What doesn’t make the news, for some reason, are instances where fire sprinkler systems spare lives, prevent injuries and minimize property damage. And if reported,
the existence of a fire sprinkler system barely makes it into the storyline.
The
International Code Council (ICC) code change hearings in Rochester, NY, were
abuzz over one change: Mandating residential sprinklers in all one- and
two-family dwellings, including townhouses. When the proposed code change to
the International Residential Code (IRC) was called to the floor, the hearing
room was packed.
When
designing a fire sprinkler system for a new or existing building, all kinds of
fun little words seem to jump right off the page into the eyes of a fire
protection engineer. Words like: rubber
tires…plastics…petroleum…inks…nitrocellulose film…process vessel…oxygen
tank…roll paper…propane…
As
the consensus process settles in for the International Association of Plumbing
and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), major changes continue to appear in the
Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC). One could
not help but be amazed by the quality of the technical discussions on each
proposed code change.
Variable-speed
injection has been used in North American hydronic systems for well over a
decade. Two important details are crucial to proper operation...
The columnist addresses inquiries ranging from the adoption of energy codes by building codes, to valve supervision requirements, to specifics about NFPA 13.
The
International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) has just
released the proposed code changes to the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), which will result in the culmination of the 2009 UPC. In reviewing the changes, there appear to be two distinct approaches taken by
the proponents.
Our
industry has used primary/secondary piping systems for years. Most engineers
currently designing hydronic systems are familiar with how these systems
operate, as well as how they are designed. Still, based on discussions I’ve
had, it’s evident that questions remain, particularly on this issue of flow
reversal when secondary circuit flow rate exceeds primary loop flow rate.