September 2009

Advanced Mixing Devices Designed to Protect End Users

Also inside
Optimizing Solar Contribution
Patents protecting plumbing products
The ENERGY STAR Water Heater Way
Benefiting the Environment
Circle 1 on Reader Reply Form on page 65
 TM

Circle 2 on Reader Reply Form on page 65

INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Volume 37, Number 9, September 2009

FEATURES
Preventing the Scald
2009 International Plumbing Code (IPC) calls on
advanced mixing devices to better protect end users.
Read more on page 38
Optimizing Solar Contribution September 2009

The solar industry is moving forward with technological

advances in equipment and software to provide high qual-
ity support to design engineers. Read more on page 40
Patents protecting plumbing products
With all the time, resources and effort put into develop- Advanced Mixing Devices Designed to Protect End Users

ing plumbing products, you want to prevent your designs

from being copied. Read more on page 48

ENERGY STAR water heater way

The ENERGY STAR logo makes highly efficient water
heaters recognizable to consumers who value the financial Also inside
and environmental benefits. Read more on page 52 Optimizing Solar Contribution
Patents protecting plumbing products
The ENERGY STAR Water Heater Way
COLUMNS Benefiting the Environment
6 Editors Letter: Work hard, endorse harder
14 Designers Guide: The KISS Principle Image courtesy of Leonard Valve Co.
18 Code Update: Green high-rise plumbing design
26 FPE Corner: Fire sprinkler design Part 2 I NDUSTRY N EWS &
30 Modern Hydronics: First at the dinner table
32 Solar Solutions: Basic Combi-System Controls O THER D EPARTMENTS
8 | PMI leads green coalition

8 | Cooper NE earns top rep award

8 | Anvil Intl. obtains certification

Antifreeze & Heat Transfer Fluid 10 | NBMs lead free brass

Non-Toxic - made with 100% FDA 10 | Sloan Valves efficient plumbing
G.R.A.S. ingredients
Extended Temperature Range 12 | Cannistraro & BIM
(up to 325oF)
For Applications such as Solar Heating, 12 | Grundfos launches tour
Hydronic Heating and Water-Based
Heat Extraction Systems 12 | Rheem harnesses the sun
NOBURST Freeze Flow Burst
HD Point Point Point 46 | PRODUCT APP: HELIODYNE
100% -60F -70F -100F
75% -60F -60F -100F 56,58| LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
50% -30F -40F -75F
40% -7F -15F -60F
35% 0F -10F -60F
60| INDUSTRY MOVERS

Noble Company produces a variety of antifreeze products including NOBURST -100 and NOBURST AL 62-63| NEW PRODUCTS
for Aluminum systems. The finest raw materials (including deionized water) contribute to Nobles high
quality. The company also markets refractometers, test strips, inhibitor boost, and other accessories to
help ensure system performance. 64| Classifieds

65 | Ad Index

66 | Fagan Co. gets mech. contract

Circle 3 on Reader Reply Form on page 65 66 | Habitat receives Caroma donation

Page 4/Plumbing Engineer September 2009

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Circle 4 on Reader Reply Form on page 65
Editors Letter
Work hard, endorse harder

I
have to admit, I was never one for self-promotion. Sure, confidence is one
thing, but cockiness is another. But as I get older and wiser, I realize self-pro-
motion and confidence are imperative to a professional career. And, in
todays economic environment, it is imperative to sell yourself on a daily basis.
Lets take social networking. At first I was a bit skeptical. I mean, I believe
there is an aspect of it that lends itself to status. Bobby has 75 friends on
Facebook, Timmy has 25 connections on LinkedIn. Who cares, right? Also,
Im not sure that I need to know what someone else is doing 24-hours a day
from a Tweet! It all seemed a bit self-smarmy to me, but to be honest, I have Editorial, Advertising,
come around I have warmed up to the potential benefits of social networking. I Production, Accounting and
can self-promote, connect and keep in contact with other like professionals, Administrative Offices
keep others updated on my professional and personal career, and I can even be 1838 Techny Ct.
contacted by some blast-from-the-past, high school unknowns. Okay, maybe not Northbrook, IL 60062
so important the latter, but it does happen. (847) 564-1127 Fax: (847) 564-1264
Starting my career in editing/publishing, I moved in Portland, Ore., for a brief E-mail: info@tmbpublishing.com
stint in the Northwest. As I combed the classifieds, I tried to find jobs that
matched my experience. A-HA! I found it an entry-level communications job
for a major shoe manufacturer. I sent my resume and eagerly awaited their Owner
response. And I waited, and waited Nothing. No callback, no letter of denial, Tom M. Brown
nada. I was pretty distraught. I remember thinking, How can this company
endorse a 14-year-old soccer player for millions of dollars? How could they Editorial & Production Staff
sign a 14-year-old with the athletic potential, yet little experience, and me, a John Mesenbrink, Editorial Director
recently graduated college grad, not even a sniff?! I was perfect for that posi- Cate C. Brown, Production Manager
tion! I just couldnt understand it an entry level salary compared to a million- Mark Bruno, Art Director/Prepress
dollar endorsement deal to a young boy, really when you think about it. As I
look back at it now, it was all about company image and the endorsements that Contributors
potentially would drive their shoe business. Sure, this company had its slam Timothy Allinson, P.E., Designers Guide
dunk endorsements, but then again, it had some that made them tremble with Richard Schulte, Fire Protection
hesitation and trepidation. Aligning the company with endorsees who exhibit Ron George, CIPE, CPD, Code Update
questionable off-the-field behavior does not exactly embolden the company Bob Hot Rod Rohr, Green Systems
image with the public. The company pays billions in endorsement deals, and Paul Rohrs, Modern Hydronics
Bristol Stickney, Solar Solutions
some have worked. But when you endorse somebody, you endorse their talent,
their life and their character.
Its time to endorse yourself a little harder; endorse your business and endorse Sales Staff
Brad Burnside, Publisher
the products in which you firmly believe and spec. In this volatile economic cli- East
mate, get a leg up on the competition any means possible, and social networking 1838 Techny Court, Northbrook, IL
could be the answer. More than 200 million people are on Facebook; LinkedIn 60062 Phone: 847/564-1127
has around 35 million subscribers; and there are approximately six million users Cell: 224/659-3984
on Twitter. Its all about bolstering your self-promotive repertoire. Remember, Fax: 847/564-1264
confidence is sexy. Standing before a prospective client with your talents E-mail: brad@tmbpublishing.com
showcased and confidence exuding, how can that client know you are nothing
but money. Profess to your clients which manufacturers products you swear by. David Schulte
Endorse hard your character, work ethic and professionalism on a daily basis! Midwest, South and E. Canada
1838 Techny Court, Northbrook, IL 60062
Phone: 847/564-1127
PLUMBING ENGINEER Cell: 847/420-4686
(USPS 567-950) Fax: 847/564-1264
E-mail: dave@tmbpublishing.com
ISSN 0192-1711
PLUMBING ENGINEER (USPS 567-950) ISSN 0192-1711 is published monthly by TMB Publishing Inc., 1838 Techny
Court, Northbrook, IL 60062. Phone (847) 564-1127, Fax (847) 564-1264. Magazine is free to those who design and spec- Diane Spangler
ify plumbing/piping systems in commercial, industrial, institutional and governmental buildings; as well as government offi-
cials and plumbing inspectors. Subscription rates for U.S. and Canada: $50 for one year, $90 for two years. Other coun- West, Texas and W. Canada
tries: $300 per year. Periodical postage paid at Northbrook, IL, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Change of PO Box 9802, Fountain Valley, CA
address should be sent to Plumbing Engineer, 519 E. Briarcliff Rd, Bolingbrook, IL 60440. Material and opinions con-
tained in contributed articles are the responsibility of the authors, not of TMB Publishing Inc., Plumbing Engineer maga-
92728 Phone: 714/839-6700
zine or its Editorial Advisory Board. The publisher cannot assume responsibility for any claims made by advertisers. Fax: 714/839-6777
Copyright 2007 TMB Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. Volume 36, Number 8. Plumbing Engineer is microfilmed by E-mail: diane@tmbpublishing.com
University Microfilms, Ann Arbor, MI, and indexed by Engineering Index Inc. Publications Mail Agreement No. 41499518.
Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to PO Box 503, RPO West Beaver Creek, Richmond Hill ON L4B 4R6

Page 6/Plumbing Engineer September 2009

 If you specify this:
Must meet the new
ASSE Standard 1071...
All you need to know is:
Leonard Valve,
Emergency Mixing Valves

Leonard Valves series of

emergency mixing valves
still provide the same quality
and performance and are
now certified to the new
ASSE 1071 standard.
ASSE Standard 1071 was
developed to work with
systems that comply with
ANSI Z358.1 (2004) for
emergency equipment
(i.e. eye/face wash and
drench showers). It adds
a logical assurance that
emergency mixing valves
provide tepid water to the
emergency devices. Table 1
Flow @ 30.0 psi 0.5 psi Permissible temperature variation Maximum allowable flow
Key performance requirement (206.9 kPa 3.4 kPa) differential above or below set point with cold water shut off
is Cold Water Failure, Section GPM L/min F C GPM L/min
1.2.6, stating that upon cold <7.0 <26.5 +3.0/-5.0 +1.7/-2.8 0.5 1.9
water failure, the hot water 7.0<20.0 <26.5<75.7 +5.0/-8.0 +2.8/-4.4 1.0 3.8
shall continue to flow at a 20.0<40.0 <75.7<151.4 +7.0/-12.0 +3.9/-6.7 1.5 5.7
rate not to exceed the 40.0 and over Over 151.4 +7.0/-15.0 +3.9/-8.3 2.0 7.6
values listed in Table 1.
Weve always published
our bypass flow rates and
can continue to say with
confidence that weve got
your tempered water needs
covered.
Leonards emergency
mixing valves utilize our
DURA-TROL bi-metal which
are the most durable and
fastest reacting thermostats
DURA-trol bi-metal
in the industry. Precise water
thermostat
temperature control is what
you can expect from
Leonard Valve.
Have a question about
this new standard? Call
our free technical support
hotline at 888.797.4456
or visit our website,
www.leonardvalve.com

Leonard...the right mix.

Circle 5 on Reader Reply Form on page 65

Industry News
PMI leads green coalition to drive
new water efficiency standards in Texas
rolliNG meaDoWs, ill. a coalition led by the Plumbing
manufacturers institute (Pmi) recently helped texas join
California as the second state nationwide to require high-
efficiency toilets (hets) in all new residential and com-
mercial construction. an het is defined as a water closet
that uses no more than 1.28 gallons of water per flush
(GPF), or 20% less than the 1.6-GPF models mandated by
the National energy Policy act of 1992 (ePact).
texas house Bill 2667, which was signed into law by
Governor rick Perry on June 19, also sets maximum
showerhead flow rates at 2.5 gallons per minute and uri-
nal flush volumes at 0.5 GPF. effective september 1 of
this year, the legislation mandates that toilet and urinal
manufacturers phase in hets over the next four years,
starting with 50% of in-state sales by January 1, 2010, and
culminating with 100% by January 1, 2014. in addition,
hB 2667 contains two other key provisions:
any plumbing product certified by the federal
Watersense Program is exempt from the new texas effi-
ciency standards. this marks the first time that
Watersense, which was unveiled by the u.s.
environmental Protection agency in 2006, has been
specifically referenced in a state law.
Cooper New England earns
Liberty Pumps top rep award
Rochester, N.Y. At its recent national sales meeting,
Liberty Pumps awarded Cooper New England Sales with
the number one rep award for 2008. Pictured from left to
right: Chuck Shaver, Dave Kinnier, Chuck Schwabe
(national sales manager Liberty Pumps), Charlie Cook
(president Liberty Pumps), Randall Waldron (V.P. of
sales & marketing Liberty Pumps) and Scott Cooper.
The two-day meeting attended by over 90 sales reps
included technical training sessions, live product demon-
strations and a tour of the newly expanded manufacturing
complex.
Coyne & Delany becomes Delaney Products
Charlottesville, va. as of august 1, Coyne &
Delany has changed its name to Delany Products. in addi-
Page 8/Plumbing Engineer
hB 2667 repeals all manufacturer product-filing fees
and testing requirements, formerly required by the texas
Commission on environmental Quality, the state testing
and certification agency.
testifying on behalf of the legislation, which was filed
on march 6 by rep. alan ritter (D-Nederland), were
Carole Baker of the alliance for Water efficiency and
Karen Guz of the san antonio Water system, in addition
to Pmi technical Director shawn martin. environmental
groups, such as the National Wildlife Federation and the
lone star Chapter of the sierra Club, also registered their
support for hB 2667, helping to speed its passage through
both houses of the texas legislature this past april and
may.
that relatively smooth progress through the legislature
reflects the strength of the coalition that Pmi helped build
over the previous 12 months. Working closely with state
environmentalists and water-conservation organizations,
the association also maintained close communications
with rep. ritter, who is the chair of the house Natural
resources Committee, and the offices of Gov. Perry, lt.
Gov. David Dewhurst, sen. Chuy hinojosa (D-mission)
and speaker of the house Joe straus (r-san antonio).
tion to the name change, Delany is restructuring its busi-
ness. over the last several months we have been making
a number of strategic and operational changes to improve
our products and our company. We are confident that these
changes will enable us to regain the trust and confidence
that our customers have placed in us for more than a cen-
tury, re-establishing Delany as one of their preferred man-
ufacturers, said D. scott Delany, chief financial officer.
Delany has entered into a strategic alliance with a fully
approved iso 9001 global manufacturer that will enable
Delany to provide the highest quality valves in the indus-
try. it also will allow Delany to begin offering new innov-
ative product designs, as well as an expanded line of envi-
ronmentally friendly products beyond the flush valve.
operationally, Delany is creating a new department dedi-
cated to customer service; converting to a new state-of-
the-art accounting and customer management system.
the company will continue to operate in its current
structure and contacts will remained unchanged. For more
information, visit www.delanyproducts.com.
Anvil International obtains grooved products
ISO-9001:2008 Certification
Portsmouth, N.h. anvil internationals manufactur-
ing facility in Columbia, Pa. and the anvil research &
Development Center in smithfield, r.i. have received
iso-9001:2008 Certification. anvil becomes one of the
first companies in the industry to achieve this highly cov-
More Industry News on page 10
September 2009
 FOR COMMERCIAL PROJECTS

THE SOLUTION IS SYMMONS

From hotels to hospitals, from schools to stadiums,

Symmons products have been trusted by

professionals for 70 years.

www.symmons.com
Copyright 2009 Symmons Industries, Inc., Braintree, Massachusetts

Circle 6 on Reader Reply Form on page 65

 ing January 2010,
the u.s. plumbing
industry requires the
change and replace-
ment of traditional
free machining
brass (C36000) with
a lead free alterna-
tive. National
Bronze & metals,
inc. is proud to announce the development of its NBm
model 3 Free machining DZr (Dezincification-resistant)
lead Free Brass, which has patents pending. over the
last 18 months NBm has been involved with the r&D for
this machining alternative, and now have the solution that
is believed to be far superior to anything else currently
being offered in the world.
the new NBm model 3 Free machining DZr lead
Free Brass proves to meet manufacturer expectations,
and will be recyclable with greater ease (many outlets)
than other alloys such as ecoBrass. Going into r&D,
besides the obvious lead-free needs, we wanted to address
recycling issues. a critical issue, considering the end goal
is for an environmentally friendly product, said Norman
lazarus, senior vice president. model 3 has proven to
have answered this issue. this alloy has mechanical
properties similar to traditional free cutting brasses, and is
a DZr Brass alloy that does not contain silicon or
Bismuth so it will be much more forgiving on tooling
Circle 7 on Reader Reply Form on page 65 and minimize re-tooling of CNC equipment. this new
alloy will also have very good hot forging characteristics.
more information is available about NBm model 3
Industry News Free machining DZr lead Free Brass on www.nbm
Continued from page 8 leadfreebrass.com.

eted designation for grooved products.

anvil international, one of the worlds largest fitting man- Sloan Valve Co. installs water-efficient
ufacturers, is a subsidiary of mueller Water Products, inc. plumbing, hygienic restroom systems at U.S.
iso-9001:2008 is an international standard confirming
companies have established and maintained a uniform
Equities Realty
quality management system to better meet the needs of
FraNKliN ParK, ill. sloan valve Company announces
their customers. the iso-9001:2008 certification status
that u.s. equities realty has installed its water-efficient
provides anvils global customers with additional assur-
plumbing products and hygienic restroom systems in its
ance that the Companys grooved products are created by
Chicago headquarters.
highly effective processes enhanced with continuous qual-
u.s. equities realty, a full-
ity improvements and supported by a commitment to cus-
service commercial real estate
tomer satisfaction.
firm with offices worldwide
tom Fish, president of anvil international, stressed the
and a 30+ million-square-foot
importance of the iso-9001:2008 certification and what it
management portfolio, pro-
means to anvils customers. in the current global econo-
vides clients with sustainable
my, the ability to purchase products and conduct business
solutions. When u.s. equities
with confidence is critical, said Fish. We pursued certifi-
renovated its headquarters in
cation to make anvil our customers easy go-to source and
downtown Chicago, manage-
cements our shared commitment to excellence today and in
ment was given a prime oppor-
the future.
tunity to emphasize green
objectives in their own offices.
improving water efficiency in
New patent pending lead free brass its restrooms became one way
offered by National Bronze & Metals, Inc. for u.s. equities to make mea-
surable environmental
houstoN With legislation ready to be enacted in the improvements.
states of California (California health & safety Code, sloan recommended and installed appropriate plumbing
aB 1953) and vermont state senate Bill s.0152 start- Industry News continued on page 12

Page 10/Plumbing Engineer September 2009

 THE
NEX T
GENERATION
OF TRENCH DRAINS
STARFIX Grate
Securing System

MEA-JOSAM Pro-Plus
Manufactured from glass reinforced polyester (GRP) pressed from sheet molding compound (SMC), the Mea-Josam Pro-Plus trench
drains provide a trench drain system that is 1.5 times stronger, yet 70% lighter, than polymer concrete. In addition to strength and
reduced weight, key advantages of the SMC/GRP process include shatterproof, non-porous, chemical resistance, nonflammable,
superior compressive, flexural and tensile strength and reduced thermal expansion. The Pro-Plus series is available with and without
slope, in 4, 8 and 12 nominal widths and with a variety of gratings including the STARFIX bolt free grate securing system.

