Pump Technology Improvements Driven by Energy Efficiency When it comes to improvements in pump technology, energy efficiency is the name of the game. Today, manufacturers are designing pumping systems with components like variable-speed motors that improve efficiency and reduce operating costs, according to several experts interviewed by Perspective Media. For contractors, that means having new Read more
Water
Pump Technology Improvements Driven by Energy Efficiency
When it comes to improvements in pump technology, energy efficiency is the name of the game. Today, manufacturers are designing pumping systems with components like variable-speed motors that improve efficiency and reduce operating costs, according to several experts interviewed by Perspective Media.
For contractors, that means having new options to discuss with homeowners and commercial customers considering remodeling projects, additions and new construction. “You might want to explain to an end user that the new technology can result in 50 percent energy savings with perhaps a year’s payback period on that investment,” said Bob Reinmund, senior product specialist, Grundfos Pumps Corporation. “More often than not, the end user will opt for the new technology, which is easy to install and highly reliable as well.”
While the basics of centrifugal pump technology remain constant, new computer-aided design tools allow manufacturers to design energy-efficient pumps with tighter tolerances and less bypass flow around an impeller, according to Mark Handzel, director of building services marketing at Xylem Inc., Applied Water Systems. “The goal is to squeeze every possible ounce of efficiency out of the pumping system,” he said.
More efficient motors
In keeping with that objective, pump manufacturers are focusing on more efficient motor designs, such as bigger and better copper windings to minimize electrical losses. “We call it ‘wire to water’ because the goal is to transmit as much electrical power as possible to the water coming out of the pump,” said Handzel. Other advances include controls and software applications that adjust pump motor speeds to meet changes in demand. “Pumps are not smart on their own, so you have to provide feedback about increasing or decreasing the flow,” Handzel said.
Through these types of advancements, pumps are offering greater and greater efficiency in both residential and commercial applications, with the largest savings in high-volume environment like schools, hospitals and government buildings. “Instead of focusing on the purchase and installation cost, more users are paying more attention to energy efficiency,” Handzel said. “They are looking for systems that will deliver a better return on their investment.”
But achieving those desired savings requires that all elements of the system be designed to work in harmony. For instance, a hospital might require a pressure-boost package adapted to the pump requirements in order to ensure adequate water pressure in distant areas of the building.
“Many older commercial systems are designed with big pumps and pressure-reducing valves,” Handzel added. “That wastes a tremendous amount of energy. A much better solution today is to install a pump with a variable speed drive to match fluctuating demand. That can result in a great improvement in overall system efficiency.”
Reinmund says it’s also important to look at the boiler room as a whole in order to maximize efficiencies. “Boiler manufacturers had to meet a new efficiency standard this year, and the pump is the last part of that system,” he said. “Right now, several manufacturers are offering high-efficiency pumps that can lower overall energy consumption by at least 50 percent – even more if software is included.”
ECM technology
Residentially, the use of electrically commutated motor (ECM) technology is the most exciting pump technology development in recent years, according to Reinmund. “While new home construction is down, many owners are looking for more ways to lower their utility bills. “If I were a contractor, I’d say let’s go in and review the boiler room and see what we can do to reduce our energy costs. Look at the boiler and the pumps circulating the water. Often, this new ECM technology has a payback of just three to six months, and will certainly pay for itself in less than three years.
Hot water recirculation is another potential area of energy savings. “There are many products coming out that increase energy efficiency and hot water availability, along with water savings,” Reinmund said. “Why wait 15 seconds or a minute for hot water at your tap with that cold water going down the drain?”
Those savings could mount up quickly for a hotel, hospital or other institutional or commercial facility. “With a hotel on a hot water loop, the pumps tend to be oversized to meet peak demands. “With ECM technology you can meet the peak demand and then slow down the pump, using only 50 to 60 percent of the electricity to supply demand the rest of the day. We as an industry need to think about how to do hot water circulation.”
Looking ahead, Reinmund says ECM technology will be the wave of the future. “It’s the only technology that meets the energy standards now being discussed,” he said. “The refrigeration guys have embraced ECM technology, and now it’s our turn. This technology is not intimidating, he added. “It’s designed for ease of installation and set up.”
Grinder pumps
Technology is also advancing in the grinder pump market, according to Randy Waldron, vice president, sales & marketing, Liberty Pumps. “A lot of older gravity septic systems are being replaced with centralized sewer systems,” he said. “Grinder pumps can be a good solution for these systems, providing difficult solids-handling in both residential and commercial applications. Newer designs have improved the cutting performance as well as pumping efficiency.”
