HPAC May 2019

EXPANSION TANK DOS AND DON’TS

GREASE INTERCEPTORS

TRENDS IN LUXURY PLUMBING

MAY 2019

HEAVY-DUTIES GET AN OVERHAUL: 25TH ANNUAL SERVICE VEHICLE REPORT MULTIPLE CONDENSING BOILER PLANTS COME OF AGE

COOLING SYSTEM PERFORMANCE HINGES ON ACCURACY

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COOLING POWER-DENSE DATA CENTRES IS YOUR EQUIPMENT PREPARED FOR THE SUMMER HEAT? GEOTHERMAL TRANSFORMATION: NO SINGLE MAGIC BULLET

CONTENTS

MAY 2019 / VOL. 93 NO. 3

Cooling system performance hinges on accuracy.

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FEATURES

16

16

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SERVICE VEHICLE REPORT HEAVY-DUTIES GET AN OVERHAUL Before you buy be sure the model you select does exactly what you need it to do. By Jil McIntosh

BOILERS MULTIPLE CONDENSING BOILER PLANTS COME OF AGE A focus on emerging trends in multiple condensing boiler plants. By Rob Waters

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COOLING AC SYSTEM PROCEDURES Evaluating the performance of a cooling system requires the use of accurate tools and techniques.

By Ian McTeer

HYDRONICS EXPANSION TANK DOS AND DON’TS Follow these tips to keep them functioning as intended.

By John Siegenthaler

28

30 HPACMAG.COM

COOLING PRODUCT SHOWCASE See the latest offerings from industry suppliers.

42 EVENT REPORT SYMPOSIUM ADDRESSES TRANSITION TO LOW CARBON ECONOMY

By Kerry Turner CONTINUED ON P5 MAY 2019 | HPAC

3

OH S#@% SUDDENLY GOT THE FEELING IT’S TIME FOR A CHANGE? In business, “stuff” happens. Mistakes, delays, broken promises, and more. But if your current HVAC manufacturer seems to be consistently delivering more excuses than solutions, perhaps it’s time you talk to Fujitsu General.

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CONTENTS 44

62

COOLING THE OVERLOOKED TECHNOLOGY Innovations and advancements in chiller systems include a versatile piping option.

By Lance MacNevin

COMPRESSORS LONGEVITY AND CAPACITY Is your equipment prepared for the summer heat? By Dave Demma

48 PLUMBING NEW LIFE Wellness, sustainable technology and natural materials trend upward in luxury plumbing market.

By Jillian Morgan

52 PLUMBING CLARIFYING RULES AROUND FOG Changes to municipal and provincial regulations, bylaws and ordinances.

By Angelo Mikrogiannkis

MAY 2019 / VOL. 93 NO. 3

65 EVENT REPORT MCEE 2019 LEAVES ITS MARK

By Luc Boily

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67 EVENT REPORT GEOTHERMAL TRANSFORMATION: NO SINGLE MAGIC BULLET

By Kerry Turner

68 COOLING MEETING THE DEMAND As power-dense data centres crop up across the globe, cooling systems rise to the occasion. By Jillian Morgan

68 DEPARTMENTS 6 UPFRONT 8 NEWS FEATURE ‘Innovation mindset’: Adoption of latest technologies key to contractor growth at MCAC Conference

By Jillian Morgan 10 INDUSTRY NEWS 54 MECHANICAL SUPPLY NEWS 60 PEOPLE 46 PLUMBING PRODUCTS 66 TRAINING 66 THE SOURCE 70 CALENDAR

48 HPACMAG.COM

On the cover: The Joyce Centre for Partnership and Innovation mechanical room at Mohawk College in Hamilton, ON. Photo Kerry Turner MAY 2019 | HPAC

5

< UPFRONT WHEN EVERYONE KNOWS YOUR NAME WHILE OUR INBOXES ARE SPILLING OVER, WE RARELY GET PAPER MAIL THESE DAYS, which makes it a bit of a treat when a letter arrives at my desk.

I received a letter recently from a reader letting me know he had enjoyed reading the editorial Popular meteorologists take the chill off in the February 2019 issue. I think the trouble he went through to send it meant more to me than the compliment.

I mentioned it to a colleague and we went on to talk about how technology has in many ways removed the personal touch in communication. For all it has done for business, it has also meant one on one interactions can be work for those who are more comfortable with e-mail, text and messaging.

It is unfortunate basic face-to-face skills frequently have to be taught–as is evident in the number of keynotes and seminars on the topic.

At one point in my career, a senior vice president in the company I worked for was greatly admired for his interpersonal skills. Whether you had been with the company two days, two months or two years, he would greet you by name with an expansive smile. He would ask how you were, how things were going, and if by some chance you had provided personal info in a previous conversation, he would bring that into the discussion. He also remembered birthdays (no doubt with the help of a PA, but still) and always left a card with a gift certificate on the celebrant’s desk.

To this day everyone I know who worked in that division remembers being greeted by name. I cannot comment on what sort of a business person the vice president was, but I can say he certainly taught me something about the importance of actually talking to individuals.

It is a big thing that inspires and motivates.

Editor

Be sure to visit hpacmag.com where you can search products, manufacturers and wholesalers through the online buyer's guide.

You can also access the current issue of HPAC magazine and archived editions. Click on digital archives from the top menu to access this valuable resource.

Are you a contractor with an installation or troubleshooting question? Chances are you will find the answer in a past issue of HPAC. If not, send us a note (kturner@hpacmag.com) and we will look at covering the topic in an upcoming issue.

Follow us on Twitter @hpacmag; connect with us on LinkedIn.

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HPAC | MAY 2019

HPAC MAGAZINE 111 Gordon Baker Road, Suite 400, Toronto, ON M2H 3R1 TEL: 416.442.5600 FAX: 416.510.5140 www.hpacmag.com EDITOR Kerry Turner (416) 510-5218 KTurner@hpacmag.com ASSISTANT EDITOR Jillian Morgan (416) 510-5201 JMorgan@hpacmag.com ASSOCIATE David Skene (416) 510-6884 PUBLISHER DSkene@hpacmag.com ACCOUNT Vince Naccarato (416) 510-5118 MANAGER VNaccarato@hpacmag.com MEDIA DESIGNER Emily Sun esun@annexweb.com ACCOUNT Kim Rossiter (416) 510-6794 COORDINATOR krossiter@hpacmag.com CIRCULATION MANAGER Urszula Grzyb (416) 442-5600 ext. 3537 ugrzyb@annexbusinessmedia.com

PUBLISHER Peter Leonard (416) 510-6847 PLeonard@hpacmag.com VICE PRESIDENT Tim Dimopoulos (416) 510-5100 t dimopoulos@annexbusinessmedia.com COO Scott Jamieson sjamieson@annexbusinessmedia.com PRESIDENT & CEO Mike Fredericks

PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40065710 Heating Plumbing Air Conditioning (established 1925) is published 7 times per year

by Annex Publishing & Printing Inc. HPAC Magazine is the leading Canadian business publication for the owner/manager of mechanical contracting businesses and their supply partners.

ISSN: 0017-9418 (Print) ISSN 2371-8536 (Online) Contents Copyright © 2019 by Annex Publishing & Printing Inc. may not be reprinted without permission.

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NEWS FEATURE SEE THE LATEST NEWS @ HPACMAG.COM

INNOVATION MINDSET: ADOPTION OF LATEST TECHNOLOGIES KEY TO CONTRACTOR GROWTH AT MCAC CONFERENCE As the construction industry grapples with complex projects and tight timelines, a massive worker shortage and some of the lowest productivity gains over the last few decades, the largely entrenched ways of doing business are undergoing a fundamental shift.

At the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCAC) first-ever Innovation Conference – “The Innovation Mindset: Converting Opportunities into Realities”– speakers shared how contractors can stay ahead of the curve.

Held at the Beanfield Centre in Toronto April 16, 2019, educational sessions covered risk, artificial intelligence, energy efficiency, on-the-job technologies and modular construction, among other topics.

Dirk Beveridge, founder of the Unleash WD Innovation Summit, kicked off the conference.

For Beveridge, “innovation is bypassing distribution” – and the average mechanical contractor. He said these changes are not just the regular “ebbs and flows” of business, but a “tectonic” shift that will fundamentally change how businesses operate.

Presentations from David Bowcott, global director of growth, innovation and insight at Aon Risk Solutions, and Rob McKinney, who works in business development at construction software company Rhumbix, discussed the vast number of construction phase technologies entering the market, promising to digitize in the construction industry.

Corey Diamond, executive director of Efficiency Canada, presented the keynote address, titled “A Vision for Energy Efficiency in Canada.” D iamond’s vision for the organization – and Canada’s lowcarbon economy – included establish8

HPAC | MAY 2019

Rob McKinney, business development at Rhumbix, presents overview of new technologies at the MCAC Conference.

(Left to right) Susan Keenliside, lifecycle program manager at the House of Commons of Canada, Branden Kotyk, regional manager for British Columbia at Victaulic, and Troy Galvin, manager of PCL Agile, discuss modularization and BIM.

ing a comprehensive value chain of energy efficiency, unlocking private sector capital and mobilization.

“The goal of Efficiency Canada is not to do it on our own,” he said, adding that success depends on “bigger, bolder actions” from all sectors. “[The] sectors have to lead them-

selves or else it will be pushed upon them,” Diamond added.

Attendees also heard from Peter Van Beek, a professor of artificial intelligence at the University of Waterloo, about opportunities for the uptake of AI in the construction sector – namely in building management and design. <> HPACMAG.COM

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INDUSTRY NEWS SEE THE LATEST NEWS @ HPACMAG.COM

to construct a 4,000 square foot addition with three classrooms, an elevator, a roof replacement on two wings and a new steam heating system. Construction began in the spring.

MacKenzie Middle School in Dauphin will see at least $4 million in upgrades to a 60-year-old wing, including a roof replacement, a new HVAC system and a foundation upgrade.

A new link is also planned to connect the second-storey wing to the main building, along with the installation of two accessible washrooms. Construction is slated to begin in summer 2019, the minister said. www.manitoba.ca

$57.5M FOR MANITOBA SCHOOL INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS, INCLUDING HVAC SYSTEMS The Manitoba government is spending $57.5 million to overhaul aging school infrastructure across the province.

Education Minister Kelvin Goertzen unveiled the 59 planned projects April 18, 2019, which include renovations and new construction for kindergarten to Grade 12 schools.

The Public Schools Finance Board plans to complete the projects within six to 24 months following the award of tenders and start of construction, Goertzen said.

Mechanical system replacements, including steam boilers, steam heating systems, roof top units and unit ventilators, will total $17 million. Roofing projects will receive $15.5 million.

Structural projects, such crawlspace remediation, wall renewal and foundational replacement, account for $14.4 million. A number of schools seeking accessibility upgrades will receive $10.6 million.

As part of the funding, several schools will undergo major renovations.

Winnipeg’s Sisler High School has been allotted $7 million

PREMIER PLEDGES $40M FOR LOW-CARBON PROGRAMS IN NL Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Dwight Ball has committed $40 million for “low carbon economy programs” in the province.

As part of the funding, the provincial government is funnelling $10.25 million into the Climate Change Challenge Program, which will offer grants to businesses and governments that undertake projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The federal government has contributed $10 million to the program.

The Energy Efficiency and Fuel Switching in Public Buildings Program, underway since January, has received an additional $17.2 million in joint federal-provincial funding. The program supports retrofits in existing public sector buildings that are reliant on fossil fuels for space heating, such as post-secondary institutions and medical clinics. Projects involving fuel switching to electricity will also assist in rate mitigation efforts. www.gov.nl.ca

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HPAC | MAY 2019

PHOTO GOVERNMENT OF NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR

WESTCOM PLUMBING OWNER TAKES HOME CCA’S PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) has presented its 2018 awards in conjunction with its annual conference, which held in Bermuda in March. These awards recognize the important contributions of individuals, comMike Weininger from PCL panies and associations that proConstructors, the award mote and enhance the Canadian sponsor, and Mary-Anne Bowcott construction industry.

Mary-Anne Bowcott, owner of Westcom Plumbing & Gas Ltd. in Victoria, BC, was one of two recipients of CCA’s Person of the Year Award.

Bowcott is a journeyman plumber, class B gasfitter, and certified steep-slope roofer. Since the inception of her company in 2015 she has taken on numerous female apprentices. With women representing just 10 per cent of the tradespeople in BC, Bowcott’s efforts to increase that number have garnered her the attention and respect of not only her clients, but of her community.

In 2017 and 2018 she was the recipient of the Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce Trades and Skilled Labour Excellence Award. In 2018 she was awarded the BC Construction Industry Leader Award. www.cca-acc.com

Left to right: Education Minister Bernard David, Premier Dwight Ball and Nick Whalen, MP for St. John’s East.

HPACMAG.COM

CANADIAN OIL HEAT ASSOCIATION FINALIZES REBRANDING, PLOTS NEW SCOPE More than a year after announcing its plans to rebrand, the Ontario chapter of the Canadian Oil Heat Association has officially become the Ontario Petroleum Transporters and Technicians Association (OPPTA).

It will take on â&#x20AC;&#x153;expanded scope and support servicesâ&#x20AC;? to businesses that provide road transportation of petroleum products, as well as those that service, maintain and inspect oil-burning equipment.

For the remainder of the year, OPPTA will continue its Emergency Spill Response Training and provide Fuel Truck Drive Pre-Tip Inspection seminars.

It will also maintain its Online Driver Training courses. www.optta.ca EFFICIENCY MANITOBA OFFICIALLY IN OPERATION Manitobaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newly minted Crown Corporation has launched. Efficiency Manitoba, focused on energy efficiency and conservation, replaces Manitoba Hydroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Power Smart brand, which had a 30-year run in the province.

The province appointed Colleen Kuruluk, previously the manager of Power Smart Programs at Manitoba Hydro, to take over as CEO for the arms-length entity in December 2018.

Efficiency Manitoba aims to offer consumers, businesses, institutions and industry information on resource efficiency, from small-scale home heating to industrial energy conservation projects.

The agency will work with the federal government and others to access incentives and rebates. www.efficiencymb.ca HPACMAG.COM

ONTARIO GOVERNMENT DECISION PUTS AN END TO HEATING AND COOLING INCENTIVE The provincial government has axed a heating and cooling incentive program managed by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO).

Energy Minister Greg Rickford directed IESO to discontinue the current Conservation First Framework on March 21, 2019, with the goal of reducing electricity rates in the province. Under the directive, all programs will be administered centrally through the IESO, as opposed to a local distribution company (LDC) model.

Just over 1,400 contractors are currently registered in the program, according to the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute (HRAI).

,%33 '2)0%

IESOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newly-introduced interim framework has shifted to focus on business and industrial programs until December 31, 2020. It includes the establishment of a new portal and the stripping away of smaller programs that IESO said had less uptick, such as the Business Refrigeration Incentive, High Performance New Construction, Residential New Construction and Existing Building Commissioning.

HRAI stated that it will be in discussions with the Ministry and IESO to â&#x20AC;&#x153;assess where opportunities might existâ&#x20AC;? in the new framework â&#x20AC;&#x153;to position the HVAC/R industry positively as a significant contributor to potential energy savings in the province.â&#x20AC;? www.hrai.ca www.ieso.ca Continued on p12

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Left to right: Jack Bavis, president of MCAC, Senator Donald Plett and CIPH chairman Allen Taylor of Taylor Pipe Supports.

CIPH, MCAC TALK PROMPT PAYMENT, CODE HARMONIZATION IN OTTAWA The Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH) and the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCAC) once again joined forces in Ottawa.

The two associations held the annual Parliamentary Day of Awareness on April 1 and 2, 2019.

Executives from CIPH and MCAC met with more than 40 officials and elected representatives to “enhance the profile of the industry in government circles.”

Conversations also focused on two “key items of mutual concern,” namely prompt payment provisions in federal contracts, and efforts to harmonize model codes and regulations for energy efficiency in Canada.

Members also stressed how skilled training will be integral in order to meet the anticipated demand for skilled workers in the industry, according to MCAC. www.ciph.com www.mcac.ca NOVA SCOTIA TABLES PROMPT PAYMENT LEGISLATION, PLANS INDUSTRY CONSULTATIONS Nova Scotia one of the latest provinces to introduce prompt payment legislation, which sets timelines to ensure construction businesses and workers are paid on time.

Among other changes, amendments to the Builders’ Lien Act–to be renamed the Builders’ Lien and Prompt Payment Act–will establish the rate of interest for payments not made. It will also provide the authority for establishing an adjudi12

HPAC | MAY 2019

cation process to resolve disputes faster when timelines are not met.

The provincial government held “extensive consultation” on the regulations in the spring with contractors, sub-contractors, suppliers, trade unions, engineers, roadbuilders, Canadian Federation of Independent Business, municipalities, the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities and other interested stakeholders. www.novascotia.ca ZERO CARBON BUILDINGS OFFER FINANCIAL RETURN, REDUCE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS: CAGBC The Canadian Green Building Council (CaGBC) has issued a report that it says confirms zero carbon buildings offer “meaningful greenhouse gas reductions and positive financial returns.”

Titled “Making the Case For Building to Zero Carbon,” the report finds zero carbon buildings offer a return over a 25year lifecycle. It also found that by 2030, more than four million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions per year can be avoided “cost-effectively.” www.cagbc.org/MakingtheCase

HRAI PUTS OUT CALL FOR CAREER AMBASSADORS, AWARD NOMINATIONS The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute (HRAI) Contractors Division has put out a call for nominations for two awards.

The Craig McCarty Memorial Award is presented to members of the division who have volunteered to serve in leadership roles. Recognizing local and regional volunteers, HRAI will also present the Gerald Inch Award for Chapter Leadership.

Award winners will be recognized at the institute’s annual general meeting and conference in Niagara Falls, ON in August.

Nominations are due by July 1, 2019.

