season is soon near.
Congratulations to Ralph Suppa - 25 Years with Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating – CIPH.
Workers,employees & society as a whole all benefit when Canada’s young people are encouraged to enter apprenticeships.
May 16, 2013
June 6, 2013
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Compatible with any hilmor manifold.
Dual Readout Thermometer
ONE TOOL. ZERO TRIPS TO THE TRUCK. GET USED TO
SIMPLE MATH.
Keep your cool in any climate with quick, easy calculations. hilmor’s Dual Readout Thermometer is the industry’s first to offer two digital readouts to simplify the calculation of superheat and subcool in seconds. And it attaches to any manifold. SIMPLIFIES CALCULATIONS Two digital readings simplify superheat and subcool calculations.
SUPERIOR VERSATILITY
FAST, PRECISE READINGS
Can be used on any gauge set or independently.
Easy-touse K-style thermocouples for quick readings.
See all the innovations you can put to work at hilmor.com. © 2013 hilmor, Newell Rubbermaid. All rights reserved.
08.13
News
www.mechanicalbusiness.com
A big year for Milwaukee
OGA teams up with HRAI
Steve Richman, president of Milwaukee Power Tool, welcomes journalists to the annual New Product Symposium, held at the former Pabst plant, now the Pabst Brewery Complex, in Milwaukee, Wisc., in June. The complex includes lodging facilities in the former brewhouse, bars, and retail and office space, and was the backdrop for the largest launch of new products in Milwaukee Power Tool’s history, with more than 130 new products set to be introduced over the course of 2013. milwaukeetool.com
ontariogeothermal.ca hrai.ca
Inspectors hit St. Catharines The Ontario Plumbing Inspectors Association held its annual meeting and educational event in St. Catharines, Ont., in late June. Approximately 80 inspectors and industry personnel participated in code sessions, product discussions and the organization’s trade show. Here, participants discuss product with company reps and distributors during the “cracker barrel” sessions. opia.info
Delivering the goods Fundy Energy’s William Gould poses with Jonathan Beckett of R.W. Beckett Canada after receiving COHA’s Delivering The Goods Award for outstanding leadership, expertise and success in enhancing the oil heat sector, during the association’s Cleaner Heat symposium, which took place from June 18 to 19 at the Delta Beausejour in Moncton. The full symposium included a variety of educational sessions, the Delivering the Goods Awards Luncheon, COHA National’s annual general meeting, sight-seeing tours, and the 3rd annual COHA Cup golf tournament. The next Cleaner Heat symposium will take place in Ottawa in 2014. coha.ca
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The Ontario Geothermal Association (OGA) has signed an affiliation agreement with HRAI in an effort to strengthen both organizations’ positions within the provincial and national geothermal industry in Canada. The OGA will continue to operate as a separate legal entity, with HRAI’s staff taking over various administrative duties, including membership renewals and company data collection, facilitation of the annual conference and AGM, and the handling of membership programs, such as gas price discounts and business insurance.
Aquatherm restructures Aquatherm recently announced a corporate restructuring after the tragic loss of its president and CEO Steve Clark, and the retirement of executive vicepresident of U.S. sales Ed Eldredge. Eldredge will serve on the company’s newly formed advisory board. Clark’s son Adam will assume the role of president and chief operating officer (COO), and COO David Chen has been promoted to CEO. Chen, Clark and chief financial officer Jordan Hardy will comprise the company’s board of managing directors. No changes are planned with respect to the company’s Canadian sales team. aquatherm.com
Open houses across Atlantic Canada Trane’s Atlantic Leadership Team poses for a photo during the company’s open house at its location in St. John’s, Nfld., on June 14. Over the week of June 10, the company hosted open houses at its offices in Dartmouth, N.S., Saint John, N.B., and St. John’s, Nfld. More than 250 people attended the events, which included a series of seminars by Trane and other vendors. trane.com 0 8 . 1 3
Quick-Engage Flare and Swage
FINALLY, A FLARING TOOL THAT DOESN’T REQUIRE A
THIRD ARM.
Extra appendages are hard to come by these days. Instead, opt for the all-new hilmor Quick-Engage Flare and Swage. Simple setup, precise positioning and a secure hold allow you to quickly conquer and move on to the next job. LESS WORK
SIMPLE SETUP
Fewer rotations mean faster flares and swages.
Spring-loaded block holds the tube securely in place.
EASY TO POSITION Tube-stop arrow ensures correct tube height.
See all the innovations you can put to work at hilmor.com. © 2013 hilmor, Newell Rubbermaid. All rights reserved.
08.13
There Has Never Been a Better Time to Try Novo!!!
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Arpi Berdin of Arpi’s Industries poses with co-workers and members of Lennox Industries during his company’s 50th anniversary celebration. The Calgary-based company, which started up in 1963, was recently named one of Deloitte’s 50 Best Managed Companies. Front row: Gerry Desmarais and Arpi Berdin. Back row from left: Jay Gidick, John Cain, Dave Lennox, Doug Young, Julie Berdin, Phil Laprairie, Gary Bedard. arpis.com
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Contracting in Margaritaville Lochinvar’s VIP Contractor Program winners and guests mingled at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville in downtown Nashville, TN, during the 2013 CMA Fest country music festival held in June. Lochinvar played host to 16 of its top VIP contractors and their guests during a three-day visit to the company’s headquarters in Nashville. Additional highlights from the event included a factory tour and roundtable discussion at the company’s head office and spending the weekend taking in CMA Fest. Of the 16 winners, two Canadian contractors were lucky enough to take in the festivities. The Canadian winners were Jamie Whitehead of Cooper Plumbing & Heating in Calgary, and Francois Pineau of Plomberie Chauffage Normand in Montreal. lochinvar.com
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Lighting up the competition Jason Pritchard of UA Local 527 in Kitchener, Ont., solders pipe during the 2013 United Association Canadian National Apprentice Competition, held at the UA Local 46 Training Centre in Scarborough, Ont., in June. Pritchard placed first in the plumbing competition, and will go on to compete in the UA International Apprenticeship Competition in Ann Arbor, Mich., in August. Other winners from the event were Gian-Paul Roman (steamfitter/ pipefitter), Derek Sisera (HVAC/R mechanic), Gerard Beliveau (sprinkler fitter) and Keegan Keeshig (welder), all of whom will also compete at the upcoming international event.
APP ALERT The manual app Available for the iPad, iPhone and Android devices, the HVAC VFD app from Techlite Enterprises features access to more than 300 name brand HVAC VFD installation, programming and troubleshooting manuals. Selected manuals are automatically saved to the userâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mobile device. techlitellc.com
Thermostatic control The ColorTouch commercial mobile app from Venstar is designed to allow HVAC contractors to remotely monitor and control ColorTouch thermostats for up to 100 locations online, using Venstarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Skyport Cloud Services. Multiple people can control thermostats at the same location individually from their mobile devices. venstar.com
uacanada.ca
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08.13
SAY GOODBYE TO THE OLD BOILER ROOM
S Movers and Shakers
ay hello to a Rinnai commercial tankless hot water system. Clean, energy efficient and space saving, these multiple unit systems are at work today in w w w . m e cvirtually h a n i c every a l b u type s i n eofscommercial s.com application.
They deliver thermal efficiency up to 97% - with no energy wasted keeping Expanding to Ontario
hot ‘til it’s needed. Also, there’s flexibility. Imagine each unit being Equipco recently opened itswater first location in Ontario. The company’s toSuite deliver a specific newest branch is located atable 6205B, 214, Airport Road intemperature for every need. Plus, redundancy. Mississauga, and can be reached at 905-612-1137. If one unit should ever fail, the others simply take over. No shut-downs ever!
Lixil buys American Standard Brands
equipcoltd.com
What business wouldn’t love that?
The Lixil Corporation has agreed to purchase ASD Americas Holding Corp., the parent company of For more information: Email dsmith@redmondwilliams.com callof the American American Standard Brands andor owner Standard, Porcher, Crane Plumbing, Fiat, and Eljer Smith Toronto-based ecobee was Donna a finalist for the at 1-888-571-2627. www.redmondwilliams.com brand names, for US$542 million from an affiliate of Scotiabank EcoLiving Business Leadership Sun Capital Partners, Inc. The acquisition includes Award. The company was nominated for its American Standard Canada. American Standard will Home IQ system. remain headquartered in the U.S. and continue to ecobee.com operate all existing facilities. An anticipated closing date for the deal has yet to be announced.
ecobee named finalist
NEXT enters plumbing and hydronic marketplace
americanstandard.com
The launch of NEXT, a wholesale supplier focused on hydronics and plumbing, was announced recently by wholesale plumbing executives Michael Storfer and Braham Swirsky. The launch follows the purchase of Fulford Supply earlier this year, by a group of investors led by Storfer. nextsupply.ca
Redmond/Williams Distributing is now offering many products from Bosch, including its tankless water heating 11-03-11 9:29 AM solutions for residential and commercial use.
Aquatherm turns 40
ommercial MB Ad 8.125”x10.875”.indd 1
Aquatherm is marking its 40th year in the industry with a new logo and product titles. For the sake of unity and clarity, the Aquatherm product lines will now be identified using a colourcoded convention (see page 113).
redmondwilliams.com
Sinclair Supply partners with Rheem
aquatherm.com
Fantech rebrands
Rheem recently formed a new partnership with Edmonton, Alta.-based HVAC distributor, Sinclair Supply Ltd. Sinclair Supply will sell Rheem’s residential and commercial heating and cooling systems, as well as replacement parts and indoor air quality products.
Fantech has rebranded with a new logo and typeface. The company has been providing ventilation solutions for the marketplace for more than two decades.
rheem.com
fantech.net
Greenway partners with R.N.G. Greenway Water Technologies has teamed up with R.N.G. Sales Ltd., based out of Regina, Sask. R.N.G. will be responsible for growing Greenway’s product placement throughout Western Canada. R.N.G. can be reached at 1-877-280-6628, or at rgoodman@rngmarketing.com. greenwaywt.com
Redmond/Williams now offering Bosch
rngmarketing.com
sinclairsupply.ca
Armstrong goes fluid S.A. Armstrong Limited recently announced it has rebranded and become Armstrong Fluid Technology. The rebranding was designed to unite all of the Armstrong companies under one name. armstrongpumps.com
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People in the news www.mechanicalbusiness.com
ROSS EVANS recently joined Saniflo Canada as the company’s national sales manager. He has extensive experience in sales, training and management with a variety of industrial and automotive firms.
RANDY LEBLANC has been hired by Yorkland Controls as its territory manager for Atlantic Canada. He brings several years of sales and business development experience in the region to his new position. NICK PELLEGRINO recently joined Thermo 2000 as territory manager for the Greater Toronto Area. He has more than 30 years of experience in the plumbing and hydronic sectors and is also on the CHC board. JEFF FATA has been hired by Goodman Canada as territory sales manager for Ontario. Jeff has more than 10 years of experience in the HVAC industry and has worked in residential new construction, custom homes and high rise projects. Also at Goodman RICHARD ISLEY was recently promoted to the position of territory sales manager for the Vancouver area. He has more than 22 years of experience in the HVAC industry, including more than three years as branch manager of the company’s Burnaby, B.C., location. HARVEY CUNNINGHAM has been named the company’s territory sales manager for the Calgary region. NIMA SOLTANI has been promoted to the position of branch manager for the company’s Saskatoon, Sask., branch.
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Weil-McLain Canada has named CRAIG DEMARAY its national sales manager. With the company since 2009, he was formerly the technical sales and product manager. In his new position, he will focus on sales and training, and the development and execution of the company’s national strategy IPEX recently appointed TONY MICELI to the position of Ontario sales manager, mechanical systems. He has 23 years of professional sales experience with the company, including the past 17 years as a U.S. regional sales manager for industrial and mechanical products. He will be based out of Mississauga, Ont. MATTHEW REID has been appointed to the role of heating specialist with Desco. He has been with Desco since 2010, and will be helping to guide the company’s heating business development activities across the Greater Toronto Area. KEVIN FREIDT has been hired by Caleffi Hydronic Solutions as the company’s applications engineering manager. He has 30 years of experience in the commercial HVAC industry, including field application engineering, product development, engineering research and development, project management, sales and distribution.
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Waterfurnace recently hired GREG JOHNSON as sales manager for the company’s hyper engineering business unit. He comes to the company with more than 20 years of experience in various roles in the HVAC industry. Bacharach has hired JIM BURKE as OEM Accounts Manager for its sales operations. He will be focused on select products serving the OEM markets. Jim previously worked in various sales positions for the company from 1980 to 1999. Equipco has hired JACKIE WINBERG (outside sales), MIKE OTTER (outside sales) and LINDA WINTERFIELD (inside sales) for the company’s Ontario region. STEPHEN KOCH has been named the new president of the Canadian Oil Heat Association (COHA). He previously held leadership roles for several building material associations and is also the past-chairman of the Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance and Ottawa’s EnviroCentre. Bélanger has appointed SERGE MONTMINY sales manager of plumbing accessories and tubular for the Quebec wholesale market. Serge has been with Bélanger since 1976. He previously held the position of technical service manager.
WE THOUGHT OF EVERYTHING…
AND THEN S ME For nearly a century, Rheem has led the way with industry firsts that are category leaders, and we strive to keep it that way. We challenge ourselves to deliver a 360º product enhancement — paying attention to the smallest details to deliver the ultimate contractor service and installation process, along with the best comfort experience for the homeowner. And then we take it further. That’s 360º+1.
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08.13
Profile Robert Whitty: Rolling up his sleeves
Never one to sit on the sidelines and watch the world go by, it may not be much of a surprise that Bartle & Gibson president and CEO Robert Whitty found himself elected as the incoming CIPH chair at the recent CIPH Annual Business Conference, held in Halifax in June. Although he claims that it took several arm twists to land
Q A
How did you get started in the industry? I moved to Alberta in 1978 and took a job with Bartle & Gibson designing hydronic heating systems. Back then, it was mainly residential and small commercial.
Q A
What was the initial attraction?
It was a holiday. I wasn’t out looking for a job, but it ended up that way. When I first came out here, I had no intention of staying. Bartle & Gibson had an ad out for a draftsman, so I applied, and I haven’t left.
Q
You started in a very technical position. Has that helped your transition through management and executive levels?
A
I’m the type of person who needs to know how things work, and why. Anytime an opportunity was put in front of me, well, I’m not the type of person who is likely to say “No.”
Q
What’s the most interesting development you’ve seen in your time in the plumbing and heating sector?
A
Changes in technology, and the speed at which things happen. The job today can be 24/7 if you let it.
Q
What’s the biggest challenge in the industry?
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him on the board back in 2004, it’s his devotion to the trade, and his desire to make positive changes that have the self-described “relationship guy” leading the organization’s efforts to make positive connections for the betterment of the trade and the structures built by tradespeople in Canada.
A
The challenge of finding good, talented young people to work for us, and to come into this industry so that we can continue to grow and be successful.
Q
Tell me a little about your involvement with CIPH. What motivates you to get so involved?
A
At first I didn’t want to do it, but I believe that you need to give back to the industry that you make a living from, and to be part of the solution. I’m not the type to sit back and watch and complain about things. If there’s an issue, I’m going to see if I can find a solution for it and help change for the better.
WORDS OF ADVICE “This is a great country, from coast-tocoast-to-coast, and if people ever get the opportunity to travel, they will find great people in every province and territory in this country. If you get a chance, get out and visit every part of this country, especially Newfoundland.”
FAST FACTS • Robert enjoys doing home renovations. “I’m a handy kind of guy,” he reports. “It helps me get my mind off work.” • He’s an Edmonton Oilers fan. • Three years ago, Robert took up running. Although he’s yet to run in an official race, it’s not unusual to find him running 10 kilometres a few times a week. B u s i n e s s
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BIO Name: Robert Whitty Title: President & CEO Company: Bartle & Gibson Co. Ltd. Age: 54 Born in: Torbay, Nfld. Resides in: Edmonton, Alta. Joined the industry: 1978 Hobbies: Curling, golfing, skiing and running Family: Wife Myra, daughters Chelsea and Cathleen, and son Christian
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QA Q HIGH-PERFORMANCE HIGH PERFORMANCE HVAC
B y Go r d C o o ke
DEALING WITH WET AIR
I
n many parts of Canada, the late spring jettisoned us quickly into air conditioning mode before the air and soils had much time to dry out. It is during this critical period that I often get calls from builders and homeowners about high indoor humidity levels and even mould. Over the past month I was posed with the following questions with respect to air conditioning and dehumidification effectiveness, and I thought I’d share a bit of the dialogue each question generated.
A
IS IT BACKWARDS TO THINK OF COOLING THE AIR PRIMARILY AS A DEHUMIDIFICATION STRATEGY? IS IT BETTER TO DEHUMIDIFY TO REDUCE COOLING LOAD?
If we were able to manage moisture in the air, we would find our comfort levels would be much better. A good example of that would be in very dry climates, Phoenix for example, where they tend to be able to run their thermostats at very high temperatures and find themselves very comfortable at 25˚C (78˚F) because the air is really dry. So if we were able to bring down the moisture level consistently in houses, we would find ourselves being able to run the thermostat at higher levels, and therefore need less cooling.
Q
Secondly, from an air quality perspective, managing moisture is a really important key. I think there is going to be a push towards thinking more about dehumidification, as opposed to air conditioning. Rather than making the air cold, make it dry.
WHERE SHOULD THE HUMIDITY CONTROLLER OR HUMIDISTAT BE LOCATED? SHOULD THEY BE PLACED WHERE THE THERMOSTAT IS, OR IS THAT PLACEMENT SIMPLY A CONVENIENT OPTION, RATHER THAN THE BEST LOCATION?
Gord Cooke is a professional engineer who has spent 20 years helping builders and HVAC contractors implement innovative technologies into high-performance homes. He has particular expertise in IAQ and air flow management in houses, and can be contacted at gcooke@airsolutions.ca.
In my opinion, I like the humidity control to be with or near the thermostat. It’s a good location because it’s a convenient location. You want people to look at it and check it.
As time goes by, we are going to have more and more technologies that integrate control functions to optimize temperature and humidity. If the humidity controller is with the thermostat, then more thought must be given to the location of the thermostat. If the thermostat happens to be in a location that does not have typical moisture levels – a “wet wall” next to a kitchen, for example – then that wouldn’t be a good place for it. If you’re doing zoning of air conditioning, then you are going to want the ability to measure moisture in each of those locations as well. continued on page 22
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BRENNAN & COMPANY, LLC
Owner: Jim Brennan
DAIKIN’S PRODUCTS, TOOLS AND TRAINING ARE A BIG PART OF BRENNAN & COMPANY’S SUCCESS. It’s more than just a solid reputation that keeps Brennan & Company busy. It’s what they sell and how they sell it that helps them stand out. A big key to their growth is Daikin. “I used to install four or five furnaces a week. Now, I have switched almost all of my furnace business over to Daikin,” says Jim Brennan. He credits the Daikin line – along with training classes he runs for local architects, builders and employees – for the increase. “I do a lot of training on the
technology, and I show how we can solve any application challenge. And customers love the comfort and energy efficiency.” “We use single- and multi-split ductless systems, VRV and Daikin Altherma air-towater heat pumps,” says Brennan, who says he has installed “every residential product Daikin makes.” The bottom line, though? “I have 50 Daikin projects with signed contracts. That’s just one of many reasons I say I am Likin’ Daikin.”
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Q
HIGH-PERFORMANCE HIGH PERFORMANCE HVAC
continued from page 20
B y Go r d C o o ke
A BUILDER MENTIONED TO ME THAT, WHILE THEY HAVE ALWAYS EXPLAINED TO HOMEOWNERS TO USE THEIR AIR CONDITIONERS TO KEEP HUMIDITY IN A COMFORTABLE AND HEALTHY RANGE, IT DIDN’T SEEM TO WORK VERY WELL LATELY. HE ASKED WHY AIR CONDITIONING CAN’T BE RELIED ON ANYMORE TO MAINTAIN PROPER HUMIDITY LEVELS, AND IF THERE ARE ANY BETTER DEHUMIDIFICATION OPTIONS AVAILABLE? We always need to look at what has changed. With respect to humidity control, at least three significant changes are relevant in many new houses, and in many markets that traditionally haven’t experienced summer humidity issues. Change No. 1 - Glass area in houses and commercial buildings is significantly higher than new homes or commercial buildings, the total air it used to be. We have more than doubled the conditioning tonnage will certainly go down but a average window-to-wall ratio area in new homes higher percentage of the load will be latent load. over the past 30 to 40 years There are, of course, other and glass area is the main contributing factors, but the determinant of sensible heat It might be worth upshot of these changes is that loads. So the peak sensible investigating thermostatic in addition to thinking about heat load of a house has gone control technologies with cooling air, we need to give up, but it is an intermittent ECM motors on furnaces specific thought to managing load that is highly variable. that will enhance the the moisture that is in the air. Of course, you size the air dehumidification by conditioner to this peak slowing down the fan So, what can we do? Well, for sensible load but, unfortunately, when there’s a call for starters, make sure to get the when the sun isn’t shining that humidity control only. size of air conditioners right, unit is oversized and doesn’t and understand the nature provide good dehumidification. of the intermittent loads to prevent oversizing. No more Change No. 2 – We’re seeing greater variability rules of thumb or guessing. Ask more questions in the occupancy and activity in homes. While about lifestyle, occupancy and activity levels. the default assumption in most standard heat Understand new window technologies and take loss/gain programs is four people in a home, higher levels of occupancy or activities skews not proper account of shading and window sizes. just the total peak load but also the balance of Then think about two-stage air conditioners. A sensible and latent load. Most air conditioners large percentage of replacement air conditioners are designed for a ratio of 70 per cent sensible sold south of the border are two-stage, because load and 30 per cent latent load, while people they started seeing this problem a few years ago. and their activities presents closer to a 50-50 It’s time for us to recognize the advantages of the ratio. So here we are on a muggy, cloudy early lower speed as a dehumidification potential. summer day. If there are a lot of people inside And, finally, consider adding a separate then the latent load is very high and the sensible dehumidifier as a standalone, or whole-house load is relatively low, and we can expect very dehumidifier, that could take up that load. This poor humidity control in homes. strategy is particularly of interest because all
A
Change No. 3 – Houses are getting more and more energy efficient. Much of the efficiency gains come from reducing sensible loads with more insulation and better windows, but the latent load from the people and ventilation remains fairly constant. In ever more efficient
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of the CMHC information on indoor air quality would say that virtually all houses, especially houses with basements, need a dehumidifier because the moisture load in basements is entirely different than the moisture loads and cooling requirements in the rest of the house.