Another consideration for contractors in a home remodeling or addition project is the inclusion of a macerating toilet. “This product allows for an easy bathroom addition when you don’t have gravity sewer lines,” said Waldron. “It macerates the solid waste and can pump it to an existing sewer line in the building. If the owner puts in a basement or addition, you can add a macerating toilet to the system and pump the waste water to an existing line, saving money and time on the project.”
Waldron adds that many pump manufacturers are now providing contractors with complete pumping systems, rather than having someone at the job site fabricate and assemble the basin, pump, control panel and other internal components. “Shipping the systems ‘job-ready’ saves time in the field and reduces errors,” he said, noting that factory-matched components also make it easier for the engineer to specify an appropriate system. For commercial projects, pump manufacturers are adding building information modeling (BIM) capabilities that make it easier to “drop” the pumping system into the building design software, Waldron added.
Common errors
One of the most common errors in the pump technology sector is “over-designing” or “under-designing” the system, according to Handzel. The pump needs to be appropriately sized for the application, he added.
Waldron encourages contractors to talk to pump professionals to be sure the correct type and size of pump is used in a commercial or residential project.. “We have an 800 number with technicians who can help you size product, helping to eliminate problems down the road,” he said.
In the commercial sector, many building owners and operators hire a commissioning firm to be sure a new system is working as well as it should. “Since money spent on energy is a big part of the operating budget, owners want to be sure they have an efficient system,” Handzel said. “That means monitoring performance on an ongoing basis, since the weak link in the system can be the maintenance team.”
New energy standards
Looking to the future, Reinmund points to the growing importance of the federal Energy Independence and Security Act on the commercial segment of the market. “By setting specific energy standards, the act got the industry moving on new technology,” he said. “Energy efficiency has always been important, but it’s now a mandate in some areas. That leads to better technology, while reducing the carbon footprint and lowering energy costs and consumption.”
While the energy act didn’t impact residential applications, several federal agencies are now reviewing the fractional horsepower motor market. “I believe we will see ratings come out that will address these smaller motors,” Reinmund said. In that regard, the U.S. would be following the European Union (EU), which has a new energy mandate coming into effect in January 2013. “Europeans have had high energy costs for a long time,” Reinmund said. “They are always looking for ways to reduce their energy bills and tend to embrace new technology very quickly.”
By Rich Grimes Water Solutions Marketing I am constantly asked questions from contractors related to water heating and water systems. In this issue I will address some Frequently Asked Questions that come up more often than others. 1) What is the most efficient way to heat water – Gas or Electricity? Electricity is more Read more
By Rich Grimes
Water Solutions Marketing
I am constantly asked questions from contractors related to water heating and water systems. In this issue I will address some Frequently Asked Questions that come up more often than others.
1) What is the most efficient way to heat water – Gas or Electricity?
Electricity is more available to consumers than Natural or Propane Gas. Natural gas is an interconnected system of piping that services certain areas. Customers have access to Propane if Natural is not available in their area.
As far as efficiency, Electric resistance immersion heating is 98% efficient. Gas-fired appliances have efficiencies ranging from about 80% all the way up to 98%. The best answer to this question is Electricity is more efficient with a higher energy cost. Gas is typically less efficient but has a lower energy cost. The lower efficiency gas-fired heater costs less to operate than a comparable electric model. The new Hybrid Heat Pump heaters are the least expensive way to heat water if you are comparing them to a standard tank-type heater with either electric or gas input.
2) What about the Hybrid Heat Pump water heaters? Are they a viable option to heat water with electricity?
Absolutely – The Heat Pump water heaters use approximately one-half of the electricity of a standard electric water heater. Instead of using a 4500 Watt element to heat the tank, a dedicated heat pump can generate plenty of hot water with its 850 Watt heat pump assembly.
There are many benefits to using a heat pump. Many electric providers offer rebates for replacing standard electric water heaters with Heat Pump technology.
3) What are the benefits of using Tankless water heaters?
Tankless gas and electric products are flow-activated and do not heat any water (or use fuel) when hot water is not being used. They do not experience any of the stand-by losses associated with a tank-type heater. The other key features are wall mounting, compact size and continuous hot water on demand.
The electric models are better suited to point-of-use at the fixture and can be located under a sink, on a wall or in a cabinet. The gas-fired tankless heaters have more output and can handle large loads. They also can be linked together to create modular systems with multiple heaters for even larger hot water loads.