For more info, call 800.267.2231 ext. 233 or e-mail Scott Papp at spapp@hrai.ca.

HRAI is also rebooting its Career Ambassadors program. Ambassadors from across Canada speak to youth aged between 16 to 21 years about career opportunities in the HVAC/R industry.

HRAI is asking for interested individuals who work for its member companies to contact Maame Enyimayew at menyimayew@hrai.ca or tel. 905.602.4700 ext. 271. www.hrai.ca

MCAC HEADS TO NASHVILLE The Mechanical contractors Association of Canada (MCAC) will host its annual conference in Nashville, TN from October 2 to 5, 2019. Themed “Orchestrating the Industry’s Future,” the event will be held at the Hilton Downtown Nashville.

The conference will include an opening night event, titled “Under the Nashville Stars,” following the John Bradshaw Memorial Golf Tournament on October 2.

Opening day kicks off October 3 with a breakfast and keynote speaker, followed by several sessions and meetings. An Innovation and Technology Trade Show will be held on October 4, followed by an Innovation and Technology panel.

The event will wrap up on October 5 with breakfast and a keynote speaker, followed by the MCAC AGM and board of directors meeting, followed by closing. www.conference.mcac.ca Continued on p14 HPACMAG.COM

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ASHRAE LAUNCHES CERTIFIED HVAC DESIGNER APPLICATIONS Applications for ASHRAE’s Certified HVAC Designer (CHD) certification are now open.

The CHD certification “validates competency of the HVAC designer, working under the responsible charge of an engineer, to design HVAC systems to meet building/project requirements.”

Those requirements include load calculations, equipment selection and sizing, mechanical equipment room design, duct and piping design, and layout of the development of HVAC plans for permit and construction.

Exam blueprint and eligibility requirements can be found in the Candidate Guidebook, available online.

Computer-based testing opened worldwide on June 3, 2019. www.ashrae.org/chd

MANUFACTURER RECALLS BOILERS FOR CARBON MONOXIDE HAZARD Viessmann Manufacturing Company Inc. has recalled several boiler models after the units were reported to pose a risk of increased carbon monoxide levels. The recall involves Vitodens 200-W (models B2HB 19, B2Hb 26 ad B2HB 35) and Vitdodens 222-F (models B2TB 19 and B2TB 35).

According to Health Canada, the back plate of the heat exchanger may corrode causing exhaust flue gases to potentially leak into living spaces.

Approximately 1,400 affected products were sold in Canada between September 2014 and September 2018. As of April 23, 2019 the company had received no reports of incidents or injuries related to the use of these boilers in Canada.

Those with recalled boilers are advised to contact the installer, the wholesaler/distributor from whom they purchased the boiler or Viessmann Manufacturing in order to schedule a free boiler safety inspection. www.healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hcsc/2019/69606r-eng.php

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FEDERAL BUDGET PROMISES MILLIONS TO PROMOTE SKILLED TRADES, OUTLINES FUNDING FOR JOB TRAINING PROGRAMS The federal government unveiled a series of budgetary measures March 19 to encourage young people to enter the skilled trades.

The Liberals plan to funnel $40 million over four years to Skills Canada under Budget 2019, with $10 million per year ongoing. A further $6 million would be used to develop a national campaign to promote the skilled trades as a “first choice” career for youth. Work on the campaign is expected to begin in 2019.

Budget 2019 also proposed the development of an Apprenticeship Strategy to address the “barriers to entry and progression” for those who want to work in the field and for employers facing challenges in hiring and retaining workers. www.canada.ca ONTARIO AMENDS 2012 BUILDING CODE TO ALIGN WITH 2015 NATIONAL CODE Ontario’s Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing released amendments to the 2012 Building Code May 2.

Regulation 88/19 aligns the province’s Building Code with the 2015 National Construction Code.

Amendments will come into effect January 1, 2020.

Amendments include structural sufficiency of buildings, water conservation improvements to plumbing fixtures, and public health and safety requirements, among others. The text of the amending regulation and the complete 2012 Building Code will be available on www.ontario.ca/laws.

EVICT RADON RESEARCHERS SELECT RADONOVA AS LABORATORY Alberta-based Evict Radon, a confederation of researchers, has selected HPACMAG.COM

Radonova as its testing laboratory. Evict Radon encourages homeowners in Western Canada to test their homes for radon gas in the winter. The results from tests, will be processed in Radonova’s laboratories.

Radonova Laboratories also recently

acquired the radon measurement division of Sweden-based supplier Gammadata Instruments. Through the acquisition, the company added several instruments and products to its portfolio. www.radonova.com www.evictradon.ca

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15

< SERVICE VEHICLE REPORT

HEAVY-DUTIES GET AN OVERHAUL Before you buy be sure the model you select does exactly what you need it to do. BY JIL MCINTOSH

O

ne of the toughest decisions any business owner has to make is knowing when to save and when to spend. That is a big question with the expenses of work vehicles.

Trucks are top-sellers these days, and automakers are updating them more often than ever. Brand-new will of course cost more to buy than used, but the new models are more fuel-

efficient than older trucks, and updated drivelines may stretch out the recommended service intervals.

Capability is always a selling point, but remember those ultrahigh towing numbers usually only apply to specific configurations.

Be sure the model you buy does exactly what you need it to do.

Here is a rundown of what is currently available or coming soon.

HEAVY-DUTY TRUCKS All three heavy-duty manufacturers have overhauled their trucks into new models: Ram for the 2019 model year, and Ford and GM for 2020.

1

Ford Super Duty (New) 1 Ford hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t revealed all of its specifications at press time, but the upcoming F-250, F-350 and F-450 will offer three engines, starting with a carried-over 6.2-litre V8 gasoline engine making 385 hp/430 torque. It will be joined by an all-new, Canadianbuilt 7.3-litre gas engine, and upgraded 6.7-litre Power Stroke diesel.

Notable work features: Pro Trailer Backup Assist; ten-device Wi-Fi modem.

2

Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 2500/3500 (New) These mechanical twins start with a new 6.6-litre gasoline V8 making 401 hp/464 torque; optional is a 6.6-litre Duramax V8 diesel making 445 hp/910 torque. The new truck has a strong frame and is larger than before, with three inches added to the Crew Cabâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interior.

Notable work features: Bumper-mounted bed access steps; remote trailer theft mobile app.

2

Ram Heavy-Duty 3 Ram has a new frame with upgraded axles and brakes, and safety features that include emergency braking, plus wider-angle parking sensors on dual-wheel trucks.

The 6.4-litre gasoline V8 makes 410 hp/429 torque. The upgraded 6.7-litre inline six-cylinder Cummins turbodiesel makes 730 hp/850 lb-ft, but on the 3500, it can be optioned to a high-output version that makes 400 hp/1,000 torque.

Notable work features: Rear auto-levelling air suspension; locking bed-side storage bins.

Nissan Titan XD 4 Nissan bills the XD as a bridge between light- and heavy-duty trucks. Its capacity meets that of some half-tons but it handles heavy loads more easily. Its 5.6-litre gasoline V8 makes 390 hp/394 torque, while the optional 5.0-litre Cummins V8 diesel makes 310 hp/555 torque.

Notable work features: Under-rail bed lighting; remote trailer-light check.

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HPAC | MAY 2019

3

4

HPACMAG.COM

LIGHT-DUTY TRUCKS

Ford F-150 A total of five engines are offered, including a light-duty 3.0-litre V6 diesel that makes 440 lb-ft of torque. The two available turbocharged “EcoBoost” engines are powerful – the 2.7-litre V6 makes 400 lb-ft, the 3.5-litre V6 makes 470 lb-ft–but can get thirsty when towing.

Ram 1500 (New) The new Ram offers eTorque, a mild hybrid system that uses an electric motor and self-charging battery to smooth out acceleration and improve fuel efficiency (it cannot run the truck on electricity alone). It is standard on the 3.6-litre V6 and optional on the 5.7-litre V8. A 3.0-litre V6 diesel will return later in the year.

Toyota Tundra Toyota continues to offer a 4.6-litre V8 in one trim level; all others use a 5.7-litre V8 that makes 401 lb-ft of torque. While this truck has been around a long time with few changes, it consistently ranks high for reliability and resale value.

Nissan Titan Unchanged for 2019, the Titan half-ton uses a 5.6-litre V8 engine that makes 394 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission.Available features include a box channel with tie-down cleats and bedmounted 110-volt outlet.

Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500 (New) These offer six engine choices, including a 2.7-litre turbocharged four-cylinder and 3.0-litre inline-six diesel. Last year’s 4.3-litre V6 and 5.3-litre V8 carry over unchanged, but can be ordered with a dynamic fuel management system.

SMALL TRUCKS While not meant specifically as work trucks, these midsize machines can handle lighter-duty tasks, such service calls, where a full-size is not necessary.

Ford Ranger (New) 1 Larger than the compact truck that previously wore the name, the Ranger comes with a 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 310 lb-ft of torque. All models come with fourwheel drive. Payload peaks at 1,560, while top towing is 7,500 lbs.

1

2

2

Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon 2 Along with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder or 3.6-litre V6, GM also offers a 2.8-litre turbodiesel. Maximum payload is 1,574 lbs.

Equipped with the diesel, these trucks hit the midsize segment’s highest towing capacity at 7,700 lbs.

Continued on p18 HPACMAG.COM

MAY 2019 | HPAC

17

< SERVICE VEHICLE REPORT LARGE VANS Ford Transit (Updated) 1 Transit adds optional all-wheel drive to the gas-powered models, configured so it does not raise the loading height.

Three lengths and three roof heights are offered; engines are a 3.7-litre V6, turbocharged 3.5-litre V6, or 3.2-litre inline-five-cylinder diesel. A new Crew cargo van adds seating for five, and available telematics systems provide real-time monitoring for fleets.

1

SMALL TRUCKS

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (New) 2 Now manufactured in the U.S., the Sprinter adds a 2.0-litre turbocharged gasoline four-cylinder alongside its 3.0-litre V6 diesel. Between two wheelbases, two roof heights, optional AWD, and the new 1500 and 4500 versions, there are 15 models available. Capacity peaks at 6,735-lb payload and 7,500lb towing. The new Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system adds available fleet telematics, and voice commands for in-vehicle functions.

2

Ram ProMaster (Updated) 3 The ProMaster adds new low- and highroof options to the 2500 and 3500 with 136-inch wheelbase, increasing the lineup to a total of 18 configurations. All use a 3.6-litre V6 gas engine; the diesel option is discontinued.

Capacity increases to a maximum of 4,680-lb payload and 6,800-lb towing.

ProMaster’s front-wheel drive provides a lower step-in height, and its square styling maximizes interior utility.

3

Continued from p17

Toyota Tacoma 3 It will get a refresh next year, but the mechanicals will remain the same: a 2.7-litre four-cylinder or 3.5-litre V6. Payload goes to 1,500 lbs, while maximum towing is 6,500 lbs.

Nissan Frontier 4 It has not been substantially updated since 2004 and a new one is coming, probably for 2020. A 2.5-litre four-cylinder is available, but most will opt for the 4.0-litre V6. The Crew Cab comes in 4x4 only, with long or short box. Maximum payload is 1,430 lbs, while towing tops out at 6,710 lbs.

Honda Ridgeline Don’t overlook this SUV-based pickup, which is more capable than you might think, with its 3.5-litre V6 and all-wheel drive. Its 5,000-lb towing capacity is lowest in the segment, but it has a 1,572-lb payload. Features include a locking in-bed storage box, and a tailgate that drops conventionally or opens sideways like a door.

3

4

5

Jeep Gladiator 5 It is definitely more of a “lifestyle truck” with its removable roof and doors, but the upcoming Gladiator–built on a truck frame, rather than just a Wrangler with a bed–will offer gasoline and diesel engines, and will tow up to 7,650 lbs and haul 1,600 lbs.

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HPACMAG.COM

4

Nissan NV 4 Nissanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s big van soldiers on virtually unchanged. Available in 1500, 2500 and 3500 rating, it comes in standard- or high-roof, and with 4.0-litre V6 or 5.6-litre V8 gas engines. Maximum payload is 3,850 lbs. Warranty is 5-years/160,000km bumper-to-bumper.

5

Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana 5 These mechanical twins come in 2500 (in two lengths) or 3500 configuration, and with 4.3-litre V6, 6.0-litre V8 with CNG/LPG prep option, or 2.8-litre four-cylinder diesel. Capacity tops out at 4,402-lb payload and 10,000-lb towing.

SMALL VANS

Ford Transit Connect (Updated) The 2.5-litre four-cylinder that used to be the sole choice is now fleet-only and available with CNG/LPG prep package.

Added to it are a 2.0-litre direct-injection gas engine and 1.5-litre diesel. New features include standard pre-collision assist with emergency braking.

Nissan NV200 Nissan claims the lowest cost of ownership among compact vans; warranty is 5-years/160,000-km bumper-to-bumper. Unchanged for 2019, the NV200 uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and has a 1,480-lb payload capacity. The Chevrolet City Express, a uniquely-trimmed version of it sold by GM, has been discontinued.

Mercedes-Benz Metris The only midsize van on the market, the Metris comes in two lengths and can get into underground garages where a fullsize might not fit. Power is from a 2.0-litre turbocharged gas engine; payload tops out at 2,425 lbs.

Ram ProMaster City Ramâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s small van is unchanged for 2019, powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder making 178 horsepower. Payload tops out at 1,901 lbs, while towing goes to 2,000 lbs.

Jil McIntosh is an automotive writer and reviewer, with a specialty in trucks and commercial vehicles. She writes for numerous outlets including the National Post and AutoTrader.ca, and is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Her work can be found at WomanOnWheels.ca.

HPACMAG.COM

MAY 2019 | HPAC

19

< COOLING

AC SYSTEM PROCEDURES Evaluating the performance of a cooling system requires the use of accurate tools and techniques. BY IAN MCTEER

M

any of you will be familiar with the proverb “the proof of the pudding is in the eating” meaning something can only be a success after it has been used or consumed to the satisfaction of all. Heating and cooling systems qualify as “pudding” because a successful installation means the consumer benefits from the advertised advantages; however, the proof part may not be so evident even though the consumer professes to be satisfied.

The task of evaluating the performance of any given cooling system requires the use of accurate tools and techniques to actually demonstrate efficiency numbers associated with any particular product in the field. The process of gathering relevant facts can become time consuming and is further complicated by jobsite frustrations such as tiny mechanical rooms, dirty equipment and uncooperative weather.

Let’s look at some important cooling system start-up procedures.

EnerGuide ratings are difficult to replicate in the field.

Outdoor Unit

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HPAC | MAY 2019

Furnace

Model Model Number Number (Evaporator (Condensed Brand and/or Air Model Brand or Single Number Name Handler) Name Package)

Cooling Capacity (A2) - Single or High Stage (95F),Btuh 21400

Figure 1 AHRI rating for two-ton unit

EER (A2) Single or High Stage (95F) IEER 13.00

SEER

Indoor Full-Load Air Volume Rate (A2 SCFM)

16.00

725

Pressure With Filter Unit Outdoor

External Static Pressure

Airflow Setting 290 CFM/ton 310 CFM/ton

RATED COMBINATIONS ONLY Everyone in the residential HVAC industry should know by now that original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) test and rate the efficiency of all their products and further group them into acceptable equipment combinations. Outdoor units are tested and rated with various indoor evaporator coils, air handlers, oil furnaces and gas furnaces (including third party products) in accordance with standards acceptable to the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). OEMs certify equipment combi-

Indoor Unit

330 CFM/ton 350 CFM/ton 2 370 CFM/ton 400 CFM/ton 430 CFM/ton 450 CFM/ton

CFM Watts CFM Watts CFM Watts CFM Watts CFM Watts CFM Watts CFM Watts CFM Watts

0.1

0.3

0.5

0.7

0.9

504 34

565 70

586 104

521 138

540 172

547 40

604 77

624 112

559 147

579 182

590 47

644 85

663 121

597 157

617 193

656 54

695 93

701 130

703 167

694 204

676 62

724 102

740 140

674 179

694 217

764 75

792 116

801 157

795 197

789 238

806 89

844 133

856 175

788 216

810 259

877 102

899 145

901 188

895 230

886 275

Figure 2 Blower chart HPACMAG.COM

nations in their own labs while AHRI conducts random spot tests to ensure the manufacturer is in compliance with the standards. Approved combinations are issued an AHRI Certified Reference Number; anyone can search the certified database at ahridirectoly.org.

AHRI certified ratings have been around for at least a decade thus any new cooling system startup should have certified components. Of course, older, pre-AHRI certification systems will also be starting up as cooling season progresses, leaving the HVAC technician to rely on tried, tested and true techniques that always apply to all systems.

AHRI ratings are an excellent guideline for predicting superior HVAC performance, but they do not always tell the full story. Take automotive fuel consumption ratings, for example: The EnerGuide rating for my SUV approved by Transport Canada suggests the vehicle should consume 8.7 litres of fuel to travel 100 kilometers. This has never happened. On a good day I use 10 litres/100km on the highway. I will never be able to simulate Transport Canada test conditions under my actual conditions.

I said OEMs develop the Seasonal HPACMAG.COM

BLOWER PHOTOS COURTESY GENTEQ

The blower wheel on the top may still be capable of moving rated airflow but the accumulation of dirt on the vanes might cause the motor watts to increase. The wheel on the bottom hadn’t been cleaned in years and was totally ineffective. Centrifugal blower wheels are difficult to clean.

Promising blower designs

Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and Energy Efficieny Ratio (EER) numbers in their own labs and based on the test standards meeting AHRI criteria. I fully believe any given manufacturer’s claim about a particular product delivering the numbers under laboratory conditions.

Just like my vehicle’s fuel consumption claim, the AHRI certified values may not be easily achieved in the field.

Take this AHRI rating in Figure 1 for a two-ton outdoor unit connected to a variable speed indoor air handler as an example. I have removed the manufacturer name and unit model numbers.