For full details on the Mea-Josam Pro-Plus trench drain system contact your local representative or visit www.JOSAM.com.
JOSAM COMPANY 525 West Highway 20 Michigan City, IN 46360 P 800.36.JOSAM F 800.627.0008 www.josam.com
Circle 8 on Reader Reply Form on page 65
Industry News
Continued from page 10

products and systems, which effectively overhauled the build-

ings restrooms to improve water efficiency and offer greater
convenience for its restroom visitors. initial plumbing deci-
sions were based primarily on water savings. the buildings
decades-old toilets flushed with 3.5 gallons of water, and the
urinals consumed 1.5 gallons per flush (gpf) both water
volumes exceeded todays plumbing fixture standards of 1.6
gpf and 1.0 gpf, respectively.
u.s. equities replaced its toilets with two sloan
Flushometer types: the sloan eCos electronic dual-flush
Flushometer for its handicap stalls and the uPPerCut
many of Grundfos Pumps products including the alPha
manual dual-flush Flushometer for the remaining stalls. u.s.
and recently released Cr-h. each event will allow con-
equities also replaced its manual urinals with sensor-operated
tractors to gain hands-on training from Grundfos profes-
Flushometers that utilize only a pint of water to flush.
sionals and the chance to experience interactive pump dis-
the company achieved both water and energy savings with
plays. the tour allows contractors and engineers a
the installation of sensor-operated, solar-powered sloan
chance to experience new technology that Grundfos has to
solis faucets, which have a 0.5 gallon-per-minute (gpm)
offer, said Dennis Wierzbicki, president of Grundfos
flow rate, in place of its 2.2 gpm manual faucets. u.s. equities
Pumps usa. this mobile education center allows the
also installed energy-efficient Xlerator hand dryers.
attendees to gain training and knowledge on the latest
products Grundfos Pumps have to offer. For more info,
visit www.poweredby.grundfos.com.
Cannistraro provides full dimension of BIM
WatertoWN, mass. J.C. Cannistraro, llC is prepared to
help lead the construction industry into the 21st century
Rheems SolPak harnesses the sun
through advancements in Building information modeling
moNtGomery, ala. rheem brings the sun 93 million
(Bim). the New england
miles closer to home with solPak, the companys first all-
based mechanical construction
inclusive active solar water heating system. installing a
firm has announced the launch
dependable rheem solar water heating system is a smart
of its multi-dimensional Bim
choice for any eco-conscious homeowner and leads to low-
services for building owners
ered utility bills, protection from rising energy prices and reli-
and facilities managers.
able water heating in any climate. additionally, solPak quick-
after months of research
ly pays for itself, thanks to a new Federal tax credit of up to
and product planning,
30 percent of the installed cost.
Cannistraro has compiled a
rheem has been able to leverage over 80 years of water
suite of services that greatly
heating expertise to bring homeowners a solar water heater
improves the efficiency of
that can dependably provide hot water in virtually every area
project scheduling(4D), cost
of the country, said Jeff mahoney, alternative energy market
verification(5D), and facilities
manager for rheem. this is welcome news to homeowners,
management(6D) using a computerized building model.
solutions can be adapted for both new construction and
existing buildings, and can be customized for an owners
project needs. to supplement its product launch,
Cannistraro has begun hosting a Bim Breakfast series to
promote the many benefits of collaborative Bim for all
types of projects.

Grundfos launches the Impossible Tour

alleNtoWN, Pa. Grundfos Pumps launched the
impossible tour, a mobile education center for pumps
and pumping systems, with a special daylong event and
celebration at the newly renovated allentown, Pa. distrib-
ution center. the impossible tour is part of the Powered
by the impossible campaign promoting the launch of the
New alPha circulator. With stops in over 40 cities
across the united states, including Washington, D.C.,
Chicago, Denver and Portland, ore., the truck features
Page 12/Plumbing Engineer
as solar water heating systems can lower a homes water heat-
ing bills by as much as 80 percent.
Nicknamed solar in a box, rheem solPak makes instal-
lation a snap by coming equipped with all the components
needed to complete the installation. rheem solPak comes
Continued on page 66
September 2009
 Electrical, Mechanical
Testing and Certification
Under the Same Roof
Q IAPMO R&T can now assist you in certifying:

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Designers Guide
Timothy Allinson, P.E., Murray Co., Long Beach, Calif.
The KISS Principle
S
urely everyone reading this article is familiar with the
KISS acronym: Keep It Simple Silly (or similar second
S adjective). This acronym holds as true for engineering
as it does to the literary world.
For example, George Orwell has been quoted as saying, In
writing keep the spoken word constantly in mind. Never use
a long word where a short one will do One of the few writ-
ers of our time who has tried seriously to write English as it is
spoken is T. S. Elliot. Lines like: And nobody came and
nobody went, but he took in the milk and he paid the rent, are
about as near to spoken English as print can come Never
use the word eliminate when you mean kill.
I was reminded of this passage while listening to the audio
book of Anita Shreves The Pilots Wife while driving my long
commute. The opening lines of the book are so simple and
elegant that they are rare for literature today. Written in poet-
ic cadence for emphasis rather than standard sentences, the
book begins:
She heard a knocking,
and then a dog barking.
Her dream left her,
skittering behind a closing door.
It had been a good dream,
warm and close,
and she minded.
She fought the waking.
Hearing these words professionally read, giving them even
more meaning than I would reading them to myself, sent me
into a mental sidebar about why all writing cant be so per-
fectly simple. The sidebar continued into thoughts of work, as
much as I hated to be distracted from the audio book.
Lately my responsibilities at work have required that I
review many design-assist hospital projects. I dont much
enjoy critiquing the work of another engineer, but it is a nec-
essary evil of the design-assist process. In reviewing design
after design I was reminded over and over of the KISS prin-
ciple and the fact that many engineers disregard it.
One hospital, for example, had trap primers indicated for
every single floor drain and floor sink on the project even
drains serving the discharge of prep sinks in a commercial
kitchen. When I questioned the engineer about the overuse
of trap primers I was told, That is our office standard. I
wonder if it would be their office standard if they had to pay
for and maintain all of those unnecessary trap primers?
Probably not.
Another KISS violation I see frequently in hospital design
is the over use of medical gas alarms. NFPA is quite clear that
area alarms only are required for medical gasses in critical
care areas; however, I see alarms provided at every single
zone valve box on a regular basis. Valves serving regular
patient rooms are not required to be alarmed, but many engi-
neers indicate alarms regardless. Its possible that on some
projects they might be requested by the hospital, but in most
cases I think it is lack of understanding on the engineers part,
overcomplicating the design as a result.
Page 14/Plumbing Engineer
Dont forget to KISS when it comes to multi-floor typical
fixture arrangements. Most engineers will know to provide
vertical stacks to serve multiple levels of patient toilet rooms.
In laying out the stacks, think prefab. More material is less
of a concern that the ability to prefabricate the waste and vent
trees such that each can be put into place as a single prefabri-
cated unit. Labor costs more than pipe, and field labor costs
more than shop labor.
Outside the patient rooms, the hospital core is often typ-
ical on each level, and many engineers fail to notice this.
Frequently I see the engineer provide one vertical stack
against a column, with fairly long runs of waste and vent pipe
to the core fixtures on every patient room level. This solution
is not only expensive from a labor and material standpoint,
but it is difficult to coordinate with the other trades.
Whenever the core fixtures align vertically, a stack should be
provided behind each fixture or group of fixtures to again
maximize the ability for prefabrication while simultaneously
easing coordination.
Dont be afraid to use " water supply pipe (or med gas for
that matter except vacuum). Many engineers and AHJs treat
" pipe as taboo, but in reality it is economical, it eases in-
wall coordination, and provides hot water delivery in half the
time of " branch lines. Of course pipe velocity and friction
loss must be respected, but pipe can flow 2 gpm - enough
water for your average tempered shower or sink at a veloc-
ity below 3 fps and a friction factor less than 4 psi/100', which
is sufficient to satisfy most design conditions. An old engineer
associate of mine once told me when I was only 21 years old,
A " line is actually quite large it probably provides all
the water to your home. He was and remains correct. So if a
" line is not small, a " line should not be treated like its
poor cousin.
Anther fear factor in our industry is the use of 1" of
even 1" pipe for water closet flush valves. Many engineers
immediately default to 2" pipe. This issue is hard to argue
since Hunters Curve falls short of the zero Y axis, making the
sizing the water pipe for one or two water closets quite diffi-
cult. We designed and built a hospital using 1" pipe for a sin-
gle water closet and 1" pipe for back-to-back water closets
mainly because that was what the bridging (bid) documents
showed. During construction the sizing was questioned by a
third party engineer. Since the debate is hard to solve using
Hunters Curve, we instead tested it in the field. We installed
two WCs with a PRV to mimic the minimum pressure condi-
tion. When tested, the fixtures flushed perfectly and the issue
was resolved.
Yet another KISS violation I frequently see, especially in
hospital design, particularly med gas design, is the application
of factors of safety. Many engineers possess this fear or belief
that if a system is designed precisely it is somehow bad or
potentially inadequate. This creates a desire to over-design
with factors of safety to create a comfort level. The reality is
that systems designed to Code or standards such as NFPA
already have inherent factors of safety and are not bare min-
Continued on page 16
September 2009
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Designers Guide
tions must be taken. Most stadiums test that must be satisfied. In such a
Continued from page 14
today have flushathons before they case the engineer will have to take mea-
imum as some engineers suggest. open to the public. These are events sures beyond the Code into considera-
Except for unusual circumstances, where thousands of volunteers are tion of the design of both the water and
Code design and NFPA design is more invited to celebrate the completion of drainage systems. The details of these
than just adequate and will deliver a construction by manning every single considerations are beyond the scope of
high quality and efficient design. fixture in the facility and simultaneous- this article and will instead be the focus
Unusual circumstances would ly repeatedly operating the fixture. This of another, but suffice it to say that it is
include stadiums, for one. In the case of simulates near zero diversity, and while a fairly rare example of where the Code
a stadium, where all the fixtures are the reality of usage will not be quite as would not suffice.
used nearly simultaneously at half- demanding as this when you factor in Lastly, I would like to reiterate an
time, certain above the Code precau- fixture usage time, it is a performance issue I have mentioned many times, that
of hot water circulation. This is without
a doubt the most common mistake in
engineering design, and the mistakes
are twofold. First, never, ever, ever cir-
culate water through a pressure reduc-
ing valve. The system will never bal-
ance. Second, be sure to use the KISS
principle when selecting the circulation
pump(s). Thorough circulation calcula-
tions are quite complex and equally
unnecessary. Rather than calculating
flow based on temperature loss, base it
on the number of hot water risers or
If youre not using the Labor loops at least 1 gpm each if they are

Saver Fixture Support, youre small, and 2 gpm for large risers or
just throwing money away! loops. The reason for this is that systems
 *OHYSPL=YHILS=YHILS7S\TIPUN engineered too precisely, with only a
 7P[[ZI\YNO7( fraction of a gpm through each loop or
riser, will never be made to balance in
Benefits and Advantages the field. This is one area where a little
 3HIVYZH]PUNZKYHTH[PJHSS`YLK\JLZJVZ[ over-design is warranted. With the gpm
 HZZVJPH[LK^P[OHZZLTIS`PUZ[HSSH[PVUHUK known, the pump head usually becomes
 TH[LYPHSOHUKSPUN a simple function of the pump curve,
 *VTWHJ[HUKYPNPKVULWPLJLZ[LLSMYHTL and most are directly proportional: 30
gpm with a 30-foot head is a good
 7YLHZZLTISLKML^JVTWVULU[Z example. But if your system is quite
 [VILSVZ[ large, the pump head should e checked
 9LK\JLKPUZ[HSSH[PVUZWHJLMP[Z with a quick friction calculation through
 UHYYV^^HSSHUKTL[HSZ[\KJVUMPN\YH[PVUZ the longest loop.
 :`TTL[YPJJVUZ[Y\J[PVULHZ`[VPUZ[HSS George Bernard Shaw once said that
writing is either simple or its impossi-
 ,HZPLY[VHKQ\Z[ULLKZMYVU[HKQ\Z[TLU[   ble. I think engineering is the similar in
 VUS`HM[LY[OL^HSSPZPUWSHJL this respect, and keeping the KISS prin-
 /VYPaVU[HSHUK]LY[PJHSHKQ\Z[HIPSP[`[VMP[ ciple in mind is a good way of putting
 ]HY`PUNPUZ[HSSH[PVUJVUKP[PVUZ this relevant quote into practice.
 4LL[ZVYL_JLLKZHWWSPJHISLYLX\PYLTLU[Z
Timothy Allinson is a senior profession-
 VM(:4,(4  al engineer with Murray Co., Mechanical
 0(7463PZ[LK Contractors, in Long Beach, Calif. He
 *VUMVYTZ[V(:;4ZWLJPMPJH[PVUZ holds a BSMe from Tufts University and an
MBA from New York University. He is a
U. S. Patent No. 6,360,381 professional engineer licensed in both
mechanical and fire protection engineering
in various states, and is a Leed accredited
professional. Allinson is a past-president of
ASPe, both the New York and Orange
County Chapters.

The views and opinions expressed in this col-

umn are those of the author and do not reflect
those of Plumbing Engineer nor its publisher,
Circle 11 on Reader Reply Form on page 65 TMB Publishing.

