With failing oil-fired boilers and an aging, inefficient heating system, Elm Street School in Gardner, Mass., turned to modulating boilers from Weil-McLain to spark energy efficiencies and lower heating costs for the school. Built in 1923, Elm Street first served as a high school, but over the course of numerous years, the district converted the Read more
products
With failing oil-fired boilers and an aging, inefficient heating system, Elm Street School in Gardner, Mass., turned to modulating boilers from Weil-McLain to spark energy efficiencies and lower heating costs for the school.
Built in 1923, Elm Street first served as a high school, but over the course of numerous years, the district converted the facility into an elementary school. Today, the 130,000-square foot facility houses more than 500 students.
“Our heating system consisted of two nearly 20-year-old boilers that were in constant need of repair,” said Robert O’Brien, director of facilities for Gardner Public Schools. “We found ourselves changing out cast iron sections on an annual basis. In addition to the maintenance issues, we wanted to decrease our overall heat load.”
To assist with project funding and help cover boiler replacement costs, the school applied for and received a green repair grant from the Massachusetts School Board Authority (MSBA). The MSBA Green Repair Program offers districts the opportunity to repair or replace roofs, windows and/or boilers in public school facilities that are otherwise structurally, functionally and educationally sound.
With funding in place, the school selected, MacRitchie Engineering, based in Braintree, Mass., which provides HVAC, plumbing and electrical design services, to handle the boiler replacement.
“We sought a dual combination gas and oil commercial boiler and Weil-McLain was my primary choice,” said O’Brien. “We also wanted units with the ability to modulate with a control package that could be implemented into a building management system.
“We received three competitive offerings when the project was put out for bid and we chose Weil-McLain because the equipment had the best load matching characteristics,” said O’Brien.
The team chose three Weil-McLain 88 Series low pressure steam boilers as the optimal choice to match heating load requirements with two carrying the building load and one installed for redundancy. MacRitchie also was tasked with handling oil conversion to add gas for dual fuel firing, boiler room valves, boiler feed unit, fuel oil pumps and controls, and associated electrical and plumbing work.
The Weil-McLain 88 Series boilers offer up to 85.7% thermal efficiencies, are operational in single or multiple systems as gas, oil or gas/oil, and feature modulation control.
The old oil-fired burners were removed and replaced with the Weil-McLain dual fuel boilers and configured with gas as the main fuel source and oil as a backup. Each boiler was installed with its own pump plus a common manually valved standby pump.
The project was completed and the units were placed in operation in October 2015.
Built in 1923, Elm Street School in Gardner, Mass., houses more than 500 elementary students.
Numerous Benefits Realized
According to O’Brien, the installation went smoothly and the school already is experiencing benefits.
“We expect to save anywhere from 20% to 25% of our fuel costs with these new boilers because they are more energy efficient, feature low-range pressure controls and have the ability to modulate,” said O’Brien.
Modulating burners are designed to control the burner output to match the boilers’ variable load requirements to ensure maximum combustion and boiler efficiencies during large heating demands. The modulation feature also has decreased the system pressure.
“Thanks to modulation, we reduced the amount of operating pressure from about 10 pounds on a cold day to about 5 pounds,” said O’Brien. “Dropping the pressure created a lot of savings, yet we are still maintaining the temperature inside the building so that’s a definite plus.”
Other benefits O’Brien and building staff are realizing include the adoption of a building management system that will send notifications via email and sound an audible alarm in the school if an issue should arise.
“If a boiler burner should misfire, for example, I immediately get an email and an audio alarm goes off in the school,” said O’Brien. “This alerts school custodian staff that an issue is happening, and it’s an important safety feature to have.”
The expected duration and life of the boilers are another plus, according to O’Brien.
“The life expectancy is typically 30 or more years for these boilers,” he said.