For its day, 10 years ago, the system in Figure 1 made an impressive 16 SEER and 13 EER. Notice, however, the high efficiency rating is derived from a fullload air volume rate of 725 cfm (362.5 cfm/ton); cooling capacity is 21,400 Btuh. Obviously, if a building requires 23,500 Btuh at 400 cfm/ton, this is not the proper combination for that job.

If you install equipment in the wrong application or put it to work in a second-rate air handling system, you are just lead-footing down the HVAC road next to my SUV. An equipment manufacturer may provide a variable speed air handler or gas

This secondary heat exchanger needs cleaning–not only is airflow hampered, but condensing efficiency during the heating season takes a major hit.

“Installers and technicians should be trained to setup variable speed blowers based on the AHRI certified airflow. ” furnace blower chart for a two-ton cooling system tabulated something like Figure 2.

Installers and technicians should be trained to set-up variable speed blowers based on the AHRI certified airflow. This motor has settings for eight different airflow volumes to accommodate various types of AHRI rated equipment combinations. As the cfm/ton increases, motor watts increase. As the external static pressure moves beyond the rated value of 0.5 in. w.c. for this air handler, cfm decreases, motor watts increase and the rated efficiency goes down.

Thus, the first step in a new residential HVAC system start-up is to make sure the system components are AHRI rated and set-up to work with each other.

AHRI rated systems must not have been used to provide temporary heat for houses under construction. This practice forces equipment, which is meant for comfort conditioning only to undergo the rigors of construction including exposure to dust, dirt, harsh chemicals and low temperature rise resulting in ruinous damage. Such systems cannot be properly commissioned and will likely never run anywhere near rated efficiency.

Continued on p22 MAY 2019 | HPAC

21

< COOLING

Continued from p21

Air Flow Data – Static Pressure Drop ∆P (in. w.c.)

0.050 0.075 0.100 0.125 0.150 0.175 0.200 0.225 0.250 0.275 0.300

18K “A” Coil

24K “A” Coil

30K “A” Coil

36K “A” Coil

42K “A” Coil

48K “A” Coil

Dry

Wet

Dry

Wet

Dry

Wet

Dry

Wet

Dry

Wet

Dry

Wet

310 455 600 675 750 825 900

330 425 520 590 660 720 780 835 890

350 440 530 605 680 745 810 865 920 970 1020

300 300 460 520 580 630 680 730 780 820 860

850 965 1080 1180 1280 1355 1430 1510 1590

600 680 760 825 890 955 1020 1060 1100

780 895 1010 1105 1200 1275 1350 1420 1490

640 730 820 900 980 1040 1100 1155 1210

750 890 1030 1120 1210 1330 1450 1555 1660

600 710 820 895 970 1065 1160 1245 1330

870 1010 1150 1270 1390 1515 1640 1715 1790

690 805 920 1020 1120 1215 1310 1370 1430

Figure 3 Specific manufacturer data

Blower wheels, secondary heat exchangers and evaporator coils must be reasonably clean at start-up whether the system is new or existing.

Manufuacturers must explore new blower technology for air handlers and furnaces, not only for energy savings but for crucial ease of service. Again, the old maintenance rule of thumb: devices that are difficult to service do not get serviced.

Suppose this data were collected: 58K from clocking the gas meter; combustion analysis determined 94 per cent AFUE; temperature rise 42F measured after 10 minutes of 100 per cent input operation:

ESTABLISH AIR FLOW All cooling system start-ups, be they brand new or seasonal, should have system airflow checked before moving on to data collection. Inspection of air handler components and outdoor coils for cleanliness should occur first, before any gauges are attached to the system. How to establish airflow?

Temperature rise method for gas furnaces:

CFM = 1200 adequate for up to 3 tons of cooling For electric furnaces use: CFM = volts x amps x 3.414 (Btu/ watt) ÷ temperature rise x 1.08 For oil furnaces first calculate heat input rate = nozzle rating x oil heating value. Then do a combustion analysis to determine Continued on p24

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HPAC_MH_Summit_May19_EJS.indd 4

HPACMAG.COM

2019-05-13 3:41 PM

SEAL-TACK

TM

EXTERIOR LINE SET PROTECTION PRODUCTS

Hardcast HVAC Products’ high-performance Exterior Line Set Protection products can be used in a wide variety of applications to provide a professional finished look that meets code requirements.

Our TPO Line Set Wrap provides excellent protection from UV rays, moisture, wind, and landscaping operations, while our one-coat SEAL-TACK™ coats foam insulation and protects against mold, mildew, and severe weather.

Hardcast’s TPO Line Set Wrap provides excellent protection from UV rays, moisture, wind, and landscaping operations.

High-performance, dimensionally stable TPO Line Set Wrap also offers a quick, labour-saving application: simply apply to the exterior of the pipe wrap insulation and peel off the release liner for an aesthetically pleasing, professional finished look that meets all code requirements.

Hardcast’s White Seal-Tack is specially designed to coat foam insulation and protect against UV damage, moisture, mold and mildew, and severe weather. Water-based, non-flammable Seal-Tack can be applied in a wide range of temperatures and conditions and is ideal for both outdoor and indoor line set protection. White Seal-Tack meets code requirements and its application flexibility makes it ideal for virtually any project.

Call 800-544-5535 today for more information. www.hardcast.com www.dynair.ca

TPO LINE SET WRAP

< COOLING

Continued from p22

Data Collection

Collect the following data on new split system start-ups: • Condenser air entering temperature °DB and air leaving temperature °DB • Evaporator air entering temperature °DB & °WB • Evaporator leaving air temperature °DB & °WB • Suction line temperature • Liquid line temperature • Suction Pressure • Head Pressure • Indoor fan speed settings • Calculated airflow • High Voltage at outdoor unit LI/L2 • High Voltage at outdoor unit T1/T2 • Compressor amps 100% speed • Total amps This data should be left with the unit and updated as necessary at every maintenance check.

Figure 4 Horizontally mounted cabinet-style air filter

efficiency. Plug these values into the temperature rise formula.

The temperature rise method requires data collection take place after the system has stabilized without cycling off for at least 10 minutes-this is not going to happen during the summer months. Therefore, a technician will have to utilize other methods to determine airflow.

1. Does the equipment manufacturer supply charts relating airflow to total external static pressure (ESP)? Is the equipment installed in such a way that total ESP can be measured without drilling holes in cabinets and cased coils?

2. Does the manufacturer supply airflow data based on the pressure drop over a dry evaporator coil thus eliminating the need to run a temperature rise test?

In Figure 3 (note, this cannot be applied to any other evaporator coil), a pressure drop of 0.2 in. w.c., when measured over a three-ton coil, is equal to 1200 cfm.

3. Does the manufacturer provide airflow data related to specific accessories such as a cabinet style air filter?

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HPAC | MAY 2019

For example, the filter in Figure 4 has manufacturer supplied pressure drop data that can be manually charted for easy reference. When the filter is clean and the fan is running at rated speed for a three-ton system, the pressure differential over the filter should be 0.15 in. w.c. indicating air is flowing through the filter at a rate of 1200 cfm.

COOLING SYSTEM OPTIONS Electronic thermostats have evolved into more than just binary system controllers, especially communicating controls. Assuming a residential HVAC contractor sells a premium cooling system or heat pump featuring two-stage cooling, staged or modulating heating with variable speed fan motor and compressor, all the additional control features ought to be explained to the end user. Optional thermostat control functions selected by the homeowner should then be given to the installer for configuration prior to start-up.

1. A communicating thermostat may be working with a single stage outdoor unit that is connected to a variable

speed air handler by way of an interface. In this case, comfort options might be limited to a brief dehumidification cycle such as up to a one minute fan-off delay at the start of a call for cooling. Why not engage this option for increased humidity control?

2. With staged or VRF outdoor equipment, fan delays can get complicated. If offered, should full fan operation in first stage be delayed for three minutes, or perhaps run the fan at 50 per cent speed initially? Another available option might be a 30 second delay using 35 per cent of full fan speed. Humidity conscious homeowners will prefer a drier indoor environment every summer day. No fan delay is typically the default thermostat setting, however, some consumers will experiment by themselves so be prepared to deal with questions from perplexed end users.

3. First stage air flow may be adjustable, if the default setting is 80 per cent, for example, the controller may allow a lower airflow setting to help with humidity control.

Continued on p26 HPACMAG.COM

COOLING WISH LIST

complete 1

AIR CONDITIONER & HEAT PUMP LINEUP • PlusOne® Energy Efficiency Up to 20 SEER / 13+ EER / 11 HSPF • PlusOne Expanded Valve Space Industry-leading 27-square inches • PlusOne Triple Service Access 15” control box, removable corner and louver panel

• Inverter Technology2 Cooling up to 42°C & heating load down to -18°C • Industry-Leading Warranties 10-year unit replacement and limited parts3

Visit Ruud.com/Cooling

Available on RA20, RP20, RA17 and RP17 models only. Purchase and installation of EcoNet WiFi Kit and EcoNet Smart Thermostat required; WiFi Broadband Internet connection required; must be paired with EcoNet Enabled air handler or gas furnace. 2Available on RA20, RP20, and RP17 models. 3See manufacturer warranty card for specific terms for each model.

1

< COOLING

Continued from p24

SUPERHEAT, SUBCOOL

Charging by superheat examples

Condenser air entering temperature = 66F Evaporator air entering temperature = 70F Vertical line from 66F hits 70F line then drawn horizontally to the left.

Intersects y axis at 12F Under these conditions, system should have 12F of superheat, typically +/- 5F.

This manufacturer provides an R22 charging chart used with a metering piston for a specific indoor condition, 80F DB and 67F WB. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s look at what the suction and head pressure should be for a 3-ton unit under this condition: If the condenser air entering temperature is 82F, 3-ton unit (H36) suction pressure should be 85 psi and the head pressure should be 183 psi.

This manufacturer provides an R22 charging chart used with a metering piston for a specific indoor condition, 80F DB and 67F WB. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s look at what the suction and head pressure should be for a 3-ton unit under this condition, thus: If the condenser air entering temperature is 82F, 3-ton unit (H36) suction pressure should be 85 psi and the head pressure should be 183 psi.

Example charging chart for an R410A TXV system (not for field use)

Condenser air entering temperature = 88F Evaporator air entering temperature = 73F (WB) Vertical line from 88F hits 73F green line (added manually) then drawn horizontally to the left.

Intersects y axis at 23F Under these conditions, system should have 23F of superheat, typically +/- 5F.

Example Chart for an R-22 system (not for field use) If the outdoor coil air entering temperature is 80F and, The suction pressure gauge reads 76 psig, then, The suction line temperature should be 66F

26

HPAC | MAY 2019

If the target subcooling required by the system manufacturer is 10F, And, The liquid line temperature is 90F, Then, The head pressure gauge should read 318 psi typically with a +/- 10 psi allowance.

Design subcooling may require field calculated corrections due to line set total length and vertical lift. Be sure to follow manufacturer guidelines for determining target subcooling.

Be sure to use Test Mode for charging. It is also useful for testing blower operation and other functions depending on system options.

Cooling season start-ups should include a visit to any historical data or system alerts even if problems developed in heating mode.

HPACMAG.COM

4. Accessories such as UV lights, air cleaners, HRVs and humidifiers can also be controlled by some communicating controls. These devices must also be configured to operate with the air handler and under what conditions and at what speed the fan should operate.

5. Many system options require the installation of a matching outdoor thermostat (ODS). Without an outdoor temperature reference, some functions cannot be configured especially those associated with a heat pump.

6. Technicians must understand concepts such as PI control, load values, duty cycles, overshoot clamps, stage thresholds and stage inhibits or other parameters related to any particular product. How does changing the cycle rate (cycles per hour) affect how tightly a control point is respected? If a first stage calls for cooling occurs and the P+I load value for shifting to second stage is 100, then why is the system still in first stage when the load value has increased to 115? Is it because a 10-minute Stage Inhibit is being enforced by the controller?

Technicians and installers must familiarize themselves with thermostat control options because the end-user will, sooner or later, start asking comfort related questions. Read the manual and take manufacturer training as needed.

7. TIP: When system comfort options have been selected, initial start-up or seasonal start-up should be initiated in “Test” mode to be sure the compressor and air handler are operating at 100 per cent capacity for checking cooling mode operation and system charge.

R-410a, is measured using the subcooling method for TXV equipped evaporator coils and by the superheat method for metering piston equipped indoor coils.

Because our cooling season is short (but often brutal), spring start-ups can be tricky when the condensing temperature is low and there is no evaporator load in the building. Be sure to follow the appropriate manufacturer’s instructions

for minimum test conditions. To paraphrase the old proverb, the proof of our pudding is in the cooling. <> Ian McTeer is an HVAC consultant with 35 years experience in the industry. He was most recently a field rep for Trane Canada DSO. McTeer is a refrigeration mechanic and Class 1 Gas technician.

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SUPERHEAT OR SUBCOOLING Once an AHRI rated system has been installed, airflow confirmed and comfort options designated, a new cooling system must be leak tested, evacuated and dehydrated in accordance with specific manufacturer instructions and industry standards.

System charge, whether R-22 or HPACMAG.COM

To learn more, visit tsi.com/comfort

MAY 2019 | HPAC

27

COOLING

PRODUCTS

SHOWCASE From Titus HVAC, the Helios solar-powered digital VAV diffuser is powered by ambient light. It utilizes EnOceanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wireless technology and offers a three-week power storage capability. www.titus-hvac.com

WWM from Aermec is a stackable, modular water-to-water unit. It offers up to 32 connectable units and each module has two 15-hp circuits. The modules can be linked together side by side, back to back, and stacked to reach a capacity of 960 tons. Each individual module is an independent indoor chiller for producing cooled water with scroll compressors and plate type heat exchangers. Each unit has an electrical panel. A unit may be removed for maintenance without shutting the system off. www.aermec.com

The ECo Mancooler air circulator from Airmaster is equipped with an EC low-speed motor with direct drive configuration. The circulator features a fourblade aluminum propeller, steel hub wheels and locking casters, guards, a 10-ft. cord and baked power paint finish on units and guards. www.airmasterfan.com

Fujitsu General America Halcyon heating and cooling products now feature voice-activated control through the Google Assistant on smart speakers, such as the Google Home. When setup of the the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s FGLAir app is complete, users can control up to 13 different functions using the Google Assistant, including on/off operation, increasing and decreasing temperature, changing operating modes and requesting the current temperature setting. www.fujitsugeneral.com 28

HPAC | MAY 2019

From Evapco Water Systems, the Water Saver capacitive deionization pre-treatment device for cooling equipment is designed to reduce water use. The technology aims to reduce dissolved ion concentrations to lower makeup water conductivity prior to use in evaporative cooling systems. It is available in nine different configurations. www.evapco.com

Danfoss Turbocor compressors for low-lift applications include TT Series compressors with R-513A refrigerant option. R-513A is a low-GWP, non-flammable (A1) alternative refrigerant to R-134a. The TT/TG Series features an expanded low-lift operating range and low lift capability. www.danfoss.com

HPACMAG.COM

From Rosenberg, the GD84, 500-watt single-phase EC motors are available from the company’s axial and backward curved fans for HVAC and equipment cooling applications. Standard input voltage is 200 to 277-Volt single phase in 50-60 Hz frequencies. www.rosenbergcanada.com

From LG, the Multi V 5 air-cooled VRF is available in 6- to 42-ton models, with a choice of three-phase 208V, 230V, 460V or 575V electrical power as heat recovery/heat pump outdoor units. It offers a continuous compressor operating range from -30C to 50C. The product features dual sensing control and operates from 10 Hz to 165 Hz. www.lg.com

From Johnson Controls, the two-stage Luxaire Acclimate Series air conditioning unit offers 19 SEER efficiency. It is ENERGY STAR certified and available in 2 to 5 tons.

Matched equipment includes furnaces, coils and air handlers, and the unit features a swing-open electrical box. The SilentDrive sound reduction system includes a sweptwing fan, ECM fan motor, sound enclosure and composite base. www.luxaire.com

The Cooper&Hunter PTAC line-up, designed for residential and commercial spaces, includes six units ranging from 9,000 Btu/h to 14,700 Btu/h. The units fit into a 42 in. x 16 in. wall sleeve and feature a pull-up washable filter and extra protective grill. Optional accessories are available, including sleeves, outside grilles, and a choice of wired or wireless controls. www.cooperandhunter.us

The NRC62D smart refrigerant charger from NAVAC incorporates a brushless DC-driven vacuum pump, wireless temperature probes with digital display of subcooling and superheat and a digital interface. Weighing less than 40 lbs., the charger is the successor to the company’s model NRC62i. www.navacglobal.com

RectorSeal has added three refrigeration leak sealant products to its AC Leak Freeze Pro nano series product line: UV, Mini-Split UV and Mini-Split. All three products contain AC Leak Freeze formula and nano particle sealing technology for nano-sized leaks. The UV products are designed for industry standard UV detection lights. www.rectorseal.com

HPACMAG.COM

From RevolutionAire Inc., the Slimline Series variable refrigerant flow (VRF) and energy recovery ventilation (ERV) technology can heat during ambient temperatures as low as -5F. Its controller has eight universal input/outputs, six digital outputs, six analog outputs and the ability to be monitored or interfaced with BACnet protocol building management systems. The technology ranges from 1 ½- to 4.5-tons, 600- to 1,800-CFMs and features a 32 in. high, 20 in. deep stainless steel or powdercoated cabinet in either a 94-in. or 104-in. length. An optional on-board refrigerant monitor, which detects and warns of leaks, is also available. www.revolutionaire.net MAY 2019 | HPAC

29

< BOILERS

Multiple condensing boiler plants provide efficient, reliable and integrated heating systems in large numbers of buildings across Canada.

MULTIPLE CONDENSING BOILER PLANTS COME OF AGE Innovative features, together with new design strategies and installation techniques address previous issues. BY ROB WATERS

M

ultiple condensing boiler plants now provide countless buildings with reliable, efficient, integrated and effective hydronic heating systems. It has not always been this way.

