HPAC May 2015

CHILLER BASICS

MEET THE WORLDSKILLS COMPETITORS

DEHUMIDIFICATION

SOLVING LEAD FREE SOLDERING WOES

WEIGHING IN FOR THE FIGHT

ALUMINUM VS STEEL BATTLE HEATS UP 21ST ANNUAL SERVICE VEHICLE REPORT

COOLING PRODUCT SHOWCASE

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TENTS

42 COOLING PRODUCT SHOWCASE 48 COOLING

CHILLER BASICS A review of applications and systems in the field.

By Dave Demma

70 MCEE 2015 SHOW WRAPUP

Showcasing winners of the New Product Competition.

72 DEHUMIDIFICATION 18

21ST ANNUAL SERVICE VEHICLE REPORT WEIGHING IN FOR THE FIGHT The aluminum versus steel battle heats up the pickup truck market, while cargo capacity remains the benchmark for big cargo vans.

By Bill Roebuck

CONSIDER THE TOTAL PICTURE Canadian ERV wheel retrofit and specification must consider RER, frosting and maintenance.

By Len Kobylus

77 OIL HEAT

CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH FOR FUEL OIL NO. 2

By Alex Di Pietro

78 PHILANTHROPY

COMMITTED TO READING Wholesaler continues Room to Read funding initiative.

24 PLUMBING

SAME OLD, SAME OLD Soldering basics still apply to lead free pipe, valves and fittings.

By Steve Goldie

By Alex Di Pietro

DEPARTMENTS 4 Upfront

6 News Feature

28 F AUCETS & FIXTURES SHOWCASE

32 VENTILATION

MULTI-PURPOSE MEANS MULTIPLE CHALLENGES Points to consider when designing industrial and commercial systems.

Looking to leave a global mark WorldSkills competitors gear up for the big event.

By Alex Di Pietro

8 Industry News 62 Mechanical Supply News 69 People 75 The Source 76 Calendar 77 Training

By Robert Bean

36 HYDRONICS

COMPLEMENTARY ELEMENTS Combining a geothermal heat pump, boiler and radiant ceiling in one system.

By John Siegenthaler HPACMAG.COM

PRODUCTS 54 HVAC/R 58 Plumbing 61 Hydronic 74 Gizmos & Gadgets

MAY 2015 | HPAC

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< UPFRONT THE POWER OF CHANGE WHEN I THINK TESLA, I THINK SPIFFY ROADSTERS OR THE ’80S BAND ORCHESTRAL MANOEUVRES IN THE DARK. Both are a far cry from the Powerwall, Tesla’s recently-announced product for the residential and small business power delivery market. Not surprisingly though, the wall-mounted, rechargeable, lithium-ion battery, which delivers seven kWh or 10 kWh, does have a sleek, futuristic look about it. You could park your Tesla Roadster in the garage next to the Powerwall and have an interesting pairing.

While even a pre-owned Roadster (one does not want to say “used” in this circumstance) might run you over $50,000, the Powerwall price to installers is $3500 for 10 kWh and $3000 for seven kWh (excluding the inverter and installation). This brings solar technology within reach of more consumers than ever before.

Add to that, the wave of younger, environmentally-conscious consumers who are far less focused on initial outlay and payback than their parents, and there is the potential for huge market penetration.

Is there an opportunity here? It is certainly worth considering whether to diversify to get in on the ground floor of a revolutionary change in power delivery. Whatever you decide, the commitment that Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Motors Inc., has made to a fossil-fuel free future is admirable.

HPAC MAGAZINE 80 Valleybrook Drive, Toronto, ON M3B 2S9 TEL: 416.442.5600 FAX: 416.510.5140 www.hpacmag.com EDITOR Kerry Turner (416) 510-5218 KTurner@hpacmag.com ASSISTANT EDITOR Alex Di Pietro (416) 510-5215 ADiPietro@hpacmag.com SALES & MARKETING Kim Rossiter (416) 510-6794 COORDINATOR KRossiter@hpacmag.com ASSOCIATE David Skene (416) 510-6884 PUBLISHER DSkene@hpacmag.com ACCOUNT Stephen Kranabetter (416) 510-6791 MANAGER skranabetter@hpacmag.com ART DIRECTOR Sandy MacIsaac (416) 442-5600, ext. 3242 SMacisaac@hpacmag.com MARKET PRODUCTION Steve Hofmann (416) 510-6757 MANAGER SHofmann@annexnewcom.ca Selina Rahaman (416) 442-5600, ext. 3528 CIRCULATION MANAGER SRahaman@annexnewcom.ca Peter Leonard (416) 510-6847 PUBLISHER PLeonard@hpacmag.com

ANNEX PUBLISHING & PRINTING INC. VICE PRESIDENT Tim Dimopoulos (416) 510-5100 tdimopoulos@annexweb.com PRESIDENT & CEO Mike Fredericks mfredericks@annexweb.com PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40069240, REGISTRATION NO. 10815

Editor

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 Contents Copyright © 2015 by Annex Publishing & Printing Inc. may not be reprinted without permission.

Canadian student from BC wins international poster contest Congratulations to Beckett Evans for winning the Grand Prize in the 2015 World Plumbing Day International Poster Contest. Beckett is the 10-year-old son of HPAC columnist Mark Evans.

His

school

will

receive $1,000 US and he will receive $100 from the World

Plumbing

Council,

organizers of the contest.

Well done Beckett!

The contest, which has been

running

for

three

years, is open to students in grades 1 through 5.

Students must include the words March 11 and World Plumbing Day on the poster. www.worldplumbingday.org

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HPAC | MAY 2015

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

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HPACMAG.COM

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Looking to leave a global mark

Appearance at WorldSkills is a long-time coming for young tradesmen.

News Feature by Alex Di Pietro

A

Bettez may not have had a comprehensive strategy in place at the time, but one thing’s for sure: the 22-year-old won’t be holding back.

“I like pushing myself to my own limits, and that’s what I’m going to do,” he said.

Howe, on the other hand, sort of fell into plumbing and heating. Once set on building a career in cabinetmaking, the Monarch, AB native is of the philosophy that quality is important in all fields and will bring that mindset to Brazil.

“It’s a good career opportunity, but more importantly, it allows me to express that I’m a perfectionist,” he said of the competition.

And similar to Bettez, Howe emphasized that character will go a long way in getting aspiring tradespeople to the global event.

“You’ve got to care about what you’re doing,” he said. “And once you’ve learned the skills, to apply them in the appropriate settings.”

Certainly, Howe has thought about how he will tackle the competition, noting that he identifies copper bending as his strong point. Furthermore, he considers math to be a key for success in plumbing, which is why he will be getting all of his measurements done before cutting any pipe.

“A lot of people just hold up the two fittings and measure in between them. But I think that you have a lot of measurements in the drawings,” he said. “I think if you do all of the math beforehand, you can cut more accurately and end up with a more accurate project in the end.”

Carson Gustafson, of Lloydminster, SK, will have his priorities in order for the Mechanical CAD category of this summer’s WorldSkills Competition.

6

HPAC | MAY 2015

Photo: Compétences Québec

Photo: Skills Canada Saskatchewan

trio of Canadians will compete in the events of refrigeration and air conditioning, plumbing and heating, and mechanical engineering design at this summer’s WorldSkills Competition in Brazil.

Marc-Antoine Bettez, Ken Howe and Carson Gustafson were named to the 29-member Canadian team in March. The WorldSkills Competition is an opportunity for tradespeople who are less than 23 years old to showcase their talents in front of 200 000 spectators at the international level.

While winning gold in their respective categories at nationals is still fresh in their minds, all of the competitors have spent ample time building toward their most recent successes.

For Bettez, a technician out of Hébertville, QC, an aptitude for refrigeration and air conditioning runs in the family.

“It was really my dad who inspired me to take up refrigeration,” he said in a March interview with HPAC. “When I was young, I used to go with him on calls for service. … He went into work and really loved his job – and that’s how I wanted to be. I wanted to love my job even after 30 years.”

Currently working for Réfrigération Nordic in Alma, QC, Bettez’s passion is not just important for him to thoroughly enjoy his job. It is also the foundation for why he believes he has made it to the world stage.

“It takes a lot of determination and you really have to want it,” Bettez said. “You really have to be motivated and want to do it for yourself and nobody else.”

Refrigeration technician Marc-Antoine Bettez, who is based out of Hébertville, QC, plans to get his hands dirty in Brazil.

HPACMAG.COM

Photo: Skills Canada Alberta

A chance at WorldSkills may be the most distinguished achievement Howe has amassed to date, though he is by no means new to high-level skills competitions. Having been interested in the skilled trades since Grade 10, he once collected a bronze medal at the Skills Canada National Competition before earning gold last summer in Toronto.

The former Calvin Christian School student has received numerous job offers thanks to his exposure at events. But aside from the potential job opportunities or pride that comes with competing at WorldSkills, Howe is treating the event as a life experience.

“At the end of the day, it’s not all about winning,” he said.

“It’s definitely about making friends, meeting people and learning new techniques. … It’s not all about the competition. It’s about furthering your education as well.”

Like Howe, the journey to the WorldSkills Competition started back in high school for Carson Gustafson, a native of Lloydminster, SK. He dabbled in machining and welding, but Gustafson pretty much found his calling after his teacher asked him to try mechanical engineering design in Grade 11.

“I’m extremely excited,” said the young tradesman, who is now working for Integra Engineering Ltd. in his hometown.

“This is what I’ve been working on for a number of years now, and I never thought it would actually happen, but it has and I’m very excited.”

Gustafson also feels very fortunate to have gone to a comprehensive school that offered students the chance to try a number of different trades. As someone in a lesser-known area such as mechanical CAD, Gustafson routinely ran into many young people who were not really aware of the career options that existed.

“If you go down the list of all of the competitions under WorldSkills or Skills Canada, you see so many things that you could have gone into,” he said. “But if your school didn’t provide it, then how are you going to know about it?” On that HPACMAG.COM

Photo: Compétences Québec

Monarch, AB native Ken Howe takes his measurements during the plumbing and heating competition at the national competition in 2014. He will be sticking to that strategy at WorldSkills.

Marc-Antoine Bettez dons a Quebec flag during a ceremony at the Skills Canada National Competition. Beyond province and country, Bettez will try to make his dad proud in the duo’s field of refrigeration.

note, Gustafson did manage to give a thorough explanation about what he does and what will be expected of him at the competition.

“I’ve been really trying to get a good explanation down, because no one really knows what I do,” he said with a chuckle.

“We are the engineering technologists that develop drawings.

Years ago, they used to be done by hand and done by pencil and paper with T-squares and drafting tables. Nowadays, and this competition is focused on it, we use advanced (computer) programs such as Autodesk Inventor to create actual scaled 3-D models of whatever product it is we’re designing.”

With respect to the competition, Gustafson said his strategy for Worlds is going to be time management.

“I don’t know if it’s the same for all of them, but my category is designed in such a way that you can’t actually finish it all in the time that they give you,” he said. “If you were to actually take this test on your own and sit down, it would probably take you a couple of hours longer than the time they give you, so you have to prioritize.”

Whether sporting similar or differing strategies, the three young men will be at Sao Paulo’s Anhembi Park for the 43rd WorldSkills Competition from August 11 to 16, welcoming a chance they have been eyeing for years. www.skillscanada.com Industry News, see p8 MAY 2015 | HPAC

7

INDUSTRY NEWS

SEE THE LATEST HPAC E-NEWSLETTER @ HPACMAG.COM

HUGE UTILITY SAVINGS EXPECTED FOR TWO ATLANTIC PROVINCES Utilities in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick are expecting to save big with the launch of a 12-month pilot project.

NB Power and NS Power plan on joining their generation fleets using the current tie-line capacity with no additional investment in an effort to collectively reduce costs by up to $20 million per year.

The project, which began early testing in January, builds on the utilities’ previous reserve-sharing agreement that made back-up generation a shared responsibility.

The $20-million figure is dependent on weather, fuel costs and other factors, and is based on the timeframe of 2015 to 2022.

Days after the inter-provincial agreement, New Brunswick announced an internal merger between Efficiency NB and NB Power in a bid to lower energy consumption and costs. www.nbpower.com www.nspower.ca

FIRST CANADIAN TEAM TO MAKE MCAA FINALS TAKES HOME THE WIN

based on: overall quality of the oral presentation; feasibility of project management, organization and schedule; accuracy and completeness of project costs; and answers to the judges’ questions. Each finalist team had 20 minutes to convince the judges that they were best qualified to perform the proposed work on the project. Each team’s standing was determined based on a combination of oral and written scores.

The competition project, hosted by John Powell of Lawson Mechanical Contractors (San Leandro, CA), involved the construction of the 34 000 sq.-ft. Segundo Student Services Center (SSC) on the campus of the University of California, in Davis, CA and the demolition of the building it replaced.

The university was seeking a design that utilized the most efficient use of energy and other sustainable features such as passive solar heating.

MCAA received 24 written submissions from schools across the U.S. and Canada during the initial phase of the competition. Only four teams moved on to the finals.

For more information about the competition and the MCAA student chapter program, please contact Ann Mattheis at amattheis@mcaa.org.

OCOT WORKS WITH CIPH/CHC TO RECTIFY COMPLIANCE ISSUES

The team from McMaster University in Hamilton, ON, (in matching shirts) received top honours for their efforts in the Mechanical Contractors Association of America’s (MCAA) 2014-2015 Student Chapter Competition. MCAA president Chuck Fell (second from left) and career development committee chairman Troy Aichele (second from right) presented the award during the March 11 Annual Awards of Excellence Breakfast at the association’s annual convention in Wailea, Maui, HI.

The team from McMaster University in Hamilton, ON, received top honours for its efforts in the Mechanical Contractors Association of America’s (MCAA) 2014-2015 Student Chapter Competition. This marks the first time a Canadian team has made the finals of this competition, and the first win by a Canadian team. The winners were announced during the association’s annual convention, which was held March 8 to 12 in Wailea, Maui, HI. The runner-up team was from the University of Washington in Seattle, WA. The other runners-up were from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO and Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, MA. Oral presentations by the four finalists were evaluated 8

HPAC | MAY 2015

The Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating (CIPH) held its second Industry Forum in March to further address the challenges faced by hydronics installers as a result of compliance requirements set by the Ontario College of Trades (OCOT). David Tsubouchi, registrar and CEO, OCOT and Bob Onyschuk, director, compliance and enforcement division, OCOT, were on hand to explain the College’s position and to update attendees on discussions with the Canadian Hydronics Council (CHC) and CIPH.

Left: Bob Onyschuk explains the OCOT position on hydronics.

Right: Contractor Craig Stewart shares his perspective on the College.

“We are really here to try to find solutions,” said Tsubouchi.

“We do not enrich ourselves with fines so we work to find ways to compliance. Sometimes things go awry out in the field. It is important that you contact us if you have issues. We are after HPACMAG.COM

the underground economy, not the legitimate businesses.”

The question of who should be doing hydronics was at the crux of the meeting. “How do we reconcile your hydronics with the crossover?” asked Onyschuk. “Who should be doing the work? We have been woking with CIPH and have kind of put a hold on your sites.”

CIPH Ontario Region hydronics committee member Craig Stewart of Garthside Limited in Penetanguishene, ON, offered some perspective into what contractors are experiencing and their concerns.

“OCOT was initially scary – it has tapered off – it is working,” said Stewart. “I am definitely a supporter of OCOT. We need enforcement for the trunk slammers.”

Stewart noted that “the ratios being a little higher would help the smaller employer. I don’t have a licensed plumber on staff.

Most of the installers are heaters, not plumbers.” Whatever the designation, the lack of consistent training or certification for residential hydronics installers came up repeatedly.

“For the longest time, we had systems installed by people who were not trained,” said Mike Miller, CHC chair and HPAC contributor. “The code [B214] is only one way to hold people accountable. Our challenge is that to this point, no one really holds people to the training.”

“The training is old school. Is there anything being done to change that?” asked Nick Pellegrino of Thermo 2000.

Onyschuk responded by saying that training would be addressed at the OCOT trade board level. “Who better to tell us how to train?” noted Onyschuk. “How do we make sure that the apprentice coming out is trained to today, not yesterday?”

Ralph Suppa received an enthusiastic response to his suggestion that a task force be established comprised of representatives from the manufacturing, distribution, installation and design sectors. The task force would work to find solutions with OCOT. www.ciph.com www.collegeoftrades.ca

OBPA MEETS GOALS, PREPARES TO FOLD While the Ontario Backflow Prevention Association (OBPA) is dissolving due to a declining membership, president Cameron Gray takes both positives and negatives away from the decision.

“My opinion is that it is a bit of both,” he said. “Since the late ’90s, we have seen such an uptick in municipalities that are essentially creating programs and instituting bylaws with regards continued on p10

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9

< INDUSTRY NEWS

continued from p9

to backflow prevention, where back then, there were very few if any at all.”

Formed in 1997, the OBPA was designed to create a centralized space for technical information regarding backflow prevention. It also aimed to generate a dialogue around backflow prevention among municipalities.

Gray could not give specific numbers about the OBPA’s fluctuating membership, though he remarked that the association had lost about twothirds of its base between the peak time and last year. In early 2014, it was apparent that the executive board was going to resign and that a new team would be needed to keep the non-profit viable.

Another contributing factor to the dissolution, according to Gray, is that most of the information surrounding backflow has been revealed and that there is not much left to discover. www.obpaonline.com

FIRST JOINT NATIONAL STANDARD SET FOR PLUMBING AND HEATING A joint national standard between the U.S. and Canada has been reached for balloon-type ball backwater valves.

“We are delighted to work with ULC Standards in our efforts to develop processes that will reduce trade barriers between jurisdictions through the alignment of North American standards, while maintaining the health and safety of homeowners,” Ralph

Suppa, president and general manager of CIPH, said in a release.

The automated balloon-type backwater valves detect sewer backups to prevent damage resulting from basement flooding. The valves combine three elements: a micro-electric water sensor; a pneumatic bladder device to seal a sanitary line; and a control panel.

In addition, the standard allows for a retrofit device to be installed in the existing sanitary waste piping, negating concrete-floor excavation. www.scc.ca

NRCAN RELEASES NEW ENERGY STAR SCORES Natural Resources Canada released a new Canadian 1-100 ENERGY STAR score for supermarkets and food stores on March 25. The new score provides metrics specifically created for supermarkets and food stores in Canada that will enable users to quickly understand how their buildings are performing relative to similar buildings nationwide.

NRCan also offered a series of webinars in order to support the launch of continued on p12

SIX SESSIONS PLANNED FOR CLEANERHEAT 2015 The 2015 CleanerHeat Symposium is being held at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel on June 17 and 18.

Following COHA’s fifth annual golf tournament, which is planned to happen prior to registration on June 16 at Glen Arbour Golf Course, six sessions top this year’s program activities.

Session speakers include: Sylvain Villeneuve, co-founder and owner of Vilco Ltd. and Superior Tanks Ltd.; Bill Fligg, president of Petro Buster Inc.; Matthew Gardner, associate lawyer at Wilms and Shier Environmental Lawyers LLP; Paul Rew, president and environmental engineer at Rubicon Environmental Inc.; Crane Stookey, a tall ship officer; Paul Seager, principal at HH Angus and Associates Ltd.; Stephen Koch, president of the Canadian Oil Heat Association; Michael Lio, president of BuildABILITY Corporation; and Don Huff, president of Environmental Communications Options.