4) What is the main cause of water heater failure?
Lime scale build-up on heating surfaces is the most common contributor to heater and tank failure. It is also the reason that heaters use more energy over time. As the heating surface accumulates more film thickness of scale, it requires more energy to heat the water through the scale. A gas-fired heater must keeps its burner on longer and an electric heater must keep its elements on longer to heat the same amount of water, through the lime scale insulator. The combination of metal stress and fatigue and long burner cycles caused by scale build-up will cause premature failure.
5) Can a water heater be descaled to prevent premature failure?
Scale is very hard to remove on a tank-type heater. The commercial tank-type heaters can accumulate quite a bit of precipitated calcium carbonate.
Tankless and coil type heaters can be cleaned to remove the lime scale. A small pump with a bucket of vinegar can circulate the heat exchanger until the scale build-up has been removed. There are also specific non-toxic cleaning solutions that are available to clean copper coils and heat exchangers like citric acid.
The descaling process is much more complicated on gas tank-type heaters and is rarely performed on them. On electric heaters, the scale builds up on the elements and does precipitate into the tank. An electric heater can be blown down at the drain valve and have the elements cleaned or replaced, which is a typical tune-up.
6) How can a gas-fired appliance be able to be vented with plastic vent pipe such as PVC or CPVC?
PVC piping is rated for a maximum temperature rating of 140°F and CPVC is rated for 180°F. These temperatures are much lower than the actual combustion exhaust temperature.
There are two predominant methods that are utilized to allow for plastic venting on gas heaters:
The first method is air dilution where a fan-assisted vent assembly with allow cooler ambient air to mix with the combustion exhaust. This method is commonly seen on residential Power Vent water heaters.
The second method that is more common is a High Efficiency appliance that uses an exhaust heat exchanger to preheat the incoming cold water or a multi-pass flue assembly. As cold water flows through the exhaust heat exchanger or across the multi-pass flue, the exhaust temperature drops and the efficiency goes up! These heaters are rated above 85% and usually in the 90%+ efficiency range, extracting almost all of the latent heat from the combustion process. The by-product of the high efficiency exhaust is water vapor that condenses and requires removal from the heater and vent system typically by a condensate trap assembly.
There is some contention on the use of plastic piping for heater exhaust. It should be noted that heaters are produced with various safety controls including exhaust high limits, vent sensors and pressure proving switches. These devices insure that the heater will be disabled if a high exhaust temperature is sensed. This will protect the plastic exhaust piping until the condition can be rectified.
Another important note regarding plastic venting would be to always use PVC or CPVC Schedule 40 or 80 solid-core pipe and pressure rated fittings. NEVER use foam-core pipe on a sealed vent exhaust system. Other plastic piping materials such as Polypropylene have higher temperature ratings and can be used for sealed venting but they can be cost prohibitive. Sealed SS Category III and IV vent pipe also are rated for use on high efficiency appliances so they are an option where piping may run through a return air plenum.
7) What are the essential considerations to perform a successful installation of a Gas water heater?
Every gas appliance installer should have an understanding of the unit’s requirements in the following areas:
a) GAS SUPPLY – verify gas type, BTU inputs, pipe sizing, pressure regulation, etc.
b) COMBUSTION AND VENTILATION AIR – verify gravity air intake or Direct Air requirements specific to the installation, per manufacturers specifications and NFGC/NFPA54.
c) EXHAUST SYSTEM – verify approved vent material, vent lengths and termination. Verify that the vent route does not conflict with clearances, existing code or other trades.
d) ELECTRICAL – verify required voltage, polarity, disconnects, breakers, etc. Most electronic heater controls require 120V which is stepped down to 24VAC for the safety controls. Hot Surface Ignition systems typically use 120V to heat up the igniter.
There are other aspects of a gas heater installation that are also important such as clearances from combustibles. A little planning goes a long way! Read the instructions!
8) Do I need an Expansion Tank on my water heater?
Expansion tanks are designed to absorb thermal expansion created when heating water. If you have a check valve or backflow device located near the water heater you will need an Expansion Tank. These positive shut-off check valves will not allow expanding water to go anywhere. The heater tank must absorb the expansion which leads to premature tank failure. A relief valve that opens at the end of a heating cycle is a definite sign of the need for expansion control.
The answer is that an expansion tank or device may or may not be required but it is always a good idea. It greatly reduces vessel stress and prolongs water heater life. It is very important on commercial heaters that have high volumes of expansion.