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Q
WHAT TOOLS OF THE TRADE ARE NEEDED TO PROPERLY ASSESS HUMIDITY? First, every contractor should have with them a really good thermo hygrometer. Something with a quick response that they can probe inside a duct to measure both the relative humidity in the house in fairly short order and the relative humidity, or moisture content, in the duct with the air conditioner running – to get a sense of whether they are seeing significant dehumidification inside a duct system. Second, a proper refrigerant pressure check system is becoming very common in the U.S and should be a bigger part of what professional HVAC contractors offer in Canada. Many energy efficiency programs are starting to realize that many air conditioners are not properly charged, and therefore do not perform correctly. They may seem to be providing cooling, and maybe are, but they are not running at the right charge to give the proper cooling and dehumidification.
TROUBLESHOOTING
B y A n d r ew S n o o k
Working with
flooded equipment
T
he flooding that took place in Southern Alberta this summer left more than 100,000 people dealing with the damage left in its wake, and the effects of the flooding on mechanical systems are likely to linger long after the waters have receded. To help advise the public on maintenance and safety concerns, the Alberta Health Services and Canadian Water Quality Association (CWQA) issued bulletins advising about proper sanitation practices and informing home and business owners that water softeners, filtration equipment and drinking water devices should be inspected by a qualified, trained water treatment technician if the units came into contact with flood water. “This is a matter of urgent safety to anyone with water treatment systems and the continued well-being of the public,” stated CWQA president Aaron Biffert. HRAI stressed a similar message to the public for taking proper precautions with regard to heating and cooling systems, and suggested replacement over repair.
“Standing water in a yard, house, basement or commercial building can damage the heating, cooling and water heating equipment in ways that are not always readily apparent, which can put families and businesses at risk,” said HRAI president Warren Heeley. “We advise both homeowners and business owners to consult a qualified contractor and to play it safe by replacing, rather than repairing, flood-damaged heating, cooling and water heating equipment.” “Playing it safe” was a sentiment echoed for the contractors working on the flooded equipment as well. “The biggest word of advice I can give to a technician is that when in doubt, replace it,” says Stuart Olley, service technician and general foreman at Trane. Olley says there is no benefit to trying to get a severely water damaged piece of equipment online. “If you start replacing parts and get it online, but a month later there are troubles, you now own it,” he says.
FIRST STEP:
Contact the manufacturer According to John Kleist, technical service manager for Viessmann Manufacturing, the first thing a contractor should do is contact the manufacturer of any equipment they’re working on to determine the company’s policy towards their product being externally exposed to water. At Viessmann, Kleist says heating products must be replaced in their entirety if any mechanical or electrical component of the product has been externally exposed to water – due to flooding, for example. “If even one mechanical or electrical component of the heating product becomes externally exposed to water, this may potentially cause an unknown negative influence on other safety components within the heating product,” he stated, explaining that temperature/pressure limits or burner gas valves could be impacted by the exposure to water. “The decision is very much a safety concern more than anything else,” he says.
“The biggest word of advice I can give to a technician is that 24
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• F i rst ste p s • W a t e r l o g g e d wat er h eat er s • R ep lacem en t p ar ts
Waterlogged water heaters
Tips for techs
Dan Milroy, Canadian sales manager at Bradford White-Canada, says water heaters exposed to flood waters should be replaced. His company follows the recommendations of the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) that state all flooddamaged water heaters should be replaced, whether they are gas-fired, oil-fired or electric, due to the likelihood of future corrosion and compromised insulation.
Stuart Olley of Trane offers the following tips to HVAC technicians who will be working on flooded equipment:
Suggested replacements HRAI and the U.S.-based Air-conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) have compiled a list of heating and cooling equipment for homeowners and business owners to consider replacing if flood-damaged. The list includes gas and oil furnaces and boilers, electric furnaces, propane heaters, radiant floor heating systems, heat pumps, air conditioning systems, ductwork, and water heating systems. For a detailed explanation of the replacements, visit the HRAI website at hrai.ca.
Inspection process for water safety The CWQA advises that inspections to water treatment devices are best done during or after the flood water damage is repaired in the building. Any water treatment devices that have a direct connection to a building’s potable water supply, and were completely submerged in flood water, need to be isolated from the water supply as quickly as possible. The CWQA also states that water treatment devices that were not completely submerged must be sanitized to ensure the safety of a building’s potable water.
when in doubt, replace it.”
• If the board has heavy corrosion, then it needs to be replaced. • If the fan motors are wet, then they need to be replaced. • If a decision is made to keep the unit, regardless of condition, always replace relays, high limit and safeties, filters, and belts. • If you know the motor and board need replacement and everything else is okay you can change them out and put the unit back online. If more replacements are necessary, then swap out the entire unit. • Gas valves are easily damaged by water and will need replacement. • Thoroughly clean all heat exchangers with a proper cleaner, thoroughly dry them out and inspect for damage. • Regardless of whether a unit is repaired or replaced, it is a good idea to look at getting it off the floor, or relocating it to an area where future flooding may not damage it again. In some cases, it is possible to hang units from the ceiling instead of placing them on the floor.
Photos: Ryan Quan
The concern is that valves and controls in a gas-fired unit are likely to corrode, while the thermostat and controls in an electric unit are also likely to corrode. The pressure relief valves on both gas-fired and electric units also have the potential to corrode and stick, while the insulation surrounding the units could be contaminated by the flood water and it is almost impossible to disinfect that portion of the tank.
• Once a system is fully dried out, disconnect all outputs and inputs from the circuit board except power. Power up the board and add the wires one by one after checking everything out.
-- Stuart Olley of Trane M e c h a n i c a l
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25
PLUMBING
B y S am S t eele
Keeping things moving Velocities of flow within stacks must be maintained at approximately seven feet per second within a 20-foot
Yoke venting is no joke
distance from the point of vertical discharge. Effluent, the paper, suds, soaps and fecal matter that are discharged within stacks, have different densities, so proper sizing of stacks and yoke vent installations will help prevent separation of this effluent. Yoke vents help maintain the discharge in a consolidated condition, and will prevent clogging of pipes. In the critical area where a change of direction occurs from vertical to horizontal, downstream of the hydraulic jump, the change of velocity can be reduced to as little as two feet per second, and atmospheric pressure must be maintained. Yoke vents, offset relief vents and vent stacks all work to help balance atmospheric pressure within stacks.
Y
oke venting – commonly referred to as “joke venting” – is no joke. Any building that is 12 storeys or taller will require yoke vents, and every building requiring a yoke vent must have one yoke vent for every group of five floors counted from the top down. This helps maintain the atmospheric pressure in the soil and waste stacks. Vents are installed to protect plumbing fixture traps from losing their trap seals. The purpose of a yoke vent is to maintain air pressure within a soil, waste or vent stack. This “balance” of air is necessary as the stack that receives discharge will undergo positive and negative changes in air pressure. This change in pressure takes place upstream and downstream of the flow, and if the imbalance isn’t corrected, it will be transmitted along branches and into waste pipes creating oscillation of traps and eventually the seal of the traps will no longer be present. When designers build air-tight buildings with energy conservation in mind, air movement between night, day and weekend operations creates continuous oscillation of traps. Yoke vents are installed to protect against depressurization between high rise and low rise sections of the building. continued on page 28
By Definition A yoke vent is a vent pipe that is connected at its lower end to a soil or waste stack and its upper end to a vent stack or a branch vent that is connected to a vent stack. 26
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watcoFINAL.pdf
1/19/10
3:57:16 PM
PLUMBING
Join The Green Scene
continued from page 26
Numerous situations have occurred in high-rise buildings where sewer gases were detected after a fan shutdown when yoke venting was not installed properly. Except for a specific exclusion, the NPC explains that where a soil-or-waste stack receives discharge from fixtures located on more than 11 storeys, a yoke vent is required for each section of five storeys, or part thereof, counted from the top down, as well as at or immediately above each offset or double offset. A yoke vent needs to be connected to the vent stack at least one metre above the floor level of the lowest storey in the section, and to the soil-or-waste stack by means of a drainage fitting at or immediately below the lowest soil-or-waste pipe from the lowest storey of the section. A yoke vent is not required if the soilor-waste stack is interconnected to the vent stack in each storey of the section by means of a vent pipe that is equal in size to the branch or fixture drain, or 1-1/2”, whichever is smaller.
C
M
Y
Image courtesy of SAIT
CM
MY
As stated earlier, yoke venting is no joke. If yoke vents are not installed there will be problems in the soil, waste and vent stacks. Yoke venting must be installed correctly for the building mechanicals to operate with as few problems as possible.
CY
CMY
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A yoke and the offset The second required location of a yoke vent mentioned by code is at the offset in a soil or waste stack. An offset is the horizontal distance between two vertical sections of a stack. In addition to offsets in stacks, double offsets may be installed to realign a stack around an obstacle, and then pipe it back to its original location. If it is required, a yoke vent must be installed at, or immediately above, each offset or double offset.
WATCO
Horizontal stack offsets are constructed with two 90° elbows. When a horizontal offset is installed in a soil or waste stack, the DWV piping must be sized as horizontal piping. ®
Code states, “No soil or waste pipe that is of minimum size required by this Code for the purpose for which it is installed shall be so connected as to drain to other drainage pipe of lesser size.”
The Bath Drain Company WATCO MANUFACTURING COMPANY 1220 South Powell Road, Independence, MO 64057-2724 Phone 816-796-3900 • FAX 816-796-0875 www.watcomfg.com
This is important to note as the fixture unit rating of vertical and horizontal pipe differ, and the size of the stack may be affected.
A Division of WCM Industries, Inc.
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Catching a wave It should be emphasized that care must be taken when connecting drainage piping into a stack offset or near the base of a soil or waste stack. As the discharge moves down the stack it will travel along the vertical walls in a circular, twirling motion. As the discharge turns from vertical to horizontal, a wave tends to develop. This wave, commonly called a “hydraulic jump,” fills the horizontal drainage piping and causes large fluctuations in atmospheric pressure in the drainage system, starting at the upstream end of the horizontal stack offset or at the base of the stack. Hydraulic jump will take place at any change of direction from vertical to horizontal. When a stack carries more than 30 fixture units, or receives discharges from fixtures located on two or more storeys, certain precautions have to be taken. All drainage connections must be moved back at least 1,500 mm, or 4’11”, from the upstream elbow in a stack offset, or from the base of a soil or waste stack. It should be noted, that, in short stack offsets, 1,500 mm to 2,000 mm (five to six feet), one of the safest connections for drainage piping is not into the offset, but into the vertical stack downstream of the offset.
Check your local code With Ontario trying to harmonize its Code and Guide of Plumbing with the National Plumbing Code of Canada, the province has adopted the National Plumbing Code’s wording on yoke venting. In Ontario, the wording of the previous code stated if there was venting on every floor in a building requiring yoke venting, then a yoke vent was not required. This differs from the wording from the National Plumbing Code.
Exceptions to the yoke Not all installations will require a yoke vent, but the exception is quite specific. “A required yoke vent need not be installed provided the soil-or-waste stack is interconnected to the vent stack in each storey of the section in which fixtures are located by means of a vent pipe equal in size to the branch or fixture drain or 1-1/2”, whichever is smaller.” In other words, if you have back-to-back kitchen sinks or bathtubs which require a 1-1/4” vent, the vent must be upsized to 1-1/2”. This is now the yoke vent.
Sam Steele is a professor of plumbing at Humber College in Toronto, he is also a member of the Metro Area Plumbing Advisory Committee as well as an executive member of the Ontario Plumbing Inspectors Association. www.opia.info
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29
REFRIGERATION
B y Du st in Z astrow Dustin Zastrow is a chemical engineer at Mainstream Engineering Corp., the manufacturer of QwikProducts. He has been involved in the development of HVAC products for six years, and has a pair of HVAC-related patents. For more about acid detection and remediation, visit www.qwik.com.
HOW TO DEAL WITH
ACID
T
he development of acid in refrigeration units can severely shorten the life of the system. These acids are typically formed by chemical reactions between an impurity like moisture and lubricating oils, materials of construction, or additives within the oil. Elevated compressor temperatures, caused by a failed condenser fan or a clogged evaporator, can also lead to acid formation via thermal degradation of the refrigerant.
TYPES OF ACIDS Depending on the refrigerant and oil being used, a refrigeration system can contain two types of acid: organic acid, such as oleic acid, and inorganic (mineral) acid, such as hydrochloric acid. Both inorganic and organic acids are corrosive and can cause damage to a refrigeration system, however, inorganic acids have a higher dissociation constant making them strong and very reactive, whereas organic acids are weak and moderately reactive.
BEFORE
Inorganic acids can be formed by refrigerant
AFTER
decomposition at elevated temperatures, or through a
Checking for acid is a commonly recommended preventative maintenance procedure since acidic conditions can be easily addressed and cleaned up before a compressor motor burns out. If a compressor does burn out, the oil circulating throughout the system can become extremely acidic and therefore make the acid cleanup task much more difficult. If all of the acid is not removed, the elevated acid levels will attack the new compressor and cause a premature motor burn out. Acid cleanup after a burn out must include changing the compressor oil and the refrigerant to reduce the acid level. Unfortunately, changing the refrigerant and oil in a system can still leave trace amounts of the acidic oil hiding in the system. Therefore, it is important to remove the residual contamination from the line sets by using a system flush. Finally, it is recommended to add a suction line filter drier to trap any acid lodged in the system before it can flow back to the new compressor. The purpose of this filter drier is to keep the return flow to the compressor acid-free, therefore, the filter should be located as close to the compressor suction as practical.
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reaction between moisture and oil anti-wear additives. They are able to move throughout the system freely because they reside in both the vapour and liquid phase. These acids cause compressor-motor burn outs by etching the lacquer insulation on the motor winding, causing it to short out. It has been shown that a mineral acid concentration of 50 ppm has the potential to cause a compressor motor burn out in a matter of days. Organic acids are normally formed by a hydrolysis reaction of POE oil. These acids are soluble in POE oil and do not vaporize so they stay predominately in the compressor oil sump. Sludge is formed as a byproduct from the acids and this sludge is what can cause compressor failure. continued on page 32
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REFRIGERATION
continued from page 30
SLUDGE IN THE SYSTEM
WATCHING FOR WATER
In the presence of air, water, or high operating temperatures, POE oil can break down into organic acids. These acids will not burn a compressor out, but can instead result in the formation of an oil sludge, which can clog small valves and orifices, or cause the oil to lose its ability to properly lubricate the compressor. Without lubrication, the compressor will seize.
Since moisture can lead to the formation of both organic and inorganic acids, diagnosing the presence of moisture in a system is extremely important. This can be easily accomplished if the system is fitted with a sight glass that contains a moisture indicating element. Because moisture is such a problem with synthetic oil systems (due to the oilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greater affinity for moisture) these systems should always be fitted with both a sight glass with a moisture indicating element and a properly sized filter drier.
Unlike an inorganic acid problem, which can burn a compressor out in a matter of hours, it normally takes hundreds of hours of operation before organic acids can form sufficient quantities of sludge to cause a component failure.
A properly sized filter drier will keep a sealed system clear of moisture. If moisture seems to consistently be a problem despite the presence of a properly sized filter drier, a small low-side leak or improper evacuation is likely causing moisture levels within the system to replenish faster than the drier can remove the moisture, or the drierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capacity has been exhausted.
A PREVENTATIVE PLAN Acids are a real problem in the HVAC/R industry, but their formation and damage can be minimized by taking proper precautions and performing routine system maintenance and checks. Acid issues that are detected early can be addressed and cleaned up before a compressor motor burns out. Four easy steps to follow are:
1
During each maintenance or repair visit, conduct an acid and moisture check before problems occur.
HOW TO DEAL WITH ACID Filter driers do an excellent job of removing any acid or moisture passing through them. They always need to be changed whenever there is an acid or moisture problem as they are the first line of defense against current and recurring acid problems. Driers do a great job of removing acid that reaches the filter drier, however the problem is that most of the acid is contained in the liquid oil. With a typical oil circulation rate of a system at less than two per cent, if the acid level is high, the system will burn out before enough oil passes through the filter drier. (Of course with an oil separator installed, even less oil makes it to the filter drier.) It is reasonable to assume that if we could increase the rate of acid removal, we could avoid compressor burn out. In many cases, replacing the oil will remove most of the acid, but there will be some acid that is missed, even with an oil change. Acid flush products are available that give the acid greater solubility in the additive, compared to the oil. This makes the acid preferentially mix with the additive rather than the oil, and this additive/acid mixture then vaporizes with the refrigerant and travels into the filter drier, where the filter drier absorbs both the additive and the acid. This method of treatment is most effective on inorganic acid contamination.
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2
Install a filter drier located as close to the compressor suction as practical.
3 4
If acid is detected, treat it immediately. If a burn out occurs, completely remove the oil and use a system flush.
THE MOST POWER WITH TOP TOWING AND HAULING.† IT’S THE TOUGH, DEPENDABLE TRUCK THAT KEEPS TOUGH, DEPENDABLE GUYS COMING BACK YEAR AFTER YEAR.
F-Series is the best-selling pickup truck in Canada for 47 years in a row based on Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association statistical sales report, December 2012. Vehicle may be shown with optional equipment. †Class is non-hybrid Full-Size Pickups under 8,500 lbs GVWR vs. 2012/2013 comparable competitor engines. Max. horsepower of 411 and max. torque of 434 on F-150 6.2L V8 engine. When properly equipped. Max. towing of 11,300 lbs with 3.5L EcoBoost® and 6.2L 2 valve V8 engines. Max. payload of 3,120 lbs with 3.5L EcoBoost® and 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 engines.
COMMERCIAL TRUCK ROUNDUP
B y Ho war d J . Elmer Howard J. Elmer is a PowerSports editor, writer and author, based in Brampton, Ont. He has a transportation, newspaper and radio background, and is a member of the Truck Writers of North America, the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada and the creator of the Canadian Truck King Challenge. www.canadiantruckkingchallenge.ca.
PICKUPS TARGET 2013 FORD F150
Ford sold over 100,000 pickups in Canada last year. That’s a first for them. Changes to the F-150 are minor this year, but there are a few. SYNC with MyFord Touch and navigation with Sirius Travel Link is now standard. Also new are rain-sensing windshield wipers and high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, heated power mirrors, and a new Platinum trim level. Ford continues to offer the most model combinations, and the success of its EcoBoost V6 engine moves them into 2013 in a strong way.
Wheelbase:
126”, 144”, 163”
Cab styles:
Regular, SuperCab, SuperCrew
Engine size: Power (hp/torque): Max. payload: Max. towing capacity: Box sizes:
FUEL ECONOMY
M
any, but not all, of the manufacturers in the pickup truck space have adjusted their lineups this year, although the most significant changes land between Chrysler’s Ram vehicles and GM’s Silverado trucks. What seems to be a constant, however, is that all manufacturers are continuing the trend towards finding fuel efficiencies, and this trend is likely to continue as the 2014 models come into view in the coming months.
At General Motors, the new Silverado/Sierra is offered with three new engine choices, and has a new body style. The HD Ram is upgraded to tow 30,000 lb. net; while it’s Cummins engine gains torque and improves fuel economy. And Chrysler’s 1500 Ram also takes a leap forward with a new air suspension and Pentastar V6 and 8-speed transmission combo. Over at Toyota, the company chose Chicago to show off its new Tundra, although the vehicle itself did not really change that much. For Ford, this is a hold-steady year, however their product continues to be hot; particularly the Eco-Boost V6 engine choice which is now finding its way into more than half of all new half-tons in Canada. And, finally, after almost 10 years, Nissan says it will update its Titan; however we won’t see that
3.5L V6 (EcoBoost), 3.7L V6, 5.0L V8, 6.2L V8 365/420, 302/278, 360/380, 411/434
one until January at the Detroit Auto Show.
3,120 lb. 11,300 lb. 5’5”, 6’5”, 8’
CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500 - 3500 The HD Silverado offers a bi-fuel CNG system for the 6L V8 this year. The rest remains the same, though there is hope that the new halfton interiors will migrate into the heavier trucks sooner rather than later. Of note: The 2012 3500 dually Silverado won the Canadian Truck King Challenge, edging out the Ford and Ram.
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Wheelbase:
133”, 143.5”, 157.5”, 167”
Cab styles:
Regular, Extended, Crew Cab
Engine size: Power (hp/torque): Max. payload: Max. towing capacity: Box sizes:
0 8 . 1 3
6L V8, 6.6L turbo-diesel 353/373, 397/765 7,222 lb. 23,100 lb. 6’6”, 8’
continued on page 36
Does your cargo van take too many days off? Beyond the sticker price, a cargo van requires additional expenses you might not always account for. In addition to the lowest fuel cost per kilometre and highest retained value in its class1, Sprinter also has the longest maintenance interval, helping you earn more and spend less. All of this has earned Sprinter the “Best Fleet Value in Canada” award for the second year in a row2, and the lowest total cost of ownership for the fourth year in a row3 as rated by VINCENTRIC™, the authority on identifying, analyzing, and comparing automotive ownership costs.
VEHICLE
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS4
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
1 Year or 25,000 km
GMC Savana/ Chevrolet Express
Oil Life Monitor Avg. 16,000 km
Ford E-Series
6 Months or 10,000 km
Nissan NV
3 Months or 6,000 km
Visit thesprinter.ca to learn more about TCO.
© 2013 Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. 1Fuel cost and Retained Value based on 2013 analysis of Canadian retail market for 2500 series vans as calculated by Vincentric, LLC. Fuel costs based on 50,000 Kilometres per year over 5 years. 2Awarded to the 2012-2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cargo 2500 144” wheelbase (Standard Roof) and 3500 144” wheelbase (High Roof). 3 Based on the 2010-2013 model level analysis of 2500 and 3500 series vans as performed by Vincentric, LLC for the Canadian retail market. 4Maintenance intervals based on Mercedes-Benz Canada review of vehicle owners manuals.
[Dealer Name], [Dealer Address], [Dealer Telephone Number], [Dealer Website]
COMMERCIAL TRUCK ROUNDUP
continued from page 34
2013 RAM 1500
2013 FORD SUPERDUTY F250 TO F450 Ford has once again increased its payload Wheelbase: 137”, 141.8”, 156.2”, 158”, 172.4” and tow limits on its Cab styles: Regular, SuperCab, SuperCrew SuperDuty trucks. Engine size: 6.2L V8, 6.7L turbo-diesel Brakes have been Power (hp/torque): 385/405 400/800 improved with a larger Max. payload: 7,080 lb. rotor that sweeps 16.4% Max. towing capacity: 24,700 lb. more disc in front and Box sizes: 6’8”, 8’ 14.5% in the rear. A new eight-inch display screen provides a clear camera view behind the truck when in reverse. This can be a big help when lining up conventional trailers with the truck’s hitch.