Exhibit displays, a Q and A session and COHA’s annual general meeting are also planned for the event. Registration has opened for the symposium. www.cleanerheat.ca

SEE THESE HEAT EMITTERS Hydronic Heating Technologies Jaga • Smith’s • Myson September 10

Turn to page 41 for full details

www.modernhydronicssummit.com 10

HPAC | MAY 2015

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continued from p10

the new 1-100 ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager and/or benchmarking. The webinars taught participants how to use the basic functions of the tool, with a particular focus on energy benchmarking for supermarkets, convenience stores and other Canadian food retail establishments. www.nrcan.gc.ca

CONTRACTORS JOIN DISCUSSION OF TOP INDUSTRY CONCERNS AT HRAI PRODUCT SECTION MEETINGS The social dynamic for HRAI’s product section meetings was a bit different this year. Of the 89 attendees at the event held April 16 in Mississauga, ON, 17 were contractors. In past years, the meetRefrigeration section chair Dennis ings have been tarKozina (l) of Emerson Climate Technologies with HRAI president geted at manufacturers Warren Heeley at the annual product and wholesalers. section meeting.

Brain trainer and educator Brian Thwaits opened the event, explaining how an understanding of educational psychology can strengthen a business’s communications strategy. Lou Ulbinas, president of Langton Mechanical Systems and Services, attended the meeting due in large part to Thwaits’s appearance.

“I get my bulletins through the HRAI because I’m a member and definitely recognized Brian Thwaits’s name and recognize he’s a great speaker. That’s why I raced down here to see him,” said the contractor, whose company is based in Hamilton, ON. Robert Hogue, an economist with RBC, next offered perspective on the direction of the Canadian economy. He touched on construction starts and completions and declining gas prices, while noting that he sees the Canadian dollar continuing to hover around in the 75- to 85-cent range.

“The potential losses to Alberta will be more than made up,” he said, suggesting that things will balance out with potential gains in Ontario during 2015-16.

Still, while he does not foresee a crash, Hogue outlined a few general risks that the public should continue to be mindful of, including a prolonged decline of oil prices, rising interest rates, household debt, slumps in the housing market and government deficits.

HRAI president Warren Heeley opened the floor for feedback in in the general session, during which the challenge of attracting, training and retaining apprentices garnered much of the focus.

“The average age of an apprentice nowadays is 28. The average age of a mechanic is 50,” said Mike Martino, of 12

HPAC | MAY 2015

Martino Contractors Ltd. in Concord, ON. “We have to go back to grassroots. We make a point to bring a couple of apprentices in each year.”

On the aspect of attracting talented apprentices, Bruce Passmore of Emco Corporation, suggested that industry members need to celebrate their work to give it value in the eyes of young people and attract them to HVAC/R and plumbing.

“One of the biggest detractors is referring to ‘trades.’ It has a negative connotation,” said Heeley. “This was feedback from someone outside the industry.”

Improving the brand and utilizing focus groups were among the other suggestions from attendees. “We have to find the right ingredients to ensure we get the message out,” added Heeley.

Raising the bar in terms of skill level and capability in the field is becoming more critical. “As we come to the maximum equipment efficiency, regulators, utilities are looking to the installation to achieve greater efficiency,” said Heeley.

“Utilities are looking at reducing load...installation as a condition for incentives.”

The implementation of a quality installation program, enforcement of standards and the phasing down of HFC consumption were also discussed before attendees split up into their respective product section meetings for heating and air conditioning, refrigeration, indoor air quality and geothermal energy.

Attendees at the refrigeration product section meeting were all in agreement that the phase out of HCFCs will create significant service and maintenance issues for suppliers and technicians, and their customers.

“The big thing is that the alternate refrigerants are high pressure or flammable,” said refrigeration product section chair, Dennis Kozina of Emerson Climate Technologies Canada.

Jim Flowers, HRAI chairman and manager of market development with Linde Canada agreed. “The mechanic will have to be trained to handle all these different products.” (For more information on next generation refrigerants and their impact on the industry see HPAC March 2015, p82) Also of concern, particularly to manufacturers, are proposed new regulations for ODSs and halocarbon alternatives as presented in Canada Gazette, Part 1 on March 12, 2015.

The changes to Ozone-depleting Substances and Halocarbon Alternatives Regulations are to reflect commitments made at the 19th meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol in September 2007 to accelerate the phase out of the consumption of HCFCs and to introduce controls on the production of HCFCs. Heeley noted that the comment period is 75 days. A backgrounder, the proposed regulation and information regarding the comment process can be seen at: http://gazette. gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2015/2015-03-21/html/reg1-eng.php. continued on p14 HPACMAG.COM

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LATE PAYMENTS IMPACT THE ECONOMY: NTCCC

At the concurrent geothermal meeting, participants in that sector agreed that it was time for a national organization to be formed. “We’ll be putting together an agenda and calling a meeting...to form a direction,” said Tom Boutette, president and CEO of B&B Trade Distribution Centre.

HRAI director of programs and relations Martin Luymes added that the long-term goal is to create an organization so that discussion can be more about developments affecting the industry instead of deciding what said organization would look like. www.hrai.ca

Almost 200 000 people attended ISH 2015 in Germany. Shown here is an overview of the exhibition hall holding air conditioning, cooling and ventilation technology.

A new exhibitor record was set and almost 200 000 people visited ISH 2015 in Frankfurt, Germany from March 10 to 14.

More than 2450 manufacturers launched their products to market at the world’s largest trade fair for bathroom design, energy-efficient heating and air conditioning technology, and renewable energies.

As well, a total of 198 000 visitors entered the Fair and Exhibition Centre, about a five per cent increase over 2013.

Sixty-one per cent of exhibitors and 37 per cent of visitors came from outside of Germany, furthering the event’s status as an international meeting place for the sector. The 2017 show will be held March 14 to 18. www.ish.messefrankfurt.com

TORONTO-BASED CPL BECOMES FIRST CURAFLO-AUTHORIZED DEALER Toronto-based CPL Technologies Ltd. is the first authorized provider of CuraFlo pipe restoration services in Ontario, following the completion of a recent dealership agreement.

CuraFlo, which operates out of Mesa, AZ, provides pipe and restoration services for multi-tenant buildings and other commercial and institutional structures. Before the agreement, the company’s services were available through CuraFlo of British Columbia Ltd. and primarily served western Canadian clients. www.curaflo.com www.cpltech.com 14

HPAC | MAY 2015

Photo: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH/Petra Welzel

ISH 2015 HOSTS RECORD NUMBER OF EXHIBITORS

The National Trade Contractors Coalition of Canada (NTCCC) Prompt Payment Summit on April 8 in Ottawa, ON highlighted initiatives meant to further progress in adopting prompt-payment legislation at the federal and provincial levels. The summit also focused on strategies to engage other concerned stakeholders who operate regionally and at the federal level.

“The lion’s share of construction in Canada is done by trade contractors and the money is supposed to trickle down from the top,” NTCCC director John Blair said in a release.

Trade contractors are concerned that late payments from general contractors result in cash-flow issues that discourage hiring, investment in capital and even bankruptcy – leading to fewer contractors bidding on projects and limiting apprenticeship opportunities.

According to the coalition, 49 of 50 states in the U.S. have adopted prompt payment legislation. Globally, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand have also enacted these laws. Most recently, the European Union has adopted a Prompt Payment directive which all of its member states are required to translate into domestic law.

Canada is the clear outlier. www.ntccc.ca

NEW ALBERTA BUILDING, FIRE AND ENERGY CODES ADOPTED The 2014 editions of the Alberta Building Code and the Alberta Fire Code based on the 2010 National Building and Fire Codes were adopted at the end of February 2015 by provincial regulation. Also adopted by regulation is the National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB) 2011 edition.

Key changes to the codes include: • A new building class known as “B3” to address the demand for a more flexible range of care accommodation for an aging population.

• New provisions to allow for the construction and fire protection during construction of six-storey wood buildings entirely based on the national code requirements for the upcoming 2015 national building and fire code editions.

• New building protection against radon gas.

• Energy efficiency requirements for housing and small buildings under section 9.36 of the Alberta Building Code.

Each code has a “coming-into-force” date, corresponding to when the codes will apply or may be used in Alberta.

There is also a six-month transition period for each code, except in the case of the Alberta Fire Code, which does not require a transition period.

The Alberta Building Code 2014 and Alberta Fire Code 2014 came into force on May 1 of this year, while the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2011 and continued on p16 HPACMAG.COM

proven performance “Genetron Performax LT is the refrigerant that most closely resembles R-22, so it makes for a fairly pain-free retrofit process.” ®

Charlie Lowe Director of Refrigeration/HVAC/Lighting/Food Equipment Services, K-VA-T Food Stores, Inc.

Genetron Performax® LT (R-407F) “Makes Sense” for New Supermarkets.

In summer 2013, Lowe and his team set up a product comparison with R-407F in a brand new store that was designed to run R-407A. Lowe controlled for operating conditions such as humidity and ambient temperature, and ran the two products with three parallel refrigerant racks to compare energy performance. “We monitored all the systems, including condensers. In some cases, R-407F allows a compressor to Refillable cylinders available in Canada.

cycle off, which saves energy,” according to Lowe. “The energy savings ranged from 1.22% on one rack to a high of 8.3% on another. The store

as a whole averaged 3.8% lower energy usage with Performax LT vs. R-407A. The payback is short enough to justify using R-407F over R-407A.” Other Genetron Performax LT features include industry-leading capacity and lower global warming potential compared to other R-22 alternatives for refrigeration.

Canadian Refillable Cylinders Available

To learn more about Honeywell Genetron Performax LT, visit www.honeywell-refrigerants.com. or call 1-800-631-8138

© 2015 Honeywell International Inc. All rights reserved.

Read the case study

< INDUSTRY NEWS

continued from p14

energy-efficiency requirements under Section 9.36 of the Alberta Building Code come into force on November 1, 2015 and May 1, 2016, respectively. www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca

CGC MOVES TO NEW LOCATION The Canadian GeoExchange Coalition (CGC) changed locations this past March. Originally near Parc Lafontaine, the association now operates out of 442 St. Gabriel St., Suite 100 in Old Montreal. Note that the association’s phone number remains 514.807.7559. www.geo-exchange.ca

ONTARIO’S MINIMUM WAGE GOING UP The general minimum wage, including rates for jobs in special categories, will be $11.25 per hour in Ontario starting next October. The 25-cent increase comes after the province amended the Employment Standards Act and enacted legislation last fall to tie minimum wage with Ontario’s Consumer Price Index (CPI). As such, increases are to be announced on April 1 and take effect on October 1 of each year. Since 2003, there have been nine minimum-wage increases. www.labour.gov.on.ca

EVENTS >> CIPH is holding its annual business conference from June 14 to 16, 2015 at La Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City, QC. Themed “Innovation-Integration-Motivation,” ABC 2015 will include speakers from Mendel Tours, Ipsos Reid and 4th Generation Systems. www.ciph.com >> HRAI’s 47th Annual Meeting and Conference is taking place from August 26 to 29, 2015 at Caesars Windsor Hotel and Casino in Windsor, ON. www.hrai.ca >> Sustainable Buildings Canada is hosting the Green Building Festival at Daniels Spectrum on October 1, 2015 in Toronto, ON. www.sbcanada.org >> Note that the date and location for RSES Canada have changed. Originally slated for Calgary, AB in May, the event will now take place in Toronto, ON on November 4 and 5. www.rsescanada.com >> The Mechanical Contractors Association (MCA) Canada is holding its 74th Annual National Conference at the Omni Ranchos Las Palmas Resort & Spa in Palm Springs, CA from November 16 to 19, 2015. http://mcac.ca <>

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HPAC | MAY 2015

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< SERVICE VEHICLE REPORT

WEIGHING IN FOR THE FIGHT

The aluminum versus steel battle heats up the pickup truck market, while cargo capacity remains the benchmark for big cargo vans. BY BILL ROEBUCK

I

t is an exciting year for new developments in both fullsize pickup trucks and cargo vans. Both General Motors and Ford have come out with lighter-weight aluminum body parts, with Ford going all the way into it with its 2015 F-150. In this fight, nothing will change the weight class from heavyweight to welterweight, but a lighter weigh-in thanks to the use of aluminum versus steel generally means better fuel economy in a category known for gas guzzlers.

Also noteworthy: Nissan is taking the light-duty pickup game more seriously with its all-new 2016 Titan, to be available later this year with a Cummins turbodiesel engine. That kind of engine cachet under the hood, along with a completely redesigned truck, could mean the Titan may be added to a lot of buyers’ short lists this year.

Meanwhile, the full-size cargo van line up has expanded. We now have the Dodge ProMaster and the Ford Connect to compete with market leader, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Also playing in this field is the Nissan NV Cargo.

CARGO VANS RAM PROMASTER The Ram ProMaster cargo van, based on the Fiat Ducato, was new in Canada last year, but the vehicle it is based on has been tooling around Europe for more than three decades. That means it has a lot of history under the Fiat nameplate. Taking direct aim at the Sprinter, this built-in-Mexico van is offered in 1500, 2500 and 3500 versions in three wheelbase lengths and in low- and high-roof models.

The ProMaster is a front-wheel-drive van (the only one in this classification, which allowed a reduced overall weight, increased payload and cargo capacity, and a lower step-in height). Maximum towing capacity is 5100 lb. and maximum payload is 4400 lb. Cargo capacity ranges up to 462.9 cu. ft. in the largest model.

This van has a jobsite-friendly turning circle of just 36 ft. (quite impressive compared to competitors that range from

42.9 to 47.6 ft.) and includes electronic stability control with brake assist, hill start assist, trailer sway control and allspeed traction control on all models.

MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER CARGO It was the Sprinter that launched the tall cargo van concept in North America. It was first built for Europe in 1995 and came to North America in 2001. Canadian models are manufactured in Düsseldorf, Germany.

The rear-wheel-drive Sprinter Cargo is offered in 2500 and 3500 models, with three roof heights, two wheelbase lengths, and three cargo bed lengths. It has a maximum cargo capacity of 586 cu. ft. and a maximum payload of 5508 lb., with a maximum towing rating of 5000 lb.

Its most recent major refresh was for the 2014 model. For 2015, Crosswind Assist became standard and an optional 4x4 model with low-range is now offered. In addition, each Sprinter has an Extended Service Interval of up to 30 000 km.

Two diesel engines are available. The 3.0-litre V6 engine produces 188 hp and 325 lb.-ft. of torque and is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. A 2.1-litre, inline 4 turbodiesel engine offers 161 hp and 265 lb.-ft. of torque. It is mated to a seven-speed automatic for fuel efficiency.

“

18

HPAC | MAY 2015

What the contractors are saying

General Motors is the favoured brand for trucks owned by Ermen Plumbing & Heating Ltd. in Monton, NB. The fleet includes GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado half-ton and three-quarter-ton pickups, 32 vehicles in all. Most are rear-wheel-drive and four are 4x4s. Some are as old as model year 2000.

“We like to buy lease-backs. Two-year-old ones come at a good price point,” says Derek Ermen. “We’ll get them with about 50 000 K on them.

We generally run them into the ground.” Just two of the models are diesels. “I run a diesel truck myself,” says Ermen.

Ermen’s business is focused on service and construction, both commercial and home, including renovations and new construction.

The trucks tend to last because the company’s suppliers are all within a five-minute drive, and 95 per cent of its customers are within a 10-minute drive.

HPACMAG.COM

FORD TRANSIT

All three vans are available with a Standard Roof, while the High Roof is offered in the NV2500 HD and NV3500 HD models. New for 2015 is an updated NissanConnect system with navigation and mobile apps and 5.8-in. touch-screen display, Nissan Voice Recognition for audio and navigation, and a hands-free Text Messaging Assistant. As well, Nissan recently extended its basic limited and powertrain warranties to five years or 160 000 km.

The upfitter-friendly NV Cargo has up to 10 exterior roof rack mounting points and 57 integrated reinforced interior cargo mounting points, as well as pre-wiring for electrical needs.

All-new for 2015, the Ford Transit also comes to Canada from Europe. The Transit nameplate has been in the market since 1953, with more than seven million of the cargo vans on the road, mainly throughout Europe, and in Asia and Australia. The current model, built in Missouri for North American markets, is the fifth generation of the Transit.

The cargo van version is offered in three body lengths, two wheelbases and three roof heights. Cargo volumes range from 246.7 cu. ft. to 487.3 cu. ft. This rear-wheel drive van offers a maximum towing capacity of 7500 lb. and a maximum payload of 4650 lb.

Both gasoline and diesel engines are offered. The standard engine is a 275-hp, 3.7-litre V6 engine that produces 260 lb.-ft. of torque. Also available is a 310-hp, 3.5-litre V6 EcoBoost turbo that generates 400 lb.-ft. of torque, and a 3.2-litre five-cylinder Power Stroke turbo diesel with 185 hp and 350 lb.-ft. of torque. All engines are mated to a six-speed automatic that lets you pull the shift lever into M for manual mode and use a toggle switch to select the gear desired.

GENERAL MOTORS

NISSAN NV CARGO If you are used to driving a pickup truck, then the Nissan NV might appeal, as its cab and front-end design are made to seem similar to a pickup format.

The 2015 Nissan NV Cargo is offered in three models, the V6-equipped NV1500; the NV2500 HD, which is available with a 4.0-litre V6 offering 261 hp and 281 lb.-ft. of torque, or a 5.6-litre V8 engine with 317 hp and 385 lb.-ft. of torque. The NV3500 HD gets the V8 engine.

Both engines have a five-speed automatic transmission.

Maximum payload is 3858 lb., and maximum towing capacity is 7000 lb. for the V6 and 9500 lb. for the V8. Cargo volume is 234.1 cu. ft. in the Standard height model, and 323.1 cu. ft. in the High Roof version.

GM’s near-twins, the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana offer many up-to-date options like navigation radio, Bluetooth technology, a rear vision camera, rear park assist and mobile Wi-Fi, which turn the trucks into a mobile hotspot. New for 2015 are an optional digital AM/FM radio with USB and an auxiliary port, a standard 110-V power outlet, and three roofmounted LED lights in the cargo area.

A wide range of configurations in 2500 and 3500 versions (the 1500 model was dropped last year) is available and includes two wheelbase lengths, a six-speed automatic transmission, a payload ranging up to 4145 lb, and a trailer tow rating of up to 10 000 lb.

Engine options include a 4.8-litre V8 and a 6.0-litre V8.

The V8 features a fast-idle option that makes it easier to run accessories at a work site. A 6.6-litre turbodiesel V8 is available.

“

HPACMAG.COM

Continued on p20

What the contractors are saying

Four cargo vans and a couple of extended-cab pickups are the mainstay of the fleet for Dual Mechanical Ltd., Surrey, BC. Dual specializes in commercial and industrial mechanical work.

“We prefer to buy our vehicles,” says the company’s owner, Jason Collett. The vans and the pickups are GMC and Chevrolet models, ranging in age from 2010 to 2013 models.

“We find them to be pretty decent,” he says. “We’ll drive them as long as we can.” The last van they had to replace had 400 000km.

MAY 2015 | HPAC

19

< SERVICE VEHICLE REPORT LIGHT-DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS NISSAN TITAN

Continued from p19

“ ” What the contractors are saying

"We're selling our fleet," says Don Grundy of Arpi's North Inc., Edmonton, which currently has about 30 company-owned vehicles.

