Mechanical Business September/October 2016

September/October 2016

September/October 2016 $6.95

PM #41536047

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On the job with: Meet THE ANSWER to modernizing older heating systems.

What sets the Vitocrossal 300, CU3A apart?

With its high water content, the CU3A is THE ANSWER to modernizing older heating systems. It is simply the perfect choice for homes with high mass cast LURQ UDGLDWRUV RU PXOWL ]RQH KLJK WHPSHUDWXUH ¿Q WXEH radiators, as well as installations with high DHW requirements.

How easy is it to install and commission?

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What about serviceability and access?

The smooth stainless steel heat exchanger surfaces allow condensate to simply run downwards, creating a permanent self-cleaning effect. This ensures continual KLJK HI¿FLHQF\ RSHUDWLRQ ORQJ VHUYLFH OLIH DQG UHGXFHG maintenance requirements.

Here’s what our customers are saying about the CU3A ³7KH 9LWRFURVVDO &8 $ ZDV WKH ULJKW FKRLFH WR UHSODFH P\ FXVWRPHU¶V DJLQJ >«@ FDVW LURQ ERLOHU EHFDXVH of its many features. I wanted to give them a high HI¿FLHQF\ ÀRRU VWDQGLQJ ERLOHU WKDW ZRXOG LQVWDOO LQ WKH VDPH ORFDWLRQ DV WKH RWKHU ERLOHU 7KH KLJK PDVV DQG ODUJH ZDWHU YROXPH PDGH SLSLQJ WKH QHZ ERLOHU HDV\ ZLWK no need for primary and secondary piping. The venting ORFDWLRQ RQ WKH QHZ ERLOHU ZDV DOVR WKH ULJKW ¿W IRU WKLV LQVWDOO DV ZDV WKH ]HUR FOHDUDQFH WR FRPEXVWLEOHV ´ Richard Visser Richard’s Plumbing & Heating INC Abbotsford, BC ³, FKRVH WKHVH ERLOHUV EHFDXVH WKH\ UXQ YHU\ QLFH DQG TXLHW DQG , FDQ XVH VPDOOHU SXPSV EHFDXVH RI KLJKHU ZDWHU YROXPH )RU UHQR MREV ZKHUH \RX QHHG KLJK WHPS IRU EDVHERDUG KHDW WKH\ DUH H[FHOOHQW , UHDOO\ OLNH WKH KHDW H[FKDQJHU , WKLQN LW ZLOO EH HDVLHU WR FOHDQ DQG PDLQWDLQ WKHQ D ZDOO KXQJ XQLW 6RPHWLPHV D ÀRRU PRGHO MXVW ZRUNV EHWWHU WKDQ D ZDOO KXQJ XQLW ´ Reuben Mandel JayR Holdings Linden, AB

About Viessmann ,QVSHFWLRQ RI WKH FRPEXVWLRQ FKDPEHU DQG EXUQHU components is easy. Simply remove a single screw and SXOO RII WKH ERLOHU¶V IURQW FRYHU EUHDN WKH JDV XQLRQ remove a four nuts and disconnect plug-and-play HOHFWULFDO FRQQHFWLRQV DQG \RX¶UH GRQH -XVW SXOO RXW WKH EXUQHU DQG UHVW LW RQ WKH VHUYLFH KRRNV SURYLGHG IRU WKDW SXUSRVH $Q\ GXVW RU GHEULV WKDW PD\ KDYH FROOHFWHG ZLWKLQ WKH FRPEXVWLRQ FKDPEHU DQG KHDW H[FKDQJHU FDQ VLPSO\ EH ÀXVKHG DZD\ XVLQJ D VLPSOH JDUGHQ KRVH

Want to learn more? )RU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ SOHDVH YLVLW www.viessmann.ca

)DPLO\ RZQHG VLQFH 1917, Prof. Dr. Martin 9LHVVPDQQ OHDGV WKH company in its third generation. Today, 9LHVVPDQQ HPSOR\V RYHU HPSOR\HHV worldwide. Manufacturing facilities in 11 countries, VDOHV GLVWULEXWLRQ facilities in Germany and 74 other countries, DQG VDOHV RI¿FHV

A better way to make ends meet.

Professionals who specify and install Uponor PEX plumbing and hydronic piping report faster installation times, savings on materials costs, fewer callbacks and greater peace of mind.

Exceptional products, tools and support.

Uponor. Tested in the lab and proven in the field.

Connect with Uponor.

Connect with confidence.

Learn more at uponorpro.com

PEX PLUMBING RADIANT HEATING & COOLING HYDRONIC PIPING PRE-INSULATED PIPING

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On the job with: Consider using Uponor Wirsbo hePEXâ„¢ for your next Hydronic Piping project.

Engineers and contractors are recognizing PEX as a technology that retains all the advantages of traditional SLSLQJ PDWHULDOV ZKLOH DGGLQJ XQPDWFKHG ÀH[LELOLW\ DQG strength.

the pipe, negating any aesthetic criticisms. Uponor PEX SLSH VXSSRUWV DOVR DOORZ :LUVER KH3(; SLSH WR EH UXQ LQVLGH D SOHQXP ZLWKRXW VSDFLQJ OLPLWDWLRQV EHWZHHQ WKH horizontal runs.

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VM110 and NEW VM 153

AFUE

Easy E a to Install

With W ith an internal primary loop and circulator circulat installation time and effort signiďŹ cantly reduced. will be signiďŹ

Maximum VITALITY

The Vmax uses a stainless steel down-fired heat exchanger which ensures a long product life and an enduring source of home comfort. The fire tube heat exchanger optimizes heat transfer, which maximizes efficiencies.

Maximum VALUE

The Vmax includes a built-in primary loop, circulator and high-energy spark ignition as standard features.

The Vmax is competitively priced,which makes it unmatched in the industry.

Maximum VERSATILITY

The Vmax features universal flue connections and is easily converted from natural gas to propane. The Vmax is available in a PLUS version and is engineered to make installation, setup and service easy.

PLUS

PLUS version includes built-in indirect water heater.

IIncluded n Features

The T h Vmax features an iintegrated nt pressure sensor a and n an optional indirect water h heater ea return connection.

ASME CERTIF IE Heat Exchang D er UP TO

10OW:N R1ATIO

TURN-D

LIMITEDE LIFETIM TY N WARRA y for details See warrant

ntiboilers.com

Innovation Meets Energy Efficient Design

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Multiple installations cost more time and money Single installation saves time and money

Belimo 6-Way Electronic Pressure Independent Control Valve Belimo 6-way pressure independent control valve feature heating and cooling circuits which are hydronically decoupled because of the innovative ball design. Each sequence is controlled individually by the rotary movement of the actuator. The valve is bubble-tight in the closed position preventing energy losses and helps reduce operating costs.

One valve performs change over and modulating control for a

single coil in a 4 pipe system One valve can support the coil with 2 different Cv values (heating and cooling) True close-off to isolate both heating and cooling loops.

Energy savings in close position Reduced labor costs during installation Only one analog output needed to control both sequences BACnet, MS/TP and Modbus RTU Commission and verification Reduced installation cost Linear flow characteristic

Register for our webinar online at www.belimo.us/americas/6-way_epiv.html

Achieve Better Control and Cut Cost Using Only One Valve for Both Heating and Cooling.

Me chanical

T A B L E

92COVER STORY Some people resign themselves to a long, boring commute to the cottage. Others learn how to fly a plane. Tye Leishman, president of Tempco HVAC, falls into the latter category. Greg Dalgetty

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CONTENTS Kitchen and Bath Trends O F

Stylishly SERVING THE BUILDING TRADE

68PLUMBING

Opportunities abound for plumbing contractors who are hip to the latest trends in kitchen and bathroom design. We talked to the experts to get the inside scoop on what homeowners are looking for. Adam Freill

Industry Movers Meeting in Vancouver

There’s No Beating HighTech Heating 34HEATING REPORT 3 You can always count on new technology and trends in the heating market. We talked to industry experts to find out what’s driving sales of heating equipment today, and what to expect in the future. Greg Dalgetty

80CIPHEX WEST SHOW GUIDE Western Canada’s largest mechanicals trade show is back, and Mechanical Business is your one-stop shop for everything you need to know about CIPHEX West 2016. Whether you’re looking for seminars, a show floor map or exhibitor listings, we’ve got you covered!

FOR MULTIPLE-TEMPERATUREE

SYSTEMS 46HYDRONICS

Science tells us that 68°F at 40 per cent relative humidity umidity is the ideal indoor temperature, but for whom? The beauty of hydronics is its adaptability to multiple applications—and temperatures. Michael Breault

On the cover: Tye Leishman had had enough of working in Victoria and flying back to his hometown of Powell River, B.C., on weekends.

So he relocated to Powell River to start his own business, and he hasn’t looked back since. Photo: Alicia Baas Photography

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56VENTILATION

Avoiding

100HYDRONICS Design Considerations for Radiant Cooling Max Rohr

O F

HRV/ERV FFreeze-ups 128HVAC

104EVENT IN PICTURES HRAI Conference 2016

A poorly installed HRV or ERV unit can freeze up in the winter. Here are some common causes of—and solutions to—HRV/ERV freeze-ups.

Muhammad Bilal and Chang Lee

106REFRIGERATION Transitioning to Tomorrow’s Refrigerants Mark Menzer

108HVAC Systems That Diagnose Themselves Kevin Gill

110PLUMBING No Flushing Around Greg Dalgetty

118CONTROLS Leveraging Wireless Technology to Enable Smarter Buildings James Kohl and Leon Hawkins

120HVAC Factors Affecting Cooling Tower Sizing John Flaherty

124REFRIGERATION Case Controllers Target Energy Reductions Keith Baughman and Chris Brown

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CONTENTS

F E A T U R E S ERVs for Two Daniel Goulet

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MANAGING MATERIALS,

FROM STORAGE TO WORK 64PROJECT MANAGEMENT Devising a structured, standardized process for the control and handling of materials and supplies on a jobsite is paramount to ensuring a job goes smoothly.

David Pelletier

132HYDRONICS The Politics of Powerflushing Dan Slater

136PLUMBING Maintenance: The Key to Efficiency Leo Vaillancourt

140BUSINESS MANAGEMENT How About Those Social Skills?

Linda Farha

142HVAC Calgary’s CF Chinook Centre Bets Its Future on Cogeneration Denise Deveau

KEEPING G UP AND D

SSYSTEMS R RUNNING

74REFRIGERATION A look at the key points about commissioned and operating CO2 systems, along with potential service and maintenance issues that can be helpful in the field.

Andre Patenaude

153MCAC CONFERENCE PREVIEW MCAC Celebrates Diamond Year M e c h a n i c a l

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CONTENTS O F

S P E C I A L I S T S 40

PLUMBING The Cycle of Food...from One Tank to Another Fred Bretzke For most of us, as soon as we flush the toilet our waste is out of sight and out of mind. Unless, of course, if you live in the country and have a septic tank.

50

HYDRONICS Sizing up Circulation Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr There are many factors to consider before choosing a circulator for an application. Fluid type, pressure drop and operating temperature ranges are just a few of the things you’ll have to account for.

58

HIGH-PERFORMANCE HVAC Filter Opportunities Abound for Contractors Gord Cooke Most car dealerships contact customers when their vehicle is due for a service. Maybe it’s time for HVAC contractors to start contacting their clients about replacing furnace filters.

72

ASK ROGER Business Education: A Lifelong Pursuit Roger Grochmal Some people think that after receiving their formal education, they’ve cleared their biggest educational hurdle. But I’ve learned more in the past five years than I did in the previous 25.

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HYDRONICS Scale, and Its Avoidance Dan Holohan There’s nothing like scale on heating surfaces to bring an entire system to a grinding halt. Fortunately, there are some helpful ways of avoiding scale buildup.

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MARKETING Modern-day Marketing: Back to (Old) School Edition Doug MacMillan Marketing has changed a lot in recent years, but some old-school approaches are still worth taking. The trick is knowing which marketing efforts to stick with, and which are getting a bit tiresome.

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REFRIGERATION Cleaning up After Burnout Phil Boudreau We’ve all been there before: compressor failure. Here are some steps to follow to ensure that a system is properly cleaned up after you’ve burnt out a compressor.

D E P A R T M E N T S 14From the Editor’s Desk 16News 30Profile: Rick Ellul 102Find The Fix 141Tool Tip 150The Info Page 152Calendar 154By the Numbers 12

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P R O D U C T S 44,114,145Plumbing 54,98,134,146Hydronics 78,122HVAC/R 148Stuff you need

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CHECK US OUT ONLINE

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 September/October 2016 Issue Published 6 times per year.

Editor: Adam Freill, ext. 224 adam.freill@mechanicalbusiness.com Associate Editor/Web Editor: Greg Dalgetty, ext. 225 greg.dalgetty@mechanicalbusiness.com National Accounts Manager: Jeff Superle, ext. 221 jeff.superle@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)

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

THE

EDITOR’S

DESK

Marketing, Even When You Are Not I was driving to work a couple of weeks back and heard a radio spot that I just have to share. It was from a mechanic’s shop west of Toronto that was looking for a new service technician.

For some unknown reason, they took the unusual step of using a morning drivetime radio spot to tell the world about the opening at their company. Not sure why.

Perhaps they were having trouble finding a good tradesperson. (Our industry isn’t the only one that has challenges finding talented individuals.)

Anyway, the ad outlined what they valued in a mechanic. They were searching for someone who would put people first, and do right for their customers. They wanted a knowledgeable technician, but not just any tech would do. The right person would have to be able to demonstrate that they understood the value of repeat business. Parts swappers need not apply. This company wanted someone who would spend the time to change the right part, the first time, even if it meant spending a little extra time to troubleshoot.

Join us in B.C., for Free!

This November we’re packing up a batch of magazines and heading out west for the largest showcase for mechanical equipment in Western Canada, CIPHEX West, and we’d like to see you there. We’ll even pick up the tab for your badge. Just hit the registration page at ciphexwest.ca and use promo code MECHBIZ. See you at the show!

This company wants their customers to be happy enough that they will tell others about the positive experiences they have with the shop.

Now, I’ll admit, the cynic in me had me wondering if they were hiring someone at all, or if they were using this ad to surreptitiously advertise all the qualities any of us is likely looking for in a good shop.

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).

If they weree that sly, hat’s off to their m marketing department full of evil geniuses. But I genuinely believe believ evee that the extended ext xten e ded value va of their marketing – advertising that they ha stand-up people working for them who are not going to take have advantage of a cu customer – was a byproduct of them trying to do the right thing thiin when adding a valuable member to their te team.

Character is what w Character you do when nobody is looking. And we ourselv and our companies, all the time, whether market ourselves, it is by plan or not. Find good people to work with, treat cust your customers well and charge what you need to so yo can continue to do the good things that that you d If ever I’ve heard a recipe for success, you do. tha be it. that’d

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. © Copyright 2016. The contents of this magazine may not be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission of the publisher.

Until next time,

Proud members of:

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Printed with bio-renewable vegetable-based inks with less than 3% V.O.C.

10.16

News www.mechanicalbusiness.com

Ernst Receives Seidner Award Kevin Ernst (left), general manager of OS&B, was named the 16th recipient of the Joseph K. Seidner Award at the Canadian Advisory Council on Plumbing annual meeting, held in Ottawa on August 16.

Ernst, the chairman of the Plumbing Industry Advisory Council, was presented with the award by CIPH president and general manager Ralph Suppa (right), who praised him for his contributions to Canadian plumbing codes and standards.

“Kevin has led the Plumbing Industry Advisory Council with passion and vision,” Suppa noted. “He has been an integral part of the codes and standards development community in both Canada and the U.S., participating in several technical committees, task groups and industry advisory bodies over the last 25 years.”

Congratulations Kevin!

Hydonics a Hit in Guelph Eden Energy Equipment opened its doors to 150 contractors and engineers for two days of hydronic training from industry expert John Siegenthaler in mid-September. Originally scheduled for a single day at the company’s headquarters in Guelph, Ont., the six-module course on contemporary approaches to hydronic heating and cooling proved so popular that a second date was added. edenenergy.com

Ribbon-Cutting Draws a Crowd

ciph.com

Saniflo Showroom Hits the Road Saniflo is hitting the highway this fall with its mobile showroom. The company will be travelling across the country and stopping at retailers and wholesalers to showcase a full lineup of working products. “We expanded this program with a second trailer as we felt this was an excellent way to interact with our customers and provide them with insights into Saniflo and our solutions,” said Ross Evans, Saniflo Canada’s national sales manager. The mobile showroom will be travelling throughout Southern Ontario in the next few months, stopping at various plumbing wholesale and retail locations. saniflo.ca

Air Heat Supplies in Mississauga, Ont., was packed to the gills with contractors and local celebrities—including former Mississauga mayor Hazel McCallion—for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 14. The event commemorated Air Heat Supplies’ new relationship with Allied Air. The wholesaler now carries Armstrong Air and Ducane brands of residential HVAC equipment, as well as Allied Air commercial products. airheat.ca alliedair.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.

CIPHEX West

MCA Toronto

@CIPHEXwest

@MCAToronto

Contractors - get more repeat/referral business - send a yearly follow-up to past customers so they remember YOU.

We have many safety courses coming up.

Contact the office for details!

July 25, 2016

August 18, 2016

16

M e c h a n i c a l

Plumbing Paramedics

AB Police Report

@PlumbingMedics

CBSA officers seize suspected cocaine hidden inside refrigeration unit in Fort Erie, ON.

Research has shown that over 4% of deaths in #Canada can be attributed to the #cold. Book your #furnace inspection.

September 9, 2016

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@abpolicereport

August 25, 2016

Look for this link on our website!

Worst Washrooms

ACO Receives NSF Certification ACO has obtained NSF/ANSI 3A 14159-12014 certification for its products from NSF International. The certification refers to hygienic requirements in food processing applications.

All of ACO’s hygienic floor drains, hygienic floor troughs and hygienic cast and ladder grates for floor drains will now display the NSF certification mark. ACO also has EN 1253 and EN 1672 certification for its hygienic floor drain and hygienic trench drain products.

What’s the Worst Washroom You’ve Ever Seen?

acocan.ca Have you ever been in a washroom so horrible that it defied description? Well, no need to describe it—just send us a picture!

Mechanical Business is collecting photos of some of the worst washrooms from around the world. So next time you run into an unsightly bathroom while you’re on vacation, on the jobsite or out on the town, grab your smartphone and take a picture. Your snapshot could end up in the pages of Mechanical Business! (Just be careful not to drop your camera on the washroom floor…)

Carrier Accolades Times 2 Two Canadian contracting companies have been honoured with Carrier’s President’s Award.

Representatives from Provincial Heating & Cooling in Winnipeg (pictured with Carrier personnel) and Pope & Sons Refrigeration in Parksville, B.C., travelled to Huntington Beach, Calif., earlier this year to receive their awards.

The honour recognizes Carrier factory-authorized dealers who excel at customer satisfaction. carrier.com

Get Free Admission to CIPHEX West!

Are you going to CIPHEX West?

Well, you can get in free, courtesy of Mechanical Business! Just go to ciphexwest.ca and use promo code “MECHBIZ” (all caps). See you in Vancouver!

To submit your photo, visit mechanicalbusiness.com and simply follow the WORST WASHROOMS link on the homepage. While you’re there, tell us a bit about the washroom.

Here’s a photo Richard Purdue submitted of a washroom in Hamamatsu, Japan. Quarters can be cramped in Japan, but this WC takes it to the next level. It’s so small, the sink is part of the toilet.

The tap runs for a few seconds every time the toilet is flushed!

Think you can top this? Then visit mechanicalbusiness.com and submit your photo today! mechanicalbusiness.com

Canadian Students Honoured By ASHRAE Students from two Canadian universities have received d awards from ASHRAE. A team from the University of British Columbia finished in first place in the HVAC Design Calculations category of ASHRAE’s Student Design Competition for designing an HVAC system for a municipal building in Beijing. Students from the University of Regina won the Applied Engineering Challenge for conducting an energy audit and recommending a mechanical system redesign for the Little Souls Daycare at Souls Harbour Rescue Mission in Regina. ashrae.org

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News www.mechanicalbusiness.com

Rewarding Hard Work Milwaukee Tool’s Hardest Workers contest is currently underway, inviting contractors across Canada (excluding Quebec) and the U.S. to submit photos of their man caves and personal work spaces for a chance to win big. One grand prize winner will receive a Ford F250 Super Duty truck, while four others will be TradesMAN Cave winners, receiving a variety of Milwaukee tools, storage solutions and a Samsung 60” LED 4K Smart TV, among other prizes. The contest runs until December 31.

Rolling Through Canada Modine’s Innovation Tour made several stops in Canada in August, showcasing the company’s latest products in London and Vaughan, Ont., as well as Montreal. A semi-trailer filled with Modine technology hit the road for the 46-city tour beginning in January at the AHR Expo in Orlando. The tour also offers free accredited CEU and NATE courses.

Pictured here, the attendees from the tour stop in Vaughan on August 11. modinehvac.com

Daikin Launches Design Platform Daikin recently launched WebXpress (VRV), an interactive online platform that allows users to design systems using the company’s VRV products by selecting equipment and controls. The system features an integrated mechanical schedule generator, as well as the ability to import zone load data from heat load calculation tools. Users can access their VRV projects from their desktop or any mobile device. WebXpress (VRV) also integrates with Daikin City, Daikin’s online portal that provides resources for sales partners, contractors and mechanical engineers. daikin.com

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WET WET TH HEAT T AP APPLICATIONS APPLIC A AND AND LICA D TECHN CATIONS TECHNOLOGIES T HNO NOLOG OGIE GIES Febr Februa Fe February ruary ry 2016 201

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milwaukeetool.ca

CaGBC Offers Free LEED Certification The Canadian Green Building Council (CaGBC) is offering free LEED registration and certification for residential, commercial and institutional projects in Fort McMurray, Alta. “The resilience of the citizens of Fort McMurray and the surrounding regions is inspiring, and the council wanted to do its small part to help rebuild this wonderful community,” said CaGBC president and CEO Thomas Mueller. Edmonton’s EcoAmmo Sustainable Consulting and Calgary’s 4 Elements Integrated Design will offer free LEED administration services to Fort McMurray residents who are rebuilding or renovating through the CaGBC program. cagbc.org ecoammo.com 4elementsdesign.net

Updates to Efficiency Requirements Proposed Ontario has proposed amendments to the Ontario Energy Efficiency Regulation that would see new minimum efficiency requirements for 15 products, including boilers, air conditioners and heat pumps. Details of the amendments can be found on the Environmental Registry of Ontario’s website. Meanwhile, in Quebec, a draft regulation has been tabled that would harmonize the province’s energy performance requirements for hydrocarbon-fuelled appliances with Ontario’s regulations. ebr.gov.on.ca

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APP ALERT Sending Plumbers to China Five plumbers are headed to Shanghai, China, courtesy of Canature WaterGroup. Each was selected at random after purchasing qualifying residential water treatment systems as part of the company’s “Fix the Water That Broke It…and Win!” promotion. In addition to enjoying the sights and sounds of Shanghai, the winners will also tour Canature WaterGroup’s 1,000,000-square-foot manufacturing facility.

The winners are Erich Busch from All About Water in Winnipeg; Kyle Brubacher from C.J. Brubacher in Elmira, Ont.; Mike Shipp from Jim Shipp Plumbing & Heating in Woodstock, Ont.; Ryan Tynning from Swift Plumbing & Heating in Swift Current, Sask.; and Tim Kauffman from Timkau Plumbing in Kitchener, Ont.

Work on the Go with Wolseley The Wolseley Express App is now available for Android and iOS devices. The app allows Wolseley Express account holders to place orders and find nearby branches. It also features a barcode scanner that allows users who maintain an in-house inventory to set up custom barcodes to scan and replenish items. wolseleyexpress.com/mobile

Boiler Compatibility App Webstone’s Hydro-Core Boiler Compatibility Matrix App is designed to allow users to find the right Hydro-Core hydronic manifold for approximately 300 boilers from 25 different manufacturers. The app integrates with Webstone’s online store portal to simplify product orders.

Available for Android and iOS devices. webstonevalves.com

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10.16

News APP ALERT www.mechanicalbusiness.com

Calgary School the Greenest in Canada The Career and Technology Centre (CTC) at Lord Shaughnessy High School in Calgary has been named the 2016 Greenest School in Canada by the Canadian Green Building Council (CaGBC). The school was a runnerup in the 2015 competition, but made a number of improvements, including working on a prototype air quality tester to study CO2 levels in classrooms, that gave it the edge this year.

“This award really is a tribute to the amazing work of passionate staff and students that make this school such a great environment in which to learn,” said Adam Robb, a co-teacher of the Energy and Environmental Innovations Program at CTC. “We will use this recognition to help show other schools the amazing impact that greening your school can have on both students and staff.”

The CTC will receive a $2,000 cash award to be put toward a green project, and will also serve as the official Canadian entry for the Center for Green Schools’ Greenest School on Earth Competition. This year’s runners-up for Greenest School in Canada were Argyle Alternative School in Winnipeg and Reynolds Secondary School in Victoria, B.C. cagbc.org

Watch out, internet. There’s a new website in town—and it belongs to HRAI. The association’s new digs on the net have a user-friendly interface and a responsive design optimized for both desktop and mobile viewing. So what are you waiting for? Check it out today! hrai.ca

Wolseley Three-Peats with ICP

MSCC and BOMA Join Forces The Mechanical Service Contractors of Canada (MSCC) and Building Owners and Managers Association of Canada (BOMA) have joined forces to promote the MSCC National Contractor Certification Program to BOMA members. Under the agreement, BOMA members will have access to a list of pre-qualified companies they can source for service and repair work. servicecontractor.ca

bomacanada.ca

ORAC Lands in New Location Grab a pen and get ready to update your address book, because ORAC has moved to a new location. Effective September 26, the Ontario Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Contractors Association began enjoying its new digs in Vaughan, Ont., at 133 Milani Blvd, Unit 5. But not to worry—the association’s phone and fax numbers remain the same. To stay up to date with everything ORAC, be sure to visit their website. oraca.ca

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HRAI Website Debuts New Look

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Wolseley Canada has achieved a hat trick with International Comfort Products (ICP). The manufacturer recently named Wolseley its Canadian distributor of the year for the third straight year. The award was in recognition of Wolseley’s sales achievements and customer support for ICP’s KeepRite products in 2015. “To win it once is great. To be recognized year after year is a validation of the hard work going on in the front lines,” said Joseph Caranci, Wolseley Canada’s director of business development for HVAC/R. Wolseley won the same award for the KeepRite brand in 2014, and for ICP’s Heil line of products in 2013.

