The September issue of PM Engineer features PM Engineer 2021 Plumbing Engineer of the Year: John Lansing, Considerations for designing plumbing systems in health care facilities, and much more!
For testers, backflow test management software now helps to automate redundant data entry such as tester ID and credentials, test kit calibration, etc.
When the topic of grinder pumps is broached, the horror stories come out of the woodwork when it comes to items that should not be flushed down a toilet. Buckle up!
Many of us may not be aware of this because it has received so little attention in North America, but Turkey is currently fighting some of the worst fires in decades.
Thanks to folks like you, I’ve been able to delve into many forensic examinations of mechanical mayhem and then offer solutions based on solid engineering guidelines.
Of all the topics I’ve covered in my column, strategy is the one to which I keep coming back. Astute readers might be asking at this point, “Why?” Especially when we hear so often that “culture eats strategy for breakfast,” and other axioms that denigrate strategy. Why does Christoph keep on writing about this “outdated” topic more than others?
“One day at a time” is a phrase people use to instill a sense of patience during times of change. It helps someone focus on the moment at hand and do what they can right now.
Over the last several years, I’ve been reviewing submittals for proposed heating systems using pellet-fired boilers. The submittals come from heating professionals ranging from contractors to professional engineers. They’re required for a state incentive program that offers significant rebates to encourage growth of the biomass heating market.
During the last few months, I have heard a number of debates about the use of the term “potable water” versus “drinking water.” What has been interesting is everyone actively involved in the plumbing profession insists on using the term “potable water.” While others think that “drinking water” is more understood by the general public.
Exactly 16 years to the day after Hurricane Katrina slammed New Orleans leaving 1,800 people dead, Hurricane Ida made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane with 150 mph winds.
With this acquisition, EN Engineering, headquartered in Warrenville, Illinois, will build upon its strong position in the electric power and gas utility markets with added presence in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Missouri and other surrounding states.
The American Fire Sprinkler Association announced Scott Cox, co-owner and president of Cox Fire Protection, Tampa, Florida, was elected by his peers as the recipient of AFSA's 2021 Young Professional of the Year award for educating, leading, and encouraging the next generation of fire sprinkler industry leaders.
Taco’s new VR series high-efficiency ECM cast-iron or stainless steel circulators offer a wide range of low-, medium- or high-head options in sizes from 1/3 to 2 HP. Easy, intuitive settings and operation will appeal to installers for a broad range of uses, including HVAC, hot water recirculation and NSF commercial hot applications, Taco notes. 00e VR circulators provide an easy-to-provide pump interface with real-time feedback.
Watts announces the addition of the ArmorTek advanced coating system to its ductile-iron backflow preventer valves. This advanced patent-pending technology provides three layers of protection to create an effective barrier, dramatically increasing resistance to corrosion, Watts explains. ArmorTek provides an advanced primer, which contains an electrochemical corrosion inhibitor. It significantly slows the spread of corrosion should the metal substrate become exposed from wear or impact. ArmorTek’s exclusive formulation also inhibits the growth of bacteria that cause microbial-induced corrosion or MIC.
WINT Water Intelligence announces its award-winning technology is available and ready to be directly integrated into fire sprinkler systems. This new solution helps owners and facilities managers prevent water damage from the accidental discharge of water from fire suppression sprinkler systems. WINT’s devices are installed along the sprinkler supply and can detect exceptionally low drip rates. The AI technology and machine learning capabilities provide intelligent monitoring and alert in real-time when the tiniest leaks start.
A touchless design for clean, effortless use in commercial applications, Pfister encourages building managers to enjoy this sleek style that fits a variety of public spaces. The faucet provides dependable performance, and an eco-conscious design that has a 0.5-gpm flow rate for maximum efficiency, the manufacturer state. The faucet is compliant to most regulations and optional 0.35-, 1.0- and 1.5-gpm aerators also are available.
HANDY-SHIELD MAXX ADA under-lav covers are made of soft PVC and fastened with Velcro for fast and easy installs. The covers are made from ASTM E84 Class A fire-safe material. The flexible supply overs can flex 360° to meet ADA ANSI A117 requirements. Meets plumbing code ASTM C1822 and ASME A112 18.9 Standard.
Niagara’s Baaron products are made for the light commercial industry, carrying a powerful pressure-assist vessel, Niagara notes. This line is ideal for retail, healthcare facilities, office buildings, gyms and athletic facilities, and buildings with heavy traffic. The line is offered in 1.0- and 1.28-gpf, round and elongated bowls, as well as a back outlet option. With ADA and standard heights, the Barron line has a powerful 1000g miso flush, carries a 15-year warranty and is WaterSense certified.
Bradley Corp. introduces its new space-saving Halo swing-activated faucet and eyewash. This dual-use design provides a reliable, compact and convenient faucet and eyewash solution for use in any work or laboratory environment, Bradley notes. The Halo combines a gooseneck faucet for regular use, such as handwashing, with a built-in emergency eyewash featuring Halo technology proven to deliver the most effective eye washdown coverage available, Bradley states. Two swing-activated models are available, including S19-500 series with the eyewash positioned on the right side of the fixture and S19-505 Series with the eyewash on the left side.
Steril-Aire’s Ceiling HEPA Pro+ is a HEPA air filtration system designed for installation above drop ceilings that runs independently to deliver an increased number of clean air changes per hour without interfering with HVAC system performance; minimizes sound for occupants; does not take up floor space like typical portable air cleaners; delivers market-leading clean air delivery per-dollar of any installed filtration system, the company notes; and distributed return and supply promotes better delivery of clean air and allows for different engineering strategies to be employed to protect occupants, Steril-Aire adds.
The VR SpecPAK pressure boosting system from Franklin Electric combines the benefits of high-performing VR series vertical multi-stage pumps with premium-efficiency TEFC motors and variable-frequency drives – all in one, the company explains. Users can easily size the VR SpecPAK to comply with pressure boosting needs in most commercial, industrial or multi-residential settings. Franklin Electric’s industry-leading FE Select online tool navigates users through options to quickly configure and quote their package, the manufacturer adds.
Flushmate introduces the new Flushmate 503 series 1.6-gpf and 503H series 1.28-gpf pressure-assisted systems for pressure-assisted toilets. The new Flushmate system features an enhanced vessel design with improved flushing performance to offer years of hassle-free service and water savings, the company states. The new Flushmate 503 and 503H systems for 1.6 and 1.28 gpf, offer the existing benefits of a dependable single-flush performance and up to a 50% larger water surface area compared to traditional gravity toilets to reduce odors and keep the bowl cleaner by reducing the dry surface area, plus the new models offer improved drainline carry, Flushmate explains.
The Sensaphone zone water detection sensor detects the widespread presence of water in areas such as floors or drop ceilings. Users receive an alert when the sensor comes into contact with water. The sensor includes 10’ of water rope to cover a large area. Operators can connect up to 10 water ropes to a single sensor for up to 100’ of coverage. The sensor operates on two AA batteries. When the batteries become depleted, the sensor will automatically send out an alert, so users can replace the batteries when no water is present.