HPAC March 2015

MCEE 2015 PReview

Alternate ways to Pipe up a buffer tank

Floor drain traps

Next generation refrigerants Balancing critical factors

How to improve hot water distribution In a foodservice environment

www.hpacmag.com PM 40069240

March 2015

Why do businesses go bust?

A better way to make ends meet.

Professionals who specify and install Uponor PEX plumbing and hydronic piping report faster installation times, savings on materials costs, fewer callbacks and greater peace of mind.

Exceptional products, tools and support. Uponor. Tested in the lab and proven in the field.

Connect with Uponor.

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See more case studies at www.uponor.ca

PEX PLUMBING RADIANT HEATING & COOLING HYDRONIC PIPING PRE-INSULATED PIPING

MARCH 2015

Vol. 89 No. 2

tents

82

MCEE 2015

Place Bonaventure, Montréal, Québec

Considerations for Next Generation HVAC Refrigerants Safety, regulations and other considerations as we move beyond HFCs and HCFCs.

By Mike Thompson, Mike Patterson and Ryan Geister

Wednesday, April 22 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Thursday, April 23 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

43 MCEE 2015 PREVIEW 66 MANAGEMENT

Grow The Business You Can Afford Entrepreneurship is riskier than marriage.

By Hank Bulmash

78 PLUMBING

Preventive Measure Proves Profitable Using Waterless floor drain traps to eliminate sewer odours and evaporation.

By Rick Ensley

DEPARTMENTS 6 Upfront 10 Industry News

50 Mechanical Supply News 58 81 81 85

People Training The Source Calendar

Cover image: iStock, Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia

22 HYDRONICS

One Side or the Other Alternate ways to pipe up a buffer tank.

BY JOHN SIEGENTHALER

Products 62 HVAC/R 72 Hydronic 80 Plumbing

28 WATER HEATING

IMPROVING Distribution System EFFICIENCY Part II in a series dealing with restaurant hot water systems. BY AMIN DELAGAH

38 HVAC/R

METHODS TO PREVENT MOTOR FAILURE Operation and Troubleshooting OF ELECTRIC MOTORS – Part II

By Dave Demma

hpacmag.com

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@hpacmag MARCH 2015 | HPAC

3

Navien Brings New Boiler Series to the United States and Canada

N AV IE N

PRESENTED BY

Ideal for residential and light commercial use, from the manufacturer that reinvented the way that people think about tankless water heating, the NHB builds on Navien’s recent successful product lines. The Navien Heating Boiler (NHB) will be offered in 4 sizes: NHB-55, NHB-80, NHB 110 and NHB-150 with turn-down-ratios respectively of 7:1, 10:1, 11:1, and 15:1. The noteworthy 15:1 TDR in the NHB-150 is achieved with Navien’s advanced burner system. One key component to that efficiency is the newly developed dual Venturi gas delivery system.

“Our New NHB heating boiler product will be much more than just another hi-efficiency condensing wall hung boiler added to the wide selection of boiler choices for contractors and homeowners” said Brian Fenske, Specialty Channel Sales Manager for Navien. “Yes we will have 95% AFUE, outdoor reset as required, and a few other similar operational features like the other brand choices available but then so much more!”

The NHB will offer industry leading options and features in the boiler operation parameters such as: • freeze protection • the largest industry turndown ratios providing ease of installation with multiple • adjustable Delta T ranges • pressure LWCO with manual reset smaller zones while maintaining high • adjustable minimum burner time setting operational efficiencies • a timed hydronic supply water boost feature • adjustable turndown ratio timing • and many more.

• adjustable heat capacity • adjustable anti-cycle timer “There are almost too many features to list. This product offers the installer an opportunity to achieve a true high-efficiency installation” says Brian.

“It’s a little known fact that Korea is the 2nd largest market for boilers in the world behind only the United Kingdom”, said Eric Moffroid, VP Sales and Marketing for Navien. “In fact there are almost three times as many boilers sold in Korea as in all of North America. An engineering and technology driven company, Navien has invested heavily in R&D over the past 36 years, resulting in a host of technologically advanced products. We are very excited to soon be offering this advanced heating technology and expertise here in the United States and Canada.”

WWW.NAVIEN.COM 4

HPAC | MARCH 2015

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Navien innovation.

Now available in a boiler.

Introducing the Navien NHB condensing boilers As the leader in condensing technology, Navien has already reinvented the water heating industry with the award-winning NPE tankless water heaters and the NCB combi-boilers. The new NHB boiler series is the next in line of innovations from Navien. All NHB boilers have Navien’s advanced burner system, an AFUE of 95% and turn down ratios up to 15:1. Now available in four sizes: NHB-55, NHB-80, NHB-110 and NHB-150.

Reinvent your thinking about boilers at BoilersMadeSmart.com or Navien.com.

T H E

L E A D E R

I N

TDR 15:1 AFUE 95% UP TO

2”– 3” VENTING LONG DISTANCES

ADJUSTABLE DELTA T RANGES INTEGRATED SMART CONTROL Most Efficient

2015

www.energystar.gov

C O N D E N S I N G

T E C H N O L O G Y

< UPFRONT it could happen to anyone THE COUNTRY WITH THE WORLD’S LARGEST FRESH WATER SUPPLY has a water shortage and Sao Paulo, Brazil’s most populous city, is under a water ration. In some cases city dwellers are going days without any water and when they do have it, it is for a very brief period of time before the supply is shut off. Who would have thought this was possible?

By some accounts the water crisis came on very quickly, but the reality is water use has been a contentious issue for some time in Brazil. Agriculture is its greatest consumer of water. This is doubly troublesome because creating agricultural lands has interfered with the Flying Rivers (air currents that bring water vapour from Amazonia). As millions of acres of rain forest is cleared to meet the demand for increased ethanol production from sugar cane crops, the means by which humidity is moved to other parts of the country is severely reduced. Large volumes of water are later used in the processing of the sugar cane. (Remind me please, of the environmental benefits of ethanol.)

Beverage maker Coca-Cola Brazil also relies on sugar cane for production of its sugary drinks. The company is working with World Wildlife Fund (WWF), has earned LEED Silver certification for its office building in Rio de Janeiro and has been lauded for lowering its usage ratio from 2.9 to 1.7 litres of water per litre of beverage. I am sure it is very rewarding for it to get patted on the back for efforts to rectify a problem it has had a part in creating.

Coca-Cola’s plant in Mogi das Cruzes, which is responsible for bottling mineral water supplied from two ground water sources, is considered to be “a benchmark for environmental sustainability projects.” Shameful.

And where is Canada in all of this? Consider Nestle’s extension on its permit to draw as much as 1.1 million litres of water daily from a well in Hillsburgh, ON. As part of that permit extension, the province made it mandatory for Nestle to reduce water taking during times of drought, which the town has experienced three times since 2007. The company appealed the new permit’s restrictions and in February 2012 the Ontario Ministry of the Environment agreed to remove the restrictions. Ecojustice and the community challenged the decision at Ontario’s Environmental Review Tribunal.

Nestle eventually backed down and the landmark restrictions remain in place.

Why was it necessary for citizens to do what the government should have done? It is past time to take stock of government policies around this nonrenewable resource. The lesson to be learned from Brazil is that no matter how much water you think you have, the well will run dry if corporate interests override responsible resource management.

Editor

HPAC Magazine 80 Valleybrook Drive, Toronto, ON M3B 2S9 TEL: 416.442.5600 FAX: 416.510.5140 www.hpacmag.com Editor Kerry Turner (416) 510-5218 KTurner@hpacmag.com Assistant Editor Alex Di Pietro (416) 510-5215 ADiPietro@hpacmag.com Sales & Marketing Kim Rossiter (416) 510-6794 Coordinator KRossiter@hpacmag.com Associate David Skene (416) 510-6884 publisher DSkene@hpacmag.com Account Stephen Kranabetter (416) 510-6791 Manager skranabetter@hpacmag.com Art Director Sandy MacIsaac (416) 442-5600, ext. 3242 SMacisaac@hpacmag.com Market Production Barb Vowles (416) 510-5103 Manager 800-268-7742, ext. 5103 BVowles@annexnewcom.ca Circulation Manager Selina Rahaman (416) 442-5600, ext. 3528 SRahaman@annexnewcom.ca PUBLISHER Peter Leonard (416) 510-6847 PLeonard@hpacmag.com Annex business media East Vice President Tim Dimopoulos (416) 510-5100 tdimopoulos@annexbizmedia.com President & CEO Mike Fredericks mfredericks@annexweb.com Publications Mail Agreement No. 40069240, Registration No. 10815 Heating Plumbing Air Conditioning (established 1925) is published 7 times per year

by Annex Business Media East. HPAC Magazine is the leading Canadian business publication for the owner/manager of mechanical contracting businesses and their supply partners.

ISSN: 0017-9418 Contents Copyright © 2015 by Annex Business Media, may not be reprinted without permission.

Subscriber Services: To subscribe, renew your subscription or to change your address or information please visit us at www.hpacmag.com.

Subscription Price per year: $40.00 CDN; Outside Canada per year: $80.00 US; Single copy Canada: $5.00 CDN. Heating Plumbing Air Conditioning is published 7 times per year except for occasional combined, expanded or premium issues, which count as two subscription issues.

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HPAC Magazine receives unsolicited materials (including letters to the editor, press releases, promotional items and images) from time to time. HPAC Magazine, its affiliates and assignees may use, reproduce, publish, re-publish, distribute, store and archive such unsolicited submissions in whole or in part in any form or medium whatsoever, without compensation of any sort.

Notice: HPAC Magazine, Annex Business Media, their staff, officers, directors and shareholders (hence known as the “Publisher”) assume no liability, obligations, or responsibility for claims arising from advertised products. The Publisher also reserves the right to limit liability for editorial errors, omissions and oversights to a printed correction in a subsequent issue. HPAC Magazine’s editorial is written for management level mechanical industry personnel who have documented training in the mechanical fields in which they work. Manufacturers’ printed instructions, datasheets and notices always take precedence to published editorial statements.

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

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HPAC | MARCH 2015

hpacmag.com

Zurn’s New Aqua-FIT™ Sensor Faucet System

ZURN

Zurn Industries, LLC introduces a sophisticated modular sensor faucet line, the Z6950 Aqua-FIT™ Faucet System. The system provides multiple performance benefits, numerous modern design aesthetics, the ability to retrofit just a new spout onto an existing electronics base, and concealed sensor lens and aerators to prevent damage from vandalism or cleaning chemicals.

PRESENTED BY

It enables building owners to choose their desired level of water conservation, since the system is available with lowflow outlets down to 0.35 gallons per minute, and its time-out activation is easily adjustable.

It can be powered by a number of different sources, including standard battery, hardwire, and two energy-saving options: a 10-year long life lithium battery or a 10-year hydro-generating kit.

The hands-free activation promotes excellent hygiene, and the system’s complete one-piece cast brass seamless design protects against both vandalism and potential bacteria growth–making it ideal for healthcare applications, as well as commercial, office, education and other hightraffic buildings.

WWW.ZURN.COM

One Choice. One Zurn.

Solving the puzzle of true paired performance.

EcoVantage ® 4.2 Lpf

Zurn is the only manufacturer to offer a high efficiency carrier and a 4.2 Lpf wall bowl system, providing a complete solution with labor savings and added performance from rough-in through finish trim installation. This high efficiency restroom solution achieves industry leading line carry that no other manufacturer can provide.

EZCarryTM

High Efficiency Toilet and Carrier System

zurn.com

905.405.8272

hpacmag.com HPAC_Zurn_Feb2015.indd 1

MARCH 20151/15/15 | HPAC 4:08 PM7

CALEFFI HYDRONIC SOLUTIONS

PRESENTED BY

Non-magnetic and magnetic dirt particles in hydronic systems can deposit onto heat exchanger surfaces and accumulate in pump cavities causing reduced thermal efficiency and premature wear. The small and often microscopic magnetic particles, called magnetite, form when iron or steel corrodes. Highly abrasive, the extremely fine particles are difficult to remove by traditional means. DIRTMAG® separators offer highly efficient separation of typical dirt as well as magnetite. The magnetite is captured by a concentrated magnetic field created by a stack of neodymium rare-earth magnets positioned inside a brass dry-well which is below the flow stream. Non-magnetic dirt particles are separated by colliding with an internal element in the flow stream and settling to the bottom. The deep collection chamber keeps the dirt from reentering the flow stream.

To purge the debris, the flexible magnetic stack is removed from the brass dry-well and, even while the system is still running, the drain valve is opened. Aided by the system pressure, the dirt and magnetite flushes out quickly and effectively.

DIRTMAG® magnetic dirt separators accomplish 2½ times the magnetite removal performance of standard dirt separators, delivering up to 95% elimination efficiency.

WWW.CALEFFI.US 8

HPAC | MARCH 2015

hpacmag.com

Leaders in Magnetic Separation

Small and often microscopic magnetic particles, called magnetite, form when iron or steel corrodes. Highly abrasive, the extremely fine sediment is difficult to remove by traditional means. DIRTMAG® separators capture magnetite with a concentrated magnetic field.

Dirt and magnetite is quickly flushed out of the drain valve when the magnet is removed. DIRTMAG® separators accomplish 2½ times the magnetite removal performance of standard dirt separators, delivering up to 95% elimination efficiency.

Components for today's modern hydronic systems

Heating & Cooling www.caleffi.com - Milwaukee, WI USA

Industry News

SEE THE LATEST HPAC e-newsletter @ hpacmag.com

OBC Amendments allow mid-rise wood-frame construction On January 1, 2015, new Ontario Building Code amendments became effective that increased the permitted height of residential (“Group C”) and office buildings (“Group D”) wood-frame buildings from four to six storeys. These buildings will feature several additional safety provisions not currently required in four-storey wood buildings, including: enhanced automatic sprinklering to the NFPA 13 standard; sprinklering of all balconies over 610 mm deep; building height limits including height limits to the fire access route; a requirement for exterior cladding and roof covering to be noncombustible or combustion resistant; additional compartmentalization for large sprinklered spaces such as attics; requiring at least 10 per cent of the building perimeter to be within 15 metres of a fire safety access route; requiring that exit stairwells have a 1.5

CIPH Regional Expo gears up to travel coast-to-coast The 2015 edition of the CIPHEX Roadshow will travel from coast-tocoast next fall.

“The CIPHEX Roadshow connects manufacturers with regional buyers, designers and installers or plumbing, hydronic, HVAC/R, water treatment and electrical equipment decisionmakers who are in the market for new products and suppliers,” stated Paul McDonald (Bradford White), chairman of the Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating (CIPH).

“The CIPHEX Roadshow is a simple and cost effective way to put buyers and sellers together in markets that do not have major trade shows,” added Ralph Suppa, president and general manager of CIPH. “Each show takes place in a single day to minimize costs and time commitment for exhibitors.”

The shows provide an opportunity for contractors, wholesalers, engineers and other industry members to meet face-to-face with exhibitors, learn about new products and technologies and attend seminars.

Schedule Of Events: Burnaby, BC October 15 Hosted by CIPH BC Region Edmonton, AB October 20 Hosted by CIPH Edmonton Region Regina, SK October 22 Hosted by CIPH Saskatchewan Region Brandon, MB October 28 Hosted by CIPH Manitoba Region St. John’s, NL November 18 Hosted by CIPH Newfoundland Region www.ciphexroadshow.ca

Symposium highlights how mechanical industry creates and adapts to emerging technologies Organizers of the bi-annual International Emerging Technology Symposium (IETS) have issued a call for abstracts. The event will be held in May of 2016 in the Chicago metropolitan area. Convened by nine industry associations (see below) including the Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating (CIPH), this two-day event will explore how emerging technologies have provided solutions to challenges throughout industry segments including: plumbing, mechanical, HVAC, utilities, water efficiencyfocused organizations, manufacturing and industry trade associations.

The IETS organizers are seeking presentations from experts on the following issues: • Alternate water sources: new technologies and rainwater catchment systems and grey water systems • Water efficiency in buildings: new studies and emerging technologies • Water quality issues: solutions to the unintended consequences of water efficiency, health implications, disinfection and anti-stagnation strategies, pharmaceuticals in water • Water: energy, Nexus-pipe sizing, hot water design, smart metering technologies • Educational and behavioural issues: waste water, “flushables,” showering and bathing safety issues, ramifications of pricing • 3-D modeling for plumbing and mechanical applications: software updates, BIM, 3D designs for sustainability • Other topics address improved levels of sustainability in plumbing and mechanical applications The deadline for submissions is August 1, 2015. Prior presentations and a series of videos from previous IETS events are available for viewing at www.youtube.com/user/IAPMOGroup.

Questions should be directed to Maria Bazan, e-mail: maria.bazan@iapmo.org or tel. 877.427.6601.

IETS co-conveners are: the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE), CIPH, the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA), the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association (PHCC), the Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE), the Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI), the United Association (UA) and the World Plumbing Council (WPC).

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hour fire-resistant rating and be of noncombustible construction; and a requirement to meet a higher seismic load than similar noncombustible buildings; and more robust occupancy permit requirements. www.ontario.ca/buildingcode www.e-laws.gov.on.ca

School retrofit puts first Canadian firm in the running for trip

From left to right, Robert Cenedese, Tom Popovich, Phil Rempel and Mark Swain, all of Rocky Point Engineering with Kai Mark of Equipco Ltd.

A boiler plant upgrade for Martha Currie Elementary School in Surrey, BC, has put Rocky Point Engineering Ltd. in the winners’ circle and in the running for the grand prize in Caleffi’s Excellence contest. Rocky Point Engineering is the first Canadian finalist since the contest was launched in 2013.

The firm installed six new condensing IBC boilers at the school, which had an older design laden with equipment coils and high-flow pumps. The challenge of managing the fluctuating flow rates with multiple zones was resolved with a design by Robert Cenedese of Rocky Point, which utilized a Caleffi hydraulic separator.

The design received the most audience votes during a Coffee with Caleffi webinar, resulting in it being the November winning entry in the Caleffi Excellence contest. Cenedese was presented with an iPad mini by Kai Mark of Equipco Ltd., and is now a contender for the grand prize trip to Italy with a guest to visit Caleffi’s global headquarters.

The grand prize winner will be chosen from the 12 monthly winners by a panel of industry experts and Caleffi execuhpacmag.com

tives. Entries are still being accepted in the 2014-2015 Excellence contest, which opened in September 2014. www.caleffi.com

BC training tax credit program extended British Columbia’s training tax credit program, which was implemented on January 1, 2007 has been extended through 2017. The training tax credit is for employers and apprentices who take part in eligible apprenticeship programs administered through the Industry Training Authority (ITA).

ITA oversees BC’s industry training and apprenticeship system, including the administration of Red Seal (Inter-provincial) and non-Red Seal (BC-recognized) training programs.

There are three main elements to the training tax credit: basic credit for non-Red Seal training programs; com-

pletion credit for Red Seal and non-Red Seal training programs; and enhanced credit for First Nations individuals and persons with disabilities.

The federal government provides a credit for employers and a grant for apprentices for Red Seal programs.

In related news, ITA recently launched a new online job match tool for trades apprentices. Apprentice Job Match, which is linked to the WorkBC website, is designed to connect trades students seeking an apprenticeship with employers looking to hire.

According to ITA, the website attracts over 20 000 visitors daily and 10 000 job postings. The launch, which coincided with the inaugural Apprenticeship Recognition Day in November 2014, was hosted by Camosun Trades Foundation. www.itabc.ca continued on p14

SHARKBITE OFFERS THE VERY BEST IN PUSH-FIT PLUMBING SOLUTIONS TO

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Stock up now and be ready to respond quickly to your customers’ needs this winter.

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march 2015 | HPAC

11

WARD MANUFACT URI NG

PRESENTED BY

A JOURNEY OF ONE THOUSAND MILES BEGINS WITH ONE STEP. We are celebrating our 90th anniversary this year. It is also a year of beginnings, including the creation of a new corporate logo, a new look, new products and a fresh look at the markets we serve. These initiatives are driven by an evolution of the Ward brand from the days of cast-iron manufacturing to the days of customer-centric marketing. Ward is responding to what you – our customers – need in terms of flexibility, selection, quality and price.

Our look reflects this dynamic new direction and so does our product line. It’s broader than ever, encompassing our traditional high-quality fittings for sprinkler systems, drainage systems and other installations as well as our superb, innovative and category-leading WardFlex® corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) for unprecedented time savings in gas line installation and concurrent improvements in cost reduction and profitability. It is certified for commercial and residential use virtually everywhere in North America. Installation training is available through our website or with one of our many distributors.

Not only does the flexibility of WardFlex® make installation far easier and faster than traditional black cast iron gas pipe plumbing, the fact that these products share a common dual-seal (and reusable) fitting makes carrying an unwieldy and expensive supply of fittings a thing of the past.