Pictured from left to right: Charlie Piranian, ICP general manager, North American sales; Steve Webb, ICP sales manager; John Bonus, business development manager, Wolseley Canada; Joseph Caranci, director of business development, HVAC/R, Wolseley Canada; Mike DuFour, ICP Canada national sales manager; and J.T. Holtschlag, vicepresident and general manager, ICP and HVAC components. wolseleyinc.ca

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10.16

Movers & Shakers www.mechanicalbusiness.com

Milwaukee Mi lwaukee Tool Partners P with SMACNA Milwaukee Tool has entered into o a premier partnership agreement with the Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors’’ National Association (SMACNA). SMAC CNA represents 1,834 union member firms in 10 03 chapters throughout Canada, the United States, Australia and Brazil. milwaukeetool.ca

Canplas Celebrate es 50 Years Canplas is celebrating its 50th aanniversary this year. The company began manufacturing plumbing and ventilation products in 1966 in New Westminster, B.C. Its manufacturing plant and main distribution facility are now based in Barrie, Ont., with regional distribution and customer service centres in Langley, B.C., and Edmonton. canplas.com

Merger g of Johnson Controls and Tyco Complete The merger of Johnson Controls and Tyco, a provider of fire and security systems, closed in September. The new company is expected to generate U.S. $30 billion in revenue annually and will employ 117,000 workers following the anticipated spinoff of Johnson Controls’ automotive business in October.

Enbridge and Spectra Energy Announce Merger

enbridge.com spectraenergy.com

M e c h a n i c a l

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Aqua-Tech is now representing Xylem brands in the province of Ontario, including Bell & Gossett’s residential HVAC products, as well as McDonnell & Miller and Hoffman Specialty products. “The residential HVAC product mix from Bell & Gossett, along with the McDonnell & Miller and Hoffman Specialty products, provides a significant amount of synergy with our other product offerings,” said Bill Palamar, president and CEO of Aqua-Tech.

Aqua-Tech has also taken over the representation of Lochinvar products in Northern Ontario. Lochinvar was formerly represented by Northern Mechanical Sales on behalf of Aqua-Tech. Pictured here from left to right: Darryl Singleton, vice-president of AquaTech; Bill Palamar, president and CEO of Aqua-Tech; Chris Hartwick, managing director of Xylem Applied Water Systems Canada; and Tim Main, Xylem’s market development manager for residential HVAC products in Canada. aquatech-canada.com xylem.com

Rep-Can Opens p for Business

Enbridge and Spectra Energy, a Houston-based pipeline company, have entered into a stock-for-stock merger agreement worth $37 billion. Enbridge shareholders will own 57 per cent of the combined companies, which will have a natural gas pipeline business based in Houston and a liquid pipeline business based in Edmonton. The deal has been approved by the boards of directors of both companies and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2017, pending regulatory approvals.

22

Aqua-Tech q Now Representing p Xylem Brands in Ontario

Industry veteran Rob Ferris opened Rep-Can, a sales agency based in London, Ont., earlier this year. Serving Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada, the agency currently represents Midea ductless mini splits; Eubank wall-hung commercial AC and refrigerant products; EWC HVAC zoning dampers and controls; Air Oasis UV sanitation equipment, air purifiers and room ionizers; and Vapco HVAC coil cleaners and chemicals. rep-can.com

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10.16

Movers & Shakers www.mechanicalbusiness.com

New Office, New Rep Aquatherm Canada recently opened a new sales office in Airdrie, Alta., a 15-minute drive from the Calgary International Airport. The 1,100-sq-ft facility features office space, a storage bay and a 500-sq-ft mezzanine. It can be found at Bay 305, 151 Eastlake Blvd. In Ontario, Aquatherm has welcomed Equipco as the company’s manufacturer’s representative for the Greater Toronto Area and southwestern Ontario. aquatherm.ca equipcoltd.com

Ideal Supply Bought

ACO Stainless ACO becomes first and only drainage company to obtain NSF certification for Hygienic Drainage Products The NSF/ANSI 3A 14159-1-2014 standard refers to the hygienic requirements in food processing. This certification shows that the hygienic performance of ACO’s drainage systems and products comply with the strict standards and procedures of the NSF. It also underlines ACO’s ongoing commitment to the very high standards of manufacturing and to research-led product development, which ensures that its product deliver optimum hygienic performance.

ACO’s Stainless Steel Drainage Products apply hygienic design principles that are normally reserved for food contact surfaces to ensure minimum risks for food processing facilities.

For more information, visit us at acobuildingdrainage.us

ACO Systems, Ltd. 877.226.4255

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info@acocan.ca

acocan.ca

M e c h a n i c a l

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Deschenes Group has acquired Ideal Supply, a wholesale distributor of electrical, industrial and automotive products based in southern Ontario. Ideal Supply’s name will remain the same, and its headquarters and distribution centre will remain in Listowel, Ont. The company will also retain its management team. Deschenes Group now operates nine Canadian companies, each of which is managed independently. groupedeschenes.com

idealsupply.com

NTI Acquired by Ariston Thermo Ariston Thermo, an Italian manufacturer or boilers and water heaters, has acquired NTI. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

This marks Ariston Thermo’s first foray into the North American market. Based in New Brunswick, NTI has been manufacturing boilers and water heaters in Canada for the last 49 years. ntiboilers.com aristonthermo.com

Riobel Bought by Fortune Brands Riobel has been purchased by Fortune Brands’ new Global Plumbing Group (GPG) division. Terms of the sale were not disclosed. The Quebec-based manufacturer of premium showroom plumbing fixtures has $40 million in annual sales. GPG has also reached an agreement to acquire ROHL, a California-based luxury brand that also includes the Perrin & Rowe brand. riobel.ca fbhs.com

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10.16

People in the news www.mechanicalbusiness.com

Viega has promoted MARK EVANS to director of North American sales. In his new role, Evans will be responsible for strategic planning and sales development throughout Canada and the U.S. Evans, who has extensive experience in the wholesale, agency and manufacturing sectors, has been with Viega since 2007, when he was hired to develop a comprehensive sales and marketing strategy prior to the launch of Viega products in Canada.

SANTIAGO MARTIN (top) has been appointed the head of the Danfoss Drives Americas division, responsible for leading the company’s drives business in Canada, the United States and Latin America.

Martin joined Danfoss as part of the company’s merger with Vacon, and served most recently as vice-president of Danfoss Drives in Latin America.

Also at Danfoss, JEFFREY FLANNERY (bottom) has been named the business development manager for the company’s heating business in North America.

Flannery will focus specifically on the growth of the company’s AB-QM pressure independent control valve in hydronic heating applications. He has more than 20 years of engineering, product management, and business development experience in the global HVAC/R industry.

TODD SHUMATE has been named the president and general manager of Knipex Tools following the retirement of Alan W. Sipe.

Shumate started at Knipex in 2008 as North American sales manager before being promoted to vice-president of sales and then executive vice-president.

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M e c h a n i c a l

BRAD HORTON has joined B.J. Williams & Associates as a sales representative serving the British Columbia and Alberta markets.

He has over 15 years of HVAC/R experience, ranging from distribution and installation through to end user support.

Centrotherm has promoted two of its staff members to sales reps serving the Canadian marketplace.

KATIE MULLARKEY has been named the new inside sales representative for the East Coast. Mullarkey joined Centrotherm as a customer service representative in 2012.

MATTHEW PRYCE is the new inside sales representative for the West Coast. Pryce joined Centrotherm in 2015 as a marketing specialist.

He will retain his marketing duties in his new role. Both Mullarkey and Pryce will report to Michael Dailey, Centrotherm’s Canadian regional sales manager.

Fresh-Aire UV has appointed MARISSA GRANADOS the sales and training manager for North America. In her new role, Granados will be responsible for technical training and best practices on Fresh-Aire UV’s residential and commercial air purification and UV sterilization technology.

B u s i n e s s

Follow Us on Twitter @MechBusiness

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HARRY KANDILAS has been named the new general manager of Bélanger. He has a wealth of experience in the home appliance and plumbing industries, and has served as a board member of CIPH and CHBA. He brings an expertise in business strategy, product development, sales management and teambuilding to his new role.

ASHLEY BOUCHARD has been promoted to general manager of Raven Supply.

Bouchard joined the Raven team as a project manager in 2012 before being promoted to vice-president of operations.

Wolseley Canada has announced the appointment of two new directors to its supply chain department. ROB BURDETT (left) has been named the director of supply chain planning and strategic analytics, responsible for evaluating Wolseley’s supply planning practices, inventory availability and purchasing performance. JON RATNASAMY (right) has been named the director of logistics and network modelling, responsible for implementing process improvements and managing operating and distribution costs. Also at Wolseley Canada, SIMON OAKLAND (bottom), the global head of corporate development, has been named the interim senior vice-president.

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10.16

People in the news www.mechanicalbusiness.com

Aquatherm has hired KEVIN McAULEY as the regional sales manager for Western Canada. Working from Aquatherm’s office in St. Albert, Alta., McAuley will be responsible for business growth in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and British Columbia. He has 27 years of experience in the commercial and residential plumbing industries, specializing in hydronic system design.

PAUL KEMBOI (top) has joined Aqua-Tech as a technical sales representative for the Ontario region, reporting to Grant Erickson.

He brings a breadth of experience in customer service, technical support and project management to his new role.

RON McAVOY (bottom) has joined the Aqua-Tech team as a technical support representative. He has over 15 years of experience as a plumber/pipefitter. In his new role, he will provide technical support to AquaTech’s inside customer service and outside sales teams.

PIERRE TRUDEL (top) has joined Goodman Manufacturing as the territory sales manager for Quebec City, Trois-Rivieres and Chicoutimi in Quebec.

He brings considerable sales experience in the HVAC market and a focus on customer satisfaction to the role. Also at Goodman, AMANDA CUMMINGS (bottom) will soon be the manager of the company’s Edmonton branch. Cummings has been with Goodman for 11 years and worked in a variety of roles, including administration, marketing, pricing and customer service.

She will be relocating from Pickering, Ont., to Edmonton effective January 1, 2017.

Hired someone lately?

Let the mechanical world know through h the pages of Mechanical Business.

To have your company’s personnel announcements included, free of charge, in an upcoming edition of Mechanical Business, simply send a note and a few details, to greg.dalgetty@mechanicalbusiness.com.

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10.16

Profile Rick Ellul: Pitching in to Advance the Trade

First exposed to the industry at the age of 13 as he helped move furnaces at Marshall’s Refrigeration in Toronto, HRAI chairman Rick Ellul took an early shine to the trade, a trade that he says is “a great place for talented people to have a great career.”

“You need all those skills to do refrigeration.”

He officially entered the trade as a counterperson in 1988, embarking on a career in the distribution and manufacturing sides of the business. Rick was introduced as the chairman of HRAI at its most recent annual meeting, held in Calgary in August.

As a high school student, he was fortunate to try his hand at several vocations, including electrical, electronics, machine shop, and more.

“The only one that had a bit of everything was refrigeration,” he says.

Q A

What do you enjoy most about the industry?

The unique solutions that you can provide a customer to make them p comfortable, energy efficient and safe.

Q A

What’s the most interesting development going on in the mechanical sector?

Q A

What are some of the priority items for the association under your term?

W

It is definitely what is happening now with “the internet of things.” I think manyy companies p are still learningg what theyy can do d with it and how it will affect them. I am excited because this has the opp opportunity it to completely alter our business models. As a disruptive technology, techn also has the ability to potentially replace some existing technologies. techno

To increase HRAI’s regional representation and services for the th commercial sector, the completion of our full member survey, survey and to put in place a plan that both markets the industry to the public an and attracts new talent to the industry as a career choice.

Q A Q A

What are some of the challenges facing the HVAC/R se W sector in the coming year?

Two big ones: new refrigerants and extended producer produc responsibility programs.

What’s the best piece of advice anyone has given you?

W It came from my former jiu-jitsu instructor: “Itsumo “I tadashiku.” It’s Japanese for “Always do the ri right thing.” I always consider that before choosing a direction to go on anything.

Q A

What do you do when you are not working? wo I love to ski and sail, when time allows. allow

BIO Name: Rick Ellul Title: District Sales Manager Company: Belimo Aircontrols (CAN) Inc. Age: 50 Born in: Toronto Joined the industry: 1988 Family: Wife Shizuka, and their 18-month-old son

30

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2016

Heating Report

There’s No Beating HighTech Heating B y G r eg By e g D a lg l g et e t ty ty

Gas Furnaces The LX series of TM9Y gas furnaces from York offer AFUE efficiencies up to 96 per cent and heating inputs ranging from 40,000 to 120,000 BTUH. They feature two-stage operation and ECM motors, and can be configured for upflow, horizontal or downflow installations. york.com

10:1 0:1 Turndown Ratio Ra Lochinvar’s FTXL fire tube boilers are designed for light commercial applications. Available in five models ranging from 399,999 to 850,000 BTUH, they offer a turndown ratio of 10:1. Up to eight units can be cascaded for a total input of up to 6.8 million BTUH. lochinvar.com

W

ith summer behind us, it’s time to turn our attention once again to heating season.

And, just like the changing of the seasons, you can always count on new technology and trends in the heating market.

Evolving government regulations and a growing demand for heating equipment to integrate fully into home comfort systems leave the industry in a constant state of change. We talked to some experts to get the skinny on the latest heating trends.

Complete Comfort Much as fuel economy is always a sales topic when comparing vehicles, energy efficiency will always be a factor in the heating market. But with maximum efficiencies of furnaces and boilers already approaching 100 per cent AFUE, where is there room to grow?

“I don’t think we’re going to get much higher in efficiency,” says John Goshulak, vice-president of sales and marketing with Weil-McLain Canada. “Minimum efficiency requirements are going to come up, but I don’t see us getting to 100 per cent.”

Adam Wills, Rheem’s Canadian general sales manager for HVAC and customer support, sees advances in controls as the key to home comfort.

“Smart home communication platforms that can increase comfort and reduce energy costs through efficiency gains are leading the way,” he says. “It is all about comfort and ease of use; providing the full potential of comfort in the easiest to operate manner possible to the end user.”

Nine Models M d l Available A i Trinity fire tube condensing boilers from NTI are available in nine different models ranging from 60,000 to 399,000 BTUH. The boilers offer AFUE efficiencies of up to 95 per cent. Vents can run up to 150 feet with five vent termination options. ntiboilers.com

Heatting Produ uctts 34

Shiblee Noman, Goodman’s furnace nace product manager, notes that the lower noise levels of energy efficient equipment are also an importantt piece of the home comfort puzzle.

“Many homeowners are concerned ned about the quiet operation of heating ating equipment, perhaps because of the sound levels they experienced with older, inefficient systems,” Noman an explains. “Variable-speed heating g systems are capable of offering quiet operation compared to single-speed peed heating systems.”

He a ti n

2016

Heating Report

Equipment Sizing One of o the keys to yielding the greatest possible efficiencies from heatin heating equipment is ensuring that it’s properly sized. This can sometimes be a challenge in retrofit applications. some “The tendency can be to replace what was already there,” says Mike Juhnke, Lochinvar’s prod product program manager. “If a home homeowner or business said it was never getting cold with their old equipment, e a contractor may see a 500,000 BTUH boiler there that never n had any problems and decid decide to put in a new 500,000 BTUH boiler.”

“Things change over time.

Insulation is added to buildings, the number of people inside a building may change, and windows get caulked and replaced.”

25:1 Turndown Ratio Advantus two-pass counter-flow fire tube boilers from Camus offer thermal efficiencies of up to 99 per cent and a 25:1 turndown ratio. Thirteen different models are available, with inputs ranging from 450,000 to 4,000,000 BTUH. camus-hydronics.com

But given how a building’s envelope can change over the yea years, and the fact that many systems were oversized to begin wit with, this approach can lead to equipment oversizing and sh short-cycling, which is why Juhnke encourages contractors to do a heat-loss calculation before replacing equipment.

“T “Things change over time. Insulation is added to buildings, the number of people inside a building may change, and windows get caulked and replaced,” he explains. “Now the heat loss will be different, so contractors should take a look at the heat loss calculations to see if the building envelope has changed over time.”

Getting Pumped mped

Single and Multi-split Systems Mr. Slim M series heat pumps from Mitsubishi Electric feature variable-speed compressors and offer efficiencies of up to 30.5 SEER. They use R-410A and are available with four styles of indoor units that can be combined for a maximum heating output of 60,000 BTUH. mitsubishielectric.ca

With heat pumps evolving to operate at lower ambient temperatures, theyy may be all that’s needed during heating season, son, depending on the region.

“Heat pump technology has advanced significantly over the past eight years to provide enough heating output without the need forr auxiliary heat in most majorr cities across Canada,” says es Clive Carr, a residential sales ctric. associate for Mitsubishi Electric. arket to cold climate heat “This has opened up the market pumps and presents strong sales opportunities across Canada.”

High-efficiency Gas Furnaces Goodman’s GMVM97 gas furnaces are available in sizes ranging from 60,000 to 120,000 BTUH and offer AFUE efficiencies of up to 98 per cent. They have selfcalibrating modulating gas valves and aluminized-steel tubular heat exchangers. goodmanmfg.com

c o n t i n u e s o n p age 36 35

2016

Heating Report

c o n t in u ed fr o m p age 35

Opportunities for Contractors Integrated controls are playing a larger role in home heating systems, and contractors who learn how to use them now will be setting themselves up for success in the future.

“High-efficiency heating systems equipped with communicating controls offer benefits such as diagnostic messages, easy set-up procedures, and the ability to connect with a heating system remotely,” explains Shiblee Noman of Goodman Manufacturing. “Control systems will continue to evolve and allow greater control of the system, and perhaps even easier installation and connection opportunities.”

Residential/Commercial Boilers Weil-McLain’s Evergreen condensing boilers are suitable for large residential and light commercial applications.

Available in 220,000, 299,000 and 399,000 BTUH sizes with a 5:1 turndown ratio, they are floor- or wall-mountable and offer AFUE efficiencies of 96.5 per cent. weil-mclain.ca

The ability to diagnose problems remotely can save contractors a lot of time. Rather than troubleshooting problems on site, they can show up to a service call knowing what the problem is and how to fix it.

“For contractors, time is valuable,” says Mike Juhnke of Lochinvar. “We want to get them to the jobsite so they can solve the problem in one step, and get them on to the next jobsite.”

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Heatting Pro oducts co n t in u ed fr o m p age 36 With advanced controls making service calls easier, John Goshulak of Weil-McLain Canada predicts that contractors will be able to use their time more profitably than ever before.

“Everyone wants to get the high-tech, high-profile jobs coming out of school, but I think the real money is in this industry, where contractors can command a decent wage,” he says. “We will get to a point where a service tech will get a call saying a gas valve is down. Technicians will still need to have a gas licence to do the work, but that licence will be like gold.”

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By Fred Bretzke

Fred Bretzke is a full-time pipe trades instructor with SAIT Polytechnic in Calgary and the general manager of A&B Plumbing & Heating. He can be reached at fred.bretzke@sait.ca.

PLUMBING

THE

cycle FOOD

OF

… FROM ONE TANK TO ANOTHER

THE

REEK OF RAW SEWAGE

F

or most of us, as soon as we flush the toilet, our waste is out of sight and out of mind, never to be thought of again. Of course, if you live in the country and have a septic tank, you are not like most people. If this is you, or one of your customers, then you know that you have to deal with it again, at least once a year.

I’ll never forget a service call I had in 1987. I had only helped put in two or three septic fields by then, but really, what was there to know, other than poop runs downhill?

Recent experience had taught me how to install a typical two-chamber pressure pump septic tank, complete with a distribution box and lateral field. I knew the tanks had to be emptied out by the infamous honey wagon once a year, but other than that, I figured they were self-sustaining.

So off I went on another service call, this time out to a home in the country where the sewage was backing up. When I arrived, I discovered a beautiful house and property, with a note on the front door inviting me to come in and solve the problem. A key had been left for me under the mat.

I remember walking in. Boy, did it reek of raw sewage. I checked the bathrooms and commenced flushing the toilets to diagnose the problem. I knew that if all else failed, I could follow the poop. Sure enough, after several flushes I saw the bathtubs and showers back up and ooze.

The mechanical room was located in the basement, and this is

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continues on page 42

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PLUMBING KNOW YOUR CODE THE REEK OF RAW SEWAGE,

CONTINUED

where I found a ceiling-hung sanitary sewer, which was sleeved into the vertical concrete wall exiting the home. I went around back and began to look for the septic tank. Surely they must had a septic tank. have ha I started looking for the tank, but there were no signs of iit anywhere. I finally tripped over something in the grass outside, and began poking around. After a few minutes o shovelling, I found two manholes that weighed about off shov 65 6 lb. each. eac These may have prevented young children lifting from liftin n them up and going for an unpleasant swim, would but I wou u not be able to avoid what I like to call “the of horrors.” chamber o

CHAMBER

OF

HORRORS T

he septic chamber is where all the action takes place. By action, I mean anaerobic action, where the solids sink to the bottom of the tank and the scum floats to the top, forming a layer. This scum layer is necessary, as it acts as an insulator during winter. It is also necessary to keep this chamber wet and warm and deprived of oxygen so that anaerobic bacteria will grow and do its thing.

This breakdown of sewage is the reason the tank doesn’t have to be emptied every week, as the effluent passes on to the next nasty chamber. But before we get there, it must be explained that we only allow a maximum of 9” of scum on the top layer of the tank and 18” of sludge on the bottom of the tank. If these amounts are exceeded in the septic chamber, the crap hits the fan, so to speak.

So I grabbed a long stick and commenced to dip it in the tank as if I were checking the oil on the crappiest car on earth. It came back with sludge marks at the 24” level, so I knew it had to be cleaned.

The second chamber of a septic tank—also known as the pump chamber—only accepts fluid if everything is in proper working order. Initially I wasn’t going to bother with this chamber since I already knew the tank had to be cleaned, but I thought I’d better take a look just in case. Sure enough, the second chamber was full of effluent, and I couldn’t see a pump.

This befuddled me, so I decided to investigate further.

It wasn’t long before I sank ankle deep in…well, effluent. This was rather nasty, as I was not wearing rubber boots. Now I knew the homeowners were in deep crap. This was a saturated septic field, and that is not good. But how did it get saturated? I guess there was maybe too much passing into the field and blocking the laterals, otherwise known as the distribution field. These

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SECTION 2.4.4.1.(1) OF THE 2010 NATIONAL PLUMBING CODE DICTATES THAT:

“

Where a fixture or equipment discharges sewage or waste that may damage or impair the sanitary drainage system or the functioning of a public or private sewage disposal system, provision shall be made for treatment of the sewage or waste before it is discharged to the sanitary drainage system.

This is the only reference to septic systems in the code book. Most codes or private sewage treatment details come from the provinces and municipalities having jurisdiction.

are perforated percolation pipes embedded in sand and gravel approximately two feet deep.

I went back to the tank and, in all my stupidity, without any confined space gear, I entered the second chamber of horrors to look for the pump.

There was a big concrete object in there, but no pump.

Thinking this was crazy, I went back into to town and picked up a submersible pump, hooked a discharge pipe to it, tied it to a long extension cord and commenced emptying the second chamber onto a dry field to the left of the tank. This way I could get the tank at least temporarily going and I could find the old pump. After emptying the second chamber, I still couldn’t find a pump, but I noticed that the big concrete thing was shaped like a bell, and it had a huge crack in it.

Turns out this was a syphon bell, which could be used instead of a pump. When working properly, it would function like an upside down glass. The effluent would fill up to a certain point until it overcame the atmospheric pressure, and then—boom!— it would all of a sudden syphon through the bell and swoosh out to the gravity distribution field. But if the bell cracks, the effluent just trickles into the field, backing up the tank and possibly freezing and blocking the field.

So I installed a permanent pump in the second chamber, had a honey wagon clean the first chamber, and we were good to go.

Even better, I just so happened to have a clean pair of shoes and clothes in my service van.

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PLUMBING

Products

Food Waste Disposer InSinkErator’s Evolution Excel food waste disposer features a 1 hp induction motor. Its stainless-steel grind chamber has a 40 oz capacity.

The disposer is capable of three different grind stages, and is designed to break through jams by automatically increasing torque.

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Washing Machine Outlet Box The Du-All dual-drain washing machine outlet box, distributed by G. F. Thompson, features various mounting options to allow for dual-drain, right-drain or leftdrain installations. The box can also be inverted for top-mount and centre drain installations. It comes with brass 1/4-turn valves installed and measures 8-1/4" wide by 6-1/8" tall by 3-3/4" deep.

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Condensing Water Heaters Ultra Series RUR tankless condensing water heaters from Rinnai can be used with either a dedicated return line or a crossover valve. Each unit comes with an integrated pump, internal bypass line and thermal bypass valve for installation without the use of a return line. They offer a 0.96 energy factor and come in 152,000, 180,000, and 199,000 BTUH sizes.

Hooded Lavatory Drains ns OS&B’s 3783 series of hooded lavatory drains are suitable for vessel sinks with no overflow. They feature a thread-in dome for continuous water flow and a 3” threaded body to accommodate thick countertops. They are available in triple-plated chrome, brushed nickel, Venetian bronze and polished nickel.

www. osb.ca

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Leak Detection System Damage Control Pro’s AquaTrip system is designed to monitor the flow of water entering a property in real time. When water flow exceeds a pre-set timeframe, the system shuts down the water supply. It is designed to accommodate pipe sizes of up to 2”.

www. dcpro.ca

PVC Transition Couplings Sharkbite’s PVC transition couplings are engineered to connect PVC pipe to copper, PEX, CPVC and PE-RT pipe. They are available in 1/2”, 3/4” and 1” sizes.

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HYDRONICS

B y M ich ael B r eault Michael Breault is a product manager for the radiant and hydronic segment of Watts Water Technologies Canada.