Chicago Faucets 420 Series single-lever lavatory faucets are designed for the public restroom and for durability. The 420 Series combines the strength of solid brass construction with the dependability of a time-tested ceramic mixing valve. These ADA-compliant faucets mount to 4˝ fixed centers and have a 4-5/8˝ center-to-center chrome plated, cast brass spouts. The mixing Read more
Chicago Faucets 420 Series single-lever lavatory faucets are designed for the public restroom and for durability. The 420 Series combines the strength of solid brass construction with the dependability of a time-tested ceramic mixing valve.
These ADA-compliant faucets mount to 4˝ fixed centers and have a 4-5/8˝ center-to-center chrome plated, cast brass spouts. The mixing valve features a built-in hot water limit stop to reduce costly hot water usage and help prevent scalding. 420 Series models are available with vandal-resistant non-aerating 0.35 GPM (1.3 L/min) outlets, a 0.5 (1.5 L/min) GPM spray, or a 1.5 GPM (5.7 L/min) non-aerating outlet.
“We had the commercial market in mind for the 420 Series. Easy installation and maintenance saves time, money and water, plus they are available in a convenient “master pack” of 6. The 420 Series has rapidly earned a solid reputation for reliability among plumbing professionals, building owners and end users,” say John Fitzgerald, Vice President of Marketing for Chicago Faucets.
To download literature visit http://chicagofaucets.com/pdf/CF1064.pdf or call 800-566-2100 or fill out the online request form to receive a printed copy.
The Chicago Faucet Company is part of the Geberit Group, a European market leader and global provider of sanitary technology. Since 1901, The Chicago Faucet Company, located in Des Plaines, Illinois, has offered commercial faucets and fittings built to stand the test of time. A combination of the best engineering, finest materials and quality workmanship has made Chicago Faucets the specified choice in healthcare facilities throughout North America.
Shelly Palmer, a well known strategic advisor and media specialist, visited KBIS in Las Vegas and provided his view of the show and the Toto Neorest, a $10,00 toilet. He came away fascinated by the show and gave his opinion on six Kitchen & Bath products that captured his attention. Toto Neorest 750H 3D-Printed Faucets Read more
Shelly Palmer, a well known strategic advisor and media specialist, visited KBIS in Las Vegas and provided his view of the show and the Toto Neorest, a $10,00 toilet.
He came away fascinated by the show and gave his opinion on six Kitchen & Bath products that captured his attention.
- Toto Neorest 750H
- 3D-Printed Faucets from DXV by American Standard
- Kalamazoo Hybrid Fire Grill
- Monogram Indoor Pizza Oven
- MoistureShield® Composite Decking
- Boral Versetta Stone®
Read the Shelly’s full article and review
If you are an engineer, a mechanical contractor or a building maintenance manager you probably came across steam heating system. And you noticed that steam piping design as been done the same way for the last 100 years or so. The traditional way of design those steam network needs a lot of components like 2 Read more
If you are an engineer, a mechanical contractor or a building maintenance manager you probably came across steam heating system. And you noticed that steam piping design as been done the same way for the last 100 years or so. The traditional way of design those steam network needs a lot of components like 2 (1/3-2/3) pressure reducing valve, 2 (1/3-2/3) control valve on the steam heat exchanger, steam safety relief valve pipe to the roof which need yearly maintenance and a dedicate condensate return pump with a vent pipe to the roof to eliminate all the flash in return condensate line in order to avoid any water hammer.
What if you can avoid all those components?
No more pressure reducing valve, no more condensate pump and no more safety relief valve.
Maxi-Therm base in Montreal Canada offer an innovative vertical flooded steam heat exchanger solution that not only avoid all those components but bring you energy savings up to 15%!
The concept consist of using a vertical heat exchanger with a small control valve install on the condensate return line. By doing so, they flood the heat exchanger. That allows them to extract not only the latent heat but also the sensible heat which you don’t do when you use a traditional horizontal heat exchanger system. And because they work on full pressure in the steam inlet, they don’t need a vacuum breaker, so they don’t inject oxygen in you return lines anymore.