2014 TOYOTA TUNDRA
A mid-cycle refresh for the half-ton Ram brought big-ticket items like air suspension, automatic shutters, 8-speed transmission, the Pentastar V6, electric power steering, rotary gear shifter, new trims and new interiors. The 5.7L Hemi is still available, but with the addition of the TorqueFlite 8 eight-speed transmission, it picks up a 15 to 20 per cent improvement in fuel economy. What might turn out to be a popular option, however, is Chrysler’s Pentastar V6 engine (with Wheelbase: 120.5”, 140.5”, 149.5” 305 hp and 265 lb.-ft. of torque) also Cab styles: Regular Cab, Quad Cab, and Crew Cab coupled to the TorqueFlite 8. Engine size:
3.6L V6, 4.7L V8 E85, 5.7L HEMI V8
Power (hp/torque):
305/269, 310/330, 395/407
Max. payload:
1,930 lb.
Max. towing capacity:
10,450 lb.
Box sizes:
5’7”, 6’4”, 8’
Wheelbase:
140.5”, 149.5”, 169.5”
Cab styles:
Regular, Crew, Mega Cab
Engine size:
5.7L V8 Hemi, 6.7L turbo-diesel
Power (hp/torque):
383/400, 350/800 The new Tundra is all about its RAM TRUCK HD 2500 AND 3500 Max. payload: 6,730 lb. looks and trim levels – such as the 2013 is a big update year for the HD Ram. First, its Max. towing capacity: 30,010 lb. “1794” package. As for power, Cummins engine is now using a Diesel Emissions Fluid Box sizes: 6’4”, 8’ Toyota chose to stay with its “tried (DEF) exhaust cleaning system. This, in part, gives the and true” engines, so for the foreCummins more torque and improves its fuel economy. seeable future the Tundra will To match the engine’s increased power, the HD chassis is also upgraded to where it will continue to offer only its 5.7L V8 now tow 30,000 lb. net. This makes it the current champ in the perennial weight wars. and 4.6L V8, both mated to the same six-speed transmission. New standard features for CHEVROLET 2014 will include a Wheelbase: 126.8”, 145.6” SILVERADO 1500 blind spot monitor Cab styles: Regular, Double Cab, CrewMax What you’ll see at the dealership with with rear cross trafEngine size: 4.6L, 5.7L the 1500 series Silverado is a new fic alert, a standard truck that has squared up, particularly Power (hp/torque): 310/327, 381/401 back-up camera in the front. Looks aside, the biggest Max. payload: 1,900 lb. using a 6.1-inch deal is a trio of new engines called Max. towing capacity: 10,800 lb. audio display screen, EcoTec3. This family has three memBox sizes: 5’, 6’5”, 8’ and Bluetooth. bers; a 4.3L V6, a 5.3L V-8 and a 6.2L V-8. EcoTec3 engines feature three integrated systems: direct injection, cylinder deactivation and continuously variable valve timing. The truck also gets new two-stage rear Wheelbase: 119”, 133”, 157.5” leaf springs; revised steering, quieter Cab styles: Regular, Extended, Crew Cab cab, new brakes and a much nicer interior. Numbers are being released Engine size: EcoTec3 - 4.3L V6, 5.3L V8, 6.2L V8 slowly – here is what we have for now. Power (hp/torque): N/A 355/383 N/A Max. towing capacity Box sizes:
2 36
l u Bs iun se is ns e 1s 0s . 0078 . 1 3 M ee cc hha an ni ci ac l a B
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COVER STORY By Adam Freill
A
sk Dan Riskin, co-host of Discovery Canada’s science show Daily Planet, what the best part of science is and he’ll tell you it’s the sharing of the process of discovery that brings the biggest smile to his face. “It’s not that you show someone how you beat Bowser at the end of the video game, it’s that you show them how much fun Super Mario is, so that they are going to want to play the video game,” he explained during a recent interview from his studio in Toronto. “And science is better than Nintendo – I can’t believe I am saying that, but it’s true.”
Turning to his roots in biology, a discipline in which he holds a doctorate, he illustrated his point by explaining, “If you say to someone, ‘Do you want to come and see how mitochondria work?’ they are not likely going to follow you. But if you say, ‘Come on, we are going to take this animal and make it run on a treadmill,’ people are more likely to say, ‘Okay, that’s cool,’ and you sneak in the mitochondria later.” Unfortunately, too many teachers and mentors get caught up in the details, which can squelch the fires of curiosity and discovery in those hoping to learn about a topic.
“People don’t even know that it is brutal out there... that’s a testament to the work that your readers do, filtering the water and filtering the air.”
“Around my second year of grad school I saw this great graph of how fast a lion can run, and how fast a gazelle can run. With that one graph, it told the whole story of a lion chasing a gazelle, and I remember thinking, ‘Why am I not reading about lions and gazelles in a biology class until my second year of grad school? Why wasn’t that grade 10?’” he says, further illustrating his point. “Start with the lions; we’ll get to the mitochondria in time.
Photos: David Chidley and Discovery Canada
“The challenge when I am trying to get across science is not to help people understand how things move down a pressure gradient or how gravity and pressure are going to balance against each other, it is to encourage the curiosity that’s already inside them.”
38
Weeknights at 7p.m. ET/8p.m. PT Daily Planet hosts Dan Riskin and Ziya Tong.
“People think that lions are the most dangerous mosquitos kill
Science and the mechanical trades
DID YOU KNOW? Dan Riskin did his PhD work on how bats crawl, putting them on a treadmill to study their gait. He was interviewed on Daily Planet as a young graduate student, by then-host Natasha Stillwell.
“Often people think that a scientist is a researcher for NASA, or somebody who ends up being a doctor, but there are people using those tools all over the place, all the time, and they have real interesting jobs that are exciting,” said Riskin, giving a nod to the practical application of physics, chemistry and biology that professionals in the mechanical trades deal with every day. “A lot of science happens without anybody realizing it,” he said. “The whole thing that scientists love about being scientists, and engineers love about being engineers, and technicians love about being technicians is that you get a problem and you have to be creative and solve it,” says Riskin. “You may have solved similar problems before, which gives you a head start, but ultimately every problem is a little bit different, and there’s never an expert standing at the front of the room who is going to tell you the answer – and if there were, it would not be as much fun.”
Natural doesn’t mean safe As the host of Monsters Inside Me, which is heading into a fourth season, Riskin has had the chance to explore a side of the natural world that’s not often talked about. “The thing about Monsters Inside Me is that it reminds me of just how brutal Mother Nature can be,” he says. “I am working on this book, Mother Nature is Trying to Kill You, and it is a tour of all the horrible ways that Mother Nature is trying to get us.” Most people don’t like to think about the viruses, parasites, and water and airborne pathogens that can do significant harm to one’s health. “We live in a society where people don’t even know that it is brutal out there,” says Riskin. “They have this idea that nature is the warm fuzzy bag of peaches that just wants to give you a hug and a kiss. There are ways in which nature can inspire us, but nature created viruses, SARS, you name it. It’s a battle out there. What I am struck by all the time, especially in the popular media, is this move to an unquestioned ‘natural is good.’ We often hear, ‘If nature made it, it is good for you,’ and that’s just not true.” One of the reasons why so many North Americans are oblivious to the dangers surrounding them, he explains, is the modern sanitary systems and infrastructure that exist to keep us safe. “The fact that we live in a society where we don’t even know about those threats, that’s a testament to the work that your readers do, filtering the water and filtering the air,” says Riskin. “It’s a dangerous world out there. Thank goodness that people do good work to keep us safe.”
animals out there. They have no idea that more people.”
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WELL WATER
Fe H S 2 Mn
John Ca r di f f
THE TROUBLESOME TRIO: H 2S IRON, MANGANESE & HYDROGEN SULPHIDE
I
ron, manganese and hydrogen sulphide are the three most common water problems in Canadian private well systems. These contaminants, picked up by the water as it flows through the ground into aquifers, will cause many different problems in the home plumbing system.
Fe Mn
As little as 0.3 mg/l of iron can cause orange or reddish/brown staining, and often a musty odour and metallic taste. Not all iron is the same, however. Iron comes in a number of different forms, including ferrous, ferric and bacterial.
Ferrous iron, or clear water iron, is not immediately visible when drawn. Once exposed to an oxidant like air or chlorine, the iron oxidizes into visible particles. Ferrous iron is the most common form found in most well systems. Ferric iron, or red water iron, is oxidized iron that is visible to the eye when drawn and settles when left standing. It is less common than ferrous iron.
Bacterial iron is formed when ferrous iron is consumed by a harmless bacteria that then carries the iron throughout the plumbing system coating pipes and water using appliances with a slimy orange or brown coating that can plug up pipes to a point where water will hardly flow through them. This form of iron is most commonly noticed in the water closet of a toilet and shows up as a slimy orange or brown growth in the tank. Manganese is another dissolved metal that exists in some
ground water systems. Although not as common as iron, it can cause staining with as little as 0.05 mg/l and causes more of a dark brown to black stain in water using appliances, and will impart a metallic taste and a musty odour.
Hydrogen sulphide, or H2S, exists in ground water as a dissolved gas and causes a very distinctive â&#x20AC;&#x153;rotten eggâ&#x20AC;? odour to the water. H2S can cause this smell with as little as 0.1 mg/l concentration. It can also be corrosive to metals, tarnish silver very easily and can also cause the water to turn black in severe cases, causing black staining. continues on page 42
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H2S and the water heater If the water has a rotten egg smell, determine if it is in both the cold and hot water or only present in the hot water. If it is present in the cold water, then it is coming from the well system and must be treated when the water enters the home. If it is only detectable in the hot water, then the H2S problem is likely being created in the water heater itself. Most water heaters come with a sacrificial anode rod. This rod, usually made of magnesium, is designed to prevent corrosion of the water heater prolonging its useful life, however, in some water supplies H2S gas is created as the anode rod corrodes. If this is the case, most water heater manufacturers offer other types of anode rods made from zinc or aluminum. Changing the rod to one of these other metals can stop the creation of H2S. In other cases, a sulphate reducing bacteria can get into the water heater that will create H2S. The only way to eliminate this is to shock the water heater with chlorine or bleach and flush it out.
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WELL WATER continued from page 40
All of these troublesome contaminants will show up as stains in toilet bowls, laundry, showers and sinks and corrode faucets and washing machines to a point where they leak or will not work properly. This troublesome trio will also build up in water heaters and cause the hot water to become rusty or black in severe cases.
A ONE-FILTER APPROACH A whole-house automatic iron filter is the most common remedy for iron, manganese and hydrogen sulphide. Most iron filters will use some form of oxidant, the most common being air, but others could use an oxidant like potassium permanganate, chlorine or hydrogen peroxide.
WATER TESTING: DETERMINING THE CORRECT SOLUTION Identifying contaminants and their concentrations in a particular water supply is done by collecting a water sample. This should be done as close to the pressure system as possible, and the sample should be taken from a tap or faucet that has not been treated by any form of water filtration or conditioning device.
A two tank chemical-free iron filter offers an effective, low maintenance solution. Water is sprayed by a diffuser through a compressed air pocket inside the first tank allowing the air and water to mix before flowing into the second tank. A mixed filtration media in the second tank traps all of the oxidized iron, manganese and hydrogen sulphide providing clean water to the home. A periodic regeneration cleans the media bed and replenishes the air pocket for continuous use in the home. A chemical-free filter can remove virtually any amount of ferric or ferrous iron, although a recommended maximum would be 30.0 mg/l. Iron bacteria can also be removed by this type of filter. Manganese up to 1.0 mg/l is also removed, as well as correcting slightly low pH levels. This type of filter will also remove in excess of 5.0 mg/l of hydrogen sulphide, which makes it a complete solution for most well water supplies containing these contaminants.
OTHER COMMON WELL WATER PROBLEMS In most cases, a water softener will likely be required after the iron filter to soften the water from excessive hardness minerals normally present in well water. Following that, protecting the household from harmful bacteria is another form of treatment commonly required on rural water. Bacterial testing is normally performed by the well ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s local health department. If present, the most common form of treatment is ultraviolet disinfection. This would normally be installed after the iron filter and the water softener because contaminants like iron, manganese, hydrogen sulphide and hardness can cause the UV to not function properly and risk allowing harmful bacteria into the home plumbing system.
Always allow the water to run for several minutes before taking a sample to ensure the water is a true sample from the well, rather than water that has been sitting in the pipes or pressure system. Many wholesale distributors offer free basic water testing and product recommendation service through their manufacturer partners. Water sample kits are available from most wholesalers, and samples are returned directly to the manufacturer for testing. Water is typically tested for common contaminants like iron, manganese, hardness, pH, total dissolved solids and tannins. Since hydrogen sulphide is a gas it must be tested at the well site so a field test kit must be used to accomplish this. Field test kits can also be purchased allowing you to easily test water for these contaminants on site, speeding up the process of getting results and a recommendation to your customer.
John Cardiff is the vice-president of sales with Novo Canada. He can be reached at john.cardiff@novowater.com.
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w h a t F E A T U R E S 60ROAD WARRIOR Dave Vekeman
great
supple m e nt
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CONTENTS
50PANEL DISCUSSION
Building a sopping wet future With Sean Giberson, John Goshulak, Hans Kircher, Mike Miller, Leo Valliancourt and Ken Webster By Andrew Snook
62HYDRONIC IQ A Tour de Force David Hughes and Warren Hyde
Sean Giberson
John Goshulak
Avoiding stalls, down in the valley Paul Rohrs
Leo Valliancourt
Mike Miller
Ken Webster
EVERYBODY IN T O T H E
66MAINTENANCE
Hans Kircher
!
POOL
70POOL HEATERS
Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr
PEX
FOR DISTRIBUTION
54DISTRIBUTION PIPING Jerry Leyte
72HEAT EXCHANGERS Handing off BTUs Eric Riml
D E P A R T M E N T S 46From the editor’s desk 48News: Wet Ink 58Find the Fix 74,76,78 Products
On the cover: Road Warrior Dave Vekeman’s introduction to hydronic heating was a little different than most tradespeople. His first experience with the technology was as a customer. He got hooked, and so do his customers. Photo: Francis Vachon
FROM
more
approvals
better
installations Finished ce living spa with
THE
EDITOR’S
DESK
Building starts with a plan (or it should) The other day I was playing with Lego with my son and found myself explaining if he wanted to build the tall tower that he wanted, that he’d have to plan properly and start out with a solid base. Being five, and possibly because he’s got the male gene that refuses to look at directions, he said he’d just build as much as he could and fix it later. Well, a few wobbly walls later he was upset that his tower wouldn’t stand up. To his credit, he wanted to know what could be done to fix it, but alas, it was too far gone and the best way to fix it was to start over, but properly this time.
htly NO unsig es! ip p vent
Sometimes I think we all have a little five-year-old in us, where we want the gratification that comes from building something impressive, but we are not always willing to put in the non-glorious component of researching and planning. Fortunately most of us have a bit of experience to draw from, which means there are times that we can get away without reading the instructions, but I know I’ve felt frustration that could have been avoided with a bit of planning ahead of a project.
¼"/ft
That’s why I was impressed at the Canadian Hydronics Council’s decision to hold a forum earlier this year (see Wet Ink on page 48).
Pitch
The event aligned well with our plans for the most recent update to our State of the Hydronics Industry (see Future of Hydronics on page 50) an occasional look at the sector that we first started doing back in 2007, but more importantly, the forum also gave those engaged in wet heat an opportunity to assess, analyze and share information that can go into short- and long-term plans for the industry, and that’s a very good thing for all of us.
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Are you still waiting to use the best? t Better Installations. Long sockets allows for pitch of only 1/4" / ft, hiding up to 20' of horizontal vent within floor joints.
So, enjoy this latest edition of Wet Heat Applications & Technology. Hopefully there’s a bit of info in our pages that can help as you plan out your next heating masterpiece and, as always, feel free to share some of those masterpieces with us. We love checking out a good build.
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Until next time,
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www.centrotherm.us.com 877-434-3432 46
W H A T
S u p p l e m e n t
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Do your best work.
WET
INK
Wet Heads get together in Ont. Language lessons in heat “I think, in order to be relevant, we have to speak the right language,” explained Taco’s John Barba at the CHC Hydronics Luncheon, which took place during CIPH’s Annual Business Conference in Halifax in June. He was warning those in attendance from using language that could cause confusion for, or overwhelm, a homeowner. Barba also discussed the services that contractors are looking for when working with wholesalers and manufacturers – No. 1 being product availability, according a recent survey.
Dozens of industry members came together for the CHC Hydronics Forum, which took place in May in Alliston, Ont., at the Nottawasaga Inn. The forum was designed to bring together industry members to network and discuss industry issues and initiatives facing the “wet heat” industry in Canada. Industry members brainstormed a variety of ideas to potentially grow the industry, including: a nationally-recognized training and certification program for hydronic installers; educating municipal inspectors on the B214 installation code; improved promotion of hydronics to home builders; and the potential of more data sharing between industry members.
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Hans Kircher, past-chairman of the Beautiful Heat committee, presents the benefits of radiant home heating during the organization’s Indulge Your Senses event, which took place in May at the Evergreen Brick Works in Toronto. The Beautiful Heat campaign has now entered its third year in the marketplace. Some of the key highlights for the program, which promotes hydronic heating to consumers, include continued investment in public relations and print advertising in Canadian House and Home, and increased investment in social media, including a contest for homeowners where they will pick the best radiant heat installation in Canada. beautifulheat.com
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The Leaders H y d r o n i c s
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Building a sopping wet future With Sean Giberson, John Goshulak, Hans Kircher, Mike Miller, Leo Valliancourt and Ken Webster The world of heating and cooling is constantly changing, from new technologies and theories, to changing building codes and consumer demand. So how does the hydronics industry ensure a healthy level of growth moving forward in its sector? To help answer this and a few other questions, Mechanical Business turned to several industry leaders to discuss the future of hydronics in Canada.
Our Panel
Chair of the Canadian Hydronics Council (CHC); sales manager, residential products, Taco Canada.
Vice-chair of the Canadian Hydronics Council (CHC); director of business development, Canada, Uponor.
Sean Giberson
Mike Miller
Vice-president of sales and marketing, Weil-McLain Canada.
Technical services manager, Watts Water Technologies (Canada).
Leo Valliancourt
John Goshulak
Director of sales and marketing, Wilo Canada.
Hans Kircher
50
WH AT
Director of sales and marketing, Viessmann.
Ken Webster
Suppl emen t
08. 13
• Th e f u t u r e o f t h e h yd r o n ics in d u st r y
What’s the biggest challenge currently facing the hydronic sector in Canada?
SG Recognition of the trade is
the big challenge. If hydronics were a recognized trade, then it would be possible to have installers and designers trained to the same level. In its current state we look like a bunch of cowboys doing our own thing. If everyone is educated to the same level then we can certify. If we can certify, then the ability to lobby for proper inspections comes into play.
JG Consumer acceptance and
awareness. At the recent CHC Hydronics Forum, everything came back to “we need education, we need training, we need certification,” but we need that consumer demand to move the needle. It will create a need for the mandatory certification of installers.
hydronic systems HK Residentially, are perceived to be too expen-
sive. The consumer benefits are not well known, or understood, by many players, right through the manufacturers, wholesalers, contractors and designers. Commercial designers and contractors often eliminate the most attractive benefits when project cost reductions are mandated. Payback to the owner/ operator is ignored for first-cost savings during construction.
What do you see as the main role of the industry associations over the next five years?
HK CIPH and HRAI can work
with educational institutions and code bodies to promote workmanship, safety, energy efficiency and training. Industry programs like Beautiful Heat can create awareness and demand, and produce leads for jobs.
MM
I believe it is the industry associations’ role to ensure that training, education and certification opportunities exist outside of the manufacturers’ product-specific training that’s already being offered. Associations help create minimum standards that apply to everyone in our industry. They can be a resource for building inspectors and bring a voice to codes- and standards-related topics and issues.
KW Industry associations like CIPH
and CHC need to continue to influence and lobby governments to harmonize codes and standards that affect the industry, and to facilitate hydronic-based product and sales training for contractors and wholesalers. Homeowners, homebuilders and architects need to have quick and reliable access to qualified designers and installers for their hydronic heating projects.
Are there any potential code changes that could be made to help the industry move forward?
SG The B214 was a huge step in
getting a best practice entered into the Canadian Building Code. Making municipalities aware that they have to be inspecting to this standard will be the hurdle.
JG Absolutely. We’ve got the
installation code for hydronics, which is good. We have individual component codes, like boiler codes and standards, but we don’t have an efficiency standard. We are just getting that developed now by the federal government. The advantage of this is that it’s not about how efficient your boiler is, it’s about how efficient your distribution system is… you compare that against other systems and
W HAT
simplify it down so the consumer can make an educated decision.
LV There are very few areas in the
country where an actual inspection of the heating system is performed properly. For now, we need to just keep working on improving and promoting the use of CSA B214 throughout the country.
Do you think a national mandatory training certification for hydronic installers would be beneficial to the industry? Why or why not?
JG Yes. If we drive the consumer
demand, that will mandate certification, which will push the installers to get better trained and educated, which will then get the inspectors demanding some sort of criteria by which to inspect.
HK Yes. Training certification will
promote professional workmanship and a competitive level playing field. Ultimately, this can result in lower costs and more predictable costs to the homeowner. This is something we at CIPH,
LV CHC and TECA have been
working on for years. We have in place right now a complete hot water heating installation and design accreditation program. This program is available at either BCIT or NAIT as a full-time or part-time course, and is also available from NAIT as a home study course or as an online web-based program. At CHC, we are working on making this training available in two- to three-day modules, as well as speaking with other colleges to have them offer the program in their areas. continues on page 52
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The Leaders H y d r o n i c s What should contractors be doing to help raise awareness of hydronics, and to ensure they are up to speed on the latest products and design theories for hydronic systems? They can do it through Beautiful
JG Heat and distinguish themselves as Beautiful Heat certified contractors. It’s a marketing and education awareness capability they need to bring to the table. MM
continues from page 51
And take hydronic manufacturers’ training courses.
become association members to stay on top of new products and developments.
KW 1) Become a Beautiful Heat professional. Register at beautifulheat.com and complete the online training, get support materials, vehicle signage, sales leads and learn how to sell hydronic heating to homeowners. It is all free. 2) Become a CHC hydronics installer by registering at ciph.com. You will get access to technical, code and other support materials.