“We’re going to have our guys get their own trucks.” Arpi’s will pay an allowance to the drivers instead. The management discussed all available options, and Grundy says he expects this will give the mechanical/HVAC construction contractor a better idea of its vehicle costs.

FORD F-SERIES

For 2015, Nissan’s Titan full-size half-ton pickup is available in King Cab and Crew Cab body styles in a 4x4 configuration, along with two wheelbases and three bed lengths. Unique features are Wide-Open rear doors in the King Cab that open nearly 180 degrees, and an integrated, lockable bedside storage compartment.

The truck continues with an all-aluminum 5.6-litre V8 engine. Its five-speed automatic transmission was designed especially for heavy-duty truck use. Towing capacity ranges up to 9500 lb. and payload is up to one ton.

The big news from Nissan is its 2016 Titan full-size pickup, to be available “late 2015.” One of the new models, the Titan XD, is designed to stake out a unique position between traditional heavy-duty and light-duty pickups.

The XD gets a Cummins 5.0-litre V8 turbodiesel engine.

With heavy-duty-like capabilities such as a maximum towing capacity of more than 12 000 lb. and a maximum payload capacity of 2000 lb., Nissan says the XD also will have the fuelefficiency and affordability of a half-ton pickup. The engine is mated to a heavy-duty six-speed automatic.

The 2016 Titan will be available in three cab configurations, two frame sizes, three powertrain offerings (including 4x2 and 4x4) and five grade levels. It also will be offered with V8 and V6 gasoline engines, although details on them had not yet been revealed at press time.

Compared to the 2015 model, the new Titan’s front storage has been increased 33 per cent and rear storage 28 per cent.

The battle among light-duty pickup trucks for the 2015 model year has turned to vehicle weight as a benchmark, thanks to Ford launching its newly redesigned F-150 with a pound-reducing all-aluminum cab and cargo box (up to 700 lb. less, says Ford). The F-150 was named the 2015 Canadian Truck of the Year by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) and has been the best-selling pickup truck in Canada for the past 49 years.

Ford’s F-150s are available in rear-wheel-drive and fourwheel drive configurations, with a maximum payload of up to 3,300 lb. Ford offers four engines with the F-150: a new 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6 with 8500 lb. of maximum towing capability; a 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 with a 12 200-lb. maximum tow rating; a new 3.5-litre V6; and a 5.0-litre V8.

Ford also offers a range of Super Duty F-250 and F-350 models. They are available in 15 different versions.

Continued on p22

FULL-SIZE TOO BIG?

Almost all manufacturers produce smaller versions of their cargo vans and pickup trucks for those who want better manoeuvrability on tight jobsites and who do not need the payload and cargo capacity of the largest models.

For cargo vans, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA Canada) offers the Ram ProMaster City, as well as the minivan-style Ram Cargo Van; from Ford it is the Transit Connect; from Nissan it is the NV200 Compact Cargo; from General Motors, it is the Chevrolet Express Cargo and GMC Savana Cargo, plus the newly available Chevy City Express (built in the same factory as the Nissan NV200); and later this year, we will see the new-to-Canada Metris van from Mercedes-Benz.

With midsize pickup trucks, the choice includes the GMC Canyon/Chevrolet Colorado (redesigned for 2015), Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma (a redesigned next-generation 2016 Tacoma is due out later this year). The midsize Ford Ranger was phased out in 2011; likewise, there is a hiatus on the Honda Ridgeline, although it may return in 2016.

20

HPAC | MAY 2015

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< SERVICE VEHICLE REPORT RAM TRUCK

Continued from p21

“

The Ram pickup from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles was redesigned for the 2013 model year, with a highlight being its eight-speed automatic transmission. Ram offers nine different models for its light-duty pickup, from the base ST to the Laramie Limited. Regular, Quad Cab and Crew Cab configurations are available, with three box lengths. It is available in 4x2 and 4x4 setups, and offers a maximum towing capacity of 10 650 lb. and a maximum payload of 1930 lb.

Available transmissions include a six-speed automatic or the optional eight-speed version. A 5.7-litre V8 HEMI engine is standard. Also available is a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine that has a maximum towing capacity of 7600 lb.; and a 3.0-litre Ecodiesel I4 that offers a maximum towing capacity of 9200 lb.

This pickup features the handy Rambox Cargo Management System for stowing tools and gear in the rear wheelwell area and there is new in-floor storage in the passenger compartment. Ram also offers a full line of heavy-duty versions of its pickups.

TOYOTA TUNDRA The Toyota Tundra full-size pickup was refreshed for 2014 and basically is a carry-over for 2015.

It is available in 10 models in four grades and a total of 25 configurations.

New for 2015, the TRD Off-Road model is now available as a Limited grade in both Double Cab and CrewMax configurations.

Engine options include a 4.6-litre V8 and a 5.7-litre V8, both mated to a six-speed transmission. Towing capacity ranges up to 10 800 lb. and maximum payload is 1895 lb. Choices include 4x2 or 4x4 models.

22

HPAC | MAY 2015

What the contractors are saying

Variety is the name of the game for Dawe’s Mechanical (1981) Ltd. of Grand Falls, NL, which has 30-35 technicians on staff. Its fleet consists of four Chevy Uplander front-wheel-drive vans, 10 full-size Chevy Silverado 1500 4x4 pickups, a 2010 Ford F-150 4x2 pickup, a 2014 Toyota Tundra pickup with a cargo box, a 2009 Toyota pickup, a Toyota Sienna van, a Sterling one-and-a-quarter ton truck and three cars. The older pickups range from 2006 to 2009.

“We keep them pretty well,” says assistant manager Maurice Bartlett.

“We try to keep them for seven to eight years.”

“We’ve no complaints about the Chevys or the Toyotas,” he says, but he is “interested in looking at that new tall van from Chrysler [the ProMaster] next time we need a new one. It would be good to put in a hot water tank and be able to stand it up.”

“We have a full fabrication shop here; 50 per cent of our business is commercial and the other 50 per cent is plumbing and heating. There’s not much we don’t do.” He adds that some of the vehicles are better suited to plumbers, others are better for the sheet metal guys.

GENERAL MOTORS

”

General Motors redesigned its near-twin Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 half-ton models in 2014. Improvements included a trio of new EcoTec3 engines – a V6 and two V8s. For 2015, the models offer an optional eight-speed automatic transmission that can be mated to 6.2-litre V8 models. Engine choices include a 4.3-litre V6, a 5.3-litre V8 and a 6.2-litre V8. Maximum trailering capacity is 12 000 lb. Payload capacity can be as high as 1980 lb.

Models include a crew cab, regular cab and double cab models, in seven trim levels, in 4x2 or 4x4 configurations. Work Truck models feature black bumpers, door handles and outside mirrors, and a 40/20/40-split vinyl bench seat; a highwear seat cloth is available on all trim levels. Step-in assist depressions in the corners of the rear bumper to make it easier to climb into the bed, no matter if the tailgate is up or down.

High-strength steel is used in the frames for strength with less weight. Aluminum alloys also have been used to reduce the weight of engines, front suspension components, hoods and other parts.

The 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 was named the Best New Pickup by the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) and the Chevy Silverado was named the 2014 North American Truck of the Year. Both the Sierra and Silverado are offered in Heavy Duty versions.

Bill Roebuck is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), which produces the annual Canadian Car of the Year and Utility Vehicle of the Year awards.

HPACMAG.COM

< PLUMBING

SAME OLD, SAME OLD Soldering basics still apply to lead free pipe, valves and fittings.

BY STEVE GOLDIE

S

oldering is one of the essential skills a good plumber needs to master and it is one of the things I really enjoyed doing in the years I spent on the tools. As a child I was fascinated by the “B” tank my father had as part of his tool kit. I was probably only 11 or 12 years old when he first taught me how to use it. He employed my new found skills to reclaim fittings from the scrap copper he would bring home from jobsites.

Years later, while apprenticing under my father, I remember how satisfied I felt when he finally had enough faith in my abilities to allow me to take the torch and solder all the joints on my own. Soldering a good clean joint with no leaks was something I always took pride in. When I started reading and hearing that the new lead free brass fittings were proving difficult to solder successfully, I was curious and decided to have a closer look.

WHY THIS HAS BECOME AN ISSUE Stricter safe drinking water legislation in both Canada and the U.S. led to an update of standards ASME A112.18.12012/CSA B125.1-12 and CSA B125.3-12. The allowable content of lead in fittings used in potable water systems was reduced from eight per cent to a weighted average of less than 0.25 per cent. This is why we are seeing lead free versions of everything from bronze pump bodies, to backflow preventers and all the brass fittings and such. This dramatic reduction in allowable lead content affects the chemical composition of the brasses and bronze alloys that are widely used in our industry.

24

HPAC | MAY 2015

When I started researching this article I did find quite a lot of chatter on some of the industry online chat forums regarding this issue. Some people were indeed finding the new fittings difficult or even impossible to solder without leaks.

Many theories were floated. Some blamed overheating or overly aggressive cleaning of the joints with wire brushes, while others seemed to believe that the flux was the culprit.

Flux manufacturers are capitalizing on this with the introduction of specialty “tinning” fluxes designed to make soldering these new components easier. The question is, are new materials and methods really necessary?

I asked local plumbers if they had experienced any issues.

The majority had not, although some did say the new fittings seemed to take longer to heat up. With no clear consensus emerging, I decided I had better take things into my own hands. I dusted off the old tools, grabbed a few of the new lead free fittings and some pipe, ranging from ¾ in. to 1 ¼ in. in diameter and headed off to my garage to play.

Now keep in mind it has been almost 14 years since I laid the tools down to cross over to the “dark side” and work in wholesale, but I am happy to say I still have it. The lessons my dad gave me in this same garage more than 40 years ago seem to have stuck. I had no problem whatsoever in soldering the new valves and fittings, even the ones using an old tub of solder paste that has been in that garage since I quit.

The only detail I noticed was that the newer fittings do indeed take a little bit longer to heat up. This is a result of the lower lead content, which does reduce the thermal conduccontinued on p26 HPACMAG.COM

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< PLUMBING

continued from p 24

tivity somewhat. This could lead some installers to use larger tips and possibly overheat the joints causing some of the issues of failure.

My conclusion is that the newer lead free fittings may be a bit less forgiving of what I will call operator error; they do not

Tried and true soldering ASTM International has written the standard for good soldering practice. That standard is ASTM B828- Standard Practice for Making Capillary Joints by Soldering of Copper and Copper Alloy Tube and Fittings. ASTM B828 outlines proven practices required to ensure the fabrication of consistent and repeatable high-quality soldered joints between copper and copper alloy tube, fittings and components.

The standard lists several steps that must be completed for every soldered joint: 1. Measuring and cutting.

2. Reaming (burr removal from I.D. and O.D.) 3. Cleaning (oxide removal from surfaces to be soldered) 4. Fluxing (thin even film of an approved flux applied to surfaces to be soldered) 5.

Assembly and support (ensure equal capillary space around the circumference of the joint) 6. Heating (heating of tube, fitting and capillary space to bring each joint element up to soldering temperature) 7. Application of solder (to displace flux from the joint and fill the joint with solder) 8. Cooling & cleaning (uniform natural cooling and removal of excess flux following completion of soldering process, never quick quench)

A more thorough and detailedSeptember review can be10 found at: www.copper.org/publications/pub_list/pdf/A4108NoLeadSoldering.pdf.

require any special products or methods. As long as good practice is followed: pipe and fittings are properly cleaned, the flux is properly applied and the joint is thoroughly and evenly heated, then solder is going to flow as it always has and successful joints are easily achievable. In other words, the way my dad taught me many years ago still works. Clean both the pipe and fitting and avoid touching it once it has been cleaned, apply heat to the pipe first before moving onto and around the fitting to evenly heat the joint and avoid concentrating the flame at one spot and letting the entire assembly heat up from there, as this can cause overheating in spots which can burn out the flux resulting in inferior and possibly leaky connections.

The only other detail I noticed in researching this is that as a result of the different composition, some of the newer fittings do oxidize faster than the old ones. Therefore, it is best to clean immediately before assembly and soldering. Some issues may occur if fittings are cleaned in bulk hours or even days before they are actually assembled and soldered.

If you have experienced any issues in soldering the new lead free components, it is probably a good idea to have a closer review of ASTM B828, which has been the standard for more than 50 years (see sidebar). It is tried and true and it will continue to be the standard as long as we are using copper and brass in plumbing systems. <> teve Goldie learned his trade from his father S while working as plumber in the family business. After 21 years in the field, he joined the wholesale side of the business in 2002. His expertise is frequently called on to troubleshoot systems and advise contractors. He can be reached at sgoldie@nextsupply.ca.

TurnSteve to page 41 for full details See at Modern Hydronics - Summit 2015 (for more information, see p41) on September 10.

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HPAC | MAY 2015

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FAUCETS & FIXTURES SHOWCASE Grohe’s K7 features an extractable spray head, which

Bradley Corp.’s Express ELX-Series, made

can be turned and swivelled

of solid-surface Terreon, is designed to re-

360° and used with one hand.

sist stains, burns, chemicals and impact. It

It is available in either Grohe

is available in a full line of Terreon colours

StarLight chrome (shown here)

and comes with a choice of two or three

or SuperSteel InfinityFinish.

stations, in addition to several faucet and

Each has SilkMove technology

soap options. The fixture satisfies ADA and

and the patented SpeedClean

TAS for barrier-free clearances and reach-

anti-lime system.

es for all users. www.bradleycorp.com

www.grohe.com

The Chesterfield 9481 Pot Filler from Newport Brass is available in 27 finishes. It features solid brass construction, brass valve bodies The VY16 tub-filler from Riobel’s Venty collection features a ½-in. inlet

with valve included, a quarter-turn washerless ceramic disc valve car-

male NPT, ceramic cartridge and balancing spool with check valves,

tridges, a two-valve, inlet/outlet flow control design and a double-pivot

and a one-jet hand shower. Available in chrome and coming with a

spout with aerated flow. The spout height measures 4.56 in. from the

limited lifetime warranty, its flow rate is 23 lpm at up to 60 psi. The

wall inlet centre, the pivoting spout reach is 21.19 in. from the inlet

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valve and the pivoting inlet valve offset is 3.5 in. It is for single-hole,

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wall-mounted configurations and is ADA compliant. www.newportbrass.com

28

HPAC | MAY 2015

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American Standardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no-flush Studio ActiVate toilet uses a smart sensor to flush with the wave of a hand. A button is located on the sensor to manually flush if needed. The power-off mode is designed to avoid unwanted flushes while cleaning. It features a 12-in. rough-in, consumes 4.8 lpf/1.07 gpf and is powered by four AA batteries. It is available in elongated and round front. www.americanstandard.ca

The React touch-free kitchen faucet from Pfister activates when a hand or object passes within sensor range. The temperature can be set and reset, and the faucet can still be controlled with the handle. Placing a hand in front

Delta Faucetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s freestanding tub filler features a separate handshower with a pivoting arm,

of the sensor for five seconds will activate a

ToughClean Technology, a 13/14 multi-choice universal valve cartridge and single-hole, one-

hibernate mode, which turns the sensor off

post installation design. One valve offers three function options, including a single-function

during cleaning. The faucet features a pull-

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cartridge. The tub filler requires four screws to secure the mounting plate. It is available in

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continued on p30 MAY 2015 | HPAC

29

FAUCETS & FIXTURES SHOWCASE continued from p29

Kohler’s Choreograph collection includes various decorative walls, a joint system, in-wall

The Voss Pullout Faucet from Moen comes with

and on-wall storage, and seating that comes in different styles, colours and finishes. The

reflex technology and two-function spray wand,

walls are made from the company’s Serica composite material, combining crushed stone

and uses the Moen 1255 Duralast ceramic-

and fibre reinforcement, finished with a matte aesthetic. Accent panels are optional and

disc cartridge. It has a flow rate of 5.7 litres

the walls can be trimmed infield. Joints for corners, outside edges and seams are also

per minute and is available in three finishes,

included. They come in matched solid colours and metal finishes. In-wall storage, which

including chrome, oil-rubbed bronze and Moen’s

features movable shelves, integral hooks and baskets, is available in two sizes. Removable

Spot Resist stainless. Matching Voss accesso-

floating shower shelves of on-wall storage feature soap trivets, razor- or bottle-storage

ries are also available. It comes with a limited

holes, an additional hook option and space to hang washcloths, are available in three siz-

lifetime warranty.

es. Seating includes a shower stool and 26-in., flip-down seat. www.kohler.com

www.moen.ca

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The Kindred Waste Disposer comes in seven models, ranging from ⅓ HP to 1 ¼ HP, and in both continuous and batch-feed versions.

A factory-installed power cord and in-homeservice warranty are included. www.kindred-sinkware.com

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TOTO’s F, R and S Oberon faucet designs feature metal bodies, ceramic disk mixing cartridges and single-handle The Kanvas series of hand-painted, free-standing bathtubs by

design. The WaterSense labelled faucets consume 1.5

Aquabrass is available in three paintings. The stone resin tubs come

gallons per minute. www.totousa.com

in “graffiti,” “pax” and “mosaik” exteriors. All tubs are signed by the artist Kanvas and measure 58 ½ in. by 26 ½ in. by 21 ½ in.

See the cooling product showcase, p42

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4/1/15 8:42 AM MAY 2015 | HPAC 31

< VENTILATION

Multi-purpose means multiple challenges Points to consider when designing industrial and commercial systems.

BY ROBERT BEAN

O

ne of the challenges facing designers of ventilation systems is developing appropriate application-based strategies. Clients generally have a limited understanding of occupant exposure risks and a preconceived idea of what is an acceptable budget.

This is particularly true of multi-purpose buildings containing both commercial and industrial spaces. The approach for one is not suitable for the other â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the same is true of the capital and operational cost budgets.

In commercial buildings there will be general HVAC systems of mixed (recirculated) air for heating and cooling and exhaust systems, often with heat recovery devices. Occupant density is high relative to industrial facilities and enables proxies such as CO2 levels to be used for occupancy load and ventilation control. Pollutants are not explosive and are of a lower health and safety risk. The primary concern will be for the quality of make up air and control over the release and management of internally generated pollutants from people, office systems, equipment and materials of construction. These systems are well served by using ASHRAE Standard 62.1 Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality as a reference.

In the case of industrial buildings, the designer may require general systems with or without recirculation, with or

Direct fired make up air unit. Insulated intake air in foreground, supply air in background.

32

HPAC | MAY 2015

without heat recovery, plus local and often specialized exhaust systems. Unlike commercial buildings, occupant density can be low and use of CO2 as a proxy for occupancy load and ventilation control can be misleading. Dilution air is not often recommended as a solution, particularly in spaces with hazardous compounds that could be explosive and present a higher health and safety risk. These pollutants are generated from materials, processes, operations and equipment and are industrial in nature, including toxic vapours, gases, liquids, fumes, dusts and noise, as well as heat and cold.

ASHRAE Standard 62.1 might apply to the general ventilation systems in these spaces but the designer also needs to look at threshold limit values (TLV), short- and long-term time weighted averages (TWA) of occupational exposure limits (OEL) to contaminants that may be present in the space. Due to this higher level of concern, very little flexibility in the indoor air quality systems is offered to workers in these environments. As such, greater care is required in their design.