9) My old heater was 12 years old and I never needed an expansion tank. Why do I need one now with this brand new water heater?
This is more common than you might think. The old heater was scaled up and had a long heating cycle. The expansion is spread out over that long heating cycle. The new heater has a clean heating surface and a much quicker recovery time. This cycle can be half as long as the old heater due to lime scale build-up. The expansion occurs much quicker than the old heater.
This is why expansion control is so important on commercial heaters. An atmospheric heater rated at 500,000 BTU with an 85 gallon tank can recover approximately 480 GPH and raise the temperature 100°F. But wait, 480 GPH ÷ 85 Gallons = 5.65 Minutes… In less than 6 minutes the burner can raise the tank temperature from 60°F up to 160°F! That is rapid expansion that will stress a commercial heater each time the burner fires.
This has been a little different format but I hope you got something out of it. We are always open to questions so please let us know of any issues or topics that we could discuss.
Thanks and we’ll see you in a future article!
Rich Grimes
Changing Attitudes Create New Opportunities for State’s Plumbing Professionals A substantial decline in South Florida’s water consumption in recent years may signal a change in consumer attitudes toward the state’s limited natural resources. “A water conservation ethic is being developed throughout South Florida as more and more people realize the value of water,” said Mark Read more
Changing Attitudes Create New Opportunities for State’s Plumbing Professionals
A substantial decline in South Florida’s water consumption in recent years may signal a change in consumer attitudes toward the state’s limited natural resources.
“A water conservation ethic is being developed throughout South Florida as more and more people realize the value of water,” said Mark Elsner, administrator of the water supply development section, South Florida Water Management District, in an interview with Florida Plumbing Perspective.
That means the state’s plumbing professionals can take advantage of incentive programs to help retrofit residential, commercial and government facilities, and to educate homeowners about the importance of water conservation, Elsner added.
Statewide, Florida’s five water management districts develop water management plans with particular attention to areas like South Florida, where demand historically exceeds available traditional freshwater supplies. “We then look at developing strategies to meet those demands,” Elsner said.
In April, the district’s Water Resources Advisory Commission presented its 2012 Lower East Coast Water Supply Plan Update, which covered six specific sources of demand:
• Public water supply, 49 percent of the 2010 total demand
• Agriculture, 37 percent
• Recreational/landscape, 9 percent
• Industrial/commercial, 3 percent
• Domestic self supply, 1 percent
• Power generation, 1 percent
Using population statistics and projections from the University of Florida’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BEBR), the April report analyzed per capita water use for the 5.6 million residents of Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe counties.
That analysis showed daily per capita demand fell from 176 gallons in 2000 to 163 gallons in 2005 and 140 gallons in 2010 for the four-county region. That meant the 53 water utilities serving South Florida had to provide 83 million fewer gallons a day in 2010 compared with 2000, even though the area population increased by 600,000.
“That’s a substantial drop in consumption,” said Elsner. “It’s encouraging that the decline in usage is a long-term trend.”
Looking ahead to 2030, the district’s report projected that the total regional demand would grow from 787.2 million gallons per day in 2010 to 933 gallons per day in 2030. However, that later figure represents a 19 percent improvement over previous forecasts.
Elsner said there are several reasons driving the steady drop in per-capita consumption. A slower economy has made Florida residents more conscious of their utility bills, providing a financial incentive to use less water. The introduction of tiered rates that increase with greater usage has also spurred South Florida residential and commercial users to cut back when possible.
Another contributing factor was the imposition of restrictions on outdoor water use during a period when the region’s rainfall was well below normal levels. County and municipal governments limited lawn irrigation, car washing and other outdoor uses to one or two days per week during periods of drought. In 2010, both Miami-Dade and Broward made twice-weekly lawn watering rules permanent.
Water-conserving technology
But much of the reduction in demand has been due to new water-conserving fixtures and other technology, Elsner said. “Under today’s building codes, new homes use water far more efficiently than in the past,” he said. “Today’s homes are also built on smaller lots, so the outdoor component of water demand isn’t as great.”
Elsner points to aggressive conservation measures taken by the region’s water supply utilities, including offering incentives and rebates for installing new toilets, showers and fixtures in residential and commercial facilities. “Plumbing contractors can explain to homeowners how those incentives provide immediate benefits, along with the long-term savings from installing more efficient systems,” he added
For instance, Miami offers rebates and exchanges for high-efficiency toilets and showerheads and homeowner association irrigation systems. “Miami-Dade County is a poster child when it comes to conservation, investing millions in new technology” Elsner said. “By reducing demand by 30 million gallons a day, the county was able to reduce its capital spending program for alternative water supply sources by hundreds of millions of dollars.”