And look for our line of North American and International Nipples to launch in 2015 – a complete line of nipples for sprinkler and plumbing applications built to higher-than-standard tolerances than the industry requires.

To go with our new look, we have launched a new website: www.wardmfg.com. We invite you to click by when you have the chance.

We’re thrilled to be undertaking this evolutionary brand journey, and we’re thrilled to invite you to take it with us!

WWW.WARDMFG.COM 12

HPAC | march 2015

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We’ve had a makeover.

NEW LOOK. SAME VALUES. A lot can happen in 90 years. A lot has happened at Ward Manufacturing. We’ve become larger, more successful and more innovative. So, for our 90th anniversary, we’ve decided to treat ourselves to a little present: a new logo that reflects where we are today.

We’ve kept the same strong Ward name that embodies our roots. We’ve also added an important thought: THE SMART CONNECTION. We’re trying harder than ever to make Ward the right choice for quality, performance, price and service. We think that’s a smart place to be. We trust you do too, because you’ve kept us at it a long time. It’s been a privilege working together with you these 90 years. Here’s to the next 90!

www.wardmfg.com

(905) 564-6488

< Industry News

continued from p11

Action plan for Net Zero Energy housing in Canada moves forward The Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) board executive committee recently approved the 2015 members of the association’s Net Zero Energy Housing Council (NZC).

The NZC supports innovation in the homebuilding industry with the goal of creating a market advantage for builder and renovator members pursuing Net Zero Energy performance.

The council’s work is expected to renew Canadian leadership in high performance housing. The mandate of this self-funding council is to deliver services that will support members’ voluntary adoption of Net Zero Energy (NZE) housing.

Members were selected for their demonstrated competence and experience in NZE or R-2000 Housing, as well as their knowledge or capability in specialized areas important to the advancement of NZE Housing.

In other CHBA news, 24 CHBA National SAM Awards were presented at the association’s 72nd National Conference in Halifax, NS. Award winners in the new home, home renovation and community development categories are recognized for their use of innovative technology and construction techniques, distinctive design, and marketing and sales activities. The awards are sponsored by MASCO/Delta Faucet and Genworth Canada. www.chba.ca

Thermal bridging is caused by highly conductive elements that penetrate the thermal insulation and/or misaligned planes of thermal insulation. These paths allow heat flow to bypass the insulating layer and reduce the effectiveness of the insulation. Research and monitoring of buildings increasingly shows the value of reducing thermal bridging in new construction and mitigating thermal bridging impact in existing buildings. Thermal bridging can significantly increase whole building energy use, and it poses a risk of condensation on cold surfaces and can decrease occupant comfort.

Available on the New Construction Program page, the guide explores how BC’s building industry can effectively account for the impact of thermal bridging as part of meeting the challenges of reducing energy use in buildings. www.bchydro.com/powersmart/business/programs/newconstruction.html#thermal

Building envelope thermal bridging guide released Ontario passes Working at Heights Regulation

Most practitioners will find PART 1 and Appendices A and B to be useful. PART 1 outlines how to effectively account for thermal bridging. Appendices A and B provide a catalogue of common building envelope assemblies and interface details and their associated thermal performance data.

A number of partners, including BC Hydro Power Smart, have produced a Thermal Bridging Guide. It is directed to energy standards committees, governments, utilities, architects, mechanical designers, building envelope consultants, energy modellers, developers, contractors, manufacturers and trade organizations.

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HPAC | march 2015

As of April 1, 2015, regulatory requirements in O. Reg. 297/13 (Occupational Health and Safety Training and Awareness) will require that employers ensure workers who use specified fall protection equipment on construction projects successfully complete a chief prevention officer- (CPO) approved working-at-heights training program delivered by a CPO-approved training provider.

Workers already trained under the current fall protection training requirements set out in section 26.2 of O. Reg. 213/91 (Construction Projects) before April 1, 2015, have an additional two years to get trained under the new requirements. www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/topics/heights.php

Research project to provide concrete numbers on radiant performance The Center for the Built Environment (CBE) at the College of Environmental Design, Berkeley (CED) in California has received three grants totaling $8 million, which will fund core research in radiant systems; and task/ambient approaches to workplace comfort; and research and development in new technologies for monitoring and control of commercial buildings. continued on p16 hpacmag.com

NY THERMAL INC

PRESENTED BY

Trinity Fire Tube High Efficiency Condensing Boiler NTI’s Trinity Fire Tube (TFT) boiler delivers industry-leading performance. Its heat exchanger is ASME-certified and uses an innovative, down-fired Fire Tube concept. The tubes’ dimpled design optimizes heat transfer to deliver up to 95% AFUE. Constructed of 439 stainless steel, the TFT’s heat exchanger is highly-corrosion-resistant, and its design allows water to flow freely around the boiler’s heating surfaces, significantly reducing pressure drop.

The TFT provides flexibility, with vent runs up to 150', five vent termination options, 2" venting on some models, and top/bottom plumbing and gas connections.

Features: • ifLEX interface provides easy navigation • 7" colour touchscreen for easy programming and troubleshooting • Ultimate controllability with Sola Controller • Fully-modulating to maximize efficiency • Wall-mount configuration and optional floor stand provide installation flexibility • Multiple boiler configuration: “Lead-Lag” cascade system maximizes operation • Limited lifetime warranty

WWW.NYTHERMAL.COM

We’Ve GOT yOu COVered

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See our full line of products nythermal.com Gas – Oil – Wood – Solar – Water Heaters – HVAC – Tanks – Accessories hpacmag.com NTI_Ad_GasPrdcts_HPAC_HP_SB_.indd 1

march 2015 | HPAC 15 2015-02-23 2:44 PM

< Industry News

continued from p14

The $2.9-million project, which is expected to start this summer, will involve the development of tools for industry professionals to optimize the design and operation of buildings with radiant systems. Working in Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s new FLEXLAB facility, and in Price Industries’ Hydronic Test Chamber in Winnipeg, MB, the research will include full-scale testing of energy and heat transfer fundamentals of radiant systems. Price Industries will conduct full-scale laboratory experiments to understand the behaviour of radiant slab systems, for example, to determine cooling loads, cooling capacity, and system sizing issues, and to investigate the impacts of acoustical ceiling systems.

This research will provide performance data to develop design and control guidelines. Viega and CBE are also collaborating to provide training sessions to leverage these research results to create innovative product advancements and design guidelines.

“We are honoured to be associated with CBE,” said Mark Parent, Viega director of product management. “There is a lack of industry knowledge when it comes to radiant heating and cooling. Our hope is to help educate the industry on newer and more efficient technologies when designing com-

mercial integrated hydronics systems.”

An award of $2.6 million will support development of CBE’s low-energy personal comfort systems (wireless power transfer technology for personal comfort devices such as cooled and heated office chairs, keyboard wrist pads, and heated insoles). Another project will study low-cost MEMS-based ultrasonic airflow sensors for rooms and HVAC systems. The new sensors are expected to disruptively improve the accuracy of measuring and controlling airflow in buildings, leading to better control of the building’s air distribution system. www.cbe.berkeley.edu/

People >> Diane Lee has been appointed communications coordinator with Consulting Engineers of Ontario (CEO), which represents 200 engineering firms. She brings five years of experience in public relations, digital communications and project management to the position. www.ceo.on.ca >> Anne Baliva has joined the Canadian Water Quality Association (CWQA) as program manager reporting to the board of directors. She will assist in managing, coordinating, continued on p18

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HPAC | march 2015

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< Industry News

EZ TORQUE™ Fastening System The new standard in sink installation.

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planning and providing support to the board and various committees. Kevin Wong remains as CWQA’s executive director, overseeing the regulatory affairs of the association. Baliva has over five years of association management experience, most recently at the Water Environment Association of Ontario.

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say aloha to balancing The 2015 National Environmental Balancing Bureau (NEBB) Annual Conference will be held on April 16 to 18, 2015 at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa in Honolulu, HI. The conference theme is “A Sea of Change: A World of Opportunities.”

In addition to exhibits, guest speakers and networking opportunities, sessions include Fume Hood Testing, Building Enclosure Testing and Retro-Commissioning. www.nebb.org

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Mega event proves to be a big draw More than 500 exhibitors took part in the 2015 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), which was held January 20 to 22, 2015 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and Visitors Center. This marked the second

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continued from p16

HPAC | march 2015

  MARCH

COMMERCIAL SYSTEMS

industry products were entered in the Best of KBIS competition. Winners were announced in five categories: • Best in Show - LG Hausys, Tech Top • Best of Kitchen: Gold - Brizo, Articulating Faucet • Best of Kitchen: Silver - Brondell, Integrated Faucet • Best of Bath: Gold - Walker Zanger, Sterling Row • Best of Bath: Silver - Rohl, Michael Berman Faucet Winners were selected based on functionality, quality/durability, flexibility, 2014 | HPAC 1 aesthetics/style and innovation. continued on p20 hpacmag.com

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< Industry News

continued from p18

Chicago event claims five new records Canadians figure prominently in design awards NKBA announced the winners of the 2015 NKBA Design Competition on January 19, prior to the opening day of the 2015 KBIS. Canadians had a fine showing across six main kitchen and bath categories and 10 specialty categories: Before & After Kitchen Claire J. Reimann, AKBD of Jason Good Custom Cabinets Inc., Victoria, BC. Reimann also placed second in the Medium Kitchen category.

Before & After Bath Erica Westeroth, CKD, CAPS, ARIDO, XTC Design Incorporated, Toronto, ON. Westeroth also won first place in the small bath category and second place in the large bath category.

Small Kitchen First Place: Corey S. Klassen, CKD, CBD, Corey Klassen Interior Design, Vancouver, BC. Powder Room Third Place: Sheena Hammond, XTC Design Incorporated, Toronto, ON. time KBIS has collaborated with the International Builders’ Show (IBS) to present Design & Construction Week.

According to KBIS producers, Emerald Expositions, and show owners, the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), early indicators show the 2015 event saw a five per cent growth in verified attendance.

“Everything about this year’s show lived up to the promise of bigger, better and bolder,” said Bill Darcy, NKBA CEO. “We were thrilled, not only by the turnout, but by how many innovations were introduced by exhibitors this year. We couldn’t be happier that the industry sees KBIS as the platform to successfully launch new products.”

The addition of 500 000 sq. ft. in the South Hall offered the opportunity to provide ‘on-floor’ programming, as well as additional exhibit space. Branded as KBISNeXT, the area featured a Tech Bar, and the FutureHaus Kitchen, presented by Virginia Tech.

The NKBA’s Voices From The Industry (VFTI) offered more than 90 sessions in 11 conference blocks. Many of the sessions offered continuing education units (CEUs) from the NKBA, as well as other industry associations. A founding member of Design & Construction Week, the NKBA and NAHB announced that their trade shows will continue to colocate through 2020.

The 2016 KBIS will be held January 19 to 21, 2016 in Las Vegas, NV. The NKBA and NAHB have announced that they will continue to co-locate through 2020. www.KBIS.com 20

HPAC | march 2015

The 2015 AHR Expo claimed the title for the best-attended event ever held in Chicago. Preliminary figures for the HVAC/R show indicate that more than 61 000 total attendees, including 42 400 visitors, participated in the 2015 AHR Expo, January 26 to 28, at McCormick Place.

According to Clay Stevens, president of International Exposition Company (IEC), five Chicago records were shattered by the 2015 event, which attracted almost 62 000 registered attendees and over 2100 exhibiting companies.

Exhibitors had the opportunity to enter products in the 2015 AHR Expo Product of the Year and Danfoss’ Turbocor VTT was selected as the winner. The compressor was chosen from among the top Innovation Award winners in 10 industryrelated categories. It qualified to compete for the top award by winning the Green Building category. Winners in the other categories were as follows: Building Automation American Auto-Matrix-A Cylon Energy Inc. Company AspectFT Web Enabled BAS Cooling Southwire Company, LLC EZ-In Mini-Split Cable HEATING Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc. Cooling & Heating Division H2i MXZ Multi-zone Heat Pump System Indoor Air Quality (iaq) Koch Filter Corporation DuraMax 4vS16 Minipleat Filter Plumbing Navien, Inc. NPE-S Series Condensing Gas Tankless Water Heater Refrigeration KeepRite Refrigeration/National Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Canada Corp. Limitrol+ Head Pressure Control System Software Fluke Corporation Fluke Connect SmartPhone App Tools & instruments Sporlan - Parker Hannifin SMART Service Tool Kit Wireless Temperature Clamps and Sensors Ventilation Coolerado Corporation ERV50 Energy Recovery Ventilator and Super Cooling System The annual competition is sponsored by ASHRAE, the AirConditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) and IEC, producers and organizers of the AHR Expo.

AHR Expo is endorsed by 39 HVAC/R industry associations and is co-sponsored by ASHRAE and AHRI. The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) is an honorary sponsor of the event. The 2016 AHR Expo will take place January 25 to 27 in Orlando, FL. www.ahrexpo.com <> hpacmag.com

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< HYDRONICS

One side or the other Alternate ways to pipe up a buffer tank.

BY JOHN SIEGENTHALER

S

hort operating cycles continue to be one of the chronic complaints associated with modern hydronic heat sources. State-of-the-art mod/con boilers with 5:1, 8:1, or even 10:1 ratios between their maximum firing rate and minimum stable firing rate cannot always match the heating load imposed by a single small zone, such as a towel warmer radiator in the master bathroom, on a mild day. This is where the additional thermal mass provided by a buffer tank provides the “thermal elasticity” needed between heat supply and heat demand.

Over the last couple of decades, the North American hydronics industry has been learning the importance of buffer tanks as low thermal mass boilers and water-to-water heat pumps have increasingly been combined with highly zoned distribution systems.

As biomass fueled boilers make their mark on the industry, one of the principles that most system designers agree on is that a properly sized buffer tank is

essential to good performance for wood gasification boilers, as well as boilers fueled by pellets and wood chips.

In North America, one of the most common arrangements for a buffer tank is to install it between the heat source and distribution system as shown in Figure 1.

“Hot” water from the heat source enters an upper side wall connection on the tank. Water headed for the distribution system exits from another upper side wall connection that is usually directly across from the “hot” water inlet.

Because the entering water is hotter than the water in the tank, it is slightly less dense and remains in the upper portion of the tank. When the flow rate into the distribution system is about equal to the flow entering the tank from the heat source, the entering hot water tends to “slide” across the upper portion and does not disturb the cooler water in lower portions of the tank.

Notice that a swing check is shown on the pipe leading into the tank from the heat source. It is there to stop re-

verse thermosiphoning during times when the heat source is not operating but the tank contains heated water. The upper right connection leading from the tank to the distribution system also contains a check valve.

I suggest using a spring-loaded check valve in this location to stop potential forward thermosiphoning when the distribution system is not operating. A swing check does not have sufficient forward opening resistance to stop such thermosiphoning, while most spring loaded check valves have a forFigure 2 Water migration

Figure 1 Common buffer tank

22

HPAC | MARCH 2015

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ward “cracking” pressure of about 0.5 psi, which is generally enough to stop this unwanted flow.

Cooler water returning from the distribution system tends to remain in the lower portion of the tank and slide across to the bottom left sidewall connection back to the heat source. These effects are both desirable because they help maintain temperature stratification in the tank.

If the flow rate from the tank to the distribution system is greater than flow rate entering the tank from the heat source, cooler water will begin to migrate upward in the tank. The tank is giving up heat to the load under this condition. If the flow rate from the heat source is greater than the flow rate to the distribution system, hot water will begin to migrate downward in the tank.

The average tank temperature increases as the surplus output of the heat source is stored. The tank is taking on heat under this condition. Both of these conditions are shown in Figure 2.

MULTIPLE BENEFITS Besides providing thermal storage that allows reasonably long operating cyFigure 3 On-demand assembly

hpacmag.com

cles of the heat source, a buffer tank piped as shown in Figure 1 also provides excellent hydraulic separation between the heat source circuit and load circuit. This happens because the internal flow velocities within the tank are very low compared to the flow velocities in the piping connections to and from the tank. Due to these low velocities, there is almost zero head loss across the tank or from the top to the bottom of the tank.

The low flow velocities also allow dirt particles, which may be present in the flow returning from the distribution system, to drop to the bottom of the tank.

The problem is that most buffer tanks are not designed to efficiently flush dirt at the bottom of the tank out of the tank. Dirt that happens to settle near the drain valve may get entrained with flow out of the lower tank drain valve.

The low local flow velocities in other lower areas of the tank cannot effectively entrain dirt, and thus are unable to carry it to the drain connection.

Therefore, most buffer tanks can eventually separate and accumulate dirt but are not good at flushing that dirt to a drain. This is where a dirt separator

that can generate sufficient internal flow velocity during a flush to entrain accumulated dirt is the preferred choice.

The heat stored in a buffer tank can also be used for domestic water heating, or preheating, using either an internal coil heat exchanger suspended in the upper portion of the tank, or the “on-demand” assembly shown in Figure 3. This assembly has been discussed in previous articles (see HPAC May/June 2013, www.hpacmag.com).

It is an excellent way to harvest heat from any thermal storage tank.

DOWNSTREAM TANK The piping shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3 all involve four principal piping connections to the buffer tank – two into the upper portion and two into the lower portion. Although these principal connections can function well, they are not the only way to connect a buffer tank into the system.

After looking over many schematics from European sources, especially those associated with biomass boilers, I have noticed a trend that places continued on p26

Figure 4 Alternate arrangement

MARCH 2015 | HPAC

23

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HPAC | MARCH 2015

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Do your best work.

< HYDRONICS

continued from p23

“it is better to work with buffer tanks that have more connections than is absolutely necessary for a given application.” the buffer in a different arrangement relative to the heat source and load.

This alternate arrangement is shown in Figure 4.

In this layout, flow from the heat source does not pass through the buffer tank on its way to the distribution system. Instead, the distribution system extracts flow from the piping between the buffer tank and heat source.

Any hot water flow from the heat source that is not pulled off into the distribution system passes downstream into the buffer tank, as shown in Figure 5.

In this two-pipe buffer tank scenario, the flow velocity entering the buffer tank is lower than with the “four-pipe” arrangement shown in Figures 1 through 3. Lower entering flow velocities help preserve temperature stratification and thus maintain the warmest water at the top of the tank, ready for transfer to the load.

If the heat source is off, stored hot

water from the buffer tank flows backward from the tank and into the distribution system at point A. It is also possible for some flow to enter the distribution system from the heat source, while the remainder of the required flow comes from the buffer tank. This happens when the distribution system requires more flow than is currently passing through the heat source.

Another benefit of the two-pipe buffer tank configuration is that the distribution system has access to the hottest water in the system before that water passes through the upper portion of the buffer tank. This would be an advantage if the buffer tank has cooled over several hours before the next call for heat occurs. Under such a condition, the cooler water in the upper portion of the tank would mix with incoming hot water from the heat source. This would thermally dilute the water temperature supplied to the

Figure 5 Hot water flow to buffer tank

Figure 6 Close-coupled arrangement

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HPAC | MARCH 2015

load until the upper portion of the tank has warmed back to the normal operating temperature. This effect would be especially noticeable when the system is first started and the water in the buffer tank is at room temperature.

Yet another benefit is that the piping shown in Figure 4 eliminates two of the principal sidewall connections on the buffer tank. This should also reduce the cost of the tank, with all other specifications being the same.

Still, in my opinion, it is better to work with buffer tanks that have more connections than is absolutely necessary for a given application. The extra connections can always be plugged off if not needed. They can also be used to attached devices such as sensor wells, thermometers, sight gauge connections, or piping connections that better match incoming flows to the likely temperature stratification of the tank.

hpacmag.com

Extra connections might also be used to accommodate the on-demand DHW assembly shown in Figure 3.

how the piping connections on the tank are sized and located, and how those tanks would be optimally located in relationship to the other components and subsystems. <>

KEEP IT CLOSE

John Siegenthaler, P.E., is a mechanical engineering graduate of Rensselaer

The degree of hydraulic separation between the distribution circulator and heat source circulator provided by the system in Figure 4 depends on the length and size of piping between the tees where the distribution subsystem connects and the connections to the tank. This piping should be short and generously sized to minimize head loss; thus the callout for short/fat headers in Figure 4.

If the buffer tanks have the four principal piping connections shown in Figures 1 through 3, it is possible to join two or three of them together in a “close coupled” arrangement as shown in Figure 6.

This piping allows the two buffer tanks to maintain flow dynamics very similar to the single “two-pipe” buffer tank shown in Figures 4 and 5. To maintain good hydraulic separation across the tank array, the couplings between the tanks should create minimal head loss. A short flexible connector works well and compensates for any slight misalignments of the tank connections due to manufacturing tolerances, or a less than perfectly flat floor slab under the tanks.