He can be reached at michael.breault@wattswater.com.

FOR MULTIPLE-TEMPERATURE

SYSTEMS H

aving been, at one time or another, in both the forced air and the hydronic heating world, I can conclusively say that there are advantages and disadvantages to both types of systems. It is certainly not easy to make straight comparisons, but an advocate for either can point to the pluses of “their system.”

The forced air guys can push high efficiency ratings of equipment, low cost and, somewhat ironically in these days of global warming, air conditioning.

“

On the other hand, hydronics is all about system control; the ability to target different water temperatures at the lowest possible temperature to save energy while delivering comfort and zoning.

With hydronics, it’s not about making one person happy; every bedroom can be set to an individual occupant’s satisfaction.

Working in the hydronics world, most site visits and technical calls I get involve the expectations of customers. And that’s a moving target. Oh sure, science tells us that 68°F at 40 per cent relative humidity is ideal, but for whom? Not the 95-year-old retired couple, and not the toddler. Comfort is nebulous, and it changes from customer to customer.

I have personally gone to adjust someone’s system parameters to help a new contractor. The complaint: cold floors in July.

The customer’s expectation was to have warm floors year-round, regardless of season – In a multi-temp something the installer had never even considered. So we reprogrammed all application, we can be her thermostats to monitor the floor looking for up temperatures. (You need a floor sensor to five separate for that, by the way, but that’s another temperatures. topic entirely.)

The true beauty of hydronics is its adaptability to multiple applications. Floor warming, heating with rads and baseboard, domestic potable water heating, snow melting, fan coils, and pool and hot tub heating can all be accommodated, despite each operating at different “ideal” temperatures.

Mod-cons can alter firing rate, but not the target Typical Ideal Temperatures temp; outdoor APPLICATION TEMPERATURE reset can change the maximum Domestic 180°F target temp, but Hot Water not a specific Baseboard 160-180°F zone target. In Heaters a multi-temp Radiators 150°F application, we Fan coil 120-140°F can be looking for up to five separate Radiant 95-110°F temperatures, so how can we achieve multipletemperature control from a boiler that can manage one, maybe two, set points?

One option is to use fixed controls, which maintain a constant temperature for each zone. More complex controls will change continues on page 48

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HYDRONICS

continued from page 46

the target temperature for a zone based on outdoor conditions. This is similar to outdoor reset for the boiler. Controls that can change the target temperature will generally save more energy.

While hydronic systems are incredibly versatile, it is important to remember that there is a cost associated with all of these systems. Many contractors will try to close a deal on price alone. This often comes at the sacrifice of comfort and may negate the best features of hydronics.

A frank discussion with the customer is needed to explain options and expectations to achieve what the customer wants. It can help to use an initial bid that is as close to an applesto-apples comparison with a forced air system as possible: one stat, one heat source, one zone. Once that’s on the table, then you can upsell zoning, controls, resets, and so forth.

THREE-WAY MIXING In a system that uses a standard mixing valve as a set-point control, the control only limits temperature to the design condition, regardless of any conditions. The outlet temperature is set and fixed. And the system always uses design temperature.

Another option is to use a motorized three-way mixing valve to continually adjust the target temperature based on outdoor conditions. At its simplest, it can adapt the target temperature. Higher-end controls will communicate with a boiler control for total system efficiency.

Perhaps the boiler just finished a domestic hot water call and the primary loop is at 180°F. Higher-level controls will look at the boiler loop and stop the boiler from firing until the primary is too low to support the zone target.

When using a three-way mixing valve in this way, ensure that the valve is on the supply side of the manifold, and that the circulator is on the outlet of the mixing valve. If the circulator is not on the outlet, the result could be no flow in the zone.

FOUR-WAY MIXING A four-way mixing valve combines the functions of a three-way valve and a diverter valve. It can be a manually set model or motorized with varying levels of sophistication.

This control option mixes supply and return waters to achieve a mixed temperature while diverting water back to the primary loop, all in one body. Piping for this option is simpler than three-way or diverter-based systems, but it is not as popular as three-way mixing.

Using Diverter Valves The use of a diverter valve is similar to using a mixing valve. But while a mixing valve has two inlets and one outlet port and is located on the supply side of the manifold, a diverter valve has one inlet and a pair of outlets. It should be located on the return side of the manifold.

As with three-way mixing valves, the circulator location is crucial to the

Controlling Temps with Injection Pumps

A standard or variable-speed pump can be used to inject hot water into a zone for temperature control. This type of control almost always uses electronic controls, but on/off injection systems can use temperature-activation “cut in/cut out” controls.

The basic principle is that, when needed, the system turns the injection pump on to maintain a target temperature.

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HYDRONICS

B y B o b “ Ho t R o d ” Rohr

Sizing up T

o accurately calculate the circulator size needed for any particular application, we need to know a few things about the system.

The type of fluid being moved will factor into how large (or small) a circulator is needed, as will the pressure drop of the system, and the operating temperature ranges. The material used to construct the circulator should also be considered.

A quick stop at your local supplier, or a manufacturer’s website, will confirm the wide variety of single-, multi- and variable-speed circulator models available to us so that we can deliver the voltage and horsepower a system needs.

If you are designing a system from the ground up, you have the ability to precisely calculate the pressure drop of the system. The most common method to determine the head needed to overcome the pressure drop is to add up all the fittings, valves and devices in the piping circuit and use industry tables that convert these system components to one common denominator called equivalent length (EL).

For an exact calculation of pressure drop, you would also factor in the fluid type and temperature of the fluid to be circulated.

Tables are also available to help you gather all the other numbers needed to use the head-loss calculation formula.

MATCH THE MATERIALS TO THE APPLICATION Typically, a cast iron bodied circulator is used for heating applications. In some cases, a stainless steel, bronze or composite bodied unit may be preferred, however.

If, for example, you are pumping through nonbarrier radiant tube where oxygen is allowed to constantly pass through the tubing and into the system, a non-ferrous circulator would be a wise choice. continued on page 52

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continued on from page continued page 2850

Looking at the system mapped out to the right, the appropriate industry tables, and using 140°F water owing at 5 gpm, we can plug some numbers into our formula.

The uid properties factor for that temperature of water is 0.0475, the pipe size coefďŹ cient for 3/4â€? copper is 0.061957, and based on our total equivalent length of 100.2 feet, we can see that we would need a circulator that can overcome 4.93 feet of head.

Remember, any changes to the system will change the pressure drop. Changing the uid is a common pitfall with circulator performance. If a system was designed and sized to operate with water and glycol was added sometime later, the circ size will need to be conďŹ rmed, and it might have to be upsized. The manufacturer of the uid can provide you with the correction factor to determine the upsizing.

Once you have calculated your head-loss number, you can review manufacturers’ pump curves to select one that matches your ow rate and the head loss of the circuit. It’s not a bad idea to plot several ow rates on the pump curve graph to build a system curve representing the actual operating conditions.

Pump manufacturers also have quick sizing tables and formulas

that will get you in the ballpark for sizing. Adding owmeters or pressure gauges will allow you to actually “watchâ€? the system under operating conditions and balance or make circulator speed or size adjustments.

Variable-speed circulators and other technologies are making our jobs easier, more efďŹ cient, and trouble- and noise-free while hitting ideal ow rates, but it’s still worth learning a thing or two about circ sizing.

OVERCOMING RESISTANCE

WATCH FOR EXTREME DROPS When designing a hydronic system, it can pay to be aware of any highpressure-drop devices in a circuit. Thermostatic mixing valves and some types of ow check valves are examples of components that can cause high pressure drop.

A CIRCULATOR, NOT A PUMP As you know, a circulator is a device ce used to move, or circulate, uid through h a piping system. Circulators, also known ass circulator pumps or simply circs, are centrifugal devices. When power is supplied, an impeller spins. This creates a pressure difference, or differential. The pressure differential is what encourages uid movement.

The circulator in most closed loop systems is not intended to push or lift the uid to the top point of the piping system.

The static ďŹ ll pressure addresses that need. The circulator only imparts the energy necessary to cause the uid to move.

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Selecting the best circulator for an application takes some understanding of the concept of pressure drop.

(YHU\ SLHFH RI SLSH HYHU\ Ć“WWLQJ YDOYH ERLOHU KHDW H[FKDQJHU RU GHYLFH LQ WKH SLSLQJ FLUFXLW LQGXFHV Ĺ´RZ resistance. In simple terms, the circulator merely needs WR RYHUFRPH WKLV UHVLVWDQFH WR Ĺ´RZ E\ SURYLGLQJ DQ DGHTXDWH DPRXQW RI Ĺ´RZ WKH UHTXLUHG Ĺ´RZ UDWH ZKLFK is usually expressed in gallons per minute.

The mechanical energy added to, and contained in, the Ĺ´XLG LV FDOOHG KHDG 1RW WKH ZRUG , ZRXOG KDYH FKRVHQ WR GHVFULEH WKLV UHODWLRQVKLS EXW ZH DUH VWXFN ZLWK LW

3UHVVXUH JDXJHV RU Ĺ´RZ LQGLFDWRUV DGGHG WR D V\VWHP help to give us a visual indication that head has been added by the circulator, or removed by the components in the piping circuit.

The circulator is the only component that adds head energy to a typical piping circuit. Everything else piped into the circuit uses or reduces that head energy as the system operates.

Bob “Hot Rodâ€? 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 CalefďŹ North America. You can reach Hot Rod at bob.rohr@calefďŹ .com.

of The next level in sensorless pumping.

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The highly efďŹ cient ECM motor technology on the Wilo Stratos GIGA ensures energy savings of up to 70%*. It’s easy to set up with a 5IF IJHIMZ FGĂœDJFOU &$. NPUPS UFDIOPMPHZ PO UIF 8JMP 4USBUPT (*(" FOTVSFT FOFSHZ TBWJOHT PG VQ UP *UĂ T FBTZ UP TFU VQ XJUI B simple push and turn of our Wilo red button. Better yet, its integration into building automation systems is more convenient than ever!

TJNQMF QVTI BOE UVSO PG PVS 8JMP SFE CVUUPO #FUUFS ZFU JUĂ T JOUFHSBUJPO JO CVJMEJOH BVUPNBUJPO TZTUFNT JT NPSF DPOWFOJFOU UIBO FWFSĂ&#x; *UĂ T TJNQMZ UIF next Welcome to the nextlevel levelininsensorless sensorlesspumping pumping.

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Hydronic Products Inline Pumps Wilo’s Stratos Giga inline pumps feature an ECM motor and sensorless controls.

The pumps can be set using a single button.

They are offered in 1.5” to 2.5” models, with maximum head up to 167’ and maximum flow of 275 gpm.

Radiant Overpour Fastening System Rehau’s RaupexSpeed radiant overpour fastening system is designed to install heating pipe in overpour and concrete installations. The system consists of 1/2” oxygen-barrier pipe that is hooked and looped into a 3-mm-thick mat with an adhesive backing. The pipe is available in 300’ and 1,000’ lengths; mats are available in 3.1’ by 52.9’ panels.

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www. rehau.com Charles Hood wrote an engineering handbook for hot water heating in 1837.

Zone Valves Belimo’s ZoneTight zone valves are offered in a variety of sizes, and are designed for use in tight spaces. ces.

Their flow is field adjustable to meet design requirements. They hey eeare available in two- and threequipped way flow patterns, and are equipped with ball valves engineered to o resist clogging.

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Gas Boilers NTI’s Vmax boilers have a maximum input of 154,000 BTU/H and turndown ratios of 6.5:1. Offering AFUE efficiencies of up to 95 per cent, they feature stainless steel down-fired heat exchangers.

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Advantus™ Series

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VENTILATION CASE STUDY Dan i e l G oul e t

2

ERVS FOR PROVIDING FRESH AIR FOR A PAIR OF FACILITIES, ALL UNDER ONE ROOF.

D

esigning HVAC systems for large, mixed-use facilities is never easy, but imagine if that design had to meet the diverse needs of both a university and a community centre, all within the same building.

THE MECHANICALS: A decentralized heat pump system was provided as part of the base building mechanicals. This would meet all of the facility’s heating and cooling

That was the challenge faced by MCW Consultants Ltd. when the engineering firm was asked to design the HVAC systems that would serve both a satellite campus of Trinity Western University (TWU) and the new City Centre Community Centre in Richmond, B.C.

needs, as well as the required individualized control.

For ventilation, MCW searched for an efficient, non-obtrusive solution. Their search led them to

The community centre would occupy the first two floors of the fourstorey building. The university would occupy the two floors directly overhead.

an energy recovery unit (ERV).

Interior mechanical space was limited, especially given the 60 heat pumps installed throughout the

As designed, the rooftop of the structure would be visible from neighbouring buildings, including upscale residential high-rises and commercial real estate situated in an area conceived to showcase urban lifestyle, culture and sustainability. Determined to maintain a high aesthetic standard, the architects ruled out any rooftop equipment.

The decision to pursue LEED Gold certification for the community centre ramped up the challenge even further, but MCW and its partners were up to the task.

building, so multiple ERVs had to be tucked away in small places, above ceilings and in random pockets of spaces throughout the structure.

Some of those spaces were in offices or next to classrooms, making noise a concern.

MCW was on the hunt for a slim-lined ERV that could fit within these nooks. They also wanted variable flow capability and ECM motors for quieter operation, enhanced performance and

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demand-controlled ventilation.

• T h e Mech an icals • S ma ll & quiet • How t he s y s t em wor k s Daniel Goulet is the product manager for air handling units with Systemair. He can be reached at daniel.goulet@systemair.net.

COMPATIBLE ONBOARD CONTROLS Maintaining seamless communication between the ERVs and the building management system (BMS) was another concern for MCW. Although ERV units often come with “BACnet compatible” factory-installed controls, the actual level of compatibility between packaged controls and BMS does not always make for seamless integration.

“We’ve had a lot of issues with BACnet integration between base building DDCs and OEM control modules.

Most of the time we have issues getting the two systems to talk to each other,” said Cho. Fortunately, that wasn’t the case at the TWU/Civic Centre facility. The control signals matched well, so the integration was much smoother than expected.

SMALL

QUIET

The community centre and TWU each occupy about 28,000 square feet within a new living and cultural development in downtown Richmond.

The community centre features a large living room, multipurpose spaces, a fitness centre and change rooms, an aerobic and dance studio, meeting rooms, a lounge, a kitchen, an art studio, and music rooms.

Directly above are TWU classrooms, faculty offices, seminar rooms, a resource centre, and other spaces typical of an academic facility.

At any given time, TWU students could be listening to a lecture, while a class of preschoolers might be practicing ballet in a room below.

“Because this was a decentralized system, we knew from the beginning that noise would be a concern. And we did not have the space to put equipment in any loud spaces like the fitness centre. So [the ERVs] had to be put in hidden spaces, like in office closets,” explained Raymond Cho, project engineer for MCW. Fortunately, the largest ERV selected for the project occupied a space no larger than 97” x 70” x 36”, and the ECM motors ensure quiet and efficient operation regardless of speed. Even with the relatively quiet motors, some units were specified with factoryinstalled silencers due to their locations.

HOW THE

System WORKS

Fresh outdoor air passes through the ERV where it is pre-conditioned with building return air via the energy recovery wheel. After exiting the ERV, the fresh, pre-conditioned air enters the individual heat pumps, where it is further heated or cooled depending on demand.

Some of the ERVs are equipped with an electric pre-heat coil to heat outdoor air, as needed, to keep the internal heat wheel from freezing during extremely cold periods.

Operating parameters (including CFM, temperature set points, etc.) are pre-programmed into the onboard controls, which can be monitored and adjusted via the BMS. It’s a complex system with many moving parts, but one that provided the engineers with the flexibility and efficiency required for this unique project.

Most importantly, says Duane Goderis, project manager for installing contractor GML Mechanical, the client was happy and GML was able to make its deadline, which was fairly tight ahead of a new semester starting at TWU.

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57

HIGH-PERFORMANCE HVAC

B y Go r d C o o ke

Filter Opportunities Abound for Contractors

I

s it time for the professional HVAC contractor to get back into the furnace filter business in a bigger way?

My son thinks so. When he bought his first new home a few years ago, he was surprised when I told him the importance of servicing furnace filters three to four times a year.

It had been 18 months since he’d moved in and his furnace was whining loudly through the clogged filter.

He’d expected to be contacted about having his filter serviced by a qualified company, the same way that his car dealer informs him that his car is due for service.

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 airflow management in houses, and can be contacted at gcooke@airsolutions.ca.

He wondered why he should stand in the aisles of big box and hardware stores, trying to understand different filter efficiencies, ratings, sizes, types and prices, when there are qualified professionals to take on that stress for him.

Finding a Purpose When helping a homeowner decide on a furnace filter, it is important to establish the primary goal of the filter. If the aim is simply to protect the furnace or air conditioner and extend its service life, a basic filter that hat tr traps large particles, with a high holding capacity and low resistance to airflow, is all that’s needed.

If the goal is to help clean and purify the air for occupants, a filter designed to capture very fine particles would seem most appropriate, though we then get into the issue of pressure drop across the filter.

If the homeowner is looking for a filter that reduces or eliminates visible dust from settling within the home, you’ll have to explain that most visible dust is comprised of large particles that don’t stay in the air long enough to be captured by air filters. Visible dust is best controlled by reducing, eliminating or isolating large-particle dust sources. This means reducing or removing pet loads, removing outdoor footwear indoors, reducing carpeted areas, and air-sealing homes.

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Airflow Resistance It would seem intuitive to most homeowners that the higher the MERV rating, the better the filter. However, it is almost always true that the more effective a filter is at capturing smaller and smaller particles, the more restrictive that filter is on airflow. Too much restriction on airflow can cause decreased performance and damage a furnace or air conditioner.

Most furnaces rate airflow capacity between 0.5” to 0.7” external static pressure ((ESP). Accounting for ducting and the air conditioning coil, which alone can cause co upward of a 0.3” pressure drop in the system, a safe upper pressure drop limit for a furnace filter limit should be around 0.2” ESP. That said, don’t guess. Measure the static pressure characteristics of each system.

Conditions can vary greatly from house to house, so measure the pressure drop of the total system, the return system and the existing filter to determine an appropriate pressure drop for any future filter recommendations.

Staying within this boundary, most furnace systems in most cases can accommodate a 1”

continues on page 60

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Our continuing commitment to quality products may mean a change in specifications without notice. © 2016 Goodman Manufacturing Company, L.P. Houston, Texas · USA

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HIGH-PERFORMANCE HVAC

What’s the best reason to sell TEMPSTAR?

continued from page 58

filter with a rating of at least MERV 6, while a deeper 4” filter can allow for a filter rated up to MERV 10 or higher. This is possible because deeper filters use ridges to create a greater surface area for the circulating air to pass through, thereby causing less airflow restriction.

• Easier to install • Easier to service • Easier to SELL!!!

Deeper filters also generally have a longer lifespan than similarly rated thin filters, due to their increased surface area and because they often use multiple layers to load different particle sizes, reducing buildup rate. In my eyes, the reduced filter maintenance and dramatic increase in airflow with deeper filters make them a no-brainer.

High MERV and Fan Efficiency There was a helpful study done by Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory showing the impact of higher efficiency filters on fan energy consumption as a result of pressure drop increases.

Become a TEMPSTAR dealer today and benefit from: • Full service custom packages • Parts when you need them • Toll free personal support • Prospect marketing support materials • Exclusive Territories available in Ontario For more information: Tel: 1-800-461-7610 extension 262 Email: info@tmlsupply.com Website: www.gotempstar.com

In part it read, “Replacing low-MERV filters with MERV 10-13 filters has a moderate (< 5%) effect on blower energy use over a wide range of performance conditions and climates. Using higher MERV 16 filters leads to problems in terms of potential for significantly increased blower energy use (> 5%) and usability. In systems that are already close to blower performance limits with low MERV filters, the addition of a MERV 16 filter pushed the blowers to their limits.”

Thus, going beyond MERV 13 would most likely lead to a recommendation for a bypass type filter box with its own fan and duct system.

Dealer opportunities available

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IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES WITH SAMSUNG

HIGH-PERFORMANCE HVAC continued from page 60

CHOOSING A FILTER After determining the homeowner’ss expectations, you can start comparing filters, beginning with particle removal efficiency.

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Dust particles are typically measured in microns (0.0001 cm). A particle just barely visible to the human man eyee would measure approximately 10 microns. Pollen, mould spores, skin and pet dander are examples of visible dust, which make up less than two per cent of total particles floating around in most homes (most particles floating in the air are between 0.3 and 1 micron in size).

The relatively new Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating system gives us a good platform for comparing particle removal efficiencies of particles ranging from 0.3 to 10 microns. The rating system considers three particle size ranges: 0.3 to 1.0, 1.0 to 3.0 and 3.0 to 10 microns.

From a health perspective, particles of 2.5 microns or less in diameter are considered most important–referred to as PM2.5– and thus the two lower particle size ranges in the MERV system are key to particle filtration in homes. The higher the MERV rating (ranging from 1.0 to 20), the more effective the filter is at removing small particles.

For example, a MERV 15 filter removes over 95 per cent of particles 0.3 microns and larger, while a MERV 4 filter will generally only remove up to 80 per cent of particles 10 microns and larger. The minimum MERV rating to remove 50 per cent of the 1.0 to 3.0 micron size range is MERV 10.

Become a SAMSUNG dealer today and benefit from: • Full service custom packages • Parts when you need them • Toll free personal support • Prospect marketing support materials • Semi-exclusive dealer programs available For more information: Tel: 1-800-461-7610 extension 262 Email: info@tmlsupply.com Website: samsunghvac.com

THE COST OF CLEAN AIR Unlike clean water, consumers really have no idea what clean air should cost, and quotes can often spook them.

Dealer opportunities available

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It can help to liken clean air to the cost of a water filtration or softening system. These are a must-have for many homeowners.

Installed, a good MERV 13+ pleated filter should cost between $800 and $1,000. With an annual maintenance cost of $100, responsible filtration over a three-year period is less than two dollars a day.

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PROJECT MANAGEMENT David Pe l l e t i e r

MANAGING MATERIALS,

FROM STORAGE TO WORK

David Pelletier is a plumber in Manitoba who offers consulting services in pre-construction planning. He can be reached at david@sw5.ca.

[

This is Part 2 in a series of articles about the control and handling of materials on a jobsite. See the May/June 2016 edition of Mechanical Business for Part 1 of this series, and watch for future articles in this series in the coming months as we look at strategies to enhance material handling programs in the pursuit of efficiency and profitability.

STORAGE AND ORGANIZATION When it comes to the shipping containers that are often used for storage on a jobsite, known by many as “sea cans,” you simply cannot have too many.

I

’m always amazed that most companies haven’t devised a structured, standardized process for the control and handling of the materials and supplies used on a jobsite. They continually rely on site staff – often a wellorganized installer who has been promoted to foreman in hopes that his organizational skills will rub off on everyone else – without taking the time to develop an organized system.

Most people have a life outside of work and just want the materials, tools and information to do their jobs in a steady, relaxed and productive way. Additional pay or coaxing won’t automatically result in more productivity. Better tools and systems can, however, and the job of finding, developing and implementing these systems needs to fall on the owner, foreman and supervisory staff.

If you give people everything they need to do their job, they will perform it, so why not invest in your key people by helping them do their job more effectively, in a much more relaxed, stress-free working environment?

Maintaining good material flow is based on a well devised control and handling process. Try to operate without it, and you’ll spend a lot of time hunting – for materials and profits!

If jobsite space allows, bring in as many sea cans as you can, and have them organized by the types of materials they contain. That is critical to keeping material organized and useable, and it allows for ease of expanding capacity, finding items and checking stock levels.

Additional containers can be used just for prepackaged and specific task materials, such as a sanitary and water pipe rough-ins for a specific room, group or type of fixture(s).

Shelving that is easy to build, removable and can be adjusted when assembled helps with productivity.

Shelving that has been built from 2x4s or 2x6s may be cheap to build the first time, but it’s not flexible and cannot adjust to fit different materials, so in the long run it costs time and frustration, along with labour expenses.

Beyond the shelving, a proper system of bins is also critical to organization. Loose fittings stacked on a shelf, cardboard boxes of various sizes and shapes, cheap plastic or cardboard bins, and plastic bags aren’t an organized system.

Durable, stackable, quality plastic bins are a versatile way of storing material. They come in many colours, and can be further sub-classified with different coloured labels, large dot dots or paint for easy identification of certain materials, sizes and fitting types. m With a simple standardized system of arranging W m materials, you can easily locate specific fittings and rearrange shelf space to accommodate an increases or reductions of materials. Plus you can in reuse these quality bins over and over again. re

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continues on page 66

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PROJECT MANAGEMENT

continued from page 64

MAINTAINING STOCKS OF MATERIALS Once you have storage taken care of, a system can be put in place that will help keep track of inventory levels for a project. This will help maintain stock levels and greatly reduce shortages.

Start with a spreadsheet that lists materials in the same order that they are placed on the shelves. This will allow for a quick count to be accomplished at any time in an orderly fashion.

If it is appropriate, set maximum and minimum inventory levels on this sheet. This will help give a clear picture of what needs to be ordered, based on what will be needed in the next few weeks or months ahead. Doing this can reduce ordering to once every week or two, saving time in generating purchase orders and all receiving steps. And these costs can be substantial. It is not unusual to see $300 to $500 in savings per order.

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Supporting the productivity of the crew Having work crew members actually installing material on a steady basis all day long, without having to chase for materials, information and tools, is where productivity picks up substantially. It is not unusual for experts on the subject to cite labour productivity improvements of 25 per cent or greater when all cost aspects of shortages are factored in.

It all starts with detailed pre-construction planning (DPCP). When many of a project’s tasks have been pre-planned in detail, with shop drawings, sections of drawings, rough-in dimensions, and material and tools lists in a small binder, it’s very easy for a dedicated stock/tool person to pick out the tools and materials needed and to deliver them to the work crews ahead of the installation process.

If sea cans and other storage units are laid out in an orderly, organized fashion on a jobsite, they can be continually restocked by a dedicated person, which will facilitate crews in obtaining these materials easily.

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The overflow elbow adjustable joint allows up to 10 degrees angle adjustment to provide ease of installation for misaligned pipes or angled tub walls, eliminating the need to install offset fittings.

