2022 February

The February 2022 issue of PM Engineer features Infrastructure improvements on the horizon, Protect CPVC and PEX pipes from harm, Top 20 Products of 2021, and much more!

US looks to water infrastructure improvements

The passage of the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act will help provide much-needed funding for drinking water upgrades and lead line replacements.

Nicole Krawcke

February 16, 2022

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The United States is failing, according to the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 2021 Infrastructure Report Card. The nation’s 2.2 million miles of underground pipes delivering clean drinking water is aging and underfunded.

PM Engineer Top 20 Products of 2021

See what tools and equipment caught readers’ attention throughout 2021 in our Top 20 Products list.

February 23, 2022

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Each year, Plumbing & Mechanical Engineer editors receive thousands of product releases from industry manufacturers. The 20 products highlighted here have earned the distinction of being PM’s Top Products of 2021 based on the number of page views on pmengineer.com Congratulations to those products on this year’s list.

Harold-McMahon-Plumbing-Installation-MAGNA3

CASE STUDY

Circulator pump reliability in extreme conditions

Renovation reduces energy consumption for military base housing.

Brad Jacobs

February 21, 2022

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On a military base in east-central Alaska — where the average winter temperature is 16° F with lows that fall well below minus 50° at times — dependable, low-maintenance winter heating systems are critical for the active-duty military families and Department of Defense civilians who live on the military post.

Protect CPVC and PEX Pipes from harm

Plastic pipes can have sensitivities to certain environmental exposures.

Lance MacNevin Michelle Knight

February 18, 2022

One Comment

Over the past 60 years, plastic piping materials have evolved from a new alternative to the material of choice for building and construction applications such as hot- and cold-water plumbing distribution, fire protection and mechanical systems like hydronics and chilled water.

CASE STUDY

For overnight shutdown, product reliability is non-negotiable

Hospitality repairs — such as hotels — require a lot of preplanning to minimize downtime.

Kristen White

February 14, 2022

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In the hospitality industry, the last thing you want to do to a hotel full of guests is shut off the water. But when you have no choice, you want that inconvenience to be over as quickly as possible.

Editor's Note

Nicole Krawcke: Deadly residential fires stress the need for fire protection

Aging buildings should be required meet the latest building and fire codes.

Nicole Krawcke

February 10, 2022

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Last month, two multi-family residential buildings 100 miles away from each other caught fire just days apart, resulting in the deaths of nearly 30 people.

Heating Help

Dan Holohan: Adventures in pumping

The evolution of pumps, circulators and radiant heat.

Dan Holohan

February 9, 2022

3 Comments

I read somewhere that the most prevalent machine in the world is the electric motor. I thought about that for a while and it made sense. Just look around. But then I began to wonder what the second-most prevalent machine in the world is. Turns out it’s the pump!

Plumbing Pipe Thermal Expansion and Expansion Fitting

Plumbing Talking Points

David Dexter: Understanding thermal expansion and expansion fittings

Material selection can create or prevent many expansion and contraction problems.

David Dexter

February 8, 2022

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Recently, there was a discussion on the ASPE Open Forum regarding, “Plumbing Pipe Thermal Expansion and Expansion Fitting.” Generally, this topic would be found within your specifications under Section 22 05 16, “Expansion Fittings and Loops for Plumbing Piping;” this topic is under-discussed, and in many cases, poorly understood by many designers and engineers.

Water Cooler Conversations

Ethan Grossman: Drain carry

Things to consider when designing drainage systems.

Ethan Grossman P.E., CPD

February 7, 2022

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“Drain carry” is a catchy term for the more technical phrase “The Drainline Transport of Solid Waste in Buildings.” Plumbing contractors and drain-line specialists will understand the challenges associated with clogged drains better than anyone since they are the ones who get the calls and see what gets put down the drain.

Hydronics technology offers versatile solutions

RENEWABLE HEATING DESIGN

John Siegenthaler: Peaking ahead

Hydronics technology offers versatile solutions for heating and cooling systems

John Siegenthaler P.E.