Educate themselves about their options by attending manufacturer or industry association training 3) Promote the advantages of opportunities. Learn about selling to hydronic heating to everyone. the consumers by addressing their Remember, most homepotential motivators (warm “The contractor is the key to owners are not satisfied with their heating floors, towel the growth of our industry.” systems. Show them rails, etc.) rath-- Ken Webster, Viessmann. how you and hydronic er than selling heating can solve their our technical problems. components. They should also try to attend trade4) Stay up-to-date. Read the trade shows, read trade magazines – moot magazines. Attend trade shows. point if you’re reading this – and
What role do you see contractors playing in the growth of the industry over the next five years? MM
Contractors that currently only install air systems need to begin offering hydronics as an add-on option to all of their clients. At the very least, it will help spread the word. The contractors are our industry’s voice to the consumers. Contractors need to professionalize
LV their industry. In other words, do a
better job of promoting hydronics as an industry, and not just consider it to be something they do under their plumbing banner. They must also participate in training and make sure their staff are up to date in the latest available systems and products.
KW The contractor is the key to the
growth of our industry. At the end of the day, they sell, install and
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• Th e f u t u r e o f t h e h yd r o n ics in d u st r y service our products and systems. They are the direct link with the consumer. They decide, in most cases, what heating systems and products are installed. To grow the hydronics market we need contractors to sell, design and install quality hydronic heating systems that consumers like, and will recommend to others.
What role do you see wholesalers playing in the growth of the industry over the next five years?
SG Recognizing the need for training
their people is key. Hydronics can be a profitable business for a focused and trained wholesaler. Using the Beautiful Heat materials within their walls will also help us to spread word and get contractors involved.
very integral part in our business today and tomorrow. Apart from warehousing all the components that manufacturers offer, and facilitating the sale to the contractor, they also are a tremendous stepping stone for manufacturers’ and associations’ marketing and educational programs. As a very valued member of the chain, they need to help encourage contractors to step outside of the box and look at all options available to them.
“If hydronics were a recognized trade, then it would be possible to have installers and designers trained to the same level.” -- Sean Giberson, Taco. Manufacturers need to provide
LV compact, quality, easy to install and service equipment for the industry. We need to take the mechanical room from the appearance of a science experiment to a compact packaged installation. Just compare a hot water heating installation to that of say, a gas, forced air system mechanical room and imagine what a homeowner thinks when they open that door!
What role do you see manufacturers playing in the growth of the industry over the next five years?
SG The manufacturers have taken a leap
in driving business forward with the development of the Beautiful Heat Wholesalers bring new products program. Innovative programs with HK KW Manufacturers need to continue to to contractors. They can provide more partners will help to grow support the associations and their or facilitate training and carry new awareness further. Each manufacturer important work on industry codes inventory, but they need to maintain must also continue to drive excellence and standards and industry training, a well-trained heating department. and innovation within their walls to while increasing their product and build efficient and simplified products sales training for contractors and 1 12/27/12 11:54for AMthe Page 1 The28950_eFSeries_CAN_7x4.875_Layout wholesalers will always play a needed mainstream market. wholesalers. MM
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W HAT
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53
PIPING By Jerry Leyte Jerry Leyte, P.Eng., MASc., is the sales manager for Central Canada at Uponor. He can be reached at jerry.leyte@uponor.com.
PEX
FOR DISTRIBUTION
I
f you were to ask someone with knowledge of the hydronics industry, “What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the words PEX tubing and hydronics?” chances are you’ll get such responses as radiant floor heating or cooling, snowmelt systems, underfloor heating, and likely even the brand names of some of the well-known PEX tubing manufacturers. If you were to ask the follow-up question, “What size of PEX tubing would be used in a typical hydronic application?” the responses would likely be 1/2”, 5/8”, 3/4”, and maybe smaller sizes like 3/8” or 5/16”, and possibly sizes as large as 1”. That would not be surprising, since the majority of PEX usage for hydronic applications is for in-floor radiant installations, with some additional PEX tubing possibly being used for distribution piping to feed manifolds connected to numerous PEX loops installed within a radiant floor. It is quite possible to pipe entire buildings in PEX tubing, however, as shown in the illustration on this page. Large diameter supply and return lines could feed directly from boilers and chillers to the various trunk lines (including the risers). This distribution piping could be available in either a two- or four-pipe system. PEX tubing could also be used for condensate lines if desired, although it would be wise to keep in mind that the water temp would have to be low enough that it meets the temperature limits continues on page 56
Size what? PEX piping is available in a number of sizes beyond the traditional 1/2” and 3/4” that is commonly found in hydronic projects. Some PEX manufacturers have pipe available in sizes up to four-inch diameters, and two-inch and three-inch tubing is easy enough to source as well. These larger sizes are well suited as risers or maybe even for long horizontal runs to the large capacity fan coils used in air handling units, or perhaps as the main trunk that then branches out to smaller
A rad install
sizes to supply hydronic appliances.
It is not unusual to see PEX used for distribution piping in residential buildings to supply hot water to baseboard radiators. For example, baseboard radiators may be using 180°F supply water at a flow rate of 1.5 GPM. Half-inch diameter PEX tubing would be able to handle up to four gallons per minute of flow rate, and therefore is an excellent candidate for distribution piping consideration.
Although specifications can vary from
Plus, the flexibility of PEX tubing and long coil lengths make it well suited for piping or re-pipe applications to baseboard radiators, as it allows the installer to minimize connections, and can often minimize or even reduce the need for elbows.
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W H A T
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manufacturer to manufacturer, some PEX piping does meet the required temperature and pressure ratings needed for some riser applications, and also has the required oxygen barrier on the tubing to prevent any oxidation on the internal metal components of the hydronic equipment in the system.
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continues from page 54
of the PEX manufacturer if it is to be used for steam condensate. For air conditioner condensate, temperature is obviously not an issue. When making connections between sections of PEX piping, brass fittings are available, as are engineered polymer (EP) fittings. PEX has a proven track record in the hydronics industry and has a lot of features and characteristics that make it a very suitable candidate for distribution piping applications. While the use of PEX for distribution piping is not as common as traditional piping systems, there are a lot of applications where PEX is a suitable fit, especially for those linked to hydronic systems. PEX and hydronics go hand in hand quite nicely and already have a well-established history together.
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COMMERCIAL
SOLUTION
PEX is available in large diameter sizes for larger commercial applications. The tubing can be provided in coils of varying lengths or in straight stick lengths, generally in 20-foot spans. The table here shows the flow rates that are typical for various PEX pipe sizes.
An adaptable option Baseboard radiators, VAV boxes, chilled beams and fan coils units are all common types of hydronic-based heating and cooling systems, and many of these could easily be connected to PEX as their distribution piping source. Although some of these appliances require threaded or sweat connections, there are PEX-to-sweat and PEX-tothread brass adapters on the market. These adapters are available in numerous sizes, so connecting these hydronic units to PEX lines will not be problematic.
to make branches in the supply line, a 300-foot roll of threeinch PEX could be added to a 100-foot roll of PEX, which would only require one connection point over the entire 400foot length. Using 20-foot lengths of pipe would require a total of 19 connection points to get the same result. In an application like this, coils make a lot of sense as there will be significant labour savings, and the continuous lengths also result in fewer potential leak points at any connection points along the run. For riser applications, coils can often be hoisted to the top of the building and fed down through the building as a single line. The pipe can be cut to make branch connections where needed. The flexibility that PEX provides, especially with coils, allows for slight bends in the pipe to get around any obstacles that may be in the way of a straight line approach, which can avoid additional challenges when aiming for a long straight run of piping.
When a contractor uses PEX for the first time rather than the copper, black iron or CPVC pipe they have been using for years, they may decide to use straight sticks of tubing, since that is the type of piping system they are most familiar with. But comfort factor aside, using 20-foot lengths may not be the most efficient option for a project. One of the key advantages of coils over straight lengths of pipe is the reduction in waste material. The coils can be cut to the exact length that is needed. This helps to minimize the number of connections that are required for long runs of pipe.
Of course, there may be challenges with uncoiling the pipe when using coils of PEX, especially in cold weather and with larger diameter pipe, but that can be factored in on a project-by-project basis.
For example, if a project has a requirement to run a threeinch supply line through a building, with 400 feet between the mechanical room and first point where it is necessary
PROTIP 56
W H A T
There are PEX rails and support brackets available for pipes that are suspended, to ensure a professional looking installation. These PEX supports can be used with either straight lengths of pipe or with coils.
S u p p l e m e n t
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Jeff House is an experienced industry professional and hydronics trainer. He handles the sales territory from the Niagara region to the Greater Toronto Area for Jess-Don Dunford, a manufacturers’ rep in Ontario. He can be reached at jhouse@jessdondunford.com.
Geothermal Jumble It started out as a simple install. The owners of a house in the country wanted the house heated with a geothermal heat pump and air handler. Then an upgrade was added with four loops of in-floor heating for the basement, and two single loops of dry in-joist in-floor warming for the kitchen and master bath tiled areas. As a professional, you did the math, the piping was sized properly, and so was the variable speed circulator. You even added in a heat exchanger to pre-warm the cold domestic supply feed water. After a year, the system doesn’t seem to perform as you thought it would though. The in-floor works with mild temperatures outside but doesn’t keep up when it gets cold. You changed the circulator, since it quit working prematurely, but the new circulator didn’t change things, so the wholesaler and the manufacturer were called in. 1. The buffer tank is stored at a temperature of 109°F and the heat pump works fine. When the in-floor system was turned on the zone valves opened, the circulator started and got very warm, but no warm water got to the loops. This is because A. The circulator is too small. B. Too large. C. The system is air bound. D. The supply piping at 1” is too large. 2. If the system is air bound, what could be the cause? A. No air separator was installed. B. The pressure reducing valve is defective. C. About 6 to 8 pipe diameters. D. Well water has more entrained air in it. 3. The variable speed circulator died within a year of operation. What could be the cause?
C. It was just a lemon. It happens. D. The circulator continued to run on a call for heat, but since the system was air bound and it is a wet rotor there was no water to lubricate it. 4. After stepping back for a moment and opening a purge valve, a large gulp of air escapes and warm water is suddenly moving throughout the system. After checking the math, you know you have the right circulator but the flow still seems low. The wholesaler finally says, “I know what is wrong!” What did he see? A. No air separator. B. The system is pumping towards the point of no pressure change (expansion tank). C. The discharge of the circulator could be no higher than the pressure in the tank so the suction side was lower. This was too close to the system loss, so it resulted in very little flow. D. All of the above.
A. It was undersized. B. It was oversized.
Step right up and win a prize! Just like Wade Berard and Hugh Guthrie did, our two most recent winners. Wade picked up an M12 Rotary Hammer, and Hugh received an M12 Fuel 1/2” Hammer Drill.
E WIN M
58
W H A T
We’ve got another Milwaukee M12 Fuel 1/2” Hammer Drill up for grabs this issue, so drop us a line, and get those answers in by September 13. Send your solution to adam.freill@mechanicalbusiness.com. And be sure to pick up the next edition of Mechanical Business for the next installment of Find the Fix!
S u p p l e m e n t
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Looking for answers? The answer key for the May/June quiz is: 1-E; 2-C; 3-B (or D); 4-B (It should be at least 3”); 5-B If you need the quiz, check it out in our issue archive, available at www.mechanicalbusiness.com.
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listed NOTES: PROGRAM an • Rebate applies only to products above when purchased through (copies authorized supplier t • Original, completed forms only and/or incomplete forms are no able acceptable) lling • Rebate checks will be made pay to, and sent directly to the insta made contractor • This offer is valid on purchases d by between 6/1/13 and 9/2/13 an • Rebate requests must be receive U.S. Boiler Company no later th essing 12/31/13 • Please allow 6-8 weeks for proc
rebate form send completed to: Please of invoice Rebate and copy America Support Across - Sales Alpines Company PA 17604 U.S. Boiler 3020, Lancaster, P.O. Box
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ROAD WARRIOR
Name: Dave Vekeman Company: Plomberie Dave Vekeman Inc. Job title: President and owner Been there: Since 2005 Age: 40
“First I was a consumer!” Dave said. “When I built my house, I decided to heat with hydronics.”
Born in: Quebec City Lives in: Boischatel, Que.
Since that time, he has worked on a variety of hydronic projects through his business, Plomberie Dave Vekeman Inc. We caught up with Dave to learn more about him and his passion for the industry…
Photo of Dave: Francis Vachon
Trade school: Samuel De Champlain
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ave Vekeman’s introduction to hydronic heating was a little different than most tradespeople. His first experience with the technology wasn’t during his time in trade school or on a job site, it was during the construction of his home.
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B y A n d r ew Snook How much time do you spend behind the wheel each day? Two hours.
Favourite drive-thru restaurant: Tim Hortons
Kilometres per day: 120 km.
Favourite food: Mexican
Service area: Quebec City area
Favourite beverage: Coffee before the job, Coors Light after the job!
systems. He hopes to grow his
Favourite sport: Hockey
Dave Vekeman Inc.
Any area you like to get dispatched to? Anywhere, except in the traffic. What’s your favourite thing about working on hydronics jobs? The mechanical room and the controls. What’s your favourite hydronics project you have ever worked on? A residential project I worked on this year with snowmelt in an inclined entry (1,200 sq. ft.).
Some spare time put to work Dave recently started work on a home automation project related to his hydronics home automation section into a new division of Plomberie
Favourite website to browse: NHL.com
Farthest place you have ever travelled from home: Ensenada, Mexico
Play any sports? Hockey and running.
One word that describes you: Funny
What’s your favourite sports team? Montreal Canadiens
If you could meet anyone, alive or dead, who would it be? Bill Clinton
What are you working on right now? I am currently working on three residential projects.
If I was Prime Minister for a day, I would... cut taxes. My rule of thumb is... be yourself in your life! (Don’t play a role.)
What’s your favourite memory on the job? The first time I used an uncoiler... priceless!!! Favourite performer: Denzel Washington
What do you like to watch on TV? Discovery Channel, or a hockey game.
Best concert you ever attended? Roxette
Favourite TV show: Mythbusters
Favourite movie: Training Day
If you could be an animal, what would you be? A grizzly bear
Favourite magazine (aside from Mechanical Business): The Hockey News
Favourite place to vacation: Myrtle Beach
If I had $100,000 dollars to invest in my company, I would... invest in marketing. When I was a kid, I wanted to be a... journalist. If I had tomorrow off work, I would spend the day... working outside the house in the garden.
One place in the world you would like to visit: Rio De Janeiro
The best advice somebody has given you is: Take care of your money, it’s easy to spend but hard to earn!
Favourite cartoon as a kid: Les Mystérieuses Cités d’or (The Mysterious Cities of Gold) Favourite car: Nissan GTR
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hydronic iq A Tour de Force It’s summer, and that’s got us thinking about hopping on our bikes for a nice ride through the countryside, and then perhaps sipping a bit of bubbly like at the final stage of the grandest bicycle race of them all, the Tour de France, which just wrapped up its 100th edition. Although we were not on the Champs-Élysées in Paris to watch the yellow jersey winner sipping champagne atop his bike as he crossed the finish line, in his honour we’ve put together our own little race, with a hydronic twist, that we like to call the “Tour de Boiler Room.” Please refrain from sipping the bubbly while on the job, but feel free to put on a yellow T-shirt and brag to all your co-workers if you manage to take all 10 stages of our race. Answers can be found on page 106.
Le Tour de France
1. If a minimum of five psi static pressure is required at the highest point for a hydronic system that is 22 feet high, what shall the minimum operating pressure be? a) b) c) d)
The modern edition of the Tour de France consists of 21 day-long segments (stages) over a 23-day period and covers around 3,200 kilometres (2,000 mi), with the course varying from year-to-year. All of the stages are timed to the finish. After finishing, each rider’s time is compounded with their previous stage times. The rider with the lowest aggregate time is the leader of the race and gets to don the coveted yellow jersey. This year’s race started in Corsica, and wrapped up in downtown Paris on July 21.
9.6 psi 11.55 psi 14.54 psi 19.7 psi
2. Industry classification for a SIM 2 system (hydronic snow and ice melting systems) is: a) b) c) d)
80 to 125 BTUH/sq. ft. 115 to 135 BTUH/sq. ft. 125 to 250 BTUH/sq. ft 250 to 450 BTUH/sq. ft.
3. The more shallow the depth of tubing in a slab-on-grade floor, the: a) Higher water temperature required, and lower downward loss to the soil. b) Lower water temperature required, and higher downward loss to the soil. c) Higher water temperature required, and higher downward loss to the soil. d) Lower water temperature required, and lower downward loss to the soil.
4. What may cause air to be drawn into a closed loop hydronic system? a) An over pressurized system. b) A circulator placed upstream of expansion tank. c) An air eliminator connected to a low part of the system. d) A loose bleed screw on a wet rotor circulator. 5. Which of the following methods would not work for controlling water temperature to a fin-tube baseboard heat emitter? a) b) c) d)
DID YOU KNOW ?
The yellow jersey is worn by the leader of the general individual time classification in the Tour de France. The green jersey is worn by the leader of the points classification.
Three-way mixing valve Three-way thermostatic mixing valve Four-way mixing valve Injection mixing valve
continues on page 64
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In response to requests from customers across North America, last year Spirotherm introduced the Spirovent Quad® — a world class air eliminator, dirt separator, and hydraulic separator designed as a low loss header. The response has been fantastic, and we are now excited to follow through on another request for combination air eliminators / dirt separators in brass construction for use on systems where hydraulic separation is not needed.
WE’RE STILL LISTENING.
Spirovent® VDR Series
The Spirovent® VDR Series is being introduced this year and includes again all of the world class features of our Spirovent and Spirotrap® products in one compact unit. For ease of application and installation, it is available in either threaded or sweat connection by simply changing the tailpiece. Offered in sizes from 1” through 2”, the VDR will be a cost-effective product for smaller systems and allow for two full-flow functions (air and dirt removal) in one product. Also coming this year will be a 2” Brass Spirovent Quad to extend that line into larger copper systems that may not require the steel commercial unit. And last but certainly not least, the original Spirovent VJR Air Eliminator product line will be enhanced with the introduction of 11⁄ 2” and 2” sweat models. All of these new products are because you, our loyal quality contractors, have asked for them. Air Eliminators, Dirt Separators, Combination Separators, and Hydraulic Separators — all from one source and backed by the world leader in air elimination technology. Check with your local Ontor representative for availability. Thanks for the continued input and we’ll keep listening!
©2012 Spirotherm, Inc., Ontor Ltd.
In Canada:
Ontor Limited 12 Leswyn Road Toronto, ON M6A1K3 Tel: 416.781.5286 Fax: 416.781.7680 www.ontor.com
THE ULTIMATE IN DISTRIBUTION EFFICIENCY
Tx
continued from page 62
9
6. With respect to a circulator pump, what does the designation IFC refer to? a) b) c) d)
Independent flow circulator Integral flow check Integrated flow circuitry Independent flow circulation
7. Pumps piped in parallel: a) Theoretically double the flow rate, but not the head. b) Theoretically double the head, but not the flow rate. c) Theoretically reduce the flow rate, and increase the head. d) Theoretically reduce the head, and increase the flow rate. 8. A circulator pump in an open system: a) b) c) d)
The Evolution of High Efficiency Condensing Boilers • Innovative Design
May be constructed of ferrous material. May be constructed of non-ferrous material. Shall be constructed of non-ferrous material. Shall be constructed of ferrous material.
9. According to the CSA B-214 Standard, when tubing is installed below the subfloor of a wood floor assembly, what is the minimum R-value for the required insulation? a) 5 b) 8 c) 12 d) 20 10. An ECM (electronically commutated motor) pump senses what is happening downstream and: a) Automatically adjusts flow rates to meet system requirements. b) Automatically turns the pump on or off. c) Automatically sets the system requirements. d) Automatically reacts to the pressure differential bypass valve.
• Engineering Elegance • Efficient Performance
So, any new world records set? 10 out of 10 correct – That yellow jersey is all yours! 7 to 9 correct – Not a bad points total, and enough to earn you the rights to a green jersey. 5 or 6 correct – The white rookie jersey is all yours. A bit more seasoning and you might land the overall winner’s yellow garb yet. 4 or below – You must have crashed out on the mountain stage. Better luck next time.
With thanks to Warren Hyde, a plumbing and hydronics professor at Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ont., and Dave Hughes, associate chair - (Special Projects) Pipe Trades Programs, School of Trades at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology.
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The Evolution of High EfďŹ ciency Condensing Boilers High efďŹ ciency stainless steel boiler Models from 46,000 to 151,000 BTU/Hr Available in a combi version Fully modulating with 5:1 turndown Advanced outdoor reset control Low NOx operation Venting to 150' 2" venting on all models up to 100'
Maintenance By Paul Rohrs
Avoiding
Paul Rohrs is an application and design specialist at Lochinvar. He can be reached at prohrs@lochinvar.com.
STALLS,down in the VALLEY I
was recently in Vail, Colo., training with a group of radiant contractors. Many of them had 4x4 pickups, some of them were 3/4-ton trucks laden with equipment and tools. After the day’s presentations were complete, they climbed into their trucks and headed out of the valley. As one of them turned onto the highway, the heavy rig required the driver to “put the pedal to the metal” to successfully merge into traffic. The truck, which had been running fine, sputtered, wheezed, and eventually stalled out on the side of the road. The truck did not have a large enough volume of gas from the fuel pump to the fuel injectors, which made the vehicle stall. A similar situation can happen with boilers, but instead of a fuel pump and injectors, the boiler doesn’t receive a sufficient volume of gas to the gas valve, which results in a “Flame Fail Running” code. Without a proper volume of gas and regular maintenance a vehicle will never make it out of a valley, and the boiler in the mechanical room follows the same basic rules. The monitoring of static gas pressure, while under load, is something that should be recorded on a high efficiency boiler maintenance checklist. But that’s just one of the items that should be addressed during annual maintenance of a high-efficiency boiler. A comprehensive boiler service is an investment for continued high efficiency and will not only generate profit to your bottom line as a contractor, but will also enhance the operation of your customer’s high efficiency boiler and hydronic system.
Combustion chamber cleaning The heart of the maintenance process is the cleaning of the combustion chamber. To complete this task, remove the front access cover and inspect the interior of the boiler. Remove any sediment from inside the boiler with a brush and shop vac. Sediment can resemble coffee grounds and may develop because of impurities in the air supply or improper combustion. A polyester bristle brush fitted into a corded or battery-powered drill can help expedite the cleaning process. Now is a good time to check the integrity of the target wall at the far end of the heat-exchanger. After vacuuming and brushing out the water tube coils, thoroughly flush the heat-exchanger and condensate trap with water. continues on page 68
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FOR THE THOUSANDS OF JOBS YOU DO, WE’VE GOT ONE. To get you what you need. When you need it. It’s our promise, and we’ve lived and breathed it every day for over 20 years. We know you’re busy, which is why we’ve created an incredibly efficient network to get you back on the job, fast. With a 98% fill-rate commitment, four distribution centres and over 1.5 million square feet of warehouse space, we offer the widest range of in-stock products in the business. Plus, our fleet of 200 delivery trucks and network of 50+ branches means you’re never far from us. Today, we’re uniquely equipped to provide solutions that support the entire lifecycle of a building, from the early stages of a design-build project through to maintenance and renovation. Still, our greatest asset isn’t inventory; it’s our people. They’re the backbone of our operations and the reason we’re able to look after yours. We know your business. It’s our job.