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plug & chain lift & turn

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BENEFITS BEYOND THE SEA CAN When supplies are readily available and well organized, workers feel that management is taking care of their needs and a helping them finish their tasks completely and with satisfaction. s In addition, workers tend to adjust their work speed to suit what they perceive is needed to keep up with material flow. If they know that items are missing, they m will slow down so they will be able to complete their task when materials finally arrive. Conversely, if they know there are several tasks planned and have experienced very few shortages or issues, they will instinctively want to complete the task they are on in a timely fashion. This doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean we want workers to rush and make mistakes or push them to hurry, but it is human nature to match to a perceived pace.

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67

Kitchen and Bath Trends

By Adam Freill Moen

A

FLOOR-MOUNT MOVEMENT

Stylishly SERVING THE BUILDING TRADE

T

he average home under construction right now in Canada will receive two to three bathrooms, plus a Moen kitchen that will serve as the hub for its residents.

This presents plenty of opportunities for plumbers working with custom builders to suggest upgrades and enhancements – if they know what homeowners are looking for.

“Consumers are coming into the decor centres far more educated about plumbing, and specifically about faucet design, than ever before,” advises Garry Scott, vice-president of wholesale marketing and brand development for Moen Canada.

As such, a builder has to be ready to cover a broad range of design preferences.

“The typical builder will offer roughly three styles in each of the traditional, transitional and contemporary aesthetics,” explains Luciano Marone, builder sales representative at Masco Canada.

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Delta

Once earmarked for reuse as planters in the front yard, the standalone floor-mount tub has reemerged as a popular anchor to many a designer bathroom, and builders are more than willing to offer this option to their customers, especially at the custom-builder level of the market.

“The vast majority of builders are presenting freestanding tubs and floor-mount tub fillers as an upgrade option,” reports Marone.

While not in the tub manufacturing business, Scott says that his company has been influenced by this growth in popularity, bringing free-standing tub fillers into their product lineup as a result.

Where space is not available for the upgrade to a stand-alone tub, builders are still willing to work with buyers to create luxury in the bath.

“We’ve noticed a real trend in new home consumers moving to what we call ‘the first upgrade,’” adds Scott. “Rather than take what is standard, they are looking at upgrading to the next level.”

And where does that upgrade take them?

“Right now, with 90 per cent of the builders we are talking to, it is modern-contemporary, but within that, there are subsections starting to evolve,” says Barry Moulsdale, Pfister’s business leader. “One of the hottest that we are seeing is what we would describe as mainstream industrial.”

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“We are seeing builders offering upgrades to rain showers and hand showers as part of their standard upgrade package,” says Scott.

“In terms of style, rain cans are available in square or round, but the trend is minimalism,” adds Moulsdale. “The shape and depth of the top is getting slimmer and slimmer.” continues on page 70

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Kitchen and Bath Trends STYLISHLY SERVING THE BUILDING TRADE,

continued from page 68

Similar to the lighting world, where Edison-style lights are fashionable, plumbing styles, especially those for the kitchen, are being influenced by the steam era. “That’s probably the hottest, most desired style coming to market right now,” says Moulsdale.

Also proving popular are products with transitional stylings, since those afford considerable flexibility to work with the other design decisions that go into outfitting a new home build.

It also helps for homebuyers who are considering resale in the future. Transitional looks are the easiest to pair contemporary or traditional pieces with, so they open the door to a wider group of potential buyers when it comes time to put the home on the market.

Moen

Pfister

ENSUITE IS A MUST-SUITE Kitchens and bathrooms sell homes, and hold the highest expectations when it comes to being stylish and wellappointed. And while some homes are built without a master ensuite, it is an expectation of many buyers, even those buying smaller residences.

“I think what we are seeing is that the ensuite is pretty standard in most homes, even when you get into a condominium,” says Scott.

“Having that private master oasis, regardless of size, is always high on the list of considerations,” adds Marone.

in style Aging in place,

A trend that’s showing no sign of slowing down is the intent of homeowners to “age in place.” Many homeowners, and especially baby boomers, are intent on staying in their homes and living independently for as long as possible, and they are choosing products and designs that will allow them to do so.

“Aging in place is one of the largest trends that we’re seeing from the large boomer population,” says Marone of Masco. Not only are homeowners selecting designs that will meet their needs for the long term, but more and more brands are dedicating effort to these elements so that design aesthetic isn’t sacrificed.”

This focus on stylish practicality in faucets and fixtures extends to the accessories and safety side as well.

“Consumers are willing to spend money on higher-end plumbing fixtures, in addition to adding some bath safety features like grab bars that are stylish and don’t look institutional,” explains Scott of Moen. “These can match the style of the faucet so that you end up getting an ensuite that looks like a designer has completed it with matching towel bars, grab bars and accessories throughout the bathroom.”

The best time to install safety accessories is, of course, before they are needed, so Scott advises that plumbers bring up the option to include such fittings during initial construction, when possible.

“Often the homeowner will say that they plan to stay through retirement and beyond,” he says. “As soon as a plumber hears that, the discussion should be, ‘Why don’t we look at putting in grab bars, or some bath safety items? Not because you need them now, but let’s plan for it before you do need them.’”

Pfister

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&

TRIED TRUE, OR A BOLD FINISHING STATEMENT There are more colour and finish offerings for faucets than ever before, which provides homeowners a lot of opportunity to find an option that suits their design tastes.

“The finishes are typically Delta the standard chrome and stainless, but builders usually provide an extra, not-so-traditional finish,” says Luciano Marone of Masco Canada. “We see a lot of Venetian bronze options here.”

“In terms of the three broad categories, traditional, modern and transitional, homeowners don’t tend to deviate from within one of those three in the overall look and feel for the house,” explains Pfister’s Barry Moulsdale. “But when you get inside one of those categories, each room tends to be a decision unto itself. The only commonality that you tend to see from room to room is in finish.”

Generally, he says, a homeowner will stay within the same finish palate, for example, stainless in the powder room as well as in the upstairs bathroom.

And while chrome and stainless continue to be the mainstay finish options, many consumers are willing to step out of that comfort zone.

“There’s certainly a spike in popularity when it comes to different finishes like warm golds, bronzes, and even matte black,” says Marone.

“Most of that is being influenced by designers.”

“The hottest finish in the market right now, by far, is matte black,” agrees Moulsdale.

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with Roger Grochmal

Business Education: A Lifelong Pursuit

O

ver my 40-plus years in the business, I’ve come to understand that learning is a lifelong exercise. I have learned more in the past five years than I did in the previous 25. It never stops.

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.

Rely on Your Extended Team If you want a bit of guidance, sometimes all you need to do is ask. I’ve learned to surround myself with reliable professionals, and to draw on their advice. I’ve had great legal, financial, human resource and marketing relationships over the years and it’s always worth my money to draw on those relationships when I’m unsure of the best direction or solution to a problem.

Many of us may think that once we have received our core formal education, be that a trade ticket, degree, diploma or certificate, we have cleared the biggest hurdle. However, nothing we learn in school trains us to operate a business.

Many business owners in our industry jumped into running their own business after becoming exceptional at their trade – and because they clearly were not averse to working 60 or 70 hours a week! And while their technical skills may be second to none, what hat att about bout out ut all ll of those other business skills that are not included in trade school, such uch ch h ass accounting, accounting tii HR and d marketing? market marketin marketing k I have found opportunities to learn about running a small business from a host of sources. What I present here is far from an exhaustive list, but you’ll get the idea. Education is a big world that doesn’t need to be digested in a single bite. Remember, learning is a lifelong journey. I’m 66 and it’s a poor day when I don’t learn something.

SHARING BEST PRACTICES When it comes to learning from within the industry, a great place to start is with your principal equipment suppliers. They have everything from general “boot camp” type programs for managers, to specific seminars and training programs for subjects like sales.

While there is clearly some self interest here, most suppliers I know have a genuine interest in seeing contractors succeed, so why not let them help you?

Trade publications, like Mechanical Business, are also a great source of information.

They provide reliable content, and also keep readers apprised of events and educational opportunities available within the mechanical sector.

Associations are another great source of quality continuing education. I’ve taken HRAI’s four-module business primer, and it is first class. It distills what you u need to know into a very tight program that helps contractors ontractors focus on the priorities that will lead them to success.

Another terrific source of continuous learning are bestt practices organizations.

In Ontario, the ClimateCare Cooperative offers a great forum for learning and sharing with some 35 HVAC contractors. They have over 700 years of shared experience.

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LEARNING FROM OTHERS A similar organization is National Comfort Institute (NCI). They are a great technical organization that became a business training leader when they merged with ISL (International Service Leadership) a few years ago. My company has been a part of both groups.

This past spring, at the CMPX show, I met with a similar organization called Nexstar. They have one of the strongest educational and coaching programs that I have seen in the industry, not only for HVAC, but also plumbing and electrical contractors as well.

In addition to industry-focused organizations, there are a number of broad-based business networking organizations. It doesn’t matter how big or small your company is, or what industry you are in, the reality is that many of the problems businesses face are remarkably similar.

At AtlasCare, we became a member of CEO Global Network five years ago. Similar organizations across the country include TEC Canada and McKay CEO Forums.

Many groups and organizations foster peer-based communication programs. For example, HRAI has a Peer Exchange Program (PEP) that puts noncompeting contractors together to learn from each other.

At AtlasCare, we joined a similar program offered by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) called a MIX group. Both of these peer-based programs are excellent.

Some of my best learning has come from other contractors. And I have never met a contractor who wasn’t willing to share good ideas and best practices.

SEARCH THE WEB Google has become my best friend when I want to find out something. As with anything else on the internet, caution is wise, but when you know where to look, online technology has brought education to us in many new forms such as podcasts, webinars and YouTube videos. Most material is available online now, and in multiple formats to appeal to our own individual learning preferences.

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REFRIGERATON An dr e Pa te na u d e

KEEPING UP AND

SYSTEMS RUNNING

W

hile by no means a complete guide to a CO2 (R744) system, I thought it might be a good idea to share some key points about commissioned and operating CO2 systems, along with some service and maintenance issues that could be helpful in the field.

Remember, with R744, there are high system and cylinder pressures, and R744-rated equipment for charging and venting must be used. Additional dangers stem from the risk of excessive pressure with trapped liquid.

Systems must not be brazed or welded with R744 still in the system, or any part of system.

Personal protective gear needs to be used. You are dealing with an asphyxiant, and freeze burns are a risk from CO2 in both liquid and solid form.

In addition, sufficient time should be provided so systems can be fully pressure-tested for strength and leak tightness prior to being put into service. This minimizes future reliability issues.

Pipe work should be routed in accordance with good refrigeration practice to minimize pressure drop and allow oil return to the compressor. It is important that pipe work is correctly supported and fixed.

Vent lines from pressure-relief valves should discharge to a safe place, typically an unoccupied area outside a building or plant enclosure where the refrigerant can disperse without asphyxiation risk. Pressure relief vent lines should be of sufficient diameter to prevent R744 from solidifying.

LEADING THE CHARGE Equipment used to connect an R744 cylinder to the system must be rated for the pressure. Safety standards are governed by ASHRAE 145 and 34.

The cylinder connection fitting must also be correct for the cylinder valve — standard adapters for HFC cylinders must not be used. Charging lines should be evacuated or purged prior to charging to reduce the ingress of air and moisture into the system.

To prevent dry ice formation, evacuated systems should be charged with R744 vapour to a pressure above the triple point (4.2 bar [60.9 psi]). The whole

Moisture is a No-no High moisture will cause system failures. For example, water and carbon dioxide will produce carbonic acid, which can damage the system.

If the moisture content is too high, there will be free moisture that can freeze.

This is most likely to occur in the superheated vapour between the exit of the evaporator and compressor suction, especially with low temperature (LT) evaporators. Moisture accumulation in static parts of the system can freeze and expand, causing pipe failure.

Great care should be taken during service to minimize the ingress of air and moisture to avoid these problems.

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GENERAL SERVICE NOTES system must be above the triple point — this is likely to be the case if all the gauges show a pressure of 10 bar (145 psi). When this is achieved, the system can then be charged with liquid.

When performing any serv service vice on a CO2 ld take p lace in a wellsystem, work should place here is n o operational ventilated area. If there no tection, technicians sho ould permanent leak detection, should use personal R744 detectors for safety.

CHECK THE SYSTEM Before a system runs for the first time, the following should be checked:

Visual inspection.

Documentation for the system and its marking, especially pressure equipment.

Installation of safety devices.

Control tests to ensure all controls function correctly, including any manual backup system.

Set pressure of all safety devices and other pressure cut-outs.

Set pressure of the gas cooler pressure regulating valve.

Compressor and oil reservoir oil levels.

Cores fitted in filter dryers.

Pressure test records.

All valves open/closed as required for operation.

During initial operation, the following should also be checked:

Phase rotation of scroll compressors.

Fan rotation; check before starting compressors — turn fans on manually.

Refrigerant level.

Oil level in compressors and reservoir.

Expansion valve superheat.

Pressure and temperature of cascade heat exchanger.

Regulating valve in both subcritical and transcritical modes.

Operating pressure of receiver pressure regulating valve.

Operation of any auxiliary cooling unit.

EVACUATE THE NON-CONDENSABLES Non-condensable gases like air and nitrogen, as well as moisture, must be thoroughly evacuated.

These have an adverse impact on R744 systems.

Non-condensable gases tend to accumulate in the condenser or gas cooler, where they increase pressure. This leads to reduced capacity, efficiency and reliability of the system.

ment Personal protectivee equipm equipment ves, safe ety should include gloves, safety otectors. Tools glasses and ear protectors. ould be and equipment should ure of th he rated for the pressure the ders and d system, R744 cylinders nitrogen cylinders (where used). d Technicians should be familiar with thee stand system and understand s including the effects safe isolation of all sections sections, of closing valves and the potential for trapping liquid R744.

Leak detection is critical because of the higher pressures and smaller molecule size of R744, especially in retail central plant systems with many joints.

The entire system must be checked and leaks repaired as soon as possible after detection. For efficiency, retail R744 systems should be checked for leaks following, at a minimum, the same regimen as specified in the Federal Halocarbon Regulations, 2003 (SOR/2003-289).

CANADIAN FEDERAL REGULATION: The owner shall conduct a leak test, at least once every 12 months, of all of the components of a refrigeration system or an air-conditioning system that come into contact with a halocarbon.

The disposal of R744 is a bit unique in the world of refrigerants in that it is usually vented, not recovered. This should be done in a well-ventilated area, ideally outside a building (R744 is a lowtoxicity asphyxiant).

Dry ice can form in the vent line or system as pressure drops through the triple point continues on page 76

75

REFRIGERATION

continued from page 75

(4.2 bar [60.9 psi]) to atmospheric pressure. This can give a false indication that the system is devoid of refrigerant — if dry ice forms, the refrigerant pressure will drop to 0 bar (0 psi). When the dry ice sublimes the pressure will increase, e.g., to 56 bar (812 psi) if the temperature is 20°C (68°F).

If R744 is recovered, the recovery machine, cylinder and associated equipment must be rated for the maximum pressure. This would be 70 bar (1,015 psi) at 30°C (86°F) for example, but could be significantly higher if the ambient is greater. Most recovery machines and cylinders are not rated for the required pressure.

ISOLATE FOR SAFETY

Charging Compressor Oil Any oil added to the system must be the correct type. Oils of different makes or viscosity should not be mixed. The goal is to avoid moisture and air ingress when adding oil, which should be pumped, and not poured into the system. Furthermore, oil should not be charged from a previously opened container.

When isolating components for service, avoid trapping R744 liquid between closed valves in unprotected parts of the system. Control valves should not be used as isolation valves. Welding or brazing should not be carried out on the system until the R744 has been removed.

Andre Patenaude is the director of CO2 business development for Emerson. He can be reached at andre.patenaude@emerson.com.

Re-Think Refrigeration.

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www.oxfordenergy.ca 519-532-6373 76

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UP TO DCG414

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Direct-Vent Wall Furnaces Cozy’s direct-vent gas-fired wall furnaces are available in three sizes ranging from 15,000 to 33,000 BTUH. They mount on an outside wall and come with a telescoping vent assembly designed to fit standard 5” to 9” wall thicknesses. All units feature a draft diverter engineered to prevent pilot and burner outage due to downdraft.

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Industry Movers Meeting in Vancouver The wait is finally over. Western Canada’s largest mechanicals trade show is back.

And it’s bigger than ever.

CIPHEX West is taking over the Vancouver Convention Centre on November 2 and 3.

The 30,000-sq-ft showroom floor will be flooded with hundreds of vendors displaying the latest in plumbing, HVAC/R, hydronic and geothermal products.

But that’s not all. The two-day event will feature seminars and countless networking opportunities, in addition to playing host to the Canadian Hydronics Conference.

Admission to CIPHEX West also gets you access to BUILDEX Express on November 3, showcasing the latest in construction, property management, interior design and architecture.

As always, Mechanical Business will be right in the middle of all the action. Come visit us at booth 207, grab a copy of the magazine and renew your subscription. We can’t wait to meet you!

www.ciphexwest.ca WHAT: CIPHEX West WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 2, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 3, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Come visit us at Booth #207

WHERE: Vancouver Convention Centre

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T H E

B R A D F O R D

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Residential eF Series® Water Heater This high efficiency, condensing power-vent water heater features a vertical, dual-pass heat exchanger system.

It has a thermal efficiency of over 90% and a high recovery to deliver an impressive amount of usable hot water.

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©2016, Bradford White Corporation. All rights reserved.

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Seminars

CIPHEX West Seminars *All seminars listed below will take place in the CIPHEX West Theatre in the exhibit hall.

Domestic Hot Water Recirculation Wednesday, November 2 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

The comfort of instant hot water and the importance of saving water: A discussion on systems, pipe sizing, pump sizing and applications.

Panelists: Tim Main (left) of Xylem Applied Water Systems Canada, Rod Parker of Grundfos Canada and Sean Giberson (right) of Taco Comfort Systems

ASHRAE 90.1: Understanding Code Compliance and Energy Efficiency Wednesday, November 2 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

ASHRAE 90.1 2010 is currently one of the most commonly used energy standards mandated under the B.C. Building Code.

Let’s Talk Lead Wednesday, November 2 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

The lead situation in Pemberton, B.C., has far-reaching implications for all water utilities across Canada.

Speaker: Stephen Kooiman of Prism Engineering

Panelists: Robert Tzachary from Turbo Plumbing, and Jill Brooksbank and Nikki Gilmore from the Village of Pemberton Moderator: Kevin Wong (right) of CIPH

Ventilation for People in 2016 Wednesday, November 2 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Every bedroom requires mechanical ventilation. Indoor air quality is a growing health and safety concern.

Modern Pump Selection for System Efficiency Wednesday, November 2 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

An overview of pumping systems and how pump selection and the setting of key operating parameters can impact pump life cycle cost.

Impact of Plumbing Code and Design on Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreaks Thursday, November 3 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Tim Keane, a consulting engineer with Legionella Risk Management and a nationally recognized expert on methods to control and minimize the risk of Legionella in building water systems, helms this ASPE-accredited and pre-approved course.

Building a Plan for Success Thursday, November 3 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

In this session you will learn how to build and execute a successful plan for your business.

Speaker: David Hill of Energy Products Ltd.

Speaker: Larry Konopacz of Bell & Gossett’s Little Red Schoolhouse

Speaker: Tim Keane, Legionella Risk Management

Speaker: Stephen Hnatko of Trainwest Management and Consulting

Seminars continued on page 86

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Viega MegaPress®

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Designing and installing mechanical systems with strict standards and short installation schedules can be complicated. Viega MegaPress provides innovative solutions for hydronic and fire protection systems. Viega MegaPressG provides innovative solutions for gas and compressed air systems. Approved for more applications than any other black iron pipe press system, Viega MegaPress is the solution to meeting tomorrow’s engineering standards today.

• Suitable for ASTM Schedule 5 to Schedule 40 black iron pipe and NFPA 13, 13D and 13R fire sprinkler systems • Secure press connections made in seconds • Equipped with the Smart Connect® feature for easy identification of unpressed fittings • No need for messy and toxic threading or cutting oils

Visit us at CIPHEX West Booth 500

For more information, call 800-976-9819 or visit www.viega.us T H E

G L O B A L

L E A D E R

I N

P L U M B I N G ,

H E A T I N G

A N D

P I P E

J O I N I N G

S Y S T E M S

List of Exhibitors* *As of press time. Companies in red have ads appearing in this edition of Mechanical Business

A.M.T.S. Limited .................................. 610

Blanco Canada...................................... 120

Conbraco/Apollo Valves ...................... 100

A.O. Smith ............................................. 201

Blue Angel............................................. 138

Copper Development Assâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;n ................ 227

ACPP Custom Plumbing Parts ............ 210

BMI Canada .......................................... 211

CWQA ................................................... 709

AIC Heat Exchangers ........................... 608

Bosch Thermotechnology.................... 837

Dahl Brothers Canada .......................... 140

Aimco Intâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;l ............................................. 730

Bosch. .................................................... 835

Danfoss .................................................. 136

Allied Engineering ................................ 836

Boshart Industries ................................. 222

Deflecto Canada................................... 407

Amerec .................................................. 138

Bradford White Canada ....................... 737

Dierks Equipment Sales ....................... 629

American Standard Brands .................. 219

Burnaby Mfg. ........................................ 807

Direct Coil ............................................. 808

Anvil Intâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;l Canada ................................. 914

Calefactio .............................................. 729

Eastern Foundry & Fittings .................. 522

Aprilaire ................................................. 108

Caleffi Hydronic Solutions ................... 138

Emco ...................................................... 725

Aqua-Tech Sales & Marketing............. 724

Canadian Engineered Products & Sales .. 733

Aquatherm. ........................................... 523

Canadian General Filters ..................... 138

Armstrong Fluid Technology............... 619

Canadian Hydronics Council ............... 613

ASPE BC Chapter ................................. 128

Canature WaterGroup ......................... 424

Axiom Industries ................................... 626

Canplas Industries ................................ 437

Barclay Sales. ........................................ 112

Carlo Gavazzi (Canada) ........................ 609

BC Water and Waste Assâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;n ................. 129

CB Supplies ........................................... 329

Beaver Plastics ...................................... 830

CCTF ...................................................... 736

Belanger-UPT ........................................ 127

Centrotherm Eco Systems ................... 428

Bibby-Ste-Croix..................................... 405

CIPH ....................................................... 613

Listings continued on page 86

Free Admission for MB Readers!

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Aqua-Tech Sales and Marketing Inc. 4390 Paletta Court, Unit M, Burlington, ON L 7L 5R2 P: 905.631.5815 F: 905.637.8655 www.aquatech-canada.com

GRAB & GO CORDLESS POWER PIPE BEVELER

• Rechargeable tool deburrs and bevels plastic pipe quickly.

• Adjustable CPB beveler creates 15° external bevel, up to 5/8" long on plastic pipe.

• Long-lasting carbide router bit with four flutes and high RPMs for fast, smooth cuts.

• Ideal for large diameter plastic pipe.

• Works exclusively with the Bosch® 18V cordless die grinder. (Purchase as kit or adjustable beveler head only.)

OPTIONS CPBKIT

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• Already have a Bosch® cordless die grinder?

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Reed Manufacturing Company Erie, PA USA • 800-666-3691 • 814-452-3691 • reedsales@reedmfgco.com • www.reedmfgco.com

List of Exhibitors* cont’d *As of press time. Companies in red have ads appearing in this edition of Mechanical Business.

Emona Sales.......................................... 507

HRAI ....................................................... 526

Morris/Lee ............................................. 628

Enercall Sales and Service ................... 536

Hydronic Systems Canada ................... 606

Napoleon Heating and Cooling ......... 801

Enerpro Systems ................................... 425

Hydrowest Products ............................. 831

Navien.................................................... 107

Equipco ................................................. 130

Hy-Line Sales......................................... 523

NCI Canada........................................... 231

Excalibur Water Systems...................... 501

IBC Technologies ................................. 618

Nexstar Network ................................... 704

Flexmaster Canada............................... 728

InSinkErator ........................................... 528

Nitro Pipe Freeze ................................. 443

FLIR Systems ......................................... 707

IPEX ........................................................ 419

Noritz America ...................................... 118

FortisBC Energy .................................... 342

ISCO Canada ........................................ 938

Novanni Stainless ................................. 634

Franke Kindred Canada ....................... 519

ITM Instruments .................................... 432

NTI (NY Thermal) .................................. 828

Franklin Electric (Little Giant)............... 224

King Heating Products ......................... 635

Oatey Canada ....................................... 111

G.F. Thompson ..................................... 325

Kwantlen Polytechnic University.......... 442

Oetiker ................................................... 225

Gastite ................................................... 624

Lenox ..................................................... 114

Omegaflex............................................. 135

Gerber Canada ..................................... 123

Liberty Pumps ....................................... 625

Onex Enterprises .................................. 705

Giacomini Canada ................................ 206

Luvata .................................................... 226

Ortech Industries .................................. 508

Giant Factories...................................... 411

LynCar .................................................... 701

OS&B ..................................................... 614

GME Canada......................................... 328

M & G Duravent/Raven Supply ........... 919

Pacaire HVAC Supplies ........................ 234

Gordon R. Williams .............................. 332

M.A. Stewart & Sons ............................ 310

Pacific Flow Control.............................. 631

Gree Canada ......................................... 215

Mainline Backflow Products................. 338

Pentair Canada ..................................... 813

Grundfos................................................ 319

Masco .................................................... 306

Plumbing & HVAC ................................ 413

Hathorn.................................................. 233

MCABC.................................................. 527

Primex .................................................... 513

Haws ...................................................... 136

Mechanical Business Magazine ....... 207

Quote Soft............................................. 605

Heat-Flo ................................................. 922

Mercedes-Benz Canada ....................... 901

Ratech Electronics ................................ 324

HeatLink Group .................................... 314

Mifab ...................................................... 906

RedZone Products ................................ 833

Honeywell .............................................. 104

Milwaukee Electric Tool ....................... 101

Reed Manufacturing ............................. 518

HPAC Magazine.................................... 401

Moen...................................................... 113 Listings continued on page 88

Seminars

continued from page 82

CIPHEX West Seminars *All seminars listed below will take place in the CIPHEX West Theatre in the exhibit hall.