Page 16/Plumbing Engineer September 2009

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Code Update
By Ron George, CIPE, CPD
President, Ron George Design & Consulting Services
Green high-rise plumbing design
R
ecently, I was participating in a telephone confer-
ence call to discuss code and standard activities
with a standards writing organizations legislative
committee. The discussion turned to LEED (Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design) and all of the green
initiatives of various organizations and manufacturers.
There seemed to be such a sufficient vagueness to the term
green that each person had their own thoughts as to
what being green really meant. Everyone chimed in to
explain what they thought was green and not everyone
had the same understanding of what a green product was
or what a green design was. What does green mean? I am
currently Chairman of the ASSE Plumbing Nomenclature
Committee and we are in the process of collecting new
terminology for the dictionary for the 7th edition of the
Plumbing Dictionary published by the American
Society of Sanitary Engineering. If you have a term that
you would like to have considered for inclusion please
send it to me at rgdc@rongeorgedesign.com. You can pur-
chase copies of the Plumbing Dictionary at: www.asse-
plumbing.org.
Mentoring of green design
Many years ago I worked for a couple of engineering
firms that had a Mechanical Electrical and Plumbing
(MEP) departments. Not many architectural engineering
or engineering firms have MEP departments anymore.
MEP departments were great mentoring opportunities for
young engineers. It was like an apprenticeship for engi-
neers and designers. The MEP departments would have a
senior engineer as the engineering department head to
handle the administrative functions of the MEP depart-
ment, and there were lead engineers for each discipline.
The engineers for each discipline sat in the same area as
the other department members and assisted with mentor-
ing the younger engineers, and occasionally they were
called into meetings with clients in a marketing effort. In
the new age of marketing, a firms expertise with certain
types of buildings, firms advertised that they have studios
or design teams of highly skilled people that specialize in
one type of building. (Hospitals, stadiums, labs, industrial
facilities, etc.) The studio or design team all would sit
together and work together. This caused the breaking up of
the engineers and designers from their peers or mentors
while they sat in isolation in a design studio. The funda-
mental flaw I saw with the studio or team concept is there
was little or no mentoring for young engineers. Often
there was one engineer assigned to sit with each design
team and they were isolated in a design studio. In my
opinion, the studio concept may sound appealing to a
client, but it actually has hampered the mentoring and
development of many young engineers and designers.
I started as a draftsman with an engineering firm in
Page16/Plumbing Engineer
Texas in 1978. I was assigned to work in a very large MEP
group. There were a lot of old gray-haired people with
years of experience working in these firms. There were
many elder statesmen in the engineering community that I
worked with many years ago. One of those I was fortunate
enough to work closely with was John Burgess of Carter
& Burgess, Engineers, Planners Inc. When I worked at
Carter & Burgess, I was assigned to work on a city park
fountain project with John Burgess. He was a well-
respected engineer in the industry and he had a personal
interest in the park and the fountains. I remember a dis-
cussion Gene Carter and John Burgess had at my desk one
day when the company was about to celebrate its 50th
anniversary. I congratulated them on their upcoming 50th
anniversary celebration. John then turned to me and said,
Ron, You may not realize it, but I am just a temporary
employee here. I laughed and said, What do you mean?
You guys have been in business together for almost 50
years. John smiled and said that when he got out of
school he was looking for a job, and he saw that Gene had
a small one-man engineering firm so he called him up and
offered his services. Gene interviewed John and said that
since he was just starting his business and he might need
some help for a mechanical project. John told me, Gene
said my job would only be temporary and he was not sure
if he had enough work to keep me on. He went on to say,
He has never told me anything different. They both
chuckled. Their company had well over 360 employees at
the time. Mr. Burgess spent a lot of time at my desk
explaining things, mentoring me and taking a personal
interest in each project. He loved what he was doing and
he wanted to share it with others, including me. I was hon-
ored to have been able to work with him. There were
many other engineers over the years at other companies
that loved what they were doing. They took the time to
explain how systems should be designed and they
explained why the systems were designed that way, and
what could go wrong if it was not designed properly.
Other lessons included: how to draw and letter in the days
of drafting on velum and Mylar; how to use the code
books; reference standards; and where to find the design
information and reference materials. These mentoring ses-
sions included how to set up a project file and how to
record important information in the project file. Over the
years, I worked closely with many other senior engineers
and designers; they would tell stories of their experiences
and show me the proper way to design plumbing systems
to save energy and materials, and provide a safe and sani-
tary plumbing system. We didnt call it green or
LEED back then, but thats what it was.
I attend every training seminar that I can. I have been a
student for more than 31 years. There were classes on
Continued on page 20
September 2009
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Code Update
Continued from page 18
plumbing design, product seminars, HVAC design and fire
protection system design. There were also local and
national industry meetings with design seminars for orga-
nizations like ASPE, ASSE, ASME, ASTM, IAPMO,
ICC, PHCC, MCA and many other inspector and manu-
facturers seminars and meetings. These organizations
provide educational seminars and technical programs that
have helped train plumbing engineers and designers in
new and innovative concepts. It is important for senior
level people to pass on the wisdom so that the next gener-
ation can understand why they do something.
In the last few years, I have attended seminars and tech-
nical presentations where good engineering practices seem
to have been thrown out the window in favor of showing
people how contractors or developers design plumbing
systems. The call it value engineering or cost cutting. for each zone, the energy savings are huge. I have seen
The term value engineering seems to have been abused
to the point that the term is often used as an excuse to cut
first-costs and use inferior materials with no real consider-
ation for the increased life-cycle costs such as: decreased
product life expectancy; increased maintenance costs; and
significantly increased energy consumption costs.
The gray-haired guys showed me the proper way, or the
green way, to design a high-rise building without pres-
sure reducing valves. I often review drawings of high-rise
buildings where there have been problems with the plumb-
ing systems and I rarely see a proper plumbing system
design. Most high-rise buildings have been designed by a
design-build team, with a contractor hiring an engineer.
This causes a bit of a conflict when the engineer wants to
design the building right and the contractor is often look-
ing for the cheapest way to build the building. I can say
there are some good developers and contractors out there
that have a good reputation and they provide buildings that
perform well. The best developers and contractors are usu-
ally not the low bidder and they usually have impressive
lists of project experience. The old saying you get what
you pay for is true in this case. That is why an owner
needs to understand who he has hired to design and build
his building. Is it a low bidder or is it someone who truly
has the experience and knowledge to build the building
right without maintenance and energy bill headaches?
Common high-rise plumbing problems
Over the years, I have been involved in the design of
numerous building types, including high-rise buildings. I
get asked to investigate problems with high-rise buildings
on a regular basis and there always seems to be a very
poor plumbing design. This can probably be attributed to
the fact that developers often build high-rise buildings and
want to build them for as little money as possible, sell
them and run with the money, leaving all of the plumbing
system maintenance problems and high energy bills to the
new owner with which to deal. Im sure this is what dri-
ves engineers to design, contractors to build or building
developer/owners to use such poor designs. Someone
once told me that using pressure reducing valves on a
domestic water booster system is like driving down the
street with your foot all the way on the accelerator and
controlling your speed with the brake. It is a senseless way
Page 20/Plumbing Engineer
to drive a car; it will wear out the components very fast
and cost a small fortune in fuel bills. Yet, LEED apparent-
ly does not address pressure zones and PRVs.
Green high-rise plumbing design
Good high-rise plumbing design is green design, and
one of the biggest clues to me if it is a green or sustainable
design is if the building is designed with pressure zones
for the domestic water systems that are each served by an
independent booster pump system through express risers.
This design keeps the building free from pressure reduc-
ing valves in a domestic water distribution system, which
is a huge energy saver and maintenance headache.
Pressure reducing valves can be noisy and they must be
maintained on a regular basis. By having a booster pump
developers build high-rise buildings with a single duplex
pump that has two pumps at 100 percent capacity serving
the entire building. In other cases there were two pumps at
80 percent each and in a low budget project there were
two pumps sized at 50 percent with no back-up if one
pump is down for repairs. The total energy consumption is
equal to 100 percent to 200 percent of the peak design
flow. For lower floors they install pressure reducing
valves. (Brakes) The biggest challenge in high-rise
plumbing design is addressing the elevation pressure
change from the top to the bottom of the building. In
buildings where the developers use one booster pump
package for the entire height of the building, they fall on
their face when it comes to the hot water system. This is
where I often find they start small repressureization
pumps on each floor for circulation or they add small
heaters and circulators for recirculating downstream of a
pressure reducing valve. Some of the basic plumbing
design that was taught by the gray-haired guys was that
for every foot of elevation change in a water riser there is
0.433 pounds per square inch (PSI) of elevation pressure
loss or if you measure the pressure in feet of water column
it is called elevation head pressure or head loss and it is
expressed in feet of head.
If your building has a floor-to-floor height of 10 feet
there will be an elevation pressure loss of 4.33 PSI per
floor.
If the building has a floor-to-floor height of 12 feet
there will be an elevation pressure loss of 5.19 PSI per
floor.
If the building has a floor-to-floor height of 15 feet
there will be an elevation pressure loss of 6.49 PSI per
floor.
Given a 50-story office building with 15 feet floor-to-
floor elevation difference, and a required minimum of 25
PSI residual pressure at the top floor for flush valves and
allowing for 10 PSI of friction loss in the distribution pip-
ing we can estimate the required pressure at the bottom of
the water riser for the highest pressure zone as follows:
(50 floors x 6.49 PSI/floor = 324.5 PSI + 25 governing
pressure + 10 PSI friction loss = 359.5 PSI. The pressure
at the base of the riser with 15 foot floor to floor heights
would need to be 359.5 PSI at the base of the riser. Note:
Continued on page 22
September 2009
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 Code Update
Continued from page 20
Most standard piping systems and valves are not rated for
these high pressures so high pressure rated pipes, valves
and fittings must be used for the lower floors where the
pressures will exceed about 125 to 175 PSI.
50-story example
Given a 50-story office building with 10 feet floor-to-
floor elevation difference with a requirement for 25 PSI
residual pressure at the top floor and allowing for 10 PSI
of friction loss in the distribution piping, we can estimate
the required pressure at the bottom of the water riser for
the highest pressure zone as follows:
(50 floors 4.33 PSI/floor = 216.5 PSI + 25 governing
pressure + 10 PSI friction loss = 251.5 PSI.) The pressure
at the base of the riser with 10-foot floor-to-floor heights
would need to be 251.5 PSI at the base of the riser.
Tri-plex vs quadra-plex booster pump packages
In my opinion, if I was giving out LEED points for
booster pump systems a duplex pump would be deducted
25 points. A tri-plex pump would be awarded 50 points
and a quadra-plex pump system would get 100 points. A
good high-rise domestic water system design would have
at least a tri-plex domestic water booster pump package
for each pressure zone in the building with each pump
sized at 33 to 50 percent of the load. If the pumps are sized
What separates us from the competition?
Custom, jobsite-specific applications 1 to 100,000 gallon capacities Automatic
at 50 percent capacity and one pump is down for service
the pressure zone will still have 100 percent of flow
capacity. At low flows a tri-plex pump system will utilize
about 33 to 50 percent of the required energy depending
on if one pump is a stand-by pump. A hydro-pneumatic
tank can be utilized to allow the booster pumps to com-
pletely shut down when there are long periods on no water
use at night. An even better high-rise domestic water sys-
tem design utilizes quadra-plex domestic water booster
pump package systems for each pressure zone for each
pressure zone in the building with each pump sized at
about 25 to 33 percent of the load If the pumps are sized
at 50 percent capacity and one pump is down for service
the pressure zone will still have 100 percent of flow
capacity. At low flows a quadra-plex pump system will
utilize about 25 to 33 percent of the required energy
depending on if one pump is a stand-by pump. If the
quadra-plex pumps are sized at 33 percent capacity and
one pump is down for service it will still have full capac-
ity. Hydro-pneumatic tanks should be used on all types of
booster pump systems to save energy. We should give 50
points for having a properly sized hydro-pneumatic tank
near the top of the system. A well-designed building is
usually divided into pressure zones between eight to 10
floors per pressure zone depending on the floor-to-floor
height. Given a 50-story building, the 50th floor usually
 has a governing pressure around 25 to 30 PSI and each
story height of 10 feet adds 4.33 PSI to the pressure as you
go down in the building from the top. If there is 25 PSI on
the top floor, and there are 10 floors in the pressure zone
below, the elevation pressure is 43.33 PSI. If we add the
pressures, governing pressure = 25 PSI + 43.33 PSI ele-
vation pressure + 10 PSI for friction loss = 78.33 PSI at
the 41st floor. The maximum allowable pressure in a
plumbing system is 80 PSI. From the 41th floor down to
the basement, there would be an express riser to the base-
ment 40 floors x 4.33 = 173.2 PSI. The water riser would
terminate at a tri-plex or quadra-plex booster pump pack-
age sized for 20 percent of the flow (10 of the 50 floors)
with 100 percent of the total 50 floors of elevation pres-
sure of 216.5 + 10 PSI for friction loss + 25 PSI for the
governing fixture = 251.53 PSI at the discharge header of
the booster pump package.
Each pressure zone would be designed in the same
manner with the total head for each booster pump package
being about 43.3 PSI less. I have seen many buildings
with one giant duplex pump and pressure reducing valves
on all of the lower floors and no hydro-pneumatic tank. It
saved the developer and the contractor a lot of money but
it will cost the owner many times more money in
increased energy costs and maintenance costs. This type
of design wastes a great amount of energy and in my opin-
ion any building over 15 stories that utilizes this type of
design should have 100 points deducted from the LEED
certification ratings for every 10 floors of the building or
10 points per floor if they exceed 10 floors in a pressure
zone and if they do not locate the water heaters within the
pressure zone. The ideal plumbing design does not require
pressure reducing valves at each floor.
Other high-rise plumbing design tips
When a design utilizes pressure reducing valves, there
in not an easy way to recirculate hot water within a pres-
sure zones unless the water heater is located within the
pressure zone. This should be a code requirement because
in most cases it does not happen because developers and
owners typically dont know the water heater must be
located within the 10 floor pressure zone in order for the
water heater to work properly.
If the water heaters are all located in the basement, as I
have seen some in several wayward designs, the PRVs
will blow off constantly. This usually results in a revela-
tion moment for the engineer when they realize their folly,
and they typically try to compensate for it by replacing the
pressure relief valves on the water heaters with ones that
are set at higher pressures. Now they have voided the war-
ranty on the heater and created a potential bomb.
Continued on page 25

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Circle 16 on Reader Reply Form on page 65