It has taken almost 20 years for condensing boilers to gain the market share and acceptance they have today. There have certainly been many issues to overcome, including product reliability problems, control interface issues, along with piping, venting and condensate challenges. There has also been a substantial learning curve for specifying engineers and installing contractors.

The market has responded with a vast array of new products with many innovative features to address previous issues. New design strategies and installation techniques are commonly used to simplify projects. Not that all issues have disappeared, but in general the multiple condensing boiler plant market has certainly reached a maturity level.

This article focuses on some of the recent trends that have emerged with multiple condensing boiler plants. Several boiler industry veterans who have been around since the start of the condensing boiler industry share their take on what is currently happening in the Canadian market. They provide some valuable insights into trends in the industry.

EDITORâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NOTE

â&#x20AC;&#x153;How toâ&#x20AC;? articles on multiple condensing boiler plants are available in archived issues of HPAC (search the archives at www.hpacmag.com for more information on designing and piping layouts for multiple boilers).

30

HPAC | MAY 2019

WHAT HAS CHANGED To understand the popularity of these new products it is important to look at older boiler plants and how they operated. Many older boiler plants consist of one or two large power-fired or atmospheric boilers. They typically have high water volume, are operated with constant flow and constant high temperatures (usually 180F to 200F) and run with a simple set point control.

A new, modern boiler plant with multiple condensing boilers will be constructed and operated very differently, providing numerous benefits.

Increased operating efficiency: Design conditions in most areas exist for less than five per cent of the heating season.

Multiple smaller boilers are able to more precisely meet the lighter heating load in the shoulder seasons. Smaller boilers with modulation burners will operate for long run cycles, eliminating many wasteful on-off burner cycles. A modern condensing boiler also has the benefit of being more efficient due to enhanced condensing effect when running at part load.

Building load turndown: Boiler efficiency plummets in large non-condensing boilers when the duty cycle drops below 35 per cent. Most condensing boilers have at least 5:1 turndown ratios and operate very efficiently at low firing rates. When installed in multiples the boiler plant has the ability to match the load precisely under all conditions. For example, if a boiler can modulate from 150,000 Btuh down to 30,000 Btuh, four such boilers together could fire from a maximum of 600,000 Btuh to a minimum of 30,000 Btuh, a turndown-ratio for the plant of 20:1.

HPACMAG.COM

PHOTO & FIGURE 2 COURTESY VIESSMANN; FIGURE 1 COURTESY NTI BOILERS

Figure 1 Boiler plant with three wall mounted condensing boilers, plus DHW tank

Redundancy: Multiple condensing boiler plants will typically consist of two to four wall mounted or floor standing boilers. If one of the multiple boilers goes down, the remaining boilers will almost always have sufficient capacity to meet the building's heating load.

Easier access to mechanical room: With many retrofits it is not possible to get a large boiler into an existing boiler room because of the limitations of the existing building.

Doorways are often not large enough to get a large new boiler through. For penthouse mechanical rooms, a new boiler may have to be moved in via the elevators. Both of these building limitations mean that smaller modular boiler plants are necessary. Smaller packaged condensing boilers can be used in commercial buildings instead of bringing in cast iron sections and constructing the boiler in place.

Space reduction: Condensing boilers are smaller in size because of their compact heat exchangers and smaller water volumes. This means floor space can often be freed up in the mechanical room, especially when wall mounted boilers are used.

With many building owners and engineers now recognizing the benefits multiple condensing boiler plants provide, several trends have emerged in this market. One of the most encouraging is the cost of condensing boilers is no longer a great impediment to their use.

In the early 2000s condensing boilers HPACMAG.COM

Figure 2 Boiler plant with four wall mounted condensing boilers with low loss header

were often double the cost of non-condensing boilers. Now the cost differential has lessened significantly so there is often only an incremental difference in cost. This has increased the popularity and market share significantly for condensing products. One manufacturer reported â&#x20AC;&#x153;condensing is what everyone wants now, even if it is not a low temperature condensing application.â&#x20AC;?

HOW MANY BOILERS Multiple boiler condensing plants tend to have between two and four boilers.

The size of the Btuh load typically determines the number of boilers used and also often determines whether wall mount or floor mount boilers are used.

For smaller loads it is most common to see two to four wall mount boilers used.

When the load requires more than four wall mount boilers, two or three floor mount boilers will usually be used.

In a retrofit application a single large boiler will usually be replaced with two boilers. Each boiler with be sized with a capacity of 66 per cent of the load so that it can provide sufficient capacity to meet most of the load if one boiler is out of service. For existing plants with two boilers, it is common to replace these with three boilers.

PREFABRICATED SYSTEMS In the last several years boiler manufacturers started introducing prefabricated racking and piping systems for multiple condensing boilers. These

racking and piping systems provide contractors with tremendous labour savings compared to building everything on site. They also ensure all the required components are included and nothing gets missed.

Some contractors do not fully realize the value of their time, so many systems are still built on-site. I was told by one manufacturer that they use these prefabricated systems on about 50 per cent of their projects. Another said that they find these systems are used primarily where skilled installation labour is scarce, such as in more remote northern locations.

As more contractors discover the benefits of time saving and mistake free installations, I believe prefabricated systems will be used more often.

VENTING Another growing trend with both new and retrofitted multiple condensing boiler plants is the use of common venting systems. In new installations, the architect often wants as few holes in the building as possible. In retrofits the existing old chimney is often used as a chase for the new venting.

A common venting system allows for only one vent pipe in either of these situations. Boiler manufacturers typically do not supply the venting material, but they do have specific venting requirements that must be adhered to. The vent supplier will provide the venting system design.

Continued on p32 MAY 2019 | HPAC

31

< BOILERS

Common venting is not the preferred choice for all, as one manufacturer indicated that “each boiler would be happier to be individually vented.” This is due to the high turndown ratio of multiple condensing boiler plants that can pose challenges with one big common vent. But with the demands of the architects and the challenges of finding a vent location for retrofits, it is safe to say that common venting will only get more popular for multiple condensing boiler plants.

With more and more of these systems being installed I am confident that over time venting manufacturers will overcome the challenges and issues.

INTEGRATED CONTROLS There have been tremendous changes in the way that multiple condensing boiler plants are being controlled. In the early days of these plants, controls were complicated and often required a separate controls contractor to be hired. Building Management System (BMS) suppliers ruled the day, and they told everyone they could control everything including the boilers. The BMS companies just wanted a dumb boiler control and they would do the rest.

Since it is not easy to effectively control multiple boilers with modulation burners these early systems did not always run as smoothly as planned. Boilers often ended up being turned on and off like light switches, which destroyed boiler plant efficiency and created maintenance problems.

Today this situation has largely changed, with boiler manufacturers now providing their own integrated boiler controls that are simple and easy to interface. Boiler manufactures now typically provide the local boiler plant control with their onboard controls, and will manage the modulation of the burners and the staging and rotating of the boilers.

The boiler plant will now just provide an interface with the BMS through BACnet, Modbus or similar communication protocol. This provides the best of both worlds as it allows the boiler plant to be run as efficiently as possible, yet still gives the BMS the information and influence they need. The BMS can get information such as boiler and pump status, and it can manage how much heat is delivered by telling the boiler plant what temperature is required on the main supply to the building.

While there has been tremendous progress made with multiple condensing boiler plants in the last 20 years, there are still areas where common problems and issues arise. Venting concerns are still common, as every project has its own unique requirements.

PERSISTENT CHALLENGES Sidewall venting is often the first choice on projects, but is not always the best. With the low flue gas temperatures of condensing boilers the plume of flue gas coming from a large 32

HPAC | MAY 2019

FIGURE 3 COURTESY NAVIEN

Continued from p31

Figure 3 Boiler plant with common venting and common combustion air supply

condensing boiler plant can create havoc on the side of buildings. Losing the view out of a window to plume of flue gas is not very popular with building occupants. Ice buildup can be a concern in many cold climate areas of Canada.

With common vent systems becoming more popular, getting all the correct pieces from the vent manufacture can sometimes be challenging. As one boiler manufacturer stated, “Venting is often the part of the job that falls into noman’s land. It’s sometimes an afterthought.”

Another issue raising its head more often relates to natural gas supply. Multiple condensing boiler plants are now operating with very high turndown rates such as 20:1. New modulating power-fired burner technology is more sensitive to gas supply issues than older atmospheric equipment.

Multiple condensing boiler plants will often see inconsistent gas supply from the on-site meter and regulator to the boiler. This causes burner problems because the gas supply does not respond properly to the changing and often very low gas demand of the modulating burners. This problem is often difficult to diagnose, as the finger of blame gets pointed first at the boiler.

Multiple condensing boiler plants provide efficient, reliable and integrated heating systems in many buildings across Canada. While they are not perfectly suited for every building, they will continue to dominate the commercial boiler market by providing the reduced energy consumption demanded for the green buildings of today and the future. <> Robert Waters is president of Solar Water Services Inc., which provides training, education and support services to the hydronic industry. He has over 30 years experience in hydronic and solar water heating. He can be reached at solwatservices@gmail.com.

SEE ROB WATERS AT MODERN HYDRONICS SUMMIT 2019.

VISIT MODERNHYDRONICSSUMMIT.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION. HPACMAG.COM

< HYDRONICS

EXPANSION TANK DOS AND DON’TS

BY JOHN SIEGENTHALER

W

hen water is heated the space required for each cold water cold water molecule increases. Any attempt to prevent this expansion will be diaphragm water water met by tremendous forces. If a strong diaphragm (expanded against (expanded against water water tank shell) metal container is completely filled tank shell) air air with liquid water and sealed from thePRESSURIZED PRESSURIZED diaphragm diaphragm air air AIR AIR atmosphere it will experience a rapid diaphragm diaphragm increase in pressure as the water issteel tank shell steel tank shell heated. If this pressure is allowed to air is compressedair is compressed compressed air compressed air as expanding water as expanding water pushes contracting pushes contracting build that container will eventually pushes into tank pushes into tank water back into system water back into system burst, in some cases violently. air valve air valve To prevent such a result, closed-loop air valve air valve air valve air valve hydronic systems are equipped with an Figure 2 expansion tank. The tank provides a upward into the tank. An example of “cushion” of air–a highly compressible When the system’s water is heated such a tank is shown in Figure 1. fluid–against which the expanding waand expands into the tank, the diaAlthough functional, standard expanter can push without creating large phragm deforms and moves toward the sion tanks are significantly larger than pressure increases in the system. captive air chamber. The air pressure in modern diaphragm-type or bladderThink of the air in the tank as a spring. the tank increases and so does the watype expansion tanks. As such they are As the system’s water expands this ter pressure in the system. However, if more expensive, heavier and require “spring” gets compressed. When the the tank is properly sized, the increase more mounting space. If not equipped water cools and contracts, the “spring” in system pressure is not enough to with the proper fittings they can also fill returns to its original condition. cause the pressure relief valve to open, with water over time and become “waOlder systems often used “standard even when all the water in the system ter-logged.” They are seldom used in “expansion tanks, in which air and wareaches its maximum temperature. modern hydronic systems, especially in ter are in direct contact. This type of exDiaphragm expansion tanks can be residential or light commercial building pansion tank is typically suspended sized using charts or software. A detailed applications. from the ceiling of a mechanical room. procedure for sizing diaphragm-type exThis allows air released from the syspansion tanks is given in reference 1, as tem’s initial charge of water to move well as several other industry publicaSEPARATING AIR AND WATER tions. The key concepts are: Today, the most commonly-specified 1. Pressurizing the air side of the expansion tank for hydronic heating or tank to equal the static pressure of the cooling systems uses a highly flexible water at the expansion tank location butyl rubber or EPDM diaphragm to and before adding water to the system. completely separate the air and water This prevents cold water from partially inside the tank. This diaphragm concompressing the air in the tank. The diforms to the internal steel surface of aphragm only begins to compress the tank when the air side is pressurized, as shown in Figure 2.

Continued on p36 Figure 1 Standard expansion tank

34

HPAC | MAY 2019

HPACMAG.COM

< HYDRONICS

Continued from p34

when the water temperature rises.

2. Size the tank so that the pressure at the sysvtem’s pressure relief valve is 5 psi below that valves rated opening pressure when all fluid in the system is at maximum anticipated temperature.

The five psi margin prevents the relief valve from “dribbling” as the pressure approaches its rated opening pressure.

Even when an expansion tank is properly sized, installation details can make or break its ability to function as intended and to provide many years of service.

point of no pressure change

OK

low head loss boiler

OK

point of no pressure change

low head loss boiler

point of no pressure change

AVOID

THE DOs 1. Do Pump Away: A detail that was once understood and respected in the hydronics industry, but slowly faded in priority against other packaging or installation “conveniences,” is to connect the expansion tank into a hydronic piping circuit near the inlet of the circulator. Doing so minimizes the pressure drop between the point where the tank connects to the circuit, that is the point where there is no change in pressure when the circulator turns on, and the circulator’s inlet. This allows the differential pressure created by the circulator to be added to the static pressure in the system. Increased system pressure helps protect the circulator from cavitation and often allows for quieter operation. It also enhances the ability of air vents to eject air from the system.

Figure 3 shows several acceptable placements of the tank.

2. Do mount tank vertically with connection at top: It is also best to install diaphragm type expansion tanks vertically with the piping connection at the top. This reduces stress on the tank’s connection relative to horizontal mounting. It also allows prevents air in the piping from getting trapped on the water side of the expansion tank when the system is first filled. Figure 4 illustrates the differences.

3. Do check the air pressure: It is 36

HPAC | MAY 2019

low head loss boiler

Figure 3 Acceptable tank placements

important to verify the air side pressure in the tank equals the static pressure that will be present at the tank’s connection when the system is filled with cold fluid. Most manufacturers state their tanks are pre-charged to 12 psi. Do not assume this is always true or correct. Twelve psi is appropriate for systems where the top of the piping is about 16 feet above the inlet of the expansion tank (assuming that 5 psi static pressure is desired at the very top of the system to allow air vents to function properly). Taller piping systems require higher air pressures to prevent partial compression of the diaphragm before the fluid is heated.

Calculate the static pressure at the tank inlet using formula 1.

Formula 1:

system when it is at approximately 60F (lb/ft 3) 5 = 5 psi static pressure desired at top of system for air vent operation 144 = units conversion constant For example: if the top of the piping circuit ⎛was D ⎞25 feet above the expansion Pa = H ⎜ c ⎟ + 5 ⎝ 144 ⎠ tank connection and assuming the system is filled with water, the correct air side pressure in the tank would be: ⎛ D ⎞ ⎛ 62.36 ⎞ Pa = H ⎜ c ⎟ + 5 = 25 ⎜ + 5 = 15.83psi ⎝ 144 ⎠ ⎝ 144 ⎟⎠

Get a low-pressure tire gauge with a scale of 0-30 psi and a bicycle pump or small air compressor. Use them to set the calculated air side pressure before filling the system with fluid.

4. Do Plan ahead: The life of an expansion tank depends on system operating temperature, pressure, fluid ⎛ Dc ⎞ Pa = H ⎜ +5 chemistry and oxygen content. Some ⎝ 144 ⎟⎠ tanks fail when a leak develops in the diaphragm. This usually causes the tank Where: to fill with fluid and become “water Pa = correct air side pressure (psi) logged.” You can check for this by pressH = distance from expansion tank ing in the stem of the Schrader valve. If connection to top of piping circuit (feet) D“cold” Dc = density of⎛the fluid in the ⎛ 62.36a⎞stream of liquid comes out the tank is c ⎞

Pa = H ⎜ + 5 = 25 ⎜ + 5 = 15.83psi ⎝ 144 ⎟⎠ ⎝ 144 ⎟⎠

HPACMAG.COM

toast. Tanks can also develop leaks in their thin steel shell. The only option is a new tank. This is when you will appreciate having a ball valve that can isolate the tank from the remainder of the system. Without this valve you might have to drain several gallons of fluid from the system just to unscrew the failed tank and screw in a new one.

5. Do consider oversizing: The typical calculations for sizing a diaphragm expansion tank determine the minimum tank volume. Using a larger tank, although likely more expensive, is fine.

Doing so reduces changes in system pressure as the fluid temperature varies.

6. Do plan for lowest fluid temperatures: In most hydronic heating systems expansion tank size and air side pressurization is based the assumption that the cold fluid used to fill the system in the temperature range of 45F to 60F. That is fine. However, when an expansion tank is used in a solar collector circuit, or a snowmelting system, the antifreeze solution will, at times, be much colder, perhaps even below 0F. If the tank’s diaphragm is fully expanded against the steel shell at a fluid temperature of perhaps 45F, any further cooling of the fluid could cause negative pressure in the system and possible inflow of air from a float-

AVOID trapped air

OK

AVOID

high stress on connection

Figure 4 Mounting diaphragm type expansion tanks

type vent. Reference 2 explains how to correct for this possibility. The concept is to add sufficient fluid to the tank during loop pressurization so that the diaphragm is not completely expanded against the inside of the tank until all fluid in the system is at the lowest possible temperature.

7. Do adjust for antifreeze solutions: Solutions of propylene or ethylene glycol have higher coefficients of expansion compared to water. The higher the concentration of antifreeze the greater the expansion volume required. The increase in volume for water heated from 60F to 180F is about

three per cent. The increase in volume for a 50 per cent solution of propylene glycol heated from 60F to 180F is about 4.5 per cent. This should be accounted for when sizing tanks for systems such as snowmelting, solar thermal, or other applications where glycol-based antifreeze solutions are used. Again, the methods in reference 1 can adjust for this.

THE DONT’S As usual, a list of all of the “don’ts” would inherently include the opposite of all the “dos.” Still, there are a few more “don’ts” that stand out.