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Water Treatment – What You Need to Know Thursday, November 3 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

With drinking water treatment systems now included in the 2015 National Plumbing code, released March 2016, this course is a good introduction to water treatment or a refresher course.

Guide to PEX Piping System and Its Conformance for Commercial Applications Thursday, November 3 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Discover “undocumented” information on various aspects of the codes and standards development process in regard to plastic piping components and their application within the building system.

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Speaker: Ric Harry from the Canadian Water Quality Association

Speaker: Haemi Pollett of Uponor

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WATER HEATING’S EMERGENCY TANK REPLACEMENT HAS ARRIVED! THE RINNAI DEMAND DUO™ COMMERCIAL HYBRID WATER HEATING SYSTEM

INDUSTRY LEADING WARRANTY The Rinnai Demand Duo™ Commercial Hybrid Water Heating System gives your building and business owner customers exactly what they’re looking for: Hot water performance that meets peak demand with a supply that goes the distance.

Combining the on-demand, continuous supply technology of tankless with an energy-efficient 119-gallon storage tank, the Demand Duo is the perfect solution for direct replacement of most traditional 100/199 commercial standard and high efficiency tanks, featuring: • 6-year heat exchanger / tank, 5-year parts and up to 2 years labor* warranty • Built standard with C199 Commercial Tankless Water Heater: Commercial ENERGY STAR® certified with 96% Thermal Efficiency; Ultra Low NOx compliant; 199,000 BTU • Integrated temperature controller that provides 98°F to 185°F • First Hour Rating: 338 gal / Recovery: 231 gal (@ 100°F T)** • Multiple venting options

For more information on Commercial Water Heating Solutions, Maintenance Services and a free sizing consultation by Rinnai Applications Engineers, call 866-383-0707 or visit rinnai.us/commercial.

*For complete information and details regarding Rinnai’s warranty, visit rinnai.us. **Per test results from Rinnai Testing Lab.

List of Exhibitors* contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d *As of press time. Companies in red have ads appearing in this edition of Mechanical Business.

REHAU ................................................... 731

Stelpro ................................................... 119

Victor Technologies Canada ............... 542

Reliance Worldwide Corporation (Canada).. 530

Stiebel Eltron ........................................ 506

Viega ...................................................... 500

Reversomatic ......................................... 52

Sunrise Tradex ...................................... 213

Viessmann Manufacturing Company .. 719

Reznor .................................................... 134

Taco Comfort Systems (Canada)......... 713

WADE Drains Canada .......................... 131

Rheem Canada ..................................... 512

Tamas Hydronic Systems ..................... 834

Wardflex ................................................ 835

Ridgid .................................................... 218

TB Concept ........................................... 700

Watts Water Technologies .................. 622

Rinnai America ...................................... 337

TECA ...................................................... 832

Webstone .............................................. 835

Riobel..................................................... 212

Thermo 2000 ......................................... 137

Weil-McLain Canada ............................ 918

Rosenberg Fans Canada...................... 330

Tom Donaldson Co .............................. 835

Weishaupt Corporation ....................... 435

Roth Industries ...................................... 132

TomTom Telematics/Virtace ............... 106

Weltem .................................................. 331

Sandale Utility Products ....................... 238

Toto ....................................................... 133

Westpoint Sales .................................... 504

Saniflo Canada ...................................... 110

Triangle Tube........................................ 139

White-Rodgers ...................................... 135

Schwank ................................................. 343

UEi Test Instruments/Kane Canada .... 633

Wilo Canada ......................................... 825

Selkirk Canada ...................................... 827

Univar Canada....................................... 638

Winkler Technik .................................... 409

Service Roundtable .............................. 239

Uponor................................................... 824

Winters Instruments ............................. 607

Sinus North America ............................ 829

UV Dynamics ......................................... 708

Woodford Manufacturing .................... 326

SJE Rhombus & Primex ....................... 811

Valley Acrylic ......................................... 418

Xylem - Applied Water Systems.......... 819

Spartan Peripheral Devices ................. 823

Vertex Industries ................................... 423

Zurn Industries ...................................... 800

Spectrum Brands .................................. 130

Victaulic ................................................. 601

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Canadian Hydronics Conference

Hydronic Systems Using LowAmbient Air-to-Water Heat Pumps Wednesday, November 2 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

This session will focus on the emerging technology used in heat pumps that can absorb heat from very low temperature (sub 0°F), and use that heat to produce water temperatures up to 130°F. Speaker: John Siegenthaler of Appropriate Designs

Systems Efficiencies and Comfort: Water (Hydronics) vs VAV and VRF Wednesday, November 2 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

This session will discuss and compare efficiencies of the three major types of HVAC systems: hydronic, air and refrigerant. Examples of efficiencies of operating projects will be presented and discussed.

Schedule

Calling all wetheads! CIPHEX West isn’t just a trade show—it’s also home to the Canadian Hydronics Conference.

Presented by the Canadian Hydronics Council, the conference gives contractors, wholesalers, engineers, builders and renovators the chance to learn from North America’s leading hydronics educators. And registering for the conference gets you free admission to CIPHEX West!

Speaker: Greg Cunniff of Taco Comfort Systems

Heat Up Your Hydronic Sales – Tips to Grow Your Business Wednesday, November 2 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

You will leave this session armed with new ideas and tools to increase your sales. Topics will include the top benefits of hydronic heating for homeowners, hot trends in hydronic heating and insight into the minds of consumers.

Hydronics for High Efficiency / Low Emission Biomass Boilers Thursday, November 3

This session will focus on the specific operating characteristics of pellet-fired and cordwood gasification boilers, and how modern hydronics can be used to create a balance of system that respects these characteristics.

8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Speaker: John Siegenthaler of Appropriate Designs

Speaker: CHC chairman David Hughes, associate chair (special projects) of Pipe Trades at NAIT

NEW PRODUCTS SHOWCASE

BUILDEX Express shares the stage with CIPHEX West at the Vancouver Convention Centre on November 3, and your visitor pass gets you into both trade shows!

Aimed at the construction, property management, interior design and architecture industries, BUILDEX Express will have over 100 exhibitors and will offer more than 14 educational seminars. Be sure to check it out while you’re at CIPHEX West! buildexexpress.com

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Do you like products? Do you like stuff that’s new? Then boy, have we found the showcase for you!

While you’re roaming the 30,000-sq-ft floor at CIPHEX West, be sure to swing by the New Products Showcase. It’s chock-full of the latest and greatest products for contractors in the plumbing, HVAC/R, hydronic and geothermal trades.

To find the New Products Showcase, check out the show floor map on page 80.

HYDRONICS ALLEY If you’re involved in hydronics, you won’t want to miss the Hydronics Alley at CIPHEX West.

It’s a section of the showroom floor dedicated entirely to hydronic heating systems. Keep an eye open for the signage and distinctive carpeting—or find it on the show floor map.

We’ll see you in the alley!

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Road Warrior

By Greg Dalgetty

CMPX Show Winner!

We first met Tye when he visited our booth at CMPX 2016. He came for our cover photo promo, and ended up being on the real cover of the magazine!

Name: Tye Leishman Company: Tempco HVAC Job Title: President Age: 45 Home: Powell River, B.C.

TYE

Hittin’ the Sky with S

Photos: Alicia Baas Photography

ome people resign themselves to a long, boring commute to the cottage. Others learn how to fly a plane.

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Tye Leishman falls into the latter category.

The native of Powell River, B.C., got his pilot licence 14 years ago, back when he was working for an HVAC contractor in Victoria. He and his wife had a lakeside cottage in Powell River that was accessible only by boat or float plane, and they would return there regularly.

he recalls. “But once we were flying here every weekend, we asked ourselves why we were living in Victoria when we could be in Powell River with an affordable mortgage and be lakeside every weekend living the good life.”

So Leishman relocated to his hometown and started up Tempco HVAC, which services commercial and residential customers throughout Powell River. He hasn’t looked back since.

“When I started flying, I would fly back to Powell River every single weekend,”

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How did you get started in the trades?

I originally started as an electrical apprentice a year out of high school. Halfway through my apprenticeship I got hired by an HVAC controls contractor. So I finished my electrical apprenticeship and then did my refrigeration apprenticeship, and got my Class B gas ticket.

What are you working on right now?

The Sliammon First Nation band just signed their first treaty to self-governance in April. They built a beautiful new band office, and we’re currently in the final stages of doing a 50-head VRF job.

What’s your favourite thing about the trade?

The biggest thing about being an HVAC technician is you get to be Superman. You get the phone call, and whether it’s commercial or residential, the customer is in a panic. You show up, and their initial reaction is that they’re relieved to see you because you’ve come to save the day. And when you do save the day, people just love you.

What kind of plane do you have?

I just bought a Cessna 185 amphibian plane, which can land on runways as well as the water.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever seen on the job?

Last winter, we had a customer call who assumed that they’d had an issue with their electric furnace.

They thought their house was on fire. It was full of smoke and they called the fire department. When we finally got there and tore their furnace apart we found a large cooked rat lying on the electric heating coils. So what they thought was an electrical fire was really just a rat getting cozy.

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve ever done?

Scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

That was in 1992.

Favourite place you’ve visited: My favourite place would have to be Tofino, but I’ve been everywhere from Australia to Europe, Hong Kong, Japan and Hawaii. But it’s pretty tough to beat Tofino.

Biggest pet peeve: Excuses. I can’t stand them.

Life in Powell River Living and working in a scenic setting like Powell River has its advantages.

“We’ve got lakes, oceans, mountains—as far as the outdoors goes, there’s nowhere that can compare to the natural topography we have here,” Leishman says.

It’s also a great place for marine life enthusiasts.

“The ferry terminal is 500 metres from my office,” Leishman explains. “Lots of times when you’re on the ferry, huge pods of dolphins or porpoises will come up.

It’s an open ferry so you can be right at the front, and hundreds of porpoises will be playing in the wake of the ferry.

“As for killer whales, there are lots of times when my employees will be out in their boats on the ocean and get videos of orcas swimming under the boat and jumping.

I’ve been to a lot of places all over the world, and there really aren’t many places that are as beautiful as what we have here.”

Favourite radio station: Anytime I’m driving, I just listen to podcasts. My favourite is the Tim Ferriss show.

Favourite outdoor activity: I would say anything that gets me out in nature. I rock climb, mountain bike, surf and snowboard.

Favourite beverage: In Powell River, we’ve got an award-winning microbrewery called Townsite Brewing. Their Pow Town porter is probably my favourite.

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B y Dan Ho lo h an

SCALE,

AND ITS AVOIDANCE H aving scale on heating surfaces is like having all the traffic lights in your town turn red at the same time, and stay red. Most movement stops.

In the case of a boiler, that movement is heat. It’s trying to get out of the fire, through the metal, and into the water, but the scale is blocking its way. So the boiler just keeps getting hotter as your building gets colder.

That’s not good for either one.

Most hydronic systems are closed to the atmosphere, so if you’re getting a lot of scale, suspect that too much water is entering the system. Close the automatic feed valve and watch the gauge. If you’re losing pressure, the system probably has a leak. Go find it and fix it.

And watch your circulator location, especially on commercial jobs. If you are pumping toward a compression tank, the circulator will show its differential pressure as a drop in suction pressure.

If the circulator’s ability to produce pressure exceeds the system’s static fill pressure, the pressure at the pump suction will be sub-atmospheric. If there are automatic air vents nearby, they’ll suck in air, and that will cause the ferrous parts of the system to rust. Say hello to Mr. Scale.

WHAT IS SCALE Pipe scale is rust.

It usually shows up on the inside of the pipe and when the moving water causes it to flake off, we call it scale. Get enough of it going around and it will gum up the works.

Mineral scale is something else. In a boiler, it’s mainly stubborn calcium carbonate, which never wants to dissolve in hot water.

Behind this leading pest, other minerals will line up, and in this order of appearance: calcium sulfate, magnesium carbonate, iron, silica and manganese. And you can add phosphates and hydroxides of any of those minerals to that menu.

It pays to know your enemy, and the only real way to do that is to get the water analyzed if there’s a problem.

If you suspect the system is getting too much air, take a water sample and dip a magnet into it. Iron particles will stick to the magnet and you’ll be on your way to the solution.

I’m a fan of the new hydronic dirt separators that include magnets. It’s amazing what those neat devices will pull out of the flowing water.

continues on page 96

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It’s A Great Trick If You Can Do It. We Did.

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• 190,000 BTU/h – 10 to 1 modulation • 2” PVC, CPVC, & Polypropylene vent capable • Hyper-efficient maximum efficiency of .954 U.E.F. • Intelligence meets simplicity – service friendly design • 7.02 GPM @ 54° F (5.1 GPM @ 77°F) • Boiler technology in a tankless water heater

See it. Believe it.

Thermal Hydronic Supply Ltd. North American Distributor

thermalhydronics.com

CONDENSAZIONE

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HYDRONICS

continues from page 94

SCALY STEAM BOILERS

WHAT MAKES IT HAPPEN?

Scale can cause lots of problems in steam boilers, especially if you’re using the boiler for process and you’re dumping all or some of the condensate.

It is pretty simple magic that creates scale. Think of a hot cup of coffee. Add a spoonful of sugar and give it a stir. The sugar dissolves. The hotter the coffee is, the quicker that will happen.

The minerals that cause scale in a heating system do just the opposite. They are inversely soluble. That means that the hotter the water gets, the less those minerals will want to dissolve.

Cold feed water arrives with these minerals in solution. The burner runs and the minerals come out of solution and cling to the hot surfaces. That’s when the traffic lights start going red.

BOUNCING BOILERS! The boiler was cast iron; the system had been leaking. Oh, and the fill valve added a lot of fresh hard water. The minerals did their inversely soluble thing and clogged part of the boiler’s passages so the water couldn’t flow through.

The burner kept firing.

Steam formed, expanded like crazy and then collapsed within the clogged section.

It did this again and again, hammering away at the boiler’s gut.

When I got there, that beast was bouncing on the floor. Had I not seen this I wouldn’t believe it possible.

I hit the off switch and got the heck out of there. Time for a new boiler.

Dan Holohan is an author, speaker, steam heating expert, and founder of heatinghelp.com, a highly regarded industry site that shares information about heating systems old and new. He can be reached at dan@heatinghelp.com.

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Most owners think that’s unavoidable, but it’s not.

Here’s how to shine: You’re replacing a boiler in a bakery where they use steam to put the crust on bread, or in a seafood restaurant where they use steam to cook shellfish. None of that condensate comes back to those boilers so the cold feed water will kill them.

What if, instead of feeding the boiler with cold water, you were to feed it through a small water heater? The calcium and magnesium will settle out inside the water heater instead of the boiler. Sure, they’ll lose the water heater at some point, but water heaters are cheaper than boilers.

Here’s another trick. On the hot-water feed line from the water heater, install a microbubble air separator – the same sort you’d use on a hydronic heating system.

Run your hot feed water through that and it will act like an inexpensive deaerator, removing the air before it hits the boiler. Less air means less corrosion, and that means less scale.

Ever been called in for something like this?

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Lost condensate means lots of fresh, cold feed water, which brings in the calcium and magnesium that will cling to the hottest surfaces of the boiler, slowing heat transfer, raising fuel bills, and cutting years from the life of the boiler.

Now go amaze your customer with your street smarts.

SCALE’S COUSIN:

SLUDGE

Sludge is the softer version of scale, and it will often wind up in your radiators if the hardness in the water gets a chance to react with any phosphate or alkaline treatments someone may have added.

Sludge looks and acts like paste, and it will murder heat transfer.

If the hot water can’t pass its heat to the air, the rooms go cold and the heating bills go up, so take care when adding chemicals to any hydronic system, unless you know what you’re doing.

I’ve often watched contractors pour chemicals into boilers because they were frustrated with a problem, and they thought the product had a cool name.

Not only that, but it’s not unusual to find a system where “that last guy who worked on the system” over-applied whatever treatment they poured in, believing that if one pound of sugar is sweet, well, then 10 pounds of sugar is 10 times sweeter. It’s not.

Know what you’re doing before you do it.

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Presscon™ Press Connections The Presscon™ press connections, with its exclusive LEAK DETECTION feature, will detect leaks during system testing if a press connection is unpressed. Caleffi was the first to introduce zone valves with press connections and has expanded press connections to its broad range of hydronic components. Press sizes from ½” to 2” copper are available on several air separators, dirt separators, hydronic separators, magnetic separators, thermostatic mixing valves, balancing valves, press reducing valves and more.

Presscon connections have a temperature range of 0°F - 250°F for up to 50% glycol mixtures and pressure rated to 200 psi. Connections meet low lead law requirements for use in accordance with U.S. and Canadian plumbing and mechanical codes.

Components for today's modern hydronic systems

Heating & Cooling www.caleffi.com - Milwaukee, WI USA

Hydronic Products Zone Valves White-Rodgers’ hydronic zone valves have a one-piece, solid brass valve body and a raised ball seat to ensure total closure of the valve.

Their tops are removable to allow quick access for troubleshooting. They are designed for use with 3/8”, 1/2”, 3/4” and 1” pipe sizes.

www. emersonclimate.com

Ceiling Panels Legend Hydronics’ Ambiance radiant ceiling panels are designed for heating and cooling applications. Available in 2’x2’ and 2’x4’ sizes, the steel panels are engineered to fit in standard suspended ceiling grid systems. They can accommodate copper or PEX tubing, which is connected to aluminum heat transfer plates via flexible braided connectors.

www. legendhydronics.com

MAC

System Filtration

95% AFUE, Wall Hung Condensing Hot Water Boiler (Available in both Combi and Space-Heating Only Models)

The TF1 Delta Filter from Fernox is designed to protect large volume, low temperature heating and cooling systems from om magnetic and non-magnetic debris, bris, and to remove trapped air from m system water. It features brass construcnstruction and dual radial seals.

www. fernox.com

AI - Artificial Intelligence Control

Boiler Fill Valve The BD1156 dial set boiler fill valve from Watts is designed to fill hydronic heating systems. Engineered to provide a fill rate of 25 gpm at the push of a button, it also has an auto-stop feature that prevents the device from over-pressurizing the system above 25 psi. The BD911 model features an integrated backflow preventer.

...that thinks for itself

www. watts.ca

Automatic Setup on Initial Startup Recognizes Natural or LP Gas Continuously Monitors Combustion

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From m

High-Efficiency Circulator Taco’s Viridian VT2218 circulator features an ECM motor and two temperature sensors designed to deliver delta-T readings to the pump’s control. It provides up to 22’ of shut-off head and a maximum flow of 18 gpm. Its LCD screen displays operating mode, temperature or speed settings, watts, supply and return temperatures, and error code diagnostics.

EXPERIENCED To CERTIFIED For Designers For Building Officials

www. tacocomfortsolutions.com

For the Salesforce

For Technicians/ Contractors

Enhance ce your credibility & instill confidence with customers, utilities & building officials across Canada with HRAI’s Training & Certification Programs.

Ball Valves Webstone’s Press x Hose ball valves are made ade of forged brass and have 3/4” hose connections. ons. ure Available in 1/2” and 3/4” sizes, they feature an adjustable packing gland and reversible e handle. They are designed to be compatible with most press tools.

www. webstonevalves.com

Residential

95% AFUE Bradford White Canada’s Brute LX gas boilers are available in seven sizes ranging from 50,000 to 220,000 BTUH. The boilers provide AFUE efficiencies of up to 95 per cent and offer a 5:1 turndown ratio. They are also available in three boiler/water heater combination models, ranging in size from 125,000 to 175,000 BTUH.

www. bradfordwhite.com

Mechanical Ventilation Installation - Level I Mechanical Ventilation Design - Level II Heat Loss & Heat Gain Calculations Air System Design Integrated Combo Systems Commissioning Radiant Hydronics Design

High hydrogen levels in boiler fuel creates more water during combustion.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) for Residential & Small Commercial

Small Commercial Heat Loss & Heat Gain Calculations

Circulators

Air System Design

Bell & Gossett’s Ecocirc XL circulators are designed to operate across a broad spectrum of head and flow requirements for commercial HVAC and plumbing applications. They feature temperature control pressure regulators and Modbus or BACnet control inputs. They come with built-in dry-run protection.

www. bellgossett.com

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Training for the Salesforce & Other Non-Technical Staff Introduction to Residential HVAC Equipment

Call 1-800-267-2231 ext. 231, visit hrai.ca or email sales@hrai.ca to get local Training Schedules or to Register.

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DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS FOR

RADIANT COOLING R adiant cooling is an attractive concept for summer comfort for the same reasons people like radiant heating in the winter. A properly designed system will be energy efficient, zone friendly and minimally invasive to the occupied space. But why are some people still scared of it? Here are some questions you should ask to determine whether radiant cooling is a good option for your next project.

Commercial, or Residential?

Radiant cooling is best suited to new commercial construction projects.

A staple-up aluminum plate radiant retrofit system with thick shag carpet above it wouldn’t be a good idea for floor cooling. You will have more control over the whole system and envelope with a new building.

An existing radiant heating project could be converted d over to radiant cooling, but the existing pipe spacing may be too wide. Design considerations will vary for individual projects, but generally speaking, radiant cooling oliling pipe should be spaced closer to 6” on centre and include ude e a pipe diameter of no less than 5/8” to be most effective.

Radiant cooling pipe sshould be spaced sp p closer to 6” 6 on centre and in include n a pipe diameter diamete of no less than th 5/8” 5/8”.

Assessing Cooling Loads For comfort reasons, ASHRAE 55 limits floor temperature operating ranges to 19 to 29°C. If your system designer finds that floor temperatures lower than 19°C are required, you would need to add supplemental cooling.

In general, though, a radiant system is nearly always incorporated as part of a hybrid system. This hybrid system would be composed of the radiant system along with a downsized forced-air system to manage the dew point appropriately. In some cases, cooling may not be necessary to cover the sensible heat load, but may still be required for the latent load.

If you need a second stage of cooling, you may be able to downsize the air-side components of some HVAC systems.

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You probably don’t need a completely redundant second stage of cooling unless you are talking about a space with very high demand, such as a server room.

In most residential and commercial jobs, you only need to take the edge off of the near-design summer days and keep the humidity levels low with stage-two cooling. This is similar to the concept of front-end loading with a boiler. Use the most efficient, modulating/condensing boilers as a first stage, and then bring on the big cast iron boiler only when demand is near peak.

If you abandon radiant cooling just because you may need a few more BTUs, it would be like abandoning a modulating/ condensing boiler for a cast iron unit just because you may need higher output on New Year’s Day.

Dealing with Humidity

“Get your design

For a long time, people have written off radiant cooling in humid climates. A mountain home in Utah is a good fit; a lake house in Illinois is a bad fit. But this isn’t necessarily the case.

priorities in order and follow up with systems

“I am not saying you do not need to monitor surface dew point temperatures and space humidity with radiant cooling systems,” states indoor air quality expert Robert Bean. “I am saying: get your design priorities in order and follow up with systems and controls that enhance the indoor climate for health of the environment and, by association, health of the occupants and the dimensional stability of architectural materials. Do this and the condensation issue disappears.”

If the humidity level in a building is too high, you will have issues with your latent cooling load whether or not you have a radiant cooling system. The dew developing on the cooled floor just makes it obvious. Without a radiantly cooled surface, that high humidity could even be creating nasty things like mouldy insulation.

and controls that enhance the indoor climate for health of the environment and, by association, health of the occupants and the dimensional stability of

If you follow ASHRAE 55 ventilation standards, a radiantly cooled surface is unlikely to sweat. While that standard doesn’t apply to residential buildings, the concepts in the standard are good guidelines to follow. In order to make the ventilation side work properly, you will need an excellent control strategy

architectural materials. Do this and the condensation issue

Safety Precautions

disappears.”

Improperly controlled systems don’t allow you to get the most out of the equipment. Slab temperature response time is important and properly installed sensors make a difference.

If a homeowner is convinced that the thermostats they bought at a big box store are the only ones they will use, that should be a red flag. On the commercial side, if the building is controlled by an overly complex automation system, you could also be in trouble.

The control strategy you pick should have a proven record with radiant cooling systems, regardless of scale.

So, what specific control components should you look for? A system should be capable of controlling dew point in each zone, not each floor or area containing multiple zones. Put the humidistats in the rooms, not just in a central return air duct. You should also know what is going on outside the building with a temperature and humidity sensor. Your air changes will vary depending on what the weather is like.

On the temperature side, you should have one ambient and floor sensor per zone. If you are basing your call for

cooling on the air temperature alone, your supply manifold may already be sweating. You will need the ability to control the supply water temperature to the slab when you are approaching the dew point. With a floor sensor and proper controls, you keep an eye on the slab temperature and stop injecting cooler liquid if you are within 1.8°C of the dew point. Without the ability to stop injecting cooler temperatures into a slab, you could be in trouble.

With proper design and controls, you’ll find that radiant cooling can enhance energy efficiency and comfort in many projects.

Max Rohr is the manager of Rehau Academy, the education chair for the Radiant Professionals Alliance and a contributor to the Rehau blog, where he’s glad to answer any additional radiant cooling questions. He can be reached at max.rohr@rehau.com.

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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.

Find the Fix

WORKING THE PRIMARY/SECONDARY This is a schematic of primary/secondary piping with closely spaced Ts. There are three indoor heating loads that amount to a total of 92,000 BTUHs under design conditions, as well as a 58,000 BTUH heating load from the snowmelt system.

1. If you choose to use a combi-boiler so that you get the DHW and heating in one unit, what size would you select? a) 151,000 BTUH input b) 151,000 BTUH output c) 200,000 BTUH input so that there is a greater capacity for the DHW load. d) Before making the selection, you would get the DHW requirements and then select the combi unit’s size.

2. If the total head loss of the 21,000 BTUH radiant zone is 11’, what is the flowrate (gpm) required of circulator C? a) 2.1 gpm because it is a 10°F²6T. b) 3.0 gpm c) 4.2 gpm because it is a 10°F6T. d) You do not have enough information, so just use a steep curve three-speed circulator on high speed.