February 4, 2022

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As interest and incentives build to transition space heating and domestic water heating systems away from fossil fuels and toward electricity, a somewhat predictable but only marginally quantified problem is developing. Two words describe it: Peak demand.

CODES

Julius Ballanco: The most powerful code section

The alternative approval section has remained a mainstay in all model building codes since the 1930s… until this year.

Julius Ballanco P.E., CPD

February 1, 2022

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The most powerful section of any code is the alternative approval section. This section is typically found in either the administrative chapter of the code or the general requirements chapter. Every code has an alternative approval section. Basically, the alternative approval section allows an applicant to file a request for acceptance of anything that is either not allowed in the code or is restricted in the code.

PM Engineer Movers & Shakers | February 2022

February 25, 2022

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Check out the latest appointments, promotions and goings-on in the plumbing and heating industry.

ASPE seeks presentation proposals for the 2022 ASPE Convention & Expo

January 17, 2022

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The deadline to submit a presentation proposal is February 28.

Rheem acquires stainless steel hot water tank supplier DEJONG

January 13, 2022

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Rheem has acquired DEJONG, an independent manufacturer and supplier of stainless-steel hot water tanks, from Nordian Capital. Founded in 1859 and based in Gorredijk, the Netherlands, DEJONG produces hot water tanks for multiple applications including solar, heat pump and boiler configurations

Enaqua management buys the company from Grundfos

January 11, 2022

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OmegaFlex receives seismic certification

January 11, 2022

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For buildings in any seismic zone, the ICC-ES certification will simplify the requirements for pipe supports and seismic bracing of these piping systems.

ASC Engineered Solutions acquires Value Engineered Products

January 10, 2022

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Founded in 1990, VEP provides a patented shield product designed for all types of piping, as well as seismic applications, and has built its reputation on providing responsive customer service and innovative product design.

Napolean’s NS18 heat pump and air handler

Napolean Heat pump/air handler

February 14, 2022

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Napolean’s NS18 heat pump and air handler is an all-in-one heating and cooling system for year-round comfort—100% heat in the winter and 100% cool in the summer.

Bradford White Tankless electric water heater

February 11, 2022

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Bradford White’s KwickShot is a reliable and easily installed tankless electric water heater available in thermostatic and non-thermostatic models to meet a range of water temperature needs in a variety of everyday applications, the company explains.

T & S Brass and Bronze Works Sensor faucets

February 10, 2022

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T&S Brass and Bronze Works expands its line of durable sensor faucets with a model designed to improve patient safety.

Infinity Drain Linear drain

February 9, 2022

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Infinity Drain introduces the new FCB linear drain series that combines both traditional and modern methods for double waterproofing protection.

Green Link Pipe supports

February 8, 2022

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Green Link has changed the composition of its straps and caps from urethane to injection molded glass-reinforced nylon, still retaining the striking “safety yellow” color.

Fujitsu General America New dampers

February 7, 2022

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Fujitsu General America’s Airzone is an intelligent, communicating zoning system for ducted mini-split and VRF heat pump and heat recovery systems.

Product Focus: Pumps

Grundfos Inline pumps

February 4, 2022

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Grundfos’ CR 255 features a new hydraulic design improves everything from impeller to guide vanes to inlet, discharge port, sleeve, and diffuser, taking current energy efficiency and performance standards for vertical multi-stage inline pumps to the next level, the company notes.

Product Focus: Pumps

Zoeller Pump Sewage system

February 3, 2022

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Zoeller Pump’s preassembled 24" x 24" sewage system is complete and ready for fast installation with a PSF cover designed with the contractor in mind.

Product Focus: Pumps

Franklin Electric Non-clog pumps

February 2, 2022

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Engineers have a safe and reliable solution for wastewater transfer with the NCX series of explosion-proof submersible non-clog pumps from FPS, a brand of Franklin Electric.