To the north, Broward County has a water supply partnership with more than a dozen municipalities and utilities that are collectively promoting water conservation, Elsner added.
In addition, the South Florida Water Management District’s cost-sharing Water Savings Incentive Program (WaterSIP) provides assistance to municipalities and large commercial and industrial users seeking to implement innovative technology-based water conservation projects. Award recipients are reimbursed for up to 50 percent of the total project cost or a maximum of $50,000. Types of projects that have received funding in previous years include automatic line flushing devices for hydrants, indoor plumbing retrofits, large area irrigation controls, and soil moisture and rain sensor technology for irrigation system
As Elsner said, “We must all work together to conserve water and develop alternate sources of supply in order to meet the future needs of the South Florida region.”
KEY WATER HEATING CHARTS AND FORMULAS by Rich Grimes It’s 2012 already and in this issue we will try to give you plenty of information and useful charts related to water heating. I don’t receive many requests so I am glad to accommodate on such a pertinent subject. The best part is that you won’t Read more
KEY WATER HEATING CHARTS AND FORMULAS
by Rich Grimes
It’s 2012 already and in this issue we will try to give you plenty of information and useful charts related to water heating. I don’t receive many requests so I am glad to accommodate on such a pertinent subject. The best part is that you won’t have to read too much from me as these charts and formulas speak for themselves! So here we go…
BTU
A British Thermal Unit (BTU) is a measurement of heat energy. One BTU is the amount of heat energy required to raise one pound of water by 1ºF. Water weighs 8.33 pounds per gallon so we can calculate that one gallon of water requires 8.33 BTU to raise the temperature 1ºF.