One useful strategy employs a hybrid approach separating the thermal comfort system from the ventilation system, which enables the designer to engineer solutions that are dedicated exclusively to addressing indoor air quality.

Thermal comfort systems, such as radiant floor cooling and heating, are ideal in industrial facilities. The floor as a heat exchanger is not an explosion risk and the system does not disturb the flow of particulate and gases, as is the case with an air-based system. In addition, thermal systems promote drying of wet surfaces and enable worker comfort conditions not afforded by other options. Using radiant floors eliminates gas lines that would be required for space heaters, as well as electrical power to switches and motors that may contribute to explosion risks.

Dedicated indoor air quality systems are comprised of inspace, general purpose exhaust ducting, which is connected to externally located fans and motors. These systems extract common air from the space. Localized and specialized exhaust systems are then used to extract polluted air away from the workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; breathing zone. Such systems are found in wood working shops, welding and fabrication shops and vehicle service and maintenance bays.

Due to the characteristics of pollutants found in these types of spaces, composition, density and buoyancy are concerns. Therefore, air velocities are a big deal. Velocities can continued on p34 HPACMAG.COM

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< VENTILATION

continued from p32

vary from 1000 to 2000 fpm for some vapours, gases and smoke, to as high as 4500 fpm for heavy and moist dusts.

To relieve negative pressure created by these exhaust sys-

Localized exhaust systems from woodworking machines.

tems, make up air is frequently introduced to the space at ambient conditions using direct fired make up air units. In this equipment, a gas burner is installed directly in the incoming air stream and where the products of combustion are supplied to the building or process. Because there is no heat exchanger involved, the efficiency approaches 100 per cent discounted for the production of water vapour. Since there is no combustion exhaust, strict adherence to regulations and codes, such as ANSI Z83.4-2015/CSA 3.7-2015 - Nonrecirculating direct gas-fired industrial air heaters, is required.

These devices are not for every project but they are useful in buildings with large open spaces having high exhaust and infiltration airflows and no low-humidity control requirements.

Designers involved in these types of spaces should become familiar with the content found in the most current version of Industrial Ventilation, A Manual of Recommended Practice for Design published by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists.<> A note from Robert to HPAC readers: For those who are in the know, know that I know that there are strict definitions for pollutants, contaminant and toxicants, though I have taken executive authority to use them loosely and interchangeably in the article.

Robert Bean, who is president of Indoor Climate Consultants Inc., is a Registered Engineering Technologist in building construction through the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta and a Professional Licensee in mechanical engineering through the Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta. He has served two terms as an ASHRAE distinguished lecturer, serves on ASHRAE committees TC 6.1 (Hydronics), (Radiant), 7.4 details (Exergy) and Turn TC to6.5 page 41 forTCfull SSPC 55 (Thermal Comfort) and is a recipient of ASHRAE's Lou Flagg Award. See Robert at Modern Hydronics - Summit 2015 (for more information, see p41) on September 10.

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HPAC | MAY 2015

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< HYDRONICS

Complementary elements

Combining a geothermal heat pump, boiler and radiant ceiling in one system.

BY JOHN SIEGENTHALER

T

he popularity of geothermal heat pumps continues to grow. These days, you can read about them in just about every issue of every HVAC trade publication.

One type, known specifically as a water-to-water geothermal heat pump, is well suited for hydronic heating and cooling applications. My firm has designed several systems around such heat pumps. Many of the inquiries we now receive from potential new clients state that they are interested in combining the benefits offered by a geothermal heat pump with a hydronic delivery system.

Although it is possible to size a geothermal heat pump to provide the full design heating requirement of a house or small commercial building, there are other options. One that lends itself well to modern hydronics technology is to combine the heat pump with a boiler. This is often called a dual fuel approach and there are several benefits associated with it.

First, a dual-fuel system provides the security that one heat source can cover some or all of the load if the other heat source is down for maintenance.

Second, this approach allows the heat pump to be sized to less than the design heating load of the building. This may be necessary due to limited land area for installation of the earth loop. It may also be necessary in situations where earth loop installation costs are high.

Next, having a heat pump and boiler that can operate simultaneously allows for high heat delivery rates that can speed recovery from thermostat setbacks, as well as provide higher domestic water heating recovery rates when necessary.

Finally, in some locations, utilities offer steeply discounted time-of-use electrical energy prices during periods of low demand. These rates can significantly reduce the operating cost of a heat pump during off-peak hours, while allowing a gas-fired boiler to meet demand during “on-peak” periods when electrical rates are significantly higher. Controls can be configured to Figure 1 Low mass radiant ceiling panel top side insulation

ceiling framing

tube aluminum heat transfer plate 7/16" oriented strand board 3/4" foil-faced polyisocyanurate foam strips 1/2" drywall 2.5" drywall screws

36

HPAC | MAY 2015

operate the heat pump as the first stage of heat generation, or the only stage of heat generation, during these off-peak periods.

WATCH THOSE TEMPERATURES Most geothermal water-to-water heat pumps can only supply water at temperatures in the range of 120 to 125F without experiencing significant decreases in their coefficient of performance (COP), as well as their heating capacity. Because of this, I recommend that any hydronic distribution system supplied by a heat pump be designed so that it can provide the design heating requirement of the building using a supply water temperature no higher than 120F. This allows for good performance from the heat pump. It also allows for good performance from the mod/con boiler in a dual-fuel system.

One type of hydronic distribution system that meets this requirement is a radiant ceiling panel. When properly designed, a low mass radiant ceiling panel, such as the one shown in Figure 1, can provide an output of 28 Btu/hr/ft2 when operated at an average water temperature of only 110F. This could correspond to a supply water temperature of 120F and a return water temperature of 100F, under design load conditions.

The downward heat output of the radiant ceiling panel shown in Figure 1 can also be estimated for other operating conditions using formula 1.

q = 0.71(Tw – TR) Where: q = rate of heat output to lower side of panel (Btu/hr/ft2) Tw = average water temperature in panel (F) TR = room air temperature (F)

BOILERS DO NOT CHILL One of the major benefits of having a heat pump in the system is that it can supply chilled water for cooling. Indeed, the requirement for building cooling is often what sways the design toward a heat pump, rather than a heating-only heat source such as a boiler.

The classic approach to chilled water cooling uses one or more air handlers equipped with condensate drip pans.

These air handlers provide both sensible and latent cooling.

The condensate that forms on the air handler’s coil as a result of latent cooling falls into a drip pan under the coil and is drained away.

Figure 2 shows the piping schematic for a dual-fuel system that provides space heating using radiant ceiling panels, continued on p38 HPACMAG.COM

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< HYDRONICS

continued from p36

cooling using chilled water air handlers, and year round domestic water heating. The DHW load is sourced from both the desuperheater in the heat pump and the boiler.

During heating mode, the heat pump and mod/con boiler can supply heat to the buffer tank, individually, or together, depending on the load requirement. Given that the unit cost of heat from the heat pump is usually lower than that from the boiler, the heat pump provides first stage heat input, with the boiler taking up the slack, as necessary, to ensure that the water temperature in the tank is adequate to supply the space heating load. This is all coordinated by a two-stage outdoor reset controller, which monitors the water temperature in the tank. The warmer it is outside, the lower the necessary buffer tank temperature. This outdoor reset logic maximizes the performance of both the heat pump and boiler by only heating water to the temperature necessary to satisfy the current space heating load.

The heat pump’s desuperheater adds heat to the domestic water in the lower portion of the indirect water heater whenever the heat pump is running. The boiler provides supplemental heat to the indirect water heater when necessary.

In cooling mode operation, any heat supplied to domestic water by the desuperheater is heat that would otherwise dissipate into the earth loop. This is truly “free heat,” given the alternative of dumping those BTUs into the ground.

The distribution system consists of zoned manifold sta-

tions that supply radiant ceiling circuits. Two manifold stations are shown, but more can be added if necessary. Flow to each manifold station is allowed or prevented by a standard zone valve. The pressure-regulated circulator automatically adjusts its speed as the zone valves open and close.

The air handlers are shown “grayed out” because they do not operate in space heating mode. Figure 3 shows the same system during cooling mode operation.

The heat pump supplies chilled water to the buffer tank and to the chilled water air handlers. The piping details shown near the buffer tank allow some of the chilled water from the heat pump to go directly to the air handlers when needed. If the chilled water flow rate from the heat pump exceeds the flow rate to the air handlers, the difference in flow rates enters the buffer tank. The “short & fat” header piping that connects to the tank allows it to provide hydraulic separation between the heat pump circulator (P2), and the variable speed distribution circulator (P3).

During cooling mode, the heat pump is operated based on the chilled water temperature in the buffer tank. A typical control criteria is to operate the heat pump as necessary to maintain this temperature between 45 and 60F. This is done using a simple temperature setpoint controller.

Heat from the heat pump’s desuperheater, as well as supplemental heat from the boiler, are again routed to the indirect domestic water heater.

Figure 2 Piping schematic for a dual-fuel system (heating)

Figure 3 Piping schematic for a dual-fuel system (cooling)

continued on p40

chilled water air handler

chilled water air handler

radiant ceiling panels

radiant ceiling panels

radiant ceiling panels

radiant ceiling panels

mod/con boiler

mod/con boiler

cold! water

DHW

swing check

chilled water air handler

aquastat

swing check

cold! water

swing check

swing check

(P3)

(P5)

chilled water air handler

aquastat

DHW

(P3)

(P5) (P4)

(P4)

indirect water heater!

1-stage! setpoint controller

Comp.

2-stage! reset controller

(P2)

reversible! water-to-water! heat pump

earth loop circuits

HPAC | MAY 2015

2-stage! reset controller

(P2)

HEATING MODE

combination! isolation valve! flowmeter

reversible! water-to-water! heat pump

(P1)

buffer tank

geothermal! manifold! station w/! valves

COOLING MODE

purging! valves

purging! valves

38

buffer tank

geothermal! manifold! station w/! valves

(P1)

reversing! valve

TXV

TXV

combination! isolation valve! flowmeter

1-stage! setpoint controller

Comp.

condenser

condenser

reversing! valve

swing check

evaporator

cooling mode

swing check

evaporator

heating mode

indirect water heater!

earth loop circuits

HPACMAG.COM

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< HYDRONICS

continued from p38

Figure 4 Subassembly for radiant cooling ceiling panels

indoor air temperature relative humidity

controller

relative humidity controller!

2-10 VDC output

outdoor! temperature

motorized! mixing! valve

balancing! valve

warm/! moist ! air

dry/! cool! air

radiant cooling circuits purge valve

hydraulic separation crossover bridge piping

zone valve

(P3)

COOL CEILINGS It is also possible to use the radiant ceiling panels for cooling.

A possible subassembly for doing this is shown in Figure 4.

This subassembly could be fit into the distribution system shown in Figure 3. It splits the cooling load between the radiant ceiling panels and chilled water air handler. The objective is to satisfy as much of the sensible cooling load as possible using the radiant ceiling, and handle any remaining sensible cooling load, along with the full latent cooling load (that is moisture removal), using the air handler.

The chilled water temperature supplied to the radiant ceiling panel must be separately controlled based on the dewpoint temperature of the space the panel is cooling.

Specifically, the three-way motorized mixing valve must keep the water temperature supplied to the panel circuits not less than 3F above the room’s current dewpoint temperature.

This provides a safety margin against condensation forming on the ceiling.

The need for mixing during cooling mode operation requires another circulator to circulate water between the manifold station and mixing valve. During heating mode operation this mixing valve would be fully open (that is no flow in the bypass pipe).

The chilled water flow through the coil of the air handler is regulated by a modulating two-way valve that responds to a controller measuring relative humidity (RH) in the space being cooled. If the RH starts to rise above a target value, such as 50 per cent, chilled water flow through the coil is in40

HPAC | MAY 2015

creased, which lowers the coil’s average temperature and increases the rate of condensation.

The coil in the air handler should be specified with multiple tube rows. The “deeper” the coil, the lower the air flow rate required to provide adequate moisture removal. In some systems, primarily those used in non-residential buildings, the air flow rate is dictated by the ventilation requirements of the space.

Currently, there are not many choices for “off-the-shelf” controllers that can monitor interior dewpoint and drive three-way motorized mixing valves as described above. I for one would welcome additional controllers with such capabilities to the market. Ideally, that new controller would also be able to drive the two-way modulating valve that controls chilled water flow through the air handler.

In the meantime, the system shown in Figures 2 and 3 can be assembled from readily available hardware and controls.

Perhaps you have an upcoming project in which it can be used. <> John Siegenthaler, P.E., is a mechanical engineering graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a licensed professional engineer.

He has more than 34 years experience in designing modern hydronic heating systems. He is also an associate professor emeritus of engineering technology at Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica, NY. See John at Modern Hydronics - Summit 2015 (for more information, see p41) on September 10.

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For more information contact Kim at krossiter@hpacmag.com

www.modernhydronicssummit.com

COOLING PRODUCTS SHOWCASE Aermec’s NYB is made up of independent 28-ton modules that can be connected together for up to a 256-ton cooling capacity. Every module is an external chiller that produces chilled water with scroll compressors, axial fans, micro-channel coils and a system side-plate heat exchanger. The modularity adapts the installation to actual system-development requirements. NYB is made of two chiller circuits, the intention being that it will continue even if one is stopped. www.aermec.ca

Fujitsu’s ductless split systems offer up to 33 SEER in efficiencies and HSPF of up to 14.2. The three wall-mounted models include the 9000 BTU model (9RLS3H), 12 000 BTU (12RLS3H) and the 15 000 BTU (15RLS3H). Each model is available as a split-system heat pump and offers nearly full heating capacity down to -5F ambient and cooling operation down to 14F. They require no modifications for low-ambient operation. Extra Low Temp Heating models feature a built-in base heater and drainage holes so that condensation does not freeze and can drain out when ambient temps are low. Refrigerant pipe lengths can reach 66 ft. between the evaporator coil and the condensing unit. A remote control, ion-deodorizing filters, a sleep timer, a 24-hour timer, a dry mode, a four-way automatic louvre and an auto mode comprise the standard features. The energy saving

The EarthDirE Y1SA geothermal direct geo-exchange heat pump from

program (ESP) is also standard on these new Halcyon systems.

Frigidaire offers 19+ EER cooling and 3.8+ COP heating, and is available

Motion sensors note when the room has been vacated. After 20

in two-, three-, four- and five-ton capacities. It uses earth-loop refrigerant

minutes, the set temperature is increased by 4F when in cooling

tubes placed in one or two, five- to six-in. diameter boreholes drilled to

mode, and reduced by 8F when heating. When the room is re-

depths of 400 ft. or less. The EarthDirEX geothermal system is 100 per

occupied, the ESP returns to the previous operating mode.

cent refrigerant. The system contains an electronic expansion valve, a

www.fujitsugeneral.com

compressor and fan as its only moving parts. All-aluminum Anteater micro-channel coils protect against leaks caused by corrosion. www.frigidaire.net

42

HPAC | MAY 2015

HPACMAG.COM

Maytagâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s iQ Drive air conditioner, the PSA4BG,

Rosenbergâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 500-mm sickle blade

reaches 20-SEER cooling efficiency and is

axial fan offers a five dB(A) to seven

available in two-, three-, four- and five-ton ca-

dB(A) decrease in operating noise lev-

pacities. Inverter-driven rotary compressor

els compared to its previous fan

technology allows it to modulate between 49

model, depending on system require-

and 118 per cent of capacity in five steps mak-

ments. It delivers up to 5585 CFM

ing constant, small adjustments. The unit is

and features aluminum blades with

compatible with any two-stage thermostat and

profiled winglets. Applications include

does not require a shielded thermostat cable.

data centres, heat pumps, condens-

It also includes an all-aluminum micro-channel

ers, cooling units, evaporators and

condenser coil. Other inverter-driven systems

chillers. The fan is designed to the same dimensions with the same mounting pattern as

in the iQ Drive line include the PSH4BG

previous models. Its external rotor motor provides 100 per cent variable speed control. The

19-SEER/10-HSPF heat pump and the PPG2GI

motors are built to protection class IP54, according to DIN EN 60034-5. The winding insulation

20-SEER/81%-AFUE

corresponds to the thermal class F and has standard moisture protection impregnation.

gas/electric

system. www.maytaghvac.com

packaged

www.rosenbergusa.com

Two aftermarket air conditioning service contactors, jointly launched

by Emerson Climate Technologies and White-Rodgers, support system reliability. Labelled the CoreSense Protection for Copeland Scroll and SureSwitch Relay universal replacement, both are designed to provide Quick-Sling offers a full line of stands, slings, and brackets to mount

a long-life electronic upgrade for the mechanical contactor and are

HVAC equipment, including heat pumps, condenser units, mini-splits,

installed using the existing mounting. These solid-state contactors

RTUs, boilers/furnaces, unit heaters, air handlers, fans and more. Com-

provide short-cycle and brown-out protection. The CoreSense Protec-

patibility charts indicate which Quick-Sling product will work best with the

tion version also uses the compressor as a sensor to deliver addi-

unit that will be installed. Products offer adjustable configuration, anti-

tional active protection and diagnostic capabilities. The circuit board-

vibration, powder coated surfaces and complete hardware packages.

mounted relay is completely sealed and enclosed.

www.Quick-Sling.com

www.emerson.com

Quantech air-cooled chillers from Johnson Controls come in three models. The QTC2 (15-50 tons) provides chilled water for air-conditioning applications using central station air handling or terminal units, with tube and fin condensers, brazed plate evaporators, and scroll compressors. The QTC3 (55-175 tons) offers full-load and part-load efficiencies that meet or exceed ASHRAE standards. It operates at 125F down to 0F. The QTC4 (160-210 tons) combines technologies in compressors, heat exchangers, condenser fans and chiller controls. The variable speed drive screw compressors are meant to reduce sound levels. www.quantech-hvac.com

continued on p44 HPACMAG.COM

MAY 2015 | HPAC

43

COOLING PRODUCTS SHOWCASE continued from p43 The Tempstar Observer Communicating Control with Wi-Fi capability is designed to provide on-the-go scheduling and comfort control features when connected to the Internet and installed as part of a complete Tempstar Observer HVAC system. It has a quick-start guide, colour touchscreen display, high-resolution graphics and offers the ability to name zones. It also offers remote access through select smartphones and tablets, secure web access through myobservercomfort.com, selfconfiguration and four-wire connection for installation, dealer-contact customization, and emailed maintenance alerts. www.tempstar.com

The outdoor Alizé cooling unit is a side discharge unit,

SpeedClean’s Mini Bib Split Kit attaches to

which provides a small footprint. It features quiet out-

mini-split systems up to 44-in. wide and uses

door operation with a maximum range of 49 to 55 dB

pressurized water on coils and fans. Using

depending on the unit, variable speed compressor modu-

eight-ft. hose funnels, it is designed to keep

lating from 25 to 100 per cent, longer operation cycles

water away from surrounding areas and deliver

for improved air mixing and 27 SEER for 9000 BTU in

it into a five-gallon bucket for disposal. The

cooling mode. Capacity ranges from 3/4 tonnes to three

bucket, which is included, is used to store and

tonnes. http://dettson.com

transport the kit. www.speedclean.com

continued on p46

Well Equipped - to Deliver the Hottest News.

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

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

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

44

HPAC | MAY 2015

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

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

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HPACMAG.COM

Energy-Intelligent Heating and Cooling Systems ™

AIR-COOLED VRV 208-230V and 460V6-38-Ton Models

replacement compressor

* Complete warranty details available from your local distributor or manufacturer’s representative.