Polytechnic Institute and a licensed professional engineer. He has over 34

HAVE IT YOUR WAY Either the traditional buffer tank piping shown in Figures 1 to 3, or the alternate method shown in Figure 4 and 5 can work. Both have been used on many successful installations. It is likely to come down to what tanks are available,

See John at Modern HydronicsSummit 2015 on September 10 at the International Centre in Mississauga, ON. Visit www.modernhydronicssummit.com for more information. hpacmag.com

years experience in designing modern hydronic heating systems. He is also an associate professor emeritus of engineering technology at Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica, NY.

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MARCH 2015 | HPAC

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< Water heating

Improving distribution system efficiency Part II in a series dealing with restaurant hot water systems.

BY AMIN DELAGAH

T

he distribution system is often overlooked as a component of the commercial kitchen hot water system that affects both energy and water use. There are four main types of distribution systems applicable to the foodservice environment (manifold distribution systems are generally not applicable to commercial food service).

1.

Simple distribution (supply piping with no return loop) 2. Continuous recirculation (supply piping with return loop and pump) 3. Demand circulation (demand pump with or without a return loop) 4. Distributed generation (primary and point-of-use heating) The majority of systems installed in restaurants are based either on simple distribution or continuous recirculation. Regardless of which type, many of these systems operate inefficiently and lack the hot water delivery performance desired in the foodservice environment. Demand circulation and distributed generation provide hot water on demand at the point of use and are more compatible with tankless heaters, unlike continuous recirculation systems where there may be issues with tankless heaters.

CONTINUOUS RECIRCULATION

especially at first use or after periods when water cools down in the pipes.

Increasing the length or diameter of the distribution line increases wait times at the farthest fixtures because a larger volume of room-temperature water must be purged before hot water arrives. Simple distribution systems are often used for small quick-service restaurants and specialty shops where distribution lines are less than 60 ft.

The two most popular configurations include a single-line distribution system that feeds all sinks and equipment and a two-line distribution system that provides hot water (typically at 140F) to the sanitation sinks and dishwasher, while a second line provides a mix of hot and cold water (typically 100F to 110F) to handwashing sinks.

Continuously circulating hot water through the main distribution line and back to the heater ensures that there is hot water in the trunk line at all times, in essence moving the water heater closer to points of use as shown in Figure 2. However, depending on the branch and twig pipe size (i.e., volume of water in pipes between the trunk line and point of use) and fixture flowrates, this configuration does not always ensure immediate delivery of hot water to the faucet. This is particularly the case when low-flow aerators have been specified. But regardless of how well the strategy works, water is being circulated at 140F (or more), continuously losing heat to the surroundings.

The hotter the water is in the lines, and

Figure 1 Simple distribution

Figure 2 Recirculation line

SIMPLE DISTRIBUTION A simple distribution system uses a trunk, branch and twig configuration to deliver water from the heater to the points of use (see Figure 1). The benefit of this system is that it is simple and reliable and is compatible with all water heaters. The drawback is a potentially long wait time for hot water, 28

HPAC | MARCH 2015

Distribution System Components

Twig: Serves one fixture Branch: Serves two or more twigs Trunk: Serves two or more branches; may be connected to a return line leading back to the water heater1 hpacmag.com

the poorer the insulation, the greater the heat loss and energy consumed by the water heater.

DEMAND CIRCULATION Demand circulation, as the name implies, incorporates a control strategy that operates the recirc pump only when there is a need for hot water. Pump operation can be initiated by an occupancy sensor in the vicinity of a hot water fixture. One system on the market features an integrated pump and temperature sensor placed under the hand sink (Figure 3). When the occupancy sensor triggers the pump, it purges room temperature (or lukewarm) water from the hot water supply line and transfers it into the adjacent cold water supply line or dedicated return line to the water heater.

Remember that the cold water line coming into the building is also connected to the inlet of the water heater.

When the built-in temperature sensor measures an increase in water temperature, it assumes that hot water is just about to arrive at the fixture and it shuts off the pump, preventing hot water from being transferred into the cold water line. Now, when the hot water tap is turned on, the delivery of hot water happens within seconds. Every time the occupancy sensor calls for the pump to run, the unit checks the water tempera-

DISTRIBUTED GENERATION Distributed generation can be a 100 per cent distributed system utilizing pointof-use water heaters or a hybrid hot water system that combines a central water heater (storage type or tankless) with point-of-use electric heaters. In the hybrid configuration a simple distribution system delivers hot water to sanitation equipment and kitchen sinks, which are clustered near the primary water heater. On-demand or mini-tank electric water heaters are placed strategically below the hand sinks in remote lavatories. The point-of-use heaters that are sized appropriately for flow rate and temperature rise can be plumbed to the cold water line, thus eliminating the need for a dedicated hot water line.

Using distributed electric heaters for hand-washing sinks is a cost-effective option, especially when specifying the â&#x20AC;&#x153;best-in-classâ&#x20AC;? 0.375 gpm aerator for

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

continued on p32

Photo:Taco (modified)

Figure 3 Demand circulation

ture. If it senses that the water in the pipe has not cooled down, it does not activate the pump.

If the demand control pump is installed at the furthest end-use sink from the water heater, it will keep the trunk line hot between the heater and all points of use. Therefore, as illustrated in Figure 3, hot water will be delivered quickly to the other fixtures and appliances in the restaurant.

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< Water heating

continued from p29

the faucets. This approach minimizes water and energy use while enhancing the customer experience by reducing the wait for hot water. Research is recommended when specifying a unit, as the reliability of some point-of-use electric heaters in heavy use applications has been called into question.

(Figure 4) that turns the pump on shortly before restaurant staff begins preparation and off just before closing hours could save five to 10 hours of run time per day. The recirc pump can also be temperature-controlled with an aquastat that only runs the pump when the temperature of the return loop falls below a specified value.

PIPE INSULATION Pipe insulation is by far the most effective solution (if not the most overlooked) to improving the effectiveness of the distribution system to deliver hot water on demand. Typically, fibreglass or foam insulation can be used on hot water piping to prevent heat loss. This saves energy, extends the cool-down time, reduces operating cost, and improves the effectiveness of the distribution system to deliver hot water.

Mandatory minimum requirements for pipe insulation thickness for service water heating systems in commercial facilities vary. Whatever the requirements are, adding insulation to the entire hot water distribution system should be a design specification. This includes pipes leading from the water heater, above the ceiling tiles, behind the walls, and leading from the wall to the appliance or sink.

HOT WATER DELIVERY ISSUES There are two areas in food service, the dishwasher and hand sinks, where immediate delivery of hot water is critical to completing the task in a sanitary fashion. The rinse operation of the dishwasher requires inlet water temperatures typically in the 140F range to the dishwasher (for low-temp applications) or to the booster heater (for high-temp applications).

If hot water has cooled to room temperature in the pipes (between the recirc line and the dishwasher), the dishwasher may not be able to compensate for the sub-140F inlet water

EXTENDING COOL-DOWN TIME Insulation extends the cool-down time of the hot water in pipes. It increases the time that branch and twig piping

Figure 5 Wait times associated with the size of branch piping to a hand sink with a 0.5 gpm aerator

continued on p34

Figure 7 Vertical trunk drop

RECIRCULATION PUMP TIMER To reduce operating costs associated with the continuous operation of a circulation system, the recirc pump should be time-controlled and operated only when the restaurant needs hot water. Adding a time clock or timer

on its next load, thus compromising sanitation.

A more noticeable problem is the timely delivery of hot water to handwashing sinks. With a simple distribution system, a hand sink could be located 60 ft. from the heater and the trunk must be purged of room temperature water the first time the hand sink is used. If the piping is not insulated, hot water may never reach a hand sink that is being used intermittently because the water always cools down between uses. The sad part is that the operator pays to heat the water that never makes it to the tap.

The goal is to reduce hot water wait time to 10 seconds or less, which is considered acceptable for public lavatories. A wait time of 11 to 30 seconds is considered borderline and a wait time of 30 seconds or more is unacceptable.2

Figure 6

Figure 4 Timer mounted on a recirculation pump

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< Water heating

continued from p32

stays hot between water use events, thereby increasing the availability of hot water at the faucet and mitigating hot water delivery problems. Applied to ⅜-in. and ½-in. diameter pipes, 1-in. thick insulation will double the cool-down time compared with uninsulated pipes; applied to ¾-in. diameter pipes, it triples the cool-down time.3

IMPROVING HOT WATER DELIVERY A strategy to improve delivery performance is to reduce the diameter of the branch and/or twig piping leading from the trunk line to the hand sink(s). Some examples of pipe size and resulting hot water wait times are shown in Figure 5. To simplify the wait time estimation, it was assumed that the portion of twig line leading from the shut-off valve to the faucet aerator holds 0.024 gallons of water, which is equivalent to using two feet of ½-in. diameter piping and corresponds to three seconds of additional wait time.

Restaurant designs typically specify ¾-in. diameter branch piping (leading to the shut-off valve) for two lavatories or more. With 10 feet of ¾-in. diameter branch piping and a 0.5 gpm aerator installed, the wait time would be 33 seconds before the 0.28 gallons of water is purged and

hot water reaches the faucet. For best design, ¾-in. branch piping should be used when serving five lavatories or more; using it to serve two lavatories is overkill. Similarly, ½-in. piping is appropriate for four lavatories that have a maximum flow rate of two gpm (Figure 6).

If ¾-in. branch piping must be used between the trunk line and the twig line, then two feet is the longest length before wait times breach the 10 second threshold for acceptable performance. In this situation, extending the trunk line vertically down the wall reduces the length of branch piping to the faucet (Figure 7). While this approach resolves the delivery performance issue, it marginally increases the length of the trunk line and system cost.

HEAT TRACE Using electrical heat trace is another way of maintaining the temperature in

Heat Gain

Figure 8 Heat tracing to maintain hot water temperature in piping4

REFERENCES 1. Klein, Gary. Hot Water and How Best to Get it. IAPMO Official.Winter 2009, pp. 4445. www.allianceforwaterefficiency.org/Residential_Hot_Water_Distribution_ System_Introduction.aspx 2. ASPE. Domestic Water Heating Design Manual, Second Edition. 2003. Reprint of Chapter 14: “Recirculating Domestic Hot Water Systems” www.psdmagazine.org.

3. Klein, Gary. Hot Water Distribution Research. IAPMO Official. Sep/Oct 2006, pp.

39-44. www.iapmo.org/Official Articles/2006-09 Hot Water Distribution Research.pdf.

4. Larkin, Brian. Electric Heat Trace vs. Recirculation. ACEEE Forum on Water Heating and Use. [Online] June 2, 2008. [Cited: March 4, 2010.] http://aceee. org/conf/08WHForum/#program.

34

HPAC | MARCH 2015

FINAL POINTS TO CONSIDER • Mirror men’s and women’s lavatories so they are on opposite sides of the same wall and share a common branch pipe.

• Place higher flow rate sanitation equipment in a cluster and make sure the trunk line services these fixtures first to reduce the diameter of piping needed for the rest of the distribution line.

• Centralize the water heater in or near the kitchen to minimize pipe runs to equipment and fixtures.

• Consider point-of-use heaters for remote hand sinks, eliminating the need for hot water lines.

the hot water pipe. In this application, shown in Figure 8, a heating cable runs the length of the pipe under the insulation and maintains the temperature of the hot water by passing heat through the pipe into the water, counteracting the heat loss through the pipe and insulation. The inherent disadvantage of this method is that the water is being heated twice.

Watch for more on evolving technologies, and improving commercial kitchen hot water system performance in upcoming issues. <>

Amin Delagah is a project engineer at the PG&E Food Service Technology Center (FSTC). He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and M.S. in Renewable Energy Engineering with a minor in Environmental Management.

Highlights of his research include the completion of a Design Guide on Energy Efficient Heating, Delivery and Use. Material for this article is extracted from that document. Delagah is the upcoming Handbook Chair of the ASHRAE Technical Committee 6.6 Service Water Heating. hpacmag.com

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NEW, AquaRise® One-Step & Two-Step Solvent Cements

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• Reduces system down time • Approved for hot and cold potable water, NSF 61 specifications • Available in 1” through 4” • Meets pressure and temperature ratings of 400 psi at 73°F (23°C) and 100 psi at 180°F (82°C)

A game changer that is taking DWV to new heights MJ Grey™ Mechanical Couplings, on large diameter joints, are a great alternative to solvent cementing when working in cold weather conditions or from heights in a scissor lift or bucket.

Relief is also available when you need to make an installation adjustment as MJ Grey can be adjusted in-field.

FEATURES & BENEFITS: • Available in 8”, 10” & 12” • Designed specifically for System 15® & System XFR® DWV • Certified to CSA B602 & listed to ULC 102.2-10 for Flame Spread Rating / Smoke Development Classification limits of 25/50 • Stainless steel band with a grey rubber gasket • The flexible nature of MJ Grey allows for minor adjustments to piping alignment To learn more please visit

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< hvac/r

Methods to prevent motor failure Operation and troubleshooting of electric motors – Part II.

BY DAVE DEMMA

T

he typical HVAC/R system will utilize motors for three distinct functions: condenser fan motor, evaporator fan motor and the compressor motor. Since it is an electro-mechanical device with moving parts, a motor will have a finite life. At some point, accumulated wear will cause the device to fail. Yet, for a variety of reasons there are many motors that fail long before the point that accumulated wear-induced failure will occur (see sidebar, p39).

When a motor fails, it is imperative to determine the cause of failure, or you can expect that a repeat failure is likely to happen. So, let’s start with a few basics.

Motors that experience premature bearing failure can be the result of a lack of maintenance. They can also be the result of too much maintenance. On motors with sleeve type bearings, or larger motors with ball bearings, care must be taken to not over lubricate the bearings. While it might seem contrary to reason, over lubricating a sleeve bearing will cause the oil to bypass the bearing finger and dissipate into the motor, resulting in inadequate lubrication and premature bearing failure.

In larger motors with ball bearings, over-greasing results in the balls sliding along the race rather than turning. The over abundance of grease will start to churn and will result in the base oil contained in the grease bleeding out, leaving only the grease’s thickener behind. The bearings will suffer a premature failure because the thickener has a limited ability to lubricate. An additional problem with over greasing the bearings is that the excessive grease will work its way into the motor’s stator/rotor assembly, ultimately distributing the grease into the windings. The grease acts as an insulator, preventing the motor windings from properly cooling, which then results in overheating. It is always best to follow the motor manufacturer’s recommendations regarding the type of bearing lubricant to use and the frequency of bearing lubrication.

Motor electrical failures are often the result of motor winding overheating. In three phase motors voltage/current imbalance is one of the more common causes of overheating. Voltage imbalance is typically the cause for current imbalance and a mere two per cent imbalance will cause a current imbalance in the 15 per cent range (see Table 1). The resulting overheating from the current imbalance will lead to a short motor winding life.

If the voltage supply has no imbalance it is still possible to have a current imbalance. If any of the three motor phases has a greater resistance than the others, it will cause a current imbalance. This might be caused by a loose wire connection, a severely pitted contact in the motor starter, a loose wire nut, and so on. If the motor starter contacts are pitted, it is time to replace them. Cleaning will not provide a long-lasting solution to this situation. A discoloured wire on either the line/load connections of the breaker or motor starter is a good indication of a loose lug connection, with the resulting current imbalance. Current imbalance will cause motor winding overheating, leading to a reduced motor life.

A single phase condition is an extension of the current imbalance described above, but instead of merely increased reTable 1

It is imperative to determine the cause of motor failure or a repeat failure is likely to happen.

38

HPAC | MARCH 2015

Phase

Voltage Reading

Unbalance from Voltage Average

Imbalance % V/220 x 100

L1 to L2

215 V

220 - 215 = 5V

2.27%

L1 to L3

224V

224 - 220 = 4V

1.81%

L2 to L3

221V

221 - 220 = 1V

0.45%

Average V

(215+224+221)/3

220V

220V hpacmag.com

sistance in one of the legs, the leg is open at some point.

This means that one leg of the three phase power supply is lost. This may be due to a failed contactor leg. If this occurs when the motor is operating, the two active phases will attempt to pick up the load that the lost phase was carrying.

The current draw for these two phases will increase to approximately 150 per cent of normal. In a full load condition this will likely cause the motor’s over current protection to trip. An idle motor will not start if a single phase condition exists, with the over amperage in the two active phases resulting in an over current protection trip.

If a system has experienced a refrigerant leak and the compressor short cycles in its low pressure control as a result, this can lead to motor overheating as well. It takes several minutes of compressor runtime to dissipate the heat generated by the elevated current draw necessary for the motor to start.

If the motor starts, runs for a brief moment and then cycles off because of the low system charge, the motor will never have a chance to cool off.

Single-phase motors present more of a challenge, as their THE NUMBERS TELL THE STORY • Approximately 30 per cent of all compressors pulled from the field, returned to manufacturers, and torn down for failure analyses do not have observable defects. (Copeland – Emerson Electric) • 60 to 70 per cent of returned failed compressors are the result of system/service related issues, or the result of misdiagnosis.

(Carrier Corporation) • 80 per cent of compressors returned for electrical motor failure were system caused mechanical failures that progressed into an electrical failure. (Carrier Corporation) • 95 per cent of alleged warranty failures turned out to be caused by external influences from the refrigeration system itself – that is to say that the compressor was not at fault. (Bitzer Corporation) • .25 per cent (that is ¼ of one per cent, or one out of every 400) of total UK compressor sales resulted in actual valid warranty claims. (Bitzer Corporation) Elevated motor amperage readings are typically not the result of a faulty motor. It is more likely the result of a mechanical failure in progress or abnormally high system pressures. Bearings that are worn, leaking discharge valves (causing one or more cylinders to be operating at substantially higher pressures in the downstroke) are two examples of a mechanical failure. Abnormally high system pressures may be caused by a dirty condenser, inoperative condenser fan motor, high load condition or high ambient temperature. The resulting increase in motor amperage from any of these conditions will lead to motor overheating, breakdown of the motor winding insulation and will ultimately result in a failed motor. But these easily fall into the “80 per cent of compressors returned for electrical motor failure were system caused mechanical failures that progressed into an electrical failure.”

An interesting aspect of being a HVAC/R technician is that the cause of failure is not always easily perceived. Technician must search for all possible causes, sniffing out evidence and clues, and then make a logical and educated deduction as to the cause of failure. Many compressor motor failures require this approach.

Neglecting to fully investigate may result in the root cause of failure being missed and the customer suffering another expensive loss in a relatively short amount of time. hpacmag.com

circuits include relays and capacitors. As such, it is necessary for the technician working on single-phase motors to have a good understanding of capacitors.

Run Capacitor The run capacitor is used to improve motor efficiency. It is placed in series with the motor start winding and remains in the circuit all of the time. Current flowing through the capacitor results in a phase shift of the motor’s current, resulting in an improved power factor. A capacitor will generate a fair amount of heat when it is in continuous operation. Run capacitors are oil filled, which aids in their ability to dissipate heat.

A defective run capacitor will result in higher amp draw, causing motor winding overheating and possible overload trips. When considering the replacement for the defective capacitor, the manufacturer’s microfarad and operating voltage rating should be followed. If the exact replacement is not available, a microfarad rating of +/- 10 per cent would be acceptable. A higher voltage rating (440V versus 370V) can be safely used, but a lower voltage rating should never be used.

Run capacitors normally fail open circuited. This can be verified with an ohm meter, with the resistance reading showing infinite resistance. Occasionally, the capacitor will short and this can be verified with a zero-resistance reading.

Start Capacitor Designed for intermittent duty only, start capacitors typically have a high microfarad rating. A bleed resistor is normally fixed between the two terminals on the start capacitor, allowing the capacitor’s charge to dissipate during the off cycle.

A voltage or current relay is used to take the start capacitor out of the circuit when the motor reaches its rated RPM. To identify which terminal is which on a single-phase compressor, use an ohm meter to read the resistance between the various terminals. The resistance between the start and run terminals will be the highest, the resistance between the common and start terminals will be the second highest and the resistance between the common and run terminals is the lowest.

Certainly, proper operation of the motors in the HVAC/R system is required for the equipment to deliver its rated capacity. Ensuring that motors are lubricated properly and that any undue resistance (loose terminals, pitted starter contacts, and so on) is addressed will go a long way to achieving that proper operation. <> Dave Demma holds a degree in refrigeration engineering and worked as a journeyman refrigeration technician before moving into the manufacturing sector where he regularly trains contractor and engineering groups. He can be reached at ddemma@uri.com.

MARCH 2015 | HPAC

39

LIB E RT Y P U MP S

PRESENTED BY

ProVore® Grinder Pumps Grinder technology is advancing and Liberty Pumps is at the forefront of evolving sewage pump performance. The new ProVore® grinder from Liberty Pumps is designed for use in residential applications where an addition of a bathroom or other fixtures below sewer lines requires pumping. It features Liberty’s patented V-Slice® cutter technology utilized in its popular Omnivore® series of 2 hp. grinder pumps. This proven cutter design easily shreds solids - such as feminine products, rags and other unwanted debris. The new ProVore® brings this advanced technology down to a more cost effective residential level.