Why they don’t need a safety valve?
Maxi-Therm provide an ASME (CRN for Canada) stamp for high pressure vessel on the heat exchanger and the complete package. This way the safety valve is not needed.
With over 400 installations around United States and Canada this unique concept is the new talk in town for steam user or designer.
And the big question is why we didn’t do this before?
Well if you take a look at the traditional manufacturer in the steam business, not only they offer heat exchanger concepts but also all the components needed to make this work, so by pushing this type of concept (flooded steam heat exchanger) they will lose a lot of return business in maintenance over years.
Maxi-Therm is surely becoming the new leader in the steam world, not only they provide building heat and domestic hot water system but also a clean steam generator and a condensate mixer that avoid multiple condensate return lines. The simply offer all the solutions to have a 100% close loop on steam. No one offers those type of solutions before.
To know more about Maxi-Therm visit www.maxi-therm.net. (514) 351-1001
Rinnai America, the number-one selling brand of tankless water heaters in the United States and Canada, is showcasing its latest innovations in water heating and home heating at this year’s Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (Booth #1642), as well as introducing wireless connectivity for its new and existing tankless water heaters dating back as far as Read more
Rinnai America, the number-one selling brand of tankless water heaters in the United States and Canada, is showcasing its latest innovations in water heating and home heating at this year’s Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (Booth #1642), as well as introducing wireless connectivity for its new and existing tankless water heaters dating back as far as ten years – the industry’s first wireless connectivity for gas tankless water heaters.
“Home automation is a major theme for AHR this year. Our Wi-Fi module and app is the first of its kind to bring gas tankless water heaters into this exciting arena,” said Susan Mittelbrun, Vice President of Marketing at Rinnai America Corporation. “AHR is the perfect stage to highlight our products that move our industry forward into the 21st century.”
Rinnai will showcase its many high-performing tankless water heating options, including its Ultra Series, Luxury Series, Value Series and its Hybrid Tank-Tankless Water Heater. Also in the booth, Rinnai will highlight its complete heating line up, including solutions for both whole house heating and supplemental heating applications. A commercial engineer will be present at the booth to provide free commercial quotes and sizing consultations.
In addition its exhibiting products, Rinnai America Corporation’s General Manager Frank Windsor will give a speech titled “The Demand Duo: Built for Commercial” at the Exhibitor New Product and Technology Presentations to educate attendees about the product’s solution as a direct replacement of most traditional commercial standard and high efficiency tanks.
Rinnai America Corporation recently announced that 2015 was its best year ever, with record-breaking unit sales and revenue, the company’s second consecutive year with all-time high performance.
RINNAI’S TOP PRODUCTS
Water Heating Products
Ultra Series RUR98i
The RUR98i features a breakthrough in recirculation technology that allows users to get an endless supply of hot water faster, while saving time, money and natural resources. The Ultra Series RUR models come equipped with an integrated pump, internal bypass line inside the unit and thermal bypass valve provided in the box, and will work with or without a dedicated recirculation line.
Ultra Series RUC98i
Rinnai’s RUC98i model is the first tankless water heater in the industry that allows for both concentric and PVC/CPVC venting from the same unit, giving installers and dealers more venting options right out of the box. Installers and dealers can now know that the model they’ve specified or have on-hand will be compatible with whichever venting installation is preferred or required when they arrive on the jobsite.
Ultra Series RUCS75i
The Ultra Series RUCS75i at 160,000 BTUs, available in natural gas and propane, offers condensing technology with lower to mid-range capacity at an attractive price point. As the only manufacturer to offer both concentric and PVC/CPVC dual pipe venting options on the same unit, the RUCS models add to the Ultra Series lineup of innovative designs and enduring values.
Luxury Series RL94i
Rinnai’s Luxury Series offers the highest output of Rinnai’s non-condensing line. Its Circ-Logic Technology allows homeowners to set recirculation patterns that coincide with their hot water usage patterns. This model is optimal for larger homes and light commercial projects.