Code Update
Continued from page 23
The next boo-boo I see engineers
make on a regular basis is that they
put the water heaters at the top of the
building. Now the hot water starts out
at 25 PSI or so at the top of the build-
ing but as it flows down in a down-
feed riser it gains pressure and you
end up with hot water at about 250
PSI near the bottom of the building.
The engineers or designer typically
starts adding pressure reducing
valves at this point, and if they are
lucky, they will last a year. Most
dont last that long at that pressure on
a hot water system. When the hot
water pressure reducing valve fails
you have 250 PSI hot water and 80
PSI cold water. The hot water can
overwhelm the cold water where it
crosses over in shower valves and
faucets and you get toilets flushing
with hot water and you can have
other problems associated with
excessively high hot water pressures
in the piping system. The high-pres-
sure hot water will likely create
scalding and thermal shock hazards
throughout the building within a few
short years.
The water heaters should be locat-
ed within the 10-floor pressure zone
and then circulation can be done
without passing through pressure
reducing valves and then repressur-
ization pumps
I also have seen where CPVC pip-
ing was substituted for copper piping
in the risers of a building about 50 sto-
ries tall. Dont forget CPVC pipe will
expand about five times as much as
copper. The expansion must be con-
trolled with offsets in the riser every
five to eight floors. Failure to do so
will cause the CPVC riser to expand
linearly and push out firestopping and
snap off branch pipes. CPVC pipe and
PEX pipe are good for branch piping
in high rise applications within office
spaces, apartments or condos. I
recently have submitted a code
change for requiring the engineer to
submit calculations addressing ther-
mal expansion in straight runs of pip-
ing over 100 feet long in risers.
Siphonic roof drains are not rec-
ommended for high-rise buildings.
They work great for large roof areas
up to a couple of floors. When you
exceed two floors, many manufactur-
ers do not recommend the siphonic
systems because of the potential for
significant pressure surges and move-
Plumbing Engineer
Unfortunately, there is no
ment in the piping.
Pipe materials and hanger designs
should be selected to minimize noise
transmission to the building from flow- 7KHRQO\ZD\WRFRQUP
ing water or vibration from connected your imported pipe meets
pumps elsewhere in the building. standards is by asking for
Cost savings can be realized for
domestic cold water branches utiliz- product inspection reports.
ing galvanized piping, or in some
cases, stainless steel with local code
approval for the risers; and utilizing
cross linked polyethylene or PEX
piping for branch piping after a man-
ifold and valve assembly.
When you get to the basement of
the building, often there are multiple
basement levels below the sewer level.
This usually requires the installation
of sewage ejectors and sump pumps.
Try to design the system where any-
thing that can go to the sewer by grav-
ity is routed by gravity. Make sure the
sewage ejectors are designed to handle
the potential discharge of a broken
water pipe or a reduced pressure back-
flow preventer discharging under
pressure. Consider adding the sewage
ejector pumps to the emergency gen-
erator load in the event of a power fail-
ure. Make sure the main domestic
water shut-off valves are located in an
accessible location where they can be
easily shut off if there is a problem and
the entire basement floods.
Ron George is President of Ron
George Design & Consulting Services.
He has served as Chairman of the
International Residential Plumbing & Thanks to new revisions to the ASTM
Mechanical Code Committee. He is standards, its now easier to protect yourself
active in plumbing code and plumbing from the uncertainty surrounding imported
product standard development com-
mittees with ICC, IAPMO, ASSE, cast iron. The revisions call for product
ASME, ISEA and ASTM. His company inspection reports to be available upon
specializes in plumbing, piping, fire UHTXHVWWKDWFRQWDLQPRUHVSHFLFDQG
protection and HVAC system design detailed cast iron data across a broader
and consulting services. He also pro-
range of pipe samples. If importers cant
vides plumbing and mechanical code
consulting services and he provides provide them, ask questions like - Where
investigations of mechanical system was it made? And, were the raw materials
failures and litigation support. His screened for radioactive material?
company also provides 3D cad ser-
vices and Building Information
Modeling (BIM) services. For more questions to ask importers
To contact Ron, w-mail: rgdc@ron and information on the new ASTM
georgedesign.com. Web site: www.ron standards, visit charlottepipe.com/verify.
georgedesign.com.
Circle 17 on Reader Reply Form on page 65
The views and opinions expressed in this col-
umn are those of the author and do not reflect
those of Plumbing Engineer nor its publisher,
TMB Publishing.
1.800.438.6091
September 2009/Page 25 www.charlottepipe.com
FPE Corner
By Samuel S. Dannaway, PE,
President, S.S. Dannaway Associates, Inc., Honolulu
Fire Sprinkler Design Part 2
T
he engineers design of a fire sprinkler system must
include a basis of design, the contract or bid draw-
ings, and a set of specifications. Last month in our
discussion of the engineers design of a fire sprinkler sys-
tem we dealt with the project basis of design and the con-
tract or bid documents. In this article, we will be dis-
cussing the specifications for the fire sprinkler system.
A properly-written sprinkler system specification is the
backbone of the sprinkler system design. Unfortunately, it
is all too common for a poorly edited, or even unedited
sprinkler specification to be submitted as the design. Its
as if the engineer copied the spec from the last job and
submitted it as is. This can be a cause of several problems.
First, because the sprinkler design is performance-based, a
properly prepared specification is essential to obtaining a
correct design. Second, a poor specification creates oppor-
tunities for change order seeking contractors to win pro-
jects away from competent sprinkler contractors. Third,
poor specifications seem to go hand-in-hand with poorly
prepared basis of design and contract drawings. This pro-
vides ammunition for those in our industry who feel it is
sprinkler contractors, not engineers, who should be
responsible for the design of fire sprinkler systems.
The sprinkler specification can take different forms.
The specification form chosen depends on the size of the
sprinkler system and the requirements of the reviewing
authorities. For a minor project perhaps involving reloca-
tion of a few sprinklers, it could be as simple as a few
notes on a drawing indicating compliance with local codes
and identifying the appropriate sprinkler installation stan-
dard such as NFPA 13, Standard for Installation of
Sprinkler Systems. More often it will be a separate text
document.
The starting point is normally a guide specification that
can be tailored to the specific fire sprinkler system design.
Many consulting firms maintain their own library of guide
specifications for commercial projects. Also, one can go to
the Master Format website and purchase guide specifica-
tions from one of the vendors supporting the Master
Format. The new Master Format 2004 system is the indus-
try standard for construction specifications. This format
expanded the old 5-digit system from the 1995 version.
For example, what used to be Section 13930 Fire
Suppression Wet Pipe Sprinklers is under Master Format
2004 now Section 21 13 13.00 20.
There are also specifications used by various federal
government agencies that can be downloaded for free at
the Whole Building Design Guide website of the National
Institute of Building Sciences at
http://www.wbdg.org/ccb/browse_lib.php?l=02. One
must take care when using these specifications as the start-
ing part as they have a great deal of information in them
that relates to specific requirements of the federal agencies
Page 26/Plumbing Engineer
publishing them. In certain cases, they may exceed mini-
mum codes and, to a lesser extent in some cases, may not
meet minimum code requirements.
It is my opinion that the United Facilities Guide
Specifications (UFGS) located on this website provide the
best guide for a fire sprinkler system specification.
The following represents what I think is a good sug-
gested recipe for a properly prepared specification section
for a wet pipe fire sprinkler system. The standard specifi-
cation has three major parts.
Part 1 Addresses general requirements such as scope
of work, reference publications, design criteria, submittal
requirements, and qualifications.
Part 2 Addresses the products and materials involved
with the fire sprinkler system.
Part 3 Addresses execution, which normally deals
with the installation, testing requirements, and closeout
requirements.
Each part should contain the following minimum infor-
mation:
Part 1 General Requirements
References One needs to identify all pertinent codes
and standards used by the specification. This section also
should identify the specific edition of the document which
is to be used. First and foremost would be the applicable
sprinkler standard, i.e., NFPA 13 NFPA 13R, or NFPA
13D. Other important NFPA documents which may apply
are NFPA 14, 20, 24, 25, and 72. There also would be stan-
dards for various system components such as ASME and
ANSI standards for pipe, fittings and AWWA standards for
underground pipe and fittings. Also, the directories of the
nationally recognized testing and approval organizations
such as Underwriters Laboratories Fire Protection
Equipment Directory and/or Factory Mutual Approval
Guide should be identified.
Related Specification Sections Here, one may have
references to specification sections for fire pumps, stand-
pipes, fire alarms, painting and electrical work.
System Description or Scope of Work A brief para-
graph describing the general scope of the project. Identify
the building or area to be protected, if the project is for a
new sprinkler system or an existing system being modi-
fied, and indicate the extent of coverage (which is usually
the entire building). The description should include listing
requirements and identify approving authorities.
Sprinkler System Design Requirements This section
should define requirements for hydraulic design and seismic
protection. The section also may include sprinkler location
and spacing that is more restrictive than NFPA 13 limita-
tions, sprinkler discharge criteria, including design densities
and design areas, hose stream allowance requirements and
Continued on page 28
September 2009
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Fire Protection
Continued from page 26
water supply data. If some or all of this information is con-
tained on the drawings, then it may be better for this section
to refer to the information on the drawing rather than repeat-
ing it and risking a mistake that could create a conflict with
the drawings. This is a good general rule to follow for avoid-
ing conflicts between specifications and drawings.
Submittals The submittal requirements should be
clearly identified. This includes the parties (the engineer,
building department and/or fire department) the contractor
must have review and approve the submittals before instal-
lation can proceed. In addition to the minimum require-
ments for working drawings, hydraulic calculations, and
meeting the requirements of Chapter 22 of NFPA 13, the
specification also should require the submittal of product
data. The product data must have sufficient technical infor-
mation to allow reviewers to determine compliance with
the specifications, and where there are choices between
different model, part or style numbers, the cut sheets
should be annotated to identify which specific items are
being provided. This section also will identify the submit-
tal requirements that occur later in the project including
test plans, test reports, i.e., NFPA 13 Contractors Material
and Test Certificate for Underground Piping and the
Contractor's Material and Test Certificate for Aboveground
Piping; operations and maintenance manuals, as-built
drawings, and spare parts. This section should also contain
a provision prohibiting partial submittals.
Installer Qualifications The contractors qualifica-
tions may include a level of experience and licenses
required by the jurisdiction. One also may wish to include
certification requirements for the sprinkler contractors lay-
out technician. One way to do that is to require the layout to
be performed by a NICET Technician with minimum Level
3 certification in Automatic Sprinkler System Layout.
Part 2 Products
This section is used to specify requirements for all the
various components in the sprinkler system. This would
include that portion of the underground piping system that
may fall within the purview of these specifications. Above-
ground piping components include pipe, fittings, hangers
and supports, seismic bracing, branch line restraints, valves,
alarm valves, alarm valve trim, sprinklers, fire department
connections, backflow prevention devices, drains, signage,
spare sprinkler cabinet and relief valves.
In general, all components must be listed or approved by
a nationally recognized testing laboratory such as UL or FM.
As with design criteria, one must make sure product
specifications do not conflict with information on the
drawings. A common conflict arises when specifications
and drawings allow different kinds of piping materials or
different types of sprinklers.
Because a certain fire sprinkler product complies with
NFPA 13, and is properly listed, does not necessarily
mean that the product must be permitted to be used. The
engineer has the option to require a higher standard of per-
formance, as indicated by their experience and knowl-
edge. It is also important to be aware of any special
requirements of the client that exceed the minimums
established by NFPA 13. This could include limitations of
the type of pipe and fittings that will be allowed or the use
of concealed, recessed pendent sprinklers for aesthetic
Page 28/Plumbing Engineer
purposes. The engineer should use the Part 2 to prohibit
specific types of products that, in the engineers opinion,
have not performed well. For example, many engineers do
not permit the use of plain-end fittings.
Regarding the use of proprietary specifications, if the
client or authority having jurisdiction permits the use of
proprietary specifications, then it would be the engineers
option to go with a proprietary specification provided
there is good technical justification for favoring one man-
ufacturer over another. In general, it has been my experi-
ence with fire sprinkler system design and the resulting
installation that a non-proprietary specification serves the
client better and has not diminished the quality of the
resulting installed system.
Part 3 Execution
Installation Practices This section will call for
installation in accordance with NFPA 13 and other applic-
able standards. It also can cover items of installation not
regulated by the standards that the engineer deems neces-
sary. This could include:
1. Concealing all piping in areas with finished ceilings.
2. Painting of all exposed sprinkler piping (the engineer
may even want to require painting of all sprinkler
piping).
3. A prohibition against the use of bushings as reducing
fittings.
Test Requirements and Acceptance Criteria This
part also must identify all required preliminary and final
tests and the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) responsi-
ble for recommending acceptance of the system. The
acceptance criteria for a wet pipe sprinkler system is rela-
tively straightforward, but we also want to ensure that all
post-installation documents have been provided prior to
acceptance; this would include O & M manuals, as-built
or record drawings, spare parts, etc.
Training Part 3 also will contain any training
requirements that may be required by the client.
Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance I have
found that requiring the installing contractor to provided
ITM for the system in accordance with NFPA 25 and the
AHJ during the required warranty period to be a valuable
service to clients.
So before the next sprinkler design is due, please take a
look at your sprinkler guide specs, make sure they are up
to date and include the necessary provisions to make for
an excellent sprinkler system design. Combine a well-
written spec with a well-thought-out basis of design and
properly prepared contract drawings and the chances of a
successful installation with minimal construction issues
will be greatly improved.
Samuel S. Dannaway, PE, is a registered fire protection engi-
neer and mechanical engineer with bachelors and masters
degrees from the University of Maryland Department of Fire
Protection Engineering. He is past president and a Fellow of the
Society of Fire Protection Engineers. He is president of S. S.
Dannaway Associates, Inc., a 15-person fire protection engineer-
ing consulting firm with offices in Honolulu, Hawaii and Guam.
The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of
the author and do not reflect those of Plumbing Engineer nor its
publisher, TMB Publishing.
September 2009
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Circle 19 on Reader Reply Form on page 65

Modern Hydronics
By Paul Rohrs, Radiant Expert, Biggerstaff Radiant Solutions, Lincoln, Neb.
First at the dinner table
I
nstalling multiple storage tanks or water heaters is a pretty com-
mon occurrence for contractors. With a focus on the time to pipe
up these units, lets look at the cost differences of material and
labor in the manifolded method of piping multiple units, as well as
the reverse return method. Most manufacturers have recommended
piping diagrams for the water heaters and storage tanks they produce
and sell, but will approve alternate piping methods if asked.
There is a hotel going up in our area and they have slated three AO
Smith BTH400s to be installed to provide domestic hot water. Figure
1 (image below) shows the water heaters already installed in the
manufacturer-recommended method of a properly manifolded three
heater system.
Piping with 3", 2", and 11/2" piping, it took approximately 16
hours to pipe. Copper tube and fittings for this manifolded install cost
$1,798.00 and with burdened labor our total installed cost $2,470.00.
(This did not include the cost of the water heaters, gas piping or vent-
ing, as they would be the same.)
Manifolded water heaters have been around quite a while and one
of the primary considerations is that all piping must be equal to get
equal flow and pressure drop through each unit. If this piping is out
of kilter a little bit, one of the three water heaters will be the work-
horse and will have quite a large percentage of the heating responsi-
bilities. This usually equates to a premature death of a single heater,
which then throws the remaining units out of balance.
Now, lets talk about reverse return method. This staple of hydron-
ic piping can often be found in heat emitter piping with the basic
premise that the first radiator or fin tube supplied on the inlet will be
the last radiator returned to the outlet.
Growing up in rural Nebraska has given me ample opportunity to
work on farms. If I had a nickel for every bail of hay/alfalfa/brome I
have put up, I would have a big bag of nickels. One of the perks to
putting up bails for farmers is that sometimes they would feed you
lunch. Its not just any ol lunch either. Its the kind of lunch that you
want to be the first one at the table and the last one to leave. Now
keep that in mind as we segue back to hydronics.
Lets simplify this line of thought and apply it to our heaters and
call it First-In Last-Out or FILO for short. Figure 2 will illustrate
our three water heater set-up with the reverse return method. Notice
that with water heaters being set with equal distances, this will dic-
Page 30/Plumbing Engineer
tate that the pip-
ing to the cold
supply will be
equidistant as is
the hot outlet pip-
ing. We will not
need circuit set-
Figure 2
ters in this set up
as the flow and pressure drop will be inherently balanced.
As we did with manifolded heater set-up, lets look at the installed
cost difference with the reverse return method. Right away you will
need less Tees for the install but a little more pipe. With reverse
return, we were able to shave two hours off the install time. Copper
tube and fittings came to a total of $1,241.00, which is 31% less than
the materials needed for the manifolded piping arrangement.
Calculating 14 hours of labor at the same rate previously used
brought our total install cost to $1,829.00, again not including the
cost of the heaters, gas piping or venting.
Look again at Figure 2 and see if you can see if flow will be affect-
ed if one unit is taken down for service. Lets close the ball valves on
the inlet and outlet of the first heater. Now, only heaters 2 & 3 are in
service. Will the flow in and out of the heater be balanced? The
answer is yes. Removing any one of the three heaters out of service
will not affect the entire system balance. I will agree that in the ser-
vice life of the heaters, taking a unit out of service would be for a very
small percentage of time, but this is a hotel and most occupants know
when they do not have sufficient hot water.
This particular job moved along fairly quickly, but be aware of
requirements in your region for requesting piping changes. This
would have been an excellent opportunity to write up a RFC,
Request for Change, sometimes also considered and RFI,
Request for Information. The premise of these requests are that if
you think there is a better way to do something on a commercial pro-
ject and you want to deviate from the engineered print, you have to
request, and typically prove, that what you want to do is:
1. Going to work;
2. Shows some kind of benefit, i.e. works better, more cost effec-
tive, quicker;
3. Going to work; and
4. Oh yeah, did I mention it has to work.
The last thing an architect, engineer or project foreman wants is
for a requested change to be accepted and not work.
Check your current piping practices to see if there are any avenues
to save in labor and material costs, because in these difficult eco-
nomic times, keeping more $$$$ in the bank at the end of the week
is what it is all about. With a few more dollars in the bank, you can
afford to be the first one to the buffet line, and the last one out, but
would you be so kind as to leave me a piece of pie?
Paul Rohrs welcomes your comments. Contact Paul at
paul@biggerstaffradiantsolutions.com.
The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of
the author and do not reflect those of Plumbing Engineer nor its
publisher, TMB Publishing.
September 2009
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Circle 20 on Reader Reply Form on page 65
Solar Solutions
Bristol Stickney, technical director, Cedar Mountain Solar Systems, Santa Fe, N.M.
Bristols six principles of good solar hydronic design
Basic Combi-System Controls
In this series of articles, I have been making the case that the key
ingredients for solar/hydronic design and installation can be divided
into six categories, listed below, roughly in order of their importance.
1. RELIABILITY
2. EFFECTIVENESS
3. COMPATIBILITY
4. ELEGANCE
5. SERVICEABILITY
6. EFFICIENCY
The success of any solar hydronic home heating installation
depends on the often-conflicting balance between any of these six
principles. Finding the balance between them defines the art of solar
heating design.
I
n previous columns I have introduced and explained some of the
elemental concepts of hydronic solar home heating. Water tank
heating, mass floor heating, thermostat control, glycol loops,
combi-systems and flow centers have been discussed in earlier
issues. These individual concepts are typically grouped together and
installed in every Solar Hydronic Combi-system that we have built
in the past five years or so. Of course, every solar home heating sys-
tem was installed with the wiring and controls to make it work prop-
erly. Lets take a closer look at a Primary Check-Loop solar heating
system and the controls that make it work. In this column I will dis-
cuss the Solar Combi-system we most commonly install and the
Basic controls required for reliable operation. Please look online to
review the previous columns in the PE and Phc News archives.
Primary Loop Flow Center Piping
In our region, the most typical Solar Hydronic Combi-system
includes a (1) solar heat collector array, a (2) gas boiler backup, a (3)
domestic water heater and a (4) radiant heated floor. I introduced
this application in an earlier issue (spring 2009) as Combi-system
101, since I have installed these features so many times in home
heating projects. This system includes only four items, two heat
sources and two heat loads and so presents a relatively simple exam-
ple for discussion.
The diagram seen in Figure 14-1 shows the configuration that has
Figure 14-1
Page 32/Plumbing Engineer
become my basic standard piping arrangement for over a decade for
Combi-system 101. There are a number of additional benefits when
using this system in real-world installations. The primary loop is typ-
ically installed horizontally, hanging from the ceiling. The swing
check valves must me installed horizontally or flow upward, since
they may not close properly if installed flow downward.
For the purpose of this discussion, I will present the very simplest
control system that will provide the homeowner with Reliable and
Effective use of the solar heat available from this sample heating
system. Keep in mind, that as a simple example, it does not include
night cooling, baseboard heat, heat storage tanks for space heating
or other relatively common options. Each additional option would
require additional control components to be included in our wiring
and control system. So to keep this article brief we will limit the dis-
cussion to the bare minimum heating system components using the
bare minimum controls.
This type of system is typically installed with an economical num-
ber of collectors that are tilted to maximize winter space heating.
With a limited number of collectors, all the solar heat can normally
be delivered to the cool mass of the radiant heated floors, or stored in
the domestic water heater. If the collector tilt is matched to the sum-
mer load properly, all the solar heat available can be controlled by
storing it in the domestic hot water tank and any excess solar heat can
be dissipated to the floor mass without overheating the rooms. When
properly designed and installed, this version of the Solar Combi-sys-
tem can be about as simple, economical and effective as any active
solar home heating system can be. This is because most of the heat-
ing equipment (boiler, tank, radiant floors) had to be there anyway,
even without the solar collectors.
Basic Control Requirements
A complete wiring diagram for the Combi-system 101 is shown
in Figure 14-2. This diagram is adapted from the control boxes that
we have deployed on many similar installations. It contains a 2-stage
set-point control, a differential control, four relays (DPDT), a 2-stage
room thermostat for each zone valve, a zone valve control box, and
two pump control relay boxes. The models and brand names of the
components are included for example only, and do
not constitute an endorsement or recommendation.
There are certain controls for this heating system
that are required, and then some that are optional.
Here is a short list of the most important functions.
All the required functions are included in the
components shown on Figure 14-2.
Combi-System 101 Solar Domestic Hot
Water Tank Control (DHW)
Required Temperature Controls
Low limit aquastat AQ (Usually comes with
the hot water tank.)
Solar heat storage ON (Provided by Tekmar
155 differential control.)
Solar heat storage OFF (Provided by Tekmar
155 differential control.)
High Limit OFF (Provided by Tekmar 155 dif-
Continued on page 34
September 2009
Circle 21 on Reader Reply Form on page 65
Solar Solutions
Continued from page 32 Solar heat source low limit (ON delay requires another temp.
control.)
Tekmar T152-1 Tekmar T155-1
AC solar circulator instead of PV (Requires another differential
HEAT CONTROL DHW STORAGE IN