3. If you select a 200,000 BTUH high-efficiency condensing boiler for this job, and the boiler runs best with a 25°F 6T, what size should the boiler piping loop be? a) 1-1/4” b) 1-1/2” c) 3/4”, like the boiler connections. d) 1” would work just fine.

4. After the install and purging the water and gas, you start the system. You are getting heat, but not enough for all the zones. The boiler seems to be flashing and jumping. What is happening? a) The system is piped wrong. b) This really isn’t primary/secondary piping. c) There is conflict between all the circulator differentials when they all run together. d) Call the rep. There is a problem with the boiler!

BONUS In question 3, the piping for the primary loop should be sized at 1-1/2” if all loads run at the same time.

True False

WIN! Email your answers to adam.freill@mechanicalbusiness.com.

Please include your name and daytime phone number.

Looking for the July/August answers?

If you need the answers to last edition’s quiz, you’ll find them on our home on the web, www.mechanicalbusiness.com. Just click the “Looking for Answers?” button on our homepage.

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HRAI Conference 2016 August 24 – 26 – Calgary, Alta.

Event in Pictures: HRAI Conference 2016

1

Almost 200 delegates descended on the Hyatt Regency in downtown Calgary for the 48th annual HRAI conference at the end of August. The event offered a chance to catch up with colleagues, gain insights into the work that the association has been undertaking on behalf of the industry, and to learn some new skills to apply on the job.

“Do clients want more information?” asked Victor Antonio, president of Selling Group, during his workshop about sales techniques. “If you can provide information beyond the obvious – telling them something they didn’t know – the dynamic of the conversation changes.”

Beyond brushing up on sales techniques, sessions also touched on changing technologies.

“Proper training is vital to ensure equipment is properly installed, and that people don’t get hurt,” stated Emerson Climate Technology’s Dennis Kozina during a session about the move to low global warming potential refrigerants. “Things are changing faster now than ever before.”

HRAI also introduced incoming chair Rick Ellul during the annual general meeting portion of the event. He will serve until next year’s conference, which will be held in Quebec City from August 16 to 18. hrai.ca

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1 Speaker Jeanine Jollineau takes the microphone during a 1. panel discussion. 2. Incoming HRAI Manufacturers Division p cchair Dave McPherson, of Rheem Canada (left), presents outgoing division chair Rick Ellul, of Belimo Aircontrols o (CAN), with an award thanking him for his service. 3. John (C Murphy, M an HRAI past-chair, was one of many past-chairs who w attended this year’s conference. 4. Outgoing chair Peter P Steffes checks the balance on the Inukshuk he was presented p as a memento thanking him for his service to the association a over the past year. 5. “It’s not what you sell, it’s how h you sell,” explained Victor Antonio during his session about a sales techniques. 6. HRAI president Warren Heeley announced a the President’s Award Winners at the HRAI AGM A in Calgary in August. Here, Heeley congratulates John J Bonus of Wolseley Canada. Other winners were Diane Murray M of Union Gas and David Weishuhn of Blue Flame Heating H & Air Conditioning. 7. Passing the chairman’s gavel, g from Peter Steffes (left) to Rick Ellul.

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REFRIGERATION B y Ma r k M e nz e r

transitioning TO TOMORROW’S

refrigerants T

here is significant change in the air, metaphorically and physically. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and 174 other world leaders recently signed the Paris Conference of the Parties (COP) 21 treaty in a ceremony at the UN. The goal is to control a basket of gases associated with global warming and limit the average global temperature rise to no more than two degrees Celsius by the end of the century.

A Canadian Approach

And while that can be viewed as a positive down payment with more actions needed in the future, many might be surprised to learn that HVAC/R refrigerants were not included in the list of gases included under COP 21. Rather, those are handled in the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, which has already contributed to the successful phasedown of CFCs and HCFCs.

designating any “bright lines” for HFCs – that is,

The proposed Canadian framework for reducing HFC use is a bit different than the approach being employed in the U.S. The American Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has stayed away from setting a GWP goal above which refrigerants are banned – and instead is looking at gases on a case by case basis.

The Canadian proposal takes a hybrid approach.

It puts prohibitions on specific HFCs by specific years, depending on industry sector, and also

Showing global leadership, Canada, along with the United States and Mexico, submitted a proposal to the Montreal Protocol last year calling on all countries to take action to reduce their consumption and production of HFCs. That proposal is now being considered by the 197 parties to the Montreal Protocol.

proposes a gradual and predicable phasedown of HFCs from today’s use. ar The first approach, sector-specific bans, is similar to the EPA methodology in the States, while the second approach, which was not included in an

Closer to home, in a joint communique in March, Trudeau and U.S. President Barack Obama affirmed their commitment to reduce HFC use through their domestic frameworks and promised new actions in 2016.

earlier ECCC proposal but was urged by some stakeholders, would provide a more predictable future by following the phasedown path of the Montreal Protocol.

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Mark Menzer is the director of public affairs for Danfoss, an international manufacturer of components for air conditioning and refrigeration systems.

He can be reached at markmenzer@danfoss.com.

WORKING IN HARMONY Since the Canadian and American economies are so closely tied, it is beneficial when policies are harmonized between the two countries, especially for those companies dealing with products that cross the border.

TABLE 2: COMPARISON OF CANADIAN PHASEDOWN PROPOSAL AND U.S. EPA RULES

End Use

Max GWP

Implementation date on which Implementation date on which new systems cannot be new systems cannot be manufactured or imported manufactured or imported

Fortunately, the first part of the ECCC’s hybrid approach, where HFC use is evaluated on a case by case basis, is similar to that of the U.S. EPA. The phase-out dates for high-GWP HFCs under the Canadian and American schemes are compared in Table 2. The table only shows stationary cooling and refrigeration systems, although the Canadian proposal also includes mobile refrigeration systems and foams. While not identical, the phase-out schedules in the two countries are quite similar.

Standalone medium temperature commercial refrigeration systems

650

1/1/2020

1/1/19-1/1/20

Standalone low temperature commercial refrigeration systems

1500

1/1/2020

1/1/2020

Centralized refrigeration systems

1500

1/1/2020

1/1/2017

Chillers

700

1/1/2025

1/1/2024

The three-year difference in implementation dates for centralized refrigeration systems will allow Canadian supermarkets to observe new American installations before embarking on their own system conversions.

In its proposal, ECCC said that it recognizes the importance of ensuring a level playing field between the U.S. and Canada, and

CANADA

requests comments on how that can be further achieved to avoid market disruptions.

To be clear, systems can be installed and serviced after the implementation dates in Table 2; the dates only refer to the timing of the import or manufacture of equipment.

The second part of the ECCC approach, as noted, would follow a phasedown schedule. The government would provide “allowances” to companies to allow the use

U.S. EPA

(consumption) of HFCs. The proposed Canadian regulations to ban the use of certain HFCs in HVAC/R equipment should be in line with the Montreal Protocol, when and if it is ratified.

Further, the added step of a known, gradual phasedown schedule of imports into Canada will allow all stakeholders to develop a plan for moving to low-GWP systems.

HFCs ON THE RISE Until such time as HFCs are covered in the Montreal

According to figures provided by the

Protocol (something that could happen as early as

Ministry of Environment and Climate

late this year), Canada intends to follow the North

Change Canada (ECCC), the use

American proposal to the protocol, which is shown

of HFCs tripled from 2008 to 2012,

in Table 1.

as ozone-depleting chemicals were

If the eventual Montreal Protocol is different than

phased out across the country. The

the North American proposal, then the ECCC may

growth was most pronounced in the foam-blowing sector, but HFC

amend its scheme to follow the global agreement.

refrigerant use grew as well.

TABLE1: POTENTIAL STEPS FOR HFC REDUCTION CONSUMPTION SCHEDULE

The authority for an HFC phasedown lies with ECCC, the federal department with responsibility for

YEAR

REDUCTION

CONSUMPTION BASELINE

2019

90%

16.44 Mllion Tonnes CO2eq

In 2014, ECCC announced that it would be

2024

65%

11.88 Mllion Tonnes CO2eq

developing phasedown regulations under the

2030

30%

5.48 Mllion Tonnes CO2eq

2036

15%

2.74 Mllion Tonnes CO2eq

coordinating and enforcing environmental policies.

Canadian Environmental Protection Act. A series of stakeholder meetings was held in 2015, during which ECCC staff paid careful attention to the wide variety of input they were getting from industry, environmental advocates and others. A second stage of consultation was issued in March of this year.

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COMMERCIAL HVAC

By Kevi n G i l l Kevin Gill is an outside sales rep for refrigeration and commercial HVAC in Southern Ontario with The Master Group Inc. He can be reached at kgill@master.ca.

Systems That Diagnose Themselves W

e are well into the 21st century of HVAC and the new wave of technology that is flooding our mechanical world. With rooftops equipped with smartboards on board, there isn’t much need for old-school technical diagnostics from the technician now – or is there?

Rooftop manufacturers have invested millions of dollars in research and development to consolidate what used to be a multitude of relays, electronics, and mechanical switches into one intelligent smartboard.

As such, we are beginning to reach for our USB sticks rather than our wrenches, and this will only become more prevalent in the years to come, but there’s a risk to assuming that all will be solved with the plugging in of a stick.

Plugging in the Fix Regular firmware and software updates are critical to the operational integrity of modern rooftop equipment, so there is a need to understand how the firmware works with other components, such as economizers and BACnet controllers.

Some of the most common commissioning or error code calls happen because the smartboard is not up to date with the latest software version. Don’t forget that some manufacturers require a secondary update for the economizer.

Today’s smartboards harness the power to diagnose almost any part of a commercial package system, from ignition modules and inducerr motor failures, to compressor and economizer operation. We must hand and it to our manufacturers; they have come a long way.

But technicians must also understand that despite the intelligence of the board, we still need to rely on our technical ability to diagnose issues. The right fix won’t always occur from the updating of software, so knowing the equipment you are working on is more critical than ever. And product knowledge now includes adopting the responsibility of maintaining the board itself.

KEEPING UP TO SPEED Software updates can happen at any time, so that’s where a good relationship with your commercial sales rep can pay off. Ask them to keep you informed of software updates.

And keep updated USB sticks in all of your trucks so your crew has the latest firmware available at their fingertips.

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At the end of the day, while it may be frustrating re-learning computers after years of learning the mechanicals, there are significant benefits to having knowledge of both. You’ll spend less time on the jobsite for diagnostics, and you’ll gain such abilities as remote monitoring and control, and that’s a step into the 21st century.

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Kevin Gill shows off one of the most useful tools when dealing with modern rooftop equipment.

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NOflushing AROUND

SAVING WATER –

& MONEY Contractors looking to install water-free urinals can rely on two main selling points: environmental friendliness and cost-savings.

I

f you’re of the male persuasion, there’s a good chance you’ve used a urinal at some point in your life. Whether it’s at a football game, in an office building or even at a rest stop, many of us have found blessed relief in a urinal somewhere.

Urinals have come a long way since their invention some 150 years ago. With today’s greater emphasis on water conservation—and the cost savings that come with it—we’ve seen urinals drop from 1.5 gallons per flush to a half gallon. And speaking of flushing, is there anything more satisfying than hearing that sweet sound after using a urinal?

Well, maybe there is…

Water-free urinals have been gaining traction over the past 25 years.

You’ll find them in all the same places you find conventional urinals, but there are a few key differences when it comes to installation and maintenance. Here are some pro tips on how to handle your next water-free urinal installation.

“With so many green contractors and green plumbers, it makes sense from a business standpoint for them to look at these products,” says Klaus Reichardt, founder and CEO of Waterless. “And, of course, it gives them a competitive advantage if they have the knowledge and can push green technology.”

Saving water also means saving money, and the savings can really add up in larger applications.

“We’ve had these urinals installed in high-usage facilities because there’s so much water saved,” explains Charles Scott, Kohler’s senior product marketing manager. “Stadiums, for instance. You put them in there, and the amount you save is incredible.”

Jason Boyd, marketing manager of Dobbin Sales, the Canadian master distributor of Sloan plumbing products, agrees.

“That is the number 1 selling factor for us,” he says. “When you factor in a large commercial building, a health club or anywhere else where you’ve got a lot of traffic, that’s a lot of water.

That will really add up on an annual basis.”

continues on page 112

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continues from page 110

LINE CARRY

PEEING IS

BELIEVING

Line carry can be a concern when water-free urinals are installed in older buildings with pipes that were designed to accommodate less efficient plumbing fixtures.

“The challenge is not just limited to waterless urinals,” Scott says. “As we drive toward lower water usage and highly efficient products, especially toilets, older buildings can have drain pipes that were built for toilets that used 3.5 gallons. You can be using a 1.28 gpf toilet, but the pipe is sized for 3.5 gallons, so drain and line carry become a concern. With waterless urinals, it’s the same thing.”

For this reason, some may choose to install a toilet or conventional urinal upstream of a waterless urinal.

THE RIGHT ANGLE Conventional urinals use water to transport waste, but water-free urinals are reliant on gravity.

“If you’ve got a drain going from the fixture back to the main stack that isn’t sloped correctly, you’ll get standing waste and run into problems,” explains Boyd.

In buildings where both waterfree and conventional urinals are used, contractors can get creative to circumvent potential issues with stagnant waste.

“Some people will put a water urinal upstream of a waterless urinal,” says Scott. “The water urinal will then make sure the pipes get cleared out.”

In retrofit applications, you’ll want to snake the drain lines before installing a water-free urinal.

“You want to make sure you snake the line clean, because there will always be hard deposits in the drain line where flush urinals have been used,” says Reichardt.

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Contractors can sometimes run into problems with copper lines.

“When you have a copper line that’s been in there for 10 or 15 years, you’ll already have some channelling problems,” Reichardt says. “If you then add a waterless urinal, or even if you’re just snaking the line, you can have problems. So we recommend two things with copper lines: either avoid them, or take a scope down there and see what the lines look like.”

Water-free urinals can also be installed in a way that will allow them to be easily replaced with flush urinals, should the need arise.

“When these urinals get specified and installed, in some cases the plumber will run the waterline to the fixture anyway and then just cap it off in case they want to switch it back to a regular flush-valve urinal,” Boyd says. “I don’t think that’s ever bad as a back-up plan.”

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Water-free urinals require a different maintenance routine than regular urinals, and contractors who install them should be aware of this to ensure maintenance staff are prepared.

“The biggest misconception is that you can follow the same maintenance routine as a regular urinal, when in fact it’s a completely different set of protocols to keep them functioning at the level they were intended,” warns Boyd. “It’s not that it’s complicated, it might just be slightly different than what maintenance staff are used to.”

Some water-free urinals have cartridges that need to be replaced, while others need liquid sealant poured down the drain.

The cartridge or sealant acts as a baffle, preventing odours from escaping the urinal.

“I’ve seen these things installed in a health club, for example, and nobody does anything with the cartridge for six or eight months,” Boyd says. “It’s a busy place, and all of a sudden the odour gets bad and people are complaining. Then you’ve got a bigger issue on your hands.”

Cartridges need to be replaced and sealant needs to be replenished at regular intervals, depending on usage. The urinals will also require regular cleaning, per the manufacturer’s instructions—and these instructions may be different for each urinal model. Ensuring that a facility is aware of these maintenance needs is crucial, especially since there can be high turnover among maintenance staff.

As long as the maintenance procedures are followed, the urinals should operate properly and odours won’t be a problem.

“I came up with a saying years ago— ‘Peeing Is Believing,’” Reichardt says. “Put a urinal on the wall, start using it, and you’ll see that it doesn’t smell, it’s clean and it’s really easy to maintain. The proof is on the wall.”

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Modern-day

Marketing: Back to (Old) School Edition A

h, the start of a new year – not the “champagne and Auld Lang Syne” year, but the new erasers and fresh notebooks season of the fall that gets instilled in our psyche in grade school. For many businesses in the HVAC and plumbing trades, the start of the school year tends to mark the start of a new marketing season. Do you roll out the old-school marketing tactics, or try something new?

Doug MacMillan is president of The Letter M Marketing in Guelph, Ont. To reach him, email doug@thelettermmarketing.com.

As usual, it’s a bit of both. The tricky part is knowing what to stick with, and which marketing efforts are getting a bit tiresome.

As the list of marketing choices grows longer and more confusing, my agency is consulting directly with the target market more often than ever before to develop appropriate strategies.

Talking to customers is the oldest of old-school efforts, but it’s surprising how little time many businesses actually spend talking to their customers. Our consultants are speaking with current and prospective customers through interviews, focus groups and surveys nearly every day. There are always surprises, although it’s no surprise that old-school rules still apply today.

Read on for a few suggestions gg that our research says y still gets g gold g stars.

Practice Your Cursive Yep, this old one again – and it’s cursive, not cursing.

Roughly once each year in this column, I remind businesses to send a handwritten card or note. It leaves a personal impression and reminds the reader of the positive experience they’ve had with you. Anniversaries, birthdays, news articles – it doesn’t take too much effort to find a reason to send a favourite customer a quick note. Toss in a Tim’s card for bonus marks.

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1

Make a Great Impression

2

“Warm” Calling

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Get Visual

Word of mouth is the oldest of golden oldies. Good service gets people talking – to their friends, family, neighbours – and what’s awesome now is how effective and easy social media and feedback sites like HomeStars make it. Pay attention to the four Ps of old-school service: polite, punctual, professional and prepared. This might mean investing in training, team development, employer branding and employee empowerment. These strategies can offer better value for your marketing dollar than a slick new video, without question.

Although traditional cold calling is becoming increasingly ineffective due to the popularity of call display and people’s increasing impatience with this intrusion, “warm” calls remain a strong opportunity to check in with existing customers to ensure all is well. Calling should be done by someone with the skills to lead an engaging conversation and actively listen, rather than march through a script.

The old adage that a picture paints a thousand words is more true today than it has ever been. In 2015, for the first time ever, more non-written content was produced than traditional writing. As a writer, I’m still letting that sink in. But, it’s a visual world now more than

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Marketing with DOUG MACMILLAN

ever, and video, infographics, schematics, illustrations, animations and photography are surging in use and effectiveness. Strive to tell your story and educate customers with simple illustrations, diagrams and graphics.

6

Sharpen Your Pencil

Psychology and marketing go together like bacon and eggs, and a little incentive will always capture the market’s attention – provided you’ve established excellence in product and service quality, so your discount or bonus is a true added-value item, rather than a replacement for a deficiency.

Reduced rates for repeat customers or gifts for referrals still go a long way to helping close the sale.

The MEASURE Of EXCELLENCE

4

Trick Your Rides

5

Sweeten With Swag

Well decorated service vehicles still remain a very effective travelling billboard for your business. Avoid the quick logo-on-the-door approach – you know, the one with a tiny phone number on the tailgate. Put some effort into creating a bold, eye-catching graphic identity for your vans and trucks, and use it consistently. The great news is today’s large-scale graphics make it relatively inexpensive. Not only will they stand out, they send the message that your business is successful.

Promotional gifts remain a popular and effective brand-building opportunity, provided they follow two key rules: they need to be useful, and of good quality. Fridge magnets, calendars, t-shirts and pens have long been the most successful swag – and they still rule, according to recent research.

Give these goodies away strategically.

Home shows seem obvious, but many folks go from table to table picking from the baskets, making it hard for your brand to stand out. Instead, distribute your freebies at free public seminars, at sponsored community events and sales calls.

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CONTROLS

By Ja me s Koh l a n d L e o n H a w k in s

LEVERAGING WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY TO ENABLE SMARTER

BUILDINGS

A

s technology in everyday life becomes more integrated, with more devices offering improved connectivity and visibility, building owners and managers are expecting the same capabilities from their building systems. Wireless technologies are expanding the range of projects where a building automation system (BAS) can be included.

Wireless can be used in building automation systems for many applications, including sensing, equipment, system communications, remote access and service tools.

Affordable first costs and simplified installation for a smooth construction process are key benefits that make wireless technology a good option for a modern building project, or the updating of systems in older structures.

When wireless is part of a BAS, building owners and managers gain access to a wealth of building data so they can monitor building performance and adjust systems remotely. This ensures the building continues to run as it was designed.

A COST-EFFECTIVE OPTION FOR RETROFITS In many existing buildings, especially those whose age or historical significance restricts the changes that can be made to the structure, a BAS may have never been considered previously. The installation costs or the physical condition and structures in a building may make the addition of wired building controls simply not practical.

Wireless technology is changing that by eliminating the need of communication wires between building controls, equipment or lighting controls, room sensors and service tools. This freedom from wires provides the option to consider automated building controls in existing and historical buildings where the technology wasn’t feasible, or was considered too costly, in the past.

Choosing a BAS with wireless technology can reduce the complexity, time and cost of installation, since wireless controls eliminate the need to pull or run wires in the building for humidity and temperature sensing, equipment and system communications, remote access and service tools.

In addition, the installation of wireless controls in existing buildings can result in less disruption to the facility and its occupants during installation.

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RELIABLE WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY Wireless technology has evolved. Today’s solutions offer reliable and secure performance by taking advantage of new wireless standards, such as ZigBee Certified Building Automation, which offers a global standard for interoperable products enabling secure and reliable monitoring and control of commercial building systems.

These technological advancements offer better outcomes than past generations of products in this sector, including extended signal range, longer battery life and improved reliability through a self-repairing mesh network.

Redundant, self-repairing mesh technology found in some wireless systems helps prevent communication failures by maintaining wireless communication, even when signals are obstructed.

Disrupted signals automatically and immediately reroute around obstacles. This can eliminate the issues of system failing when signals are lost or when wires are cut or damaged. With self-repairing mesh, there is no longer concern about a single point of failure for the entire network.

Jim Kohl is controls senior product manager for Trane and serves as the marketing chair on the ZigBee Alliance’s Intelligent Buildings working group. Leon Hawkins is the automation and controls business leader for Trane Canada. Jim can be reached at jkohl@trane.com. Leon can be contacted at leon.hawkins@trane.com.

INTEGRATED BUILDING SYSTEMS

A WIRELESS SUCCESS STORY A new credit union branch in Quebec was looking for building controls solutions that would fit in aesthetically with its open floor plan and glassand-concrete structure. The goal was to have low installation costs without diminishing the modern aspects and look of the space.

The use of wireless technology for the project allowed for the elimination of all conduits and wiring. This not only helped reduce the time and costs of installation, but it also helped achieve the necessary visual results for the building.

The credit union also installed a system that provides simplified automated control of the building’s systems, including HVAC. It has an intuitive touchscreen interface, and results in improved occupant comfort and building performance with reduced operating

When considering wireless technology for building systems, look for a wireless system built on platforms that support open standards, such as BACnet. This makes the integration of the many diverse systems in a building – including HVAC, lighting, elevators, fire and security – easier, so they can be monitored, managed and adjusted via one single interface through the BAS. When controls and HVAC equipment come from one provider partner or are based on one platform, it can be easier to resolve any potential issues in the future. In addition, having integrated building systems also makes it easier when it comes to remote monitoring and diagnostic services.

This monitoring provides visibility into what’s happening in the building so issues can be addressed in a timely manner.

costs, and minimal additional training for building services staff.

BOTTOM LINE SAVINGS Specifying wireless technology built on open standards for building systems can actually improve the performance and efficiency of a facility.

Automation can provide the ability to easily see what’s happening in a building – from information about equipment, to alarm information, to energy use.

Some BAS technology enables the use of energy management solutions, providing features such as real-time monitoring of all energy-related data gathered in a building, energy analytics and automated fault detection. This provides a link to additional intelligent services that make it easier to monitor data and gain insights into building performance and use, which can be used to help drive efficiency-improvement efforts.

Up to 70 per cent of the energy consumption in a commercial building is associated with heating, ventilation, air conditioning and lighting loads. Solutions that provide an easy-to-use, single point of control for these systems make it easier to optimize energy efficiency while balancing the energy consumption of a building with the comfort and control of the space.

A wireless solution puts building automation – and the improved building performance and energysaving strategies that automation can bring – within reach in more buildings and applications.

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Up to 70 per cent of the energy consumption in a commercial building is associated with heating, ventilation, air conditioning and lighting loads.

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HVAC/R

B y Jo h n Flah er t y

Factors Affecting

Cooling Tower Sizing To maximize water-based cooling tower benefits, an appropriately sized tower must be selected. Sizing requires the identification and use of several critical factors.

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ooling towers are a relatively inexpensive and reliable way of expelling heat from a number of industrial processes, including nuclear and thermal power plants, petroleum refineries, petrochemical plants, food processing plants, as well as HVAC systems.

As the worldwide market for these applications continues to grow, so too does the need to address the issue of sizing. How large should a cooling tower be to efficiently handle a specific application?

EFFICIENCY MATTERS Maintaining cooling tower efficiency is important to most applications, especially as companies look to minimize operating costs of their HVAC equipment.

The use of chemical treatments can improve the cooling efficiency of systems affected by biological growth. Biological growth can cause fouling buildup inside the tower, robbing efficiency, but chemicals can be damaging to some metal surfaces.

Plastic cooling towers are an option if corrosion is a concern.

Efficiency can also be affected by the tower’s footprint. Some building owners will choose a tower with a smaller footprint to conserve on space, but that may require using more power to drive the tower. This will lead to higher daily operating costs. In some cases, a cooling tower with a bigger footprint may actually

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There are a lot of different applications where you certainly don’t want an undersized cooling tower.

For example, if an undersized cooling tower is not producing cold enough water to cool the condenser loop of an office building’s HVAC chiller, then the chiller could shut down. That would probably mean some expensive repairs, plus a lot of angry tenants.

On the industrial side, insufficient tower cooling capacity can cause breakdowns or even severe damage to costly process equipment, resulting in extensive losses in productivity.

As such, determining the minimum size for most any application is critical.

consume much less energy, therefore making the larger unit a more efficient choice.

With energy savings being high on a lot of companies’ priorities, it is best to analyze the energy use expectations of the system so that you can properly guide your customers to a tower that provides an acceptable balance of footprint and operating cost.

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John Flaherty is the president of Delta Cooling Towers. For more information about cooling tower technology, feel free to contact him at sales@deltacooling.com.

CALCULATING FOR “WET” TOWERS Cooling towers are known, generally, for their ability to expel waste heat from an industrial process, or the condenser in a comfort cooling application. Wet cooling towers achieve this function through evaporating a small portion of the recirculating water, resulting in significant cooling of the returning water to the process.