Value Series V94i
The Value Series V94i delivers the perfect combination of comfort and value, while providing homeowners with an endless supply of hot water, energy savings, a space-saving design and environmental benefits. The NEW V94i / V94e at 199,000 BTU and V94Xi at 192,000 BTU the V94i offers confidence-boosting reliability at an inviting price.
RH180 Hybrid Tank-Tankless Water Heater
Rinnai’s tank-tankless water heater pairs an innovative, on-demand tankless system with an ample 40-gallon storage tank, blending the benefits of advanced technology with simple supply.
Heating Products
Condensing Boilers E110C & E50C
The E Series Combi Boilers are ideal for homes with limited baths and provide heating and hot water in one compact unit. The E50C was designed specifically for multifamily applications with up to 1 ½ baths and require no secondary piping or closely spaced tees.
Condensing Boilers Q130S & QP130N
With a fully modulating boiler pump and maximum BTU inputs ranging from 85,000 to 205,000, the Q Series is ideal for light commercial applications or any home with a separate indirect hot water source. The Rinnai Q Premier uniquely meets homeowner demand for high-volume hot water and efficient home heating, all in one single, space-saving appliance. A boiler and tank all in one, the Q Premier delivers a fully assembled system perfect for replacement or new construction.
Vent-Free Fan Convector FC510
The Vent-Free Fan Convector is designed to give you an unmatched level of carefree coziness. It’s a unique vent-free product that self-adjusts to keep the temperature in the room consistent and wonderfully comfortable. The FC510 is a cost-effective, supplemental heating solution for nearly every living space.
EnergySaver® Direct Vent Wall Furnace EX22CN
The EnergySaver® Direct Vent Wall Furnace model EX22C can transform any living space – from basement to sunroom, or even a whole home – with self-adjusting heat that keeps room temperature consistent, from floor to ceiling. Rinnai’s unique modulating technology can respond immediately to even the smallest temperature fluctuations adjusting within seconds to maintain the pre-set temperature.
Commercial Water Heating Products
Tankless Wall-Hanging Rack TRW02 and Tankless Rack System TRS04
With Rinnai’s Tankless Rack Systems (wall mount or freestanding) you can use multiple units together to provide anywhere from 15,200 to 4.9 million BTU – enough to replace even large boilers. Our new Commercial ENERGY STAR® certified C199 Commercial Condensing Tankless Water Heaters, which come standard on the Tankless Rack System and Tankless Wall-Hanging Rack, are dedicated commercial tankless models, precision engineered to produce an endless supply of hot water for even the most demanding applications— from restaurants to hotels to multifamily residences to schools and more.
Demand Duo Commercial Hybrid System
The Rinnai Demand Duo Commercial Hybrid Water Heating System gives building owners’ customers exactly what they’re looking for: Hot water performance that meets peak demand with a supply that goes the distance. Combining the on-demand, continuous supply technology of tankless with an energy-efficient 119-gallon storage tank, the Demand Duo is the perfect solution for direct replacement of most traditional 100/199 commercial standard and high efficiency tanks. Demand Duo features the following product specifications:
-
6-year heat exchanger / tank, 5-year parts and up to 2 years labor* warranty
-
Built standard with C199 Commercial Tankless Water Heater: Commercial ENERGY STAR® certified with 96% Thermal Efficiency; Ultra Low NOx compliant; 199,000 BTU
-
Integrated temperature controller that provides 98°F to 185°F
-
First Hour Rating: 315 gal / Recovery: 231 gal (@ 100°F ?T)
-
Multiple venting options
C199 Commercial Condensing Tankless Water Heater
The C199 model, a Commercial Energy Star-certified condensing tankless water heater, has a heat exchanger designed specifically for the demands of business. These 199,000 BTU models operate more efficiently than tank-style water heaters, saving on operation and life cycle costs.