Features: n

n

n

n

n

n

n

Redesigned and optimized for total Life Cycle Cost (LCC) Reduced install cost and increased flexibility with larger capacity single modules up to 14 tons and system capacity up to 38 tons IEER values up to 29.3 Heat recovery model provides heating down to -13˚F Further improved seasonal efficiency with automatic and customizable Variable Refrigerant Temperature (VRT) climate tuning Reduced commissioning time with VRV configurator software Design flexibility with long piping lengths up to 3,280 ft. total and 100 ft. vertical separation between indoor units

Our continuing commitment to quality products may mean a change in specifications without notice. © 2015

For more information, contact your local Daikin distributor or sales representative.

· Houston, Texas · USA

COOLING PRODUCTS SHOWCASE

continued from p44 The Islandaire Dr. PTAC is available in the EZ Series DR (42 in. by 16 in. PTAC/PTHP) product line and EZ Series VR (vertical unit). Among its features are 55 CFM continuous conditioned fresh air, dual fan motors, a motion sensor, a washable filter, compressor freeze protection, compressor time delay and a front desk control. Two-stage electric heat and an electric heat add-on are optional. Some accessories include a condensate removal kit, architectural louvre, 18-gauge insulated wall sleeve, a wired remote thermostat, I.R. motion sensor, door switch, sub-base kit, electrical sub-base kit, duct kit and locking control cover. www.islandaire.com

R-22 is best for R-22 equipment.

If you need to change,

Arkema has your R-22 Retrofit Solution

R-407C Air Conditioning

407C

The portable Black Jack by Big Ass Fans has a two-metre frame that fits through standard interior doorways and plugs into any 110V power supply. It moves air up to 120 ft. The wet-rated unit comes fully assembled. Additional features in-

427A

R-427A All around solution for both A/C and refrigeration

407A

clude a three-metre power cord, a gearless directdrive motor, standard indoor/outdoor wheels, a variable speed controller, locking wheels and a steel frame and cage. www.bigassfans.com

R-407A Refrigeration Semcoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aluminum desiccant wheel can be used to replace failing wheels. The Unitary Wheel Cas-

For more information call 416-614-3610 or 1-800-567-5726 x 230 or visit us on the web at

www.R22retrofits.com

sette (UWC) Seriesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 3.5-in.-wide wheels feature a proprietary desiccant that is applied to an all-aluminum wheel substrate. They are designed to withstand temperatures of up to 180F, and the wheels come in nine diameters from 30 to 74 in.

All models come fully assembled and packaged as plug-and-play cassettes. www.semcohvac.com <>

46

HPAC | MAY 2015

HPACMAG.COM

Any way you add it up, the solution is 33.

1 14 14 4 11 7

6

9

8 10 10 5 13 2

3 15

Introducing

The World’s Most Efficient Mini-Split

33 SEER Fujitsu’s ductless wall mounted 33-SEER 9RLS3H is the solution to the problem that is energy inefficiency. This system is 2.35 time more efficient than the government minimum standard and qualifies for the ENERGY STAR® Most Efficient category in 2015. System 9RLS3H provides heating in outdoor temperatures as low as -15°F with an HSPF of 14, all adding up to year-round comfort and savings. To solve your heating and cooling needs, visit www.fujitsugeneral.com.

< COOLING

Chiller basics

A review of applications and systems in the field. BY DAVE DEMMA

CHilǝr/noun noun: chiller; plural noun: chillers 1.

1. a machine for cooling something, especially a cold cabinet or refrigerator for keeping stored food a few degrees above freezing. noun 1. a person or thing that chills.

2. Informal. a frightening or suspenseful story or film; melodrama. noun 1. The definition of a chiller is something that produces cold, or a scary story or movie involving violent evil or the supernatural.

1. An example of a chiller is a freezer.

2. An example of a chiller is Frankenstein.

T

here are many online definitions for the word chiller. And they are all painfully inadequate, although in some building somewhere there is probably a poorly operating chiller that could be referred to as a “Frankenstein” chiller.

So, what is a chiller? Let’s start with the basic refrigeration cycle, consisting of: 1.

Compressor, whose function is to take a low-pressure vapour and convert it to high-pressure vapour.

2.

Condenser, whose function is to transfer heat from the high-pressure vapour, allowing it to change states into a high pressure liquid.

3. E xpansion device, whose function is to cause the high pressure liquid to experience a pressure drop. The corresponding saturation temperature to the low pressure is at a level that makes it useful to transfer heat from the refrigerated space or load.

4.

Evaporator, whose function is to transfer heat from the refrigerated space or load to the low pressure, low temperature saturated liquid refrigerant.

48

HPAC | MARCH 2015

The load on a typical evaporator in a refrigeration/air conditioning system is the air in the refrigerated space. The typical evaporator is a finned tube fan coil design. Heat from the air flowing through the finned tube evaporator is transferred to the refrigerant, resulting in a lower air temperature in the refrigerated space.

A chiller is quite different, in that it involves two stages of heat transfer. The heat load on the chiller’s evaporator is a fluid. This fluid is brought down to the design temperature for the particular application and is pumped to secondary heat exchangers in the refrigerated space.

The heat load from the actual refrigeration load is transferred to the pumped fluid, which is then transferred to the refrigerant in the chiller’s evaporator.

While there are many different types of chiller applications, utilizing varying types of evaporators, the two main types are shell in tube heat exchangers and brazed plate heat exchangers.

With shell in tube heat exchangers there is a tube bundle inside the heat exchanger, with refrigerant flowing

through the copper tubes in the bundle. The secondary fluid flows through the heat exchanger, providing contact between the secondary fluid and the refrigerant circuit. Baffles are used inside the heat exchanger to ensure full and thorough contact between the secondary fluid and the tube bundle.

Heat is transferred from the refrigerant to the fluid flowing through the barrel tubes. continued on p50 Shell in tube heat exchanger

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< COOLING

continued from p48

â&#x20AC;&#x153;GIVEN THE POTENTIALLY LARGE AMOUNT OF REFRIGERANT CHARGE REQUIRED, SUPERMARKETS TODAY FACE SIGNIFICANT COST AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES.â&#x20AC;?

Brazed plate heat exchangers employ a series of metal plates to transfer heat between the circulating fluid and the refrigerant. The major advantage of this design is that the greater amount of available heat transfer surface, increases the rate of temperature change and reduces the size of the evaporator.

COMFORT COOLING

Brazed plate heat exchanger

Hydronic finned tube coil heat exchanger

A typical chiller application would be to provide the comfort cooling in an office building or hotel. Each zone (or hotel room) has its own hydronic finned tube coil heat exchanger as a means to transfer heat from the space. The flow of secondary fluid through the heat exchanger is controlled by a solenoid

valve, which is energized/de-energized by a thermostat in the space.

One advantage to this design is the elimination of large refrigerant piping runs to each zone and the tremendous amounts of refrigerant that would involve. Instead, the refrigerant circuit is rather small, being contained within the piping circuit of the chiller only.

This reduces the charge from potentially several thousand pounds to perhaps a hundred or so.

The secondary fluid for a chiller providing comfort cooling does not require any measureable amount of glycol because the application does not have a continued on p52

Screw Compressor Overhauls AT IRSI our factory-trained technicians overhaul all major manufacturer screw compressors used for refrigeration with quality OEM parts.

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50

HPACMAG.COM

HPAC | MAY 2015

Industrial Refrigerated Systems.indd 1

15-05-06 10:05 AM

When he reduced costs by 13% with a new RTU, he wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just saving money.

He was setting a precedent.

Once your clients start seeing the benefits of our incentives for upgrading to high efficiency RTUs, they will want to look into making other parts of their building like ventilation, chiller and building automation systems more efficient too.

When they do, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be joining thousands of organizations across Ontario who are already enjoying the savings that our programs deliver.

Take a look at their stories and our incentives at

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Calgary 5350 86th Ave. S.E. Calgary, AB T2C 4L7 403-279-8075

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Scarborough 2010 Ellesmere Rd., Units 13 & 14 Scarborough, ON M1H 3B1 416-754-4311

Winnipeg 1653 Saint James St. Winnipeg, MB R3H 0X1 204-633-0345 Dartmouth 133 Ilsley Ave., Unit D Dartmouth, NS B3B 1S9 902-468-5995 Brampton 10 Woodslea Rd. Brampton, ON L6T 5P2 905-799-9911 Hamilton 351 Nash Rd. North, Unit 10 Hamilton, ON L8H 7P4 905-560-4200 London 1 Adelaide St. N., Unit 5 London, ON N6B 3P4 519-439-3377

52

significant chance of operating at refrigerant saturation temperatures below 32F. As such, the relative cost for the secondary fluid is very inexpensive compared to refrigerant.

While there is a desire to eliminate the potentially environmentally damaging effects of refrigerant leaks, there is relatively little negative effect of a secondary fluid leak on a chiller.

Waterloo 115 Randall Dr., Unit 10 Waterloo, ON N2V 1C5 519-886-3666 Montreal 7790 Route Transcanadienne Saint-Laurent, QC H4T 1A5 514-336-6090 Longueuil 2655 Jacques-Cartier Blvd.

Longueuil, QC, J4N 1L7 450-805-0475 Regina 2110 7th Ave. Regina, SK S4R 1C4 306-757-7678

In addition to comfort cooling, there are many commercial and industrial uses for chillers. The list is almost endless: bakeries, beverage bottling, breweries, dairies, food processing, fruit/vegetable washing, wineries, cement mixing, chemical plant processes, dry cleaning facilities, jacket cooling, oil cooling, MRI testing, photo processing, plating processes, plastic injection molding, welding machines and so on.

Given the potentially large amount of refrigerant charge required, supermarkets today face significant cost and environmental challenges. One of the ways to eliminate that challenge is to employ a secondary refrigerant system.

Rather than pumping refrigerant to direct expansion evapFigure 3 orators to each system of display cases and walk in boxes, a chiller will provide a supply of secondary fluid at the appropriate temperature to flow through hydronic coils in each of the above mentioned fixtures.

Medium temperature applications will utilize a blend of propylene glycol and water to allow the fluid to operate at temperatures below 32F without freezing. Some supermarkets are utilizing liquid CO2 as the secondary fluid for low temperature applications.

Both of these applications achieve the goal of reducing potentially large/expensive amounts of refrigerant necessary to provide the refrigerating capacity required in the typical supermarket, and eliminate a large percentage of the potential environmental issues resulting from large refrigerant leaks.

While the subject of chillers could easily take up several volumes of technical information, this gives a brief overview of chillers and their use. And the next time you hear mention of “Frankenstein” just smile. <>

Saskatoon 3026A Faithful Ave. Saskatoon, SK S7K 5W2 306-934-4858

ave Demma holds a degree in refrigeration D 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

HPAC | MAY 2015

071_lpp_hpac_canada_may.indd 1

continued from p50

SUPERMARKET APPLICATIONS

Time for a Spring tune up!

From April 13 through June 19, get seasonal savings on the parts and supplies you need for Spring service calls. Stop by your local Lennox PartsPlus store or contact your Territory Manager for complete details.

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< COOLING

4/1/15 10:41 AM

today’s cool choice

The ideal replacement for R404A in supermarkets is here — Honeywell Solstice ® N40 (R448A).

There’s no need to wait for a replacement solution. Honeywell has you covered.

Solstice N40 is a versatile, blended, ASHRAE A1-rated refrigerant that satisfies all your low- and medium-temperature refrigerant replacement needs. Plus, it’s 5-10% more energy efficient than R404A! Its close match to existing equipment designs and compressors makes for rapid, cost-efficient adoption, and its GWP is 40% lower than R404A, making it a good choice to meet evolving regulatory standards. It’s also a superior replacement for R22 with a good capacity match and no TXV changes.

Canadian Refillable Cylinders Available

To learn more about Honeywell Genetron Performax LT, visit www.honeywell-refrigerants.com. or call 1-800-631-8138 © 2015 Honeywell International Inc. All rights reserved.

HVAC/R PRODUCTS

Knauf Insulation’s Atmosphere air-handling solution features a duct liner, duct wrap and duct board solution, which is formaldehyde and DecaBDE free. DecaBDE, or decabromodiphenyl Tjernlund’s Radon VACTM consists of a plug-in fan, exterior hood and installed-purchased PVC pipe

ether, is a brominated flame retardant that has

designed to reduce radon levels in homes using side-wall venting. The system evacuates through

been phased out in many household products.

the basement side wall, which avoids having PVC pipe run vertically through living areas. It is engi-

www.knaufInsulation.us

neered to reduce radon across a variety of sub-slab soil types, and features a sealed, galvanized fan housing and a PSC permanently lubricated, low-watt motor, which is not exposed to air-stream moisture. The variable aspiration control hood dilutes the radon gas with fresh outdoor air as it exits the hood and propels it away from the structure. The dilution and velocity are adjustable at the hood to enhance performance in high-pressure drop applications. The fan is typically installed between floor joists. www.tjernlund.com

AAB Smart Tools’ ABM-100 airflow balancing meter is an anemometer that connects to smart devices. It converts air speed into air volume, subsequently recording the data

The style 905 coupling from Victaulic is de-

to a history log that can be emailed. Users download either

signed to eliminate the need for fusing. Re-

the iOS or Android free app and plug in the ABM-100 meter.

fuse-to-Fuse is made for two- to six-in. HDPE

They then enter the grille or duct dimensions and hold the

pipe and requires no disassembling. It can be

device up to a grille or duct opening. The meter calculates

installed using an impact gun or standard

the airflow volume by using a series of algorithms. The an-

socket wrench, with no special training or regu-

emometer is compatible with the iPhone, iPad, iPod and all

lar certification needed. As well, no heating or

major Android devices. It measures airflow in linear feet

cooling time is required, and it can be installed

per minute, cubic feet per minute, cubic meters per hour

on new, used or dirty pipe.

and linear meter per second. www.airflowbalancing.com

www.victaulic.com

Belimo’s SelectPro software is designed for sizing and selecting valves, actuators and replacement solutions. It offers an updated user interface, a quick-quote module, additional media including images, installation instructions and 3D drawings, a media download option, and manual selection in the damper and retrofit modules. www.belimo.us

continued on p56 54

HPAC | MAY 2015

HPACMAG.COM

MORE PRODUCT, MORE PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE No matter what project you have on the go, Bardon will keep you going w ith the expert advice and product selection you need to get the job done right.

• WHOLESALE PLUMBING • HVAC • INDUSTRIAL PIPE, VALVES &FITTINGS For well over forty years Bardon has been the first stop for plumbing, HVAC and trade professionals alike, and for good reason- more product, and more product selection. You have our word on it, everyday.

1-800-267-2135 I bardonsupplies.com

Product. Knowledge.

AJAX BARRIE BELLEVILLE BRAMPTON COBOURG HAMILTON KINGSTON PETERBOROUGH OWEN SOUND ST. CATHARINES WELLANO

HVAC/R PRODUCTS continued from p54

Venstar’s new ColorTouch programmable commercial thermostats, Models T8850 and T8900, come with Wi-Fi, while Model T8800 comes without Wi-Fi. Model T8900 has humidity control. All three

Distech Controls has launched Eclypse Connected IP and Wi-Fi Product

ColorTouch models have a touch screen, which can be programmed to

Series, and Envysion responsive, web-based design and visualization in-

display company logos, advertisements or promotions as well as a

terface, which is designed to minimize the traditional installation and

picture gallery of up to 100 files. Automated Demand Response (ADR)

ownership costs of a building management system. The Eclypse con-

enables users to participate in utility-generated load shedding events

nected system controller is a modular and scalable platform providing

and supports the handling of specific signals from the utility provider.

BACnet/IP, wired and wireless IP connectivity. It consists of a control au-

ColorTouch thermostats are compatible with Venstar’s Skyport Cloud

tomation and connectivity server, power supplies, and I/O modules, al-

Services, which allow commercial users to use Venstar’s mobile app

lowing users to select the type and number of modules to meet their re-

on Apple iOS, Android and BlackBerry mobile devices or directly from

quirements, and add-on for future upgrades. Envysion is a web-based

the Web to access and control multiple thermostats at numerous graphic design and visualization interface, which can be embedded in an F1 Multi HVAC Quarter page ad (4C HPAC)_Layout 1 2014-Feb-18 2:49 PM Page 1 commercial locations. www.venstar.com Eclypse Connected System Controller or hosted on EC-NetAX (coming soon), powered by the NiagaraAX Framework, building management system to create advanced user interfaces, from single equipment to complete views of a BMS. Envysion enhances mobility with its responsive HTML 5 interface. www.distech-controls.com

swedish innovation

AB VE ALL THE REST The Danfoss universal TU ice machine kit includes: an exchangeable orifice TU valve, type TUA, which can replace OEM specific thermostatic expansion valves; a selection of orifice sizes covering ice machines ranging from 75 to 2300 pounds of ice; elbow connections; a bulb strap; and insulation tape. The thermostatic expansion valves have bimetal connections for simplified brazing with no wet wrap; laser engraved product information; stainless steel capillary tube and bulb and laser welding; and a replaceable orifice to allow for capacity adaptations with a single valve. www.choose.danfoss.com 56

HPAC | MAY 2015

HPACMAG.COM

The Minotair multi-function air exchanger controls the ventilation, temperature and humidity of the user’s home. Featuring a one-piece design, it does not require outdoor equipment.

The 32-bit, 50-MHz and USB-programmable microcontroller is designed to control a home’s central heating unit. Additional features include the automatic humidity Cambridge Engineering’s remote-control station is

adjustment system for frost-free windows, defrosting, automatic calibration of supply and

designed to maximize efficiency in any given

exhaust airflows, the ability to connect up to two digital controls per device and a limited

space’s operating conditions. The CE-Smart re-

five-year warranty on parts. www.minotair.com

mote control works with space heaters in Cambridge’s SA-Series. It comes with heat and ventila-

The eCAPS fan application suite from Greenheck

tion controls and can be interlocked with external

enables engineers to compare multiple fan models at

signals to maintain indoor air quality. The lockable

the same time. The online fan selection program,

NEMA 1 enclosure is equipped with a three-posi-

designed specifically for HVAC engineers, cautions

tion selector switch and three modes: summer

users when selections are close to maximum RPM or

ventilation, off and heating. Other features include

when the selection is close to being unstable. Its

a combination seven-day programmable timer and

systems-effect simulator, which comes included with a

setback thermostat; an override timer; intermit-

toolbox feature, shows how the selected fan will

tent/continuous control; and indicating lights for

perform various inlet and outlet conditions. The pro-

blower operation, burner operation and reset. Sen-

gram runs on iPads, tablets and computers.

sors for the thermostat and the gas modulation

www.greenheck.com

system are provided and can be mounted on the remote control station enclosure or remotely. www.cambridge-eng.com

GET IT FASTER! • Product Recalls • Code Changes • Industry News • Events • New wholesaler locations • And much more…

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MAY 2015 | HPAC

57

PLUMBING PRODUCTS

Oatey’s True Set adjustable drains and cleanouts are designed to provide inches of height Calefactio’s flow-through potable water ther-

adjustment and up to five degrees of pitch ad-

mal expansion tank avoids stagnant water and

justment. The non-metallic drains and clea-

is designed to prevent microbial growth. It

nouts come as concrete tight units that are

works as water flows constantly through a

installation ready. They are available in ABS or

horizontal tank, which can be used with most

PVC models for flanged or on-grade applica-

standard water heaters. Its heavy-duty bladder

tions. Strainers and covers are available with

absorbs the increased volume of water that

tile rings or without, and come in round or

results from the water-heating process. The

square brass, stainless, nickel and chrome fin-

system’s pressure is kept below the relief

ishes. Also included is a quarter-turn plug that

valve setting and protects the water heater

is pressure-rated up to 13 psi.

and appliances from pressure buildup or water

www.oatey.com

hammer. www.calefactio.com C

M

Y

Franklin

Electric’s

CM

Little

MY

400 pressure-boosting

CY

Giant system

Inline com-

bines Franklin Elec-

CMY

tric’s

K

pump

and

motor

with

flow-

based

controls

to

provide a water-pressure boost of up to 40 psi, depending on the application’s

Goulds Water Technology’s (GWT) updated con-

need. The unit can

stant-pressure controller monitors household

be mounted vertical-

water demand, maintaining pressure when mul-

ly

tiple water sources operate simultaneously.

or

horizontally.