Powered by a 1 hp. motor, this smaller grinder is designed to operate on a standard 115 or 230 volt circuit – requiring only a 20 amp breaker. No special wiring, as is necessary with larger hp. grinder pumps, is needed.

The pump comes with a 2” vertical style discharge (common on solids-handling pumps) and a standard leg pattern matching Liberty’s LE-Series. This allows for an easy retro-fit into already existing systems. Engineered with flow rates to 46 GPM – the ProVore® provides adequate scouring in 2” discharge lines with lower pumping heads commonly found in residential basement installations.

Compact factory assembled systems are available in both simplex and duplex versions. The ProVore®380 uses Liberty’s very popular PRO380 basin. This system features Liberty’s QuickTree® technology for easy field service of the floats without removing the cover or disconnecting the plumbing. A quick-removal access cover and heavy-duty integrally molded gaskets are also features found on this system. In addition, Liberty has just launched the new ProVore®680 – a compact duplex version of the 380. Standing only 24” tall, this small profile duplex system utilizes two ProVore® pumps for uninterrupted service. An advanced pump controller is included with the system to alternate pump operation and provide an alarm to the homeowner in the event of a failure.

Whether it’s a traditional solids-handling pump or a newer style grinder, Liberty’s broad offering of products can satisfy a variety of pump applications, and with its aggressive product development strategy, you can be assured Liberty will continue to meet the needs of today’s rapidly evolving market.

WWW.LIBERTYPUMPS.COM 40

HPAC | MARCH 2015

hpacmag.com

GET A LITTLE ATTITUDE! The new 1 hp. ProVore® residential grinder shares its pedigree with a well-known bigger brother – the Omnivore®. Using the robust action of Liberty’s patented V-slice® cutter technology, the Provore® was engineered to be smaller – allowing it to run on a standard 20 amp household circuit. The result is some very bad attitude in a smaller grinder pump. With its 2" discharge and higher flow rates, the ProVore® allows you to easily upgrade your traditional 4/10 hp. or 1/2 hp. sewage pump* to the latest grinder technology. Simply plug it into a 115V or 230V receptacle and watch it shred the most difficult solids – like baby wipes, floor cleaning wipes, sanitary pads and more of today’s disposable products now finding their way into your sewage system. *Consult factory for proper pump sizing.

US Patent 7,159,806 and patent pending

Patented V-Slice® Cutter Technology

SETTING A NEW STANDARD IN GRINDER PUMP PERFORMANCE

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libertypumps.com

Copyright © Liberty Pumps, Inc. 2015 All rights reserved.

7000 Apple Tree Ave. • Bergen, New York 14416 One of Americas fastest growing, privately owned companies.

MCEE MÉCANEX/CLIMATEX/EXPOLECTRIQ/ÉCLAIRAGE

Canada’s largest trade show for plumbing, HVACR, hydronics, electricity and lighting.

Free Registration up to April 21 2015 120,000 square feet of new products, new technologies and new ideas.

APRIL 22 & 23 2015 Place Bonaventure Montréal, Québec

www.mcee.ca Produced by:

In collaboration with:

MCEE 2015 Place Bonaventure, Montréal, Québec Wednesday, April 22 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Thursday, April 23 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

O

rganizers of Mécanex/Climatex/Expolectriq/Éclairage (MCEE) 2015 are expecting over 7000 visitors and more than 350 exhibitors to be in attendance at Place Bonaventure in Montreal, QC, on April 22 and 23, 2015.

Exhibitors cover the following sectors: plumbing, heating, hydronics, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, water treatment systems, tools, kitchen and bath fixtures, fire prevention, pipes, valves and fittings, software, and electrical.

A special feature of the show is the new product showcase where products that have been introduced to the Canadian market within the last 12 months are on display. In addition, quali-

fying manufacturers have demonstrated that their products are innovative and provide a minimum of three new benefits.

Winners in a number of product categories will be announced at the show.

Admission to the trade show and all seminars is free for visitors who register before April 21. After that, on-site registration is $20.

MCEE is produced by the Corporation of Master Pipe Mechanics of Quebec (CMMTQ), the Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating (CIPH), Corporation of Master Electricians of Quebec (CMEQ) and the Corporation des entreprises en traitement de l'air et du froid (CETAF). www.mcee.ca

See HPAC and PCC at the show. Visit us at booth #233.

Educational Sessions (IN FRENCH UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE)

CMMTQ & CIPH Seminars | Room 5 WEDNESDAY APRIL 22 1:30 p.m. The Building Act and Quality Control Program The new Building Act calls for the increased accountability of stakeholders, including installers of pressure equipment. Among the enabling conditions preferred by the regulatory agency is the implementation of a quality control program. Other Canadian provinces have followed this approach for many years. This conference will present a summary of their experiences as well as the good practices that have proven effective in these quality control programs for these types of interventions.

Speakers: Suzane Michaud, Eng., consultant, specialist - pipe and pressure equipment codes and standards; and Charles Billard, Eng., metallurgist, welding metallurgy consultant.

3:00 p.m. Unleaded and Drinking Water Networks Since May 2014, the many components used in a drinking water distribution system must comply with regulations prohibiting a certain percentage of lead in devices, valves, fittings, etc. The presentation will shed some light on this regulation and specify the equipment and other elements targeted by it.

Speaker: Éric Gagnier, plumbing technical advisor, Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) 4:30 p.m. “Combo” Systems; Domestic Water and Pulsed Air Heating Basic Principles The basic principles and integrated solutions of combo systems for condominiums and residential buildings.

Speakers: Alice Hamel, Jr. Eng., relational and energy efficiency counsellor, DATECH Group; and Marc Beauchemin, Eng., CEM, consultant, residential energy technology and efficiency, Gaz Métro THURSDAY, APRIL 23 9:30 a.m. Domestic Water and Space Heating. Instant or Not? Is it more efficient to use an instant water heater or a more conventional one?

Speaker: Francis Delaune, representative, Roland Lajoie Enterprises 11:00 a.m. “Total Station” and Building Mechanics In our “digital world,” contractors are facing more complex designs and requirements, regarding more precise mapping of the various elements related to their trade. They also need a very precise and productive method to transfer such information to the field. The presentation will hpacmag.com

demonstrate the advantages of using such a tool, followed by a user’s perspective.

Speakers: Serge Abi-Nader, product specialist and development manager, Hilti Canada, and a user’s testimony: Robert Saint-André, project manager, Plomberie J.L. 1:00 p.m. Stormwater and Flooding - Solutions Major rainfall events create serious problems for building owners. Insurers then have to settle claims, which are often forwarded to the insurers of plumbing contractors who in turn have their premiums increase drastically or have problems in finding insurance. To provide solutions for this issue, CMMTQ proposed a series of different measures to the RBQ. These measures target buildings less than 600 m2 with three floors or less will be explained along with rainwater management issues in large buildings and the benefits of controlling these waters at the source, using control flow roof drains.

Speaker: Henri Bouchard, technical service manager, Corporation des maîtres mécaniciens en tuyauterie du Québec (CMMTQ) 2:30 p.m. Demystifying Petroleum Equipment Codes and CSA B139-2009 and NFC-2010 Code Changes In March 2014, the RBQ adopted two new editions of installation codes, the Installation Code for Oil Burning Equipment, CAN/CSA-B139, 2009 edition and the National Fire Code (NFCI), 2010 edition. The conference will focus on their major changes and new features, particularly by demystifying how these changes apply to fuel oil or diesel fuel storage systems that power heaters or generators.

Speaker: Claude Jr Deschamps, Eng., specialist in oil equipment installation, Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) CETAF SEMINARS | Room 7 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22 10:30 a.m. Refrigerants in the Near Future Topics will include: synthetic refrigerants available and currently in development; refrigerants subject to phase-out; definition of SNAP; various environmental policies in Washington and Ottawa; notion of GWP, compressor refrigerants and oils; and various thermodynamic comparison data.

Speaker: Jean Larivière, account manager, Brenntag / Honeywell Canada Inc. 12:00 p.m. High Induction Diffusers Developed to improve thermal comfort, high induction diffusers based on European technology are now available in Canada and provide the ultimate comfort for occupants. In addition to energy savings, these diffusers also provide LEED points. This conference will highlight their many advantages over conventional diffusers.

Speaker: Daniel Lauzon, president, NAD Klima

continued on p44

MARCH 2015 | HPAC

43

MCEE 2015 Place Bonaventure, Montréal, Québec Wednesday, April 22 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Thursday, April 23 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

1:30 p.m. Chilled Beam - Technology to Increase Building Energy Efficiency (This session will be presented in English.)

The various applications of chilled beams, the benefits of the technology and solutions to optimize profitability of chilled beams.

Speaker: Daniel J. Harris, vice-president engineering, Dadanco 3:00 p.m. Pitfalls to avoid in air distribution systems This seminar provides information on the main pitfalls to avoid, including system effects, restrictive fittings and elbows, as well as many easy-toapply tricks of the trade. Demystify the use of fire dampers with information on where, when and how to install them.

Speakers: Patrice Lévesque, engineer, and Mario Rigolli, building mechanics and water sanitation technologist 4:30 p.m. Flexible pipes: an economic alternative for air distribution Flexible pipes are the ideal solution for the majority of commercial HVAC applications. They are light, silent, easy to maintain and are installed quickly. Discover their many advantages over rigid pipes and their benefits for the food industry.

Speaker: Andrew Nader, Jr. Eng., product manager, Master Group Inc. THURSDAY APRIL 23 9:30 a.m. Aerothermal and geothermal energy: two energy-efficiency solutions The conference will discuss current topics and present both technologies in addition to analyzing their advantages and disadvantages.

Based on a case study, the presentation will include both energy and profitably comparison analyses. It will include practical solutions; how to choose the right technology; what about hybrid geothermal energy; what about hybrid aerothermal energy; and how both technologies can be combined.

Speaker: Marc-André Fournier, Eng., technical manager, renewable energy division, Enviroair Industries 11:00 a.m. VRT and VRV technologies: an unbeatable team in effectiveness Several million projects worldwide currently use VRV (variable refrigerant volume) technology with the first inverter-type compressors and 410 refrigerant. VRT (variable refrigerant temperature) technology further increases their efficiency. The speaker will discuss current physical limitations for installations and will explore new possibilities in design and project implementation, no matter the expectations of even the most demanding owner.

Speaker: Jimmy Karam, Eng., MBA, commercial VRV product sales manager, Daikin 12:30 p.m. Water towers: free cooling and winter operations Topics to be reviewed include steps to follow for a good design, types of cooling towers, how to select equipment, impact on variable flow operations and energy efficiency, winter tips for towers, and the pros and cons of various installations.

Speaker: Michael Lallemand, B.Sc.A., technical manager, plumbing department, Enviroair 2:00 p.m. Automation/controls: BACnet integration and multi-protocols in 2015 This session will cover: automation systems known as “open”; the importance of integration/integrator relation; the 80/20, planning of an integration project; integration regulation architecture system; BACnet communication protocol other current communication protocols; examples of graphical management tools (1 page/1 click); and control operation platform in dashboard format.

Speaker: Christian Savard, Eng., president, ACCA Group CMEQ, IES and EFC Seminars | Room 9 WEDNESDAY APRIL 22 10:30 a.m. What’s new in the 10th edition of Hydro-Quebec’s Blue Book Speaker: Imed Laouini, Eng., PhD, technical advisor, “Corporation des maîtres électriciens du Québec (CMEQ) 44

HPAC | MARCH 2015

12:00 p.m. Advanced phosphores This conference is part the “Lunch éclair d’IES Montréal” regular program.

Please note that there will not be any meal served and admission will be free.

Speaker: Sébastien Magnan, Eng., design manager, GE Lighting Solutions 1:30 p.m. What is intelligent lighting?

The aim of this presentation is to explain the “smart city” concept and why cities should want to implement it.

Speaker: Isabelle Lessard, engineer, lighting division, City of Montreal 3:00 p.m. Urban lighting controls Imaginative lighting management solutions and the resulting benefits.

Speaker: Martin Mercier, Eng., Lighting Control Project Manager, Philips Lighting Systems 4:30 p.m. Autonomous lighting fixtures (battery units) This conference will present an overview of Quebec’s Construction Code, Chapter V - Electricity and explain the main applicable articles with respect to the installation of autonomous lighting fixtures. In addition, the operating time of battery units, as well as the minimum required level of emergency lighting.

Speaker: Martin Mihaluk, Eng. consulting engineer, Corporation des maîtres électriciens du Québec (CMEQ) THURSDAY APRIL 23 9:30 a.m. Make a success of LED conversion A guide to the wonderful world of LED (light-emitting diodes) and a reflection on the future of non-polluting outdoor lighting.

Speaker: Mihai-Razvan Pecingina, Eng., electrical engineer and lighting designer, Les Consultants DND, and president of IDA Québec 11:00 a.m. Lighting for well-being: The new challenge This presentation will examine what improvements allow for a better understanding of how lighting can shape a better light environment?

See what must be prevented in order to avoid problems for occupants.

Speaker: Jennifer Veitch, NRC. PhD, psychology, senior research officer, National Research Council Canada (CNRC) 12:30 p.m. All LED buildings – Is it profitable?

A building manager’s experience in the development and implementation of new lighting technologies.

Speaker: Michel Morin, energy and maintenance coordinator, Commission scolaire des Samares 2:00 p.m. How to select the best lighting project The steps to take when weighing the pros and cons when it is time to select a new lighting system.

Speaker: François Courchesne, Eng. president, C-nergie ASHRAE Webcast | Room 1 THURSDAY APRIL 23 1:00 p.m. New tomorrows for today’s buildings: Existing building commissioning (This session will be presented in English.)

Industry experts will define the benefits of existing building commissioning for the environment, occupants, operations staff and overall ownership costs. Viewers will be able to recognize the varied scopes of commissioning, when to apply comprehensive versus focused commissioning and best practices in existing building commissioning specifications and contracting.

Speakers: Bob Baker, OPMP, Fellow ASHRAE, managing director, BBJ Consulting, Jim Vallort, Fellow ASHRAE, practice leader, Environmental Systems Design Inc., Ron Wilkinson, P.E., CPMP, commissioning authority, Glumac

See the exhibitors list, p46 hpacmag.com

BACHARACH

NEW! ECO-2020™ Refrigerant Recovery Unit

The all-new ECO-2020™ is a compact, high-quality refrigerant recovery machine capable of handling the toughest demands from residential and lightcommercial contractors. The fastest AHRI-certified unit in its class, its powerful twin-cylinder (1 HP) fan-cooled, oilless compressor efficiently and quietly recovers all CFC, HFC and HCFC non-flammable refrigerants at industryleading speeds while preventing pollutants from escaping into the environment.

PRESENTED BY

A unique integrated purge function minimizes loss of refrigerant and mitigates the risk of cross contamination and its replaceable in-line filter prevents contaminants from entering the unit. The ECO-2020™ features single-knob operation, built-in 80% shutoff/overfill capability and a rugged new lightweight design with enhanced protection for gauges and connections.

• Recovers all Category II, IV and V non-flammable refrigerants • Fastest recovery rates in its class (including R410a liquid recovery at 2.59 kg/min (5.71 lbs/min)) • More powerful features at a more economical price • Durable condenser provides better heat dispersion on hot days: important for R410a • Get a FREE contractor’s kneeling pad with each ECO-2020™ purchase to protect your knees and back!

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MCEE 2015

Place Bonaventure, Montréal, Québec A Booth # A.M.T.S.................................................. 613 A.O. Smith Enterprises............................ 206 Accès location d’équipement.................. 866 ACO Systems....................................... 1020 Acudor Acorn Limited.............................. 521 Acuity Brands Lighting............................ 478 Agence Béliveau & Turmel & Associés..... 559 Agence Pasquarelli................................. 277 AGM TEC............................................... 700 Aimco International................................ 720 AIRIA Brands.......................................... 540 Airtechni................................................ 975 Allpriser................................................. 142 Alltemp Products Co............................... 921 Alpha Controls & Instrumentations........ 1065 Alubase............................................... 3046 American Standard Brands...................... 513 Amtrol Cda............................................ 401 Andre HVAC International...................... 1069 Anvil International Cda............................ 420 Aquanar................................................. 955 Arani Systems Corp................................ 267 Arlington Industries................................ 366 Armstrong Fluid Technology..................... 200 ASHRAE - Montréal................................. 718 ASPE chapitre de Montréal...................... 716 Aspirasia Group..................................... 373 Auer...................................................... 617 Axiom Industries............................................ 334 B Bacharach....................................................... 805 BBP Energies/Strato Automation............. 355 Beghelli Cda.......................................... 276 Belanger-UPT......................................... 713 Belimo Aircontrols................................ 1032 Bemis Manufacturing Company............... 619 Bibby-Ste-Croix................................................ 907 Biddle Air System................................... 916 Bitzer Cda.............................................. 942 Blanco Cda............................................ 619 Boîtiers Sta........................................... 558 Boshart Industries.......................................... 319 Bradford White Cda................................ 509 Bucan................................................... 400 Bureau des soumissions déposées du Québec (BSDQ)............................. 205 Burke Manufacture de Systèmes à eau.... 121 C Calefactio.............................................. 119 Canadian Copper & Brass Development Assoc. (CCBDA)................................... 344 Canadian GeoExchange Coalition/Coalition Canadienne de L’Energie Geothermique..... 1021 Canadian Hydronics Council/Conseil canadien . de l’hydronique................................... 132 Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating/ L’Institut canadien de plomberie et de chauffage................................... 138 Can-Aqua International............................ 204 Canplas Industries................................. 941 Capteurs GR.......................................... 601 Carlo Gavazzi (Canada)........................... 734 CB Supplies........................................... 504 46

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CCI Thermal Technologies..................... 1078 Centre de Reparations Hydrauliques Uptown............................................... 966 Cheminée Lining.................................... 421 Cheminée Securité International.............. 221 CisoLift Distribution................................ 751 Corporation des maîtres électriciens du Québec.......................................... 667 Conbraco Industries Cda......................... 313 Conceptions M.G................................... 951 Connectall............................................. 620 Contact Delage...................................... 167 Continental Fan Cda............................. 1019 Contrac................................................. 301 Contrôles Laurentide.............................. 906 Contrôles R.D.M..................................... 332 Convectair NMT-Inc................................. 360 CTM...................................................... 337 Corporation des entreprises de traitement de l’air et du froid (CETAF).................... 841 Corporation des maîtres mécaniciens en tuyauterie du Québec (CMMTQ)........ 605 CPS Products......................................... 651 CTRL..................................................... 971 D Dafco Filtration Group............................. 974 Dahl Brothers Cda Limited...................... 321 DDR De Dietrich..................................... 845 Deflecto Air Distribution Products............ 312 Delta Products Corporation..................... 816 Deluxair................................................. 533 Deluxair............................................... 1023 Descair................................................. 343 Deschênes & Fils................................... 343 Desdowd............................................... 567 Dicon Global.......................................... 274 Dimplex North America........................... 251 Direct Coil............................................. 506 Distribution Maxi Vent............................. 813 Diversitech Corporation.......................... 819 Dobbin Sales Limited............................. 445 Douglas Lighting Controls....................... 258 Doyon Pompes & Solutions................... 1072 Drexma255Drumco Énergie.................... 784 Duro Dyne Cda....................................... 544 Dynapompe........................................... 417 Dyson Airblade....................................... 340 E E.S. Gallagher Sales/Malco.................... 879 E.S. Gallagher Sales/Midea.................... 978 Eastern Foundry & Fittings.................... 1054 Easyheat............................................... 659 Eaton’s B-Line Business......................... 554 Eaton’s Bussmann Business................... 554 Eaton’s Crouse-Hinds Business............... 554 Eclairage Contraste................................ 273 Ecogenia equipement............................. 754 Ecole de technologie gazière................... 717 Eiko Cda................................................ 275 Electrical Business Magazine.................. 658 Electro-Fédération Cda - Section du Québec.......................................... 675 Energy In-Hybrid Solutions/MUNTERS...... 843 Energy Saving Products........................... 790

