PM Engineer

The New And Improved pme!

Starting with the June 2010 issue, pme will be relaunched with a redesigned look (print, digital and online) and an expanded editorial focus. For more information on these exciting changes, click here.

Fire Sprinklers Reduce Greenhouse Gases
Greenhouse gases released by burning buildings can be reduced by 98 percent when automatic fire sprinklers are installed, according to a groundbreaking joint research project released recently from FM Global and the nonprofit Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition.

Today Is Earth Day
Haws Corporation donated reusable water bottles and other giveaways to the University of Nevada, Reno Earth Day festivities. UNR is one of numerous schools and buildings that have installed Haws' HydrationStation, which dispenses filtered water through a touch-free, hygienic unit. For more on Earth Day, click here.

TA Hydronic College, Victaulic Finalize 12-City Tour
Victaulic has partnered with Tour & Andersson to bring the TA Hydronic College to 12 cities across North America this year. The series will teach key conditions required for hydronic balancing to meet the goal of providing the desired indoor climate at the lowest energy cost.

MCAA Introduces BIM Technology Course
The Mechanical Contractors Association of America is introducing a new two-day course, BIM Technology for Mechanical Contractors, to be held Oct. 11-12 in Chicago. The course will present a logical, solid process for selecting BIM tools.

Milwaukee Electric, Uponor Join Forces
Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp. and Uponor have joined forces to develop a comprehensive solution for installing Uponor's ProPEX fitting system.

New Uponor Web Site
Uponor recently launched, www.uponorpro.com, a Web site created especially for professionals in the radiant heating and cooling, PEX plumbing and fire sprinkler installation industries.

T&S Brass On YouTube
T&S Brass recently introduced a corporate YouTube channel which contains 12 informational videos on a variety of industry topics. The videos are geared toward plumbing professionals, including specifying engineers. The videos cover topics from conservation to product installation.

Caroma Contributes To LEED Certification
Caroma's donation of dual-flush toilets and sinks to Working Artists Ventura (WAV), a state-of-the-art community designed for artists and creative businesses in Ventura, Calif., has contributed to the LEED certification of the affordable living and working space. 

Few Metro Areas Add Construction Jobs
Only 10 out of 337 metropolitan areas added construction jobs between February 2009 and 2010, the Associated General Contractors of America reported, citing data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

PMI Board Changes
The PMI Board of Directors recently announced Elkay VP/GM Jack Krecek has been moved into the role of first vice president and will serve as PMI president in 2011.

Badger Meter Purchases Cox Instruments
Badger Meter, Inc. recently announced it has purchased Cox Instruments, LLC and its subsidiary companies Flow Dynamics, Inc., and Exact Flow.

Hill-Ahern Partnership
Hill Mechanical Group and Ahern Fire Protection's Chicago office recently entered into a jointly-owned partnership to provide fire protection services to the greater Chicago area under the name Hill/Ahern Fire Protection.

B&V Mechanical Earns Green Certification
B&V Mechanical (Wyoming, Mich.) was recently awarded the MSCA GreenStar Contractor Certification. B&V Mechanical is only one of 31 contractors in the nation and one of six in the state of Michigan that has qualified for the certification.

Video Checkout

On pme's Web site now, Uponor discusses its PEX piping systems, radiant cooling systems, wireless zoning thermostat system, building-wide IAQ system and more. To watch the video, click here.

It's Time To Get Serious About Sprinkler Retrofits...Again!
by Bob Miodonski

IAPMO Begins 2010 Code Cycle
by Julius Ballanco, P.E., CPD

Steam Room Design Brings Back Adolescent Fears
by Tim Fausch

This Is Bureaucracy On Drugs
by Jim Olsztynski  

Got something to get off your chest? You, too, can be a blogger sharing opinions, insights and experiences with fellow professionals.
Send us your article or just tell us what you want to say by contacting Mike Miazga at miazgam@bnpmedia.com, or Bob Miodonski at miodonskib@bnpmedia.com.

AEC Store Corner
Further your technical education and industry knowledge at the AEC Store.

Code Books, Estimating Books, Design Books. . . Oh My!   
If you don't have your 2009 code book, now, why wait any longer!?!?
2009 International Plumbing Codes Handbook // $59.95
This manual is filled with examples drawn from years of design and field experience. This practical guide offers comprehensive information on piping installation, repair and rehabilitation. All of the latest codes, standards and specifications are included. Piping Systems Manual is a hands-on design and engineering resource that explains the reasons behind the designs. You will get full coverage of materials, components, calculations, specifications, safety and much more. Hundreds of detailed illustrations make it easy to understand the best practices presented in the book. CLICK HERE for more info.  

Visit AECStore.com to view view more products for PVF Pros.

Swivel Head
ITW Buildex has added to its Sammy's Swivel Head product line for fire protection contractors. The SH-GST/CST allows 3/8-inch to 1/2-inch threaded rod to be anchored to wood and contrate structures. The swivel-head feature installs vertically and swivels up to 89 degrees.

Retrofit Kits
Sloan's sensor-operated Flushometer retrofit kits are ideal for restroom renovations and to upgrade existing flush valves to the latest in water-efficient, electronic flushing technology.

SwirlFlo
Elkay's new line of SwirlFlo water coolers and drinking fountains (pictured) have been installed at the Minnesota Twins' new Target Field in Minneapolis. Central to the design of the coolers and fountains is a new tubular arm that supports the basin. A light-touch, push-button disc, compatible with the curved design, replaces the push bar. Single-level, two-level, refrigerated and non-refrigerated models are available.

Cartridge Catalog
John Guest has introduced a new product catalog on its Cartridge Systems. John Guest Half Cartridges are designed to provide a simple, cost-effective method of integrating John Guest Super Speedfit technology into a wide variety of original equipment.  

ProLine Drain
Quick Drain USA's ProLine Drain has the ability to be placed anywhere in a design, including right at the threshold for ADA compliant showers, and allows for uniterrupted tile designs with large-format tile and mosaics.

Transition Fittings
Sioux Chief's Metal Head PVC transition fittings surround and protect the PVC insert for a quality connection with no restriction to flow. The fittings are ideal for water-service lines, irrigation/sprinkler systems and other transitions.

Installation Diagram
Webstone's 11 x 17-inch laminated reference diagram depicts proper plumbing of systems and easily highlights the amount of time and leak paths saved by using the proper Webstone products in hydronic heating systems.


Lead-Free Tankless Water Heaters
Eemax recently announced its line of commercial and residential electric tankless water heaters obtained lead-free certification and is compliant with both California and Vermont lead-free laws that went into effect Jan. 1.

Digital 2010 Radiant Flooring
Guide Now Available
The 2010 Radiant Flooring Guide is an indispensable tool for engineers and other project team members. It provides all the information for making proper choices on flooring over radiant heating systems, including an updated directory of radiant floor product manufacturers.

To purchase printed copies of the 2010 Radiant Flooring Guide for $15, contact Stephanie Weingartz at weingartzs@bnpmedia.com, phone 248-244-1275, or visit www.AECstore.com.