PLUMBING HVAC HYDRONICS INDUSTRIAL FIRE PROTECTION BUILDING MAINTENANCE
noble.ca | 1-800-529-9805
continued from page 66
After the combustion chamber has been cleaned, it is critical to service the igniter and rectification probe. These components provide the boiler with proof of flame allowing the boiler to function. Start by removing the igniter and rectification probes from the outer burner-plate; remove any accumulated deposits with sandpaper. If these probes cannot be cleaned to an acceptable level or you notice that the porcelain cover is cracked, they must then be replaced. The gap of the igniter should also be checked at this time. After the boiler maintenance is complete, an easy way to verify that they are cleaned to a satisfactory level is to put the boiler into high fire and check the signal at the rectification probe.
An example of a gas pressure test.
GAS PRESSURE TEST Many appliances fall prey to fluctuating gas pressures and the best way to prevent this is to test the boiler while under load. When a modulating condensing boiler receives a call for heat (CFH), the boiler will often start at a minimum modulation and then ramp up to a higher percentage firing rate as it attempts to reach a target set point temperature. (This is true if there is an outdoor reset sensor.) If there is an insufficient volume of gas to support the higher firing rate, the boiler can lock out with a fault code. This should not be viewed as an error code, but more of an “I am not getting what I need” code. To combat this, it is best to check the gas pressure as the boiler lights off during the annual start up. Remember, this needs to be done anyway, as you are going to want to check the micro-amp signal at the rectification probe.
VENT SYSTEM INTEGRITY For high-efficiency boilers to work properly, the vent system must be installed within acceptable parameters. After the initial install, there are a multitude of outside factors that can affect the vent system. Checking the intake and exhaust vents for foreign matter such as birds nests, insect nests, leaves, etc., will be time well spent. Noisy operation, rough start, or failure to ignite may be the symptoms of a vent system that has some manner of obstruction. An annual maintenance check will typically include pulling the vent intake from the venturi and removal of the blower assembly to ensure the integrity of the fan isn’t compromised. Checking glued joints and penetration seals (storm collars) would also be appropriate.
If the drop in pressure is more than 1” w.c., gas pipe sizing or supplied pressure must be corrected. Gas pressure may not be the only culprit to the fault code. A loss of proper ground will have a similar effect. If the gas pressure is verified, then proper grounding should be checked as the cause.
SERVICEABLE SYSTEM COMPONENTS Although the primary components of the boiler have been serviced, the remaining components of the system need to be checked for proper operation. This includes testing the relief valve. The service manual suggests lifting the lever to verify proper flow and operation. Care must be taken, as the system fluid may be hot and you must ensure that the relief valve discharge is piped per local code. If the relief valve doesn’t seat properly, it must be replaced. Additional safety devices, such as flow switches and low-water cut-offs, should also be checked for proper operation and electrical functionality. The annual service is also a good time to make note of system pressure and corresponding expansion tank pressures.
Courtesy of Matt Jarchow, Biggerstaff Plbg.
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Flow through the heat-exchanger is always a critical point in annual maintenance. Checking for the appropriate ΔT through a heat-exchanger can verify this point. Wye-strainers prior to the boiler pump or system pump should also be checked and flushed at this time. Reductions in water flow through the boiler can result in higher-than-allowed temperature rises, and most boilers with 21st century intelligence will employ an electronic safety to prevent abnormally high temperature differences.
System 636® Flue Gas Venting System As a contractor, lists are a part of your day. Materials lists, ‘to do’ lists, requirements lists; in fact, the list of lists goes on and on. But when it comes to your flue gas venting requirements, we’ve made the list for you. Options that cover Class IIA (PVC – 65ºC) and Class IIB (CPVC - 90ºC) Robust Schedule 40 thickness pipe and fittings to resist impact and puncture Permanent and leak free solvent weld joints providing the ultimate in pull out resistance and safety Complete size range of long radius true 1/4" bends (90º) Certified vent termination options Flame and smoke listings for code compliant plenum and high rise installations (CPVC) Listed fire-stop systems and products readily available Low drainage grade for tight ceiling spaces (1/4" per foot) Plain End pipe with reusable cutoffs to reduce jobsite waste Minimal maintenance system that does not require an annual inspection A System that is manufactured in Canada and available coast to coast Sales support, technical assistance and field training Added benefit: knowing products are backed by Canada’s leading plastic pipe manufacturer So when it comes to flue gas venting systems, there’s really only one product that will meet all your requirements – System 636® by IPEX. One less list for you to do. A little more time for you to, you know, enjoy your coffee.
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For Flue Gas Venting Applications Product manufactured by IPEX Inc. System 636® is a trademark of IPEX Branding Inc. S636
Call 1-866-473-9462 or visit www.ipexinc.com/system636
Pool heaters
EVERYBODY RYBODY I N TO T H E
!
POOL
W
ith summer upon us already, you and your customers should be thinking about warm weather activities. Regardless of where I fly on my training travels, I notice swimming pools from the air. I see pools in the yards of every town I visit, from “up north” in Canada all the way down to the tip of Florida. So I know the towns that have airports have pools, and each of those private, in-ground respites from the heat gets me thinking about making that water as inviting as possible.
So before your customers hit you with, “What are my options for heating a pool?” and, of course, “How much will it cost?” let’s dig into the topic of heating up the backyard pool.
GOING WITH A BOILER Pool heat exchangers are available to connect into an existing boiler – if the home or building has a hydronic system. Like with any separated system, pool water flows through one side of the exchanger, and boiler water through the other. Tube and shell, or plate type heat exchangers are available in models designed and built with special alloys designed to work specifically with pool water chemistry. Unless you are dealing with a fairly large home, you might find the heating boiler does not have enough capacity to contribute to the pool load, however. On a new home the boiler could be up-sized to cover the
OKAY,
pool load, but a separate, dedicated pool heater would be my advice.
WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?
Most in-ground swimming pool heaters start around
There are several choices when looking into heaters. Gas- and LP-fired are very common in the market, and heat pump heaters are another option if the preference is to go with electricity as a fuel source. I have even seen an off-season wood-fired boiler that was piped to heat a pool, and waste heat from refrigeration loads might be another source worth considering – if the project is large enough to warrant it. And don’t think that’s just for commercial jobs. I have seen some heat exchangers configured to scrub the discharged heat energy from residential air conditioners. It might also be possible to tap into the home’s existing heating system. If the boiler was grossly oversized at install, or if the homebuilder had a pool in mind when designing the heating system, there might be a bit of BTU capacity that can be tapped into.
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150,000 BTUH. The other factor in sizing a pool heater is the recovery rate. How quickly does the homeowner want to raise the temperature of the pool? If “Very quickly!” is the answer, then more horsepower, or BTUH, will be required. Many of the boiler manufacturers offer heat exchangers for spas and pools, but regardless of which company you opt for, be sure to use their recommended sizing charts to select the correct one for your design. You don’t want the reason the pool won’t reach steaming conditions to be that you used the wrong company’s sizing chart.
by Bob ‘Hot Rod’ Rohr
The Load Calc
Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr has been a plumbing, radiant heat and solar contractor and installer for 30 years. A long-time columnist and trainer, he is manager of training and education with Caleffi North America. You can reach Hot Rod at bob.rohr@caleffi.com.
The first step of any heating project is a load calculation. A pool heat load calculation is just as important as a building load calculation when sizing equipment. After all, it is an energy load, and should be handled just like you would when conditioning the space inside your home or office. Look for ways to lower the load as much as possible, before sizing the heater. In a building, you would recommend insulation upgrades, sealing air gaps (infiltration) and possibly window replacements, to lower heating or cooling loads. This same logic should be applied to the pool heating load. The heat loss from a pool will be caused by evaporation, radiation and conduction, with about 70 per cent caused by evaporation, 20 per cent from radiation, and 10 per cent conduction. An excellent way to limit that large evaporative loss would be to have your client put out for a pool cover. Tarp type covers, or covers with bubble insulation, are the most common type. I have seen floating beads, and even “chemical” covers, too. All covers are designed to limit some heat loss, as well as protect the water.
Some manufacturers claim their pool covers can actually add some energy to the pool. Theoretically, the heat that is captured under the pool cover transfers to the pool water.
As a former in-ground pool owner, I understand the cost and time involved in keeping a pool warm and chemically balanced. It could be considered a luxury item in the big scheme of things. That is why I’d advocate covering this heating load as efficiently as possible. Limiting the wind exposure will also help keep the load and heating costs down. Something as simple as a windbreak fence or barrier will help. A fence could also double as a rack for some solar collectors for the pool.
USE THE SUN
There are a lot of rules of thumb when it comes to heater sizing formulas for pools. These formulas will usually be based on the pool surface area, and not the capacity of the pool. A call or visit to a pool heater rep is an excellent idea, since they will be knowledgeable about the climate and conditions specific to the project area and should be able to recommend a sizing formula that matches to the equipment line you are investigating for your client.
I am a huge fan of solar pool heating.
There are some very affordable pool collectors available that are simple to install. The least expensive option is an unglazed type. These are commonly a flexible copolymer built to withstand the harsh UV rays. The same pool pump that circulates the water through the filter also flows the collector. You will need to determine if the pump has enough capacity to handle the additional pressure drop of the collector. These collectors work well to extend the pool season, but the performance drops when the ambient air temperature drops. Pool collectors are often sized to maintain temperature due to heat loss, not necessarily to bring the pool up to temperature at the start of the season. So a solar system might be used in conjunction a with a fuel-fired pool heater. Glazed type solar collectors can also be used. These will perform better in cooler conditions as the insulation inside, and the glass covering on the outside of the collector, lessens the loss to the ambient temperature. Pools that are heated year around often have glazed collector arrays.
NEED TO FIND A REP? Hit the pool heater manufacturer’s website. They will link you to a rep or dealer in your area.
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HEAT EXCHANGERS: Handing off BTUs
I
f you’re into heating, you know that most appliances have heat exchangers of some sort, and they are usually the appliance manufacturer’s area of expertise. However, there are occasions when you need to isolate different parts of the system, or interact with other systems without mixing the fluids. At these times, it pays to know your heat exchangers. There are two main styles of external heat exchangers: shell and tube, and flat plate. Flat plate heat exchangers can be further subdivided into two main categories, plate-and-frame, and welded or brazed plate.
For hydronic heating, brazed flat plate heat exchangers are often selected because they are cheaper and more efficient for heat transfer for most typical applications. They are also one of the more compact options, but it can be beneficial to fully assess the system specifications before simply choosing “the usual” option.
PLATE EXCHANGERS Plate heat exchangers are often more efficient, due to the massive surface area for heat transfer, and are often selected because of their smaller size. They are also able to achieve much smaller ∆Ts between the hot and cold sides, often as little as 5°F. They are more susceptible to clogging, however, because there are so many small pathways. Some debris can be removed by backflushing, but ultimately, the brazed-plate exchanger has a more limited lifespan in the average system than the alternatives.
SHELL AND TUBE In larger applications, or those with special material requirements due to industrial fluids, shell and tube heat exchangers may be more suitable than a plate-and-frame flat exchanger. When applications get really large, shell and tube exchangers can be built much more cheaply, and can be built to tolerate much higher pressures and temperatures. They also have a lower pressure drop than their equivalent in plate exchangers. Similar to plate-and-frame exchangers, they can be disassembled for maintenance and cleaning, although the shell and tube design makes this a task requiring a lot more physical space. The types of applications you are likely to see them in are swimming pools, ponds, and fluid-to-fluid cooling.
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One variation, the plate-and-frame plate exchanger, can be disassembled and cleaned, extending its lifespan, but this comes at increased cost. Generally, only commercial applications make the cost of replacement less than the labour cost for disassembly and cleaning, so plate-and-frame exchangers are more suited to larger projects.
MAN SHOULD NOT SIZE BY BTU ALONE While it is possible to size a heat exchanger by BTU alone, this can lead to situations where sufficient flow through the heat exchanger is not possible to get the desired results. Perfect heat transfer does not exist in the real world, and there’s an upper limit of flow that can be run through any one heat exchanger, so if exchangers are sized only on BTU, it is possible to run into situations where a massive pump will be needed to push enough flow through the exchanger.
Sizing an exchanger
by Eric Riml
It’s difficult to “just go buy” a heat exchanger if you don’t know what you need. You need to provide at least five of the following seven pieces of information before your supplier can size a heat exchanger for you – six if you can’t provide a BTUH requirement:
Eric Riml is a certified hydronic designer working in Calgary, Alta. He can be reached at feedback@hotwaterheating.info.
• BTUH requirement of the cold side (system side); • Hot-side inlet temperature (boiler supply);
DESIGN ASSUMPTIONS
• Hot-side outlet temperature (boiler return); • Cold-side outlet temperature (system supply); • Cold-side inlet temperature (system return); • GPM or flow rate of inlets; and • GPM or flow rate of outlets. It is possible to determine a lot of these pieces of information by looking at the boiler and terminal units at design conditions. For example, a fancoil might need 160°F inlet temperature and operate on a 30° ∆T. The boiler might be capable of 180°F supply water at a certain maximum flow rate, and you want to keep a 20° ∆T in the boiler loop. Given that a fan coil will be used to heat the space, a heat loss calculation on that space will provide a BTUH requirement. So from this example, we have: • BTUH required by the fan coil;
Designers often bank on the fact that a heat exchanger will, if properly sized, actually step-down the supply water temperature. That is, if you want a concrete slab to get to no more than 140°F, it’s possible to size a heat exchanger to make that happen, even if the boiler-side water is 180°F at design conditions. While this isn’t the best way to ensure that the slab is not overheated, it can help with sizing of system-side equipment if a certain performance of the heat exchanger can be determined. Allowing a supplier to sell you a heat exchanger that is “more than big enough” can actually lead you into trouble, and circumvent some of the designer’s assumptions on how the heat exchanger will perform.
• Maximum flow rate through the boiler (GPM hot-side); • 160°F cold-side outlet (supply to fan coil); • 130°F cold-side inlet (return from fan coil); • 180°F hot-side inlet (boiler supply); and • 160°F hot-side outlet (return to the boiler from the heat exchanger). From these pieces of information, you can get the supplier to tell you what kind of pumps and heat exchanger you’ll need for the application.
While you are less likely to get callbacks from an oversized heat exchanger than an undersized one, I encourage contractors to buy heat exchangers as close as possible to optimal size to avoid longer-term problems.
Vitocrossal 200, CM2: a brand new face with familiar features
lar w Ne
ge
s ize s r
†
Technical data subject to change without notice.
Meet the Vitocrossal 200, CM2 gas-fired condensing boiler – featuring the Viessmann technology you know and the performance and value you expect. Thermal Efficiencies up to 97%† Ideal for large residential or commercial applications with inputs up to 2245 MBH (single)/8980 MBH (cascade) Generous heat transfer surface area/heat input ratio with 316Ti stainless steel heat exchanger to maximize heat extraction Extremely low NOx emissions from fully-modulating Viessmann pre-mix cylinder burner Seamless integration of Viessmann control technology and building management systems Multiple venting possibilities with pre-installed air intake kit for direct or chimney venting (PP or stainless steel) up to 200 ft. Gas fuel flexibility (NG/LPG/LNG) with simple electronic conversion Low inlet gas pressure capability (NG) as low as 4 inches of water column No dedicated boiler pump required due to extremely low water pressure drop through heat exchanger
Contact us to learn about our new Rent-to-Own program www.viessmann.ca rent@viessmann.ca 1-800-387-7373
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HYDRONIC
Products
Hydraulic air and dirt separator The Spirovent Quad Steel hydraulic air and dirt separator from Spirotherm features a steel body, copper medium brass vent head and brass blow down valve. It is offered with male threads in 2” to 4” sizes and in flanged ASME in 2” to 12” sizes. Features include an integral brass float-operated venting mechanism with Viton seal. The units allow dirt to be flushed while the system is in full operation.
www. spriotherm.com
Condensing boiler Viessmann’s Vitocrossal 200, CM2 condensing boiler is available with inputs of up to 2,245,000 BTUH (single) or 8,980,000 (cascade). The low NOx unit offers efficiencies up to 94.4% and features a 316Ti stainless steel heat exchanger, a pre-installed air intake kit for direct or chimney venting up to 200 ft., and low inlet gas pressure capability.
www. viessmann.ca
Residential controls The tekmarNet 2 House Control 400 is designed for residential hydronic heating systems and can be used in a range of single-zone and multiple-zone applications. Its features include automatic boiler differential, indoor temperature feedback, outdoor temperature reset, powered pump outputs, setpoint operation, warm weather shut down and zone synchronization.
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www. tekmarcontrols.com
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Marketplace Ads
INSTANTANEOUS INDIRECT WATER HEATER THERMO 2000’S TURBOMAX heats water instantaneously, only when needed and keeps energy consumption to a minimum, with a heat transfer efficiency reaching 99%. TURBOMAX adapts to all thermal energy sources (gas, oil, electricity, wood, solar and recuperated heat) and can reduce heating costs by UP TO 30%.
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Marketplace Ads
WOOD PELLET BOILERS
AIR CURTAINS FOR ANY APPLICATION Heat Saving Systems is a full-line manufacturer of air curtains for any application, commercial/industrial, or for more decorative installations. Models are available in heated (electric, hot water) and non-heated versions for all opening sizes – from drive thru windows, pedestrian entrances and formal lobbies, to warehouse and garage bay doors.
World leading Froling technology now available in Canada! With over 50 years of proven experience. Froling is recognized in Europe and beyond for high efficient, carbon neutral, world class biomass heating technology. Multiaward winning technology for increased convenience! Ideal for new construction or renovated buildings from 8kW to 150kW! Now seeking qualified dealers.
www.heatsavigsystems.com www.ontor.com
www.evergreenbioheat.com
THE BURNHAM ALPINE
ULTRA HIGH EFFICIENCY
The Alpine is a 95% efficient condensing boiler featuring a proven stainless steel heat exchanger and modern appliance-like design. Available in 80-399 MBH (in six sizes), it features the Sage2.1™ control system which offers a backlit LCD touchscreen interface with intuitive text menus, full modulation with 5-to-1 turndown, and outdoor reset.
The Fulton Vantage™ hydronic condensing boiler is a traditional firetube boiler designed for ultra-high efficiency hydronic heating applications. Features include a high-mass vessel with superior duplex steel design, high thermal efficiencies, diverse burner configurations, and state-of-the-art controls.
www.usboiler.net
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Products
Wall- or floor-mounted boiler Weil-McLain Canada’s ECO boiler is designed to deliver up to 95.2% AFUE and has input ranges of 70,000 to 155,000 BTUH. The unit is built with a stainless steel fire tube heat exchanger and has wall and floor mounting options. It can be vented using S636 PVC, CPVC, PP or SS venting up to 100’ for both exhaust and air intake, and has multiple venting configurations, including sidewall or through-the-roof direct vent. Additional features include an LCD display that can be mounted on the boiler or a wall up to 2’ away.w
Balancing valve The 58 Series BAV balancing valve from Apollo Valves has a maximum operating pressure of 300 psig and a maximum operating temperature of 250°F. Its features include a dezincification-resistant cast bronze body, and 1/2” or 3/4” solder connections.
www. apollovalves.com
www.
Pool heater
weil-mclain.ca
The Mighty Therm2 Pool Heater from Laars is designed specifically for the replacement pool heater market. It is available in seven sizes ranging from 500,000 to 2 million BTUH. The natural gas or LP-fired systems come standard with a built-in automatic mixing system, which includes a three-way thermostatic mixing valve and a factory-mounted and -wired pump, allowing it handle return water temperatures as low as 60°F without causing internal condensation.
www. laars.com
PEX, COPPER or CPVC The fastest way to install
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large diameter pipe.
Wall-hung boiler
• Quality push-fit fittings • Quick connect – no tools, soldering or glue • Quick disconnect – with the innovative • Shark Shifter tool • One person installation • For use on Copper, PEX and CPVC • Extensive Range of Fittings and Ball Valves with sizes in 1 1/4", 1 1/2" and 2"
Sime’s Murelle EV HE 30 has an input range of 44,000 to 110,000 BTUH and an AFUE rating of 95%. The condensing wall-hung boiler features a stainless steel heat exchanger and is available in natural gas, LP and as a combi model. It has a built-in circulator, expansion tank and air eliminator. It is ASME rated.
W H A T
SharkBite_Mech_Bus_4.26_3rd_square_Ad.indd 1
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S u p p l e m e n t
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HYDRONIC
Products
Zone Valve White-Rodgers’ series of hydronic zone valves feature a one-piece, solid brass body construction, stainless steel return springs, heavy gauge brass gears, a rotating ball valve, and a riveted synchronized motor. They have a top designed for quick access to the valve, as well as an insulated motor and end switch terminal connectors.
www. emersonclimate.com
Pressure control valve Jomar’s HCI Evo pressure independent control valves have forged brass bodies, adjustable and lockable flow regulators, and brass and stainless steel cartridges. Features of the line include low start-up pressure, a temperature range of 15 to 250˚F, an adjustable flow setting and a pressure rating to 360 psi. It is offered in 1/2” to 1” NPT connection sizes.
www. neovalves.com
Mini-ball valves Dahl’s line of mini-ball valves for PEX-A pipe is designed for both potable water and radiant heating applications. Available for 3/8”, 1/2”, 5/8” and 3/4” nominal tube sizes, they are certified and listed by CSA and IAPMO to adhere to ASTM F1960 standards for cold expansion joints.
www. dahlvalve.com
1-800-665-3336 www.edenenergy.com
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REFRIGERATION
B y P h il J. B o udreau
THE COMPRESSOR OPERATING ENVELOPE
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ll refrigerant compressors are designed for specific refrigerants and a range of operating conditions. Manufacturers of refrigeration, comfort cooling and heat pump compressors generally publish an operating envelope in the form of a graphic that shows the sandbox of conditions that the compressor is permitted to operate within. Operation outside the envelope will, of course, result in the eventual failure of the compressor.
Fig. 1
In Figure 1, a letter indicates each limiting area of a theoretical operating envelope, which we will use to discuss each of the limits, looking at the factors that establish these limits, along with the consequences of operating outside the limits of a reciprocating compressor. In addition to the limitations discussed here, there are other limits that may need to be considered. For example, if the compressor will be used in conjunction with cylinder unloading or a variable speed drive, the manufacturer will usually impose additional limits. Additional limits can generally be found in the manufacturer’s software and performance data sheets.