Enertrak................................................ 545 Entreprises LM....................................... 553 Enviroair Industries.......................... 846,850 Envirocompétences................................ 970 Erico Cda........................................ 241,567 Ericson Manufacturing............................ 657 Esim solutions de chauffage écologique.. 735 Expert Estimateur................................... 919 F F.E. Myers.............................................. 317 Fantech................................................. 633 Fernco Connectors................................. 435 Flexmaster Cda Limited.......................... 517 Flir Systems........................................... 152 Flocor.................................................... 343 Fluke Electronics Cda LP......................... 257 Fortune Valve Cda................................ 3050 Franke Kindred Cda....................................... 520 Franklin Electric/Little Giant......................... 308 Franklin Empire...................................... 261 Fraternité Inter-Provinciale des Ouvriers en Électricité (FIPOE)........................... 770 Fusetek................................................. 656 G G. Mitchell Co...................................... 3018 G.F. Thompson Co.................................. 516 Gaevan Aménagement.......................... 1060 Gainage PRS. (Formadrain)..................... 107 Gastite.................................................. 677 GE Lighting Cda..................................... 171 General Cable........................................ 354 General Wire Spring Company................. 245 Génératrice Drummond/Wajax Systèmes de puissance...................................... 361 Globe Union Cda (Gerber Cda)................. 741 Goodman Manufacturing......................... 645 Great Lakes Copper....................................... 419 Greenway Water Technologies.................. 972 Groupe CTEI......................................... 3032 Grundfos............................................... 227 H Hardy Filtration....................................... 139 Hargassner Cda Est............................. 3004 HeatLink Group.............................................. 405 Hebdraulique....................................... 3000 Hewitt Équipement................................. 467 Hilti (Canada) Corp................................. 550 Holdrite................................................. 316 Honeywell.............................................. 877 HPAC Magazine.............................................. 233 Hubbell Cda LP............................... 474,475 Hydronic Systems Cda..................... 340,832 I,J,K IBC Technologies.................................... 336 Ideal Industries (Canada)/Contact Delage............................................... 157 IMG Imports.......................................... 619 Imperial Manufacturing Group................. 867 Industries Dettson.................................. 827 Industries Granby/AT&S.......................... 935 InSinkErator........................................... 437 Intermatic/Contact Delage...................... 153 hpacmag.com

HIGHLIGHTED EXHIBITORS ARE ADVERTISERS IN THIS ISSUE *AS AVAILABLE AT PRESS TIME

Exhibitors List Inventex................................................ 455 IPEX Électrique....................................... 458 IPEX.................................................................. 807 J. Carrier Fournitures Industrielles........... 380 Jaga Cda Climate Systems.................... 3010 John L. Schultz....................................... 238 John Wood Water Heaters....................... 206 Kalia..................................................... 240 Keeprite Refrigeration............................. 967 Kidde Cda/Contact Delage...................... 155 Klein Tools............................................. 567 L L.S. Bilodeau......................................... 767 La Cie J. Chevrier Instruments................. 757 La Compagnie Jess................................ 821 Laplante - Ricard.................................... 651 Le Groupe Master.................................. 727 Le Groupe Roger Faguy........................... 661 Legrand Cda.......................................... 570 Lekla..................................................... 177 Lenox/Hilmor.................................................. 237 Leonard Valve Company.......................... 203 Les Entreprises Roland Lajoie................. 512 Les Fourgons Rive-Sud............................ 759 Les Produits de Constructions Maria Catherina........................................... 150 Les Produits Sismiques.......................... 234 Les Ventes Mectra................................. 500 Leviton.................................................. 266 Liberty Pumps................................................ 407 Location Park Avenue............................. 960 Loue - Froid............................................ 851 Louisville Ladder/Contact Delage............ 151 Lumen................................................... 350 Lumigroup...................................... 370,372 Luminergie............................................. 270 Lyncar Products...................................... 113 M M & G DuraVent............................................. 217 M.A. Stewart & Sons............................ 1036 M2S Électronique................................... 976 Maax................................................... 1050 Mansfield Plumbing Products.................. 441 Manuflow............................................... 945 Mark David Cda...................................... 532 Masco Cda Limited - Plumbing Group....... 436 Mechanical Business Magazine............... 141 Mercedes Benz Cda............................... 771 Métal Action (2629-9693 Québec)........... 218 Midbec.................................................. 812 Milwaukee Electric Tool........................... 541 MINOTAIR.............................................. 536 Mircom.................................................. 471 Mirolin Industries Corp........................... 304 Moen.................................................... 130 Montquip............................................. 1018 Moteurs Électriques Laval....................... 457 Multicam Québec................................... 641 N Napoleon Heating & Cooling.................... 776 Navien.............................................................. 900 NCI Cda................................................. 306 Nedco................................................... 461 hpacmag.com

Neptronic............................................... 821 Newmac Mfg........................................ 1040 Notifier.................................................. 250 Novanni Stainless.................................. 314 Nuage Technologies............................... 750 O Oasis Corporation.................................. 619 Oatey SCS............................................. 619 Oetiker.................................................. 616 Omegaflex........................................... 3008 Ontor Limited......................................... 817 OS&B.................................................... 214 Osram Sylvania...................................... 472 Ouellet Cda............................................ 560 P Panasonic Cda....................................... 871 Pare Feu Pro/Fire Barrier Pro................... 148 Philips Lighting....................................... 367 Pipeconx................................................ 619 Plastiques Cellulaires Polyform.............. 3040 Plumbing & HVAC................................... 134 Preston Phipps....................................... 300 Priority Wire & Cable............................... 655 Pro Kontrol............................................ 145 Produits Neptune................................... 416 Prolon................................................... 538 Q,R Quote Express....................................... 415 RangeRack............................................ 260 RC Lighting............................................ 376 RECTORSEAL......................................... 557 RecycFluo.............................................. 378 Reed Manufacturing............................... 318 RefPlus................................................. 745 Régulvar................................................ 254 Rehau................................................... 901 Reliance Worldwide Cda............................... 915 Reversomatic......................................... 844 RG Technilab.......................................... 542 Rheem Cda............................................ 527 Ridgid.................................................... 701 Rinnai................................................... 875 Riobel................................................... 618 Rodwick................................................. 327 Roth Industries...................................... 801 Royal Produits de Bâtiment..................... 719 Royal Produits de Bâtiment - Contact Delage............................................... 154 S S&P Cda Ventilation Products.................. 744 Sanbec Cda........................................... 101 Seche-Mains Comac Hand Dryers............ 460 Selkirk Cda Corporation.......................... 940 Services Energétiques R.L...................... 845 SFA Saniflo...................................................... 244 Shat-r-shield/Contact Delage.................. 169 Simpli-cité gestion de flotte..................... 774 Sioux Chief Manufacturing...................... 201 Slant/Fin............................................... 117 SNOC (2010)......................................... 466 Solutions Well Green.............................. 175 Southwire Cda Company......................... 159

Spartan Peripheral Devices................... 3036 Speed Clean.......................................... 740 SPX Cooling Technologies/Marley............ 840 Square Cda........................................... 961 Standard Product................................... 181 Stanpro Lighting Systems....................... 383 Stelpro Design....................................... 351 Sterling HVAC Products......................... 1017 Stiebel Eltron......................................... 236 Sumner Manufacturing (Canada)............. 904 Systemair.............................................. 637 T Taco (Canada)................................................. 307 Taylor Pipe Supports............................. 1046 Technirep Marketing............................... 485 Tecnico Chauffage Lteé........................... 133 Thermo 2000......................................... 820 Thermoplus Air - Dectron......................... 861 Thomas & Betts..................................... 561 Trane..................................................... 927 Transformateurs Delta............................ 459 Tranter................................................... 105 Trilex............................................ 800,3042 U UEI Cda................................................. 651 Uni-Air................................................. 1067 Unico.................................................... 873 Uponor............................................................. 320 Urecon Pre-Insulated Pipe..................... 1015 Usines Giant Factories............................ 721 V Valmont/Feralux..................................... 271 Victaulic........................................................... 534 Victor Technologies................................ 733 Viega................................................................ 333 Viessmann Manufacturing Company.......... 127 VistaQua............................................... 619 W Wade Drains.......................................... 905 Ward Mfg. Cda................................................ 959 Wasteking.............................................. 619 Wattco................................................. 3014 Watts Water Technologies............................ 427 Weil-McLain........................................... 412 Weishaupt Corporation........................... 979 Wheeler-Rex c/o Rafales Agencies.......... 243 White-Rodgers, Emerson Cda.................. 755 Wilo Cda................................................ 213 Winkler Technik GmbH.......................... 1061 Winters Instruments............................... 818 Wolseley Cda......................................... 833 Woodford Manufacturing Company........... 736 Z Zanotti Cda............................................ 836 Zoeller Cda............................................ 518 Zurn Industries............................................... 207

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Viega MegaPress® Brings Innovative Press Technology to Black Iron Pipe Viega’s innovative press technology revolutionized plumbing, heating and pipe joining systems worldwide when Viega ProPress® was introduced to the Americas in 1999. With the introduction of the Viega MegaPress system for black iron pipe, Viega has once again changed the pipe joining market. Viega MegaPress brings press technology to black iron pipe, making secure, water- and air-tight connections in under seven seconds on Schedule 5 to Schedule 40 black iron pipe in sizes ½” to 2”.

VI EGA

PRESENTED BY

The Viega MegaPress system uses modern cold-press connections for pipe installation. Viega MegaPress is ideal for hydronic heat, chilled water, compressed air, fire sprinkler systems, low pressure steam and vacuum lines. Viega MegaPressG is the only press pipe joining system designed for use in natural gas applications.

More than 200 engineered fitting configurations are available with the patented Smart Connect® feature, available only from Viega, which provides a quick and easy way for installers to identify unpressed connections. The system uses a stainless steel grip ring with an EPDM sealing element for Viega MegaPress or an HNBR sealing element for Viega MegaPressG, along with a stainless steel grip ring to perform at maximum capacity.

Not only does Viega MegaPress provide a fast, reliable way to join black iron pipe, this innovative addition to Viega’s product line leaves no joining material build up, exposed threads or tarnish, creating a clean, professional appearance. The Viega MegaPress system uses the same versatile pressing tools already used by many contractors and maintenance staff. The pressing tools eliminate the need for expensive and cumbersome equipment including welding tanks and threading machines.

Ideal for industrial, commercial and residential applications, the Viega MegaPress system is easy to use, and is flameless and environmentally friendly. The system performs well in both new installations and retrofit projects.

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Viega MegaPress® System for Black Iron Pipe

With Viega MegaPress, installers can make secure black iron pipe connections in less than seven seconds with no heavy equipment or cutting oils. The Viega Smart Connect® feature helps installers identify unpressed connections easily during pressure testing.

The first carbon steel press fitting approved for both water and gas applications, Viega MegaPress helps save time and labor on the job site.

Viega MegaPress • Approved for more applications than any other black iron press systems • Flameless press technology reduces installation time up to 60% • Provides consistent connections with no manual tightening • Patented Viega Smart Connect feature helps installers identify unpressed connections

www.viega.ca | 1-800-976-9819

Viega MegaPress system The only carbon steel press fitting for water and gas The global leader in plumbing, heating and pipe joining systems

MECHANICAL SUPPLY NEWS MANUFACTURERS • distributors • wholesalers Jaga collaborates with Partners in Project Green Waterloo, ON-based Jaga Climate Systems has announced a partnership with Partners in Project Green. An initiative created by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA), Partners in Project Green helps organizations maximize their sustainability efforts.

As a member, Jaga gains access to tools, resources and support, together with critical knowledge, effective programs and access to a supportive community. Partners in Project Green helps businesses improve their performance in the four areas of waste management, water stewardship, energy performance and engagement. Members can harness the creative capital of leaders within the GTA and create opportunities to work together to reduce the environmental impact of their business. www.partnersinprojectgreen.com www.jaga-canada.com

Uponor to expand Minnesota PEX pipe manufacturing facility Uponor North America is investing $18 million to renovate and expand its manufacturing facility in Apple Valley, MN. An additional 88 000 sq. ft. will accommodate lean manufacturing and office space, and additional manufacturing equipment. Completion is expected by December 1, 2015.

The company’s North American headquarters are also located in Apple Valley and the company has a distribution centre and resin-processing centre located nearby. By year-end, the total Twin Cities metro area footprint will amount to 654 738 sq. ft. on approximately 50 acres of total property.

The building expansion, in which the company will pursue LEED certification, 50

HPAC | MARCH 2015

is required to meet forecasted growth for Uponor’s crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) tubing. “It’s a very exciting time in the building industry, especially after the downturn we experienced in the market just a few years ago,” said Bill Gray, Uponor North America president.

“We’re seeing significant growth in commercial and residential construction, and this expansion will ensure we match forecasted growth and demand for our PEX systems.”

Uponor CEO and president Jyri Luomakoski added, “Our North American region has consistently boosted profits and seized market share, both in the residential and commercial segments. The

team's success is driven by always doing what's best for our customers, looking for better ways to perform, innovation, hard work and diligent execution.” www.uponor.ca

Goodman invests in ductless growth in North America Daikin Industries, Ltd. plans to expand its Goodman operations in the U.S. with the construction of a business campus that consolidates its manufacturing and logistics footprints. Located outside of Houston, TX, the $417-million campus is expected to be operational mid-2016. The project represents the largest single investment since the continued on p58

Rep of the year masters recreation centre retrofit sales (l to r) Mark Palitza, regional sales manager, and Ralph Kittler, vice president-sales for Seresco Technologies, present Ed Carney and Glen Kilmer of Kilmer Environmental with Seresco’s Rep of the Year-2014 award at AHR.

Seresco Technologies named manufacturer representative Kilmer Environmental of Mississauga, ON, as its Rep of Year at the AHR Expo in Chicago, IL, in January 2015. Kilmer Environmental specializes in humidity control and has sold hundreds of commercial and residential dehumidifier projects the past 28 years in its territory of Toronto and surrounding areas, reported Mark Palitza, Seresco’s regional sales manager.

“They have significantly outperformed the rep firm they replaced last year, only nine months after joining our team,” said Palitza.

According to Seresco, the most notable projects sold by Kilmer in 2014 were the Mayfield Recreation Complex in Caledon, ON and the City of Toronto’s Cummer Park Community Centre and Antibes Community Centre. The 3500-sq.ft. Mayfield natatorium features a dry cooler built onto a Seresco Protocol NP Series, 40-ton dehumidifier, which uses significantly less refrigerant than conventional dehumidifiers. Cummer Park and Antibes were both retrofit projects using Seresco’s NE-Series dehumidifiers. http://serescodehumidifiers.com http://kilmerenv.com hpacmag.com

founding of the Goodman organization more than 30 years ago.

The facility will enable Daikin to manufacture its full range of ducted residential and light commercial products, as well as various ductless products that are currently imported from other inter-company business units located outside North America. Ductless systems have gained rapid acceptance in the North American marketplace and have become one of the fastest growing HVAC market segments, according to Daikin.

Texas and Tennessee operations that will be relocated to the new business campus include a research and development centre, logistics, procurement, manufacturing, and marketing.

Manufacturing operations at this new campus will consist of residential and commercial heating and cooling systems marketed primarily under the Daikin, Goodman and Amana brand names. www.goodmanmfg.com/ http://daikincomfort.com/

ECCO’s Canadian manufacturing and distribution facilities are located in Langley, BC and Calgary, AB. www.eccomfg.com

General Pipe Cleaners celebrates 85 years Established in 1930, General Pipe Cleaners is celebrating its 85th anniversary this year. The third-generation, family-owned business is based in the U.S. Its Flexicore cable design, which was first introduced in the 1940s, remains in use today. Automatic cable feeds followed, and later water jets with features to allow manoeuvring around tight bends and down long lines. Today, General boasts a full line of drain cleaning products. www.drainbrain.com

Schneider Electric honoured for reducing core energy consumption Schneider Electric, a global energy management specialist, was recognized for its efforts to conserve and manage energy consumption at more than 300 company facilities around the world. The company was honoured December 11, 2014 with a Stewardship Award at the 2014 Platts Global Energy Awards banquet in New York, NY. Schneider Electric received the Stewardship Award for Efficiency Initiative in the Commercial End-User category for results achieved through the company’s Energy Action Program.

Stewardship Awards honour achievement in strategic vision, industry leadership, stewardship and innovative technologies.

Schneider Electric launched the Energy Action Program in 2011. By the continued on p52

ECCO Manufacturing initiative supports capacity growth

ECCO Manufacturing, a manufacturer and supplier of sheet metal and related HVAC products, announces the expansion of its Kent, WA facility to include expanded commercial sheet metal manufacturing, as well as increased room for storage of raw materials and finished products.

“We are adding to our manufacturing and distribution capacities to enhance our product and service offerings. This new space supports current and planned capacity growth in manufacturing, distribution and customer service,” said Shaine Nobert, vice-president of manufacturing. hpacmag.com

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Victaulic Potable Water Solutions A complete system for ½ - 24"/15 – 600mm plumbing applications available in copper, stainless steel or galvanized and are ANSI/NSF 61 and ANSI/NSF 372 certified to meet Low Lead requirements.

V IC TA U LIC

PRESENTED BY

Victaulic mechanical plumbing systems are the fastest joining method available installing nearly twice as fast as welding, brazing or soldering and 20 percent faster than “press” products. Reduce risk on site by eliminating safety concerns associated with costly fire watch and hazardous fumes and flames. Victaulic grooved mechanical pipe joints provide a union at every joint for fast assembly and disassembly for on-site rework and maintenance.

NEW FEATURE PRODUCTS: Series 461 Stainless Steel Butterfly Valves Vic®-300 MasterSeal™ stainless steel butterfly valves are designed for pressures ranging from full vacuum to 300 psi/2065 kPa and for bi-directional, dead end services to full working pressure. The valve features a patented seat design that assures full 360° sealing. Available in 2-8"/50- 200 mm sizes the valve is offered with a standard ISO mounting flange to accept most gear and power actuators. NSF Certified in accordance with ANSI/NSF 61 for cold +73°F/+23°C and hot +180°F/ +82°C potable water service and ANSI/NSF 372. See Victaulic publication 17.40 for more information.

Style 422 Mechanical-T® Bolted Branch Outlet The Style 422 Stainless Steel Mechanical-T® provides a direct branch connection at any location a hole can be cut in pipe. Units are supplied with stainless steel outlet housings and hot dip galvanized ductile iron lower housings; the lower housings do not contact the internal fluid. Eliminates installation on pipe with no hole or undersized holes and ensures full flow. All sizes of Style 422 are rated at 300 psi/2065 kPa/21 Bar working pressure on Schedule 10S and 40S stainless steel pipe. NSF Certified in accordance with ANSI/NSF 61 for cold +73°F/+23°C and hot +180°F/ +82°C potable water service and ANSI/NSF 372. See Victaulic publication 17.02 for more information.

For more on Victaulic potable water solutions, visit www.victaulic.com/plumbing.

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VICTAULIC CONSTRUCTION PIPING SERVICES ®

YOUR INTEGRATED PROJECT DELIVERY PARTNER: MINIMIZE RISK TO YOUR SCHEDULE AND YOUR BOTTOM LINE

Victaulic works with your business from design through construction to ensure your project runs as efficiently as possible.

• Estimating • 3D Modeling for multiple platforms (Revit, CADmep, etc.)

• BIM Coordination Packages can help to reduce man-hours, calendar days and unexpected costs • Product Specification and Selection Services • Value Engineering such as accommodating system movement, vibration attenuation, system flexibility, alignment ease etc.

victauliccps.com

8285 REV A 03/2015 VICTAULIC IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF VICTAULIC COMPANY. © 2014 VICTAULIC COMPANY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

To learn more about how Victaulic’s drawing and coordination team can benefit your business contact us at: Victaulic 123 Newkirk Road Richmond Hill, ON L4C 3G5 office: 905 884 7444 email: viccanada@victaulic.com web: victauliccps.com

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end of Q3 2014, Schneider Electric had exceeded program targets by reducing core energy consumption by almost 13 per cent and carbon emissions from transportation by more than 16 per cent. At the same time, the company has increased revenue from Green Premium products to more than 70 per cent of its total business, which was another key goal of the program. http://geaweb.platts.com/Home www.schneider-electric.com

Outside sales work cited as differentiator for vendor

officer at Bitzer. “The complexity of Bitzer compressors and products is always increasing, for example, due to the integrated frequency inverters, electronic components and new CO2 systems. Technically demanding solutions also require a well-trained service staff. The Schaufler Academy will be the central training location for customers and employees from all over the world. Here, we’ll offer the training courses that keep the maintenance teams of our business partners up to date.”

The Schaufler Academy features heat pumps for heating and cooling, underground latent storage (ice storage), a solar thermal collector and a block-type thermal power station. www.bitzer.de

Danfoss seeks entries for sixth annual EnVisioneer of the Year award competition

(l to r) John Morrison, vice president of supplier relations at IDI, Claude Vandemeulebroocke, general manager for Canada, Walter Surface Technologies, Chester Collier, senior vice president, Walter Surface Technologies and IDI president Scott Bebenek at the IDI award ceremony.

Walter Surface Technologies recently announced that IDI Independent Distributors Inc. has selected Walter as its 2014 Industrial Supply Vertical Vendor. The annual award ceremony took place on January 21, 2015 at the Eaton Chelsea hotel in Toronto, ON. This is the third time that Walter Surface Technologies has received this award from IDI in the last 15 years.

