by pme Staff
Each year, pme editors receive thousands of product releases from industry manufacturers. The 20 products on the following pages have earned the distinction of pme’s Top Products of 2015, based on page views at www.pmengineer.com.
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High-efficiency urinal
Kohler’s Steward Hybrid high-efficiency urinal offers 87% water savings and uses only .0125 gpf. Certified to carry the EPA WaterSense label, the urinal helps earn water-efficiency credit toward LEED certification. The funnel bowl shape virtually eliminates splash-back. A flushing spreader, located on the back wall, uses minimal water to deliver a powerful flush that cleans the entire bowl and prevents drain-line issues.
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Multipurpose fire sprinkler systems
The majority of Uponor’s ProPEX engineered polymer fittings, lead-free brass sweat and threaded adapters and large-diameter Uponor AquaPEX tubing (all up to 2”) are listed to UL 1821 and ULC/ORD-C199 for use in AquaSAFE multipurpose fire sprinkler systems.
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Concealed fire suppression sprinklers
Tyco adds two new fire sprinklers for use in horizontal combustible concealed spaces – the CC3 combustible concealed spaces sprinkler available in 4.2 and 5.6 K-Factor listings. The 4.2 K-Factor unit has a 196-sq.-ft. maximum coverage area while the 5.6 reaches up to 256 sq. ft. They are manufactured with a temperature rating of 200° F and are intended to be for installation with BlazeMaster CPVC wet pipe systems as well as with steel wet pipe or dry-pipe systems.
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CSST fitting
Gastite’s XR3 fitting metal-locking feature will enhance electrical continuity, while the Jacket-Lock feature eliminates exposed stainless steel beyond the nut’s metallically-shielded layer. There also is a multipoint seat for a reliable metal-to-metal seal.
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Inverted flare zone valves
Taco’s Zone Sentry zone valve with an inverted flare line uses microcircuit-based logic to control a gear-driven electronic actuator that drives a ball-valve-based body design. It is available with either a normally open or normally closed actuator. The valve can be installed in any direction, in any orientation. Snap-in quick connects on the back of the valve make for a simple, secure wiring hookup. A green LED light shows full functionality of valve operation. The valves are now available in 1/2”, 3/4”, 1” sweat or NPT and inverted flare (with 3/4” sweat fittings) and draw only 1.44 watts.
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Butterball valve
Milwaukee Valve’s Slow-Close Butterball Valve will prevent water hammer damage in a fire sprinkler system by carefully controlling the valve’s closing, eliminating the shock that may cause pipes to fail. The Butterball valve is available from 1” to 2 1/2” with threaded or grooved ends and has UL and FM approvals for 175 psi. The New York City Board of Standards and Appeals approves the valve for 350 and 500 psi for high-rise applications. It also is available in Milwaukee Valve’s UltraPure no-lead line.
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Snow-melt system
Meitav-Tec’s PYRO X is a staggered zone snow-melt control system. The snow sensor has different mounting bracket options and an anti-birdnest feature. With an upper limit underground line cut alert and indicator on the display, there is no longer a problem when the upper limit/under slab sensor is pushed into a conduit. The entire system is now plug-and-play with intuitive configuration of set points, delays or manual mode. It optimally utilizes energy, even with a restricted available power supply zone sequences that can be configured and looped together.
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Non-modulating float valve
The Zurn Wilkins ZW204 non-modulating float valve is intended for use primarily in waterworks and commercial plumbing applications, and is designed to maintain accurate fluid levels in tanks or reservoirs. It is equipped for threaded connections from 1 1/4” to 3” and for flanged or grooved ends from 1 1/4” to 10”.
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Rear outlet UHET toilet
Niagara Conservation’s Stealthrear outlet ultra-high-efficiency toilet gives renovators and remodelers a solution that doesn’t require tearing down walls. The UHET is EPA WaterSense-labeled and was awarded the MaP Premium label for performance and efficiency. It features a push-button flush and uses 37% less water per flush than a standard 1.28-gpf model. Compared to the average use of older 3.5-gpf toilets, the Stealth can save up to 15,000 gal. of water per year.
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Water tank
InSinkErator’s High-Performance Tank is able to deliver near-boiling water. It holds water at a higher temperature, 207° F. The product’s 1,300-watt heating element gives it a quick recovery time, allowing for less variance in the temperature.