On
24 V Only

1 2 3 4
10 A 10 A

5 6 7 8 9
No Power
152
24V Only

1 2 3 4
Power
10A 10A

5 6 7 8 9
No Power

Com Src Stor

155
control.)
Remote Sensors
Combi-System 101 Solar Heated Warm Mass Floor Zone
Off
C R Relay 1 Relay 2 S e n S e n S e n
Remote Sensor C- R+ Relay 1 Relay 2 S e n S e n S e n

Drainback/Draindown
S3 T155-1-9 stor Tank}
S1 T152-1-1 HRF Heat Dump}
S2 T155-1-8 src Solar HTX}
& Solar Only}
Control
DHW LOW LIMIT
STAGE 1 ENABLE
BOILER DISABLE CALL FOR HEAT HRF HEAT DUMP Required Room Temperature Control (Provided by 2 Stage
7 6 7 6 7 6 7 6

1
R1
5

4
8

1
R2
5

4
8

1
R3
5

4
8

1
R4
5

4
Room Thermostats)
Auxiliary low limit Stage 2 Heat ON (Backup or Auxiliary
2 3 2 3 2 3 2 3

ON)

FLOOR HEAT END SWITCH

HRF HEAT DUMP TSTAT

HRF HEAT DUMP TSTAT

BOILER PRIMARY HEAT
Minimum comfort temperature Stage 2 Heat Off (Auxiliary

DHW STORAGE IN

BOILER DHW HEAT

STAGE 1 ENABLE
DHW AQUASTAT
OFF)

24 VAC
CONTROL BOX COMBI 101
01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Solar Heat Banking Allowed Stage 1 Solar Room Heat ON

Boiler Call for Heat - DHW Maximun comfort temperature Stage 1 Solar Room Heat OFF
2 Stage Room Thermostats AQ
Required Solar Collector Temperature Control
BOILER CALL FOR SPACE HEAT
T T T T

DHW Aquastat
(Provided by Tekmar 152, 2 Stage Set-Point Thermostat)
MODE
ZONE 4 PRIORITY Solar Priority low limit (Solar Only ON, Boiler OFF, Heat
24VAC

OFF
N O R M A L RESET

O N

Banking ON)
H T T T T T T T T
ZONE 1 ZONE 2 ZONE 3 ZONE 4
Taco 24
Taco 24

R
POWER IN
SR501 SR501 RT T
Taco ZVC404
VAC VAC

T T C O M C O M

DHW-P3 Floor Heat-P4

Heat Dissipation high limit (a.k.a. Solar heat dump, Overheat

MAIN EXTRA N/O C O M N/C ZONE 1 ZONE 2 ZONE 3 ZONE 4
END END

SWITCH SWITCH ZONE 4 RELAY 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

120 VAC 120 VAC
Input Input
4 4 6 6 4 4 6 6
N H 3 N / O N/C N/C N / O 5 N H 3 N / O N/C N/C N / O 5

protection)

DHW-P3 Floor Heat-P4

Features and Functions of the 101 Basic Controls
Figure 14-2
ZV1 ZV2

WARM MASS FLOORS

ZV3 ZV4
The 101 control system allows the warm floors and the DHW
tank to warm up more when it is sunny and less when it is not sunny,
ferential control.) all within a comfort range that is programmable using the 2 Stage
Safety High Limit (P & T valve shown on the DHW tank in thermostats and Tekmar controls shown in Figure 14-2. As long as
Fig. 14-1.) the floors and water tank are even a few degrees warmer than the
Optional Temperature Controls for DHW boiler control set points, the boiler will not fire. This delay and pre-
Low limit aquastat priority (Requires another relay control.)
Continued on page 36

Precision www.phpinc.us N
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Circle 22 on Reader Reply Form on page 65

The
The combination
combination of of significant
significant globa
global economic
l eco challengesand
nomic challenges anda atransition
transitioninin
the
the family
family business leadership
business leaders resultedininthe
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adapt. WeWe have
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suffered.
suffered. WeWearearenow
nowmaking
makingthe thenecessary
necess arystrategic
strate gicand
andoperational
operat ional changes
changes
to improve our company and our products. We are confident that
to improve our company and our products. We are confident that these changes these changes
will
will enable
enable us
us to regain the
to regain the trust
trustand
andconfidence
confidenceyou youourourcustomers
customershavehaveplaced
placed
in
in us
us for
for over
over aa century
century and
and enableing
enableingus ustotore-estab
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lany Prod ucts asas one
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your preferred manufacturers again.
preferred manufacturers again.

These
These changes
changes come from an
come from an unsatisfactor
unsatisfactory statususquo,
y stat quo, a vision
a vision of of better
better
alternatives,
alternatives, and
and aa clearly
clearly defined
defined process
processtotomove
movetoward
towarda anewnewvision.
vision.
We have entered into a strategicalliance with a global manufacturer that will
enable
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to offerinto
innovative product
a strate gic designs,
alliance with aconsistency in manufacturing
globa l manufacturer that will
excellence
enable us toand an innovative
offer expanded line of environmentally
product friendly
des igns, consistency products beyond
in manufacturing
flush valves.
excellence Weanare
and now Delany
expanded line ofProducts.
environmentally friendly products beyond
flush valves. We are now Delany Prod ucts.
Our new vision and strategy will allow us to personalize our service to the
unique
Our new needs of and
vision our strate
customers.
gy willGoing
allow forward,
us to persowe are committed
nalize our service toto providing
the
the unwavering
unique needs of high quality personal
our customers. Go ingservice
forward,that
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committedhave
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expect and to depend
the unwavering upon. We
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nal forward to serving
ser vice that you as have
our customers part of our to
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extended
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to depe nd upon. W e look forw ard to serving you as part of our
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Changing for the better Wo rking to be the best

Delany Products P.O. Box 411 Charlottesville, VA 22902 Tel: (434) 296-0166 Fax: (434) 977-3596
www.delanyproducts.com
Circle 23 on Reader Reply Form on page 65
Solar Solutions
Continued from page 34
vention of boiler operation is where the solar savings comes from.
Auxiliary Backup Only
When there is no solar heat, the hydronic boiler operates the
same way a conventional heating system works. The DHW
aquastat AQ keeps the hot water tank up to shower tempera-
ture, and the Stage 2 switch in each room thermostat keeps the
rooms at a minimum comfort level using the boiler.
Solar Preheat
During partly sunny weather, the solar collector pump will run
on Photovoltaic power. This will circulate warm glycol through
the heat exchanger on the primary loop. If water is circulating
around the primary loop, it is preheated by the solar heat
exchanger before reaching the boiler. The boiler provides the
final temperature boost. The internal aquastat that controls the
boiler temperature can be set to the lowest required temperature
to give priority to solar heat.
Solar Only
When the solar glycol loop temperature exceeds the low-limit
settings in the Tekmar controls, the boiler is shut off, and both
water heating and floor heating will continue using solar heat
only. The floors will continue to heat up until the room ther-
mostats reach the Stage 1 high limit. The DHW tank will con-
tinue to heat up until it reaches the high limit setting in the
Tekmar solar water tank control. If all the solar heating loads are
at their high-limit, the heat dissipation control keeps the collec-
tor from overheating by using cool fluid from the floor to main-
tain a safe collector temperature. If the sun sets or cloudy weath-
er causes the solar loop to cool off below the solar low limit, the
Circle 24 on Reader Reply Form on page 65
Page 36/Plumbing Engineer
solar-only functions will stop, and the boiler will be allowed to
take over.
Common optional control functions
All of the following options have been designed and installed
on local Combi solar heating systems in our area. Each requires
some additional thought and explanation to wire it properly into
an integrated control box. All of these options have been suc-
cessfully installed many times using the flow center piping as
shown in Figure 1, along with temperature controls and relays
added to the Basic 101 system. This approach allows piping
modules and control modules to be added together with a mini-
mum of redesign.
Wireless 2-Stage Room Thermostats for difficult retrofits.
Programmable 2 Stage thermostat set points, differentials
and deadbands.
Larger heat storage tanks with storage in and storage out
controls.
Baseboard zones (do not require 2 Stage room stats).
Pool or Spa solar heating (Similar to a low temp. solar water
tank.)
Solar only switch for room heat, DHW, or whole house heat.
Night tank cooling through the solar panels.
Night floor cooling through the solar panels.
Solar heat dissipation using pools, ice melt zones or other
controlled heat sinks.
Additional collector cooling fins or panels.
Web interactive tstats that can be operated from any remote
computer.
Data logging and BTU meters for recording solar heat and
energy flow.
Flow Center Control Systems are evolving
If there is one thing you may have gathered from this article,
it is that there are a lot of control decisions to be made by a Solar
Combi control system. Some of the control decisions are condi-
tional or multi-layered, and the architecture of the components
and the wiring can be complicated. I have often wished for a sin-
gle control box that allowed all of these control decisions to be
easily modified and installed.
In the past year I decided to stop waiting for a better solar
home control, and develop one locally. So, with two other part-
ners, we have formed a new company Solar Logic LLC which is
developing a Control Center for the Flow Center Combi. This
control box is known as the Solar Logic Integrated Controller
(SLIC) and our first prototypes are in operation in our solar home
heating laboratory. This control system is capable of implement-
ing all the Basic functions along with all the optional features
mentioned above. Web access will be a standard feature of the
SLIC control box and we are operating the prototypes entirely by
remote control. While we continue to build control boxes full of
relays at the present time, I believe those days are numbered.
Bristol Stickney, partner and technical director at Cedar
Mountain Solar Systems in Santa Fe, N.M., has been designing,
manufacturing, engineering, repairing and installing solar hydron-
ic heating systems for more than 30 years. He holds a Bachelor of
Science in Mechanical Engineering and is a licensed mechanical
contractor in New Mexico. He is the chief technical officer for
SolarLogic LLC and is involved in training programs for solar
heating professionals (visit www.cedarmountainsolar.com for more
training information.)
The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of
the author and do not reflect those of Plumbing Engineer nor its
publisher, TMB Publishing.
September 2009
The One Mark You Want to See
The CSA mark on plumbing products is all the assurance you need that those products meet U.S.
and Canadian standards. You can specify, install, and accept products with confidence when you
see the CSA mark. Because no other testing laboratory can match the knowledge, experience, and
qualifications of CSA International.

CSA International has earned accreditation and recognition from ANSI, HUD, IAS, NIST/NVLAP, OSHA
and SCC. We test and certify plumbing products to applicable North American standards and codes,
including those published by ANSI, ASSE, IAPMO, CSA, ASME, ASTM, and NSF. And we are knowledgeable
and experienced with IPC and UPC requirements. No one is more knowledgeable of the standards,
and no one is more experienced in testing and certifying plumbing products than CSA International.

The Mark of Leadership

CSA marks are found on products from the industrys leading manufacturers products found on the
shelves of North Americas major retail chains and inventoried by product distributors coast to coast.
But we define leadership more broadly than that. Thats why CSA International is also at the forefront
of important industry initiatives to simplify testing and certification, and make it easier for you to identify
products that meet standards for safety, performance, and health effects.

Learn More
Learn more about CSA International, certification services,
CSA marks, and the products that display them. Visit us at
www.csa-international.org for listings of products certified by
CSA International. Or call toll free: 1-866-797-4272.