1. Do not combine steel and oxygen: Do not use a standard expansion tank with a carbon steel shell in any type of open loop application, such as a system that uses potable water to carry heat to hydronic heat emitters, which is a bad idea for a number of other reasons. The elevated dissolved oxygen content of the water in an open loop system, relative to that in a closedloop system, will accelerate corrosion of the thin carbon steel shell of the tank. This limitation also applies to closed-loop systems using non-barrier PEX tubing or other materials that may allow oxygen diffusion in the system.

Continued on p39

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37

2019-05-13 3:41 PM

< HYDRONICS

Continued from p37

OK

hydraulic separator

OK

AVOID Figure 5 Expansion tank installed near hydraulic separator

Expansion tanks with internal polymer linings should be used in any application where higher levels of dissolved oxygen could be present.

2. Do not fill it with dirt: Do not install expansion tanks directly below hydraulic separators. Doing so allows dirt collected at the bottom of the separator to drop into the expansion tank. Over time this could lead to failure of the diaphragm.

If the tank needs to be near a hydraulic separator it is best to mount it from a tee in either pipe connecting to the lower sidewall connections on the separator, as shown in Figure 5.

3. Do not Overheat It: Whenever possible, avoid locating expansion tanks in close proximity to very hot water. When the tank’s shell is heated by heat migration (conduction and convection) the pressure of the air in the tank increases. All other factors being equal, this increases system pressure relative to a situation where the tank shell is cooler. It may lead to leakage of the pressure relief valve. It is fine to locate the tank several feet away from where the tube from the tank connects to the system. Keep the tank lower than this connection point to reduce heat migration by convection.

4. Do not create multiple connection points: It is fine to use two or more expansion tanks with a combined volume of a single larger tank. However, those tanks should connect to a common pipe, which has a single connection point in the system. Avoid connecting multiple tanks to different parts of the same piping. This can cause unexpected pressure variations depending on where the circulator(s) are located relative to the tanks.

5. Do not leave it vulnerable to impact: Small expansion tank that hang from ½ in. top connections can be easily bent by accidental impact, such as someone standing up from a bent over position and bumping the tank. Ask me how I know this… If the tank must be mounted in a vulnerable location use a strapping system to secure the shell to a solid surface, as shown in Figure 6. Some expansion tank manufacturers offer strapping kits or other hardware to properly support the tank shell.

In addition to the strapping notice both tanks have isolat38

HPAC | MAY 2019

Figure 6 Strapping system secures tank shell

ing balls and sufficient room for accessing the Schrader air valve at bottom. Both tanks are connected in parallel to a common pipe, allowing for a single connection point to the circuit.

6. Do not assume compatibility: Be sure the expansion tank you select is compatible with the fluid used in the system. Combined butyl/EPDM or all-EPDM diaphragms are generally compatible with glycol solutions and the methanol or ethanol solutions sometimes used in geothermal ground loops. However, different tank suppliers use different materials and have different temperature limits on those materials.

It is always best to get approval from the tank manufacturer on fluid compatibility.

Expansion tanks perform a simple but very necessary function. Follow these tips to make and keep them functioning as intended. <> John Siegenthaler, P.E., is a mechanical engineering graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a licensed professional engineer.

He has more than 35 years experience in designing modern hydronic heating systems.

Siegenthaler’s latest book is Heating with Renewable Energy (see www.hydronicpros.com for more information).

References

1. Modern Hydronic Heating, 3rd Ed., John Siegenthaler, Cengage Publishing 2012, ISBN -13: 978-1-4283-3515-8 2. Heating with Renewable Energy, John Siegenthaler, Cengage Publishing 2017, ISBN -13: 978-1-2850-7560-0

SEE JOHN AT THE MODERN HYDRONICS SUMMIT 2019.

CHECK MODERNHYDRONICSSUMMIT.COM FOR UPDATES.

HPACMAG.COM

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HYDRONIC PRODUCTS

From Watts, the QuadRail fastener system is Taco Comfort Solutions’ PF Series plate and

designed to hold a variety of the company’s tubing and pipe in a substrate such as con-

The Judo Mafi magnetite filter is designed to

frame heat exchangers are ASME designed

crete, thin slab and sand. Designed for radiant

remove magnetic and non-magnetic particles.

and constructed. Models with operating pres-

heating/cooling or snow melt applications,

The filter is equipped with three magnets and

sures of both 150 and 300 psi are available

these rails can be secured to foam board insu-

an all-round insulation shell. It can be mounted

with flow rates from 50 to 7,000 gpm. Connec-

lation, wood sub-flooring, or turf using staples,

in both vertical and horizontal lines.

tion sizes from 1- to 20-in. are available.

screws, or nails. www.watts.com

www.judo-online.com

www.tacocomfort.com

Rehau has added 26 fittings to its Everloc+

Navien's NFC series stainless steel fire tube

compression-sleeve fitting system. The tech-

combi-boilers. The boilers are available in NFC-

nology is designed for the company’s Raupex

175 (175,000 Btu/h) and NFC-200 (199,900

From Webstone, the magnetic boiler filter fea-

crosslinked PEXa pipe in up to 2 in. diameter.

Btu/h) sizes. The package comes with a heat

tures a 12,000 Gauss magnet designed to

Offered in polymer and lead-free brass, the

exchanger, low profile burner, controls and a

capture debris from the system before it reach-

compression-sleeve fittings are designed with

built-in DHW module. It offers common venting

es the boiler. G1 union connections with choice

four sealing edges and textured PEXa sleeves.

capability up to eight units and cascading ca-

of Press, FIP, MIP, or SWT join to system piping.

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pability up to 16 units. www.navieninc.com

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GET WITH THE FLOW Check out the pipes on these guys then pump it up!

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HPAC_MH_Summit_May19_EJS.indd 2

HPACMAG.COM

2019-05-13 3:41 PM

HYDRONIC PRODUCTS From Weil-McLain, the stainless steel vertical

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firetube (SVF) boiler is available in 750 and

noid valves in brass, stainless steel, aluminum

1100 models. The SVF line features a clover-

and technopolymer, ranging in size from 1/8 in.

shaped stainless steel fire tube heat exchanger

to 3 in. NPT with flow rates up to 300 gpm and

and is designed for commercial applications.

pressure ratings from vacuum to 1450 psi.

The boiler offers roller casters, industrial-grade

Sealing materials such as NBR, FKM, EPDM,

levelling legs, an end-shot burner design requir-

PTFE and Ruby are available for air, inert gases,

ing 18 in. of overhead space and Unity control

water, hydraulic fluids, petroleum products, hot

set-up wizard. It has 70- to 20,000-MBH com-

water, steam up to 353F, corrosive media for compatibility with valve ma-

patibility. www.weil-mclain.com

terial and temperature. www.odevalve.com

From Vogue UK, the OG017 hy-

John Siegenthaler, HPAC contributor and

dronic towel horse, part of the

principal of Holland Patent, NY-based Ap-

Originals collection, is hand-

propriate Designs, prepared a design

crafted from brass and adorned

guide for the New York State Energy Re-

with the company’s heavyset

search and Development Authority. The

period-style sphere ball joints.

guide, available for free, is titled “Design

The floor-mounted towel horse

Assistance Manual for High-Efficiency,

requires connection to an exist-

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41

2019-04-22 11:45 AM

< EVENT REPORT

SYMPOSIUM ADDRESSES TRANSITION TO LOW CARBON ECONOMY

BY KERRY TURNER

T

he transition to a low carbon economy presents opportunities and challenges for the HVAC/R industry. Industry partners met on April 23, 2019 to address the issue at the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (HRAI) symposium.

Designed for HVAC/R industry stakeholders, the symposium included presentations along with networking opportunities. Attendees also got a firsthand look at the mechanical system at the award-winning, Net Zero Joyce Centre for Partnership and Innovation building at Mohawk College in Hamilton, ON, where the event was held.

CITIES AT THE CENTRE David Miller, North American director of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, opened the event with a keynote discussing urban challenges and solutions. He noted that the role of “city governments is extremely important from a climate change point of view.

“National governments are not moving quickly enough,” said Miller. He went on to say that cities feel the impact of climate change first. Global cities are showing leadership and “are taking real action,” noted Miller.

His own experience as a former mayor of Toronto substantiates that belief. “In 2007 Toronto adopted a plan – Change is in the Air – the vote was unanimous,” recalled Miller. “Five years later, greenhouse gas emissions were down by 15 per cent. Today Toronto is 33 per cent down over 1999 levels.”

He went on to say “the biggest challenge to me is existing buildings. How 42

HPAC | MAY 2019

do we ensure those buildings become energy efficient? They are the majority for the next 30 years.”

Miller questioned why federal codes aren’t “top notch.” Despite the fact “they are only advisory. Why not show provinces and municipalities what they can reach for?” suggested Miller.

Regardless of the importance of municipal government, Miller said “you need national government, otherwise you have paralysis.”

A FEDERAL PERSPECTIVE Joyce Henry, director general at the NRCan Office of Energy Efficiency (OEE), and Jamie Hulan, director of equipment, OEE, provided a federal perspective with their presentation titled “Laying the foundation for a low carbon economy through energy efficiency policy.”

Hulan referenced the document, Paving the Road to 2030 and Beyond: Market transformation road map for energy efficient equipment in the building sector, and discussed the difference between market transformation (MT) goals and regulatory initiatives, with the MT being aspirational.

The road map serves as a basis for collaborative government-stakeholder activities between now and 2025.

Hulan explained that governments are focusing efforts on market transformation for residential windows, space heating and water heating since they offer significant opportunities to reduce energy use, over 35 per cent according to the road map, when next generation technologies are installed.

To Miller’s point regarding existing

David Miller, North American director of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, believes cities have the power the make real changes.

buildings, Henry reported there will be a code for existing buildings, which will be a first. This is part of code development resulting from the Net-Zero Energy Ready (NZER) project of the National Research Council’s Construction Research Centre (CRC). The goal is to help Canada meet its commitment to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent (below 2005 levels) by 2030. The NZER project supports updates to building codes to improve the energy efficiency of buildings.

Research-based evidence supports the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC) in deciding which code changes will facilitate the adoption of NZER model codes.

As more stringent energy efficiency code requirements are developed through the CCBFC’s code development process, provinces and territories will be encouraged to adopt NZER codes for new construction and improve the energy efficiency of existing housing and buildings by 2030. “A code will be out to support that [Net Zero] by 2022,” said Henry.

Net Zero was the target for the Joyce Centre. In his presentation prior to the tour, Tony Cupido, research chair sustainability with Mohawk College, said, “we asked for a proposal that adHPACMAG.COM

Mohawk College’s research chair sustainability, Tony Cupido (right), noted that the single air handler unit for the entire 100,000 square feet has an enthalpy wheel.

dressed the Net Zero target during the tender process.”

Cupido advised attendees not to accept the “cost” argument when speaking with clients about Net Zero.

“Cost should not be a barrier to Net Zero new builds,” said Cupido. “We were under $500 per square foot and within the normal range for institutional… in the sweet spot for institutional buildings.”

The building, which opened in Sept.

2018, boasts elements one would expect to see in a Net Zero facility, including solar thermal, solar PV, geo exchange variable flow heat pumps, slinky (for rapid dissipation of heat) and vertical boreholes (28), and rainwater harvesting.

“The only gas-fired piece of equipment is the generator,” said Cupido.

The building is performing beyond expectations. “Consumption is less than predicted, so net positive,” he reported.

He also noted achieving that required occupant education and cooperation.

“Staff, faculty, students needed a cultural change,” said Cupido.

TRENDS TO WATCH Deelectrification, system efficiency, and an uptake in controls and connected equipment are trends observed

by Alice Rosenberg, senior program manager at the Consortium for Energy Efficiency. She discussed the evolving HPACMAG.COM

dynamics and objectives of the “energy efficiency program landscape.”

“There is a trend to whole house for rebates and incentives,” said Rosenberg.

On the commercial side she noted organizational drivers are similar with the focus moving “…away from incremental efficiencies to system efficiency.”

On the product side, there is “…a lot of interest in controls, equipment monitoring,” according to Rosenberg.

Rosenberg went on to discuss integrated demand side management, the role of utilities, EM&V players and the growing number of industry players, but concluded that “HVAC is the largest area for opportunities.” In her closing remarks she stressed the importance of working together.

CONSUMER SHIFT A panel comprised of Terry Young, vice president of conservation with IESO, Steve McDonald, president and CEO of Efficiency Nova Scotia, Joyce Henry and moderator Corey Diamond, executive director of Efficiency Canada, focused on achieving the potential of energy efficiency. Corey confirmed Rosenberg’s thoughts on the opportunity for the HVAC industry calling it “massive.”

MacDonald said there has been a shift in customer interest in he last few years.

“Customers are more interested in com-

Speaker Andrew Bowerbank of WSP Global worked on the Joyce centre when he was with EllisDon. “Lesson learned,” said Bowerbank.

“To actually build Net Zero is not an easy process, the trades don’t know what Net Zero is.”

fort. We provide advice, helping them to make an energy efficient choice,” said MacDonald.

Henry agreed, saying “non-energy benefits are really starting to resonate with consumers.” There is a move toward choosing comfort over cost or environment in a much more sophisticated world. Other factors have come into play. Customers have a “different lens to look through: energy security, health and safety of their children and productivity,” said Henry.

“We as humans are spending dollars on more than we need if there is perceived value,” said Diamond.

MacDonald told the audience that industry organizations and service providers have to “drive the demand” and he suggested they be proactive and reach out to politicians. “Establish relationships with all levels of government,” said MacDonald.

Considering the mechanical industry employs 50,000 people and accounts for $7 billion, the industry influence on consumer demand and government policy should be substantial.

Several of the speaker presentations are available at www.hrai.ca/ symposium. <> MAY 2019 | HPAC

43

< COOLING

THE OVERLOOKED TECHNOLOGY Innovations and advancements in chiller systems include a versatile piping option.

BY LANCE MACNEVIN

B

y its very nature, the engineering profession is based on the constant search for new and better ways of accomplishing a task. However, there is also a wellknown human tendency to do things the way we have always done them.

Engineers who design and specify chiller systems find themselves squarely in the centre of these two worlds. Chiller system engineers may be well-versed on the latest advances in chiller and cooling tower technology but may be unaware of the other options for customers when it comes to another critical element of the system – the piping. A tendency to specify steel or copper by rote is understandable, as those are the piping systems used in chiller systems for generations. But there is another option.

Thermoplastic polypropylene (PP) pipe, along with its variants poly¬propylene-random (PP-R) and polypropylene raised crystallization temperature (PP-RCT), are often viewed as “new” or perhaps even as a novelty. However, PP has been used for projects around the world for nearly 40 years and in a range of mechanical, plumbing, and industrial applications in North America for roughly a dozen years. It is engineered to offer unique benefits for mechanical applications.

CHILLER APPLICATIONS FOR PP PP pipe is hydrophobic and chemically inert making it suited for use in chiller systems. PP material resists any form of change to the material wall, such as scaling or corrosion, which means a consistent flow rate throughout its long life. In addition, chillers operate at temperatures well within the range suitable for PP pipe.

In a chiller system, PP pipe can be used to transport heated water, chilled water, or condensate. Depending on the wall thickness of the pipe (expressed in SDR, or standard dimension ratio, which is a ratio of the wall thickness to the overall diameter of the pipe), many PP piping systems can handle fluids at 100 psi up to 180F, as well as extremely low operating temperatures.

Typically, PP piping includes a fibreglass reinforcement layer that significantly reduces thermal expansion and contraction, keeping it comparable to metal piping traditionally 44

HPAC | MAY 2019

PP pipe can be custom-fabricated offsite to speed installation at the jobsite.

used in these systems. This is also true for low-temp chiller applications where the temperature differential from start-up to operating conditions can be significant.

Chillers are tough and durable pieces of equipment, as is PP pipe with an anticipated lifespan of 50 years or more.

Light weight in comparison to other options, PP lends itself well to “real-world” chiller installations.

In addition, as chiller systems become more complex in an era of changing refrigerant regulations and increasing efficiency standards, PP pipe can be used to transport a secondary coolant or refrigerant such as glycol or brine.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS Even an excellent chiller system design relies on a contractor’s installation team to see it through. Increased productivity and ease of installation are two benefits of PP pipe.

Joined using heat fusion, the PP pipe can be used almost immediately and the connection process does not introduce any foreign materials into the system. When properly executed, heat fusion joints create a bond as strong as the pipe HPACMAG.COM

COMPLIANCE AND RESOURCES Most PP pressure pipe currently available in North America is compliant with the International Plumbing Code; International Mechanical Code; Uniform Plumbing Code; Uniform Mechanical Code; and Uniform Solar, Hydronic, and Geothermal Code for physical properties and temperature and pressure ratings Check with the manufacturer of the pipe or contact the Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI) before specifying a particular brand. PPI is a trade association representing all segments of the plastics piping industry. The association and its members work together for education, standards development, code updates, and other initiatives to advance the adoption of plastic piping systems.

In late 2017, PPI’s Building & Construction Division formed the Polypropylene Pressure Pipe Steering Committee to reflect the rapid growth and continuing acceptance of PP pressure pipe in the North American market.

PPI offers resources to engineers interested in specifying itself, with no leak paths.

PP offers stable, predictable pricing and has no value to thieves. In addition, PP materials are 100 per cent recyclable.

Although there is a learning curve to working with PP, pipefitters and those already familiar with heat fusion are usually able to run with it very quickly. A factory training typically prepares even the most inexperienced crews to perform heat fusion, which can lead to significant labour savings.

PP pipe’s light weight and versatile orientations available using the fusion process simplify fabrication of custom spools either on the jobsite or remotely. Some manufacturers of PP systems offer design and fabrication services and have BIM files available for their products.

Labour savings of fabrication can be significant. In most cases, the vast majority of fixtures and spools can be fabricated offsite and shipped directly to the jobsite. Thanks to the pipe’s light weight, the fabricated assemblies arrive ready to hang.