Available

115V

The CentriPro Aquavar Solo2 includes an LED

and 230V models,

display with a digital view of settings such as

the Inline 400 fea-

system pressure, amps, speed and fault histo-

tures a product rating of 1/3 hp (0.246 kW),

ry. An advanced output relay can be used for

a one-in. NPT inlet and outlet, and is pow-

customized installations and to connect acces-

ered via a standard electrical cord. Integrat-

sories, such as a chlorinator pump or an alarm

ed pump protection features guard against

system. The Aquavar Solo2 is rated for indoor

over and under voltage, dry run, and over

and outdoor use with several mounting op-

temperature. Electronics in the unit include

tions. It is also engineered to enable homeown-

two pressure switches that are designed to

ers to run hoses and sprinklers while still using

monitor and reduce the chance of over pres-

multiple indoor water fixtures. The controller is

suring the system. A flow switch ensures

compatible with any manufacturer’s motor.

that it only runs when needed.

www.xyleminc.com

www.franklin-electric.com 58

HPAC | MAY 2015

in

continued on p 60 HPACMAG.COM

ARE NOISY PLASTIC PIPES KEEPING YOU AWAKE AT NIGHT? Engineers who specify cast iron soil pipe and fittings sleep tight knowing they've made the right choice.

PLUMBING PRODUCTS continued from p 59 Ridgid’s D2B Drum video-inspection tool is the latest addition to its SeeSnake D2 Drum Series for the rM200 camera system. The rM200 camera system is a compact, portable inspection camera system with interchangeable camera drums for jobsite compatibility. It comes with a choice of the D2A or the new D2B drum; either drum can be purchased separately. The drums feature different push-cable lengths, diameters, stiffness and springs, creating an inspection system platform that can be set up to meet specific job requirements. The D2A Drum

The Woodford Model 22 and the V22 (vertical

has a 200-ft. long, 0.3-in. diameter push cable with a single-

version) freezeless hot and cold faucets allow

nested spring, as well as the same Stiffness Index as the

homeowners to have hot and cold water out-

Mini SeeSnake cable. The D2B Drum has a 165-ft. long,

side. Both faucets are maintenance free and

0.35-in. diameter push cable with the same Stiffness Index as the Stan-

include a patented pressure-relief valve to pre-

dard SeeSnake cable. It also features a dual-nested spring that is designed to better navigate turns

vent the faucet tubes from bursting in freezing

and tees. Both D2 drums feature a one-in. diameter, self-leveling camera head, which has a built-in

conditions. These products can also be mount-

sonde that pinpoints the camera’s position and depth with the use of a Ridgid locating receiver.

ed inside the garage using the PC/ABS Wood-

www.rigid.com

ford drywall mounting plate. www.woodfordmfg.com Zurn’s EZCarry carrier system is designed to provide up to three times better waste-line carry, a 500-pound standardload rating and labour-saving features. The carrier has been re-engineered from front to back to meet current demands, providing building owners with reduced downtime associated with waste-line clogging. A patent-pending, three-in. faceplate orifice and coupling combination propels waste through the waterway in the fitting. Hydraulic

features enhance the performance of any common flush valve and fixture combination. It is avail-

Viega’s PEX Press fire protection fittings and

able in both four-in. and three-in. waste-line configurations.

mounting bracket come in polymer for NFPA 13D

www.zurn.com

fire sprinkler installations. Eight PEX Press fittings for fire sprinkler applications are available The Model 88 sectional drain cleaner by General Pipe Cleaners is

in ¾ in. and one-in. sizes, and in four configura-

designed to clear 200-ft. drain lines of tree roots and other stub-

tions: straight adapters, elbows, tees and wall

born stoppages. The cable corkscrews itself into the line. Featured

tees. The wall-tee fitting is designed for applica-

with the Model 88 is a ¾ -horsepower, heavy-duty motor, in addition

tions to feed back-to-back rooms with one plumb-

to a chain- and spring-reinforced cable. Sections come in the all-

ing line and one fitting. www.viega.us

purpose Flexichain, which has a chain centre, and the Proflex, which has a spring centre. Other highlights include folding handles, an

The AquaTrip valve, by

automatic safety clutch and pneumatic power switch.

CuPro Solutions, moni-

www.drainbrain.com

tors the flow of water into a property and will shut off the waThe 10-in. Cobra QuickSet pliers by Knipex

ter supply automatical-

Tools feature a slide and lock system.

ly if there is a leak, pipe burst or

Once the push-button mechanism locks

if a tap is left running. The valve does

onto an application, it stays locked to that

not interfere with normal water use and is fully

position for repetitive use. The water-pump

programmable to fit most properties. Pictured is

pliers are made of German chrome vanadi-

the AT301 Series, which is designed for retrofit

um steel, with a box-joint design and a pinch guard. They are available in non-slip, textured handles

installation into existing buildings or integrated

or with non-slip, dual material handles meant to fit in a pouch, pocket or toolbox. Additional

into new buildings at construction. It features a

features include a two-in. gripping capacity, a thin head and hardened teeth (61 HRC).

portable or wall-mount radio control panel and

www.knipex-tools.com

information display. www.dcpro.ca

60

HPAC | MAY 2015

HPACMAG.COM

HYDRONIC PRODUCTS HeatLink’s ECO, V100 and CAD hydronic pre-engineered control panels can be used with WeilMcLain’s ECO, Viessmann’s Vitodens 100 and Lochinvar’s Cadet series of high-efficiency, wall-mounted boilers. The panels come complete with 24V (ac) plug-in transformer and simple wiring connections.

They are designed to reduce design and quotation time, enforce standardized, reliable construction practices and reduce the chance of installation and

The Tamas Z-Block is an all-in-one device that

cost overruns on the job site. No assembly is re-

can be expanded with connections. It comes

quired. www.heatlink.com

with accessories in the box and can be configured into Z-block specific panels with a control box. Additional accessories such as primary

The 38 ½-in. tall SmartTool from Malco Products weighs

and secondary connection, air vents, a tem-

6.1 lbs. and allows the user to operate from a standing

perature sensor and others are available.

position while attaching SmartClips to a 10-ga (3.5 mm.)

www.tamashydronic.com

wire grid. A top-loading magazine holds over 40 SmartClips, which accommodate ½ in. PEX tubing. The user

HBX Controls’ ECO-

presses the tubing into place with one foot while distribut-

0550 uses a step-by-

ing the PEX along the clip layout. PEX is elevated over the

step

wire grid to provide thorough concrete encasement and

stand-alone

coverage. www.malcotools.com

reset control is de-

interface.

Its

outdoor

signed to accommodate heat pumps and back-up boilers. The ECO-0550

features

up to three stages, outdoor reset on hot and cold tanks, and single- or dual-tank modes. It also runs reversing valve and/or three-way valves and rotates heat pumps on time or cycles. www.hbxcontrols.com REHAU’s new weather-sensing control module is developed for use with its snow- and icemelting systems. The Smart Controls SIM Module features an automated option. The The 5 Series 504W11 geothermal heat pump

system is installed underneath or embedded

by

patent-pending

within an outdoor surface such as concrete,

OptiHeat vapour injection technology. An addi-

asphalt or paving stones. It includes RAUPEX

tional heat exchanger is meant to divert

pipe, the Everloc compression-sleeve fitting

Puropal disposable cartridges from Axiom

excess heat and reinject it into the system.

system and Pro-Balance manifolds. Using the

Industries are designed for demineralizing fill

The pump is designed for baseboard radiator

weather data and temperature sensors in-

water for closed-loop hydronic systems. The

systems, both underfloor and overfloor radiant

stalled within the melting area, the control

closed-loop system is filled using local domes-

applications, and fan coils. The units can oper-

chooses an automatic idle temperature setting

tic water that has been run through the Puro-

ate in heating-only or heating/cooling modes.

to warm the slab. The control turns the system

pal cartridge. No meters or special knowledge

Copeland scroll compressors are combined

off once the surface is dry. The system can

are required for water treatment. The capacity

with R410-A refrigerant and an extra heat

also be controlled directly by any Internet-ac-

of the demineralizing cartridges depends on

exchanger. An external communication port is

cessible device.

the total hardness of the domestic water.

included. www.waterfurnace.com

www.na.rehau.com/simcontrols

www.axiomind.com

WaterFurnace

HPACMAG.COM

features

MAY 2015 | HPAC

61

MECHANICAL SUPPLY NEWS MANUFACTURERS • DISTRIBUTORS • WHOLESALERS

IPEX staff Tony Miceli (left) and Gordon Lefort (right) flank Wolseley Canada’s Kenneth Alemao at the Mississauga Convention Centre.

Wolseley employees greet some of the 948 guests who checked into the ONE Tradeshow in Mississauga on April 1.

Vendors were pleased with the turnout of almost 1000 attendees at Wolseley’s inaugural ONE Tradeshow held April 1 at the Mississauga Convention Centre.

For Don Murfin, district sales manager of engineered products for Grundfos, the overarching goal from a vendor’s standpoint was to answer any questions that industry technicians may have about the products they use.

“Parts are changing very quickly, so the technical aspects are changing constantly,” he said. “It’s been interesting talking to the guys who work the field.”

In addition to a Western-themed dinner, attendees also had the opportunity to take in half a dozen training sessions with topics ranging from the “Dos” and “Don’ts” of hydronic installation to finding low global-warming alternatives for refrigerants.

During the session on refrigerants, Honeywell technical marketing manager Ron Vogl highlighted the importance of picking the right refrigerants for the right systems to maximize efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

“Using known technology that is simple and serviceable, and at the same time, picking a refrigerant that has a reduced GWP? Well, then I’ve got a pretty good environmental solution,” he

said in an interview. “If I just take a lower GWP refrigerant and put it into an inefficient system, it’s still not environmentally a great solution.”

Additional sessions included Gastite Certification, Lifebreath HRV Knowledge, Systems 636 Flue Gas Training and Hydronics vs Variable Refrigerant Flow.

In other news from the wholesaler, another door has opened for recent graduates of college and plumbing HVAC/R programs.

Wolseley Canada has launched a national sales trainee program – expected to be an annual initiative – for 12 plumbing and HVAC/R graduates from across Canada. Those selected will use the company’s online training platform and instructor-led workshops.

The one-year, paid program offers full-time, permanent employment upon successful completion. The submission deadline for the 2015 program has passed. www.wolseleyinc.ca

62

HPAC | MAY 2015

Noritz offers new certification course A 45-minute online training course now offered by Noritz University gives plumbing and heating contractors a chance to become certified to install the EZTR40 tankless water heater. There are two existing courses offered through Noritz, including the Online Residential Level 1

Photos Mike O’Drowsky/Wolseley

Western-themed tradeshow welcomes almost 1000 attendees

Training and the CDR1 Training for the NRCP series of residential, condensing tankless water heaters. The EZTR40 course supplements personal training

by Noritz sales personnel.

An overview of the EZTR40 tankless technical information with a step-bystep review of the installation process is included in the training sections.

Noritz students who are also PROcard members may attempt a quiz that allows them to complete educational courses in order to be listed in the “Find an Installer” section of the Noritz web site. www.noritz.com Riobel celebrates 20 years, launches new product

Agnes Yuen (centre), Emco showroom manager, is flanked by Brazilian dancers at Riobel’s 20th-anniversary celebration.

Riobel Inc. unveiled the Venty collection during its 20th-anniversary celebration in February, with the new line featuring upscale faucets, shower systems and bathroom accessories.

“We’ve received incredible support from the Canadian plumbing retailers, designers, plumbers and contractors community over the past 20 years,” said company founder and president Mario Bélisle. “We wanted to treat our distributors and supporters to a warm party on a chilly February night to honour all of those that have made Riobel the success it is today.”

As part of the festivities, guests took to an outdoor tent in Toronto’s St. HPACMAG.COM

James Cathedral for a hot-and-cold themed party – the paradox being an ice bar at one extreme and performances by Brazilian dancers at the other. www.riobel.ca Hilti named top employer Tools and fastening systems supplier Hilti, Inc. has been ranked 89th on Fortune magazine’s 2015 “100 Best Companies to Work for” list.

“Being listed as a great place to work is an honour,” said Hilti North America president and CEO Cary Evert. “Our culture is at the core of everything we do and I believe this is what makes Hilti a great place to work.”

Research from Great Place to Work’s

Trust Index is used in determining the selections. The index consists of a 58-question employee survey tailored to measure trust. Once completed, Great Place to Work evaluates the applications based on credibility, respect, fairness, pride and camaraderie.

Hilti was also recognized with a “Great Rated!” designation, which highlights areas like professional development and training, company atmosphere, benefits and rewards. www.hilti.ca Mr. Rooter Plumbing celebrates 45 years Mr. Rooter Plumbing is celebrating 45 years of business with a $45 discount on the company’s Advantage Plan. The plan offers customers priority schedul-

Emerson's contractor business development team, from left: Ron McLaughlin, John Rabbito, Alain Mongrain and Trevor Matthews.

Ryan Garrah, general manager, Emerson Climate Technologies’ (c) and Dennis Kozina (r), sales manager, Emerson Climate Technologies, present a plaque commemorating Eastern Refrigeration Supply’s 50-year business relationship with Copeland/Emerson to founder George Merkel and his sons David (l) and Doug Merkel (2nd from right). The Master Group acquired Eastern in 2014.

HPACMAG.COM

ing, preferential pricing, multiple-site coverage and additional benefits.

“This celebration marks 45 years of progress and a commitment to achieving another 45 years of success,” president Mary Kennedy Thompson said in a release.

Mr. Rooter Plumbing was started as a small drain-cleaning company by David Duck in Oklahoma City, OK. It is now a multi-million dollar corporation with more than 300 franchisees worldwide, including 26 in Canada.

Victoria, BC is home to the first Canadian Mr. Rooter location, which was opened by Jody Auchinvole in 1992.

The franchise was sold to Erwin Van Diermen in 2011. http://mrrooter.ca continued on p64

Emerson Climate Technologies commemorates 125 years, opening of Learning Centre Emerson Climate Technologies in Brantford, ON, held an Open House on April 8 to show off its newly expanded Integrated Learning Centre, and to celebrate Emerson’s 125th anniversary.

Copeland purchased the site at 145 Sherwood Drive in 1960 from Canadian Universal Cooling. Several attendees at the open house reminisced about the manufacturing conditions in the plant in the early days. Today, the location handles distribution, sales, marketing, customer service and support functions.

“Manufacturing stopped in 2009,” said Andre Patenaude, director CO2 business development. “We had to reinvent ourselves.”

As the refrigeration market becomes more complex, so do the design, installation and maintenance aspects of the business. “We service 10 to 11 different markets,” said Ryan Garrah, Emerson Climate Technologies’ general manager. “It’s not just compressors anymore.”

To meet the growing need for technical support, Emerson hired its first journeyman mechanic in 2009 and has since expanded its contractor business development team to four people, and tripled the size of its Integrated Learning Centre. Equipment in the learning centre is fully operational and covers the gamut of Emerson’s product offerings. www.emersonclimate.com

MAY 2015 | HPAC

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Photo courtesy Jess-Don Dunford

Advanced hydronic training a hit with contractors

John Barba presents the advanced residential hydronics course in Barrie, ON.

Expert hydronics trainer John Barba recently presented oneday advanced programs sponsored by Taco Canada and rep group Jess-Don Dunford. Suited to experienced residential hydronic installers, the sessions were held on April 15 in Grimsby, ON and in Barrie, ON, on April 16. Both locations were sold out, with Secrets to Outstanding Hydronic Jobs drawing 75 attendees in Barrie and 60 in Grimsby. www.jessdondunford.ca www.taco-hvac.com Walter Tech tops employer list, launches new internship

Walter Surface Tech CEO Pierre Somers (right) and former recipient Ryan Boyd (centre) inform a student of the Next To Succeed program, which is offered to university students to shore up the company’s leadership.

Walter Surface Technologies is one of Canada’s top employers. Mediacorp Canada Inc., which releases a list of Canada’s Top 100 Employers every year, recognized Walter Surface Tech in its 2015 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) edition. Company general manager Claude Vandemeulebroocke accepted the award on March 10 during the presentation ceremony at the Toronto Region Board of Trade.

“As a company, we focus on delivering the industry’s best products, service and support,” he said in a statement. “We are able to consistently do this by virtue of the company’s LEED’s Gold Certified premises, outstanding company culture, strong benefits programs and performance reward systems.”

64

HPAC | MAY 2015

Eight criteria are used to evaluate employers, including physical workplace, work atmosphere and social, health, financial and family benefits, vacation and time off, employee communications, performance management, training and skills development, and community involvement.

Visit www.canadastop100.com/sme/ for a complete list of this year’s winners.

Continuing its investment in staff, Walter Surface Tech is also looking for future leaders. The company recently launched a new paid summer internship, titled Next To Succeed, which is meant to bridge the leadership gap among millennials and upper management. It is open to Canadian university students who are undertaking full-time studies and possess a demonstrated interest in business and engineering.

Next to Succeed, which selects two candidates, is the national extension of Objectif: Relève, the Quebec-based internship program that Walter Surface Tech started last year. It runs from June to August. www.walter.com Pentair acquires Nuheat, Bylin Pentair has added to its Raychem product line with the acquisitions of Vancouver-based Nuheat and Bylin Engineered Systems.

The Nuheat acquisition is Bob Bylin (l), president and founder meant to shore up the com- of Bylin Engineered Systems, with pany’s portfolio of floor- Pentair vice president Brad heating and winter-safety Faulconer. solutions. Meanwhile, the Bylin move expands the company’s current offerings to protect buildings and people in demanding winter conditions.

Bylin comes with its flagship roof ice melt (RIM) system, which aims to prevent roof ice dam, icicles and freeze-ups in gutters and downspouts. Nuheat will bring its Wi-Fi-enabled, floor-heating thermostat. www.pentairthermal.com www.nuheat.com CBEX boilers from Cleaver-Brooks receive cUL package certification Cleaver-Brooks has received UL and cUL package certification for its 900 to 1200 HP CBEX fully integrated boilers with 9 ppm NOx. The company previously earned UL certification for its CBEX 9 ppm NOx boiler-burner packages sized from 100 to 800 HP. The CBEX is a completely integrated boiler, burner, control and heat recovery system. The CBEX Elite maintains three per cent oxygen across the full operating range with 10:1 turndown for select sizes and 30 ppm NOx. It incorporates HPACMAG.COM

ultra-low NOx burner technology to meet sub-5 ppm NOx on select models without selective catalytic reduction (SCR). In addition, the product’s standard low-NOx burners produce sub-30 ppm NOx. www.cleaverbrooks.com

Viessmann recognizes Alberta and Ontario sales reps

Quebec rep agency founder honoured by General Pipe Rafales Agencies Inc. founder Harvey Raymer (r) accepts the Bob Gelman Lifetime Achievement Award from Marty Silverman of General Pipe Cleaners.