AREA A
AREA A – ACCEPTABLE OPERATING CONDITIONS Conditions that fall inside the boundaries of the operating envelope (Area A) are considered to represent acceptable operating conditions. However, many operating envelopes actually refer to one compressor displacement that may be available with one, two, or even three different motor versions. The motor used will, of course, depend on the application. It is important to know which motor version the compressor uses. In our example, this particular compressor displacement is available with two motors. Motor 1 shows the operating limits represented by Area A in Figure 1 for the high-power motor and Motor 2 illustrates the same for the low-power motor.
AREA B
AREA B – MINIMUM SATURATED SUCTION TEMPERATURE (SST) The left-most boundary for the envelope represents the minimum SST. There are a few factors that are used to establish this limit. At minimum SSTs, the density of the refrigerant is low and the mass flow rate is low. These two conditions reduce the availability of motor cooling present in hermetic and semi-hermetic compressors. On another note, it is not desirable to operate compressors that have refrigerant-cooled motors in a vacuum as this will likely result in motor failure. Operation in a vacuum will also permit the entrance of air into the system if a leak takes place. The entrance of air also permits the entrance of moisture, oxygen, nitrogen and other contaminants present in the surrounding air. The entrance of these contaminants can lead to a host of other problems.
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• C o m p r e s s o r s a n d t h eir o p er at in g co n d it io n s
AREA C
AREA C – MINIMUM SATURATED DISCHARGE TEMPERATURE (SDT) Low condensing temperatures contribute to lower discharge temperatures and may even permit condensation in the cylinder heads of a compressor. This can result in damaged reed valves. An SDT that is too low may also prevent the discharge valves from seating properly reducing the efficiency of the compressor.
AREA D
AREA D – LOW COMPRESSION RATIO Area D represents conditions that result in high refrigerant flow rate and low compression ratio. The upper-right-most section of this sloping line represents the lowest compression ratio and highest mass flow rate. When compression ratios are too low, the improper sealing of reed valves will reduce the efficiency of the compressor. Due to the high mass flow rate, the compressor suction and discharge reed valves are under a great deal of stress. Therefore, operation at compression ratios below the minimum is likely to result in valve damage or breakage. As refrigerant is compressed, its enthalpy increases due to the heat of compression. As a result, the refrigerant will always leave the compressor with some degree of superheat; even if the refrigerant enters the compressor as a saturated vapour (zero superheat). At these low condensing temperatures, discharge superheat tends to be lower. It is important to ensure that this superheat is not less than the manufacturer’s minimum requirement, especially at these lower SDTs, since excessive refrigerant solution in the oil is likely to occur. Possible consequences of this are reduced lubrication due to a low oil viscosity, excessive oil foaming and higher oil carry-over rate.
AREA E
AREA E – MAXIMUM SATURATED SUCTION TEMPERATURE (SST)
This is the upper limit for the SST. This limit is established by the maximum allowable forces on the running gear of the compressor due to high suction pressure. The running gear includes the bearings, crankshaft, connecting rods, etc. A film of oil must be present between moving parts at all times. At higher loads, this film becomes thinner as it is “squeezed” out of the clearance. This results in a condition known as boundary lubrication. In extreme cases, this can even lead to metal to metal contact.
AREA F
AREA F – MAXIMUM SATURATED DISCHARGE TEMPERATURE (SDT) Area F is the upper limit for the SDT. This is established, in part, by the maximum load on the compressor’s running gear during high SSTs. This limit also depends on the maximum design pressure capabilities of the compressor housing. When selecting compressors near this limit, the effects of pull-down become even more important. In some cases it is necessary to limit the suction pressure during start-up and pull-down so that these limits are not exceeded. For example, pressure-limiting metering devices or crankcase pressure regulating can serve this purpose. The highest motor load will be present at the upper-right-hand corner of the operating envelope. It is never advisable to operate a compressor too close to this limit. Not only is the motor at its maximum load, but an unbalanced compressor supply voltage will place further stress on the motor.
Phil Boudreau is the Ontario sales manager for Bitzer Canada Inc. and provides training and technical support for Bitzer’s clientele. Phil is also a refrigeration instructor at Humber College in Toronto, Ontario. He can be contacted at pboudreau@ bitzer.ca.
For example, a voltage deviation of one per cent can result in an increase of current that is in excess of five per cent. Also, the motor winding temperature will increase exponentially with the percentage of voltage deviation.
AREAS G & H
AREAS G & H – HIGH COMPRESSION RATIO This area is established by the maximum compression ratio and upper thermal limits of the compressor. At conditions beyond this barrier, motor cooling is compromised, discharge temperatures are high and lubrication issues arise. The high discharge temperature occurs because the suction densities are very low and the heat of compression is at a maximum. This area may reveal additional limits depending on whether or not other measures are implemented in order to reduce the temperature. The envelope shown here includes two shaded areas. In this case, shaded area G identifies the need to keep the return gas temperature (RGT) or suction superheat below a certain value; or apply auxiliary cooling, such as a head cooling fan, that will impinge air on the outer surface of the compressor body to help remove heat. Shaded area H in this case indicates the need for both a limited RGT (or superheat) along with a form of auxiliary cooling such as a head cooling fan.
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with Roger Grochmal
Competing in a changing landscape
It seems like you can buy a furnace or air conditioner everywhere these days. And often the big box stores can offer better pricing and more competitive financing. How am I supposed to compete? Frank W., Toronto, Ont.
Roger Grochmal is the CEO of AtlasCare in Oakville, Ont. To submit a question about your company, business practices, or the industry in general, send an e-mail to Mechanical Business Magazine’s editor, Adam Freill, adam.freill@ mechanicalbusiness.com.
Addressing the unaddressed I have yet to meet a perfect mechanical system in a home, either tract or custom built. Compromises get made in construction. Subsequent renovations can make things worse. There could be issues with hot and cold rooms, temperature variations between floors, smells that linger, excessive dust accumulations, poor or no bathroom ventilation, condensation, water leaks, poor control, etc. Solutions go far beyond swapping out a furnace or air conditioner, but most homeowners aren’t aware that solutions to their problems exist, because no one ever told them. Big box stores can’t or won’t. We can.
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hen I reflect on the past 15 years in our industry, I see a lot of change. One of the biggest I’ve seen is the entry of major retailers into our space. For the longest time, Sears was the only retailer in the game and they confined their activity largely to their own loyal customer base. The connection was the Sears credit card. Today, the retail landscape has expanded to include new players: Home Depot, Costco, Canadian Tire and I hear rumours of The Brick getting into the game. They see profit in moving hardware and they bring a high-profile brand, plenty of customer traffic into their stores and easy financing.
decided to become more than the “furnace guy”. We want to be a mechanical consultant to our customers.
The result is that they are cutting a big hole in the competitive landscape and selling a lot of furnaces and air conditioners. This is having a huge impact on residential contractors who can’t compete with big box pricing models. Many are folding up their tent and retiring. What about the rest of us who want to stay and compete? What do we do? The simple answer is that we have to add more value for the homeowner. We need to make it easy for them to choose us because we bring more than cheap prices to the table. In our company we have
Homeowners need advisors they can trust to bring them real solutions to their problems. It requires us to start a conversation and bring some solutions. In the absence of communication from contractors, homeowners will get information elsewhere, sometimes misguided, and often out of context. We can be part of the conversation and influence the outcome or just react to what the retailers are doing and see our businesses continue to erode. We have a choice. Let’s make the right one.
Earning the sale Being a home comfort consultant to our customers is what will differentiate us from the big box stores. Let’s face it, we can’t always differentiate based on the furnace or air conditioner we are selling, but if we can add extra value and build relationships with our customers, there is a greater chance they will stick with us for the long run. The equipment might make us the most money, but it is the solutions we bring that will get us the sale. B u s i n e s s
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DON’T COMPROMISE.
Get curb appeal, energy efficient performance and outstanding product warranties. Get on the ground floor with the world’s largest HVAC manufacturer and start growing your business. Daikin brand commercial packaged units offer ease of installation, efficient operation and outstanding product warranty coverage. Whether you need a straight cooling unit, heat pump or gas/electric, you’ll find strong features such as 5mm condensing coils, outstanding heat pump features and our most durable tubular heat exchanger. When you want the best, don’t compromise. Demand Daikin! Goodman Locations 6741 Cariboo Road, Unit 111, Burnaby, BC V3N 4A3 2640 Jacques Cartier-Est, Longueuil, QC J4N 1P8 4313 Autoroute Des Laurentides, Laval, QC H7L 5W5 1055 Cardiff Blvd., Mississauga, ON L5S 1P4 1161 Parisien Street, Ottawa, ON K1B 4W4 15700 Robins Hill Road, London, ON N5V 0A4
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Contact your local Daikin brand distributor today for more information or call 855-Daikin1 (324-5461) or visit www.daikincomfort.com.
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CIPH celebrates milestone in Halifax
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CIPH marked its 80th year as an industry association at its 2013 Annual Business Conference, which took place in Halifax from June 16 to 18. Approximately 250 attendees, including 54 new delegates and companions, helped celebrate the association’s major milestone. The event also featured a wide array of Nova Scotia hospitality and culture, including a tour of Peggy’s Cove, tours of the Alexander Keith’s Brewery and Halifax’s connection to the Titanic, live fiddle music, and more. Keynote speaker and bestselling author David Chilton entertained a packed house with tales from his experiences on the hit television show Dragon’s Den, while reminding his fellow Canadians of how fortunate we all are to live in such a prosperous nation. Additional speakers at the “Pathways to Relevance” conference included HARDI chief economist Alan Beaulieu, Modern Distribution Management publisher Tom Gale, media personality and entrepreneur Pete Luckett, and hydronic heating design trainer John Barba. The next CIPH ABC will take place at the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort and Conference Centre in Kelowna, B.C., from June 22 to 24, 2014. ciph.com 1. “It’s not what you sell, it’s how you sell…” says media personality and grocery store chain owner Pete Luckett during his session about turning buyers into believers through the use of media and marketing. 2. “Luck plays a big role in life,” said bestselling author of The Wealthy Barber David Chilton, during his keynote address. Chilton wowed the crowd with tales from his ventures on Dragon’s Den and publishing the bestselling cookbook Looneyspoons. 3. Outgoing CIPH chairman John Hammill and HRAI chairman David Morden sign a memorandum of understanding during the CIPH annual general meeting. 4. Lively Youth entertain a full house during the Welcome to Halifax Dinner. 5. Outgoing CIPH chairman John Hammill presents Novo Water Conditioning Products’ Denton Gaiser with the CIPH Lifetime Service Award. 6. Comedian Derek Edwards entertains the dinner crowd at Pier 21. 7. “Mac” shows off a fresh glass of Alexander Keith’s finest to delegates during a trip back in time at the Alexander Keith’s Brewery. 8. Outgoing CIPH board member Kevin Fullan poses with outgoing CIPH chairman John Hammill during the CIPH 2013 AGM. 9. Outgoing chair John Hammill poses with Mike and Julie Dennis, after presenting Mike with the CIPH Lifetime Member Award.
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PLUMBING
B y S t eve W ilh elm Steve Wilhelm is a product manager with Watts Water Technologies (Canada) Inc., and has been associated with the Orion line of chemical piping systems for the past 22 years. He can be reached at steve.wilhelm@watts.com.
PIPING FOR NATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL
SECURITY
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Protecting the waters The inland waters surrounding Vancouver Island, B.C. – called the Salish Sea – have for eons been a thriving habitat for several subspecies of salmon. Since the early 1990s, there’s been a slow but steady decline in the number of fish in that sea. A definite, glaring factor for the problem hasn’t been identified, but Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) isn’t leaving water pollution to chance.
anadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt and its Fleet Maintenance Facility (FMF) are located on a peninsula in the Salish Sea. About three years ago, ground broke for a new 30,000 sq. ft. electroplating shop, which specializes in gold, silver, chrome, zinc, and iridium-coating of naval vessel parts and components. An adjacent waste water treatment plant handles the facility’s corrosive byproduct. “There’s no shortage of aggressive and potentially environmentallydevastating chemicals used in the electroplating process,” said Dave Small, superintendant at Lockerbie and Hole, the mechanical contractor on the job. “Cyanide, chromium, and a mix of nasty acids and alkalis are all an unavoidable necessity.” Because the shop needs to be at water’s edge to serve the FMF dry docks, the chemicals are an even bigger potential threat to marine wildlife. The solution installed was a polypropylene double containment piping system. That’s a highly specialized solution, but the not quite traditional installation went one step further, using an electric resistance fusion method of pipe connection, due to the tight space the pipes were to be installed into. The shop’s proximity to the water requires that it be elevated, like a boardwalk. Steel pilings, sunk to bedrock, hold the building four feet off the ground, except for a single access corridor where six-foot clearance
ADDRESSING THE HEAT LOAD
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ockerbie and Hole was trusted with the heating system at the new electroplating facility, as well as the chemical plumbing.
Ten natural gas-fired rooftop units are spread out across the flat roof of the electroplating shop. The units provide a combined 10 million BTUH of heating capacity for the space. Certain steps in the stripping and coating processes create heat, so the facility is equipped with massive exhaust fans and air scrubbers that reduce the need for cooling equipment.
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• Addr e s s i n g t h e h e a t l o ad • Naval r est o r at io n • S ecu r it y
Uncompromising SECURITY “The big question was, ‘How can we be 100 per cent sure we won’t have a leak?’” said Peter Way, representative at Hy-Line Sales.
Photo: Ian Duke
“Double-containment – or acid waste – piping presented the only answer, but our company had never installed any before,” said Dave Small.
Naval restoration Canadian military vessels makes utility access more convenient. that need work are often “At high tide, we’ll get about four sent to CFB Esquimalt for or five inches of water under a facelift. Once at the dock the building,” said Craig Mercier, near the electroplating superintendant for Stewart Olsen, shop, the ships are partially the building’s general contractor. dismantled. The parts “During a king tide, it can be a lot requiring service are first steam cleaned, then deeper.” chemically stripped of their While Lockerbie and Hole turned old coatings before being the building over to the military in freshly electroplated, cured mid-February, service didn’t begin and put back into service. immediately. “There’s a good deal of commissioning to go through, and a learning curve for employees familiarizing themselves with the new equipment,” said Small. “But they’ll have the convenience of being able to service equipment on-base, and peace of knowing that vulnerable ocean waters are safe from contamination.”
His company assessed a pair of piping options, and while both were equally effective at isolating the chemicals, his firm opted for what he felt was the less labour intensive offering, since the installation site was challenging, to say the least. The pipe was installed on the epoxy-coated underside of a half-inch thick steel deck, which serves as the building’s slab. Over 500 studs were welded for pipe hangers. Working conditions in the crawlspace were rough, with varying height. Some of the time, workers were on their hands and knees, crawling around on abrasive rock surfaces in the crawlspace, reports Smith. Chris Ziu, product manager with Watts Water Technologies, explained that the polypropylene pipe can be joined by the traditional socket fusion method, but Lockerbie and Hole decided to use the electric resistance fusion method. With that method of connection, wire coils are moulded into the couplings. When current is supplied, the plain end fittings and pipes fuse together, turning into a contiguous joint that’s stronger than the pipe itself. On this project, nearly 6,000 lineal feet of polypropylene double containment piping is used. Sizes range from half-inch carrier (inner layer) pipe with two-inch containment (outer layer), to four-inch carrier with eight-inch containment. The containment piping completely surrounds the carrier, even at elbows and joints. The carrier is installed and pressure tested first, followed by completion and testing of the containment system.
AN INTENSE INSTALLATION “We pooled the pipe out on the steel floor of the electroplate shop, then used ultrasound equipment to mark where studs needed to be welded to the underside of the floor,” explained Dave Small. “After the studs were welded in place and epoxy coated, we began hanging and fusing pipe. “What was easy above-deck was far more complicated once underneath, in the dark and on your hands and knees,” he continued. “Working around the pilings and
steel floor joists only made things harder.”
treatment facility.
Six entirely independent pipe systems (cyanide, chromium, acid alkali, gravity oily waste, pumped oily waste, and acid alkali standpipes) snake across the underside of the shop.
According to Small, the easiest part of the installation was actually connecting the sections of pipe. The clamp-free electrofusion system uses a heavy gauge wire coil that’s moulded into the coupling, so the pipes fuse together after they’re placed and slipped together. Once the heating process has been started, there’s no need to move the pipe.
Each toxic chemical has its own system. Some are pressurized, while others are gravity flow. Fifty-seven tanks of varying size hold chemicals before and after use. Eventually, everything ends up at the M e c h a n i c a l
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Marketing with DOUG MACMILLAN
Doug MacMillan is president of The Letter M Marketing in Guelph, Ont. To reach him, email doug@thelettermmarketing.com.
If you’re building a brand, why not make it personal? The face of a brand Back in the ’80s, an unknown chap named Dave Nichol started to appear in TV spots. He was the president of Loblaws Supermarkets, a popular grocery chain that was pretty much the same as every other grocery store. They carried the same food brands, butchered the same cuts and baked the same types of bread. Dave invited viewers to try his growing line of personally selected premium products he called the President’s Choice. He wasn’t a chef or culinary expert. He was a lawyer-turned-executive who came across as an authoritative but relatable guy – a self-confessed “foodie” with a few extra pounds to lend credibility to his claim. The PC brand became a phenomenal success story, built squarely on the shoulders of Dave. It is perhaps one of Canada’s finest examples of personal branding as a corporate marketing strategy.
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he concept of personal branding is nothing new, of course, but these days whether it’s strategic or not, everyone’s personal brand is out there working for or against your business. If you can’t beat it, why not make the most of it? Infusing some genuine personality into the brand can be just the ticket to differentiation. Here are some thoughts on building an effective personal brand to really separate your business from the competition:
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Have a plan. Personal branding feels grassroots and authentic and is best served without forethought, right? Well, no. Yes, be authentic, but a solid plan is still a great business tool. Map out the key messages, budget and tactics you can employ to put the person behind the brand. It might mean renaming your monthly service program to “Cathy’s Comfort Plan” or putting the chief on the radio once a week to share his wisdom. Put a little thought into it, and whatever the ideas are, organize them on paper, and assign roles and responsibilities just as you would any other business activity.
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Understand what the brand stands for. We’re often not the best judge of our own attributes, and a personal brand is all about those adjectives. Call on others who know you (or the person being branded) to help define the personality traits that can best define the individual, and then boil it down to no more than five defining characteristics people will begin to associate with the brand.
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Understand the breadth of your brand’s reach. My significantly better half has to remind me occasionally that there are “in the house” clothes and “out of the house” clothes. As much as I’d like to dash to the hardware store wearing the sweat pants I bought while at university, it’s not the best way to represent the personal brand I’ve been cultivating as a business owner in a small town. People talk. Personal brands are never off hours – on the street or on the internet.
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Be visual. Everything in marketing today is about the visuals. Unless you’re going for the brand of the mysterious and enigmatic leader (and that’s pretty tough to pull off) you’ll want to push aside your vanity and get some nice pictures done. They don’t need to be eight feet high on the side of your van, but do incorporate them in marketing and communications activity. Better yet, shoot some videos and use them in your marketing.
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Get out there. Pictures are nice, but presence is even better. Bring the brand to the customers, and out into the community.
Using media for the message Mechanical Business columnist Roger Grochmal, owner of AtlasCare, and his son Michael have done a terrific job of bringing the comfortable authority of their personal brands to customers using video to communicate the company’s offerings. AtlasCare is also a nice example of transitioning a business from one personal brand to another as part of long-term succession planning.
Potable Water Solutions for 2-8”/50-200 mm systems
Introducing the Victaulic Series 7A2 Butterfly Valve u
2½ - 8”/65-200 mm sizes rated from vacuum to 300 psi
u
NSF-61-G certified
u
PPS coated for domestic water service
NSF-61-G
Victaulic offers a variety of couplings, valves and fittings suitable for use on Copper and Stainless Steel potable water piping systems.
www.victaulic.com
PLUMBING
Products 90-degree faucets Arris faucets from Moen are offered in two-handle and single-handle configurations. They have a flow rate of 5.7 lpm and are available in chrome and brushed nickel finishes. The line features widespread and wallmount tub/shower and Roman tub faucets, as well as single-handle lavatory faucets.
www. moen.ca
Residential tankless The NRC661 residential condensing tankless water heater from Noritz has flow rates of 0.5 to 6.6 gpm and an input range of 15,000 to 120,000 BTUH. These gas-fired units feature a polyester-coated steel casing and direct electronic ignition. They have a thermal efficiency of 93% with natural gas or propane.
Electric water heater Giant’s Expert 8 Plus residential electric water heater is available in 30, 40 and 60 gallon capacities with factory-installed wattages of 120V, 208V and 240V. The units have double glass-lined inner tanks and are built with a two-inch thick, uniform blanket of Greenfoam insulation. Other features include factory installed 3/4” NPT di-electric nipples, temperature and pressure release valves, and magnesium anodes.
www. noritz.com
Residential water heater Bradford White-Canada’s GX1-55S residential atmo atmospheric vent gas water heater has a 55 gallon capac capacity and maximum inputs of 80,000 BTUH (natural gas) and 78,000 BTUH (LP). It features a hand wheel for adjusting the mixed water tem temperature, a pre-piped stainless steel flexible connector, a helical fin flue, automatic temperature control, and a cold water inlet sediment reducing device. The tank is lined with an engineered enamel formula for protection against corrosion
www. giantinc.com
www. bradfordwhite.com
Venting solutions
Wood deck drain
The System 636 flue gas venting system from IPEX includes System 636 PVC, classified as Type BH Class IIA vent and designed for use on appliances with flue gas temperatures up to 65°C. It is available in 1-1/2” to 4” sizes. System 636 CPVC is classified as Type BH Class IIB vent, suitable for use on appliances with flue gas temperatures up to 90°C. It is available in sizes ranging from 1-1/2” to 8”.
OS&B’s Wood Deck Drain is designed for light duty applications, such as second floor laundry rooms. The ABS floor drain features an 18-gauge epoxy-coated metal deck flange, designed to secure the drain to the subfloor. The drain is also built with a 2” ABS DWV hub connection. It is available in round or square stainless steel grate designs. The unit can be installed in an 8” or 10” joist space. It can also be installed with waterproofing membrane. The unit is CSA certified and can be tapped and threaded for a trap seal primer.
www. ipexinc.com
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FLOCOR AND TYCO FIRE PROTECTION PRODUCTS SHARE A COMMITMENT TO HELPING YOU PROTECT YOUR WORLD
Each year the majority of fire related deaths in Canada take place where we feel the most secure, in the home. In light of such tragedies, Flocor is proud to be an authorized distributor of the life-saving family of fire protection products from RAPID RESPONSE â&#x201E;˘ Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems, a brand of Tyco Fire Protection Products. To learn more about the comprehensive industrial, commercial, fire protection, and municipal piping solutions offered by Flocor, call 905-664-1459 or visit www.flocor.ca.