Circle 25 on Reader Reply Form on page 65

Global Offices and Laboratories: Atlanta, GA Charlotte, NC Chicago, IL Cleveland, OH Dallas, TX Los Angeles, CA
Nashville, TN Edmonton, AB Montreal, PQ Toronto, ON Vancouver, BC Arnhem, the Netherlands Bangalore, India
Hong Kong, China Guangzhou, China Shanghai, China Seoul, Republic of Korea Tokyo, Japan
2009 IPC Calls on Advanced Mixing
Devices to Better Protect End Users
By Peter Gobis III
N
ow that more than half of the U.S. has adopted the
2009 International Plumbing Code (IPC) at the
state level, and about another dozen states admin-
ister the code at the local level, understanding how to
comply with water mixing devices has become a hot topic.
According to the 2009 IPC, tempered water for non-res-
idential occupancies shall be supplied for bathing and
washing purposes. The code specifically mandates the
delivery of tempered water with a device that limits water
temperature to a maximum of 110F.
The portion of the code pertaining to public hand
washing applications is particularly drawing discussion
because it marks a major shift in temperature control
requirements. All public sinks must now use an ASSE
1070 device to limit final temperature. How one inter-
prets the code and installs 1070 devices can differ, how-
ever: Some inspectors interpret the code and prefer that a
3/8" point-of-use valve is used for each sink, whereas oth-
ers deem that a " or " unit for a bank of lavatories is
adequate.
Either of these approaches can work, and they are both
vast improvements over installing a mechanical mixer that
does not have an internal thermostatic device to make
Page 38/Plumbing Engineer
modifications for incoming temperature changes. Stricter
guidelines and code enforcement are intended to better
safeguard end users in public hand washing applications,
which will continue to drive significant increases in point-
of-use products however professionals choose to com-
ply with the code.
ASSE 1016 for showers
Shower applications are also greatly affected by the
code change. The IPC now requires ASSE 1016 devices
that regulate water temperature and/or pressure.
There are currently three shower valve classifications
for 1016. The first is a Type T thermostatic valve that
compensates for 20% changes in supply pressures to
maintain a desired output temperature and also compen-
sates for fluctuations in inlet supply temperatures. When
the valve senses decreases in cold temperature, for exam-
ple, it will adjust the incoming hot water to maintain the
desired temperature.
The second type, a pressure-balanced Type P shower
valve, senses changes in the incoming pressure. These
valves are engineered to respond to 50% changes in water
pressure in five seconds or less to maintain the correct out-
put temperature within +/-3.6F.
The Type T/P combined thermostatic and pressure-bal-
September 2009

anced shower valve is the final type. This is a single valve
that has to meet both temperature and pressure require-
ments. Previously, Type T/P valves needed two mecha-
nisms: one to respond to temperature, and another for
pressure. Technological improvements have produced
valves capable of meeting and exceeding temperature and
pressure requirements of ASSE 1016. The Type T/P valve
now uses a single mechanism to meet the dual listings of
the T and P valves, which is more cost effective than hav-
ing two different devices.
The Type T/P valve is an emerging market. More spec-
ifications are calling for these valves, and demand for
these products is on the rise. One reason for T/P valves
rise in popularity is safety. A combination shower valve
that is listed to Types T and P is more capable of provid-
ing the highest level of protection for end-users against
harmful temperature and pressure fluctuations.
Another reason is maintenance, or lack thereof: Master
mixing valves in the field are sometimes not maintained
properly. An ASSE 1017-listed master mixer is typically
the first valve used to temper water from the boiler as it
goes through a domestic hot water loop to showers and
lavatories. If that master mixer is not maintained regular-
ly, it may impair the integrity of the valve and prohibit it
from performing properly. Although in principle, a facili-
Plumbing Engineer
ty has multiple valves operating to safeguard people in
different instances, individuals could still be exposed to
poorly tempered water conditions if valves are not main-
tained properly. A T/P listed shower valve is a viable last
line of defense for end-users.
ASSE 1017: Scalding and Legionella protection
The dangers of scalding are commonly known, and the
IPC addresses scalding prevention by stating that shower
and combination valves need to be equipped with a means
to limit the temperature setting to 120F. City or state ordi-
nances may differ for nursing homes and other specialized
facilities. In these settings, code variations often push this
limit down to the 105F-115F range.
The dangers of scalding are commonly
known, and the IPC addresses scalding
prevention by stating that shower and
combination valves need to be equipped
with a means to limit the temperature
setting to 120F.
For ASSE 1017 master mixers, there are different tem-
perature tolerances to which valves need to adhere,
depending on the amount of flow through the valve. For
valves that are 3-5 gpm, the permissible temperature vari-
ation is +/-3F; for 5-40 gpm valves, it is +/-5F; and for
valves in excess of 40 gpm, the range is +/-7F.
Maintaining the tightest possible temperature tolerance
range is important to protect individuals. Especially when
the facility is experiencing low system demands, it is crit-
ical to offer end-users the tightest possible tolerance to
safeguard them from exposure to thermal shock.
Plumbing engineers, however, should also be con-
cerned with Legionella. Legionnaires disease is a type of
pneumonia bacteria that is present in many water systems.
To help combat this deadly disease, typically boilers and
other hot water sources store water at 140F to kill
Legionella bacteria, as it dies after 32 minutes of expo-
sure. Because this water is much too hot to send through
the system, facilities need an ASSE 1017 master mixer to
temper water to a safer temperature (in the 120F range).
The 2009 IPC has put forth stricter regulations for pro-
tecting the public, and numerous mixing valves have
advanced technologically to the point where they can pro-
vide better safeguards.
Peter Gobis III is the national sales manager for
Leonard Valve Company in Cranston, R.I., which has
manufactured thermostatic water mixing valves since
1913, Leonard Valve Company has been the quality leader
in the manufacture of thermostatic water mixing valves.
For more information, call (800) 222-1208, e-mail:
info@leonardvalve.com or visit: www.leonardvalve.com.
September 2009/Page 39
Optimizing Solar Contribution

Solar site
selectors an ideal
accompaniment
for computer
simulations
can be used to
anticipate shading.

By Chris Lawton

S
olar radiation, the earths most abundant energy sup-
ply, falls for us free from the sky every day. There
are many ways to make use of this energy: for exam-
ple, we already use it to light our buildings, grow our
plants and even obtain a suntan. But solar radiation also
can be used to provide both hot water and electricity to
supplement more traditional energy sources.
The equipment designed to collect solar radiation is
fixed onto the outside of our buildings, either flat (hori-
zontal) or more often pitched up to best face towards the
sun. The two main forms of collectors found on roofs are
for water heating (solar thermal) and photovoltaic (solar
electricity). The increasing problem in todays crowded
buildings is firstly finding the best position to fit solar col-
lectors and secondly deciding which of these two tech-
nologies gets priority.
The advent of 3D animated shading in photovoltaic
The fight for roof space grows more significant every
computer simulations now greatly enhances the design
year, not only as equipment becomes more affordable and experience.
hence larger but also because optimum locations are first
occupied by other equipment. This can include roof sky- shadows causing significant losses. Shading also occurs
lights but also flues, extract ducts, air conditioning and from objects such as trees, other buildings and hills. These
aerials. Such equipment not only reduces the available are particularly prominent when the sun is low in the sky
roof area but also can cast shadows that reduce the perfor- such as during winter or at high latitudes.
mance of solar equipment. Shading has a particularly
Continued on page 42
strong effect on photovoltaic modules with even small
Page 40/Plumbing Engineer September 2009
 "
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Circle 26 on Reader Reply Form on page 65

Solar Energy
Continued from page 40

In order to correctly position solar col-

lectors, consideration must be given to the
daily sun path between sunrise and sunset.
This sun path also alters seasonally accord-
ing to the latitude of the location. There are
also local climatic conditions to consider
where perhaps morning mists or afternoon
thunderstorms predominate. It is worth not-
ing that particular collector types react dif-
ferently to the suns constantly changing
position. In some cases, automatic tracking
devices are used to improve performance
by altering the collectors to always face in
the optimum direction. This affects what is
known as the angle of incidence of the Mapping out the best use of a roof area
beam solar radiation onto the collector. allows for rapid calculation of total energy
Solar radiation in fact falls onto collectors output from each hour of the year.
by one of three routes: beam radiation in tion software to work out
a straight line from the sun; diffuse from all points in the the best use of a given
atmosphere; and a proportion that is reflected from other roof area. This allows for rapid calculation of the total
surfaces (called the albedo). During a typical day, not annual energy output from each hour of the year, as well
only is the total radiation changing but so is as easy comparisons of all the options. Good quality pro-
the proportion of these three types. Some collectors use grams allow for comparison between different brands of
mirrors and tubular absorbers to improve the performance equipment and user load profiles. Separate programs are
of a collector through a longer arc of the suns path.
Professional solar engineers now use computer simula- Continued on page 44

Circle 27 on Reader Reply Form on page 65

Plumbing Engineer September 2009/Page 42

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rm
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for public restrooms in restaurants, gas stations, healthcare facilities, shopping centers,
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These new products are designed and manufactured to the high quality standards
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Circle 28 on Reader Reply Form on page 65

Solar Energy
Continued from page 42
used for solar water heating and pho-
tovoltaics because they are two fun-
damentally different technologies.
For example, the conversion efficien-
cy of solar radiation to thermal occurs
at a much higher rate than it does for
conversion to electricity. Also, heat is
usually stored in water, whereas elec-
tricity is either sold straight to the
utility grid or stored in batteries. It is
important not to underestimate the
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as specified in ANSI Z358.1. This model incorpo-
rates an instantaneous water heater that provides
tepid flushing fluid as required in section 5.4.6.
Circle 29 on Reader Reply Form on page 65
Page 44/Plumbing Engineer
effect of changing loads on domestic
hot water heating or the existence of
a surplus feed-in tariff for electricity.
The user may indicate a desire to alter
their patterns of use to optimize solar
contribution; however, it is unlikely
that this will be retained through staff
or ownership changes. Professional
simulation software can visualize
each of these situations and present a
clear interpretation to clients.
p [ 800 ] 591 | 9372
info@acornsafety.com
www.acornsafety.com
The accuracy of any simulation
model depends strongly on the accu-
racy of the data entered into the pro-
gram. To increase confidence in sim-
ulation results, any engineer should
be prepared to reveal their assump-
tions for scrutiny to allow double-
checking. The assumed climate data
has particular importance for both
solar radiation and ambient tempera-
tures, and it is always best to use cer-
tified collector values when using
computer simulations for clients.
Most engineers use a long-term aver-
age data set from the last 20 years
from a trusted and published source.
Where a roof becomes crowded,
the more efficient solar products are
likely to be prioritized in order to give
the smallest foot-print. Computer
simulations will anticipate the best
overall total energy production to dis-
place conventional energy sources.
An on-site tool such as a solar site
selector is used to anticipate any shad-
ing an ideal accompaniment for
computer simulations. These allow
for real-time analysis of any site using
a template and viewfinder, the results
of which can then be recorded digital-
ly. Generally speaking, if both solar
water heating and photovoltaics col-
lectors are being used, the priority
goes to the latter if this permits avoid-
ing shading.
The advent of 3D animated shading
in photovoltaic computer simulations
now greatly enhances the design expe-
rience and sets a new benchmark in
the industry. With professional simula-
tion software, the solar industry can
move forward with technological
advances in equipment and provide
high quality support to design engi-
neers. Training packages are available
to assist familiarization with these
new developments.
Chris Laughton is
the managing
director of UK-
based The Solar
Design Company,
The Solar Design
Company is offer-
ing free trials of
T*SOL and
PV*SOL solar simulation software
available to download from its web-
site: www.solardesign.co.uk.
September 2009
 ZZZ
PLI
DE
FRP





Circle 30 on Reader Reply Form on page 65
PRODUCT APPLICATION
Apartment complex banks on solar

L
ocated in the northern California town of San advantage of incentives, return on investment (ROI) for
Rafael is Centertown, the affordable 60-unit apart- the solar hot water system will be just more than nine
ment complex built by non-profit housing develop- years at the current price level for natural gas.
ers BRIDGE and EAH Housing, with well over 13,000 With a life expectancy of 25 years or more, Centertown
homes to their names. In January 2008, when management can expect many years of reliable performance, helping to
decided to install solar hot water at Centertown, they save not only money, but also the environment.
called Sun Light & Power (a certified Heliodyne trade
ally, known as a Helio-Partner) to have them install a System description
Heliodyne system. Sleek Heliodyne GOBI 410 solar collector panels line
After reviewing the energy requirements for the build- the roof of Centertown for optimum solar exposure. There
ing, they installed a system (comprised of 14 Heliodyne are a total of three arrays: two 5-collector arrays, and one
GOBI 410 collectors, divided into three separate arrays) 4-collector array, totalling 14 collectors. Inside each col-
which now provides hot water for all 60 apartment units.
The system uses a heat exchanger to transfer the heat from
the collectors to the solar storage tank which provides hot
water to the residents.
Back-up heating was also taken into consideration (for
times when there is little or no sun) by using 3 existing gas
water heaters.
Because the apartment complex is owned by a non-
profit organization with no tax liability, the 30% federal
tax credit could not be utilized. However, even without the

Numbers at a glance

System cost (equipment + labor) $51,000

Total therms billed 2007 (before system installation)
9078 therms*
Total therms billed 2008 (after system installation)
5827 therms*
Expected average annual utility savings $5,364
Expected average therms/year saved 3,000
Equivalent annual output 39,379 kWh
Equivalent annual CO2 reduction 47,255 lbs.
lector are thin metal tubes filled with a special non-toxic
solar fluid. When heated, the solar fluid is circulated from
the collectors through a heat exchanger, which transfers
that heat to an 800 gallon solar storage tank filled with
water.
For more information, www.heliodyne.com.

Page 46/Plumbing Engineer September 2009

Circle 31 on Reader Reply Form on page 65
Patents properly protecting plumbing products
By Tim Engling
W
ith all the time, resources and effort put into
developing plumbing products, you certainly
want to prevent your inventions and designs
from being copied. Patents, either utility or design, can do
just that. The patent office grants exclusive property rights
to inventors in exchange for disclosing their inventions. A
common misconception is that patents grant the right to
make a product, but actually, they grant the right to exclude
others from making, using, offering, selling or importing
inventions covered by the patent.
It is important to understand the differences between
utility patents and design patents to ensure that the proper
ornamental or structural aspects are protected.
Utility patents
Typically thought of as a patent, a utility patent may
be granted to anyone who invents or discovers any new
and useful process, machine, article of manufacture, or
composition of matter, or any new and useful improve-
ment of those items. Structural and functional aspects of
new plumbing devices might be protected as long as they
are novel and non-obvious.
Design patents
A design patent protects the new, original, ornamental
Page 48/Plumbing Engineer
appearance of a design of an article of manufacture.
Ornamental aspects of new plumbing products may be
protected as long as similar or obvious designs are not
already known. A design patent does not protect function-
al aspects or the idea itself. Such functional aspects
would have to be protected by a utility patent.
After a patent is granted, the terms and fee requirements
are different. Generally, the term of a new utility patent is
20 years from the filing date of the application, or some-
times, from the filing date of an earlier related application,
subject to paying three maintenance fees at 3.5, 7.5 and
11.5 years. No maintenance fees are due for U.S. design
patents, which last 14 years from issuance.
While it may take a year for a U.S. design patent to
issue, utility patents often take longer and are also typi-
cally more involved and expensive.
The scope of patents is determined by their claims. For
a utility patent, its claims are interpreted and compared
with a potentially infringing device to analyze coverage.
The scope of design patent protection is somewhat nar-
rower, in which an ordinary observer must view the design
as substantially the same to be deceived and induced into
purchasing the copy thinking that it is the original.
The term patent pending or patented is a barrier for
Continued on page 50
September 2009
Circle 32 on Reader Reply Form on page 65
Plumbing Patents
Continued from page 48
others entering the market or at least
from copying the invention or the
exact design. To design around a
patent, some element, limitation or
sometimes equivalent in the claimed
invention must be avoided. But small
changes in appearance can some-
times avoid a design patent.
Circle 33 on Reader Reply Form on page 65
Page 50/Plumbing Engineer
Patentability searches
A preferred initial step, a
patentability search can identify
whether filing an application is war-
ranted. A patentability search
includes analyzing prior art to see
what similar devices exist. Such
searching is not required to file either
a utility or design patent application,
but it may be useful in determining
whether bathroom or kitchen designs
are new or non-obvious over the
existing art. Searches are more typi-
cal for utility patents than design
patents. Patentability searches and
opinions may help in determining the
scope of potential protection, prepar-
ing patent claims, and providing prior
art to disclose to the patent office as
part of filing an application.
Prompt filing may be important to
preserve rights in the U.S. and other
countries
Factors other than existing prior art
may preclude the availability of
patent protection. For example, by
statute, patent protection is not avail-
able in the U.S. for an invention that
was sold, offered for sale, or in pub-
lic use in the U.S. more than one year
prior to the filing date of a U.S. patent
application, or that was described in a
printed publication anywhere in the
world before the invention or more
than one year prior to the filing date
of a patent application. Thus, sale,
use or publication of the invention
may preclude patents.
Similarly, patent protection in
other countries may be precluded if
the invention was publicly divulged
prior to the actual filing date of a
patent application in that country, or
prior to the earliest claimable priority
date. Ideally, an application should be
filed before invention is made known
to maintain absolute novelty before
disclosure and sale.
In conclusion, patents are useful
tools to protect rights in plumbing
products. Utility and design patents
protect different, but significant,
aspects of new inventions.
Tim Engling assists clients in ana-
lyzing, securing, protecting, manag-
ing and enforcing their intellectual
property rights, including copyright,
trademark, patent, various designs,
trade secret, and related rights. He is
a registered U.S. patent attorney and
is authorized to practice trademark
law in the U.S. and Canada. He has
helped clients obtain and protect
intellectual property rights through-
out the world. He can be reached at
engling@millercanfield.com.
September 2009
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Circle 34 on Reader Reply Form on page 65