For most wet cooling tower applications, optimum cooling tower size may be determined by looking at a combination of four different metrics: heat load, range, approach and wet bulb temperature.

In order to understand how these factors influence cooling tower size, it is first necessary to give the terms some context.

The wet bulb temperature of the air entering the cooling tower is an independent variable that is a fundamental factor in dictating the appropriate size of a cooling tower. It is both the theoretical limit to the exiting cooled water temperature and the only specific air parameter necessary in cooling tower selection.

The thermal performance of mechanical draft towers is barely affected by relative humidity or by the dry bulb temperature (true thermodynamic temperature) of the

entering air. For mechanical draft towers, the amount of mass airflow generated by fans constitutes much of the hot-watercooling capacity of the tower.

Dry bulb temperature and relative humidity do have a major effect, however, on the performance of natural-draft towers, which do not have fans.

tower size varies directly with heat load, but inversely with range, approach and wet bulb temperature.

As such, there can be several design decisions that will impact the ultimate size of the required cooling tower.

The difference between the wet bulb temperature and the cooled water temperature is called the approach temperature. Approach temperatures generally fall between four and 20 degrees Fahrenheit. As the approach temperature drops, the required cooling tower size increases exponentially.

Keep in mind that some cooling tower manufacturers do not guarantee tower performance when the approach temperature is less than five degrees Fahrenheit.

The difference between the tower’s hot water temperature (water leaving the hot machinery) and the cold water temperature is called the range. Along with wet bulb temperature and approach, range also affects cooling tower size requirements. The heat load will vary directly with range and flow rate.

When three of four sizing factors are held constant, the requirement for cooling

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QUICK TIP For most industrial and commercial applications, it is highly beneficial to consult with an experienced cooling tower engineer before finalizing plans to purchase a tower for a facility. Many cooling tower manufacturers will gladly assist contractors seeking guidance for their customers.

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HVAC/R Products P Refrigerant Forane R-427A refrigerant is designed for use as an R-22 retrofit for low- and mediumtemperature refrigeration equipment and air conditioning systems. The refrigerant contains no hydrocarbons, has a low GWP, and is rated at zero ODP.

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Aluminum Exhauster Canarm HVAC’s ALX-UD-EC series of upblast direct-drive exhausters feature a spun aluminum housing engineered to be resistant to rust, chipping and peeling. They are available with PSC or EC motors that can be accessed using a quick-release latch. All units can be wallmounted and are available in wheel diameters ranging from 10.5 to 21”.

Condensate Tool RectorSeal’s SS1 directional cleanout tool is designed to clear debris from 3/4” primary and secondary condensate drain lines. It allows for the use of any condensate drain 3/4” PVC inline tee as an access cleanout fitting, or the company’s own Safe-T-Switch SS1 inline overflow/shutoff switch body. The tool will fit through the top of an SS1 body after removing the electronic float switch.

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Condensate Pump Saniflo’s Sanicondens Best condensate pump is designed to remove condensate from HVAC systems, water heaters and boilers by pumping it to a drainage line. The pump comes with a pH-neutralizing granule tray designed to reduce the acidity of condensate before discharging it to the drain line. It has four inlets to accommodate multiple condensing appliances. The unit comes with a 20’ tubing kit, a built-in check valve and a 61.5” power cord.

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Ventilation Cabinet

Zoning System

Stelpro’s SCV ventilation cabinet for residential and commercial use is offered in four sizes with an airflow range of 400 to 2,200 pcm. The units are equipped with a choice of variable- or fixed-speed motors. They can be installed in multiple positions on a floor or ceiling.

The Comfort Sync zoning system from AirEase gives users temperature control of up to four zones in a home. Temperatures can be changed using in-home controls, or remotely using a mobile device or laptop.

Features include an Away Mode for reduced energy consumption, live weather data and maintenance alerts.

www. stelpro.com

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www.

airease.com

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Innovative solutions from a world leading manufacturer

www.northamerica-daikin.com

REFRIGERATION Kei th Ba ug hm a n a n d C h r i s B r o wn

CASE CONTROLLERS TARGET ENERGY REDUCTIONS

I

nstalled on individual refrigerated units, case controllers provide a single point of control for all aspects of a refrigerated unit. They incorporate a processor with defined algorithms, using inputs/sensors and outputs/relays and solidstate electronic expansion valves (EEVs).

Settings are programmed directly into the case controller, giving operators the ability to manage the EEVs and control lights, fans, defrost and anti-sweat heaters. The controls offer night setback features, dual-temperature switching, walk-in control and cleaning functions. Data from the case is shared with the system manager for remote or local viewing of the operation.

With the food industry facing increasing demands for higher energy efficiency, supermarkets are taking a serious look at the use of a decentralized approach that sees controllers placed on each refrigerated case, each working independently to ensure efficient operation of its case while helping to guarantee food safety and quality.

Today, the increasing cost of energy, along with growth in the number of experienced technicians, has improved the return on investment and reduced payback time for case controllers. And because the controllers contribute to lower energy consumption, they support a growing interest in reducing carbon emissions.

Avoiding Wide-Scale Shutdowns Since each case is individually controlled, a single case can be shut down during maintenance. Furthermore, case operating temperatures can be adjusted by a local switch or remotely, which can eliminate some service calls.

A REAL-WORLD TEST In a recent study conducted by the Biberach University in Germany, the energy consumption of a pair of similarly sized small supermarkets was compared. One was fitted with a standard, centralized control setup and the other was retrofitted with a decentralized system with case controls. After two years, the branch outfitted with case controllers and matching EEVs saw its energy consumption reduced by approximately 23 per cent.

Keith Baughman is a training manager with Danfoss, and Chris Brown is an OEM applications engineer with the company. They can be reached at chrisbrown@danfoss.com and keithbaughman@danfoss.com.

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TIME AND ENERGY Because case controllers become the point of electrical distribution and perform all tasks associated with a case, at least 50 per cent fewer electrical components are required. This reduces the installation time and labour costs that would have been associated with such tasks as running cables and manual superheat adjustment in a more traditional setup.

Reports of reduced energy consumption with case controllers can be attributed to the continuous measurement of superheat and the controllers’ ability to precisely match the refrigerant load within the system.

Additional energy savings can result from intelligent defrost control. Through the use of this technology, case control input and operational data is used to measure ice buildup. Ice can be minimized through the use of continuous adaptive superheat control, which strives for stable superheat across the entire evaporator, thereby reducing the frequency of defrost cycles.

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REFRIGERATION

B y P h il J. B o u d r eau

CLEANING UP AFTER BURNOUT Casting a spotlight on causes and remedies for hermetic burnouts.

W

hen a compressor experiences a burnout or failure, it is extremely important that the technician follow all the steps required to ensure that the system is properly cleaned up.

System cleanup can be quite a challenge, but it must be completed thoroughly.

The cleanup will require some initial work, along with repeat visits.

For starters, an oversized liquid line filter-drier with good acid removal capability should be installed.

Next, a suction filter-drier also having good acid removal capability should be installed. Although the suction filter will introduce a pressure drop in the suction line, this is an important step because any acid that is in the system piping and heat exchangers will return to the compressor.

In the photo to the right, you can see a four-core suction filter that was loaded with high acid removal cores in order to extract any acid as it heads toward the compressor.

This was installed on the suction line of a 125-nominalton twin-screw compressor and proved to be very effective in removing the acid and other contaminants in circulation.

Manufacturers of these filter-driers provide special types of cores for cleanup. These cores often have a material such as activated alumina to extract the acids from the refrigerant and oil. At the same time, these filter-driers also have some ability to adsorb moisture using a material such as molecular sieve.

Hermetic burnouts that lead to shorting will be very hard on the contactor due to the higher amperage that the compressor draws as the failure is taking place. The contactor should be replaced with one that has sufficient load carrying amperage along with a reasonable safety factor. Also, don’t forget to consider the locked rotor current of the compressor.

Once we have the new filter-driers installed along with the new compressor and new oil charge, the system can be started up.

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PRO TIP When working with a hermetic burnout, be sure to use PPE, as the acids in the system can be quite harmful. Additionally, be sure to correctly dispose of any oil removed.

However, this is a very critical part of the process because it will be the amount of follow-up and due diligence that will determine how long the replacement compressor will operate.

It is also quite possible that there will be some debris travelling within the system. Therefore, it is recommended to monitor the pressure drop across the filters from the point in time that the system is started up.

After the compressor has run for a short period of one or two hours, the filter-driers/cores should be replaced. At the same time, the acid level should be checked using an acid test kit that is appropriate for the oil type used in the system.

There are instructional videos online which demonstrate the use of these acid test kits. It is also best to have some oil on hand as it will likely have to be changed at least once.

• A v o i d i n g a c i d fo r m at io n an d p r o b lem s On parallel compressor systems, a hermetic burnout can become a real problem since the adjacent compressors will also be exposed to the acidic oil. In this situation, more work will likely be required during system cleanup.

Drier cores with the capability of removing acid should be used on all compressor suction lines in addition to the use of some acid-removing liquid line cores. When changing the oil, more acid will be removed by draining the oil from all compressors, oil separators and oil reservoirs. Be sure to also replace the oil filter in the oil separator or oil reservoirr return line that feeds oil to the ors, compressors. On the compressors, don’t forget to remove and clean the magnetic plug and oil strainer.

These acids can be very corrosive to system materials such as the copper, various metals, sealing materials and motor winding insulation material.

The formation of acids can result in copper plating. Copper plating takes place when the acid dissolves copper from its surface (i.e., system piping), allowing it to travel with the refrigerant and oil throughout the system. The copper will then be deposited on the hottest surfaces, which will be inside the compressor.

Retesting for acid along with subsequent oil and filter changes should continue to take place until it can be verified that acid no longer exists within the system.

Copper Plating

Avoiding Acid Formation and Problems To ensure long-term operation of refrigeration or air conditioning systems, the refrigerant and oil must be able to exist together inside the system without losing their chemical stability. Aside from ensuring that, the compressor must always operate inside its intended envelope, the system must be properly wired and have good, stable voltages to the components.

BY DEFINITION A contaminant is basically anything other than the oil and refrigerant that are specifically intended for the compressor used in a particular application. Contaminants include air, moisture, brazing debris, metal filings and chemical additives.

Additionally, installing and servicing these systems often creates the opportunity for contaminants to enter a system, so it is very important that the technician takes proactive measures to ensure cleanliness and dryness within the refrigeration circuit.

As mentioned previously, it is important that oil and refrigerant remain chemically stable within the system. Contaminants such as moisture and air, in combination with high discharge temperatures, can result in chemical reactions within the system. Subsequent breakdown or decomposition of the oil and/or the refrigerant due to the formation of acids can take place.

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Acid formation can also attack the motor winding insulation material. Over time, the insulating value of the insulation will diminish to a point where the potential voltage between the windings, and also between the windings and the grounded stator housing, will overcome the insulation and cause a short.

In the situation described above, the reaction and winding damage occur overr a period of time. In this case, it is very important that we remember that there is also acid in other sections of the system.

Phil Boudreau is the Ontario sales manager for Bitzer Canada Inc. and provides training and technical support for Bitzer’s clientele. He can be contacted at pboudreau@bitzer.ca.

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HVAC

B y M u h am m ad B ilal an d C h an g Lee Muhammad Bilal is the technical advisor with HRAI. Chang Lee is a technical coordinator with the organization. The recommendations and opinions cited were provided by John L. Hockman of J L Hockman Consulting Inc. For more information, please email Muhammad at mbilal@hrai.ca.

Avoiding

HRV/ERV Freeze-ups V

entilation and indoor air quality (IAQ) have become ecome major concerns in new homes. New standards, building codes and general construction practices have resulted ed in homes becoming increasingly more air-tight with much reduced—if any—infiltration of fresh outdoor air through the building envelope. In other words, today’s houses are ever more dependent on their mechanical ventilation systems to supply fresh air to o maintain good indoor air quality.

The use of HRVs and ERVs is common in e. In ventilation strategies to supply fresh air from outside. gy from addition to bringing in fresh air, HRVs recover energy n the the exhaust air stream, which can provide savings on energy bills for homeowners. l h l In addition to maintaining good indoor air quality, HRVs can also help keep the climate inside a home at a more constant level. If poorly installed and/or maintained, however, HRVs and ERVs can freeze up in the winter. This causes degraded performance, which ultimately leads to poor ventilation for the house.

FREEZE-UPS: CAUSES, AND HOW TO AVOID THEM Cause: An HRV or ERV may freeze when it is not properly balanced for cold climates, especially for installations in regions where temperatures reach -15°C or colder.

Cause: While the HRV or ERV is turned off, cold outdoor air may get drawn in by the furnace blower through the fresh air intake when there are no shutdown/shut-off dampers on the supply air. (This only occurs where the HRV/ERV is connected to a forced air furnace or air handler.)

Solution: In cold climate regions, it is best to balance the unit with slightly more exhaust (up to 10 per cent) than supply, as permitted by the manufacturer’s literature and local building codes. This keeps the core slightly warmer when the unit is operating at both low and high flow rates and helps during defrost cycles.

Solution: Install a unit with a “damper defrost” system where the supply intake gets blocked when the HRV or ERV is off. If the ventilation unit does not come with any automatic dampers to close off supply duct, it is possible to install an aftermarket motorized damper to block off the supply duct when the unit is off. continues on page 130

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HVAC

NAT. GAS & LP

continued from page 128

Cause:

DIRECT-VENT NT WALL FURNACE The Cozy Direct-Vent Wall Furnace mounts on an outside wall and occupies ies he minimal room space. The continuous seam-welded ed combustion chamber draws air from the outside ide and exhausts through a concentric vent system, which keeps the interior air warm and fresh. The louvered cabinet design maximizes airflow, providing uniform temperatures from floor to ceiling.

Cold air is drawn in through the exhaust ducting when the house is depressurized by exhaust devices (e.g., clothes dryer, kitchen exhausts, bathroom exhaust, etc.), an HRV/ERV is turned off, and there is no shutdown/ shut-off damper or backdraft damper in the exhaust air duct.

Solution: If the HRV/ERV does not have a shut-off damper in the exhaust side ducting, a backdraft damper should be installed in the exhaust duct as close to the connection to the unit as possible. Please note that exterior backdraft dampers will freeze shut in cold climates.

Cause: Indoor air temperature has been signiďŹ cantly reduced by the thermostat night setback, and exhaust air is not warm enough to fully defrost the unit during the defrost cycle.

Solution: Decrease the thermostat set-back or increase the duration of the defrost cycle to give the HRV or ERV sufďŹ cient time to defrost.

Cause: Additional cold air may be drawn in through the supply duct from the outside when the HRV or ERV is operating and the house is depressurized by the clothes dryer, kitchen or other exhaust devices. This unbalances the HRV/ERV and can cause a freeze-up that the defrost cycle may not be able to defrost.

Solution: Having make-up air for exhaust devices can solve this problem, but it may not be the most practical solution. The problem needs more study and research to determine the magnitude of its actual impact, and availability of possible solutions (other than having make-up air for the exhaust device).

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SYSTEM MAINTENANCE Dan Sl a t e r

THE POLITICS OF

POWERFLUSHING H

ydronic heating systems require cleaning and regular maintenance in order to ensure effective operation. Every element of a system can be vulnerable to limescale, sludge (iron oxide) and corrosion if not properly treated and maintained. These types of contaminants can restrict flow rates and cause the failure of key components such as pumps and heat exchangers, which are essential for the flow and transfer of heat within a system.

An inefficient system negatively impacts operating costs and carbon emissions as well as the provision of a comfortable internal environment.

All boilers under 300,000 BTUH are subject to Canada’s Energy Efficiency Regulations, which set a minimum performance standard for energy efficiency. Therefore, it makes sense to keep systems clean and efficient by undertaking a powerflush, which is the most effective and straightforward way to ensure optimum functionality.

WHAT IS POWERFLUSHING? Powerflushing involves the use of water and chemical cleaning agents at high velocity to dislodge and dispel rust and scale in a heating system.

Radiators, pumps and pipes tend to rust internally, producing iron oxide and sludge. This can make its way around a system, creating potential blockages. The accumulation of iron oxide residue, scale and corrosion debris can cause damage to the boiler.

Before You Begin Powerflushing may not be appropriate for all hydronic heating systems. Special care must be taken with systems over 10 years old, particularly if there is evidence of pitting corrosion on radiators or pipework. Powerflushing can accelerate leaks in radiators through the removal of corrosion debris if insufficient base metal remains.

Powerflushing can help: • Improve radiator performance and heat output; • Extend the life of a boiler and other system components; • Minimize repairs and system breakdowns; and • Save energy costs and carbon emissions.

Powerflushing can be carried out at any time during the life of a system but it is a best practice to do it after the installation of a new boiler or system to remove any solder and flux residues from the installation process, as well as any pre-existing corroison debris from within the system.

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Getting a Feel for Stainless Steel Stainless steel is increasingly being used in modern boilers because it is more resistant to corrosion than aluminium. However, most systems still contain aluminium radiator panels and therefore remain susceptible to pitting from contaminants.

In some cases, modern heating components are actually more at risk of blockages caused by corrosion.

For example, heat exchangers are being designed with smaller channels for system water to pass through. This means that less heat is transferred as water flows through the radiator, which reduces system efficiency as the boiler struggles to distribute heat equally and effectively.

Does the Heating System Need a Powerflush?

Check Your Radiators If the bottom of the surface panel is colder than the top, this can be a sign of reduced water flow caused by a dirty or blocked heating system. This can lead to higher fuel bills and, potentially, a complete system breakdown.

There are a number of signs that may suggest a powerflush is necessary. These include: • A noisy boiler or pump(s); • A system taking more time than usual to heat up; • A boiler not working correctly or overheating when hot water is required; • A reduction or fluctuation in hot water temperature; • Radiators with cold spots, not working correctly or needing regular bleeding; and • Evidence of rust or sludge in the system (for example, discoloured water when bleeding radiators).

THE POWERFLUSH PROCESS A typical powerflush procedure starts with isolating the boiler and attaching a powerful flushing pump to the heating system. Water is then flushed through the system—one radiator at a time—to dislodge any sludge.

Radiators do not have to be removed during a powerflush. A chemical cleaning treatment is then added to the water, accelerating the cleaning process.

The heating system is then switched on and radiators are checked for any cold spots. A rubber hammer can be used to gently tap radiators to help dislodge any debris. Cleaning times vary depending on the size of the system and how much debris is present, but the process usually takes around four to six hours.

Water samples are taken periodically throughout the process to monitor the condition of the system water, before, during and after the powerflush. The process continues until water samples come back clear, showing that all cleaning product residues have been removed from the system.

A TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) meter is a simple device that can check the system water against the mains water to ensure a thorough clean has been achieved.

After the powerflsuh is complete, an in-line system filter is often installed for long term-protection of the boiler. This filter traps and contains any circulating debris for safe removal before it reaches the boiler and causes any damage.

Finally, the system must be treated with a proven corrosion inhibitor to prevent further corrosion or scale formation taking place. Special inhibitor products designed to work alongside a magnetic system filter are great for this purpose.

Safety Precautions Fill the system and vent all high points, pumps and radiators before powerflushing. Sealed systems should be filled to their normal working pressure. Check for leaks and repair as necessary before starting the procedure. Always employ best practices when preparing and protecting a building for wet works.

Prepare the heating system by switching off all electrical controls and isolating the system. Note the setting of each valve before opening them, so that the system can be reinstated after flushing.

Open all thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) to their maximum setting and remove TRV heads to ensure maximum flow through the valve. Set diverter or zone valves to manual. If anti-gravity valves (non-return valves) are fitted, they should be bridged, bypassed or temporarily removed until flushing is complete.

Always consult the manufacturer’s guidelines when using powerflushing equipment.

There are numerous system cleaning agents on the market for use in powerflushing. Some are designed for generic use and others for a more vigorous clean or for heating systems in larger properties with 10 or more radiators. Again, always follow best practice guidelines and consult a specialist to determine which cleaning agents are right for specific buildings and systems.

Dan Slater is the director of sales for the Americas with Fernox, a global chemical water treatment and filtration specialist. He can be reached at dslater@fernox.com.

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Hydronic Products Combination Boilers Navien’s NCB-E combination boilers are available in four sizes ranging from 60,000 to 120,000 BTUH. Designed to handle household heating as well as domestic hot water requirements, they feature a Grundfos pump, integral air vent and a PRV top connection. They offer efficiencies up to 95 per cent AFUE.

www. navien.com

Commercial Pipe Coupling Style 870 rigid pipe couplings from Victaulic are designed for use in commercial and industrial saturated steam and condensate piping systems.

They are available in 2" to 8" sizes and are rated to a maximum working pressure of 150 psi.

Their working temperature range is -29 to 186°C.

www. victaulic.com

System Water Filtration

Boiler Panel The ECO1ZN3P boiler panel, available from HeatLink, is designed for use with WeilMcLain ECO boilers. It features three Grundfos UPS15-58 pumps and has a grey finish that matches es the boilers. The panel is designed for systems with an operating temperature range of 40°F to 200°F and a maximum operating pressure of 125 psi.

Caleffi HydroFill units are designed to remove minerals from the process water used in residential and commercial hydronic heating and cooling systems. The units feature shut-off ball valves made of stainless steel with brass housings and EPDM seals. Each unit comes with replaceable resin bags.

Models are available with 6 gpm or 12 gpm filling rates.

www. caleffi.com

www. heatlink.com Follow Us on Twitter @MechBusiness

Commercial Boilers PEX T Tubing b HelioPEX X2 oxygen-barrier tubing from Uponor comes in 1/2”, 5/8” and 3/4” sizes for residential radiant heating applications. It is compatible with the company’s ProPEX expansion, compression and crimp fittings, and is available in coil lengths ranging from 300 to 1,000 feet.

www. uponorpro.com

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NeoTherm commercial boilers from Laars are available in sizes ranging from 285,000 to 1,200,000 BTUH and offer AFUE efficiencies as high as 95 per cent. They feature a colour touchscreen to access system settings.

The 1,000,000 and 1,200,000 BTUH models offer turndown ratios of 10:1; all other models have a 5:1 turndown ratio.

www. laars.com

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Amazing performance in the corners and perfect on the straightaways.

HeatLink PEX-a tubing is engineered to perform.

Our PEX-a tubing is manufactured using the one step crosslinking extrusion process, creating a superior and more uniform molecular structure, which means increased strength, flexibility and thermal memory. Amazingly, a section of ½” tubing can be bent into a 3” radius without affecting tubing integrity. So you can count on great performance in the corners.

HeatLink PEX-a is highly crush and abrasion resistant and perfect for projects where it’s buried in earth or covered in concrete. It’s built to take the heat, the cold, and the pressure–above and beyond industry specifications–to last a lifetime.

UV stabilized to withstand up to 12 months exposure to sunlight, it’s the reliable tubing choice for your next potable water or radiant heating or cooling project.

HeatLink PEX-a tubing is lightweight, durable and requires fewer fittings–so it’s really quick and easy to install on the straightaways too.

HeatLink PEX-a is certified to meet or exceed industry performance standards and approved for installation across North America. Install our PEX-a tubing with confidence–we cover every inch of it with a worry free 25 year warranty.

We’ve been proudly making HeatLink PEX-a tubing right here in North America since 1998.

Systems for life. www.heatlink.com

TANKLESS WATER HEATERS

By L e o Va i l l a n c o u r t

maintenance THE KEY TO EFFICIENCY T

oday’s consumer is demanding more and more efficiency in home appliances. Whether they are looking at dishwashers, furnaces, boilers, air conditioners or even water heaters, they want to get the most performance out of their operating dollars, but there’s a lot more to efficiency than simply buying top-notch technology. To get the promised performance out of high efficiency appliances, they need to be maintained and serviced properly.

SUGGEST A MAINTENANCE

SCHEDULE When you sell a client on high efficiency equipment, make sure they understand the need for regular maintenance and the consequences of not following a scheduled

Unlike the mechanical equipment of yesteryear, homeowners can no longer hide these essential systems in the utility room and forget about them until they fail or need replacing.

To do so will have them replacing or repairing equipment more often.

Premature equipment failure can be quite costly to your customers, and can strain your relationship with them.

program.

Would a homeowner not have their automobile serviced on a regular basis?

Modern HVAC and plumbing equipment have much the same needs.

So how do we keep tankless water heaters running efficiently while maximizing their longevity? Simple: we provide service and maintenance for the appliance. This involves a few relatively easy steps. Read on.

THE SCOURGE OF SCALE Tankless water heaters operate with a small volume of water within them and use heat exchangers with small waterways. If not maintained, these waterways are susceptible to scale buildup from the particles in the water that are left behind when the water is heated.

This buildup will reduce the efficiency and performance of the water heater, and may also cause the heat exchanger to overheat. This can cause premature failure if left unchecked.

So, how do we avoid this? Again, the simple answer is maintenance.

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continues on page 138

Making the Most Out of Your Water Conditioning Opportunity?

Plumbers are constantly performing repairs resulting from poor quality water. Hard water, iron and chlorine cause significant damage to pipes, seals, water heaters, boilers, fixtures, humidifiers, dishwashers and clothes washers.

As a trusted water professional, you owe it to your customer to ...

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Sales Materials

TANKLESS WATER HEATERS

continues from page 136

TANKLESS HEATER FLUSHING While the specific setup might vary based on the brand and model of tankless water heater, the steps to flush and clean the heat exchange surfaces will be similar, so we can use the unit shown here as an example.

The first step is to shut off the power and gas supply to the unit. Once de-energized, isolate the unit by closing the valves on the cold and hot water lines (valves C and D).

Then, attach a hose to valve A and place the other end of this hose into your flushing kit’s bucket. Connect a second hose from valve B to your pump outlet, and another hose from the pump inlet to the bucket.

Pour the cleaning solution into the

bucket. You can use white vinegar, or any of the commercially available cleaners.

You are now ready to open valves A and B. Turn on the pump and allow the fluid to circulate for 30 to 45 minutes.

After the cleaning solution has circulated, rinse it from the water heater and disconnect the hoses. Remove the hoses from the bucket and place the hose connected to valve A into a drain.

After that, close valve B, open valve D, and flush fresh water through the water heater for five minutes. Close valve A, open valve C, and then turn on the power and gas.