HVAC/R
B y K en To m ihiro
Out-of-tune electronics: Understanding harmonics
M
uch of today’s HVAC electrical equipment is a combination of VFDs supplying fan motors, compressors, water pumps and cooling tower fans, and this equipment works in conjunction with complex control systems that depend on programmable logic controllers and proprietary circuits to maintain the optimal design temperatures, flow rates and pressures. The combined effects of harmonic currents generated by this equipment will have increasing and significant impact on electrical distribution systems and the facilities they feed. The identification of equipment that can produce or can be affected by these potentially disruptive electrical currents should be an important part of any maintenance, troubleshooting and repair program.
HARMONICS Harmonics is a term used to describe a type of distortion of the normal electrical current waveform. These distortions are generally created and transmitted by non-linear loads, such as variable frequency motor drives, battery chargers, computers, photocopiers and printers. Non-linear loads are power supplies that convert utility AC current to regulated low-voltage DC and draw current in high
Most power systems can accommodate a certain level of harmonic distortion, but problems can develop when the harmonics become a significant component of the overall load. The higher frequency harmonic currents that flow through the power system can cause such problems as: • Equipment malfunction and improper operation of control circuits; • False tripping of branch circuit breakers; • Faulty shutdowns and error codes for electronically controlled systems such as chillers and air handlers; • Overheating of wires and cable, solenoid coils, transformers and capacitors; • Premature failure of motors and fans and other connected equipment; and • Lower system power factors that result in increased energy costs. Modern HVAC systems require engineers and technicians alike to understand the cause and effect of harmonics and to measure and interpret harmonic values if related problems are to be avoided and solved. The potential impact of harmonics should also be considered when contemplating additions or changes to any electrical system.
amplitude, short pulses that create significant distortion in the current and voltage wave shape. This distortion travels back into the main power source and can then affect other equipment connected to the same source.
continued on page 94
DID YOU KNOW?
Single-phase harmonics are more prevalent in modern office buildings while three-phase nonlinear loads are more widespread in factories and industrial plants.
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True HVAC professionals know their reputation is made with every sale. Which is why they choose to sell Armstrong Air.®
HVAC professionals take a lot of pride in the work they do, and the equipment they install. They choose Armstrong Air because they know our standards are as high as their own. With smart designs like MHT™ Technology in the summer and EHX™ Technology in the winter, we have thoughtfully engineered comfort solutions that can delight every customer, every time. If you're ready to make the choice to sell something better, get started at www.armstrongair.com/become-a-dealer.asp
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HVAC/R
continued from page 92
A TECHNICAL OVERVIEW
Fig. 1
In addition to the fundamental 60 Hz frequency, additional harmonic currents can be caused by the non-linear loads in a system. For example, 180 Hz is the third harmonic, and 300 Hz is the fifth harmonic. When added to the primary flow, these harmonics create a distorted signal of current that does not resemble the normal sine wave pattern, as illustrated in Figure 1. This distorted wave pattern is an indication that both current and voltage are fluctuating abnormally and the imbalances created by the harmonics cause additional current to flow through the system which, in turn, causes harmonic voltage drops. The degree and magnitude of the harmonics caused by non-linear loads is a function of the design and interaction of the load with the distribution system impedance, but the long-term effects can include inconsistent operation, power system inefficiency and equipment shutdown or failure. Increases in the value of current and higher frequency Image courtesy of René Schwarz content can cause nuisance capacitor fuse operation or false breaker tripping and overheating of wires, particularly load neutrals. Shortened life of transformers, motors and generators due to increases in equipment operating temperatures can be caused by higher current flows with concurrent voltage drops, or by lower peak current values that deprive equipment of the full power required to operate efficiently.
Even-numbered harmonics cancel each other out. It is only the odd-numbered ones that create distorted waves.
Motor bearing life can also be reduced due to the vibrations caused by fluctuating power inputs. Sensitive devices used for timing, peak measurement or synchronization can be disrupted by severe harmonic voltage distortions, and technicians can be confounded by resulting system failures that produce mismatched fault codes and diagnostic readings.
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• A te c h n i c a l o v e r v i e w • W h at t o d o • Tr o u b lesh o o t in g
WHAT TO DO
Each case must be assessed individually as there are no “onesize-fits-all” solutions since effectiveness, cost and space requirements vary greatly. Harmonic filters are the most common solution applied when harmonic distortions are causing problems. Depending on budget and effectiveness requirements, filter types include line reactors to reduce harmonic currents, passive or trap filters that are tuned to remove specific harmonics, broadband filters that treat a wider spectrum of harmonics, or active filters that monitor loads and dynamically inject harmonic currents that cancel the offending harmonics. Filters should be placed as close as possible to the equipment producing the harmonic currents. Another alternative is to isolate the problem equipment using an isolation transformer. Harmonic problems tend to diminish moving farther away from the non-linear load, so relocating either the non-linear load or the affected circuit to a different distribution panel may also help to solve the problem. Other solutions to help reduce problems associated with harmonics occur at the facility wiring design stage when there will be a large presence of non-linear loads, such as call centres or computer centres. An appropriate design would specify the neutral wiring to exceed the phase wire capacity by about 200 per cent to help protect the building wiring. On industrial three-phase branch circuits, separate neutral conductors for each phase conductor will increase the capacity and ability of the branch circuits to handle harmonic loads.
Image: C.J. Cowie
If your analysis determines that there is a high degree of harmonic distortion in the electrical circuit, there are several different approaches that can be taken to compensate for or reduce harmonics in the power system.
Troubleshooting and problem analysis Troubleshooting in any circuit means properly identifying the root cause of the problem and isolating its source. Technicians should learn to recognize the symptoms of an electrical system with high levels of harmonic distortion. First, perform routine checks that include inputs and outputs to electronic controls, relays and sensors in an electrical system. If these do not reveal the problems, consider the possibility of harmonics. 1. Examine the circuit for non-linear loads such as VFDs, industrial battery chargers or a high number of electronic devices. 2. Make an initial test for the presence of harmonics by using a meter to measure the total harmonic distortion (THD). It is critical to use a True-RMS meter for this measurement. THD is a measurement of the harmonic distortion present as a ratio of the sum of the powers of all harmonic components to the power of the fundamental. If THD for voltage exceeds five per cent, then a more detailed investigation may be required to determine the magnitude and effects of the individual harmonics. 3. A power quality analyzer can be used to identify the presence and magnitude of harmonic frequencies. The analyzer can record disturbances in the line power and gather data that can be downloaded to a PC for complete analysis. THD and harmonic levels should be measured at the point of common coupling (PCC) where the suspect non-linear loads connect to the remainder of the system. 4. Once the degree of excessive harmonic distortions are determined, then the most cost-effective corrective action can be implemented.
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HVAC/R Products P Variable-speed compressor Danfoss’ VZH inverter scroll variable-speed compressor provides cooling capacities from 13 to 26 tons. A 4:1 modulation ratio allows it to modulate from 25 to 100 RPS. It offers 12- to 100-per-cent stepless modulation for use where low part-loads are needed.
www. danfoss.ca
Insulation tape Parker’s Hi-Temp cork insulation tape is rated for insulating hot piping in confined areas in refrigerators, freezers, heat pumps and solar applications. It offers a temperature range of -29°C to 163°C, and is designed to mould around valves and fittings. It will not crack under direct sunlight.
Wood-fired boiler Newmac’s BC160E wood-fired boiler has an average wood output of 160,000 BTUH with an efficiency of 73.1% (L.H.V.). The pre-heated primary and secondary air is delivered by a forced draft fan and a stainless steel air system. Options for the unit include a pellet system, oil backup and a grate package. All units are CRN or ASME approved.
www. parker.com
www. newmacfurnaces.com
Air curtains Williams’ air curtains are available in sizes ranging from 26” to 72” and operating voltages of 120V, 240V or 460V. They are offered in a soft-white or black powder-coat, abrasion-resistant finish, as well as stainless steel models. Optional variable speed airflow controllers are available.
Single-stage heat pump
www. williamsapplied.com
Foil tape
The Tempstar SmartComfort TXC single-stage heat pump offers efficiencies up to 9.0 HSPF, 15.5 SEER and 12.5 EER. The units are available in 1.5- to 5-ton capacities. Features include a single-stage compressor, a galvanized steel cabinet, high and low refrigerant ports, quiet-shift defrost control settings, and coated inlet grilles.
Shurtape AF Series cold temperature foil tapes are designed to create airtight bonds on joints and seams in fluctuating weather conditions. The foil tapes feature an acrylic adhesive and can be applied in temperatures from -20°F to 260°F.
www. tempstar.com
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PLASTIC PIPE
Matt Harvey is a regional manager for Reed Manufacturing Co. He can be reached at mharvey@reedmfgco.com.
By Ma t t Ha r v e y
ENSURING A CLEAN, TIGHT FIT
T
alk to a pipe fitter, plumber or HVAC professional and they will undoubtedly tell you that they’ve seen a major change in piping material over the past decade. In addition to the traditional materials such as copper, lead and black iron, plastic has made significant inroads in the mechanical sector.
Plastic is everywhere. From the bottles we drink to the furniture in our homes, and now, in our potable water systems, distribution piping and venting systems, but not all tradespeople have had formal training on the correct installation methods for PVC, and CPVC. Many plastic pipe manufacturers in Canada offer training classes in conjunction with wholesale distributors and tool manufacturers to ensure correct procedures are taught, and enforced. These are solvent cement weld training courses. This training helps to ensure that installers have a good understanding of how plastic behaves in real world applications, and how to prevent failures that could lead to liability claims, damages, lawsuits and even death. Ask your local wholesale distributor for information if you would like training.
A SQUARE CUT, WITH NO WASTE One of the most important things to do when cutting plastic pipe is to use the correct tool. Hacksaws, cut-off saws, battery-powered and manual shears will all get through plastic, but none gives a true square cut with no waste. One of the most important aspects of installing PVC, CPVC and other rigid plastic pipe is to make sure the cut is square. Having a square cut ensures even “stab depth” into fittings. Because a very large percentage of joint strength comes from the first five per cent of PVC and CPVC fittings, getting even depth all the way around the fitting is extremely important. Waste is also a very important thing to consider. Plastic is statically charged. When you cut with a chop saw, hacksaw or other similar tool, lots of statically charged “curf waste” is produced. This waste can attach itself to the inside of the pipe where it becomes a hazard, not only for the appliance to which it is attached, but also for the valves, drains and vents further down the line. Removing the statically charged waste is absolutely imperative.
PRO TIP 98
THE TOOLS
In Ontario, TSSA inspectors now check for correct plastic pipe installation, and have started to hand out hefty fines to companies that continue to use old, outdated practices.
The most effective, quickest, cleanest way to get a square cut on a piece of PVC and CPVC pipe is to use a proper plastic tubing cutter. A proper cutter has a thin PVC blade, and extra rollers to provide stability for cutting plastic.
The most accurate bevel comes from a plastic pipe bevel tool. Pipe fits into grooves of different pipe diameters, and a blade offset of 15 degrees removes a thin strip of the outside diameter without creating any statically charged waste.
BEVELLING, THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP Bevelling the outside edge of PVC and CPVC is crucial to the correct installation of PVC and CPVC. It is important for a couple of reasons. First, since PVC and CPVC fittings are tapered (the diameter decreases as you move deeper into the fitting), bevelling ensures a proper dry-fit, and maximizes “stab depth”. Second, bevelling gives the solvent cement somewhere to go, other than being forced to the front of the fitting. Installers often complain about how plastic pipe wants to push itself out of a fitting once it’s been cemented, this is the hydraulic effect of the solvent cement being trapped inside the fitting. The solution is a 15-degree bevel on the outside edge of the pipe, prior to adding solvent cement.
Solvent cement should always be applied according to manufacturers’ instructions without skipping any steps or manufacturer suggestions.
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CONTROLS By G re g Le u p i n
Greg Leupin is a mechanical engineer specializing in HVAC electronic controls and a manager with tekmar Control Systems, A Watts Water Technologies Company. With more than 18 years of experience, he is focused on teaching contractors and designers how to get the best performance out of their systems. He can be reached at customerservice@tekmarcontrols.com.
SIMPLE STRATEGIES WHEN WORKING WITH HEAT PUMPS
W
ith an energy output of up to four times the energy input, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to understand why geothermal and air source heat pumps are an increasingly popular choice for hydronic applications. Benefits such as higher efficiencies and integrating heating and cooling capabilities make the use of heat pumps an attractive solution. To operate these types of heat pumps effectively in a hydronic application, however, a proper control strategy must be in place. Matching the mechanical piping arrangement and the control strategy together will ensure the entire system can be coordinated to seamlessly work together, improving performance and reliability. Diagram 1 shows a piping solution for a two-pipe heat pump application that includes many of the typical loads seen in a system, including radiant floor or ceiling zones, fan coils, a backup boiler, DHW, and some high temperature loads, such as baseboards. This piping arrangement can also include cooling capability through the fan coils and also through the radiant floor or ceiling. However, integrating heating and cooling together in a two-pipe system can be challenging because only heating or cooling can be supplied at any given point in time. Today, heat pump systems are typically installed with stand-alone thermostats that control the zone temperatures by turning on the zone valves. Independent setpoint controls are used to operate the
Diagram 1
CONDENSATION AVOIDANCE A growing trend in heat pump applications is radiant floor or ceiling cooling. In order to operate radiant cooling properly, humidity levels must be considered to prevent condensation on floor and ceiling surfaces. An effective control strategy for this type of cooling system includes communicating thermostats with built-in humidity sensing capabilities. Humidity levels are measured and communicated to the central control, which allows a minimum water temperature to be calculated based on the dew point. The control then supplies chilled water to the radiant surface at a temperature slightly above the dew point to avoid condensation. Accurate temperature control is critical to ensure the water temperature supplied to the radiant surface is above the dew point. In the system illustrated in Diagram 1, temperature control is accomplished through the use of mixing through a variable speed injection pump (P1). This is a standard pump operated at different speeds, injecting chilled water into the radiant loop so the radiant surface satisfies a large portion of the sensible cooling load. To satisfy the latent cooling load, fan coils draw cooler chilled water temperatures directly from the tank. These fan coils also handle additional heating requirements throughout a building. continues on page 103
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CONTROLS
continued from page 100
heat pump to maintain the tank temperature. The challenge with this control strategy is the ability to create a proper interlock between the heating and cooling operation, and to make sure the thermostats know when chilled water or hot water is available. To create an interlock between heating and cooling, many contractors use summer/winter switches or outdoor temperature limits. This strategy requires additional wiring. A second interlock is also required to ensure the thermostats know which water temperature is available. Choosing an integrated control strategy will help address these common challenges. Using control logic to consider all parts of the system, a central control will coordinate the interaction between the zones, heat pump, DHW and the back up heat source to work together to improve the overall operation of the system.
A LIVELY DISCUSSION Communicating thermostats that “talk” back to a central control help determine whether chilled or hot water is required. The central control knows which zones have called for heating or cooling and determines which water temperature to supply. If the control determines that heating is required, the central control will tell the cooling zones to remain off. Once all heating zones are satisfied and they no longer require additional heat, the control may decide to provide chilled water to satisfy the cooling zones. This built-in control logic improves system efficiency, reliability and energy savings, and eliminates the need for all external wiring, which makes installation much simpler.
TOOL TIPS
Protecting yourself on the jobsite L
et’s face it, construction sites and mechanical rooms can be dangerous places, even when you know what you are doing, but a lot of the injuries that happen while working could be prevented, or at least made less severe, if proper attention were paid to personal protective equipment, or PPE. So, before you go drilling through that next stud to run a gas line or cut through a soil pipe, why not put those glasses and gloves on? When drilling or cutting through wood and metals, safety glasses are a must, and go for the ones that wrap around since you will be working with metals and concrete, both of which can cause small projectiles. A lot of the work on mechanical systems can get loud, or be in loud environments to begin with. If you are doing a task where the noise decibel rating will hit the 80 to 100 db range, or more (a jackhammer is 95 db), then earplugs or hearing protection headphones/ear muffs should be used. On your feet, boots should have steel toes, and possibly steel plates, with rubberized soles where slipping might be a concern, such as when working on plumbing systems. And some tasks will require gloves, respirators and/or shields, so think about the task you are working on, refer to the list of safety instructions included with the tools you are using, and work safe out there.
Looking sharp, staying safe A sharp tool is a safe tool. Sure it might sound counterintuitive, but sharp tools, be they drill bits or saw blades, do what you expect. Accidents happen when tools and accessories don’t do what you expect, so use sharp bits and blades, and replace those that are worn out. And use the blade that is correct for the tool and material you are working with.
A CRITICAL CHOICE The trend to use heat pumps to maximize energy efficiency while heating or cooling a building continues to grow. Incorporating an integrated control strategy is as important as determining which equipment to install. Matching the control strategy to the mechanical installation will make an efficient heat pump system a simple reality. Not only does the communication between the thermostats and the central control allow for proper interlocking, the entire system will work together to get the most efficient performance possible.
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PLUMBING
Products
Commercial water heater Lochinvar’s Shield commercial water heater offers thermal efficiencies up to 96 per cent. The lineup includes eight models, ranging from 125,000 to 500,000 BTUH. They have a 5:1 turndown ratio and are built with all of the water, gas, air and vent connections on the top of the unit to simplify installation.
www. lochinvar.com
Pipe cleaning trailer The JM-2512 Typhoon trailer jet from General Pipe Cleaners delivers 12 gpm at 2,500 psi. It has a 200-gallon holding tank, a jet hose reel that can hold 400 feet of 1/2” line, and is built with a 690 cc (24 hp) Honda engine, equipped with a 10-gallon fuel tank and electric start. Other features include electric brakes, a safety strobe light, safety cones, rear fold-down stabilizer jacks, retractable hose guide arm and an antifreeze system.
www. drainbrain.com
Plastic pipe welding Watts’ Triton pipe fusion system is designed for pipe joining and testing through the use of radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic technology. The RF electromagnetic technology eliminates exposed heating elements, adhesives and VOCs from the pipe-joining process. The system has a light signal that indicates successful welds.
www. tritonpipefusion.com
Pull-down kitchen faucet Delta’s Fuse single handle pull-down kitchen faucet features a high-arc spout with a 360° swivel, a two-function spray wand, and is designed for one- or three-hole, 8” installation. The faucet has a maximum flow rate of 1.8 gpm at 60 psi, and a spout length of 9”. It is available in stainless/cracked pepper, stainless/chili pepper and stainless/snowflake white finishes.
www. deltafaucet.ca
Kitchen faucet The Sereno kitchen faucet from Symmons features a two function pull-down wand that rotates for spray selection and rotating higharc spout. It is designed for single- or threehole installations and comes with an 8” deck plate. The faucet is available in chrome and stainless steel.
www. symmons.ca
Sprinkler brackets Victaulic offers ceiling brackets for its VicFlex sprinkler fitting line. The brackets, designed for stud and hat channel hard-lid ceilings, are zinc-plated steel and are available in 24” (610 mm) and 48” (1,129 mm) sizes. They feature an in-room adjustable centre bracket, designed to allow for adjusting the height of the sprinkler head after ceiling installation.
www. victaulic.com 1104
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S A Y S A E S A W O XFR IS N
2 1 0 1 8
S ES DE UD LLU C C N I N I W W O O N R N XFFR MX E EM T T S S Y Y ® ” S ®& S 2” 12 & & &1 ” 5 ” 5 0 1 0 1 1 1 , M ” , M E ” 8 E T 8 R T S OR YS SY S FFO RS G GS AR LLA IIN N U L U P L P P P O U O P U O P O R C UR O OU ALL C CA NIIC A AN H H C C TTM E MM E M Y EY RE GR M MJJ G ® ®
ROGER PHANEUF, Estimator and Project Manager,
System XFR & MJ Grey come from the same team who brings you Aquarise
IPEX gave us exactly what we needed and we couldn’t have asked for better. This was our first experience using mechanical couplings with PVC DWV. We didn’t have to be as exact and were able
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to easily make adjustments to the joint as needed.
For the full case study story visit www.ipexinc.com/mjgrey
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Call 1-866-473-9462 or visit www.ipexinc.com
HYDRONIC
Products
Centrifugal pump The Bell & Gossett series e-90 in-line centrifugal pump from Xylem features a closed-coupled design. It can be mounted vertically or horizontally and is equipped with a vacuum cast bronze impeller and a silicon-carbide mechanical seal. It is available in eight sizes with hydraulic coverage up to 300 gpm flow. It is offered in bronze fitted or all bronze construction.
www. xylemappliedwater.com
Zone controls Taco’s zone controls feature factory sealed and soldered relays and a standardized board layout. All multi-zone switching relays include ZC and ZR terminals, as well as a boiler end switch, and all circulator outputs are fuse-protected. Spare fuses are included. A separate primary circulator terminal uses a dip switch to select whether primary is on during DHW, or only for space heating.
www. taco-hvac.com
Condensing boiler
Low-profile unit heater Modine Hot Dawg H2O’s design and low profile allow it to be rotated for either horizontal or vertical air discharge. The residential unit heater comes in two models with operating ranges of 23,700 to 39,200 BTUH, and 23,900 to 56,800 BTUH at 180˚F. The larger model also includes a speed control that allows the user to receive a range of 425 to 710 CFM.
NY Thermal’s Trinity Tx condensing boiler is offered with inputs ranging from 46,000 to 151,000 BTUH. The low NOx units feature a 5:1 turndown, a stainless steel heat exchanger and can be vented up to 150 ft. It is also offered as a combination model to provide domestic hot water and space heating.
www. nythermal.com
www. modinehvac.com
Light commercial boiler Fulton’s Caliber condensing hydronic boiler has a maximum input range of 300,000 to 850,000 BTUH. The natural gas or LP-fired units feature a stainless steel water tube heat exchanger, a 5:1 modulation rate, a colour touch screen display and integrated sequencing control for up to eight boilers.
www. fulton.com
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Hydronic IQ Answers: 1-C, 2-C, 3-D, 4-B, 5-B, 6-B, 7-A, 8-C, 9-C, 10-A
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Our New Furnace Is Heating Things Up Improved Performance, Installability™ and Serviceability
We know what contractors want — satisfied customers and products that make it easier to get the job done. The all new Ruud 90%+ Gas Furnace is packed with features to maximize performance and make installation and service easier. It’s the most contractor-friendly furnace around. Now that’s something to get fired up about!