The ENERGY STAR
water heater way
...benefiting the
By Kara Rodgers
S
uddenly, its simple to identify energy efficient water
heaters. Contractors and specifiers just have to keep an
eye out for the familiar ENERGY STAR logo.
Energy efficient water heaters have been available for quite
some time, but it was the beginning of this year when the
ENERGY STAR label for residential water heaters (which
can be used for light commercial) came into effect. The
ENERGY STAR logo makes highly efficient water heaters
recognizable to consumers who value the financial and envi-
ronmental benefits that energy efficiency can provide.
ENERGY STAR, a joint program of the U.S. Department
of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA), has been around since 1992. It is a voluntary
labeling program designed to identify and promote energy-
efficient products to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As
such, it relies on manufacturers and energy experts working
together to reduce air pollution through efficiency by bring-
ing ENERGY STAR products to consumers.
ENERGY STAR qualified products save energy and
money and are of the same caliber or even better quality than
non-ENERGY STAR qualified products. According to the
annual survey of ENERGY STAR brand awareness, three
quarters of the consumers surveyed recognized the ENERGY
STAR label and nearly two thirds of households surveyed
associated the ENERGY STAR label with energy savings.
It is obvious why a homeowner would be interested in
an ENERGY STAR water heater: water heating can
account for 15 percent of a homes total energy bill sec-
ond only to cooling and heating your home. DOE esti-
mates that the average consumer will spend $360 to $505
annually heating water, though this amount will vary
depending on local utility rates and how individual home-
owners use hot water. ENERGY STAR qualified water
heaters are expected to save consumers from $26 per year
up to $277 per year, depending on what kind of ENERGY
Page 52/Plumbing Engineer
environment
STAR water heater is chosen. ENERGY STAR qualified
water heaters could save end users across the nation
approximately $823 million in utility costs over the next
five years. Plus, they could help to reduce carbon dioxide
emissions by 4.2 million tons over the same time period.
The ENERGY STAR program encompasses a wide
variety of water heaters, giving homeowners a number of
options. The conditions in individual homes can vary, so
some water heaters may be ideal for some homes and not
for others. Be sure to follow manufacturers instructions
when installing ENERGY STAR qualified water heaters,
and make it a point to discuss what the installation will
entail with homeowners before you start the job. A little
bit of time spent with homeowners up front to make sure
that they are buying the right ENERGY STAR water
heater for their homes and habits is likely to leave both
installers and homeowners more satisfied with the job.
Wholesalers and installers also have clear reasons to
appreciate the ENERGY STAR program. Because it is so
widely recognized by consumers, the new ENERGY
STAR labels make it easy for a contractor to get a conver-
sation started with a homeowner.
North West Climate Controls, Inc. is one of the HVAC
contractors within Puget Sound Energys (PSE) service
territory area in Washington State. Matt Painter, president
of North West Climate Controls, has found ENERGY
STAR qualified water heaters to be an important addition
to the available water heater options.
North West Climate Controls, Inc, believes that con-
sumers have come to recognize and trust the ENERGY STAR
label and seek to purchase equipment with the logo because
of their knowledge of these products, commented Matt.
Financial savings, in conjunction with tax credits, are a great
incentive and motivator for a consumer to purchase new, ener-
Continued on page 54
September 2009
Circle 35 on Reader Reply Form on page 65
Energy Star
Continued from page 52
gy savings appliances. Customer satis-
faction is achieved in added comfort in
the home, lower energy bills, and mon-
etary credits and rebates being an addi-
tional bonus.
Some local utility companies offer
incentives to installers who success-
fully install an ENERGY STAR qual-
ified water heater for a consumer.
Other utilities may offer rebates to
consumers that could help plumbing
and HVAC professionals close the
sale. Visit www.eswaterheaters.org to
find a list of rebates offered by utility
and state energy efficiency programs.
Being knowledgeable about the
most recent industry changes, techno-
logical advancements, federal tax
credits, and the ideal water heater for
the end users needs will position
installers to become trusted experts in
the customers eyes.
Displaying ENERGY STAR water
heaters in a showroom can also help
the homeowner feel confident with
the available options. As the survey
data from the ENERGY STAR
awareness survey indicates, con-
sumers recognize and understand
what the label represents. One of the
hardest steps in the sales process
educating the customer is made
easier. The next step will be to help
determine which type of ENERGY
STAR water heater is right for that
homeowners unique situation.
Five categories of residential water
heaters are eligible for the ENERGY
STAR program, each with their own
specific requirements to qualify. The
Department of Energy established
criteria that took effect January 1,
2009 for whole-home gas tankless,
high-performance gas storage, resi-
dential gas condensing, drop-in or
integrated heat pump and solar ther-
mal ENERGY STAR qualified water
heaters. Currently, whole home gas
tankless and high-performance gas
storage are the most widely available
in the U.S. market.
Some ENERGY STAR qualified
water heaters may be eligible for a
federal income tax credit. For details
on the availability of tax credits for
ENERGY STAR water heaters and
other energy efficiency measures,
including which ENERGY STAR
water heaters qualify for a U.S. feder-
al tax credit, please visit www.ener
gystar.gov/taxcredits.
After the launch of the ENERGY
STAR program for water heaters, the
Consortium for Energy Efficiency
(CEE) has established the Coalition for
ENERGY STAR Water Heaters. This
campaign is dedicated to providing
contractors and end users with the
resources and education they need to
select the most energy-efficient water
heater to meet their individual needs.
Coalition sponsors include energy effi-
ciency program administrators and
water heater manufacturers, in partner-
ship with the U.S. Department of
Energy and Natural Resources Canada.
To learn more about energy effi-
ciency in water heaters, visit
www.eswaterheaters.org.
Kara Rodgers is
senior program
manager for the
Consortium for
Energy Efficiency.

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Page 54/Plumbing Engineer September 2009

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Circle 37 on Reader Reply Form on page 65
Letters to the Editor
Dear Editor
I appreciate columnist Ron Georges mention of the
International Code Councils green construction code initiative
for commercial buildings in his column Green building codes
and standards in the July issue of Plumbing Engineer. However,
I must take exception to the statement: Not to be left in the dust
the model building code organizations and some standards writ-
ing organizations have jumped on the green bandwagon .
Yes, the International Code Council is creating an
International Green Construction Code (IGCC), which will
reduce energy usage and the carbon footprint of commercial
buildings. But we are not jumping on the bandwagon. The
International Code Council has been a leader in the development
of green model codes for more than 30 years. In response to the
1973 energy crisis, model energy codes were developed to
address the design of energy-efficient buildings and the installa-
tion of energy efficient mechanical, lighting and power-systems.
In 1976, the Councils legacy groups developed the Model Code
for Energy Conservation in New Building Construction, which
became the foundation for the International Energy
Conservation Code (IECC) first published in 1998. Today, 42
states and Washington, D.C., enforce an edition of the IECC at
the state or local level. The 2009 IECC will produce approxi-
mately 15% in energy efficiency gains compared to the 2006 edi-
tion, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Richard P. Weiland, CEO
International Code Council.
Ron,
I read your Plumbing Engineer article online What are safe
hot water temperatures? which recommended setting a water
heater at 140F and installing an ASSE 1017 master mixing valve
to deliver 120F water to the plumbing system. My question to
you is: How can you have a recirculating pump maintaining a
120F loop fed from a valve off of a 140F hot water heater that
has to mix in cold water to deliver the 120F water to the loop
when there is no water usage occurring off of the loop? Cold
water cannot be added to a system that is using no water but you
still want to maintain 120F available to your fixtures.
Dale Redhage, P.E.
BIS Frucon Engineering Inc.
Mechanical Engineer
Dale,
You ask a good question. The correct way is to pipe the HWR
to a tee after the circulating pump and associated valves and
trim. Split the flow in two pipes. One goes to the cold water inlet
of the water heater (include a balancing valve) the other goes to
Page 56/Plumbing Engineer
the cold water inlet of the thermostatic mixing valve or the recir-
culation connection of the mixing valve. I submitted this as a
code change to the international plumbing code several years
ago and it needs to be submitted to the UPC. The 100 to 110
degree HWR mixes with the 140 degree hot water at the mixing
valve to deliver 120 degree HW. See the sketch. (Courtesy of
Symmons)
Ron
Follow up question:
Our understanding is that if we're feeding multiple sinks and
showers from the 120F recirculating loop we would then need to
put individual ASSE 1070 valves set to 110F at these fixtures
(individually or possibly a few fixtures together on one valve?)
to comply with IPC 2006. If we set the loop in your diagram to
110F instead of 120F does this comply with the code if individ-
ual ASSE valves are not installed at the fixtures? In other words,
does setting this loop at 110F with no additional valves comply
with the code requirements?
Thanks again,
Dale
Dale,
There are only three places in the 2009 International
Plumbing code that reference ASSE 1070 and they are listed
below:
408.3 Bidet water temperature. The discharge water tempera-
ture from a bidet fitting shall be limited to a maximum tempera-
ture of 110F (43C) by a water temperature limiting device con-
forming to ASSE 1070.
416.5 Tempered water for public hand-washing facilities.
Tempered water shall be delivered from public hand-washing
facilities. Tempered water shall be delivered through an
approved water-temperature limiting device that conforms to
ASSE 1070 or CSA B125.3.
424.5 Bathtub and whirlpool bathtub valves. The hot water
supplied to bathtubs and whirlpool bathtubs shall be limited to a
maximum temperature of 120F (49C) by a water-temperature
limiting device that conforms to ASSE 1070 or CSA B125.3,
except where such protection is otherwise provided by a combi-
nation tub/shower valve in accordance with Section 424.3.
I am not aware of any code requirement for ASSE 1070 for
showers or sinks/showers require an ASSE 1016 device or an ASSE
1069 device. Sinks currently have no temperature limits or tem-
perature control requirements. The installation would comply with
section 415.5 for public hand-washing if the master mixing valve
serving the loop was an ASSE 1017/1070 valve. (The ASSE 1070
valve has tighter temperature tolerances) Please be advised there
are some states like Michigan that have amended the code to
require an individual ASSE 1070 valves at each fixture even though
the standard clearly states the devices are for individual fixtures or
a group of fixtures. There are manufacturers that have a dual list-
ings on their valves.Off the top of my head I cannot recall which
ones.You will need to do some research on a few manufacturers
websites. Try these manufacturers: Symmons, Armstrong-Rada,
Powers, Speakman, to see which models have the flow capacity
you need to handle the shower demand and the low flow (circulat-
ed flow rate) and have the dual listing.
Good luck,
Ron
September 2009
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Letters to the Editor
Fire Sprinkler Design Part 1
Sam, thank you for addressing this
subject. I think this is one of the first arti-
cles in a magazine I have seen that has
directly addressed sprinkler design in a
step by step manner. In your list of items
that should be addressed, I believe you
also should mention the construction type
of the building and the products being
protected for storage designs.
As a plans examiner I have received
sprinkler plans months after the building
plans have been approved and in some
cases for buildings that have not had sprin-
klers installed. I have received plans from
contractors that fail to indicate, on the plans,
the construction type since they are working
from a master set of building drawings that
makes it the construction type clear or they
have been to the building and know with
what they are dealing. I have no idea what
construction type the building is, and to do
a compressive review, I need to know the
construction type (fire resistive-non fire
resistive, combustible-non combustible, etc.
or use the IBC or NFPA classifications).
Another area that needs to be
addressed is the design of systems that
protect storage. The type of commodity,
storage height, packaging, and the design
criteria being used, has to be on the plans
with an explanation of the concepts used
for determining the design when the
above is not known (spec buildings).
Respectfully,
Dave Baird, CFPE, FPO 1
Plan Reviewer, Fire Protection Specialist
Office of the State Fire Marshal
Chicago
Dave,
Your comments are very good and will
definitely be items that get more attention
in future articles I plan to write.
Regards, Sam

Sam, I enjoyed reading your article Are

sprinklers required? in the July 2009 edi-
tion of Plumbing Engineer. One thing that
caught my attention was trade-offs.
During my tenure at the National Fire
Sprinkler Association we used the phrase
trade-up, which was coined by Gene
Endthoff, as I understand it. It has been my
opinion that trade-off was somewhat nega-
tive or neutral for sprinklers. Whereas, trade-
up is more positive for sprinklers. The trade-
up concept helps to highlight the sprinkler
advantage which goes beyond the issues you
described such as height and area, interior
finish, travel distance, etc. The sprinkler
advantage includes reduction in life and
property losses, insurance savings, econom-
Out of Sight... ic impacts, loss of employment/wages, etc.
As a sprinkler proponent I like the phrase

Out of Mind. trade-up to the sprinkler advantage.

Robert Trotter, CBO, CFM
Manager, Sr. Life Safety Specialist
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc.
Nashville, Tenn.
The Industry Standard in Valve Protection
The German Diaries (June 2009)
John, I enjoyed reading The German
HOT BOX complies with ASSE 1060 Certification for our entire
Diaries. My wife and I were privileged to
product line. Included are all standard models of the HOT BOX , visit Germany in early March with a group
LOK BOX , VALVE GUARD , HOT ROK and EZ BOX lines. HOT BOX of U.S. manufacturers and salespeople. The
stated purpose of the trip was to visit ISH,
and LOK BOX are certified up through the dual 10" OS&Y enclosure but it turned out to be a largely social affair.
for units with strainers - the HB10EDS. Contact our office with In fact, I was so exhausted after tromping
through ISH the first day that my wife and I
any questions about the ASSE 1060 Standards, or to request copies
stayed in Heidelberg, and did not accompa-
of our certifications. ny the group to Frankfurt the second day.
From your description, I think your group
and ours ate at some of the same places!
Germany was very interesting and the
hot-box.com
800.736.0238 hotboxsales@hps.hubbell.com people were friendly. We had never been
to Europe, but would go back in a heart-
beat. Thanks for reminding me of our trip!
Thomas RR Manz, CPD
Sr. Mechanical Designer
LABELLA Associates, P.C.
Circle 38 on Reader Reply Form on page 65
Rochester, N.Y.
Page 58/Plumbing Engineer September 2009
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Industry Movers
Eemax announces new president & CEO
OxFORD, CONN. Eemax, Inc., a manufacturer of com-
mercial and residential electric tankless heaters, has
appointed Kevin M. Ruppelt president and CEO.
Ruppelt replaces Dave Corrado, who will stay with
Eemax as an outside director.
During his 26-year executive career with General
Electric, Ruppelt last served as GM for
the Water and Energy Management
within GEs Consumer and Industrial
business. His other positions at GE
included engineering, quality control,
production planning, warranty manage-
ment, international distribution, call
center, sales & inventory planning,
interactive marketing, eBusiness, and
Ruppelt product management.
Elkhart Brass names regional sales manager
ELKHART, IND. Elkhart Brass announced that Robert
Dornseif (Rob) has accepted the position of regional sales
manager for its Mideast territory region, which includes
Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio.
IAPMO elects Chair to NCPCCI Board
ONTARIO, CALIF. The International Association of
Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) announced
that Terrence Leppellere, IAPMO director of member ser-
vices, has been elected to serve a two-year term as
Chairman of the National Certification Program of
Construction Code Inspectors (NCPCCI) Board of
Governors. Leppellere is a charter member of the NCPC-
CI Board of Directors and previously served as its chair-
man from 1988-89.
Leppellere, then manager of Training and Education with
Building Officials and Code Administrators (BOCA),
helped draft the NCPCCI bylaws and served on the Board
until 1993. He rejoined the Board again last December.
Fluidmaster announces CMO
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CALIF.
Fluidmaster, a global manufacturer of
toilet tank valves and fluid management
solutions, has appointed Robert Roth as
its new chief marketing officer (CMO).
In this new role, Roth will serve as the
driving force in building and leading the
growth of the company on a global
scale. His primary responsibilities as
CMO will include piloting the compa- Roth
nys marketing efforts within its three
global channel organizations, (retail, OEM and wholesale).
Page 60/Plumbing Engineer
NSF appoints VP of marketing
ANN ARBOR, MICH. NSF International announced the
appointment of Elizabeth A. Jones as its new vice presi-
dent of marketing.
In her new position, Jones will be
responsible for strategic leadership, as
well as oversight of corporate marketing
and branding, communications and reg-
ulatory affairs. She will lead global
multi-channel marketing for both busi-
ness and consumer markets, driving
brand recognition and growth for NSF
International. Jones
Bryan Steam announces retirement
PERU, IND. Dick Holmquist retired as national sales and
marketing manager from Bryan Steam LLC in June.
Holmquist served in sales capacities within the industrial
heating industry for 43 years. He began at Iron Fireman in
Harrisburg, Va. in 1966 selling commercial burners and
boilers and then became involved with international sales
after Dunham-Bush purchased Iron Fireman.
AFSA announces award winner
DALLAS Scottsdale, Ariz., Fire Marshal Jim Ford is the
most recently announced recipient of the American Fire
Sprinkler Association's (AFSA) Fire Sprinklers Save
Lives award, a nationally recognized honor for continued
efforts to raise the level of fire safety technology aware-
ness and understanding among the public. AFSA National
Vice Chairman Don Kaufman and AFSA Arizona Chapter
Chairman Mike Bair presented Ford with his award on
February 25 at a monthly meeting of the AFSA Arizona
Chapter in Phoenix.
Aquatech, Inc. names Special Hazards hire
MORRISVILLE, PA. Aquatech announced that Joseph A.
Franks will be head up its Special Hazards fire protec-
tion department. Franks brings a wealth of knowledge to
the firm, with more than 25 years of experience in design
and management of nuclear power plants, aircraft hangers,
chemical plants, electric power plants and warehouse
facilities.
BrassCraft names director of Wholesale Sales
NOVI, MICH. Jim Pletcher has joined BrassCraft as
senior director of Wholesale Sales. In this position, Jim
will add his extensive experience in contractor services
and building products to BrassCrafts growing customer
support staff.
September 2009
Circle 40 on Reader Reply Form on page 65
Product News
Variable speed pump controller
New Technologic 502 variable speed
pump controller utilizes the latest gener-
ation hardware platform with advanced
pumping software
and proven algo-
rithms to create a
more cost-effi-
cient, energy-sav-
ing pump system
for HVAC and
pressure booster
applications. The
new 502 integrat-
ed pump con-
troller and
adjustable fre-
quency drive offers new features that
increase ease of set-up and menu navi-
gation, lengthen equipment life and
lower operating costs: Control up to
four parallel pumps; four analog inputs;
and customized algorithms handle the
entire range of pumping applications.
Bell & Gossett.
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TC Series pumps
TC Series single stage, double suc-
tion, vertical split case pumps is used in
heating, air conditioning, pressure
boosting, cooling water transfer and
water supply applications. The TC
Series top suction and discharge makes
this product line the ideal choice for
minimizing installation footprint in
tight mechanical rooms. TC Series
pumps are available in 1160 and 1760
RPM in bronze fitted and all iron ver-
sions. Standard operating temperature
is 250 F and 175 PSIG in accordance
with ANSI Standard B16.1 (Class 125).
Optional operating pressure is 300
PSIG at 250 F temperature. Taco.
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Page 62/Plumbing Engineer
Bracketing system
Strong Arm Bracketing System with
PEX Bend Lock Block was created
to provide a vastly superior installa-
tion when stubbing out with PEX tub-
ing. Strong Arm Brackets with PEX
Bend Lock Blocks are the best way
to bracket PEX tubing. They are sim-
ple to learn and install, equal the
fastest installation ever, come at the
lowest cost ever and provide strength
beyond comparison. Traditionally,
there were many problems with stub-
bing out PEX. But now with the new,
American-made PEX Bend Lock
Block, those problems are solved.
Installers can now stub out easily,
securely and with confidence. Sioux
Chief.
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Forged brass PEX Fittings & Valves
Fittings and valves are NSF and UPC
approved and manufactured to ASTM
Standard F1807. They are to be used
with cross-linked polyethylene PEX
tubing manufactured to ASTM
Standard F876/877. Family of PEX
Fittings & Valves consists of brass PEX
elbows, tees, couplings, adapters (male
and female adapters plus male and
female sweat adapters), plugs, com-
pression couplings, copper and stain-
less crimp rings, frost free sillcocks
(with and without vacuum breakers),
chrome-plated brass stop valves and
forged brass ball valves. Matco-Norca.
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Floor control assemblies
RISERPACK line of pre-assembled
floor control assemblies includes
11/2" and 2" Male NPT x Groove
connections available for both resi-
dential (NFPA 13D/13R) and com-
mercial (NFPA 13) applications. The
model 8000 Residential RISER-
PACKs include a domestically cast
UL Listed bronze riser manifold,
pressure gauge, water flow alarm
switch, and UL Listed/FM Approved
model 3011 INSPECTORSTEST
ball valve with NFPA required ori-
fice. The model 8000 Commercial
RISERPACK includes a domesti-
cally cast bronze riser manifold, pres-
sure gauge with globe valve, water
flow alarm switch, and UL Listed/FM
Approved model 2500 TES-
TANDRAIN valve with NFPA
required orifice. AGF
Manufacturing.
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Water line installation solutions
The EZ Quick family installs new
appliances to existing water supply
lines; consists of three quick-con-
nect valve sizes for ice machines,
refrigerators, humidifiers, under-
cabinet water filters and evaporative
coolers. Certified NSF/ANSI 61.
Available in complete kits or in indi-
vidual valves. Dormont Mfg.
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September 2009