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS Engineers who design and specify chiller systems are responsible for one of the largest investments a building owner or manager will make. Chillers and their components have experienced a host of innovations and advancements in the past several years. Your customers will be well-served to know all their options when it comes to piping, which is an integral part of the chiller system. <> Lance MacNevin, P.E., is director of engineering for PPI’s Building & Construction Division, focusing on pressure piping materials for plumbing and mechanical systems. He serves on committees within ASPE, ASTM, AWWA, CSA, IAPMO, IGSHPA, NSF, RPA and other industry organizations.

plastic pipe. The webpage https://plasticpipe.org/buildingconstruction/bcd-pp.html contains technical information, links to product standards, advantages and applications, plus links to member firms that produce PP systems.

In addition, the PPI Plastic Pressure Pipe Design Calculator is a free, online tool that performs calculations for pressure and head loss, thermal expansion and contraction, surge pressures, and pipe weight and volume for plastic piping materials. It is relevant to plumbing, water service, hydronic heating and cooling, snow and ice melting, fire protection and geothermal applications. It can be accessed at www. plasticpipecalculator.com.

PPI’s Hydrostatic Stress Board (HSB) is developing policies for listing long-term pressure ratings of polypropylene pressure pipes, similar to its listing programs for materials such as PVC, CPVC, HDPE, and PEX. https://plasticpipe.org/

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45

2019-02-26 11:27 AM

PLUMBING PRODUCTS

The Type-57AT butterfly valves from Asahi/ America, Inc. feature an injection molded polypropylene body and disc the seat and disc bush-

Sedna from Sinopé Technologies is a smart water leak protection system that works as a

From Weil-McLain, the Aqua Pro indirect-fired

ings have been fitted with dual O-ring seals. It is

stand-alone, without requiring an intermediary

tank is constructed of a composite material

available in both wafer and lugged styles. The

or central management. When the smart water

and features a removable copper-finned, high-

butterfly valve is available in sizes from 1 ½ in.

leak detectors sense water as low as 0.015

output coil. It is available in four sizes: 30-, 55-,

through 8 in. with a green lever, and in 1 ½ in.

inches, the valve shuts off the main water sup-

80- and 119-gallons. The tank offers digital

through 14 in. with the company’s Plasgear op-

ply and an alert is sent by e-mail or SMS.

temperature control and top connections.

erator. All sizes can be electrically or pneumati-

www.sinopetechn.com/en/sedna

www.weil-mclain.com

cally actuated. www.ashai-america.com

From Taco Comfort Solutions, the SmartPlus-e

From HTP Comfort Solutions LLC, the Everlast

From Geberit, the Sigma21 flush actuator se-

domestic hot water recirculation system fea-

electric mini tank is available in 2 ½, 4 and 8

ries is offered in white, black, sand glass and

tures a dedicated hot water return line and

gallon capacities and can be used for a single

Brazilian slate finishes. It is also available with

tank-style water heater. It combines the com-

faucet or as a booster unit. A cold water line

a customizable overlay. The product features a

pany’s 006e3 ECM hot water circulator and

and electrical connection are required for in-

frameless design, and a die cast zinc base

Smart Plug Instant Hot Water Control in a sin-

stallation. It features a titanium glass lined

unit. It can be used in 2x6 and 2x4 installa-

gle package. www.tacocomfort.com

tank. www.htproducts.com

tions. www.geberit.us

¾-hp motor and a cable that can spin up to 700

Geberit North America’s cast iron waste fitting

Niles Steel Tank has introduced single- or dou-

RPM. Designed for drains 2- to 8-in. in diameter,

has a 90 degree elbow with a 2 in. NPTF heel

ble-wall Power Plate heat exchangers for com-

it features a tool-less clutch adjustment, the

outlet for venting, a 3 in. inlet and a 3 in. outlet

mercial facility domestic water applications.

machine can switch between ⅞- to 1 ¼-in cable

with universal connections for flex couplings,

The heat exchangers are paired with NST tanks

sizes. Designed with square steel tubing and

lead-oakum or threaded joints. Designed for 2

of varying size, from 80 to 2,500 gallons. Pow-

rubber feet, the K-5208 includes a fluid man-

by 6 or deeper cavity walls, the fitting can be

er Plate systems can heat between five and

agement system that incorporates a reservoir to

used in above-the-floor or through-the-floor in-

300GPM. Units come with grooved connec-

catch fluid for later draining. www.ridgid.com

stallations. www.geberitnorthamerica.com

tions for boiler hook-up. www.nilesst.com

The Ridgid K-5208 sectional machine has a

46

HPAC | MAY 2019

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< LUXURY PLUMBING Set to launch this year, Moen's black stainless finish (pictured) will be available on select kitchen faucets. The finish is “designed to stand out on its own or blend well with existing elements in the space,” says Garry Scott, the company’s vice president of marketing and eCommerce.

NEW LIFE Wellness, sustainable technology and natural materials trend upward. BY JILLIAN MORGAN

T

he luxury market leaves no stone unturned.

From the sink to the shower, manufacturers have taken a fresh approach to functionality and style in upscale environments.

The trend towards wellness and sustainability has driven a demand for natural materials, water-saving features and connected technology – to name a few – in high-end kitchens and bathrooms.

“Recycled and repurposed materials are in high demand,” says Naomi Neilson, founder and CEO of Native Trails. “Products made in a socially responsible manner are making an impact on people as the world is more connected than ever.”

With an onslaught of advancements in the luxury plumbing space, manufacturers have unveiled innovative prod48

HPAC | MAY 2019

ucts that not only address that demand, but also foster opportunities to experiment with style.

THE NATURAL LOOK Combining different materials to “add warmth and texture” to contemporary product lines will be big this year, Neilson says. Native Trails’ Solace Collection, for instance, pairs concrete and sustainable oak. The company’s Americana Collection repurposes wood from structures such as barns and fencing, giving the material “new life as an heirloom quality bath vanity or mirror,” Neilson adds.

“The textured, durable wood and visible signs of its rich history appeals to people on a visceral level,” she says.

The company also offers recycled copper and nickel sinks and tubs.

HPACMAG.COM

From Brizo the Levoir collection (pictured) includes faucets, tub fillers and shower systems, as well as accessories and hardware.

Consumers can choose from a variety of handle types, spout heights and mounting locations.

The Seager pull-down faucet from Newport Brass features a magnetic docking system and a two-function toggle control spray engine with a pivot ball fitting for enhanced directional control within the sink.

The NativeStone Avalon freestanding bathtub from Native Trails is available in 62 in. and 72 in. sizes. Finishes include earth, ash, slate and pearl. “Freestanding bathtubs are gaining in popularity, as people seem to be prioritizing the health benefits of a relaxing soak more than ever,” says Naomi Neilson, founder and CEO of Native Trails.

Jacques L’Hénaff, vice president of design at Lixil Americas for American Standard and DXV, echoes Neilson, adding that natural material has grown in popularity. Though, he says matte black, mixed metal and metal finishes in brass, gold and white gold remain popular among consumers.

“We are seeing more warm greys,” Neilson says. “Native Trails’ new Earth finish is being introduced to the NativeStone Collection of sustainable concrete sinks and bathtubs, and it’s a warm grey color, somewhere between grey and sand.”

Garry Scott, vice president of marketing and eCommerce at Moen Canada, says “consumers are becoming more open to experimenting with colours and non-traditional finishes.”

Moen is expanding its freestanding tub filler offerings to include new styles and finishes, along with expanding its offerings in matte black and brushed gold.

“Historically, gold fixtures were often associated with traditional design, but now, homeowners are also using this finish as part of a modern aesthetic,” he says.

EXPERIENCE User experience is a central tenant in luxury plumbing product development. Moen, for example, has unveiled a number of products in recent years focused on ease-of-use.

“We live in a fast-paced world, and consumers want each and every experience throughout their day to be easy, fast and smooth, this includes at the sink,” Scott says. “It’s up to us as a water experience company to utilize innovation and technology in our products to deliver the best interactions with water each and every time.”

The company’s MotionSense technology, available on select kitchen faucets, provides water “with just the wave of a hand,” he says. “[It is] perfect for when your hands are too full, or too messy, to touch the faucet,” Scott adds. “This technology also helps minimize the spread of dirt and germs, as there’s Continued on p50 HPACMAG.COM

MAY 2019 | HPAC

49

< LUXURY PLUMBING Continued from p49

Infinity Drain offers customized drainage products to meet a client’s specification.

Customization options include finishes, lengths, shapes and configurations, curved radius designs, and outdoor architecture drainage.

From Bélanger UPT, the CUR78MB features a swivel pull-down spout with a pushbutton diverter and flexible hose. It offers a maximum flow of 1.8 gpm a 60 psi.

The Grohe Blue Professional water system allows the user to access a supply of freshly filtered and sparking water directly from the kitchen tap. “The system combines the modern look of a designer faucet with a highperformance filter, cooler and carbonator,” says Maria Bosco, director of product marketing for Lixil Canada, Inc.

The 3D-printed faucet from DXV, a Lixil brand.

no need to touch the handle to start the flow of water.”

U by Moen, a cloud-based, app-driven digital shower, offers Wi-Fi mobile connectivity and allows consumers to control the shower with their voice, the smartphone app or the in-shower controller.

“The product now features enhanced functionality with Amazon Alexa – including compatibility with groups and routines – as well as compatibility with Apple HomeKit and Google Assistant,” Scott says.

The industry is zeroing in on efficient and innovative technologies, but that evolution has gone hand in hand with

products offering customization and functionality.

“There is a demand for products that combine function with style,” Neilsen says. “People want more than institutional fixtures – they want good, upscale design.”

For Barbara Kratus, sales and marketing director at Infinity Drain, luxury bathroom design is “all about customization.”

“Our custom fabrication program allows designers and architects to focus on the form, or the beauty and uniqueness of their design, while we concentrate on the functionality aspect on how the shower or wet area will work,” Kratus says. “It is truly where art and

science come together in shower construction to create a one of a kind space for the client.”

3D printed faucets from DXV aim are one product line that aims to combine functionality with design. The faucets “offer the consumer something never before imagined,” the company stated in a 2017 release.

“The new DXV 3D faucets are revolutionizing additive manufacturing in the plumbing industry,” L’Hénaff says. “This 3D printing process opens up exciting possibilities for the design and function of luxury faucets, enabling avant-garde ways to present water and completely redefine the user experience.” <>

50

HPAC | MAY 2019

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< PLUMBING

Clarifying rules around FOG Municipal and provincial regulations, bylaws and ordinances regarding fats, oil and grease waste management. BY ANGELO MIKROGIANNKIS

O

ver the past decade municipalities across Canada have become very strict regarding their position on waste water and sewage discharge limits, stemming from food service establishments (FSE). The major concern is FOG (fats, oils and grease).

If left uncontrolled, FOG creates blockages in the sewer lines that result in sewer backups and overflows. Sewer backups and overflows also cause residential and commercial property damage, environmental contamination, health hazards and expensive collection system repairs.

Municipal bylaws and ordinances have been established making the operator responsible for managing the grease discharge from their establishment into the municipal sewer system. Testing and code enforcement are conducted by trained municipal waste water and sewage bylaw officers. An enterprise cannot exceed 150 PPM of FOG entering the sewage system.

In the event there is a violation, a report is sent to the FSE indicating the limit found. The FSE is advised of the offence and must take measures to meet compliance. In the event the FSE does not meet compliance a fine may be issued. Fines range from $10,000 to $100,000 until compliance is met.

Grease interceptors (GIs) are installed into FSE to prevent FOG discharge into the downstream plumbing, which eventually discharges into the municipal sewer system. The new code of practice is to have the GI cleaned out before it reaches 25 per cent of volume capacity or every four weeks, whichever comes first. The rationale for this code of practice is to allow the GI to operate more efficiently.

Municipal and provincial regulations now require only approved and licensed haulers to provide GI pump out service 52

HPAC | MAY 2019

and subsequent hauling of the liquid sludge. The new hauling regulations state that haulers provide a manifest listing the stops made, litres pick up and where they dropped of the sludge. The plant that receives the sludge must also be licensed to handle this type of waste. This legislation is designed to prevent haulers from dumping this sewage into rivers, streams and lakes.

These haulers are also required by law to notify the establishment if their grease interceptor is failing due to damage or rotting baffles; if the restrictor is damaged or has been removed; or any issue which results in grease interceptor failure or ineffective performance.

Municipalities have also recently established regulations on jetting, also known as power washing the plumbing system downstream of the GI. FOG blockages are usually a result of grease cooling down and congealing in the plumbing system that eventually discharges into the city sewer main.

The method to service this problem is to have the drains power washed or jetted. This task entails accessing the blockage from a nearby clean-out and jet the lines out to the city sewer system until the blockage has been cleared. The problem with this practice is although the lines in the establishment have now been cleared, the grease buildup that caused the blockage ends up in the city sewer system.

With the new ordinance it is mandatory for an FSE to hire a vacuum truck at the nearest manhole to intercept the grease before it discharges into the city sewer system, thus preventing large amounts of grease from discharging into the sewer system. The large grease masses are called "fatbergs," a term coined by a British reporter who reported large masses of grease build up in the London, UK sewer system. <> Angelo Mikrogiannkis is president and CEO of Goslyn Grease Interceptors Canada and a CSA B481 Technical Committee Member.

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MECHANICAL SUPPLY NEWS MANUFACTURERS • DISTRIBUTORS • WHOLESALERS

DISTRIBUTION

ufacturing HVAC rooftop units, including the company’s Premier line.

A grand opening of the facility was held on April 17, 2019. A number of executives spoke at the event along with federal, state and local dignitaries. www.johnsoncontrols.com (Left to right): Sheila Hayter, ASHRAE president; Joe Naccarello, group vice president–sales and customer operations, Nortek; and Buddy Doll, group president.

NORTEK RECOGNIZED FOR $10K DONATION TO U.S., CANADIAN ASHRAE CHAPTERS Nortek Air Solutions has been recognized by ASHRAE’s Research Promotion (RP) campaign for its 2018 Golden Circle level donation of $10,000.

The donation marks the 19th consecutive year of RP donations by the company.

Nortek divided its contribution among three U.S. and two Canadian ASHRAE chapters where it operates manufacturing facilities. Canadian chapters include Quebec–Region II and Saskatoon, SK– Region XI. The RP campaign raised a record $2.7 million in funds in 2018 for research, scholarships, educational activities and young engineers in ASHRAE. www.nortekair.com

An outside view of the facility.

JOHNSON CONTROLS OPENS DOORS TO OKLAHOMA FACILITY Johnson Controls has unveiled its HVAC rooftop unit manufacturing and testing facility in Norman, OK. The expanded facility houses 900,000-square-feet of renovated space, including a two-storey, 52-foothigh test lab. It will be dedicated to man54

HPAC | MAY 2019

The company introduced a number of new products in the 1930s.

VICTAULIC CELEBRATES 100-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF FIRST PATENT Victaulic is marking a major milestone.

On April 4, 2019, the company celebrated 100 years since its first patent for mechanical pipe joining solutions.

Lieutenant Ernest Tribe filed the first patent for the Victory Joint–now known as the Victaulic coupling–a mechanical bolted coupling that joined grooved pipe ends.

Since then, the company’s products have been used on a range of large-scale projects, including the Hoover Dam, Eiffel Tower, Beijing Olympic Stadium, Petronas Towers and Hudson Yards.

“Our next 100 years will include more customer-centric innovation as technology grows more rapidly than ever before and we continue to make strategic R&D investments,” said John Malloy, Victaulic’s chairman, president and CEO. Victaulic is currently headquartered in Pennsylvania, which is slated to open in 2020. The company is building a 400,000 square-foot manufacturing facility in the area. www.victaulic.com/100-yearsinnovation

>> The Master Group is continuing to grow its presence in Western Canada with the opening of its 36th point of sale. Located just off the Trans Canada Highway, the company’s newly constructed Langley Branch is led by Mark Eastwood.

The branch is now open at 9347, 200A Langley, B.C. www.master.ca >> Arzel Zoning, a Cleveland, OHbased manufacturer of residential and commercial HVAC zoning products, has announced that Air Force 1 Sales & Marketing Ltd. will represent it in Ontario. Air Force 1 also represents Panasonic, Fresh-Aire UV, Primex and other manufacturers in the region. The rep can be reached at 800.707.6297. www.airforce1.ca www.arzelzoning.com >> Noble has relocated its branch in East York, ON to a new location on April 29, 2019. The new branch is located at 46 Hollinger Road.

Those can call 416-701-9440 or email orderseastyork@noble.ca. It will be open Monday to Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. www.noble.ca >> Quebec-based DisTech HVAC Inc. has been named the exclusive representative for Hubbell Water Heaters in Ontario. Hubbell, headquartered in Stratford, CT, offers a range of products for commercial, industrial, food service, marine/offshore, naval markets and brewery/distillery applications. www.distech.ca www.hubbellheaters.com >> Western Canada wholesaler Refrigerative Suppy Limited has entered a partnership with Allied Air Enterprises. Refrigerative Supply will now offer several Allied Air brands, included AirEase, Ducane and Allied Commercial. www.rsl.ca

Continued on p56 HPACMAG.COM

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ELECTRIC EEL MARKS 80-YEAR MILESTONE Electric Eel Mfg., based in Springfield, OH, is celebrating its 80th anniversary.

The manufacturer of drain and sewer cleaning equipment is known for its Model C dual cable section drain cleaner.

The company has grown its product line since it first put down roots in 1939 to include a range of electric and gas powered sectional drain cleaning machines, drum style machines, high pressure water jetters, and a range of pipeline inspection camera systems and locators. www.electriceel.com

(Left to right) Cyndi Bauman, Theresa Carter, and Lee Ann Schuble of the UniConcierge Customer Care Centre.

THE UNICO SYSTEM LAUNCHES CUSTOMER SERVICE PROGRAMS FOR CONTRACTORS The Unico System has unveiled two programs, UniConcierge and Text-A-Tech.