IDI is a network of Canadian distributors specializing in bearings, fluid power products, industrial supplies, janitorial supplies, power transmission products and safety supplies. www.walter.com

Danfoss is calling for entries for its sixth annual EnVisioneer of the Year award competition. Launched in 2010, the competition recognizes North American original equipment manufacturers, building owners, municipalities, and end users that have introduced a new product, opened a new facility, or invested in a building or system upgrade in the past 18 months using Danfoss products or solutions to realize significant energy and/or environmental savings.

Applications must be submitted by May 1, 2015. A panel of third-party judges representing various disciplines will review all submitted applications and select the winner.

For more information about the award competition, or to submit an entry, e-mail LisaTryson@Danfoss.com.

DISTRIBUTION >> Dobbin Sales Limited is the exclusive master distributor in Canada for Elkay and Halsey Taylor branded products, effective March 21, 2015. Elkay and Halsey Taylor offer sinks, faucets foodservice products, water coolers, drinking fountains and bottle filling stations. Dobbin has also announced that effective April 1, 2015, it will be master distributor in Canada for Chicago-based Guardian Equipment’s plumbing channel. Guardian manufactures emergency eyewash and shower products www.dobbinsales.com

Innovative training centre nears completion Construction of the Bitzer’s Schaufler Academy, the international training centre at the Rottenburg-Ergenzingen, Germany, location, kicked off in August 2014. Measuring 1500 square metres, the three-storey, 10-metre-tall facility is scheduled for completion in October 2015. When completed, it will be the new address of the Rottenburg-Ergenzingen location and will also be the new main entrance and representative reception building for the entire factory.

“We decided to build the Schaufler Academy for many different reasons,” said Rainer Große-Kracht, chief technology 54

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>> techniCAL of Waterdown, ON, is now distributing Satir thermal imaging systems. Headquartered in Dundalk, Republic of Ireland, Satir offers entry, advanced and performance level cameras, as well as OEM products.

Rugged tablet techniCAL also recently announced that it is distributing a range of rugged tablets through Global Communications. www.technical-sys.com continued on p61 hpacmag.com

PRESENTED BY

PRESENTED BY

S E C U R I T Y CHIM NEYS A X I O M I N D UST RIES

Zero Clearance Factory-Built Grease Duct for New Restaurant Construction or Custom Remodel Security Chimneys Grease Duct is designed with an integrated centering sleeve which stabilizes the tubes during assembly and covers grooves that might otherwise be exposed and trap grease contaminants. It also provides a channel for high temperature sealant application to secure the airtight assembly. Extra large spacing between outer wall sections allows for a quick and easy installation of the securing band.

The product’s integral chase significantly reduces installation footprint and frees up space for additional restaurant square feet.

No need to build an expensive fire-rated chase or apply two layers of fire wrap typically required for welded steel grease duct designs.

Zero Clearance Grease Duct

Introducing the superior factory-built grease duct design. Security’s new design is sure to be the industry’s choice for new restaurant construction or custom remodelling.

1 2 5

Available in 5-in. to 36-in. diameters. Single wall, 3-in. fibre insulated.

4

Listed to UL1978 Grease Duct and UL2221 (2 HR Fire Rating). IMC, UMC and NFPA96.

3

What Sets Ours Apart Security Chimneys is dedicated to providing our customers with industry-leading support. For general information, please contact us at 1-800-361-4909, infoeng@securitychimneys.com, or visit www.securitygreaseduct.com

AXIOMIND.COM www.securitygreaseduct.com hpacmag.com

1

Self Centering Flue Extension

2

Wall Insulation

3

More Space At Joint To Install Inner Band

4

Outer Casing With Flange For Additional Rigidity

5

Ribbed Spacers For Rigidity

securitygreaseduct.com Security Chimneys © 2014 MARCH 2015 | HPAC

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Wolseley Opens New Plumbing Branch in Burlington, ON Wolseley Canada recently held a VIP night to celebrate the opening of its new Plumbing Express Branch at 4325 Harvester Rd., Unit 9 in Burlington, ON. Customers had the opportunity to tour the new branch, which features Wolseley’s new branding and service model, and to meet with branch and support staff along with Wolseley executives. The location is one of several new branches Wolseley plans to open in 2015. The wholesaler also held a grand opening for local contractors and vendors on March 5.

The Express Plumbing Branch is located a few blocks from Wolseley’s HVAC/R branch on the North Service Road. “Our new plumbing branch in Burlington is part of our strategic growth initiative and is an important addition to our presence in the Greater Toronto Area,” said Kevin Fullan, general manager of Wolseley Plumbing and HVAC/R, Ontario and Atlantic.

“With its proximity to our HVAC/R branch, we are even better positioned to service our customers throughout Halton Region.” www.wolseleyinc.ca

Carolina Bergles, counter salesperson and Matthew Nykamp, branch supervisor at Wolseley Canada’s new Express Plumbing Branch in Burlington, ON.

ACQUISITIONS Triad Boiler to relocate manufacturing following sale Superior Boiler Technologies, Inc. has acquired the business assets of Triad Boiler Systems based out of West Chicago, IL. Superior Holding, parent company to Superior Boiler Technologies and Superior Boiler Works, will continue to manufacture and sell products under the Triad Boiler brand name.

Superior Holding intends to relocate Triad’s Illinois manufacturing operations to its facilities in Hutchinson, KS. Ken Womack, owner and president of Triad Boiler Systems, will join Superior Holding as vice president of business development.

The company anticipates using existing Triad Boiler suppliers and sales distribution networks during the transition process. www.superiorboiler.com

CLIPS >> ESAB Welding & Cutting Products has introduced The ESAB Blog. The bi-weekly blog, found at www.esabna.com, focuses on sharing tips, product and technical information, and provides a format for readers to collaborate, engage, and contribute their views and expertise. Contributors will include technical experts from ESAB’s brands, including Victor, Tweco, Arcair, Stoody and TurboTorch, as well as guest bloggers from the industry and ESAB partner firms. ESAB will also accept blog requests from readers. >> In October 2013, DuPont announced its intention to pursue a plan to separate certain assets and liabilities of DuPont’s Performance Chemicals segment, which includes its fluoroproducts business, from the rest of its businesses.

Effective February 1, 2015, the separation created a new company called The Chemours Company (“Chemours”). Until the separation, which is expected to be completed mid-2015, Chemours will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of DuPont. www.chemours.com >> Hurst Boiler has announced the launch of its web-based CAD download solution. Featuring a range of Hurst boilers available as BIM-compatible 2D and 3D CAD/Revit objects, users have the option to either download the object in the desired file type or directly import the object into their design/ specification software. The application supports most popular file types and CAD software programs.

To view the CAD download solution, visit http://cad.hurstboiler.com/catalog3/d/hurst/?c=fsearch&cid=boilers or tel. 877.994.8778. www.hurstboiler.com <>

Wolseley executives at the VIP night from left to right: John Martin, Wolseley’s global chief financial officer; Ian Meakins, Wolseley’s global chief executive officer; and Darcy Curran, senior vice-president, Wolseley Canada.

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HPAC | MARCH 2015

See people on p58 hpacmag.com

GREAT LAKES COPPER INC.

PRESENTED BY

Visit us at MCEE Booth #419

EZ Roll Plus™ PE Coated Insulation

EZ Roll Plus PE coated insulation is the next revolution for air conditioning and refrigeration applications.

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Ask for EZ Roll Plus at your local wholesaler. Contact us today for more information.

1-800-561-7119 • 519-455-9238 www.glcopper.com hpacmag.com

MARCH 2015 | HPAC

57

< PEOPLE Howard Huss has joined HeatLink as business development manager. Prior to joining HeatLink, Huss was vice president of sales and marketing with CB Supplies. His industry experience includes 18 years with the Oatey Company as Huss director of sales and regional sales manager. HeatLink Group Inc. is a manufacturer of PEX-a plumbing, potable water systems, and radiant heating and cooling systems for the residential and commercial building markets.

Navien, Inc. has announced the appointment of Scott Lee as its CEO. Lee has been with KD Navien in Korea for four years as an overseas team leader. Lee succeeds Harrison Kim, who will remain with the company as vice-chairman Lee for Navien’s American operations.

Robert Sharp, a 19-year veteran with Emerson, has taken over the role of business leader with Emerson Climate Technologies. The announcement followed the appointment of Ed Purvis to chief operating officer for the parSharp ent company. Purvis served as executive vice president and business leader for Emerson Climate Technologies for seven years. Throughout his career with Emerson, Purvis also held a number of industry roles and currently serves as chairman of AHRI. Sharp was vice president of profit planning for Emerson and most recently led the development and implementation of the company’s Perfect Execution strategy.

Aquatherm North America, the U.S. partner of polypropylene pipe manufacturer, Aquatherm GmbH, recently announced a number of new hires and promotions followKlein Jacobs ing corporate organizational changes. In addition to U.S. specific sales appointments, Chad Klein, who joined the company as national contractor support manager in 2013, has been promoted to vice president of business development. Prior to joining Aquatherm he was director of the MechanicalXchange contractor conferences. Mark Jacobs, has been hired as vice president of fabrication and training services, bringing over 30 years of experience in the mechanical contracting business to the position.

Kevin Fox has been named marketing director with Viega. He was most recently with Burns & McDonnell.

Fox

Michael Stewart has been named vice president of operations with Boshart Industries. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Northwood University, in Kelly Stewart addition to his materials management diploma from Conestoga College and a supply chain management professional designation. As a member of the executive leadership team, he will directly oversee purchasing, warehousing and manufacturing. Lindsay Kelly has joined Boshart as human resources manager.

Sébastien Courchesne has joined Giant as director of sales, Eastern Canada. In this role, he will have the responsibility to manage and direct wholesale Dean Courchesne and utility sales in the province of Québec and Atlantic Canada. He will also be responsible for Canadian retail sales.

Courchesne, who has more than 17 years of sales experience, was most recently national sales manager at the Bow Plumbing Group. In Ontario and Western Canada, Larry Dean takes the reins as director of sales. He joined Boshart five years ago as director of business development in Ontario and has more than 20 years experience in the industry. All U.S. based representatives will report to Dean.

Lars van der Haegen will assume the role of CEO with the Belimo Group effective July 1, 2015. He joined the company in 2000 and has been the president of Belimo Sanche van der Haegen Americas and member of the executive committee since November 2010. Van der Haegen has a strong HVAC application and industry knowledge paired with master’s degrees in business from New York’s Columbia Business School and the London Business School. A search is underway for his successor. The current CEO, Dr. Jacques Sanche, will leave the company at the end of September 2015 to pursue a new professional challenge.

Ohio-based Mansfield Plumbing has named Gary Pember as vice president of marketing.

Pember, who has almost 20 years of experience in the building products industry, has held marketing roles at Simonton Windows, Moen Pember Inc. and Rubbermaid Inc. 58

HPAC | MARCH 2015

HPACMAG.COM

Get Smart THE BRAINS BEHIND OUR BRAWN

Introducing HeatNet 3.0, an integrated Maintain optimal boiler boiler management system that comes efficiency through remote standard on every KN Series cast iron monitoring and precise digital controls. condensing boiler. Designed to help optimize and maintain peak efficiency, HeatNet 3.0 is raising the bar on industry 3.0 standards with new remote monitoring capabilities for the ultimate in digital control.

For full details, visit www.knseries.com KNseries.com

KN Series With Sizing from 40 mbh â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3,000 mbh

One-handed bends made easy with the hilmor Compact Bender At hilmor, we have a simple design philosophy – create tools that are a step ahead. More specifically, we create the kind of tools that are equipped with features that save our customers time, frustration and maybe even a few headaches. Each tool is designed with all of the features you need and none of the ones you don’t. They are made to work in the toughest environments, including the kind you encounter day in and day out. hilmor is a brand determined more than ever to bring ingenuity to the tools you’ve come to rely on every day. We’ve listened.

We’ve learned. We’ve retooled an entire category. Simply put, we’re making it our mission to help you keep your cool even in the most sweltering of conditions.

H IL MO R

PRESENTED BY

More advancements. More streamlined designs. More ways to help you get the job done and get it done right. Together, we’ll conquer it.

Obtaining quality bends with ease is now possible with the new hilmor Compact Bender. This tool allows technicians to make bends in even the most cramped of spaces. The hilmor Compact Bender can be used to make up to 90 degree bends on a range of sizes of soft tubing which includes ¼", 5/16", ⅜", ½", ⅝", ¾" and ⅞". The tool is quick to setup utilizing only a single cross bar that is paired with colour-coded shoes that correspond to the correct mandrel size. Both the crossbar and mandrels attach to the body of the tool without the use of wing nuts. The ratcheting mechanism and innovative release lever allow technicians to bend tubes with just one hand.

The new Reverse Bending Attachment for the hilmor Compact Bender adds versatility to the tool allowing technicians to make bends up to 90 degrees in the opposite direction. This attachment also affixes to the tool without the use of wing nuts for quick setup and comes in handy for applications such as making immediate bends to the left or right coming out of a wall. The hilmor Compact Bender is designed for use on copper, brass, steel and aluminum.

It’s time to RETOOL + CONQUER with hilmor.

WWW.HILMOR.COM 60

HPAC | MARCH 2015

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MARCH 2015 | HPAC

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HVAC/R products The Spectroline Cool Seal A/C leak sealer from Spectron-

THE HVAC Check & Charge mobile app from Em-

ics works in most air conditioning and refrigeration sys-

erson Climate Technologies, Inc. provides an

tems, including high-pressure R410A systems. The non-

on-site refrigerant charge calculator for air con-

polymer, oil-soluble formula seals slow leaks as large as

ditioning applications. The app allows contrac-

0.5 mm. in compressors, condensers, evaporators, O-rings

tors to calculate correct system

and hoses. It remains in the system to help protect against

refrigerant charge for

future leaks and meets ASHRAE 97 standard for chemical

R22 or R410A. To use

stability. The sealer is available in two delivery methods.

the app, contractors

www.spectroline.com

choose between subcooling,

superheat

or airflow and enter The KeepRite Observer communicating control with Wi-Fi capability

the specified

provides mobile access to the KeepRite home comfort system. Self-

system tem-

configuration features and a four-wire connection simplify installa-

peratures

tion. Contractors can program the thermostat to provide their busi-

along

ness name, address and other contact information when homeowners

the

need assistance with routine system maintenance or cleaning. With

sensible envi-

homeowner permission, dealers can receive emails when the system

ronment loads. These

needs service, including equipment service alerts. The Observer has

settings determine the proper system charge

a quick-start guide, colour touchscreen display, high-resolution graph-

and whether the charge amount needs to be

with latent

altered based on these conditions. ics and the ability to name zones. Systems can be controlled from F1 Multi HVAC Quarter page ad (4C HPAC)_Layout 1 2014-Feb-18 2:49 PM www.emersonclimate.com/mobileapps anywhere with Internet access. www.keeprite.com

ÖSTBERG FOR HEALTHY INDOOR CLIMATE WITH ENERGY EFFICIENT VENTILATION The best invention since the light bulb

Östberg is leading the way globally, in the manufacturing of ventilation and ERV products.

ÖSTBERG

PRESENTED BY

The first fan ever invented was probably the palm leaf. Hans Östberg’s vision was far more advanced than that.

In the early 70’s, the founder and owner of the company, Hans Östberg, was one of the individuals who first invented the centrifugal in-line duct fan with external rotor motor. A genius invention in its simplicity.

AB C.A. Östberg launched its fan production in 1981, and has to date progressed from a small workshop to a multi-million dollar company. Today, the circular in-line duct fan is a concept being used around the world and you can find our products in more than 70 countries.

swedish innovation

AB VE ALL THE REST

Hans Östberg is continuing to lead the way in the company with new ideas and designs.

Our mission is to provide the highest quality and widest range of ventilation products in the industry today, at competitive prices. We market and carry a large stock of finished UL-products in North America which guarantees short and accurate delivery times.

CA.OSTBERG.COM 62

HPAC | march 2015

hpacmag.com

BRANT RADIANT HEATERS LTD.

PRESENTED BY

HL3 Series 2 Stage Infrared Tube Heater The Re-Verber-Ray® HL3 Series is packed with quality features represented by today’s most energy efficient line of infrared tube heaters.

The series captures the operational benefits of both high and low stage radiant comfort. Our newly designed control boxes now leave tools-free serviceability on our systems while in operation.

Desert Springs’ DS Pro-Series Pulse XL Humidifier

In addition, we use the highest quality materials and

has an electronic waterflow controller to limit water

construction features ensuring years of reliable operations.

use. When in operation, the water supply solenoid valve is pulsed on for approximately seven seconds, sufficient time to soak the evaporative pad. Upon

Brant Radiant Heaters Ltd.

saturation, the valve is closed for approximately 30

34 Scott Ave. Paris ON

seconds to allow the dispersed water to evaporate

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Voice: 519-442-7823,

pad and down the drain. The interval times on this cycle can be changed depending on the type of furnace for optimum water efficiency. http://www.desertspringproducts.com

Fax: 519-442-7321

WWW.BRANTRADIANT.COM

Venstar’s Voyager line of residential and commercial thermostats includes seven new models, each with its own set of features. Optional wireless modules include Wi-Fi, ZigBee and Z-Wave. Users can access their thermostats via Apple, Android and BlackBerry devices using the Venstar SkyportCloud Services mobile app directly from their mobile devices. The commercial and residential thermostats are compatible with gas, electric or heat pump HVAC systems, including multi-stage systems. Features include large, easy-to-read display with scrolling information for easy setup; adjustable backlight intensity; display that can show dealer name, phone number and service alerts; and HVAC system inteHPACMAG.COM

MARCH 201

gration. There are three commercial and three residential models, plus a model designed specifically for the school environment. www.venstar.com hpacmag.com

march 2015 | HPAC

63

The New Vitodens 222-F The new Vitodens 222-F, B2TB gas-fired condensing boiler is an ideal space-saving option for new installations and a smart upgrade for outdated boiler and domestic hot water (DHW) storage systems. Its compact, floor standing design offers an economical space heating and DHW solution for homes with moderate heating loads.

V IE S S MA N N

PRESENTED BY

Benefits at a Glance: • Floor standing configuration and zero side clearance requirement • 2 models with input ranges from 12 to 125 MBH • DHW heating system comprised of plate heat exchanger and storage tank • DHW 10-minute peak flow of 60 gallons with continuous draw of 3.3 GPM. (model B2TB-35 only)

Introducing VitoApp Features you’ll love, productivity at its core We wanted something for contractors that was easy-to-use and met their needs for leading a productive day.

• Sign up for Viessmann Academy and events • Integrate Partner Program claims in warranty activations • Learn about promotions, new products and updates Making simple things, simple.

Navigation and use are simplified with an easy-to-use design so you spend less time searching and more time doing.

WWW.VIESSMANN.CA 64

HPAC | march 2015

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A Familiar Face with New Features Our Vitocrossal 200, CM2 gas-fired condensing boiler – featuring the Viessmann technology you know and the performance and value you expect.

NEW! Vitotronic 300, GW6B Touch Screen control with integrated single and master boiler functionality NEW! Common Venting up to four boilers now available Thermal Efficiencies up to 97% Ideal for large residential or commercial applications with inputs up to 2245 MBH (single)/17,960 MBH (cascade up to 8 boilers) Generous heat transfer surface area/heat input ratio with 316Ti stainless steel heat exchanger to maximize heat extraction Extremely low NOx emissions from fullymodulating Viessmann pre-mix cylinder burner Seamless integration of Viessmann control technology and building management systems

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08.07.14 11:56 AM

Multiple venting possibilities with preinstalled air intake kit for direct or chimney venting (PP or stainless steel) up to 200 ft.

Gas fuel flexibility (NG/LPG/LNG) with simple electronic conversion Low inlet gas pressure capability (NG) as low as 4 inches of water column

< management

Grow the business you can afford Entrepreneurship comes with risks, but there are steps you can take to improve your chances of success. BY Hank Bulmash

O

ver the winter holidays, Toronto newspapers featured articles on a home renovation contractor who went out of business. Contractors go out of business all the time, but this story was a little different. The contractor had been operating for several years with happy customers. He received large deposits before beginning work, but he left about 10 homes in an uninhabitable state when he was locked out of his office by his landlord for unpaid rent. He had contracted to make large additions and had removed the rear walls, dug deep holes and removed roofs of homes all without completing the work. He left behind a disaster.

The man claimed the business had simply expanded beyond his control, but it is likely this was not just a case of bad management. There was evidence that he lived beyond his means with a home in a fashionable part of town with his kids enrolled in private schools.