BTU CONTENT OF FUELS
ENERGY SOURCE BTU PER HOUR
COAL
1 Pound = 10,000 – 15,000
1 Ton = 25 Million (app.)
ELECTRICITY
1 KW = 3,412
OIL
1 Gallon #1 Fuel = 136,000
1 Gallon #2 Fuel = 138,500
1 Gallon #3 Fuel = 141,000
1 Gallon #5 Fuel = 148,500
1 Gallon #6 Fuel = 152,000
GAS
1 Pound of Butane = 21,300
1 Gallon of Butane = 102,800
1 Cubic Ft. of Butane = 3,280
1 Cubic Ft. of Manufactured Gas = 530
1 Cubic Ft. of Mixed = 850
1 Cubic Ft. of Natural = 1,075
1 Cubic Ft. of Propane = 2,570
1 Pound of Propane = 21,800
1 Gallon of Propane = 91,000
HORSEPOWER
1 Boiler Horsepower (BHP) = 33,475 BTU
1 Boiler Horsepower (BHP) = 34.5 Pounds of Steam @ 212ºF
1 Boiler Horsepower (BHP) = 9.81 KW
COOLING
1 Ton of Cooling = 12,000
GAS INFORMATION
NATURAL PROPANE
Specific Gravity = 0.62 1.52
Flammability Limits (GAS/AIR Mixture) = 4%-14% 2.4%-9.6%
Maximum Flame Propagation (GAS/AIR Mixture) = 10% 5%
Ignition Temperature = 1200ºF 950ºF
1 Pound of Gas (1 PSI) = 28″ Water Column (w.c.)
1 Pound of Gas (1 PSI) = 16 Ounces (oz.)
1 Therm = 100,000 BTU
ELECTRICAL INFORMATION
1 Kilowatt (kW) = 3412 BTU Per Hour
1 Kilowatt (kW) = 1000 Watts Per Hour
1 Kilowatt Hour (kWH) will evaporate 3.5 pounds of water from and at 212ºF
Amperage – Single Phase (1 Ø) = KW x 1000 or WATTAGE
VOLTAGE VOLTAGE
Amperage – Three Phase (3 Ø) = KW x 1000 or WATTAGE
VOLTAGE x 1.732 VOLTAGE x 1.732
WATER HEATING FORMULAS
BTU Per Hour Requirement
BTU OUTPUT = GPM x Temperature Rise x 8.33 Lbs/Gallon x 60 Minutes
BTU INPUT = (GPM x Temperature Rise x 8.33 Lbs/Gallon x 60 Minutes)
% Efficiency
Heat Transfer Efficiency
% EFFICIENCY = (GPH x Temperature Rise x 8.33 Lbs/Gallon)
BTU/Hr INPUT
Heat-Up Time
Time in Hours = (GPH x Temperature Rise x 8.33 Lbs/Gallon)
(BTU/Hr INPUT x % Efficiency)
Temperature Rise
Temp. Rise (∆T) = (BTU/Hr INPUT x % Efficiency)
(GPM x 60 Minutes x 8.33 Lbs/Gallon)
GPH Recovery
Electric = (kW INPUT x 3412 BTU/kW x % Efficiency)
(Temperature Rise x 8.33 Lbs/Gallon)
Gas = (BTU/Hr INPUT x % Efficiency)
(Temperature Rise x 8.33 Lbs/Gallon)
MIXED WATER FORMULA
% of Hot Water Required = (Mixed Water ºF – Cold Water ºF)
(Hot Water ºF – Cold Water ºF)
WATER INFORMATION
1 Gallon = 8.33 Pounds
1 Gallon = 231 Cubic Inches
1 Cubic Ft = 7.48 Gallons
1 Cubic Ft = 62.428 Pounds (at 39.2ºF – maximum density)
1 Cubic Ft = 59.83 Pounds (at 212ºF – boiling point)
1 Ft of Water Column (w.c.) = .4333 PSI
Water expands 4.34% when heated from 40ºF to 212ºF
Water expands 8% when frozen solid
OPEN VESSEL
BOILING POINT @ 0 PSI ALTITUDE
212ºF 0 Feet (Sea Level)
210ºF 1000 Feet
208ºF 2000 Feet
207ºF 3000 Feet
205ºF 4000 Feet
203ºF 5000 Feet
201ºF 6000 Feet
199ºF 7000 Feet
CLOSED VESSEL BOILING POINT @ PSI @ Sea Level
BOILING POINT GAUGE PRESSURE
212ºF 0 PSI
240ºF 10 PSI
259ºF 20 PSI
274ºF 30 PSI
287ºF 40 PSI
298ºF 50 PSI
316ºF 70 PSI
331ºF 90 PSI
ONLINE RESOURCES
There are an unlimited number of online tools and calculators for every mathematical formula. The internet is full of helpful resources to get the job done quicker. Here are a few links to some useful websites:
WEBSITE/PROGRAM WEB ADDRESS
Amtrol Expansion Tank Sizing http://amtrol.com/support/sizing.html
Engineering Toolbox Calculators http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/
State Water Heater Sizing (Online) http://www.statewaterheatersizing.com/
AO Smith Water Heater Sizing (Online) http://www.hotwatersizing.com/
Lochinvar Water Heater Sizing (Download) http://www.lochinvar.com/sizingguide.aspx
Cylinder Calculator (Storage Tanks) / Other Math Calculators http://www.calculatorfreeonline.com/calculators/geometry-solids/cylinder.php
Electrical/Mechanical/Industrial/Civil/Chemical/Aeronautical Calculators http://www.ifigure.com/engineer/electric/electric.htm
B&G System Syzer (Piping/Pressure Drop Tool Download) http://completewatersystems.com/brand/bell-gossett/selection-sizing-tools/system-syzer/
B&G Selection and Sizing Tools (Pumps, Regulators, Steam and Condensate) http://completewatersystems.com/brand/bell-gossett/selection-sizing-tools/
Taco Pump Selection Wizard (Online Pump Selector) http://www.taco-hvac.com/en/wizard_pumps.html
Lawler Mixing Valve Sizing (Online – account setup) http://www.lawlervalve.com/index.php?p=page&page_id=Sizing_Program
DSIRE Database of State/Federal Renewable Energy Rebates http://www.dsireusa.org/
ASCO Valve Online Product Selector (Valves – solenoid, pilot, pneumatic, etc.) http://www.ascovalve.com/Applications/ProductSearch/ProductSearch.aspx?ascowiz=yes
SUMMARY
There is a lot of other information that we could add such as Steam. It is a viable heating source and there are several factors that must be considered such as operating pressure, steam trap and condensate line sizing and so on. We will have to do a separate article on Steam in a future issue.
The charts and information above are all essential to water heating. They are proven mathematical formulas of algebra and geometry. If you input the accurate information then the results will be correct. It is also good to use the online tools and calculators. They are true time savers.
Thanks and we’ll see you in the next article!