Redesigned From the Inside Out 360° Performance™ PlusOne™ Ignition System – Direct spark ignition is 9x more reliable than earlier models and delivers improved longevity
360° Installability™ PlusOne™ Water Management System – the patent-pending Blocked Drain Sensor makes installation simple, saving you time and money
360° Serviceability
™
PlusOne™ Diagnostics – 7-segment LED on all units, an industry first, takes the guesswork out of troubleshooting for more accurate diagnostics
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NEW FEATURES 90%+ GAS FURNACE UP TO 98% AFUE ENERGY STAR 4.0 RATED*
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4-WAY MULTI-POISE DESIGN 20% QUIETER** * Furnaces that meet ES 4.0 requirements **Than previous furnace.
Talk to your distributor today to learn more
HVAC/R Products P
Rooftop unit Lennox’s Landmark rooftop units are available in 3- to 25-ton gas/electric and electric/ electric models, including 3- to 20-ton heat pump configurations. They offer efficiencies of up to 13 SEER, 14 IEER (integrated energy efficiency ratio) and 12.7 EER, and feature an all-aluminum coil, isolated compressor compartment, a slide-out blower, and an accessible gas compartment. Multi-stage air volume (MSAV) supply fan technology is available as a factory-installed option.
www. lennox.com
Vacuum measurement The SVG3 digital micron vacuum gauge from Fieldpiece Instruments is built with a dual display for indicating live vacuum measurement in microns of mercury on the top line and the rate of micron change or the alarm stopwatch on the bottom line. Other features include a Schrader depressor, one-micron resolution, a 50 to 9,999 micron range, a rubberized case, and a contaminated sensor test.
fieldpiece.com
Water source heat pump The Envision Series Low Sill Console is built with a single-speed R-410A rotary compressor, a coaxial heat exchanger with a copper inner tube and steel outer tube, and large face, rifled copper tubes and aluminum fins. The units have efficiencies up to 18.6 EER and 3.6 COP. They are available in 0.75- to 1-ton capacities and feature a flat- or sloped-top, heavy gauge, galvanized steel cabinet.
waterfurnace.com
Exhaust fan Continental Fan’s RMD axial exhaust fans are built for roof or wall mounting. They feature an enclosed ball bearing motor, axial impellers with die form blades riveted to a steel hub, a spun aluminum housing and a disconnect switch. They are available in diameters from 10” to 18” and have a maximum temperature rating of 110°F. The fans are offered with direct drive capacities up to 2,400 CFM.
continentalfan.com 1108
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HVAC/R Products P Gas monitor Bacharach’s GDX-350 gas monitor is designed to detect gases in a wide variety of applications. The unit offers wireless connectivity and real-time monitoring. An optional relay board is available to provide three 5-amp relays that can be used to drive audible and visual alarms, or activate exhaust fans. The monitor can be used with the GDA-400 or GDA-1600 controllers to offer simultaneous display and alarm functions for up to 16 monitors.
Commercial chiller
www. mybacharach.com
Wi-Fi thermostat Armstrong Air’s Comfort Sync programmable communicating Wi-Fi thermostat is equipped with four wire connections, a built-in Wi-Fi receiver and an equipment interface module, as well as auto setup and auto commissioning functions. Other features include customizable alerts, real-time notifications, and the ability to remotely monitor system performance and temperature settings.
The Series S CenTraVac chiller from Trane is available in 180 to 390 ton capacities. It features a direct-drive compressor, a permanent magnet motor, 24-pulse drive for low harmonic distortion levels, and the company’s AFD3 fully integrated variable-speed drive. The unit is 72” wide by 80” tall and uses a bolt-together design, which allows for disassembly in the field.
www. trane.com
www. alliedair.com
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STUFF YOU NEED Rotary hammer drill Milwaukee Tool’s M12 FUEL 5/8” SDS Plus rotary hammer is designed to drill up to 5/8” holes in concrete and masonry, and features twomode operation. Its brushless motor provides up to 6,200 BPM and up to 900 RPM. The drill is 10” long and weighs 3.1 lb.
www. milwaukeetool.com
Leak detection kit Spectronics’ OLK-400EZ/E Complete EZ-Ject Leak Detection Kit features a rechargeable violet light LED leak detection flashlight with an inspection range of up to 25 feet, a dye injector, two multidose 0.5 oz. universal/POE dye cartridges, a hose assembly with check valve and low-loss fitting, a purge fitting, an 8 oz. spray bottle of dye cleaner, three drip plugs, an AC/DC charger, and fluorescence-enhancing glasses.
www. spectroline.com
Swage tool The Compact Swage from Hilmor is designed for one-handed use. The pistol-shaped tool weighs 2.2 lb and measures just over a foot long and is 3.25” wide. It is built with forged aluminum and features a spring-loaded handle, and a release button. The tool can swage tubing sizes ranging from 5/16” to 1-5/8”. The Compact Swage Kit includes 3/8”, 1/2”, 5/8”, 3/4”, and 7/8” expander heads, a deburrer and the Compact Swage tool.
www. hilmor.com
Hacksaw Stanley’s STHT 20140 bi-material hacksaw features 4-3/4” cutting depth, 12” fixed blade length, 300 lb. blade tension, 45° and 90° adjustable blade angles, blade storage for up to eight blades, and a tension knob for blade changes. Blades are attachable to the front end of the hacksaw for long reach capability.
www stanleytools.com
Flame-resistant hoodies Imagewear’s Flame-Resistant Heavyweight Hoodies are made with 11.8 oz., 100 per cent fire-resistant cotton. They feature removable snap hoods, brass zippers and deep front pockets. They are compliant to CGSB 155.20, with two high-visibility versions available that offer CSA Z96 Class 1 Level FR reflective striping.
www. imagewear.ca
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Pneumatic power drive Reed’s 700APD pneumatic power drive is built to thread pipe and conduit up to 2” (50 mm) in diameter. The portable unit features a safety arm designed to absorb the forces generated during threading, allowing the operator to oil the dies during threading. Its 4 hp pneumatic motor turns at 28 rpm (no load) and has a maximum torque of 400 lb-ft. The unit uses Reed R12+ segmental dies and dropheads.
www. reedmfgco.com
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RS-24 (R-426A) is a fast, effective and low cost solution to replacing R-12, R-401A, R-409A and R-414B in air conditioning, and in medium and low temperature refrigeration systems. No oil change or system modifications are required. RS-24 (R-426A) has an ASHRAE A1 Safety designation and is non-ozone depleting and nonflammable. Call Refrigerant Services Inc. at 1-866-999-2653 or visit our website for a wholesaler near you.
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Tel: (888) 208-89 www.wattscanad Tel: (905) 856-35 www.vikinggroupin Tel: (905) 884-74 WATCO www.victaulic.co Tel: (719) 574-11 www.woodfordmfg Tel: (816) 796-39 www.watcomfg.c Tel: (800) 387-73 www.viessmann Tel: (416) 661-33 www.yorkland.n Tel: (888) 208-89 Marketplace Ads www.wattscanad Tel: (905) 856-35 www.vikinggroupin Tel: 884-74 Tel: (905) (800) 928-78 WATCO www.victaulic.co www.zoellerengpro Tel: (719)111 574-11 8 . 1 3 www.woodfordmfg Tel: (816) 796-39
EVENTS
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Cleaner Heat 2011 June 21-22, 2011 Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. www.coha.ca
CIPH ABC 2011 June 26-29, 2011 Victoria, B.C. www.ciph.com
HPBAC 2011 Fireside Symposium June 26-27, 2011 Collingwood, Ont. www.hpbacanada.org
HRAI Conference
www.rinnai.ca Tel: (866) 999-2653 www.rscool.com www.rscool.com Tel: (888) 735-5475 RS-52 (R-428A): DROP-IN REPLACEMENT FOR R-502 www.selkirkcorp.com Tel: (905) 695-8911 RS-52 (R-428A) is a fast, effective and low cost solution to replacing R-502 and R-402A (HP80) in supermarket and other low temperature applications. www.royfoss.com No oil change or system modifications are required. RS-52 (R-428A) has an ASHRAE A1 Safety designation and is Tel: (800) 268-6966 non-ozone depleting and non-flammable. Call Refrigerant Services Inc. at 1-866-999-2653 canada.rheem.com or visit our website for a wholesaler near you. Tel: (877) 836-7772 H>C8: &.*H>C8: &.* *www.simenorthamerica.com Tel: (800) 363-5874 www.saniflo.ca
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www.rinnai.ca Tel: (866) 999-2653 Tel: w w w . r s c o o www.rscool.com l . c(905) o m 564-9422 www.taco-hvac.com Tel: (888) 735-5475 M e c h a n i c a l B www.selkirkcorp.com Tel: (905) 695-8911
Tel: (905) 856-35 www.vikinggroupin Tel: (905) 884-74 WATCO www.victaulic.co
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WATCO
Tel: (816) 796-3900 www.watcomfg.com
Tel: (888) 208-8927 www.wattscanada.ca
Tel: (719) 574-1101
105 Tel: (905) 856-3557 www.vikinggroupinc.com
Tel: (800) 387-73 www.viessmann
www.rinnai.ca Tel: w w w . r s c o o l . c(866) o m 999-2653 www.rscool.com
RS-45 (R-434A) is a fast, effective and low cost solution to replacing R-22 in chillers www.royfoss.com (flooded & non-flooded), and in medium and low temperature refrigeration systems. No Tel: (800) 268-6966 oil change is required. RS-45 (R-434A) has an ASHRAE A1 Safety designation and is nonozone depleting and non-flammable. Call Refrigerant Services Inc. at 1-866-999-2653 or canada.rheem.com visit our website for a wholesaler near you.
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RS-44 (R-424A) is a fast, effective and low cost solution to replacing R-22 in air conditioning and medium temperature refrigeration systems. No oil change or system modifications are required. RS-44 (R-424A) has an ASHRAE A1 Safety designation and Tel: (800) 268-6966 is non-ozone depleting and non-flammable. Call Refrigerant Services Inc. at canada.rheem.com 1-866-999-2653 or visit our website for a wholesaler near you.
RS-45 (R-434A): DROP-IN REPLACEMENT FOR R-22
Tel: (905) 884-74 www.victaulic.co
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SPOTLIGHT PROFILES
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Tel: (800) 268-6966 canada.rheem.com
www.rinnai.ca
Tel: (905) 695-8911 www.royfoss.com
Tel: (800) 363-5874 www.saniflo.ca
Tel: (888) 735-5475
RS-24 (R-426A): DROP-IN REPLACEMENT FOR R-12
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HIGHLY ENGINEERED
Aquatherm’s heat-fused polypropylene-random (PP-R) pressure pipe systems are highly engineered, environmentally friendly and virtually leak-free. And the new PP-R to PEX transitions (available in ½”, ¾”, and 1”) can help you change what’s possible in HVAC and radiant applications!
www.aquatherm.com INTRODUCING THE RACK PACK Greenway offers ready-to-install UV disinfection rack systems with reversible mounting bracket and combination 3/4” - 1.0” NPT inlet/outlet ports for flexible installation, service and maintenance. All UV racks include a 365 day countdown timer with lamp failure/replacement alarm and provide 99.99% destruction of bacteria, viruses and protozoan cysts (Cryptosporidium and Giardia Lamblia). Greenway® VuCap and filters included.
Water Technologies
www.greenwaywt.com GET MORE PERFORMANCE FROM EVERYTHING YOU SELL. Comfort Sync is more than a thermostat. Water Technologies It’s a sophisticated tool to help you sell service plans and equipment like the A97MV gas furnace, increase profitability and stay connected to your customers. Comfort Sync gives homeowners control to get more efficiency and performance out of their equipment. Learn more at www.armstrongair.com.
www.armstrongair.com MCEE “2013 PRODUCT OF THE YEAR” WINNER! The Conforto CHE (condensing high efficiency) is the first oil-fired furnace built for homeowners expecting UNSURPASSED PERFORMANCE and ENERGY EFFICIENCY. Its innovative operation delivers a 95%+ heating efficiency along with superior comfort, saving up to 40% in oil consumption a year. This Energy Star® furnace (certified at ALL firing rates) can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 3,000 lb./yr. All this, in an attractive, stylish and maintenance-friendly package!
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NEWMAC BC 160E – 095/170
The ultimate in value and flexibility. Newmac’s BC 160E’s 24” wood firebox delivers up to 160,000 btu/h with an efficiency of 73.1% (L.V.H.), with oil output up to 170,000 btu/h at 83%. Outstanding features include a stainless steel secondary air system, a 3 gpm domestic coil, 65 gallons of water volume for maximum water storage, low-water cutoff and customer-friendly controls. Call today for more information and satisfied customers.
Utilizing a Renewable Resource CARBON NEUTRAL
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BC 160 E General Features • Horizontal tube construction gives maximum heat transfer and easy access for cleaning
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WOOD PROVIDES THE LOWEST HEATING COST OF ANY FUEL*
• Extra large doors for easy loading and cleaning • Wet leg and wet back design provides optimum heat transfer surface area • Rear Flue • ASME or CRN Registered • Extra large 24” firebox • Heavy Duty Baffles separate wood from oil flue gases for optimum efficiency
OPTIONAL PELLET SYSTEM AVAILABLE
• Large 65 gallon water volume ensures maximum storage capacity BC 160-095/170
• 3 gpm domestic hot water coil • Control package for easy installation • Low water cut-off
Options 1. Stainless steel oil burner section (Model BC160E-095/170) 2. Pellet system 3. Cast iron shaker grates for anthracite coal burning (Note: Coal fuel is not CSA B415.1 approved) Head Office P.O. Box 9, Debert, Nova Scotia, B0M 1G0 Phone: 902-662-3840 | Fax: 902-662-2581 Email: newmac@newmacfurnaces.com
Ontario Office P.O. Box 545, Woodstock, Ontario, N4V 1P8 Phone: 519-539-6147 | Fax: 519-539-0048 Email: newmac@newmacfurnaces.com
w w w . n e w m a c f u r n a c e s . c o m
www.newmacfurnaces.com THE INNOFLUE® B-VENT CHIMENY KIT Upgrading to a high efficiency heating appliance? Our B-Vent Chimeny Kit allows you to reline B-Vent without the costly task of removing it. Designed to save you money on materials and labor, you can install with confidence using a system listed to ULC-S636 Class II Type A, B, & C for safe performance at sustained flue gas temperatures up to 230ºF (110ºC).
www.centrotherm.us.com EASY-GRIP C CUTTER Reed’s easy-to-grip C Cutters snap onto copper tubing for a quick, clean cut. Just turn the cutter in the direction of the arrow and the cut will be complete in seconds. Compact c-shape means no handle swing space is required. Springloaded cutter wheel self-feeds on Type K, L, and M copper and CTS CPVC with consistent pressure when turned around the tubing. Each cutter fits just one size of tubing.
www.reedmfgco.com PP-R PIPE FOR PHVAC APPLICATIONS Aquatherm recently launched a rebranding campaign to provide a more intuitive experience with its products. Climatherm is now Aquatherm Blue Pipe®, Greenpipe is now Aquatherm Green Pipe®, and Aquatherm Lilac Pipe® retains its name. Aquatherm’s low material, installation, and nonexistent maintenance costs, combine well with its environmental friendliness and code approvals.
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PEOPLE. SOLUTIONS. VALUE. TOOL
LINK THE INFO PAGE TM
Make sure you have the right tools for the job Industry leading service. before you get there. With RFID (Radio Frequency It’s what we do. With 20,000 Identification) tags attached to your equipment, you parts stocked on the warehouse floor, an in-house training can quickly take inventory of the tools in your truck facility to teach your installers PAGE #on the in-dash computer screen.‡ bed or van box
the best techniques on the latest systems, and engineering support with deep experience Tel: (250) 983-5942 in hydronics—we have what you need. We can even find the www.alliedair.com manual for you. Because it’s our business to support yours.
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d equipment safe. R422C • R22 replacement refrigerant for low temp refrigeration o secure items in PAGE # Half Page Aquatech Ad applications 2322_AQ t theft. 112 Dimensions: 7 x 4.875 • No oil change required February 10, 2012
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s an unprecedented 10-year warranty. and gasketed, InnoFlue® eliminates VOC containing adhesives.
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Siccom Mini Condensate Pumps • Quietest pump available – less the 21dBA • Smallest pump available – 3.36”x1.08”x1.92” • Up to 3.96 GPH (15 L/H) • 115 or 230 volt • Available as pump only or preassembled kit GE
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R414B • R12 replacement refrigerant for refrigeration and automotive 53 air conditioning applications • No oil change required 1-800-668-5515 I www.fleet.ford.ca • No major system modifications • Replaces R12, R409A, R500, R134A, R416A, R401A, R401B • Non toxic and non flammable with ASHRAE designation up to 18% and reduce engine idle time up to 64%. ving.† Crew chief enables fleet managers to analyze driving routes and idle times in order to make changes that can help improve fleet fuel economy and safety classified A1 y by vehicle and body style; refer to 2010/2011MY Ford order guides for details. PAGE #
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- since 1984
Tel: (877) 636-6748 www.noritz.com
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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Not only does NOVO supply atekmar qualityBoiler Control Features The most experienced team of water product but they stand behind it with treatment professionals in the industry superior support and serviceâ&#x20AC;? Outdoor Reset In a study Kevin McKenna, McKenna Plumbing & Heating (Guelph, ON) conducted by the Center for Energy and
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Save even more energy by reducing the supply water temperature when the building is unoccupied, or overnight. Environment, an average yearly savings of 18% was achieved by retrofitting hydronic heating systems with AGE # PAGE # P Staging outdoor reset control. installations. The FuelMizer is easy The FuelMizer uses microprocessor-basedP.I.D. controls to A copy of this study can be downloaded from their By ensuring additional stages are only operated when required, Â&#x2021; VKDUNELWHSUR FRP Â&#x2021; 'LVWULEXWHG E\ 5HOLDQFH :RUOGZLGH &RUSRUDWLRQ to install and will carefully regulate supply temperature, based website at http://www.mncee.org/ (See boiler â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Measured tekmar boiler on controls prevent unnecessary fuel not use. affect the boilerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s warranty. Energy Savings from Outdoor Resets in Modern, the outdoor temperature. Hydronically Heated Apartment Buildingsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.) Warm Weather ShutTypical Downenergy savings is about 14% with some space heating based on the outdoor air 210 Boiler customers experiencing up to 30%. Boilers controlled Functions include reset ratio adjustments,Shutting warm down weather Call to find a Stocking temperature provides energy savings as well as a reliable Maximum and convenient the system. deliver optimum performance while Distributor Nearest You byoff a FuelMizer shutdown, minimum190boiler temperature and boiler way to shut Wasted Heat in System Without
Non-Condensing Boiler Minimum Dale Lewgood, John Cardiff,150 Don Matt, Dean Dalrymple Back Row (l to r):
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Noritz America is making an effort to provide much needed support to the victims and survivors of the massive earthquake and tsunami tragedy in Japan. Learn more and make a donation at www.american.redcross.org/noritz-pub
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RLDVIEW
Assisting and retaining tomorrow’s plumbers
Jeff Patchell in Australia
H
ere in Australia, we have a high attrition rate amongst trainees and apprentices across all trades. And while plumbing is better than most, it’s still costing the industry a lot of time and money.
To help improve the picture, an innovative scheme was recently launched here to encourage mentoring across the plumbing sector. Rheem (part of the Paloma Group) is Australia’s largest hot water unit supplier. In an effort to give back to the plumbing and gasfitting industry, the company has developed a partnership with Campbell Page, a not-for-profit community organization. The partnership aims to introduce an eMentoring program titled the Rheem Apprenticeships and Youth Scheme (RAYS). The eMentor program is designed to link plumbing and gasfitting mentors with younger people (the mentees) to help them achieve their goals, whether those goals include finishing school, their apprenticeship or switching careers. The overall goal is to make it easier for those starting out in the trade to reach their potential. While mentoring is perhaps better known across white collar industry sectors, the concept is relatively new to the trades – especially since some consider an apprentice to have a mentor in place in the journeyman they are working with, but there are some messages that may be better delivered by an outside party or mentor. One of the challenges faced in bringing a mentorship program to young people in the trades is the fact that trade workers are transient by day and generally don’t have the formal work structures that office workers can take advantage of. “E-mentoring takes face-to-face mentoring online and overcomes the biggest challenges to this traditional approach – geography and time,” says Sharon Hampton, national manager, Youth and Family Programs with Campbell Page. “Mentors don’t have to be an employer, nor have a minimum number of years in the industry, they only need industry knowledge and an
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interest in helping us secure and nurture tomorrow’s qualified plumbers and gas fitters.” One of the roles of a mentor is to temper the expectations of the young person about the industry, and to be a trusted sounding board for issues and questions While we don’t pretend that this mentoring program is unique to Australia, a mentorship program beyond the apprenticeship program may well be worth considering in your local region to help retain the young minds that the industry so desperately needs.
PROFILE OF A MENTOR Mentors in the RAYS program in Australia may currently work as a plumber or a gas fitter, own a business, be retired, or have a background as a trade industry teacher. The organizers are looking for help from anyone whose knowledge and experiences would be invaluable in helping those just starting out in their careers. All RAYS mentors receive online and over-the-phone training, and are matched as closely as possible with the profiles of mentees. The trainee or apprentice is asked to create a specific goal they want to reach with their mentor, which gives a target for the team to work towards.
For more information about the RAYS program, visit www.ementoring.org.au.
Jeff Patchell is managing director of Connection Magazines Pty Ltd. He operates www.worldplumbinginfo.com, an online plumbing industry knowledge bank.
Compiled by Mechanical Business
AWAY WITH THE WALLET
87%
The percentage of Canadians who wish they did not have to carry a wallet. The most popular places Canadians want to be wallet-free are the beach (70% of respondents) and the gym (52%).
BUILDING MOMENTUM
$7.3 billion
CHLORINE CLOUT
96%
The value of building permits issued by municipalities in May. This was up 4.5% from April, and was the fifth consecutive monthly increase.
The percentage of drinking water in Canada where chlorination was used in the disinfection process in 2011.
LEEDING BY EXAMPLE
3.3 BILLION LITRES The total water savings that has resulted from the impact of LEED Canada since 2005, according to the Canada Green Building Council.
RENO READY
44% The percentage of Canadian homeowners planning significant renovations to their homes over the next two years.
DUCT DIMENSIONS
400 sq. ft.
The amount of ductwork in an average-sized home.
PEELING, AND THEN SOME 18 POUNDS Sources: Air Canada Centre, RBC, Canadian Tire, CMHC, Statistics Canada, Industry Canada
1118
M e c h a n i c a l
B u s i n e s s
0 8 . 1 3
The average amount of skin a person sheds in a year.
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