Altatech Agencies has taken home a MAX Award. Winners and award presenters (from left): Kenneth Webster and Armin Fleck (Viessmann), Rob Cox, Kris Popadynetz, Glen DeLancey and Shawn Wiebe (Altatech), with Harald Prell (Viessmann)

Harvey Raymer of Rafales Agencies Inc. was awarded the Bob Gelman Lifetime Achievement Award on April 22 at MCEE 2015 in Montreal. Raymer has represented General Pipe Cleaners in Quebec and Atlantic Canada for almost 15 years.

Rafales is the only rep organization in General’s history to receive its outstanding sales rep award three consecutive times. www.rafales.ca www.drainbrain.com DuraVent receives Vesta Award Kenneth Webster, Armin Fleck and Harald Prell congratulate Viessmann Manufacturing Inc.’s Pat Hayes (second from right) for his MAX Award win.

The team that designed the DVA-H2 (from left): Tony Wang, Ryan Devine, Matt Bertler, Andrey Ostapenko, Jamil Mizirawi and Vadim Sheshkutov.

M&G DuraVent, a developer, manufacturer and marketer of flue and vent products, has received the Vesta Award for its DirectVent Pro horizontal termination (DVA-H2) product. Vesta awards recognize companies for their innovation in product design and/or development.

The DVA-H2 incorporates interchangeable and customizable shrouds, allowing customers to tailor the termination’s look. The heart of the termination is a patent pending combustion air control.

Director of R&D Matt Bertler led the team that designed and engineered the product. www.duravent.com HPACMAG.COM

The 2014 Viessmann “MAX” Sales Awards were presented to sales reps from Ontario and Alberta in February. Altatech Agencies, of Stony Plain, AB, collected first place, while second place went to Viessmann Manufacturing Inc.’s Pat Hayes from southwestern Ontario.

Recipients of the “MAX” Awards are recognized for marketing, accomplishment and excellence. Seventeen sales territories account for Viessmann Canada’s sales rep network, which includes all provinces and territories. www.viessmann.ca HFC-32 refrigerant receives approval HFC-32 (R-32), a chlorine-free, single-component refrigerant, has received approval from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use in home air conditioning.

The approval comes as part of President Obama’s Climate Action Plan and is a result of the EPA’s Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP), which identifies and approves additional climate-friendly chemicals.

The HFC-32 (R-32) refrigerant is contained in an estimated eight million units in Japan. continued on p66 MAY 2015 | HPAC

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It will be approved for use in equipment such as packageterminal air conditioners, window-room air conditioners and portable air conditioners that meet the requirements of UL Standard 484 and the conditions of the EPA SNAP approval. www.epa.gov/ozone/snap/index.html Acuity Brands acquires Distech Distech Controls entered into an acquisition agreement with Acuity Brands in March, joining the lighting solutions firm’s portfolio of businesses but continuing to operate as a separate entity.

“We believe the combination of our dynamic businesses and strong leadership teams will provide growth opportunities with key customer sets, and will strengthen each of our primary sales channel partners in their respective markets,” Vernon J. Nagel, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Acuity Brands, said in a release.

Distech, a building automation and energy-management solutions company, will maintain its head office in Quebec and European office in Lyon, France. The company will also continue to employ its 190 team members worldwide, including founder, president and CEP Etienne Veilleux. www.distech-controls.com Aqua-Tech holds multiple events for anniversary year

Established in 1980 by Palamar, Aqua-Tech now boasts more than 70 000 sq. ft. of warehouse and office space in Burlington, ON. It also owns a 5000-sq.-ft. warehouse and office facility in Port Coquitlam, BC, as well as inventory in Edmonton, AB to service the marketplace in Western Canada. www.aquatech-canada.com Daikin breaks ground at new campus in Texas

Members of the Daikin Industries, Ltd. team break ground at the company’s new site near Houston, TX.

Daikin Industries, Ltd. has broken ground at the future site of its consolidated HVAC equipment, engineering, manufacturing and logistics campus outside of Houston, TX. The campus’s construction will centralize the current footprint of Daikin, Goodman and Amana brand operations in Texas and Tennessee, as well as add capacity for future expansion.

At $417 million, the new location represents Daikin’s biggest investment in North American HVAC manufacturing operations. Engineering, logistics procurement, manufacturing and marketing will be relocated to the new business campus.

Up to 4000 jobs are expected for the new facility. Operations are slated to commence by mid-2016. www.daikin.com Canada’s Equipco takes home second-straight Pinnacle Award

Prior to the move to Burlington, Aqua-Tech ran its Ontario operations out of this building in Hamilton – a step forward from president and founder Bill Palamar’s garage, which the company operated out of in its early days.

Aqua-Tech Sales and Marketing Inc. is celebrating 35 years of business with numerous events planned for 2015.

“Over our 35-year history, Aqua-Tech has always prioritized investment in the growth and improving the efficiency of the company,” said president and founder Bill Palamar in a release. “Our investment in people, in solutions and in offering real value brought us to where we are today.”

As part of a “35 Random Acts of Kindness” initiative to encourage acts of giving, Aqua-Tech is holding events throughout the year. Among the events are a Habitat for Humanity build, blood-donor drives and a 35th anniversary celebration slated for August.

66

HPAC | MAY 2015

Caleffi regional sales managers Michelle Hulett and Dale Cikaluk, as well as president Marco Caleffi (far right) pose with Equipco Ltd.’s Mel Campbell, Ryan Bristow, Robert Parkinson and Jason MacKenzie (l to r, centre) after presenting the BC company with the Pinnacle Award in March.

Coquitlam-based Equipco Ltd. claimed top honours for a second-consecutive year this past March, as representatives for Caleffi manufacturers were recognized in Chicago.

On hand to accept the Pinnacle Award for highest sales performance were Equipco executives Mel Campbell, Ryan Bristow, Robert Parkinson and Jason MacKenzie.

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“The Caleffi Pinnacle Award was started 10 years ago and we have never had a rep win consecutively – until now!” said Caleffi North America general manager Mark Olson.

“Considering our strong network of rep agencies, that’s a real testament to Equipco’s team.”

Evan and Mike Levesque of Maine’s Dan Davis Sales won for Technical Support of the Year. www.caleffi.com

DISTRIBUTION Master Group opens branch in Fredericton

CLIPS >> Navien now has a CAN/CSA P.9-11 rated, condensing tankless water-heater system with an air handling unit for combined space and water heating. As of October 2014, any system providing forced-air space and domestic water heating needed to be tested to CAN/CSA P. 9-11 in order to be recognized by the ENERGY STAR for New Homes program. www.navienamerica.com >> Thomas S. Passek is now president of the Copper Development Association (CDA). Prior to taking on his new role in February 2015, Passek was the managing director of ASM International. He has almost 30 years of experience in the metal industry and association management. Outgoing president Andrew Kitera Sr. retired in January 2015 after spending 36 years with the organization. www.copper.org >> Centrotherm Eco Systems has approved Bock’s optiTHERM series of condensing water heaters. The opti-Therm series covers all “OT” Models followed by 200, 250, 299, 300, 400, or 500, followed by N or LP, followed by a blank or —A, and followed by a blank or —H25, —H58 or —H28. www.centrotherm.us.com www.bockwaterheaters.com

The Master Group has opened a new branch in Fredericton, NB (shown).

Master Group Inc. opened a new branch in Fredericton, NB late last March. Company vice president of operations Luc Bouchard noted that a thorough market analysis had been conducted in selecting the new location.

“The establishment of a branch in Fredericton comes at a defining moment in the capital’s development and in response to feedback from industry members that have emphasized (an) important lack of HVAC/R products supply in this region,” said Bouchard.

The move comes as part of Master’s initiative to expand its network in the Atlantic provinces. The 8700-sq.-ft. facility will house all of the company’s products and be led by four staff. www.master.ca >> ECCO Supply has become the exclusive distributor for the Loren Cook Company in British Columbia. The move allows ECCO’s locations in Burnaby, Chilliwack, Kelowna, Langley and Victoria to offer an expanded product line and enhanced service. www.eccosupply.ca

>> Burr Oak Tool Inc. has unveiled its redesigned website, which includes an online media library offering product videos and brochures, white papers and webinars. The company has also streamlined the process for retrieving company representative contact information and requesting information on machines, replacement parts and service visits. Website visitors who register for a www.burroak.com account will also gain access to technical troubleshooting guides, the Oak Digital Toolbox service video series and other exclusive content.

>> Equipco Ltd. is now offering Danfoss AB-QM pressure independent control valves (PICVs) after the two companies established a partnership in March 2015. That agreement means Equipco will now serve as a sales representative organization for Danfoss AB-QM PICVs in BC, Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan and the Northwest and Yukon Territories.

Equipco was founded in 1982 and owns 10 000 sq. ft. of warehouse, office and training facility space. Headquartered in Coquitlam, BC, Equipco also has warehouse facilities in Edmonton, AB, Calgary, AB and Winnipeg, MB, in addition to having branch offices in each province. www.equipcoltd.com

>> Bradley Corp. has received a gold-level 2015 Award for Design Excellence (ADEX) for its Verge L-Series Lavatory and a silver-level ADEX for its HS-Series Terreon Solid Surface Undermount Basins. The awards recognize product design of furniture, fixtures and finishes marketed to the architectural and design industry. www.bradleycorp.com

>> Summit Process Controls Group is now a Canadian representative for Quick-Sling and Automatic Airflow Balancing (AAB). Quick-Sling boasts a complete line of HVAC mounting systems. AAB has designed and developed a series of smartphone-based HVAC tools, including the ABM-100 smartphone Airflow Meter that is launching over the next several months. www.summitpcgi.ca < >

HPACMAG.COM

MAY 2015 | HPAC

67

May 2015

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< PEOPLE Dettson has added two directors for its Canadian and U.S. markets.

Jonathan William is now the director of client development, while Michelle Coté takes on the role of director of William Coté business development. William, who joined Dettson’s IT and health care team in December, will now work with partner distributors and contractors. Coté started with Dettson in February.

She will work closely with partner gas utilities and builders.

Scott Honegger has rejoined WaterFurnace International, Inc. as senior applications engineer for applied products. He will act as a resource to WaterFurnace commercial customers and will provide pre-sale guidance and techHonegger nical support. Honegger has previously held various commercial roles with the company. Prior to his latest appointment at WaterFurnace, Honegger was an energy-efficiency sales engineer at Lockheed Martin.

Juan Macias is now the Canada Country president for Schneider Electric. He joins the company after 10 years with General Electric, where he held leadership roles in electric construction products and digital energy management.

Macias Macias replaces Daniel Péloquin, who remains with the company in an advisory role.

Michelle Stanford is the new general manager of sales strategy, plumbing and HVAC/R for Wolseley Canada. In her new role, Stanford will implement go-to-the-market strategies and will also work with Wolseley’s sales and general Stanford managers. Prior to joining Wolseley, Stanford worked as a senior advisor and director for Bottom Line Consulting Group.

Lahti

Mike Lahti has been promoted to vice president of sales, marketing and business development, as part of four executive-level changes at September 10 Lochinvar, LLC. Previously, Lahti’s title did not include business development. He has been with the company for 32 years.

SEE THESE HEAT EMITTERS

Hydronic Munish Heating Technologies Nanda has joined Watts Water company’s new president Jaga •Technologies Smith’sas•theMyson

of its Americas operation. Nanda served as president of control technologies at ITT Turn to page 41 for full details Corporation and vice president of Integrated Nanda Supply Chair prior to his appointment. He replaces Suellen Torregrosa, who held the position for more than 18 months.

www.modernhydronicssummit.com

Adam Molberger has joined Chicago Caleffi has made additions to its Faucets as product manager. technical support and marketing Previously at Peerless AV, he brings departments. Cody Mack has 15 years of experience in product joined Caleffi marketing. As a result of the move, Amvic • Aquatherm • Molberger Tanzillo Axiom • Hydronic CaleffiSolutions to bolster the company’s realPat Tanzillo assumes the role of marketing segment manager.

Mack Pundsack Creatherm • Dahl • Flexcon • HeatLink time technical support. He holds an HVAC/R associate’s • REHAU Reliance •brings Roth10 years of degree from Blackhawk • Technical College, National sales and channel partner specialist Legend Spirotherm • Viega Webstone experience•inUponor field technical support•and is NATE and EPA Andrew Arneaud has joined Emerson September 10 Climate certified. Meanwhile, Katelyn Pundsack is the new marketing Technologies in the role of marketing manager.

TurnNorth to page 41 for full details co-ordinator for Caleffi America.

Arneaud, who was most recently with Rinnai, previously held positions with Air System Arneaud SEE MANUFACTURER & SUPPLIER NEWS, P62 Components Inc.

SEE THESE PIPES & SYSTEMS

www.modernhydronicssummit.com

SEE THESE BOILERS

September 10

Bosch • HTP • IBC • Eco-King LAARS • Lochinvar • Navien • NTI Olsen • Thermo 2000 • Triangle Tube Weil-McLain • Viessmann Turn to page 41 for full details

www.modernhydronicssummit.com HPACMAG.COM

MAY 2015 | HPAC

69

< MCEE 2015 NEW PRODUCT COMPETITION

Positive energy abounds at busy Montreal show.

C

anada’s largest plumbing, HVACR, hydronic, electrical and lighting expo was back for another year on April 22 and 23. Students, manufacturers, suppliers and contractors took to MCEE 2015 at Place Bonaventure in Montreal for an opportunity to show and view the latest industry products. In addition, educational sessions were held as part of the jam-packed itinerary.

More than 6000 visitors attended the show where 390 exhibitors from across Canada, the U.S. and overseas were on hand with the latest product offerings. Visitors packed the New Product Showcase at the show entrance to check out the finalists in the New Product Competition (see the winners at right).

Two sessions in the technical program were held in English.

Dadanco vice president of sales and marketing Chris Lawrence shared insight on ways to maximize the efficiency of chilled beams, while a distinguished panel of speakers focused on the benefits of existing building commissioning in the webcast New Tomorrows For Today's Buildings (the webinar was interrupted due to technical difficulties but was available at ASHRAE's website until May 8).

The next edition of MCEE will take place April 26 and 27, 2017 in Montreal. MCEE is produced by the Corporation of Master Pipe Mechanics of Quebec (CMMTQ), the Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating (CIPH), Corporation of Master Electricians of Quebec (CMEQ), and the Corporation des entreprises en traitement de l'air et du froid (CETAF), with support from EFC Quebec and IES Montreal. <>

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR WINNER President and general manager of CIPH (l) and André Bergeron, CMMTQ director general (r), present Flir Systems Canada general manager Greg Bork with the Product of the Year and Tools awards for its thermal imaging system at MCEE 2015.

Top: Marc Dugré, president of Regulvar Inc., holds the plaque for his company’s multi-function, touch screen intercom, the winner in the software, control and accessory category.

Bottom: ProLon co-won the award with its 2000 Series HVAC regulation system.

Top: Richard Boivin and Jeff Clarke of Enviroair Industries Inc. accept the award for Aermec’s NYB F modular chiller in the heating and/or cooling hydronic appliances category.

Benoit De Gagné-Marcouillier, of Plomberie G&G Limitee in Montreal, is shown here with his Great Tool Takeaway (Raflez les outils) winnings. The contest was held by Plomberie, Chauffage & Climatisation (HPAC's French-language sister publication) to commemorate its 10th anniversary. The winner was drawn from almost 900 entries by Claude Robitaille, CIPH Quebec Region coordinator.

70

HPAC | MAY 2015

Bottom: Representatives from the co-winning company Swegon celebrated their Adapt Parasol climate beams.

HPACMAG.COM

Members of the IPEX team accept the piping, fittings and accessories award for the Drain-Guard DWV double-wall pipe.

Joined by colleagues, Viessmann Manufacturing Company Inc. director of sales and marketing Ken Webster with the hot water and space heating category award. Viessmann was recognized for its Vitodens 222-F, B2TB solar water heater.

Delta Faucet Co.’s Temp20 Showers garnered the plumbing fixtures and faucets prize.

Enviroair Industries Inc. vice president Anthony Jonkov holds the plaque for Daikin’s refrigeration category win. The product being recognized is the VRV-IV heat recovery chiller unit. Jonkov is joined by colleagues Sébastien Rondeau (c) and Jeff Clarke. (centre right).

Convectair regional sales manager Yves Giard accepts the residential or commercial applications for electrical products award for the Opéra 12 and Opéra 17 electric convector.

HPACMAG.COM

(centre left to centre right) A.O. Smith’s Ian Reinhart, Geoffrey Holloway and Tasha Medeiros accept the domestic water heaters award for the company’s condensing water heater Cyclone Mxi.

Jacques Paré of Top Supports poses during the air duct, fittings and accessories award presentation. The company won for its TOP08-22 support system.

Top: Biddle Climate Solutions regional manager for Quebec Michael Blyth (centre left) and managing director Scott Ferguson (centre right) accept the heating and/or cooling forced air appliances award for the company’s gas air heater Noz Gas. Bottom: Neptronic was co-winner in the category for its electric coil.

Belimo Aircontrols district sales manager (DSM) Luc Brochu poses with DSM – Quebec East Pierre Bouchard (back left) and technical support rep.

Vicky Ghotra (back right) in accepting the hydronic heating components award for the company’s control valve.

MAY 2015 | HPAC

71

< DEHUMIDIFICATION

Consider the total picture

Canadian ERV wheel retrofit and specification must consider RER, frosting and maintenance.

BY LEN KOBYLUS

C

decade offer energyanadian HVAC efficiency (via reduced fan contractors will power), improved frosting replace tens of prevention and maintethousands of ennance savings that can thalpy wheels within the equate to tens of thounext five years. The replacesands of dollars over its ment candidates are rotary lifecycle. air-to-air heat exchangers that have surpassed their useful lifecycles. They are RER EQUALS ROI found in packaged rooftop The larger flute openings and supplemental dedi- Close-up of absorbant molecular sieve desiccant material. seen in aluminum wheels cated energy recovery ventiwith molecular sieve desiclators, which were introduced to the Canadian market in the cant create a non-turbulent laminar flow that allows particles last 30 years. to pass through without accumulation within the wheel meIf the HVAC service contractor selects a wheel replacedia. The aluminum media can also have an anti-stick surface ment based on price rather than total performance, commercoating applied to both sides of the wheel to further prevent cial building clients may not get the best overall value. particles from accumulating and plugging the wheel in highly Enthalpy wheels are decidedly different from each other in polluted air streams. static pressure efficiency, maintenance and condensation Other options may collect more dust and debris, resulting in frosting prevention. The latter is an extremely critical chalreduced air flow and higher maintenance costs to clear static lenge in Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cold climate. pressure-robbing air flow blockages.