Staffed by three customer relations professionals, the UniConcierge Customer Care Centre is designed to “provide installing contractors with a team of experienced, live people” to help with Unico’s products.

Through the program, contractors can access referrals to local distributors of the company’s equipment, navigate training programs offered by Unico, onboard to the Unico Preferred Contractor program and update their information on the company’s dealer locator.

With Text-A-Tech, contractors needing real-time assistance in the field can text their requests to 314.222.2487 for help and guidance. www.unicosystem.com 56

HPAC | MAY 2019

HONEYWELL STRIKES $3.1M CONTRACT TO UPGRADE NORTHERN ONTARIO HOSPITALS MICs Group of Health Services, a Northern Ontario hospital owner-operator has signed a 10-year, $3.1 million contract with Honeywell to The Lady Minto Hospital upgrade its facilities.

A range of energy and infrastructure upgrades will be implemented across MICs three sites: Bingham Memorial Hospital in Matheson, ON, Lady Minto in Cochrane, ON, Hospital and Anson General Hospital in Iroquois, ON. The program aims to address deferred maintenance, reduce the environmental footprint, and save on utility and operation costs.

Upgrades to mechanical systems, installation of a kitchen-demand ventilation system, weather-sealing, installation of a water-cooler chiller and replacing watercooled refrigeration equipment with air cooled systems are all part of the project.

Honeywell expects work to wrap up by April 2020. www.honeywell.com www.micsgroup.com

LG SYSTEM PERFORMANCE STANDS TEST OF TIME LG Electronics was recognized in six product categories at the AirConditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) Performance Awards.

For the awards, experts from standard certification authority Intertek assess whether actual performance matches up with the listed specifications.

AHRI randomly selects 20 per cent of each manufacturer’s products (which have previously been certified by AHRI) in each product category. Only those manufacturers whose products have passed the primary performance evaluation for three consecutive years are considered.

A total of 56 LG air conditioning systems across the six main product categories passed the performance evaluation conducted by the institute for a third consecutive year (from 2015 to 2017). www.lg.com/ca_en

AQUATHERM UNVEILS REFRESHED WEBSITE Aquatherm has upgraded its website to cater to contractors, engineers and building owners who are considering the company’s polypropylene piping systems.

The company zeroed in on improved navigation, user-friendly search features and simplification in the update.

“The new website is the hub that can identify, engage, and inform contractors, engineers, and building owners, while also serving as a key resource for manufacturers reps and distributors,” said Barry Campbell, vice president of North America at Aquatherm.

The site includes information about Aquatherm pipe, fittings, and parts. It also has application information, comprehensive design tools, and downloads.

Other elements include access to an estimation calculator and case studies. www.aquatherm.com Continued on p58 HPACMAG.COM

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ANVIL INTERNATIONAL, SMITHCOOPER INTERNATIONAL TO FORM SINGLE COMPANY Anvil International and Smith-Cooper International have agreed to merge. The combined company, which will be majority owned by Tailwind Capital, will offer products that connect and support piping systems.

Jason Hild, CEO of SCI, will serve as CEO of the company, and Tom Fish, president and CEO of Anvil, will serve as chairman.

All additional members of Anvil’s and Smith-Cooper’s senior management teams will remain. No changes to either company’s facilities footprint are anticipated at this time, according to SCI and Anvil. www.anvilintl.com www.smithcooper.com

Incoming Ontario Region president Grant Stuempfle, of Bibby-Ste-Croix, addresses the crowd.

Dave McPherson (centre) accepts the lifetime achievement award from Barb O’Reilly as Tom Newell (CIPH Ontario Region past president).

CIPH ONTARIO REGION AGM ATTRACTS RECORD ATTENDANCE Leadership proved to be a popular topic at the third CIPH Ontario Region Business Meeting and annual general meeting held today (April 11, 2019) with more than 150 in attendance.

Keynote speaker Chris Cummins discussed the traits and actions of a good leader and challenged attendees to assess their own leadership style. The interactive session offered many pointers to managers in the audience.

He noted that “we hire for skill and fire for attitude. That is something we need to look at.” Skills can be taught, unlike attitude, asserted Cummins. He also reviewed the process of feedback and offered pointers on how to be more effective with employees.

CIPH will hold its annual business meeting in Charlottetown, PE on June 16 to 18 at the Delta Prince Edward Hotel. www.ciph.com

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< PEOPLE Aquatherm has named Matt Denny regional sales manager for Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Hope Prince Edward Island. Larry Hope will Denny serve as regional sales manager for Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia and the territories.

Ecco Supply has appointed Jim Dixon to the position of sales engineer for Calgary and surrounding areas. Dixon is a professional engineer with more than 30 years of experience in the HVAC industry, working as a consulting engineer, an account man- Dixon ager for a global HVAC company, and most recently as the general manager and partner of an HVAC sales agency.

Franklin Electric Co., Inc. has hired Ryan Johnson as vice president of sales for U.S. and Canada for the North America Water Systems Business Unit.

Johnson has 20 years of experience in motors, sales and management with companies such as Johnson Regal Beloit and General Electric.

Fujitsu General America has announced the promotion of Dennis Stinson, who now assumes the role and responsibilities of director of national accounts. Stinson will be focused on supporting key national accounts, working in concert with the Stinson sales team.

Mestek has promoted Jim Bashford to national sales and training manager for SpacePak. Bashford previously served as northeast regional sales manager for the manufacturer. Prior to that, he was a Bashford manufacturers representative for three years.

Roy Spear has been promoted to sales director for Canada at dahl Valve Limited. Most recently, Spear was the director of wholesale, Oliveri Canada, for the company. Mario Spear Oliveri also joined dahl as regional sales manager. Previously, Oliveri was the manager of contract services at Enercare and director of business development at Centah Inc.

Caleffi North America, Inc. has promoted Cody Mack to training and education manager. In this role, he will conduct product and application training for contractors, designers and other influencMack ers. Mack has worked at Caleffi for five years.

Moen has tapped Nina Kshetry to take on the role of the company’s first water director. In this role, Kshetry will work to connect Moen with North American water organizations. She is a two-time MIT graduate and licensed professional engineer Kshetry in Illinois and Florida.

ThermaSol has promoted Thomas Hagins, formerly factory operations manager, to the position of director of technical services. Hagins will take McMullen the lead in educating the company’s Hagins internal customer care staff as well as assisting in the training of technicians across North America. Carrie McMullen will assume Hagins' former position, managing operational aspects of the company’s Round Rock, TX facility.

60

HPAC | MAY 2019

OS&B has appointed Kristy Bell to the position of bronte Collection manager. In her role, she will be responsible for sales and marketing of the represented brands in the collection’s portfolio.

Bell Scott Duncan, sales manager, retired from Desco May 31, 2019.

Brian Ruetz has been Ruetz Campbell promoted to sales man- Duncan ager and Mel Campbell will join Desco effective May 6 as regional sales manager – Greater Toronto Area and east.

InSinkErator Canada has appointed Yvette Gillespie to western regional sales manager.

Gillespie will manage sales activities from Manitoba to British Columbia and will collaborate with InSinkErator’s regional sales agencies, includ- Gillespie ing Equipco Ltd. in British Columbia, Points West Marketing in Alberta and Jones Goodridge in Manitoba/Saskatchewan.

HPACMAG.COM

Copyright © Liberty Pumps, Inc. 2019 All rights reserved.

< COMPRESSORS

LONGEVITY AND CAPACITY Is your equipment prepared for the summer heat? BY DAVE DEMMA

O

ther than the cost there are no serious arguments against performing preventive maintenance on air-conditioning and/or refrigeration equipment. And to the customers who would balk at paying a qualified technician to merely “maintain” their equipment, the only response to them is “You can either pay me a little to properly maintain your equipment, or you can pay me a lot more when it breaks down.”

However, as we enter spring, it might be a good time to inspect those air conditioning and refrigeration systems and make sure they are prepared to deliver their rated capacity during elevated ambient conditions that are present during the summer months.

While there are several items on any thorough preventive maintenance checklist, the one I am focusing on today is cleaning condensers. Specifically, have the condensers been cleaned? This is essential for allowing condensers to operate at their rated capacity, which in turn will allow the compressor to operate at its rated capacity. It is a rather non-technical job, and some contractors will use their lower level apprentices or tradesmen to perform this task, but that does not diminish its importance.

A dirty condenser can lead to several debilitating conditions that can negatively affect equipment performance, and ultimately result in a reduced compressor lifespan. Figure 1 is a typical example of lack of maintenance, showing up as a dirty condenser.

The dirt accumulation on the condenser fins/tubes has a twofold negative impact. Dirt acts as an insulator, reducing

Figure 1 Dirty condenser due to lack of maintenance 62

HPAC | MAY 2019

Compression Ratio

Defined as the absolute Discharge Pressure Divided by the absolute Suction Pressure Absolute Discharge(Gauge)

Absolute Suction (Gauge)

Compression Ratio

250 (235)

25 (10)

10:1

275 (260)

25 (10)

11:1

250 (235)

20 (5)

12.5:1

Figure 2 Compression ratio

the efficiency of the heat transfer process between the discharge vapour in the condenser and the air flowing through the condenser. Air flow through the condenser is also restricted by dirt.

The end result is a higher discharge pressure and temperature, which will result in a loss of lubrication film.

EFFECT ON LUBRICANTS Refrigeration oils have been highly refined in an effort to elevate the temperature at which chemical decomposition will occur. As such, they are vulnerable to losing the lubrication film necessary to prevent metal to metal contact between bearings and journals, or piston rings and cylinders, prior to the temperature at which decomposition begins.

With mineral oil will this will occur approximately between 310F and 330F. When these temperatures are achieved, the probability of extreme piston and ring wear is imminent.

Chemical decomposition happens at elevated temperatures and is accelerated in the presence of other contaminants such as air or water. 18F is an important number to remember, for the rate of chemical reaction doubles with every 18F temperature increase. For example, a chemical reaction that takes 10 years to complete at 100F will only take five years to complete at 118F. At 136F it will be complete in two and a half years, and so on.

Mineral oil will start to decompose at approximately 350F (400F for POE oil). As temperatures increase above this threshold, the oil starts to polymerize. In plain English this means the molecules which constitute the oil’s makeup will start to combine into larger and larger molecules. First the oil HPACMAG.COM

Saturated Suction Temperature (°F)

Saturated Condensing Temperature (°F)

Compressor Capacity (Btu/HR)

Motor Current (Amps)

EER (Btu/W HR)

15

120

56,500

22.7

7.79

15

115

59,500

22.3

8.38

15

110

62,500

21.9

9.06

15

105

65,500

21.4

9.70

15

100

68,500

21.0

10.46

15

95

72,000

20.5

11.43

15

90

75,000

20.0

12.30

15

70

86,000

17.4

17.27

20

120

63,000

23.4

8.34

20

115

66,500

23.0

8.99

20

110

70,000

22.5

9.72

20

105

73,500

22.0

10.58

20

100

77,000

21.5

11.42

20

95

80,000

21.0

12.31

20

90

83,500

20.4

13.36

20

70

96,500

17.5

19.11

Figure 3 Changes to compressor capacity

transforms into a dark thick oil, then a sludge, and finally a solid powder.

The presence of oil breakdown in the refrigeration system can have many negative impacts. Sludge/solid particulate can plug up the oil inlet screen in the compressor sump, or the lubrication passages in the crankshaft. Each of these will have the same devastating consequence: loss of lubrication, and ultimately failed bearings.

COMPRESSOR CAPACITY When selecting air-conditioning or refrigeration equipment for a specific application, the required capacity will be based on the anticipated heat load during the most extreme ambient condition the equipment will operate under in the summer months.

Let’s assume this is a meat packing plant and the equipment is situated in an area that will see a high of 105F during the summer months. The following factors will determine the heat load: • Space temperature • Product load • Lighting load • Evaporator fan motor load • People/equipment load HPACMAG.COM

• Air infiltration load • Heat transmission load (dependent on type of insulation) The heat load will be significantly higher during the 105F ambient condition than it will be during a 70F ambient condition in the springtime. As such, the equipment will be oversized during that season. In fact, the equipment will be oversized during any ambient condition lower than 105F. The fact is, the equipment will be selected based on the heat load during the most miserably hot days anticipated during the year.

So, what happens to compressor capacity as the discharge pressure increases? Reciprocating compressors, by design, have a built-in inefficiency. At the top of piston stroke, a clearance exists between the piston dome and the bottom of the valve plate, preventing any contact between the two. This is called the clearance volume.

Clearance volume is the source of the inefficiency, as it does not allow 100 per cent of the compressed vapour to flow into the discharge manifold. A pocket of vapour remains behind after every cylinder revolution. This trapped vapour is also at the discharge pressure.

Before any suction vapour can re-enter the cylinder for the next compression cycle, the clearance volume vapour must experience a reduction in pressure to a level slightly below that of the suction pressure. Otherwise, there would be no flow into the cylinder.

How does that reduction in pressure happen? There is an inversely proportional relationship between pressure and volume. When a quantity of vapour (contained in a defined volume, such as a piston cylinder), is increased or decreased, the vapour will respectively experience a decrease or increase in pressure.

Following a completed compression cycle, the piston proceeds to travel down, increasing the cylinder volume, and reducing the cylinder pressure low enough to draw refrigerant from the suction manifold into the cylinder. At the bottom of the piston stroke, the cylinder will contain its full volume of vapour.

As the piston starts to travel back up, reducing the volume of the cylinder, the vapour pressure increases. When the piston reaches the top of its stroke, the entire volume of compressed vapour will have exited the cylinder through the discharge valves except for the vapour trapped in the clearance volume.

It is piston travel, which increases cylinder volume, that reduces this clearance volume pressure. This portion of the piston travel, which is entirely dedicated to lowering the clearance volume pressure, performs no useful work at all. The higher the clearance volume pressure is above suction pressure, the more of this wasted piston travel will be required to reduce the cylinder volume to a point where suction vapour can enter the cylinder.

The “higher the clearance volume pressure is above the Continued on p64 MAY 2019 | HPAC

63

< COMPRESSORS Continued from p63

suction pressureâ&#x20AC;? is a good laymanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s definition for compression ratio.

The technical definition is: the ratio of the absolute discharge pressure divided by the absolute suction pressure. It can be calculated as follows: Referring to Figure 2, we see a system operating at a discharge pressure of 235 psig and a suction pressure of 10 psig. These values must be converted to absolute pressure before the CR can be determined. This is done by adding atmospheric pressure to the gauge reading; 14.7 (rounding up to 15 for convenience) at sea level.

This results in a discharge pressure of 250 psia, a suction pressure of 25 psia, and a compression ratio of 250/25, or 10:1.

The compression ratio can be reduced by lowering the discharge pressure, raising the suction pressure, or a combination of both. Figure 2 illustrates that raising the discharge pressure 25 psi, while maintaining the suction pressure at 10 psig (25 psia) will result in the CR increasing to 11:1.

Likewise maintaining the discharge pressure at 235 psig (250 psia), and lowering the suction pressure to 5 psig (20 psia) results in a more significant increase to the CR, at 12.5:1. It is important to realize that raising or lowering the suction pressure by some value will have a much greater affect on CR than raising or lowering the discharge pressure by the same value. Therefore, while it is important to keep the discharge pressure to a minimum without adversely affecting proper system operation, it is imperative that the suction pressure be maintained at the highest possible level.

And here is where the rubber meets the road. Figure 3 shows how the compressor capacity changes as the discharge pressure and/or suction pressure increases/de-

64

HPAC | MAY 2019

creases (increasing or decreasing the compression ratio).

While this is a discussion about maintaining the condenser, it must be noted that systems operating at a suction pressure below the design condition will also experience an increased compression ratio and the resulting drop in capacity.

If you are in an area of the world where you will see an ambient temperature of 105F in the summer, and the condenser is selected based on a 15F TD, then the system will be operating at 120F condensing temperature in the summer.

Now, if the equipment is located in an area where the ambient high is 90F, but the condenser is in the same condition as shown in Figure 1, you may well be operating at 120F condensing with a net loss of 10,500 Btu (at a 20F SST). That is a 14 per cent loss in compressor capacity. This just might be the determining factor in whether the equipment is able to maintain the design temperature or not.

Considering the elevated oil temperatures which can cause oil decomposition, potential restriction of flow controls due to oil decomposition, loss of lubrication which can result in a failed compressor, and the loss of capacity (with the resulting loss in product sales, or even spoiled product), it should be an easy case to convince the equipment owner to budget the necessary expenditure to maintain their equipment.

But that may be asking a lot. <> 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.

HPACMAG.COM

EVENT REPORT >

MCEE 2019 LEAVES ITS MARK

BY LUC BOILY

T

he sixth edition of the Mécanex/ Climatex/Expolectriq/Éclairage (MCEE) “joint venture” formula marked the end of a long-standing collaboration with Place Bonaventure. The tradeshow partners have turned to the newly-renovated Palais des congrès de Montréal for the 2021 event, to be held April 7 and 8.

More than 5,000 attendees – working in one of the five fields represented by the Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating (CIPH), the Corporation of Master Pipe Mechanics of Quebec (CMMTQ), the Corporation des entreprises en traitement de l’air et du froid (CETAF) or the Corporation of Master Electricians of Quebec (CMEQ) walked the exhibition floor April 24 and 25. In addition to learning about new solutions brought to Montreal by the 400 exhibitors, visitors had the opportunity to pick from a 22-seminar pool.

Among the topics addressed, a focus on grow-ops and the mechanical challenges they present proved to be popu-

lar. Austin Shain, who was with Data Aire and Paul Pieper of Master Group, demonstrated how HVAC contractors who understand the unique requirements of this application appear to be eagerly sought by the grow-op industry.

