2023 July

The July 2023 issue of PM Engineer features trends and design considerations for commercial water heating, 6 reasons why PEX excels in commercial hydronic distribution applications, and much more!

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Commercial water heating market moves toward electrification

Manufacturers talk trends and design considerations for commercial water heating.

Nicole Krawcke

July 11, 2023

Manufacturers talk trends and design considerations for commercial water heating.

Industry voices support for plumbing research during PILC meeting

Plumbing industry leaders gather to find solutions to current challenges.

Nicole Krawcke

July 24, 2023

More than 20 people representing 15 industry organizations attended the 2023 Plumbing Industry Leadership Coalition meeting at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

Paving an achievable path to decarbonization with commercial heat pumps

Heat pumps can help contribute to lowering building emissions to meet climate goals.

Mark Lessans

July 19, 2023

A discussion on the growing interest in commercial heat pumps, how they contribute to lowering building emissions, and the incentives and benefits that are driving the upward trajectory of the category.

Watts debuts new training center in Fort Worth, Texas

The new 250,000 square foot facility is customized for broad training purposes, administration and manufacturing.

Nicole Krawcke

July 17, 2023

The new 250,000 square foot facility is customized for training, administration and manufacturing, and joins five other Watts Works Learning Centers across North America.

6 reasons why PEX excels in commercial hydronic distribution applications

PEX offers numerous jobsite benefits for commercial projects.

Kim Bliss

July 13, 2023

Historically specified and installed as radiant heating and cooling or snow- and ice-melting systems pipe, PEX is now trending as a viable hydronic distribution pipe for heating hot water and chilled water applications.

Editor's Note

Nicole Krawcke: Embrace DEI initiatives to attract new blood into MEP engineering

Now’s the time to review your company’s DEI strategy.

Nicole Krawcke

July 10, 2023

Last month, I used this space to discuss the importance of work-life balance. This month, I want to tackle a topic that is just as important: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in the workplace.

From the Mechanical Room

Dave Yates: Salt-free water softener

Be careful of the misinformation pipeline.

Dave Yates

July 7, 2023

Color me a skeptic. One of our supply house salesmen constantly hounded me regarding citrus-based no-salt water softeners. I never did buy into the sales literature hype, so we never installed any.

Lowell Manalo: The importance of group collaboration in plumbing systems’ design

Designimus, Defendimus

Lowell Manalo

July 6, 2023

Plumbing systems engineering and design are better with group collaboration. I was in the U.S. Navy, and the Seabee’s motto is, “Construimus, Batuimus,” which means “We Build, We Fight.” We are trained to fight and defend what we build.

Professional Plumbing Engineer Viewpoints

James Dipping: Delivering products as engineers

How knowledge and expertise play into drawings and specifications.

James Dipping

July 5, 2023

As an engineering manager, I have a responsibility to maintain a high level of quality in our “product.” But it’s my opinion that consulting engineers don’t really have a product. You might counter with — drawings and specifications are our product, are they not? Yes and no. Allow me to explain.

Misty Guard: What good are the base model codes?

An in-depth look at model codes in the United States.

Misty Guard

July 4, 2023

In October 2023, the United States (U.S.) code development bodies will begin development activities for the 2027 versions of the U.S. model codes.

Column | John Siegenthaler

John Siegenthaler: Understanding thermal equilibrium and hydraulic equilibrium

Hydronic certainties

John Siegenthaler P.E.

July 3, 2023

ades of dealing with hydronic systems, I’ve confirmed two characteristics that always govern their operation. Both are rooted in the tenants of thermodynamics. Neither should be thought of as mysterious.

OVENTROP: Multifunctional connection set

July 18, 2023

Oventrop recently launched the Flypass Multifunctional Connection Set — a compact, versatile alternative to the standard coil kit. With less components and less leakage risk, it’s a more cost-effective, easier to install option for customers, the company states.

CALEFFI NORTH AMERICA: Motorized zone valves

July 17, 2023

Z-one valves are quick to install and commission in hot water, chilled water and low-pressure steam applications, Caleffi says.

AGF MANUFACTURING: Test ball valve with pressure relief and integrated sight glass

July 14, 2023

AGF Manufacturing introduced the updated 3011A InspectorsTest Valve featuring an integrated sight glass and relief valve drain access port to combine the best features from the 3011A and 3011ASG valves, plus the new 7000L Pressure Relief Valve.