That’s all there is to it!

THE BARE MINIMUM: DIY If you cannot convince your client to have you do regular maintenance on their water heater, at least have them perform the heat exchanger flush themselves. The process is simple enough, and is generally contained in the user manual. If the right valve setup is used on installation, the flush should be no problem for a moderately handy homeowner.

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Building Information Modeling now available at zoellerengprod.com 138

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TANKLESS WATER HEATERS

RECIPE FOR LONGEVITY Maintaining a tankless water heater is quite easy. All you have to do is follow these few steps, which should take about an hour and a half once a year. With the proper maintenance, the appliance will provide many years of efficient domestic hot water production.

1

INVESTIGATE & ADJUST The first time you service the appliance, check to see how much scale and other contaminants are flushed from the system. Based on what you see, you may decide that this maintenance can be extended to 18, or even 24, months. No two jobs are the same. The amount of scale buildup will depend on three factors: water quality, amount of usage and the temperature set point.

A veteran in the water heating and hydronic industry, Leo Vaillancourt is Navien’s trainer for Western Canada. He can be reached at leo.vaillancourt@navien.com.

Flush the heat exchanger at least once a year.

2

Clean all water filters that may exist in the appliance. Many units have filers for the cold water inlet and, if the DHW system has a recirculation loop or pump, filters may also be in the recirculation lines.

Watco 901 Innovator®

3

Check the condensate drain system, traps, neutralizers, connections and fittings for any potential problems. Do not use brass fittings on the condensate lines. These will corrode from the acidic condensate.

4

Check the condition of any flow- or temperature-sensing devices. Make sure they are clean and free of any scale buildup as well.

5

Check the venting system, both intake and exhaust, for possible blockages that currently exist or have the potential to occur in the future. If possible, and if the appliance allows for it, pour some water down the exhaust pipe to flush it out as well.

6

A scheduled maintenance visit is also be a good time to check the condition of the ignitor and flame sensing rod. Better to clean or replace it while you’re servicing the unit than to get a call later to come and replace it – especially since those “emergency calls” always seem to happen on a Sunday when company is over or you are planning to be off that day.

7

Once you have performed all of these steps, run the appliance through a complete sequence of operation from startup to shutdown to verify everything is working as it is intended, and you should be good for another year.

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BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

B y L in d a Farha

HOW ABOUT THOSE SOCIAL SKILLS? Using social media platforms the right way can n llead ead ea d to increased sales, but knowing exactly which platform use, atform m to u se, and for what reason, is the key to success.

THE SOCIALLY UNACCEPTABLE! Branding world events.

Don’t try to brand every earthshattering event as your own.

Remember the bad press Cheerios and Hamburger Helper got when they branded their condolence tweets after Prince passed away? There’s such a thing as too much selfpromotion.

Topics to avoid? Religion, politics and money! Unless your company is directly affiliated with a party nominee, for example, tweeting about your love of a politician may do more harm than good.

Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Trying to juggle multiple social media accounts alongside your day job can be time consuming. Start your social strategy with a soft launch and focus on the social channel that is best placed to meet your goals.

Consider outsourcing your social where necessary.

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FACEBOOK Facebook now has over 1.4 billion monthly active users – that’s more than China’s entire population! You know ow that your customer base is using ng it, so it only makes sense for plumbers, HVAC professionals fessionals and contractors to use the platform to reach potential customers.

Tired of cold calling? Facebook is another means eans of communication with current and potential clients, and is a great reat platform to build up brand loyalty while connecting with the rightt people.

Facebook advertising allows users to geo-target their audience or to build “local awareness” campaigns. These can be by country, city or neighbourhood.

You can also choose the age of your target audience – there’s no use directing your Facebook ads to teenagers who don’t have access to the household purse strings. You could hone in on baby boomers who might want to renovate their bathroom to improve accessibility, or tailor your ads to members of Gen X and Y with kids on the way who are more likely to want a renovation after buying a new home.

TWITTER Twitter can be used to share company news, to engage with suppliers and to scope out discounts. The platform can also provide access to instant feedback from your consumers. It also allows for direct interaction, from a potential client reaching out for a quote to starting a conversation with another tradesperson.

Twitter is also the perfect medium to inject a sense of humour into your business! Share an industry-specific gif (a short animated image) that sums up your day, or embrace trending hashtags such as #MondayMotivation, #WednesdayWisdom and #FridayFeeling.

LINKEDIN LinkedIn is more of a business-to-business platform, and the perfect medium to position yourself as a thought leader. Participate in industryspecific groups, for example “Plumbing Contractors” or “HVAC Plumbing & Electrical Contractor Selling Best Practices,” and start building your professional network. This can also be a great way to get referrals across the country and to learn about how other companies operate along with their best practices.

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TOOL TIP SOCIAL GRACES Think ahead!

Creating a content calendar, a breakdown of your month’s social postings that includes the platforms, the copy and any relevant hashtags, will benefit your overall social strategy. But before a single post is crafted, establish your goals, determine the profile

Going Thermal

T

hermal imaging is one of thee more modern methods available lable to diagnose system anomalies.

you want to adopt, and define exactly what you want to say.

Think outside the box.

Your #WednesdayWisdom could be a tip for customers that they’ll appreciate, like how to maintain their drains. Your #ThrowbackThursday might be a picture of a completed renovation that you’re proud of. A picture is worth a thousand words and adding a photo to your tweet can boost retweets by 35 per cent. But remember, it’s imperative you own the rights or have permission to use any image you post!

Pay attention to the habits of your audience.

For example, LinkedIn users are more active early in the work day and Friday has the highest engagement rates on Facebook.

From finding leaks in ductwork and piping, to checking for motors that overheat, rheat, or even spotting the drafts in windows, doors and walls ling equipment that are causing heating and cooling to go into hyperdrive, thermal imagers magers are proving their worth in the field.

And these tools can often pick up on issues long before more visible symptoms occur, which makes them a great addition to the toolbox of any service contractor.

OH, THE OPTIONS With so many models of imagers available, it can be difficult to decide which one will do the trick for you and your company.

It is normally best to identify the tasks the tool will be used for, and then check the features and specifications to ensure the device can handle the parameters of your jobsites.

When comparing models, check the temperature ranges of the readings, as well as how accurately the devices read these temperatures. You’ll want images to be properly focused in order to obtain accurate readings.

Will you need an imager with both a photographic and a thermal lens? That can be very helpful when explaining your diagnosis to your customer. Devices that allow you to easily share images can also make things easy, whether it’s emailing an image or providing a report via a media device like an SD card.

Units that allow you to adjust colour settings, emissivity and screen brightness, along with the date and time of the reading, can allow you to customize your images.

“A picture is worth a thousand words and adding a photo to your tweet can boost retweets by 35 per cent.”

Linda Farha is the president of Zenergy Communications, a marketing communications company based in Toronto, Montreal and New York. To reach her, email info@zenergycom.com.

Sponsored by Milwaukee Electric Tool – a proud partner with Mechanical Business. Look for video tips, tools and reviews at www.milwaukeetool.com.

Visit mechanicalbusiness.com for your chance to win valuable Milwaukee products and merchandise!

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B y Den ise De veau

CF Chinook Centre Location: 6455 Macleod Trail Southwest, Calgary, Alberta Size: 1.4 million sq. ft.

Type of Operation: Shopping, food and entertainment centre Heating: 256kW Power EcoSystems cogeneration system for perimeter heating Commissioned: February 2015

Calgary’s CF Chinook Centre Bets Its Future on Cogeneration T

he CF Chinook Centre has long been an example of environmental sustainability in the Calgary area. In operation since 1960, it has embarked on a number of initiatives over the years, from waste reduction and water recovery to its latest project, a cogeneration station.

that utility rates had escalated over the years. “Energy costs were becoming unwieldy,” he says. “So when the expansion started, we had an opportunity to start investigating cogeneration and its application in retail facilities and see if there could be actual savings.”

In 2010, the centre began a significant expansion. This placed an increased demand on its heating, cooling and electricity needs and costs, so in January 2014, the centre’s operations team decided to explore the possibility of supplementing its boiler system with a cogeneration unit.

Cogeneration would theoretically allow them to reduce the cost of electricity as well as eliminate their reliance on boilers. “By using cogeneration and recapturing water used to cool equipment to heat the building perimeter, the boilers don’t run,” he explains. “And it would all be supplemental to the electricity, so it would help to keep us below peak rates and reduce costs.”

“The site is unique because it’s made up of multiple buildings that are joined as one centre,” explains John Adriaenssens, senior operations manager at the CF Chinook Centre. “Over the years, we had multiple meters serving different sections, and were using hot water generated by boilers for our peripheral heating needs.”

However, the team believed that the heating system would not be sustainable, given

WHAT IS CHP? Gas-fired CHP, or combined heat and power, is a process in which natural gas is used to generate electricity and heat on site. “It’s really about taking one fuel source and getting two useful outputs from it,” explains Richard Chan, power market development manager at Union Gas in Chatham. continues on page 144

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HVAC

continued from page 142

Sizing was a critical consideration for the project, since the system would need to service a onemillion-square-foot area of the facility. “We needed to figure out how big a unit we could use. If we went too big and started to drop load, we would not be able to feed that power back into the grid, because Alberta doesn’t have a tariff system,” says Adriaenssens.

Having never actually worked with cogeneration before, he spent a good year researching what was

applicable for the marketplace.

“This being my first one, I did learn a lot, including the rules and regulations around it. There are a lot of different aspects to consider.”

He chose a 256kW Power EcoSystems cogeneration system.

Installation began in January 2014, and the system was fully commissioned in February 2015.

A critical part of the planning was figuring out how to generate what they could use, while having the ability to ramp up and down based on load. During peak periods the system runs 100 per cent at 265 kW. At night, the loads are reduced to between 140 and 150 kW to keep the heating plants and pumps running. When it reaches below that level, the cogeneration unit shuts off.

Other than opening walls to get the unit into the existing mechanical plant facility, there was minimal disruption for all concerned, he reports.

“We only had to shut down electricity for a couple of nights to do the wiring. All in all, it was a pretty fluid installation. We just rolled the unit in, did the integration, and then programmed and sequenced it. Even permitting was simple so there were no hurdles getting to the end product.”

NUMBERS

“Boiler use has virtually gone down to zero,” Adriaenssens says. “We have, in fact, driven boiler usage to a one per cent factor. The only time it has been used is when temperatures go beyond -30°C.” With this project, CF Chinook Centre is ranked third in the city of Calgary for use of smallercapacity heating systems.

“This is certainly not the typical, huge MW system you see in Alberta,” he adds. With the savings and versatility achieved, he and his team were able to move to Phase 2 of the expansion plan, which will take on a bigger load stemming from an additional 400,000 square feet of space, he says.

Email: heating@noble.ca GTA: 905.760.6148 Outside GTA: 1.800.529.9805 www.noble.ca

B u s i n e s s

All that was required was integration with the heating systems, including a few exhaust system additions. “We did a lot of pre-planning to ensure this was possible. Even though we had to tear down some walls, that wasn’t a big deal because it allowed us to do some much needed renovations. So we all benefited in the long run.”

Adriaenssens says that since commissioning, the system has delivered on its promise. Not only has it reduced electricity costs by 25 per cent, it has stabilized the amount of natural gas required to heat the facility.

Contact your Noble representative for Aprilaire pricing today!

M e c h a n i c a l

Installation of the system at CF Chinook Centre was relatively straightforward, given they had ample space available for the equipment, Adriaenssens says. “We simply had to identify the mains and meters, and run the necessary relays and CTs (current transformers) to prevent backfeeding into the grid.”

WATCHING THE

The name you know and trust for humidity control, air purity and air freshness is now stocked at

144

STRAIGHTFORWARD INTEGRATION

That expansion, which is scheduled for completion this year, is expected to add another 500 kW of usage.

1 0 . 1 6

HVAC

continued from page 142

Sizing was a critical consideration for the project, since the system would need to service a onemillion-square-foot area of the facility. “We needed to figure out how big a unit we could use. If we went too big and started to drop load, we would not be able to feed that power back into the grid, because Alberta doesn’t have a tariff system,” says Adriaenssens.

Having never actually worked with cogeneration before, he spent a good year researching what was

applicable for the marketplace.

“This being my first one, I did learn a lot, including the rules and regulations around it. There are a lot of different aspects to consider.”

He chose a 256kW Power EcoSystems cogeneration system.

Installation began in January 2014, and the system was fully commissioned in February 2015.

A critical part of the planning was figuring out how to generate what they could use, while having the ability to ramp up and down based on load. During peak periods the system runs 100 per cent at 265 kW. At night, the loads are reduced to between 140 and 150 kW to keep the heating plants and pumps running. When it reaches below that level, the cogeneration unit shuts off.

STRAIGHTFORWARD INTEGRATION Installation of the system at CF Chinook Centre was relatively straightforward, given they had ample space available for the equipment, Adriaenssens says. “We simply had to identify the mains and meters, and run the necessary relays and CTs (current transformers) to prevent backfeeding into the grid.”

All that was required was integration with the heating systems, including a few exhaust system additions. “We did a lot of pre-planning to ensure this was possible. Even though we had to tear down some walls, that wasn’t a big deal because it allowed us to do some much needed renovations. So we all benefited in the long run.”

Other than opening walls to get the unit into the existing mechanical plant facility, there was minimal disruption for all concerned, he reports.

“We only had to shut down electricity for a couple of nights to do the wiring. All in all, it was a pretty fluid installation. We just rolled the unit in, did the integration, and then programmed and sequenced it. Even permitting was simple so there were no hurdles getting to the end product.”

WATCHING THE

Adriaenssens says that since commissioning, the system has delivered on its promise. Not only has it reduced electricity costs by 25 per cent, it has stabilized the amount of natural gas required to heat the facility.

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M e c h a n i c a l

“Boiler use has virtually gone down to zero,” Adriaenssens says. “We have, in fact, driven boiler usage to a one per cent factor. The only time it has been used is when temperatures go beyond -30°C.” With this project, CF Chinook Centre is ranked third in the city of Calgary for use of smallercapacity heating systems.

“This is certainly not the typical, huge MW system you see in Alberta,” he adds. With the savings and versatility achieved, he and his team were able to move to Phase 2 of the expansion plan, which will take on a bigger load stemming from an additional 400,000 square feet of space, he says.

That expansion, which is scheduled for completion this year, is expected to add another 500 kW of usage.

A CWB Group Company

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NUMBERS

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PLUMBING

Products

Mixing and Recirculation System The Powers IntelliStation offers digital water temperature regulation for commercial and institutional facilities with an accuracy of +/-2°F. It comes with a controller with a 3.5” touchscreen that displays almost 200 combinations of critical data, including mixed outlet temperature, mixed and return flow, and energy consumption. It also features a sanitization mode for use in hightemperature system purges.

Drainage System Drain-Guard piping systems from IPEX provide a pipe-in-pipe method of transporting sanitary and storm drainage away from critical areas. The system is composed of a primary carrier pipe, available in 1-1/2” to 8” sizes, surrounded by a secondary containment pipe. Larger sizes are available upon request.

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Floor-Mounted Tub Filler Riobel’s CS33C floor-mounted tub filler includes a scale-free hand shower and has a flowrate of 12 gpm. It features a 1/2” NPT male inlet and two check valves. The drilling hole diameter is 2-1/2”. Fillers are available in chrome and brushed nickel finishes.

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Extended Hot Water Capacity The LFMMV-HTK mixing valve from Watts installs on a hot water tank and is designed to increase hot water capacity by providing greater control over water temperature and flow. The lead-free valve is engineered to allow water to be stored at higher temperatures and reduce the risk of Legionella. It comes with integral filters, checks and union connections and has a lockable temperature adjustment.www.

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Clears Obstructions with Shockwaves Outdoor Faucet Woodford’s model 22 outdoor faucet allows for both hot and cold water use. It features a pressure relief valve designed to prevent faucet tubes from bursting in subzero temperatures. It is rated to a maximum working pressure of 125 psi and temperature of 120°F. The faucet is also available in a vertical version.

www. woodfordmfg.com

The Kinetic Water Ram from General Pipe Cleaners uses compressed air to generate a shockwave to clear drain blockages. It features a built-in pump and pressure gauge to allow users to select the appropriate amount of force for each task. An optional toilet attachment allows the device to function as a plunger.

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Hydronic Products Wall-Hung Condensing Boilers Utica Boilers’ SSC wall-hung modulating condensing boilers, available from Morden National Sales, come in six sizes ranging from 50,000 to 299,000 BTUH. They offer AFUE efficiencies of up to 95 per cent and a turndown ratio of 5:1. They feature stainlesssteel, self-cleaning fin-tube heat exchangers.

www. uticaboilers.com

Multi-Layered PEX Tubing Viega’s FostaPEX is a form-stable, multilayered tubing engineered for radiant heating and potable applications. It features an outer layer of aluminum and a fully dimensional PEX tubing wall. Its design temperature and pressure ratings are 160 psi at 73°F, 100 psi at 180°F and 80 psi at 200°F. It comes in 1/2” to 1” sizes.

Dual Shut-Off Valves Dahl’s expansion tank/boiler fill mini-ball dual shut-off valves are designed to isolate either the entire system or just the expansion on tank in open loop hydronic heating systems. s.

They install using union connections, which h are available for all common pipe types.

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End Suction Pumps Armstrong Fluid Technology’s horizontal end suction design envelope (DE) pumps feature sensorless integrated controls and BAS connectivity. The 125hp/90kW units are supplied with split couplings and outside balanced seals. They incorporate a built-in harmonic mitigation design and a soft start motor engineered for quiet operation.

Jean Simon Bonnemain invented the first hot water central heating system in 1777.

www. armstrongfluidtechnology.com

Fan Coil Brise fan coils from Jaga Climate Systems are designed to control temperature settings in large areas such as workshops, offices and conservatories. Each fan coil features a built-in air-flow regulator. They are available in standard hydraulic left connections. Right connections are available upon request.

Ventt Kit V The Eco Systems Common Vent Kit from Centrotherm allows contractors to vent up to four boilers. The kit is available for backto-back and inline configurations and comes with 6”, 8” or 10” connections.

www. centrotherm.us.com

www. jaga-usa.com

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The Marketplace Ads from $895

SPOTLIGHTS WIRELESS CLAMP METER WITH MOBILE CAPABILITY The feature-rich Fieldpiece Instruments S SC660 is a loaded swivel-head clamp meter that connects wirelessly to the Job LinkTM Mobile App. All meter measurements are included in your Job Link Lin reports, and Job Link calculates both SE and EER. You can also verify the SEER order of three-phase voltage lines with or just ju two leads. In addition, trusted DualTemp T provides reliable temperature testing t in fast changing environments, and a calculates your Delta-T.

fieldpiece.com HIGHLY FLEXIBLE PEX HEATING TUBE WITH OXYGEN BARRIER Manufactured from a proprietary formulation that significantly increases flexibility and maintains high strength, Legend-Flex™ delivers greater performance than standard PEX. Its strength, durability and thermal memory enable proper seals with crimp or expansion style connections.

Compatible with cold expansion fitting systems compliant to ASTM F1960, F2080 and ASTM 1807 standards, Legend-Flex™ coils are available in 3/8”, 1/2”, 5/8”, 3/4”, and 1” diameter tube. Available through Ontor Limited.

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CALEFFI 116 THERMOSTATIC RECIRCULATION BALANCING VALVES These thermostatic recirculation balancing valves ves are designed to speed up hot ot water delivery in domestic hot water systems, reduce water waste and save energy. They match perfectly with variable speed recirculation pumps to maximize efficiency. The self-modulating valves balance their recirculation circuits to prevent uneven temperature distribution. Each valve is field adjustable from 95°F through 140°F for precise temperature control. They feature a locking a knob to prevent tampering and an optional temperature gauge for set point verification.

caleffi.com fieldpiece.com dahl Press-Fit Compatible Valves dahl mini-ball™ valves are re available with a CTS connection compatible tible with pressfit systems. The valves are re suitable for plumbing and heating applications, require no soldering and d install easily even on wet pipe.

Due to dahl’s patented modular design, the end connection is available ble on supply stops, dual outlets, in-line stops, hose valvess and more more, and meets IAPMO IAPMO, CSA and ASME flow requirements. dahl ... Ask for it by name!

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STUFF YOU NEED Seat Covers Ranger Design’s seat covers are available for a variety of popular commercial vans.

Engineered for puncture and tear resistance, they feature a urethane coating designed to protect against fluid and stains. They are machine washable and dryer safe.

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Handheld Blower DeWalt’s electric 12 amp handheld blower is designed to clear jobsite debris with an airflow of 409 cfm and air speed of 145 mph. It features a variable-speed trigger that locks into place.

It comes with a flat concentrator attachment designed to increase air speed to 189 mph, and a 1” round concentrator that increases air speed to 210 mph for blowing out holes and crevices in masonry.

www. dewalt.ca

Moisture Meter The MR160 imaging moisture meter from Flir allows contractors to pinpoint unwanted sources of moisture in installations using a built-in thermal camera.

Thermal imaging and data can be transferred to a computer for analysis and report generation.

The meter features a rechargeable battery and a laser pointer with display crosshairs to assist with targeting.

Cordless Rotary Hammer Milwaukee Tool’s M18 FUEL SDS Max Rotary Hammer has a 1-9/16” drilling capacity and the ability to chip continuously for 20 minutes. It’s powered by the company’s M18 RedLithium High Demand 9.0 battery pack, which is engineered to last longer, provide more power and run cooler than standard lithium ion batteries.

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Basin Wrench

Nylon Ties

Ridgid’s basin wrench features an LED light to illuminate dark workspaces. Its telescopic design is engineered to accommodate one-handed ratcheting, and its tension plug is designed to hold heads in any position up to a 90° angle. It also features a removable T-handle and comes with a 3/8” square drive connection to integrate with other drivers.

Malco’s adjustable nylon ties are available in UV-resistant models rated for outdoor use.

An 11” tie offers 50 lb. of tensile strength for smaller wire-bundling applications. A 24” version is available for larger applications and offers 175 lb. of tensile strength.

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MCEE April 26-27, 2017 Montreal, Que. www.mcee.ca COHA Annual Conference June 13-16, 2017 London, Ont. www.coha.ca CIPH ABC June 25-27, 2017 Ottawa, Ont. www.ciph.com

GOT AN EVENT? SPREAD THE WORD! If your organization has a conference, trade show or other event coming up, send details to adam.freill@mechanicalbusiness.com See it all online at www.mechanicalbusiness.com

MCAC’s 75th Annual Conference Novemeber 14-17 – Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

M

CAC’s annual conference celebrates its diamond anniversary this year, and the organization is enlisting the help of Mickey Mouse and friends to mark its 75th edition.

Keynote Speakers

The event takes place at the Disney Yacht and Beach Club at Lake Buena Vista, Fla., from November 14 to 17, and promises a variety of educational programs, networking opportunities, social events and keynote speakers.

Neil Pasricha Author of The Book of Awesome Tuesday, November 15 7:30 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their families along for the trip to enjoy all that Disney has to offer.

To register for MCAC’s annual conference, visit mcac.ca.

Chris Mathers Crime, Terrorism and Security Expert Wednesday, November 16 9:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

Education Session Highlights Future Forecast: How Drones, Sensors and Integrated Apps are Rewriting all the Rules Tuesday, November 15, 9:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Speaker: James Benham, president and CEO of JBKnowledge

Theo Fleury Former NHL All-Star Thursday, November 17 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Tender Law: General Review of the Law of Tendering with a Focus on Bid Shopping, the Gift That Keeps on Giving Wednesday, November 16, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Speaker: Dan Leduc, partner at Norton Rose Fullbright

Hit the Links!

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Social Calendar

While you’re at the MCAC conference, be sure to take advantage of the opportunity to ”drive for show, and putt for dough.”

The John Bradshaw Memorial Golf Tournament takes place on Monday, November 14 at Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course. Be sure to arrive at 8:00 a.m. sharp for the shotgun start.

And no, your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you— the course really does have a bunker shaped like Mickey Mouse!

REGISTER NOW!

Winds of Change in the Construction Industry Thursday, November 17, 11:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

Speaker: Perry Daneshgari, president and CEO of MCA Inc.

Epcot Theme Park Monday, November 14, 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Orlando International Premium Outlets (Companions) Tuesday, November 15, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Disney Hollywood Studios Tuesday, November 15, 7:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Shipwreck Beach (Pirates of the Caribbean Theme Party) Thursday, November 17, 6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Haven’t registered yet? Just visit mcac.ca. You’ll also find information on grouprate discounts for hotels, air travel and car rentals. mcac.ca M e c h a n i c a l

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153

bythenumbers

Compiled by Mechanical Business

TOILET PAPER DRAPERS It’s a debate that has persisted for as long as toilet paper’s existed: should the first sheet be hung over the roll or under the roll? Well, the results are in…

72

per cent of people prefer the first sheet to be hung over the roll.

28

THERMO-STATS

the roll.

Everyone has their own personal preference of the ideal temperature, but our ideal comfort zones tend to fall within a few degrees of each other.

20°C to 22°C

average daytime

household temperature setting during heating season.

16°C to 18°C

per cent prefer the first sheet to be hung under

average nighttime

temperature setting during heating

RENOVATION NATION 37 per cent of Canadians are planning to renovate their homes in the near future.

What are they targeting, and how much will they spend?

33 per cent plan to renovate their bathroom.

season.

26 per cent plan to renovate their kitchen. $13,017 average home renovation budget.

APPRENTICESHIPS IN THE MECHANICALS There are approximately 451,140 apprentices in Canada. Ever wonder how many people are in registered programs?

TOP CONCERNS If you own your own business, you may relate to the top three concerns of Canada’s CEOs.

98 92 92

45,168

are in programs

for plumbers, pipefitters and

per cent are concerned about

steamfitters.

customer loyalty.

8,358 are in programs for sheet

per cent are concerned they aren’t

metal workers.

being innovative enough.

8,334 are in programs for

per cent are concerned about

refrigeration and air conditioning

the impact of the economy on their

mechanics.

business.

LIFE IN THE FAST LANE

21,673,403

There are licensed drivers in Canada (including the one who just cut you off this morning).

PM# 41536047

114 154

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

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