The New Product Showcase featured more than 80 new products and technologies. The winners in each category were selected by a panel of industry experts composed of: Christelle Proulx, ing., OIQ; Marc-Olivier de Tilly, ing., ASPE; Francis Lacharité, ing., ASHRAE; Jérôme Desjardins, CMMTQ; Imed Laouini, ing., CMEQ; Antoine Rivard, ing., CETAF; and Mihai Pecingina, ing., IES. The panel awarded the 2019 New Product Competition Grand Prize – at a special VIP reception hosted by CIPH and CMMTQ Boards the day before the opening of the MCEE – to Riello’s Array Condensing Boiler, which is also the winner in the category "Hydronic heating and/or Air conditioning products."

Other winners were:

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Forced air heating and/or Ventilation and/or Conditioning components Aeroseal Duct Sealant – Aeroseal Forced air heating and/or Air conditioning products Hybrid Air/Water Heat Pump – Mitsubishi Electric (Enertrak) Hydronic heating and/or Air conditioning products Array Condensing Boiler – Riello (Services énergétiques R. L.) Hydronic heating and/or Air conditioning components Hi-Lift Chiller – Smardt (Enertrak) Water heaters (domestic water, space heating, combo) SL Series G3 Condensing Boiler – IBC Professional Prestige Combination Boiler – Rheem Canada Plumbing products and faucets ThermOne Thermostatic Mixing Valve – ALT (Ad Waters) Pipes, backflow preventers, cisterns and accessories Check-Flo Backwater Valve – Rectorseal www.mcee.ca

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MAY 2019 | HPAC

65

2019-05-13 3:41 PM

TRAINING

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES ACROSS CANADA HRAI Training

The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) offers a variety of residential and commercial courses. The Small Commercial Air System Design course builds on the Small Commercial Heat Gain & Heat Loss Calculations course. The three-day program includes how to design commercial air distribution systems for applications of up to 3 stories and 600 sq. metres per storey. Up to 2/3 of the cost of educational programs can be reimbursed under the Canada Job Grant Fund Program. For more information and scheduling opportunities, tel.

800.267.2231 ext. 237, or e-mail amantei@hrai.ca. www.hrai.ca

GPRO Fundamentals of Building Green

Canada Green Building Council is offering this four-hour course as part of its Green Professional Skills Training (GPRO) program. It teaches the basics of sustainability and provides an overview of the essential strategies and work practices that make buildings more efficient. GPRO covers the “green gap” between standard trade skills and the new awareness required to successfully implement sustainable building practices. It is the prerequisite for all GPRO trade-specific courses.

www.cagbc.org

International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA)

Under agreement with AGSHP, HRAI will be providing IGSHPA training courses for geothermal heat pump system designers and installers in Ontario. The courses are in support of the recently established GreenON Low Carbon Technologies Incentive Program requirements, using IGSHPA certified trainers. The IGSPHA Accredited Geothermal Installer course covers ground-source heat pumps systems, while IGSPHA Certified Residential Geothermal Designer course will train attendees on how to properly design a residential geothermal heat pump. For details contact Angie Mantei at 800.267.2231, ext. 237 or e-mail amantei@hrai.ca.

Dollars to $ense Energy Management Workshops

Since 1997, over 30,000 representatives of industrial, commercial and institutional (ICI) organizations have enrolled in the Dollars to $ense energy management workshops. In 2016, the material was completely remodeled and updated; it is now presented in 30 modules, which can easily be used as building blocks for organizations that have limited resources or that wish to focus on specific topics. www.cietcanada.com

Hydronics Training

The Canadian Hydronics Council (CHC) has partnered with NAIT and British Columbia Institute of Technology to provide course blocks toward CHC certification for hydronic system designers and installers. At NAIT students can register for online or paper-based learning and have nine months to complete each block. www.ciph.com

Construction Education Council

CEC’s Gold Seal Accredited Advanced Project Management course, offered in partnership with the University of Waterloo, is a four-day program focus on improving leadership, management and advanced project management skills. It is designed for experienced project managers and senior project managers. To register, contact Tania Johnston at tania@mcac.ca.

TECA Quality First Training

TECA’s Quality First training programs are developed by the industry, for the industry, setting minimum standards for the residential and light commercial heating, ventilating and cooling trade in BC. Courses provide contractors with the information they need to install equipment that operates safely and comfortably at rated efficiencies. www.teca.ca

www.hrai.ca

THE SOURCE ADVERTISERS IN THIS ISSUE

Adrian Steel...................AdrianSteel.com................................. p.11

Navien.............................navieninc.com...................................... p.7

American Standard........americanstandard.ca/professionals.. . p. 2

Powrmatic.....................directairhvac.com.............................. p.71

Arkema...........................R22retrofits.com............................... p.15

Rheem............................Ruud.com/Cooling.............................p.25

Canplas..........................EnduralInterceptor.com................... . p.47 Ford.................................ford.ca.................................................p.13 Fujitsu............................fujitsugeneral.com............................... p.4 Hardcast........................hardcast.com.............................. p.23, 59 HBX Control Systems...hbxcontrols.com.................................p.33

Ridgid.............................ridgid.com/flexshaft............................ p.9 Riobel.............................riobel.ca.............................................. p.51 Tamas Hydronic............TamasHydronic.com..........................p.35 The Whalen Company...WhalenCompany.com/Maximize......p.58

ICP..................................GoKeepRite.com................................ p.14

Thermo 2000................thermo2000.com............................... p.41

IPEX................................ipexaquarise.com...............................p.55

Thermostat

Liberty Pumps...............libertypumps.com/stormcell.............p.61

Recovery Program........hrai.ca/trp..........................................p.45

Lyncar.............................korky.com...........................................p.53

TSI...................................tsi.com/comfort.................................p.27

Master Group................master.ca............................................p.57

Watts..............................wattscanada.ca........................... p.39, 72

66

HPAC | MAY 2019

HPACMAG.COM

EVENT REPORT >

GEOTHERMAL TRANSFORMATION: NO SINGLE MAGIC BULLET

BY KERRY TURNER

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busy agenda featuring leaders in the geothermal field attracted more than 125 industry stakeholders to the Ontario Geothermal Association (OGA) 10th Anuual Conference on April 3 and 4.

Speakers included Geoff Cape, CEO of Evergreen, Andrew Bowerbank of WSP Global, Fernando Carou, City of Toronto, Jamie Hulan from NRCan and Jeff Ranson, Canada Green Building Council, among others.

A recurring theme in the speaker program was modeling geothermal systems after the utility model. In his discussion on district systems Brian Urlaub of MEP Associates Inc. noted that “it is really no different from a typical utility model.”

He reviewed design practices describing two options in detail. Option one with a central heat exchanger involves large pumps, pipes and flow. Urlaub noted that “resiliency may be a concern” with the two-pipe system, whereas the distributed heat exchanger with a one-pipe distribution system has built-in resiliency and redundancy.

With the distributed geothermal HX one-pipe system multiple pumps are housed in a vault underground resolving a recurring issue with geothermal– that is the space it requires. “Wouldn’t it be ideal if geothermal didn’t take greenspace?” mused Urlaub.

Freeing up real estate is what will open up the multi-family residential and commercial building market to geothermal according to Tim Weber, cofounder of Diverso Energy. He suggested that without the rooftop units developers can add roof spaces, which they can develop and sell. “We go to the architects because they need a so-

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Stan Reitsma was appointed as new president and chair by the OGA Board of Directors.

lution and we have it,” said Weber.

Diverso offers a third-party ownership solution whose main market is small to mid-size developers. Weber expects that with Toronto’s new rules “large developers will have to look at geo soon.”

Fernando Carou, who is with City of Toronto Environment and Energy Division, provided an update on developments with the Toronto Green Standard – A roadmap to carbon-free buildings in the city by 2030. The Toronto Green Standard Version 3 was revised to become more demanding every four years with the ultimate goal to achieve zero carbon buildings by 2030. Buildings must now be 25 per cent more energy efficient than the national code. Standard envelope and standard mechanical systems are expected to fall short of this target, forcing developers to look at alternative

technologies, including geothermal.

On the subject of rebates and incentives Carou said “You cannot rely on government incentives, that is no way to run a business. You can rely on government policy, it tends to be less fickle.” He was just one of several speakers who voiced that opinion.

Andrew Bowerbank of WSP agreed “You can’t rely on these… governments will only do things when they see things are already happening.”

Jamie Hulan, director of Equipment Division, OEE, NRCan noted that “rebates are certainly politically polarizing” and suggested that “we could come up with a list of best practices so if a jurisdiction wants to start a [incentive] program we can say ‘there is a guide.’”

Panel member Ryan Dougherty from GEO in the U.S. agreed as he recounted the “crash” of 2017. “This is the insanity of incentives and tax credits, great to have but when they get taken away…”

Moving forward Jeff Ranson of CaGBC suggested that the most important thing to do is “to create demand, consumer demand. There is no single magic bullet—sustained activity in a bunch of different areas.

“If there is no coalition of people pushing this, it is not going to happen,” asserted Ranson.

Speaker presentations are available online at https://ontariogeothermal. ca/oga-conference-2019/#speakers.

Paving the Road to 2030 and Beyond: Market transformation road map for energy efficient equipment in the building is available at www.nrcan. gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/ emmc/pdf/2018/en/18 - 00072nrcan-road-map-eng.pdf <> MAY 2019 | HPAC

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< COOLING

MEETING THE DEMAND As power-dense data centres crop up across the globe, cooling systems rise to the occasion. BY JILLIAN MORGAN

I

t is no easy task to cool power-hungry data centres. Operators rely on efficient and cost-effective cooling systems to combat climbing power densities, which can reach upwards of 50 kilowatts per rack – the physical structure used to house the servers that collect, process, store and disseminate data.

Data centre energy consumption has escalated considerably over the last decade, largely due to the rise of artificial intelligence, machine learning, 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT), to name a few. In response, HVAC manufacturers have unveiled innovative cooling systems equipped to meet the unique needs of those facilities.

For Chris Sharp, chief technology officer of Digital Realty, densification (the move to increase capacity without the added real estate) is not a matter of

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HPAC | MAY 2019

“if” but “when.”

“One of the things that’s challenging out there is that, in a lot of the workloads or architectures that are coming into the data centre today, there’s varying levels of power density demand,” he says.

In June 2018, the California-based company opened the doors to TOR1, a 711,000 square foot data centre in Vaughan, ON–its third in the Greater Toronto Area. The facility houses 23 computer rooms ranging from 8,600 to 13,000 square feet, equipped to accommodate power capacities between one and three megawatts per room.

Traditionally, power densities would sit at around four kilowatts per rack, according to Sharp. Today, that requirement has jumped to the 12- to 30-kilowatt range and higher.

“To be able to do that without stranding capital, particularly with the different types of cooling technologies that are out there, is absolutely paramount to us and to supporting our customer demand,” he says.

KEEPING IT COOL The heat emanating off high-power racks can match that of a sizeable oven or boiler, according to Mat Hery, former product manager of ADHX-35B and CDU1200 at ServerCool – a brand under Nortek Global HVAC, a subsidiary of Nortek Inc. – which are now managed by Doug Garday, principal product engineer at ServerCool.

The brand’s liquid cooling products, which include cooling distribution units and rear door heat exchangers, have been used by IBM, Fujitsu Ltd. and Lenovo Group Ltd., to name a few.

“Because they are so powerful, they give off so much heat that conventional ways of cooling these servers would be very inefficient and very costly,” Hery says. “These guys have to use liquid cooling. It’s the only way you can actually cool down a server that gives away two and a half kilowatts of heat.”

Nortek Air Solutions LLC, another subsidiary of Nortek Inc., announced in September 2018 that its StatePoint liquid cooling technology would be used HPACMAG.COM

ancing customer demand without stranding capital, particularly in supporting different power density levels, is absolutely paramount to our success.”

TAKING UP SPACE While liquid systems have gained considerable traction, a number of airbased data centre cooling technologies have emerged in recent years.

FabricAir Inc., based in Lawrenceville, GA, offers a fabric ducting system designed to distribute air more evenly at a higher velocity compared to its metal counterparts. The company’s technology has been used in server rooms across Canada.

When it comes to air-cooling, Chuck Justice, the company’s vice-president of sales and marketing, says maintaining proper temperature and distribution is essential to the longevity of the servers.

“With a fabric duct system, you’re able to deliver the temperature of the air at the right velocities throughout the entire space,” he says. “Fabric ducting has very little static pressure drop within the duct. In other words, with metal duct work you have obstructions in the system… which create added energy that’s used to overcome those drops in pressure differential.”

The reduced static pressure in the

PHOTO COURTESY FABRICAIR

in Facebook’s first data centre in Asia.

The system, jointly developed with Facebook engineers, uses a liquid-toair exchanger in which water evaporates through a membrane separation layer to cool the data centre.

“You can change about four times more heat with water than with air,” Hery says. “In a sense, your facility is just going to be four times smaller and four times more dense and four times more compact, so you save on real estate, you save on [cooling] costs, you save on energy efficiency.”

For Sharp, maintaining cool temperatures in energy-intensive data centres demands a fresh approach.

“As we progress forward with the densification of power, you’re reaching the end of air-based cooling and we’re really starting to pick up into that liquid cooling technology,” he says.

Digital Realty’s facilities support inrow liquid cooling and rear door heat exchangers, which Sharp says allows the company to not only facilitate existing work loads but also “easily flex into the more power-dense requirements.”

“This is something that’s core to every data centre operator… finding that right balance,” he adds. “The mechanical and cooling infrastructure represents the majority of the expenditure… So bal-

In a telecommunications company data centre, FabricAir’s ducting system, at 16-in. in diameter, disperses cooling from a ceiling and floor level spiral metal duct supply airdrops. The ceiling duct and floor duct have a linear, lengthwise dispersion pattern of small orifices at 3 o’clock and 1 o’clock, respectively.

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fabric ducting means the air is delivered with less energy, according to Justice. Though, he says the system also offers other benefits, namely installation flexibility.

“You’re not just sharing that space with ductwork,” he says. “One of the biggest challenges is being able to get a system that’s able to navigate through that network of cables that’s up there and everything else that’s shared in the ceiling.”

Looking ahead, Justice says the future of air-cooling in data centres will shift to under floor air distribution systems.

“If you can think about an office building, above that grid on the ceiling there’s the open space–that’s where all the ductwork runs and the cabling and so forth. With a under floor system, you basically take that and [put it] underneath where the servers lie,” he says.

PULLING IT TOGETHER Data centres are not just looking to save on energy.

Building a data centre from the ground up, or retrofitting an existing building, takes time. For Sharp, taking a modular approach – in which the cooling systems are built off-site and delivered on skids – allowed Digital Realty to meet customer demand quicker.

“To meet the timelines of building that and pulling that together, the skids were a critical component for us,” Sharp says.

“I think that translated not only to the electrical but also the cooling systems.

As a contractor, you should really think about how you can help data centre builders think about modularity and the containerized elements to help them meet their timelines.”

As data centres become more ubiquitous and powerful, mechanical contractors and HVAC manufacturers will play an essential role in keeping these facilities cool.

“Data centre energy footprints are increasing every year,” Hery says. “It’s quite an energy hungry industry and our mission is to help that energy and that inefficiency be reduced.” <> MAY 2019 | HPAC

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CALENDAR 2019

FOR THE LATEST EVENT NEWS, SEE HPAC'S NEWSLETTER @ HPACMAG.COM CIPH ABC June 16-18

ASHRAE Annual Conference June 22-26

The Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating Annual Business Conference will take place at the Delta Prince Edward Hotel in Charlottetown, PEI.

The 2019 conference will take place in Kansas City, MO.

www.ashrae.org

www.ciph.com

NAPHN Annual Conference and Expo June 27-28 Themed “Build the World We Want: Implementing Low Carbon Solutions,” the North American Passive House Network event will take place at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York, NY.

www.naphnetwork.org/conference

International Congress of Refrigeration August 24-30

HRAI Annual Meeting and Conference August 25-27

The 25th annual ICR of the International Institute of Refrigeration will be held at the Montreal Convention Centre in Montreal, QC.

The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute event will hold it’s meeting at the Sheraton on the Falls Hotel in Niagara Falls, ON.

www.icr2019.org

www.hrai.ca

SUMMIT 2019 MODERN HYDRONICS SUMMIT September 19 This highly successful trade show and conference will take place at the International Centre in Mississauga, ON.

www.modernhydronicssummit.com

Canadian Hydronics Council Conference September 24-25

MCA Canada 2019 Annual National Getting to Zero National Forum Conference October 9-11 October 2-5 The global event will be held in Oakland, CA.

The conference will be held at the Ottawa Conference & Event Centre in Ottawa, ON.

The Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada will host this year’s conference in Nashville, TN.

www.ciph.com

www.gettingtozeroforum.org

www.mcac.com

The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association will hold the convention at the JW Marriott Austin in Austin, TX.

ASPE Technical Symposium October 24-27 The American Society of Plumbing Engineers symposium will be held at the Wyndham Grand Pittburgh Downtown in Pittsburgh, PA.

www.smacna.org

www.aspe.org

Greenbuild International Conference and Expo November 20-22

The Buildings Show December 4-6

Designed for the green building industry, the 2019 event will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA.

The show will once again return to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, ON.

www.thebuildingsshow.com

Building Systems Commissioning Seminar November 4-7 This seminar will be held at the NEBB Training and Education Center in Gaithersburg, MD.

www.nebb.org

2020

SMACNA Annual Convention October 20-23

CMPX 2020 March 25-27 The Canadian Mechanical and Plumbing Exposition will be held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

www.cmpxshow.com

www.greenbuildexpo.com

MCEE 2021 April 7-8

MEET 2020 May 6-7

CIPHEX West 2020 November 4-5

Industry professionals will gather at the Montreal Convention Centre, QC for the Mécanex/Climatex/Expolectriq/Éclairage (MCEE) 2021 trade show.

The 2020 Mechanical Electrical Electronic Technology Show will be held at the Moncton Coliseum, Moncton, NB.

The Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating Exhibition West will take place at the Pacific National Exhibition in Vancouver, BC.

www.meetshow.com

www.ciphexwest.ca

www.mcee.ca 70

HPAC | MAY 2019

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