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Expanded connectivity platform
Lochinvar expands the use of its CON-X-US remote connectivity platform to the company’s KNIGHT boiler family. CON-X-US allows most smartphone or tablet devices to be linked with compatible SMART SYSTEM boiler controls from around the corner or the other side of the world. With CON-X-US, a user can view the current outdoor air temperature at a connected boiler’s location and track the target reset temperature when there is need for heat.
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High-efficiency flushing
TOTO’s inclusive-height UltraMax II 1G — with its proven Double Cyclone technology — delivers ultra-high-efficiency flushing using only one gal. of water. This one-piece toilet’s bowl and concave rim are coated with SanaGloss, a nanotechnology glaze that creates an ionized barrier to repel visible and invisible waste. It features a long-view global design and clean, simple lines.
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Concealed tank and carrier systems
Geberit’s concealed tank and carrier systems with single- or dual-flush actuators are easily hidden in standard wood or metal frame walls. The virtually maintenance-free system allows easy access to all internal components including the fill and flush valves through a decorative actuator flush panel. No tools are needed for simple change-outs. The carrier can be adjusted to varying seat heights ranging from 15” to 19” and can support up to 880 lb.
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Specification and configuration flexibility
Johnson Controls’ TempMaster is a light commercial HVAC product line manufactured in North America. It includes a variety of tonnages, fuel sources and configurations, and meets industry standards for efficiency and performance. The products are rigorously tested and rated in accordance with AHRI Standard 210/240 and 340/360 and meet relevant ASHRAE 90.1, Energy Star and EPACT 2005 standards. Enhanced selection and ordering tools with a consistent user interface makes selection intuitive. An applications support team also is available.
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Flushometer toilets
Duravitand its partner, designer Philippe Starck, released its new Starck 3 flushometer toilet collection that brings modernity of his Starck 3 collection to the commercial market. The toilet features an elongated front and syphonic flushing technology ideal for high-traffic settings. The new collection is available in three models, all 1.28 gpf, ADA-compliant floor standing with visible inlet and open front, wall-mounted with visible inlet, and wall-mounted with a concealed inlet.
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Digital kitchen faucet
Danze’s Did-U-Wave line of digital faucets expands with two kitchen products. Both feature a streamlined spray head with dual functionality (aerated and stream). Key features include a 3” infrared sensor, white LED task light at the tip of the spray head and SnapBack technology. Each is offered as an AC and DC option. However, only the AC version of each offers task lighting. The products showcase a ceramic disc valve to ensure durability and operate at 2.2 gpm. They are available in both chrome and stainless steel.
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Integrated pumping system
Grundfosexpands its line of fully integrated, intelligent pumping systems with efficiency ratios of more than 80%. Ideally suited for commercial HVACR applications, the line now features the MLE variable-speed motor in ranges from 1/2 to 30 hp. The unified MLE motor and variable-frequency drive will be available in five popular models, ranging from end-suction to inline pumping solutions.
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Commercial condensing gas boiler
Weil-McLain’s SlimFit high-efficiency condensing gas boilers feature improved boiler-to-boiler communication, Modbus and BACnet for linking with building automation systems, express setup wizard, 10 preset typical heating systems, updated controls interface for simpler navigation, at-a-glance boiler status, diagnostics and troubleshooting. The boilers are manufactured for easy integration into existing systems. The updates to the boilers increase usability and access. In addition, the boiler’s narrow housing offers improved maneuverability for confined spaces and weight-restricted areas. The units come completely factory assembled allowing for onsite plug-and-play installation.
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Inline pump
Peerless Pumps expands the range of its popular PVF Inline 750-gpm pumps, which now includes pressure ranges from 40-80 psi at competitive horsepower selections, to complement the existing ranges from 80-175 psi. The compact PVF inline pumps provide space-saving design options and are available in both loose and packaged designs. The PVF pumps come with standard cast-iron, bronze-finished materials of construction and are UL/FM listed and approved for fire service.
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Increased capacity tankless water heater
Intellihot’s iQ1501 tankless water heater delivers 1.5 million Btu. It offers 50% increased capacity from the iQ1000 model in a 680-lb., 30” wide unit. It supplies 41 gpm at a 70° F temperature rise nonstop and enables users to cascade and common-vent four units together for 164 gpm at 70° rise. It eliminates single-point failures using patented masterless controls, and can be used both indoors and outdoors.