There is an enormous amount of literature on

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HPAC | MARCH 2015

building a business, and the books and articles repeat one truth: starting a successful business is hard. The statistics say that about 50 per cent of new businesses fail within the first five years of operation. There are reasons for every failure, and generally, more than one. Among those reasons are market changes, supply chains that fall apart, or a regulatory system that makes it too hard to run a profitable business.

The other possibility is that the venture was doomed from the beginning, because it was undercapitalized or the entrepreneur just did not have the skillset for the job.

Only 20 per cent of marriages fail in the first five years, while 50 per cent of businesses do. That means that starting a successful business is about two and a half times harder than making a marriage work. There is a daunting statistic for you.

What about the businesses that succeed for five years or 10 or even 20, and then fail? That is a story we do not look at too often. Our contractor may have fallen victim to â&#x20AC;&#x153;paybackâ&#x20AC;? syndrome. After working hard for 10 years or so, many entrepreneurs and their spouses feel that they deserve some rewards. If they are not careful, those rewards can kill a business. In our contractorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s case, it looks like he simply took on expenses that he could never cover. Therefore, he extracted deposits from customers that were supposed to pay for supplies and labour but probably went into personal expenses.

It is certainly a sad story, but it raises another question.

How long can we realistically expect a business to last? And why do so many successful businesses die early? First of all, it is important to be aware that businesses, like human beings, have a natural lifespan. In 1900, the biggest companies in North America were railroads. There are surviving rail companies, but most of the railroads that were viable at the beginning of the 20th Century are gone now. From the 1920s to the 1970s, it was the U.S. automakers. Making cars is still a big business, but it is not what it was, and the U.S. Big Three are no longer the giants they once were. Toyota dwarfs them all. In the 1990s, Microsoft looked like it would rule the world. Remember the paranoia that afflicted us then? hpacmag.com

“...starting a successful business is about two and a half times harder than making a marriage work.

There is a daunting statistic for you.”

No one is worried about Microsoft in the same way now.

Today it is Apple, Amazon and Google, but their time will pass as well.

What is true of the big guys is also true of smaller companies. It is very hard to keep a business alive for longer than a generation. Too many things change. In particular, technology changes, but so do customer predilections and suppliers. Those are all external problems. But the internal issues of a business can be just as difficult to deal with.

Many companies develop profound internal concerns between year 10 and year 25. We discussed payback syndrome. Family spending can put a huge strain on a company’s viability. And the desire to spend more at home can lead an entrepreneur to take risks he might otherwise avoid – that is, risks related to premature growth.

Deciding to grow a business before it is ready can be fatal because a company must have excess capacity for growth, and that is expensive. Building for growth before the customers arrive can weaken the parsimonious mindset that helps entrepreneurs stay out of trouble. Of course, expanding capacity works brilliantly if the timing is good. But if you are unlucky enough to expand into a business decline, your company can run into real problems.

Transitioning is another struggle. When a partner retires and a pension must be paid or shares bought, the company may be subject to a financial burden it was never expected to carry. In a sense, transitioning is like buying a business. The

old numbers may work just fine, but the purchaser (or the surviving partner) has to carry a debt load that the vendor never experienced. That means the past is not a good predictor of the future. A $30-million company with $3 million in debt is a different animal from the same business without debt. In many cases, the partner who leaves gets a much better bargain than the partner who stays. It is easy to feel that an old partner is a drag on operations, but frequently, some of the relationships and intellectual capital that are important to an enterprise terminate when a principal leaves.

Their contribution to the business has become invisible and the cost of that loss may only be discovered after they leave.

Transitioning can be about existing management leaving, but it also often entails the involvement of new blood. That can be wonderful. It is also stressful, since it is likely a new manager will want to institute changes. Change may be necessary, but it is rarely easy. And because the change of generations often involves the business taking on new debt, vulnerabilities can increase.

It makes sense to consider the risks of transitions before you start. One way to do that is to treat the business after a major transition as a new creation with all the difficulties that a new business has along with being subject to that intimidating 50 per cent failure rate of new businesses. <> Hank Bulmash, CPA, CA, MBA, TEP, is CEO of Bulmash Accounting Professional Corporation in Toronto, ON. Hank can be reached by e-mail at hank@bulmash.ca.

Where do you stand in comparison to other HVAC firms?

Check out Industry Canada’s benchmarking tool and find out.

How do you know if you are doing ok on inventory controls, or if your rent expense is out of line? How do you draw comparisons? That is when the benchmark on the Industry Canada website can be useful. The Industry Canada report on HVAC contractors is available at www.ic.gc.ca/app/sme-pme/bnchmrkngtl/rprt-flw. pub?execution=e1s1. When you go to the site, use NAICS code 23822 (for HVAC contractors) to generate the report that provides information on the income statements of businesses in the industry.

Hank Bulmash explains the benchmarking tool in HPAC October 2014 (see www.hpacmag.com, Archives). hpacmag.com

MARCH 2015 | HPAC

67

GUARDIAN® HEATING AND COOLING EQUIPMENT Efficiency. Strength. Rock Solid Value

ALWAYS ON DUTY WITH DEPENDABLE HEATING AND COOLING PRODUCTS

B A R D O N S U P PL I E S

PRESENTED BY

95.0% AFUE Single Stage Multi-Position ECM Gas Furnace • Easily applied in upflow, horizontal left or right, or downflow installation with minimal conversion necessary.

• Compact, easy to install, ideal height 33” tall cabinet.

• Blower-off delay for cooling SEER improvement.

• Easy access to controls to connect power/control wiring.

• Built-in, high level self diagnostics with fault code displays standard on integrated control module for reliable operation.

• Low unit amp requirement for easy replacement application.

• All models are convertible to use propane (LP) gas.

• Electronic Hot Surface Ignition saves fuel cost with increased dependability and reliability.

• 100% shut off main gas valve for extra safety.

• 5 speed, direct drive Standard ECM style high efficiency DC motor.

• 24V, 40 VA control transformer and blower relay supplied for add-on cooling.

• Hi-tech tubular aluminized steel primary heat exchanger.

• Secondary heat exchanger made of corrosion resistant stainless steel materials.

• Timed on, adjustable off blower capability for maximum comfort.

• Blower door safety switch.

• Solid removable bottom panel allows easy conversion.

• Airflow leakage less than 1% of nominal airflow at ductblaster conditions.

• No knockouts to deal with, making installation easier.

• Movable duct connector flanges for application flexibility.

• Quiet inducer operation.

• Inducer rotates for easy conversion of venting options.

• Fully supported blower assembly for easy access and removal of blower.

• External air filters used for maximum flexibility in meeting customers IAQ needs.

• Protection included from air intake, exhaust vent, or condensate blockage.

• Patent pending self priming internal condensate trap design for easy installation.

• Venting applications - may be installed as either a 2-pipe (sealed combustion) or single-pipe vent (using indoor combustion air).

• No special vent termination required.

• 1/4 turn knobs provided for easy door removal.

• High-efficiency blower motor for lower electrical power usage and improved A/C SEER ratings.

WWW.BARDONSUPPLIES.COM 68

HPAC | MARCH 2015

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F U JIT S U

PRESENTED BY

Fujitsu Introduces 33-SEER Mini Splits with Low Temp Heating Fujitsu has introduced ductless split systems, offering up to 33 SEER, now the world’s most efficient mini-splits to operate with optimal efficiency at ambient temperatures of -15°F. The new 9,000 (9RLS3H), 12,000 (12RLS3H) and 15,000 BTU (15RLS3H) inverter systems are available with these capabilities right off the shelf with no modifications needed for low ambient operation.

Fujitsu’s Extra Low Temp Heating (XLTH) models feature a built-in base heater and drainage holes so that condensation doesn’t freeze and can drain out when ambient temps are low.

All RLS3H inverter wall-mount systems are available as split system heat pumps and offer super-quiet operation and nearly full heating capacity down to -15°F ambient and cooling operation down to 14°F. Refrigerant pipe lengths can reach 66 feet between the evaporator coil and the condensing unit.

Standard features include wireless remote control, ion deodorizing filters, sleep timer, 24-hour timer, dry mode, 4-way auto louver and auto mode. Fujitsu’s ESP (energy saving program) is standard on these new Halcyon systems, and conserves energy even when the user isn’t paying attention. Motion sensors note when the room has been vacated. After 20 minutes, the set temperature is increased by 4°F when in cooling mode, and reduced by 8°F when heating.

When the room is reoccupied, the ESP returns to the previous operating mode.

WWW.FUJITSUGENERAL.COM 70

HPAC | MARCH 2015

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hydronic products Taco’s Zone Sentry zone valve with an inverted flare is suited to retrofit and new construction work. The valve 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, making for a secure wiring hookup.

A green LED shows full functionality of valve operation.

The valves are available in ½-in., ¾-in., 1-in. sweat or NPT and inverted flare (less fittings) and inverted flare with ¾-in. sweat fittings, and draw 1.44 watts. www.taco-hvac.com The M-8300 Series Stainless manifold from The Danfoss OJ ETO2 Snow Melt controller offers an all-in-one

Legend Hydronics is made from 304 stainless

control solution for ice and snow melting suitable for any applica-

steel. Each manifold has built-in visual flow

tion which uses hydronic or electric heating, including driveways,

gauges for quick circuit performance verifica-

parking lots, sidewalks, stairs, ramps, bridges and more. The

tion. EPDM-O rings that seal the threaded con-

ETO2 can control up to two zones by activating an individual out-

nections with less torque allow for a number of

put for each zone. In a two-zone hydronic application, these out-

mounting configuration options. The units ship

puts are connected directly to circulation pumps. For one-zone

pre-assembled and ready for installation right

hydronic systems, the ETO2 ensures the required supply water

out of the box. Built-in thermometers provide

temperature by regulating a motorized mixing valve in response to

quick water temperature verification.

supply water temperature. www.na.heating.danfoss.com

www.legendhydronics.com

Well Equipped - to Deliver the Hottest News.

HPAC E-xpress has been optimized for your hand-held device!

Our recently commissioned survey showed a significant increase in the number of e-newsletters being opened on hand-held devices. Just like the magazine you are reading, HPAC E-xpress wants to keep you ahead of the curve – digitally.

To make sure that you don’t miss a single news item, we have redesigned our e-newsletters so that you can stay up-to-date in the office and on the job site. Featuring

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HPAC | march 2015

the most current Canadian mechanical industry happenings, HPAC E-xpress keeps you current with stakeholder news, upcoming events and more.

If you are not receiving HPAC E-xpress simply visit our website at hpacmag.com and click on SUBSCRIBE – then Free e-newsletter. It is that simple!

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‘PUROPAL’ H2O DEMINERALIZERS

H2O Demineralizers Engineered Hydronic Fluid

Domestic water with minerals and gases

FEATURES and BENEFITS • Demineralized water meets the strict water quality requirements from boiler and glycol manufacturers

PRESENTED BY

PRESENTED BY

AXIOM IN DU S T R I E S AXIOM IN DU S T R I E S

The ‘PUROPAL’ disposable cartridges are ideal for demineralizing fill water for closed loop hydronic systems. The quality of water, especially when mixed with anti-freeze (glycol), can have an impact on system performance. Marginal water quality can lead to scaling, sediment deposits, accumulation of sludge and increased corrosion rates.

• Removes all the aggressive salts such as chlorides, sulphates and nitrates, which specifically attack metals like stainless steel, copper, and aluminum • Removes scale producing ions like calcium and magnesium that damage components and block heat transfer • Lowers electrical conductivity, which reduces corrosion • The Puropal-300 media changes from blue to beige when spent • An economical and convenient alternative to pre-blended glycol We also have permanently fixed H2O demineralizers for make-up water and a professional line of portable H2O demineralizers. For more information on PUROPAL H2O demineralizers, visit our website at www.axiomind.com.

AXIOMIND.COM www.axiomind.com hpacmag.com

Features & benefits

• Demineralized water

meets the strict quality requirements from boiler and glycol manufacturers

• Removes all salts such as

chlorides, sulphates, and nitrates, which specifically attack metals like stainless steel, copper and aluminum

• Removes scale producing ions like calcium

Special PUROPAL mixed bed resin

• Lowers electrical

conductivity, which reduces corrosion

Fully demineralized water through ion exchange

www.axiomind.com march 2015 | HPAC

73

Hydronic PRODUCts Laars has expanded its Magna-

Bosch Thermotechnologyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wall-mounted

Therm boiler/volume water heater

Greenstar

line to include 1.6, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5

boiler for residential applications is avail-

and 4 million Btuh sizes. The mod-

able in a floor-standing (FS) version for all

ulating-condensing systems have

eight regular (heat) and combi (heat plus

95 per cent thermal efficiency and

hot water) models. Heat-only models are

a 5:1 turndown. The systems also

offered with 57, 79, 100, 131, 151 MBH

have a small footprint, a slim verti-

inputs and combi heat plus hot water

cal design with a removable top

units are offered with 100, 131, 151 MBH

section, a stainless steel heat ex-

inputs. The line has an appliance-like de-

changer and multiple voltage op-

sign and small footprint making the FS

tions to easily match building ser-

models suitable for use in applications

vice.

features

where wall-mounting options are not avail-

Vari-Prime, a pump control that

able or a floor-standing unit is preferred.

seamlessly matches boiler firing

The boilers are equipped with pump, pres-

rate to pump flow to reduce boiler

sure relief valve, propane conversion kit

The

boiler

pumping costs. A large, easy-to-

gas

modulating-condensing

and twin-pipe flue adaptor. FS models

diagnostics. Up to eight MagnaTherms can be controlled in a cas-

models contain an indirect hot water tank sensor; combi models include an

cading boiler bank. The systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sealed condensate trap does

expansion vessel. Minimum gas pressure of 3.5-in. wc makes the boiler suitable

not need to be primed at startup. The boilers can accommodate

for low-gas pressure lines.

up to 100 ft. of vent. www.laars.com

www.boschheatingandcooling.com

INSULATION SOLUTIONS

have integrated low-loss header and temperature sensor.

PRESENTED BY

navigate colour touch screen display allows for quick setup and

Regular heat-only

Underslab Insulation Insul-Tarp is a patented, lightweight under slab insulation designed for radiant heating applications. The cross-woven polyethylene exterior encapsulates and protects multiple insulating layers to achieve optimal performance and durability beneath the slab.

In addition, Insul-Tarp is a Class A vapour barrier, saving installation time and money!

Visit www.InsulationSolutions.com to find out more.

WWW.INSULATIONSOLUTIONS.COM 74

HPAC | march 2015

hpacmag.com

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New

Pit+Plus®

Little GIANT® Takes Service & Installation to Another Level

F R A N K LIN E L E CTRI C

PRESENTED BY

Residential sewage basins do the dirty work, and even the toughest systems will need to be serviced at some point. The new Little Giant Pit+Plus® is designed with the contractor in mind.

The Pit+Plus features a monolithic top to separate and promote the 3 key areas of a sewage package. The pump, switch and plumbing connections can be accessed independently. This is important for installation and maintenance. Other systems on the market require the plumbing connections to be disturbed for maintenance of the switch or pump. With independent pump hatch and switch module, the Little Giant Pit+Plus allows access with no mess, making it the most advanced and innovative system on the market.

Every sewage system will have complications with a switch eventually. The independent switch module allows for quick and easy maintenance of this key component. Still offered with the common float switch, the system was recently redesigned to incorporate an extremely reliable switch option – the new ECM™ (External Control Module) with a ‘bell’ inside the basin to monitor liquid level for switch operation outside the basin, isolated from the waste. This reduces any chance of water intrusion, which can result in switch failure. No moving switch parts inside the basin eliminates failure from water intrusion and hang-ups, thus creating a more efficient resolution to a common industry headache.

In addition to the new switch, Little Giant added a durable ‘finish’ cover to protect the system during rough-in and can be cleaned for an aesthetically pleasing permanent installation.

Two Sizes To Choose From The new Little Giant Pit+Plus is still offered in both Senior (24x30) and Junior (24x24) sizes with a 44-gallon total capacity, equipped with a Little Giant 9SN or 10SN Series ejector pump.

New Design Features • Independent pump access cover • Independent recessed switch module • Recessed discharge and vent location

• Functional and aesthetic finish cover • Switch grips/locators for directional control • Monolithic molded basin top

Same Pit+Plus Quality • Molded inlet hub • Molded anti-torque stops • 360° molded handle

• Integrated anti-floatation collar • Stainless steel fasteners • Optional alarm versions

For more information on sewage basins, sump pumps, effluent pumps or other Little Giant products, contact your local plumbing distributor or visit www.littlegiant.com.

WWW.FRANKLINWATER.COM 76

HPAC | march 2015

hpacmag.com

www.franklinwater.com

LITTLE GIANT’S NEW

PIT+PLUS BASIN ®

features a separate pump and ECM™ (External Control Module) switch access cover, simplifying service and installation. This innovative package incorporates molded-in discharge and vent ports, allowing contractors to access the pump or switch independently without disrupting the plumbing connections – saving time, money, and mess.

For more information on Little Giant products, contact your local plumbing distributor.

Patent Pending

< plumbing

Preventive measure proves profitable Using waterless floor drain traps to eliminate sewer odours and evaporation.

By Rick Ensley

S

ewer gas rising from floor drains might be an unhealthy nuisance for commercial building owners and homeowners, but for plumbing service contractors, it can produce aftermarket and service call add-on sales that can increase profits.

A common cause of sewer odours in floor drains is the evaporation of the gas-blocking water trap seal that prevents sewer gas egress through a floor drain P-trap. It is especially common with infrequently used drains. Once evaporated, the trap seal is broken, leaving nothing to stop the sewer gas from rising up into the occupant's breathing zones.

Plumbing service contractors have four options to remedy this problem. The water-supplied trap seal primer consists of a vacuum breaker and works on a pressure differential concept. The drainage supply trap seal primer catches a more conservative quantity of waste water and directs it to the floor drain to keep it primed. The deep trap seal is longer, deeper and holds more water. The barrier-type, waterless floor drain trap seal protection device, which is the focus of this article, features a one-way membrane that acts similar to a check valve. The membrane is sensitive enough to open from the weight of just four ounces of water, but strong enough to stay closed and sealed to minimize evaporation and eliminate sewer gas odour.

The waterless floor drain seal does not require floor breakups or a water supply and needs no maintenance. Installers simply push-fit it into the drain pipe after removing the floor drain grate. A tapered rubber gasket around its circumference holds it tightly in place and also creates a tight, impenetrable seal between the device and the drain pipe interior. <> Rick Ensley is a product manager at RectorSeal Corp. Ensley spent 10 years as a plumbing installer, four years in plumbing wholesale, and three years with a plumbing manufacturer's representative firm before joining SureSeal five years ago.

RectorSeal acquired SureSeal in January 2015. He can be reached at rensley@rectorseal.com.

78

HPAC | MARCH 2015

Simple installation makes for a profitable add-on sale.

Canadian Codes Canadian codes and enforcement of all drain trap seal devices is vague at best and really up to the local jurisdiction, according to Julius Ballanco, P.E., president of JB Engineering & Code Consulting. The National Plumbing Code of Canada, which is loosely based on the International Plumbing Code and other authorities, calls for the protection of the trap seal via a trap seal primer valve “or equivalent.”

Ballanco notes that the “equivalent” covers the use of a waterless floor drain trap seal in new and retrofit work.

Choosing the right waterless trap seal CSA approval does not necessarily mean a local city inspector will allow the device or has even heard of them. The selection of a product tested and certified under ASSE-1072 can be a persuading talking point for code inspectors, because ASSE is the predominant certification authority for waterless floor drain trap seal devices.

There are different degrees of ASSE-1072 certification and it is the contractor’s responsibility to investigate which drain trap seal devices are fully-certified. For example, certification results will reveal some brands do not meet the requirements to withstand the effects of dirt, debris, floor wax, and mop strands, or are restricted to certain flooring materials.

Generally, Ontario accepts ASSE-1072 certification, but some jurisdictions in other provinces may not. Aside from certification, the device’s appearance may reveal its quality.

A solidly built model with a sturdy membrane can cost anywhere from $45 to $60 wholesale and is recommended for a $15 mark up, which is a profitable aftermarket sale considering it takes a contractor less than one minute to install. For plumbing contractors, it can eliminate costly call-backs from an unhappy customer who paid hundreds of dollars to have a drain line cleaned and continues to smell sewer gas odours. hpacmag.com

March 2015

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plumbing products

General Pipe Cleaners has introduced the spider cutter, a double cutter with front and rear blades. The cutter begins cutting when the cable is fed into the line and continues to cut as it retracts, removing stubborn stoppages. It is available in two models: the Double U-Cutter and the Double Heavy Duty Side Cutter. Both The Elan Vital collection from Watermark

models are available in 3-in. and 4-in. sizes.

Designs utilizes lever handles reminiscent of

The Double U-Cutter can be adapted for use on

commercial ball valves, except these use

sectional drain cleaning machines, as well as

¼-in. turn washerless ceramic disc cartridges.

on other brands of drain cleaners.