Condensing boiler
XFyre modulating, condensing boiler,
available is sizes 300 to 850 mbtu.
Efficiency 94% thermal at full fire, up
to 99% part load. Indoor/outdoor con-
struction standard. Certified for PVC,
CPVC, and SS venting. SS heat
exchanger w/ASME H stamp. Indoor
combustible clearance requirement is
zero, except access. Top water connec-
tions and 9.5-sq.-ft. footprint minimize
space requirements. Design includes
DSI ignition, fuel air synchronization,
soft start and 5:1 modulation. Digital
operating controls plus 0-10 VDC
input from BMS. An easily read LCD
status display, Full diagnostics, and
fault memory, and California LoNOx
certification. Raypak.
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Indirect solar water heating units
Bradford White Water Heaters
recently introduced 14 new indirect
solar water heating units, increasing
the companys offerings in the solar
category to a total of 32 models. The
14 new water heaters include six
EcoStor2 SC double wall, single coil
gas backup models, six EcoStor2 SC
double wall, single coil TTW gas
backup models and two EcoStor2 SC
double wall, single-coil Eco-
Defender gas backup models.
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Page 63/Plumbing Engineer
High efficiency toilets
Briggs Industries is capitalizing on sur-
prisingly strong demand for its push
button-operated Conserver Dual Flush
HET with six new models that add
style, shapes and functionality to its
product line of high efficiency toilets
that are pending EPA WaterSense cer-
tification. The companys Maelstrom
series, which provides powerful one-
flush performance, now includes HET
versions that force conservation by
using only 1.28 gpf and come in round,
elongated and ComfortFit ADA mod-
els. Briggs Industries.
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Stainless steel perforated sink grid
New K-610 Stainless Steel
Perforated Sink Grids are manufac-
tured with 16ga 304 S/S and sit one
inch off the bottom of the sink bowl.
This allows for the collection of
refuse and full drainage while at the
same time protecting the bowl from
daily wear and tear. The K-610
Stainless Steel Perforated Sink grid
has been designed for use in both
Advance Tabco drop-in and free-
standing sinks that utilize a drawn
bowl, and are available for multiple
bowl sizes. Advance Tabco.
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Product News
Booster pumping systems
New full-color, 12-page brochure fea-
tures Patterson Pump Co.s line of
high-performance AquaFloControl
plumbing systems and accessories.
These booster pumping systems offer
proven quality and reliability when it
comes to delivering clean water at con-
trolled volume and pressure to high-
density residential, light industrial,
independent water systems, dormito-
ries and office buildings. Each
Aqua~FloPac pre-engineered pack-
aged system eliminates the need for
job-by-job system engineering involv-
ing individual pumps, accessories and
controls. Patterson Pumps.
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CPVC water piping system
ReUze, a new CPVC water piping
system, gives engineers and others in
the green/sustainability industry a
practical, easy-to-install system for
non-potable water uses inside of
commercial
and residential
buildings. ReUze is manu-
factured using the highest quality
CPVC compound along with a purple
pigment (purple is the universally
accepted color for non-potable water
systems). It is marked with two lines
of type clearly identifying the con-
tents as WARNING: NON-
POTABLE WATER DO NOT
DRINK. Charlotte Pipe and
Foundry Company.
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September 2009
Classified Ads
RON GEORGE DESIGN & CONSULTING SERVICES
Plumbing, Piping, Fire Protection and HVAC System Design; forensic investiga-
tions for mechanical system failures; litigation support; code and standard con-
sulting; technical writing and training seminars; and CAD services.
3525 N. Dixie Hwy., Monroe, MI 48162
Phone: (734) 322-0225
E-mail: rgdc@rongeorgedesign.com
Website:www.rongeorgedesign.com

Page 64/Plumbing Engineer September 2009

Advertiser Index
Acorn Safety ......................................................44
AHR Expo............................................................47
Bell & Gossett....................................................67
Bradley..................................................................5
Bradford White...................................................55
Calculated Industries.........................................36
Charlotte Pipe .............................................24, 25
Chicago Faucets.................................................43
CSA .....................................................................37
Delany Products, Inc. ........................................35
Goulds Pumps ....................................................27
Grundfos .............................................................31
Heat-Flo Products ..............................................41
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Heliodyne ............................................................33
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Hot Box...............................................................58
Hubbard/HOLDRITE .......................................53
IAPMO ..........................................................13, 59
Josam .................................................................11
Leonard .................................................................7
Liberty Pumps....................................................61
McWane, Inc.......................................................15
Mifab...................................................................45
Moen ..................................................................19
Navien .................................................................17
National Bronze & Metals .................................42
Box No.
State Zip
Fax
The Noble Company .............................................4
Plumberex.............................................................3
Powers Process..................................................51
Precision Hydronic Products.............................34
Rockford Seperators ...................................22, 23
See Water Inc. ...................................................52
Smith Mfg. Co., Jay R. ......................................16
Stiebel Eltron......................................................21
Symmons ..............................................................9
T & S Brass .......................................................54
Tyler Pipe ...........................................................49
Watts...................................................................29
Webstone ..............................................................2
Zurn ...................................................................68
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September 2009/Page 65
Industry News
Continued from page 12
complete with a heat exchanger tank, collector panels, a con-
troller, multi-speed pump, thermal expansion tank and other
essential items.
Since the advent of the federal Stimulus Plan in february,
Solar water heaters are within the financial reach of more
homeowners. Additionally, many local utilities and govern-
ments are offering additional incentives in addition to the
federal tax credit. Homeowners can visit dsireusa.org to find
local incentives in their area.
SolPak is an active solar water heating system, meaning
that it uses a circulating pump to transfer water through the
system. Due to the circulating pump, active systems do not
use roof-mounted tanks unlike passive solar water heating
systems, which rely on natural methods to circulate water
through the system. Active solar water heaters account for
90 percent of the US solar-thermal market because this
visually-pleasing compatible configuration complies with
most homeowner association-governed neighborhood
covenants.
SolPak uses roof mounted Solar rating and Certification
Committee certified collection panels designed to for aes-
thetic design conformity. The heat exchanger tank, circulat-
ing pump and controller are located in the home, typically in
a utility room, garage or basement. Sensor wires measure
the temperature at various points in the system and activate
the pump to circulate the heated fluid from the collectors
down to the tank and back until water is heated to the desired
temperature.
Fagan Co. awarded mechanical
systems contract at KCP&L
NorWALK, CoNN. EMCor Group, Inc. announced that
its fagan Company subsidiary has received a contract for
the installation of the mechanical systems for a major
retrofit at the new headquarters for Kansas City Power and
Light (KCP&L) located in Kansas City, Mo.
fagan will be responsible for HVAC and plumbing sys-
tem refurbishment and installation associated with 11.5
floors (230,000 square feet) in KCP&Ls headquarters
facility located in downtown Kansas City. Scope of work
includes, refurbishment of existing air handling units, as
well as installation of distribution ducts, fan-powered
boxes, fan coil units, sound attenuators, grilles and dif-
fusers. fagan also will install temperature controls,
plumbing, and new fixtures. Additionally, work includes
modifying piping to accommodate the raised floor air dis-
tribution, connection to existing chilled water air handling
units for cooling and ventilation, and providing electric
heat in the new fan powered boxes. The building has been
designed to LEED Gold standards as determined by the
U.S. Green Building Council.
Habitat for Humanity receives
Caroma donation for LEED project
HILLSBoro, orE. Habitat for Humanity, an ecumenical
Page 66/Plumbing Engineer
Christian organization dedicated to eliminating poverty
housing, has received a donation from Caroma of high
efficiency dual flush toilets to help Habitat Baldwin
County, Alabama, with their first certified green home.
Habitat for Humanity provides simple, decent housing to
qualified families. Since 1992, Baldwin County Habitat
for Humanity has built 72 homes and is expecting 75 more
homes built in the next five years.
When we began this project, our goal was to build a
home to help a needy family obtain better housing,
explains Alex Cary, construction manager at Habitat for
Humanity of Baldwin County. It was also important to
provide significant utility savings for the family that was
moving in along with reduced lifecycle costs while striv-
ing for LEED Gold certification. The Caroma donation of
water-conserving toilets will help not only reduce water
and energy costs but also help obtain LEED certification.
The Caroma high efficiency toilets donated to Habitat
provide an average flush volume of 0.96 gallons per flush.
The family of six that is moving into this house will save
more than 7000 gallons of water per year over the nation-
ally-mandated 1.6 gallon toilet, saving considerable water
and energy costs.
Honeywell Fire Systems
extends product warranty period
NorTHforD, CoNN. Honeywell fire Systems
announced the limited warranty period on its fire alarm
products manufactured within the United States is to be
extended from 18 to 36 months, effective immediately.
The warranty extension applies to Honeywells Notifier,
fire-Lite Alarms, Gamewell-fCI and Silent Knight-brand
fire alarm control systems manufactured in the U.S.
To help ensure all products currently in the marketplace
are covered, the warranty extension is retroactive, applica-
ble to products manufactured on or after January 1, 2009.
Therefore, products with a date code stamp of 0109 or
later are protected by the new 36-month policy. Date code
digits one and two indicate the week in which the product
was manufactured with the last two digits representing the
year.
According to Honeywell fire Systems vice president
of operations, John Chetelat, warranty terms were extend-
ed as another means of customer support. We have rigid
quality-assurance standards employed throughout our
product development and manufacturing processes. But if
a product is found to have an inherent defect, we want our
customers to trust well back them.
The warranty extension joins other customer-support
initiatives recently enhanced by Honeywell fire Systems.
A third training center for Notifier and Gamewell-fCI
customers was just opened in Lincolnshire, Ill., to
improve access to hands-on training. Silent Knight has
introduced a new Lunch-N-Learn fire protection program
aimed at educating specifiers and facilities personnel,
while fire-Lite continues to host more than 60 fire alarm
systems trainings throughout the country, free of charge.
September 2009
 502 Varia
ble

O-
g ic Speed
Techn o lo
m p Controll
er Constant roller
u t
Sp e e d P Pump Con
Head e//Water
Wire Head y Wire /Water
e/W
Flow
(FT) Costt/Day .2%
Flow
T)
/ ay
Costt/D
PM ) 60 ) (F 52 .17%
Hours
(G $0.20 (GPM $0.68
Load 26.8 64.3% Load Hours 78.54 68.45%
2.40 100.0 $0 .45 10 0.0 $0 .9 9
20% 32.1 61.7% 2.40 74.99 70.30%
200.0 $1.32 20% 200.0
2.40 36.1 2.40 $2.27
40% 250.0 llel 40% 0.0 70.58 9 69.58%
4.80 g in Pa ra 80 25 $2 .4
50% Operatin 62.9% 50% 4. 63.98 63.52%
Two Pump $1 .77 4. 80 300.0 $2 .68
0.0 41.0 60% 0.0 53.77 l
15 80 35 in Pa ra lle
60% 4.80 41.0 63.5% 70% 4. Operating 68.45%
150.0 $2.33 Two Pump $1.98
5.0 46.8 0 74.99 68.45%
4.80 17 20 0. $1 .9 8
70% 46.8 63.6% 80% 2.40 74.99 69.77%
175.0 $1 .52 20 0.0 $1 .0 6
0.0 53.4 0 72.99 69.77%
2.40 20 22 5. $1 .0 6
80% 53.4 63.6% 90% 1.20 72.99 70.30%
200.0 $0 .97 22 5.0 $1 .1 3
5.0 61.0 0 70.58 70.30%
1.20 22 25 0. $1 .1 3
90% 61.0 63.5% 1.20 70.58
225.0 $1 .24 100% 25 0.0
69.4
1.20 250.0 760
100% 69.4 s/year 8,
250.0 Total hour
hours 48,507
s/year 8,760 Total KW
Total hour $0.10
ho urs 35,775.3 Cost per kw
hr
Total KW st:
$0.10 erating Co
Co st pe r kw hr
Annual Op


st:
erating Co
Annual Op





Weve done the math for you.

The new Bell & Gossett Technologic 502 pump
controller and variable speed drive saves energy.
And thats just for starters.
Introducing the new Bell & Gossett 502 pump controller and variable
speed drive, designed with exclusive Bell & Gossett Technologic
pumping software and proven algorithms. The result is a smart,
efficient and cost-saving pump system suitable for HVAC and
pressure booster applications.

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Add it up and youve got a smarter pump and a smarter bottom line.

To find out more visit www.bellgossett.com.

Circle 41 on Reader Reply Form on page 65

Circle 42 on Reader Reply Form on page 65 Engineered Water Solutions