Proper selection is even more important due to the recent A wheel replacement selection should be calculated for redevelopment of drop-in replacement unitary wheel cassettes. covery efficiency ratio (RER), according to the Air Conditioning, Replacement wheels no longer need to be the same OEM Heating and Refrigeration Instituteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (AHRI) Guideline V (original equipment manufacturer) model that came with the Calculating the Efficiency of Energy Recovery Ventilators and HVAC system. The cassettes are made in several matching reIts Effect on Efficiency and Sizing of Building HVAC Systems. placement wheel diameters and come pre-packaged with an The RER takes into consideration the efficiency and the static inverter duty motor and industrial-type drive belt that simplipressure of a desiccant wheel replacement. fies and speeds up installation.

Intended for service contractors, engineers and building A vast majority of existing unitary equipment wheels specowners, Guideline V provides a means for calculating the ified for the Canadian new construction market in the last 20 impact of applied energy recovery equipment on the energy to 30 years have an OEM plastic or polymer film-type of efficiency of the HVAC system at a single selected operating wheel. Polymer-based wheels were preferred decades ago condition. because of their lower cost. Recently, wheels with aluminum More simply, the calculations comprehensively take a host and other substrate materials have become more competiof factors into consideration, such as geographic climate, tively priced, according to Ed Carney, partner, at Mississauga, fan/motor efficiency, exhaust air transfer ratio (EATR), presON-based, Kilmer Environmental. sure drop, energy recovery methodology, and many other paCarney believes service contractors and consulting engirameters. Guideline V also allows service contractors or their neers should consider higher performance metal wheels as manufacturer representatives to calculate ERV wheel coman alternative to a plastic wheel replacement. Furthermore, parisons and arrive at a comprehensive savings for heating on new construction specification, metal wheels should be and cooling. considered and compared for total performance when ERV Contractors who calculate BTUs transferred divided by the manufacturers offer different OEM wheel options. number of watts used will be surprised at the RER difference Technological advancements in enthalpy wheels in the last between wheels. For example, energy recovery wheels of 72

HPAC | MAY 2015

HPACMAG.COM

equal diameter at an air flow of 5000-cfm may offer the same total effectiveness but one wheel may have a lower static pressure of 0.28-inches w.g. This lower static pressure drop results in a higher RER for both the cooling and heating seasons. Although both wheels have identical filters, some wheels require higher efficiency filters to prevent the wheels from plugging due to airstream particulates. This will result in a higher static pressure loss and an even greater RER difference between wheel types.

Generally, the annual savings when choosing a wheel that delivers less static pressure could be up to $100 per 1000cfm. That sum can rise significantly to the $20 000 range, for example, when considering a 200 000-cfm building ventilation system, depending on the geographic location, climate and other variables.

It is not just efficiency, but both efficiency and static pressure combined that will provide the greatest return on investment (ROI).

FROSTING IS A MAJOR CHALLENGE Since total enthalpy wheels adsorb moisture from the airstream, frost accumulation on a wheel may damage it. In addition, airflow may be blocked resulting in an increase in static pressure and reduced efficiency. Furthermore, many wheel models (both new and retrofit) have a higher sensible than latent efficiency, which presents a higher dew point saturation temperature on the psychrometric chart and greater frosting potential.

Aluminum wheels are designed to handle temperatures as low as -26C (-15F) without frosting because exhausted water vapours will be transferred back into the supply airstream.

This has two benefits: firstly, the exhaust air becomes drier with a lower dew point saturation temperature; and secondly, wintertime humidity for the space is reintroduced.

This minimizes the need for humidification from an additional HVAC component, which can be expensive to operate.

Solutions to frosting are wheel-speed modification, electric pre-heat, or a total bypassing of the energy recovery process by exhausting and using electric heat during extreme low temperatures. The latter defeats the whole concept of wintertime energy recovery.

Preheating can be an energy-efficient approach to avoid wintertime frost formation when moisture conditions are above 30 per cent relative humidity (RH) and temperature is frequently below -26C (-15F). The total energy wheel can operate at full recovery on very cold days, thereby providing for maximum humidification recovery. Reducing the wheel speed to cut temperature recovery also reduces the latent recovery.

The required preheat temperature is determined by: 1. Locating the return air condition on a psychrometric chart; 2. Drawing a line tangent to the saturation curve; HPACMAG.COM

Figure 1 Determining frosting potential

3. C onnecting to the heating design outdoor air humidity content; 4. Reading the dry bulb intercept value, as shown in Figure 1, line RA-OA1 (return air-outdoor air); and 5. Preheating the outdoor air to the dry bulb intercept value, as shown by Figure 1 line OA2-OA1.

Controlling wheel speed to avoid frost formation is a better choice when: heating season humidification is not provided, conditions are below 30 per cent RH during cold days and the total number of hours below -26C (-15F) are infrequent.

The dew point control set point is determined by: 1. Locating the RA condition that exists when the winter outdoor air design condition is reached; 2. Plotting the RA point on the psychrometric chart and draw a line between it and the winter design point; 3. Determining the higher dry bulb temperature at which this line intercepts the saturation curve (exhaust air (EA), on Figure 1); 4. Adding 1.1C (2F) to this temperature and this becomes the control (winter) set point; Besides frosting, condensation formation is also detrimental to IAQ because exhausted water-soluble contaminants will be transferred onto the wheel’s media and re-introduced to the space.

Today’s technological advancements in rotary wheel air-toair heat exchange offer vastly different options than 10 years ago. Contractors and consulting engineers faced with wheel replacement or a wheel OEM option in new unitary equipment can provide a better service to their building owner clients by considering RER, better frost prevention and reduced maintenance when selecting a total enthalpy wheel. <> Len Kobylus, who is currently the OEM sales manager at Semco, has 28 years experience in HVAC/R with companies such as Trane Co. and York International, as well as fan and ERV companies. He can be reached at len.kobylus@flaktwoods.com.

MAY 2015 | HPAC

73

GIZMOS & GADGETS With the VBus Touch HC by RESOL, users will be able to use the Apple Watch for controlling heating systems. It is already supported on the iPad and iPhone. While travelling, the app can be used to heat up

The L2N1ADJ, with reversible

homes before owners return. It is also

and adjustable head from Reed,

designed to adjust in changing weather

comes in two socket sizes

conditions. www.resol.de

(1-¼-in. by 1- 1/16 -in.) that feature a 12-point design. Additional features include a 10-degree tooth pattern and 17-in. stamped

Malco Quick Action hole saws feature carbide-

steel handle. It weighs 2.3

tipped teeth and self-cleaning gullets on a

pounds and the double pawl

2 ¼-in. -deep saw cup. They are designed to cut

secures the tool forward or

through wood framing, wall tile, fibreglass, plastics

reverse. Its torque rating is 200

and fibre cement. They come in 19 sizes and the

foot pounds.

Quick Connect Arbor design is compatible with

www.reedmfgco.com

industry standard

5/8

-18 hole saw threads. The

arbor comes with a quick-release feature and can hold Malco Quick Change pilot drills. The drills feature a built-in 10-mm hex shank for tight gripping in a ½-in. drill. www.malcotools.com

The CoBolt Mini bolt cutters from Knipex are designed to cut anything up to 0.25 in.

They are also meant to stop

The Aristo Tech HD helmet by ESAB has an optical

thicker, round objects from

class of 1/1/1/1. It features an LCD lens with 100

slipping out during a cut.

x 62 mm viewing area. In the X-TIG mode, the

Etched blades and micro-

helmet uses electromagnetic arc sensors that

structured cutting edges are

react to the magnetic field of the arc. Digital lens

some design features. The

technology gives the welder control to adjust

cutters offer a new gripping

shade, sensitivity and delay settings. The unit

zone behind the joint and

weighs 515 grams and comes in a matte carbon

ergonomic handles.

rubberized finish.

www.knipex-tools.com

www.esab.com

Milwaukee Tool’s plier lines come in application-specific designs. The straight jaw pliers come in six- to 20-in. sizes and feature grips and exposed metal handles with a ground head. The Hex-Jaw pliers come in eight-, 10- and 12-in. sizes and are designed for hex-bolt applications.

The cutting pliers consist of three tools, including the nine-in. high leverage lineman’s pliers with crimper, long-nose pliers and diagonal cutting pliers. The nine-in. lineman’s pliers come equipped with an onboard crimper for INS and NON-INS terminal and iron carbide cutting edges. The long-nose pliers feature two inches of gripping space, and come in six-, seven- and eight-in. sizes. The diagonal pliers feature cutting edges designed for close quarters and flush cuts. All models come with a limited lifetime warranty. www.milwaukeetool.com 74

HPAC | MAY 2015

HPACMAG.COM

THE SOURCE

PLUMBINGINPRODUCTS ADVERTISERS THIS ISSUE Adrian Steel................................................... www.adriansteel.com............................................................ page 23 Arkema.......................................................... www.R22retrofits.com........................................................... page 46 Hydronic Heating Technologies page 55 Bardon Supplies............................................. www.bardonsupplies.com......................................................

Jaga • Smith’s • Myson pages 58, 59 Bibby Ste-Croix...............................................www.Bibby-Ste-Croix.com................................................

Brant Radiant Heaters....................................

September 10www.brantradiant.com........................................................... page 57 Caleffi............................................................ www.caleffi.com.................................................................... page 37 Turn to page 41 for full details Daikin............................................................ www.daikin.com.................................................................... page 45 Delta.............................................................. www.deltacommercialfaucets.ca............................................. page 27 Franklin Electric.............................................www.littlegiant.com................................................................. page 9 Fujitsu........................................................... www.fujitsugeneral.com......................................................... page 47 GM................................................................ www.gmbusinesschoice.ca.................................................... page 21 Heatlink......................................................... www.heatlink.com................................................................. page 25 Hilmor............................................................ www.hilmor.com/swage.........................................................

Amvic • Aquatherm • Axiom • Caleffipage 11 Honeywell Genetron........................................ www.honeywell-refrigerants.com...................................... pages 15, 53 Creatherm • Dahl • Flexcon • HeatLink Hood Chemical............................................... www.HOODchemical.com................................................ pages 16, 50 Legend • REHAU • Reliance • Roth ICP – Keeprite................................................www.GoKeepRite.com........................................................... page 33 Spirotherm • Uponor • Viega • Webstone September 10 IESO.............................................................. www.ieso.ca......................................................................... page 51 Turn to page 41 for full details Industrial Refrigerated Systems...................... www.indref.ca....................................................................... page 50 LAARS........................................................... www.laars.com..................................................................... page 39 Lennox PartsPlus........................................... www.LennoxPartsPlus.com.................................................... page 52 Master Group................................................. www.master.ca..................................................................... page 49 Napoleon........................................................ www.napoleonheatingandcooling.com....................................... page 2 Navien............................................................www.Navien.com..................................................................... page 5 Ostberg.......................................................... http://ca.ostberg.com.......................................................... page 56 Bosch • HTP • IBC • Eco-King page 79 Powrmatic...................................................... www.powrmatic.com. .............................................................

LAARS • Lochinvar • Navien • NTI page 30 Reliance Worldwide........................................www.sharkbite.com...............................................................

Saniflo........................................................... www.saniflo.ca. .....................................................................

Olsen • Thermo 2000 • Triangle Tubepage 13 Sprinter.......................................................... www.Mercedes-Benz-Vans.ca................................................. page 17 Weil-McLain • Viessmann September 10 Switch the 'Stat............................................. www.switchthestat.ca............................................................ page 16 Turn to page 41 for full details Viessmann..................................................... www.viessmann.ca................................................................ page 35 Watts.............................................................www.OneWattsWater.com/waterquality.................................... page 80 Zurn............................................................... www.zurn.com....................................................................... page 31

SEE THESE HEAT EMITTERS

www.modernhydronicssummit.com

SEE THESE PIPES & SYSTEMS

www.modernhydronicssummit.com

SEE THESE BOILERS

www.modernhydronicssummit.com

SEE THESE PUMPS Armstrong • AquaMotion Grundfos • Taco • Wilo September 10

Turn to page 41 for full details

www.modernhydronicssummit.com HPACMAG.COM

MAY 2015 | HPAC

75

CALENDAR 2015

FOR THE LATEST EVENT NEWS, SEE HPAC'S NEWSLETTER @ HPACMAG.COM CIPH Annual Business Conference June 14-16 The Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating will hold its 83rd annual business conference at the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City, QC.

www.ciph.com

CleanerHeat Symposium June 17-18

OPIA Annual Meeting & Educational Seminar June 14-16

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

The Ontario Plumbing Inspectors Association is holding its 85th annual meeting at the Kempenfelt Conference Centre in Innisfil, ON.

www.coha.ca

www.opia.info/members

ASHRAE Annual Conference June 27-July 1

HRAI Annual Meeting and Conference August 26-29

Modern Hydronics - Summit 2015 September 10

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

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

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

www.ashrae.org

www.hrai.ca

www.modernhydronicssummit.com

SMACNA Annual Convention September 27-30

Green Building Festival October 1

CIPHEX Roadshow October 15-November 18

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

The Green Building Festival, presented

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

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

www.sbcanada.org

www.ciphexroadshow.ca

www.smacna.org

Note: Date and location change.

RSES Canada will take place in Toronto, ON. Venue TBA.

www.rsescanada.com

MCA Canada’s 74th Annual National Conference November 16-19

Greenbuild International Conference & Expo November 18-22

The Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada will hold its 74th Annual National Conference at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa in Palm Springs, CA. www.mcac.ca

Greenbuild, the world’s largest annual conference and expo dedicated to green building, will take place in Washington, DC. Venue TBA.

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

2016

RSES Canada November 4-5

www.greenbuildexpo.org

Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) ASHRAE Winter Conference January 23-27 January 19-21 The 2016 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show, in conjunction with the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), will take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

CMPX March 16-18

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

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

MEET 2016 Date TBA MEET - Mechanical Electrical Electronic Technology 2016 will take place at the Moncton Coliseum Complex in Moncton, NB.

www.masterpromotions.ca

76

HPAC | MAY 2015

www.ashrae.org/orlando

www.kbis.com

AHR Expo January 25-27

www.ahrexpo.com

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

www.cmpxshow.com

National HVAC/R Educators and Trainers Conference March 21-23 The 2016 National HVAC/R Educators and Trainers Conference will be held at the South Point Hotel in Las Vegas, NV.

www.hvacexcellence.org/nhetc

Planning an event?

Send the details to

Alex DiPietro, Assistant Editor

ADiPietro@hpacmag.com HPACMAG.COM

< oil heat

Clean bill of health for Fuel Oil No. 2

R

esults of a final screening assessment released

by Environment Canada and Health Canada in February reported that exposure from Fuel Oil No. 2 residential tank leaks is not a concern for the health of the general population. The report states that “the limited duration of potential exposure, the low acute toxicity of the fuel and existing leak mitigation measures.”

This comes as welcome news for the Canadian Oil Heat Association (COHA). But according to president Stephen Koch, it is not all that surprising.

“We have been working on (the premise) that it is not dangerous to humans for quite a while,” Koch said in an interview. “And I think that we’re glad Health Canada went through this exercise and came to the same conclusion.”

In the screening assessment, potential harm to the environment was also explored. The assessment indicates that on average, there are currently 12 spills per year across Canada with sufficient volume to be of concern to the marine and freshwater environment. Based on that finding and additional info, it was also concluded that “Fuel Oil No. 2 is entering or may enter the environment at levels that constitute a danger to the environment.”

However, Koch outlined key initiatives that COHA and its advisory council have developed to reduce any existing or potential impact on the environment. In addition, he emphasized that there could be environmental impact with any type of fuel-based product.

“Natural gas, propane, even electrical power – based on what’s being used to generate electricity – has some type of impact on the environment when we use these types of fuels to heat and motorize our communities,” said Koch.

The advisory council, which is composed of stakeholders, insurance companies, brokers, remediators, consumers and regulators, was created last year. It has been engaging with and making recommendations to Environment Canada regarding any environmental impact, according to Koch.

Now completed, Phase One of the advisory council’s agenda focused on developing six key initiatives: expanding COHA’s GreenTECH program; improving consumer understanding of a system’s proper operation and to highlight the importance of yearly equipment maintenance; obtaining universal adoption of B-139 SERIES-15 installation code for oil-burning equipment; creating understanding of the problems and risk associated with unauthorized discharges by developing a website that allows for collected information to be tabulated and synthesized, but also, ensures consumer privacy and negates litigation issues filed with insurance companies; reducing mitigation-response time to unauthorized discharges; and eliminating spill-remediation conflicts of interest.

The next step is to create implementation teams for each of the initiatives, with the key being that personnel understand the logistics of incorporating the recommendations into everyday activity. www.cleanerheat.ca <>

Training

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES ACROSS CANADA Construction Education Council courses

NAIT

The Construction Education Council offers a number of management and supervisory courses across Canada. For more information, contact Tania Johnston by e-mail at tania@mcac.ca. www.constructioneducation.ca

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

Dollars to $ense Energy Management Workshops

www.nait.ca/course_hdro370.htm

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

TECA Quality First Training

Canadian Hydronics Council

www.teca.ca

www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca

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

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

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

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

www.hrai.ca/skilltechtraining.html

SEE THE CALENDAR ON P76 may 2015 | HPAC

77

COMMITTED TO READING

Photo: Ashley Bouchard, Raven Supply

< PHILANTHROPY

BY ALEX DI PIETRO

Students in front of the new Shree Madan Asrit Lower Secondary School classroom block. To the left of the children is an old classroom.

R

aven Hydronic Supply Ltd. celebrated the successful completion of a year-long building initiative recently.

Ashley Bouchard, Raven Supply’s project manager, returned from Palpa, Nepal in March 2015, following the construction of Shree Madan Asrit Lower Secondary School.

“There was a new, two-room section of the school built – one, a Grade 1 class, and the other, a library for the whole school,” said Bouchard.

Eleven teachers make up the school’s faculty. They serve students in pre-school to Grade 8 – 108 girls and 98 boys.

Subjects include science, social studies, reading, writing, Nepali and the local dialect of Nepali.

“After the welcoming ceremony, my sister and I were then invited to sit in with the Grade 1 class, where the students began practising the alphabet and sounding out words,” said Bouchard of the experience. “There was no English taught in the school. However, you could see the sense of pride in the students’ eyes when the teacher was encouraging them.”

Devised by Raven Supply owner Brian De Jaegher, the fundraising model was initially meant to only include vendors.

However, customers are now also part of the initiative.

“We fundraise half the amount with our vendors by asking

for a discount or a cheque from our customers, and then we match it at Raven,” Bouchard said.

Vendors were asked to provide a discount on one order per year, with Raven Supply matching the funds and donating them to the Vancouver Chapter of Room to Read – a non-profit that strives for global access to quality education for children.

“Room to Read chooses schools that need the most in these areas,” Bouchard said.

Raven Supply is currently on its third fundraising initiative, with a library in India and 50 one-year scholarships for girls valued at $17 500 still on the way.

In 2014, Raven Supply also raised funds for another two libraries in Nepal, along with teacher training. The libraries are designed to fuel a friendly learning environment for children and offer both English and Nepali books and puzzles. The company has donated more than $74 000 to Room to Read since 2013. www.ravensupply.ca www.roomtoread.org <> Editor's note: At press time there was no word as to the state of the lower secondary school following the earthquake that struck Nepal on Saturday, April 25. Children in Nepal do not attend school on Saturday.

17,000 + SQ. FT. OF HYDRONICS 50 + BRANDS September 10

40 EXHIBITORS Turn to page 41 for full details

www.modernhydronicssummit.com HPAC | MAY 2015

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