You specify the height, width and length in one

www.drainbrain.com/new

The Cyclone Mxi condensing gas water heater

of 39 finishes. Despite the 18th century facto-

is fully modulating and features a helical coil

ry look, the line has many modern features, in-

heat exchanger. Available in 60- to 119-gallon

cluding low-flow aerators and an exposed ther-

capacities with Btu inputs of 120 000 to

mostatic mixing valve (seen here).

500 000, the units have a front located

www.watermarkdesigns.com

exhaust/condensate connection and direct spark ignitors. A re-circulation return opening

Pfister Thermostatic shower

in the front allows for easy installation in the

panels offer four different wa-

The EZ Torque fastener from Franke Kindred

field for combination applications.

ter outputs: a large shower

Canada is an alternative to the industry’s stan-

www.aosmith.com

head that creates a rainfall

dard universal sink mounting system. The fas-

effect, a handheld shower-

teners, which ship with the manufacturer’s

head, swiveling massage wa-

sinks, are used to hold the rim of the sink

ter jets and a tub-filling water

ledge tight to the countertop. Missing clips are

spout on the bottom. Each

no longer an issue and the sink easily drops

panel has two knobs, one to

into the cut out. One-handed tightening of the

control each function, and a

clips replaces the old method of lying inside

master knob that controls

the cabinet. www.franke.com

water pressure and tempera-

80

ture. The shower panels are

Zurn Industries’ Z6950 Aqua-FIT faucet sys-

ViegaPEX Ultra tubing is intended and recom-

suited to new or retrofit ap-

tem allows contractors to retrofit a new spout

mended for use in hot and cold potable water

plications.

onto an existing electronics base. Concealed

distribution

www.pfisterfaucets.com

sensor lens and aerators prevent damage

residential fire sprinkler systems per NFPA

from vandalism or cleaning chemicals. The

13D with Black ViegaPEX Ultra tubing in ¾-in.

faucet system enables building owners to

to 2-in. sizes meeting the requirements of

choose their desired level of water conserva-

ASTM F876 and UL 1821 (130 psi @ 120F).

tion, since the system is available with low-

The tubing, which is extruded from Viega’s own

flow outlets down to 0.35 gallons per minute,

resin, has a high industry rating for UV expo-

and its time-out activation is adjustable. It can

sure and chlorine resistance and increased

be powered by a number of different sources,

flexibility. According to the manufacturer,

including a standard battery, hardwire, a 10-

the tubing can withstand up to six months of

year long life lithium battery or a 10-year

exposure to sunlight without damaging its

hydro-generating kit. www.zurn.com/aquafit

performance. www.viega.ca

HPAC | march 2015

systems

and

multi-purpose

hpacmag.com

Training

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES ACROSS CANADA LEED Canada

NAIT

Canada Green Building Council workshops include LEED Green Associate Exam Preparation, Net Positive Energy Buildings, and Introduction to the LEED-v4 Rating System, tel. 866.941.1184. www.cagbc.org

The North Alberta Institute of Technology is offering a Hydronic Designer Core I (HDRO370) continuous intake distance learning course. Students have nine months to complete six modules: heat, boilers, heat loss, blueprint reading, building construction and system design factors.

Dollars to $ense Energy Management Workshops

www.nait.ca/course_hdro370.htm

The Office of Energy Efficiency at Natural Resources Canada has workshops focused on energy management, recomissioning, energy monitoring and financing. A workshop schedule is available online.

CSA Learning Institute

www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca

The CSA Learning Institute course calendar of classroom, on-site and online training is available at www.csa.ca/cm/ca/en/training

Canadian Hydronics Council

TECA Quality First Training

The Art of Hydronic Fundamentals course is a starting point for those interested in installing hydronic-heating systems. The Essentials of Hydronic System Design intermediate level program helps practitioners understand key design principles and the different options and solutions required to meet client needs. Course descriptions and training schedules are available online. www.ultimatecomfort.ca

To register for the Quality First hydronic, forced air and ventilation training courses offered by the Thermal Environmental Comfort Association, tel. 604.594.5956. www.teca.ca

Canadian GeoExchange Coalition The Canadian GeoExchange Coalition provides training for commercial and residential system designers through its academic network in seven provinces.

www.geoexchange.ca

HRAI SkillTech Academy This education division of HRAI offers residential and commercial courses, including Radiant Hydronic Design, Air System Design and Mechanical Ventilation. For more information, contact Dorothy Allen by e-mail: dallen@hrai.ca.

www.hrai.ca/skilltechtraining.html

See p 85 for calendar

THE SOURCE

Advertisers in this issue Adrian Steel...........................................................www.adriansteel.com.........................................................................page 51 Axiom....................................................................www.axiomind.com............................................................................page 73 Bacharach..............................................................www.bacharach-inc.com.....................................................................page 45 Bardon Supplies.....................................................www.bardonsupplies.com...................................................................page 68 Bibby Ste-Croix.......................................................www.Bibby-Ste-Croix.com..............................................................page 29, 31 Boshart Industries..................................................www.boshart.com..............................................................................page 33 Brant Radiant Heaters............................................www.brantradiant.com.......................................................................page 63 Caleffi....................................................................www.caleffi.com..................................................................................page 8 Franke Commercial Systems...................................www.franke-commercial.com/EZ.........................................................page 18 Franklin Electric.....................................................www.franklinwater.com.......................................................................page 76 Fujitsu...................................................................www.fujitsugeneral.com.....................................................................page 70 Great Lakes Copper................................................www.glcopper.com.............................................................................page 57 Heatlink.................................................................www.heatlink.com.............................................................................page 27 Hilmor....................................................................www.hilmor.com/swage.....................................................................page 60 Hood Chemical.......................................................www.hoodchemical.com.....................................................................page 16 Insulation Solutions................................................www.insulationsolutions.com.............................................................page 74 IPEX......................................................................www.ipexinc.com.........................................................................page 17, 36 Liberty Pumps........................................................www.libertypumps.com......................................................................page 40 Master Group.........................................................www.master.ca..................................................................................page 35 MCEE....................................................................www.mcee.ca....................................................................................page 42 Mestek..................................................................www.rbiwaterheaters.com, www.knseries.com................................page 19, 59 Navien....................................................................www.navien.com..................................................................................page 4 NTI........................................................................www.nythermal.com...........................................................................page 15 Ostberg..................................................................ca.ostberg.com.................................................................................page 62 Reliance Worldwide................................................www.sharkbite.com...........................................................................page 11.

Saniflo...................................................................www.saniflo.ca..................................................................................page 86 Security Chimneys..................................................www.securitygreaseduct.com..............................................................page 55 Switch the 'Stat.....................................................www.switchthestat.ca........................................................................page 16 Taco......................................................................www.taco-hvac.com...........................................................................page 24 tekmar Control Systems.........................................www.tekmarcontrols.com...................................................................page 21 Uponor...................................................................www.uponor.ca....................................................................................page 2 Victaulic................................................................www.victauliccps.com........................................................................page 52 Viega.....................................................................www.viega.ca....................................................................................page 48 Viessmann.............................................................www.viessmann.ca............................................................................page 64 Ward Manufacturing...............................................www.wardmfg.com.............................................................................page 12 Watts.....................................................................www.OneWattsWater.com/FlowControl................................................page 88 Zurn.......................................................................www.zurn.com.....................................................................................page 7 hpacmag.com

march 2015 | HPAC

81

< refrigeration

Considerations for next generation HVAC refrigerants

By Mike Thompson, Mike Patterson and Ryan Geister

A

n earlier article in HPAC and in Engineers Newsletter discussed the need for a balanced approach* between environmental impact and efficiency when selecting replacement refrigerants for HVAC equipment. This article continues the refrigerant discussion by addressing safety, regulations and other considerations associated with the next generation of refrigerants.

Non-fluoronated refrigerants When considering next generation refrigerant alternatives, it is recommended that policy makers, the public, and manufacturers balance direct environmental concerns (e.g. ODP, GWP, leak rates), indirect environmental concerns (energy efficiency), safety and performance.

As we move beyond HFCs and HCFCs, manufactured chemicals like fluorocarbons, and non-fluoronated refrigerants, such as CO2, ammonia, or hydrocarbons are being considered.

While non-fluoronated refrigerants (sometimes called “natural” refrigerants) have some desirable characteristics in vapour compression cooling, the majority of the HVAC industry is arguably best served by using fluorocarbon refrigerants because they offer the best balance of efficiency, safety and environmental impact. In fact, many of the new olefin-based refrigerant options have GWP values lower than nonfluoronated refrigerant alternatives.

Figure 1 Legislative actions involving refrigerant

82

HPAC | MARCH 2015

Non-fluoronated refrigerants will see increased usage in the coming years in applications where their unique characteristics are best suited – such as in low temperature refrigeration.

Policy Drivers Over the past few decades, refrigerants in the HVAC industry have been under constant regulatory pressure.

Whether the focus is ozone depletion or global warming, our industry strives to discover the right balance of efficiency and safety while minimizing the impact on the environment.

Figure 1 illustrates the policy pressure impacting nearly all commercially available refrigerants today. These pressures have accelerated the development of alternative refrigerants. The next generation of refrigerants are olefin-based and have properties similar to HCFCs and HFCs, but with minimal direct environmental impact. The first commercially available next generation refrigerant on the market (R-1234yf), developed to replace refrigerants by the auto industry, signals the beginning of their acceptance into the HVAC and other industries.

As a reference, Table 1 compares many of the characteristics of today’s commercial refrigerants and potential future refrigerants.

Figure 2 ASHRAE Standard 34-2013 4 safety classifications

hpacmag.com

Flammability: the next big industry challenge With the current generation of fluorocarbons, the HVAC industry has had no problem finding nonflammable refrigerant solutions. However, in the coming years as the industry transitions to olefin-based refrigerants, one of the challenges will be incorporating slightly flammable refrigerant solutions.

Currently, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, & Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has taken the leadership role in developing guidelines for how to safely use refrigerants that are classified as slightly flammable (Figure 2). In 2010, ASHRAE designated 2L, a new flammability category, to cover many of the new refrigerants being developed. Some of these 2L refrigerants are difficult or impossible to ignite at room temperature, and may be able to be applied with similar servicing techniques that are used today.

A seemingly simple subject such as flammability is actually quite nuanced. Flammability can be expressed with several metrics. The two most important metrics are the minimum ignition energy, and the burning velocity.

Minimum Ignition Energy (MIE). The minimum ignition energy indicates the amount of energy needed to ignite a refrigerant at room temperature. The higher the number, the more difficult it is to ignite.

Burning Velocity (BV). The burning velocity is the rate at which a refrigerant burns when ignited. The slower the flame rate the lower the risk.

Figure 3 shows the relationship between both MIE and burn velocity. The graph helps illustrate that many 2L refrig-

erants are both very difficult to ignite (MIE), and if they do ignite, have a very low flame propagation rate (burn velocity).

The olefin-based refrigerant options are either nonflammable or very low 2L refrigerants.

Challenges of high and low pressure For years our industry has embraced a variety of refrigerants and operating pressures to address the many different applications and compressor types in the HVAC industry. With next generation refrigerants, the higher the operating pressure, the more challenging it will become to find low GWP, nonflammable refrigerant options. Low pressure replacements for R-123, such as R-1233zd(E) provide low GWP (<1GWP) performance that is efficient and nonflammable.

However, medium pressure alternatives provide more of a challenge (Figure 4).

Nonflammable alternative blends that include olefinbased refrigerants will be available with GWP values below 500; however, slightly flammable levels are difficult to avoid while still maintaining performance. Therefore, 2L refrigerants such as R-1234ze are being considered in order to balance safety and performance amongst medium-pressure refrigerants.

For higher pressure R-410A, the current replacement choices offered by refrigerant manufacturers are slightly flammable. Work continues to find nonflammable blends for risk adverse R-410A applications. Highly flammable options such as propane are being considered for some applicacontinued on p84

Table 1 Regrigerant data

hpacmag.com

MARCH 2015 | HPAC

83

< refrigeration

continued from p83

tions, but safety concerns limit consideration to only very low charge applications, such as domestic refrigerators. On the positive side, many of the R-410A alternatives currently considered show improved efficiency and improved highambient performance over R-410A.

Managing Risk in a Changing Environment In a constantly changing regulatory environment, a perceived risk surrounds the selection of the right refrigerants.

Understanding the risk involved in refrigerant selection is a Figure 3 Burning Velocity (BV) versus Minimum Ignition Energy (MIE) ASHRAE TRP-1584

Figure 4 Refrigerant operating pressure

crucial first step in minimizing that risk.

When you evaluate cost over the operational lifetime of equipment, the magnitude of the risk in selecting the right refrigerant becomes clear. For example, Figure 5 illustrates the major costs associated with operating a centrifugal chiller over a 30-year life span. As you can see, the vast majority of expenditures over its life (over 88 per cent) stems from energy consumption followed by service and first costs.

Last on the list, at < 0.04 per cent, is the cost of adding refrigerant over the life of the chiller (assuming a low pressure refrigerant and 0.5 per cent annual leakage rate).

With a better understanding of the major costs over the life of the equipment, how can you minimize risk when buying a chiller?

• Minimize refrigerant charge - Use the least amount of refrigerant (lbs/ton) as possible.

• Monitor/Track/Repair any refrigerant leaks in the system Ensure equipment is well maintained and leak-tight; Annual refrigerant leaks of well below 0.5 per cent are easily achievable in low pressure chillers.

• Maintain your equipment at peak performance - proper maintenance of equipment and taking corrective action to repair leaks will minimize life-cycle costs.

When compared to the overall life-cycle cost of a chiller, refrigerant cost is one of the smallest expenditure items.

With a little effort, that expenditure can be reduced to practically zero.

Summary

Figure 5 Cost over the life of a chiller Based on a 30-year life, the analysis assumed a lowpressure, direct-drive centrifugal chiller. Service cost estimates were based on maintenance requirements and typically recommended items such as; tube cleaning, refrigerant analysis, leak testing, controls updates, compressor overhaul, electrical checks, bearing inspection, and oil analysis.

Additional items may be warranted pending the application of the chiller.

84

HPAC | MARCH 2015

The HVAC industry is yet again bracing for a new generation of refrigerants. New refrigerants mean new challenges and new opportunities. The last major move away from CFCs resulted in a stronger industry with new options that proved to be reliable and efficient. Likewise, the current move away from HFCs and HCFCs offers both challenges and opportunities. Balancing performance and emissions while keeping safety at the forefront, there is no doubt the HVAC industry will confidently move into the next generation of refrigerants to find low GWP options that allow for efficient, safe operation. <> The authors of this article are with Trane, a business of Ingersoll Rand. Mike Thompson is refrigerant strategy leader, Mike Patterson is a product manager and Ryan Geister is applied systems leader, chillers. To read more on this topic, see HVAC/R What Lies Ahead in HPAC, January-February 2009 and A Balanced Approach, HPAC March 2011.* Both articles are available at www.hpacmag.com (see archives). This article is reprinted with permission from Trane’s Engineers Newsletter (ENV-APN001A-EN). www.trane.com hpacmag.com

Calendar 2015

FOR THE LATEST EVENT NEWS, SEE HPAC'S NEWSLETTER @ hpacmag.com NEBB Annual Conference April 16-18

MCEE April 22-23

The National Environmental Balancing Bureau will host its annual conference at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa in Honolulu, HI.

Canada’s largest exhibition for plumbing, HVAC, hydronics, electricity and lighting will take place at Place Bonaventure in Montreal, QC.

www.nebb.org

www.mcee.ca

NFSA Annual Seminar and North American Fire Sprinkler Expo April 30-May 2 The National Fire Sprinkler Association will hold its annual seminar and expo at the Hilton Bonnet Creek in Orlando, FL.

www.nfsa.org

RSES Canada Conference May 21-23

CIPH Ontario Region Conference May 22-24

CIPH Annual Business Conference June 14-16

The Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (Canada) will hold its conference at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in Calgary, AB.

The Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating will hold its Ontario Region conference at Sheraton on the Falls in Niagara Falls, ON.

The Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating will hold its 83rd annual business conference at the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City, QC.

www.rsescanada.com

www.ciph.com

www.ciph.com

OPIA Annual Meeting & Educational Seminar June 14-16 The Ontario Plumbing Inspectors Association is holding its 85th annual meeting at the Kempenfelt Conference Centre in Innisfil, ON.

CleanerHeat Symposium June 17-18

ASHRAE Annual Conference June 27-July 1

The Canadian Oil Heat Association will hold its annual symposium at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel in Halifax, NS.

The annual ASHRAE conference will be held in Atlanta, GA. It will have a strong focus on the design, construction and operation of high performance buildings.

www.coha.ca

www.ashrae.org

www.opia.info/members

HRAI Annual Meeting and Conference August 26-29

Modern Hydronics-Summit 2015 September 10

SMACNA Annual Convention September 27-30

The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada will host its 47th annual meeting and conference at Caesars Windsor in Windsor, ON.

The second hydronics-only event will be held at the International Centre at 6900 Airport Rd. in Mississauga, ON.

The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association will host it 72nd annual convention at The Broodmoor in Colorado Springs, CO.

www.modernhydronicssummit.com

www.hrai.ca

www.smacna.org

Green Building Festival October 1

CIPHEX Roadshow October 15-November 18

The Green Building Festival, presented

by Sustainable Buildings Canada, will take place at Daniels Spectrum in Toronto, ON.

The CIPHEX Roadshow will make stops in Burnaby, BC on October 15; Edmonton, AB on October 20; Regina, SK on October 22; Brandon, MB on October 28; and St. Johns, NL on November 18.

www.ciphexroadshow.ca

Construct Canada December 2-4 The 27th annual event will be held concurrently with PM Expo, HomeBuilder & Renovator Expo and Concrete Canada in the South Building, and Construct International and IIDEXCanada in the North Building of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. www.constructcanada.com

2016

www.sbcanada.org

CMPX March 16-18 The Canadian Mechanical & Plumbing Exposition (CMPX), Canada’s national show for the mechanicals industry, will take place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, ON.

www.cmpxshow.com

hpacmag.com

Greenbuild International Conference & Expo November 18-22 Greenbuild, the world’s largest annual conference and expo dedicated to green building, will take place in Washington, DC. Venue TBA.

www.greenbuildexpo.org

ASHRAE Winter Conference January 23-27

AHR Expo January 25-27

The 2016 Winter ASHRAE Conference will take place at the Hilton Orlando, FL.

The International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition is being held at Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL.

www.ashrae.org/orlando

www.ahrexpo.com

Planning an event?

Send the details to

Kerry Turner, Editor

kturner@hpacmag.com

march 2015 | HPAC

85

SANIBEST PRO exceeds the most demanding full bathroom needs The SANIBEST PRO is one of Saniflo Canada’s best grinder systems designed for both home and commercial use. The heavy-duty unit’s powerful motor is reliable, efficient and can accept accidental flushing of sanitary items, such as feminine hygiene products. Easy-to-open panels ensure both contractors and do-it-yourselfers can access the internal components to complete periodic maintenance quickly in any home or building. This is not just another grinder; it’s grinder technology that residential and commercial applications need.

SANI F LO

PRESENTED BY

The unit is designed to work with a rear discharge toilet and can accommodate a full bathroom including toilet, sink, shower, bathtub and even a washing machine (indirectly). It discharges waste up to 25' vertically and 150' horizontally, while operating quietly with sound-absorbing technology.

The Saniflo DESCALER keeps the system running smoothly The Saniflo DESCALER is powerful cleaning and disinfecting agent designed specifically for use with every Saniflo product. The DESCALER protects and prolongs the life of every unit using a concentrated solution of laboratory-formulated ingredients, reaching to the heart of the system and its internal components to remove buildup, for optimal cleaning power.

The DESCALER is easy to use and harmless to septic tanks, making it an ideal solution for any plumbing situation. Simply turn off the water supply and disconnect the main power source. Pour the solution inside the bowl and flush the toilet once.

Let the solution sit inside the toilet and pump for six to eight hours, then reconnect the main power, water supply and flush the toilet a couple of times to ensure the unit is ready to use.

For more information, visit saniflo.ca or call 1-800-363-5874.

WWW.SANIFLO.CA 86

HPAC | march 2015

hpacmag.com

Blade that never needs replacing!

SANI

3

• Cost effective solution for above the floor bathroom installations • Dual access covers for easy maintenance • Only 3/4” or 1” diameter dishcharge pipe • Pre-assembled unit with two extra inlets for the addition of a sink, tub or shower.

↑ 15 ft. ↑ and/or ←150 ft.→

1-800-363-5874 saniflo.ca

• Available in round front and elongated (ADA compliant) bowl styles

A PUMP COMPANY SINCE 1958

1.28 GPF

CEE M t s a #427 U See ooth B

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