• Armstrong Pumps has introduced the KNX "Bag & Tag" Program. Armstrong KNX-Series Hydronic Hook-up kits integrate the components required to connect piping to hydronic heating chiller system equipment. The kits are available in various connection sizes from ½" to 2", and are configured to the system designer's specifications. Each kit is tested, bagged, tagged, and shipped from the factory, ready for installation. The KNX "Bag and Tag" program is based on 15 standard hook-up kit layouts, with a variety of connection types, connection sizes, and other options, totaling over 100,000 different configuration possibilities. Common applications include: fan coils, reheat coils, VAV box coils, air handling unit coils, finned tube radiators, and heat pumps. For the contractor, KNX hydronic hook-up kits reduce the component count per terminal unit by as much as 80%.


  • Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association (GAMA) president Jack W. Klimp announced in mid-January that, “GAMA, on behalf of the boiler industry and the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE), have presented consensus boiler minimum performance and design requirements to key Congressional staff for inclusion in an expected, new comprehensive energy bill in the 110th Congress. The boiler industry directed GAMA to take this action as an alternative to new residential boiler standards proposed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that would compromise consumer safety.” GAMA and ACEEE submitted a similar proposal last summer to DOE as an alternative to standards DOE has proposed to adopt in its ongoing review of boiler standards scheduled to conclude by Sept. 2007. DOE has proposed to mandate a minimum 84% AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) for gas hot water boilers. The proposed legislation supported by GAMA and ACEE calls for a minimum 82% AFUE for gas hot water boilers plus specific energy saving design features.


  • NIBCO has announced the opening of its new 80,000-sq.-ft. facility in Franklin, OH. This facility will absorb the PEX pipe post-processing functions and east coast distribution of PEX pipe that was previously done at its Lebanon, OH, facility. “Due to growth in the PEX market and to meet our customer needs, NIBCO had to expand its manufacturing capacities at its Lebanon, Ohio, location,” said NIBCO President and COO. Steve Malm. “By relocating the post-processing and distribution to the new Franklin site, valuable space will be freed up in the Lebanon facility, allowing for increased production.” NIBCO’s Lebanon facility will continue operations focusing on pipe extrusion and cross-linking. After the pipe is manufactured in Lebanon, it will be transported to the Franklin facility for post-processing and distribution. Back in May 2006, NIBCO announced that it acquired the assets of Consolidated Plumbing Industries (CPI), a manufacturer of cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) tubing. The acquisition was a strategic move in expanding NIBCO’s presence in the PEX water distribution and radiant heating markets.