Industry News
We would like to take this opportunity to give a special thanks to this month's sponsor -- Taco Inc. Headquartered in Cranston, R.I., Taco, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of hydronic-based HVAC equipment and accessories for use in residential, commercial and institutional buildings worldwide. The company, privately owned and in business since 1920, manufactures a wide range of pumps and circulators, valves, tanks, heat exchangers, electronic controls, accessories and systems. Manufacturing facilities are located in Cranston, R.I. and Fall River, Mass., with a Canadian distribution and sales facility in Mississauga, Ontario. Taco sells through wholesale distributors and also provides select OEMs with product. Visit www.taco-hvac.com for more information.
To find out more about special e-newsletter advertising opportunities, please contact your Phc News sales rep by visiting www.phcnews.com.
NFPA issues alert on residential fire sprinkler systems
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) issued a safety alert related to buildings equipped with residential fire sprinkler systems containing antifreeze solutions. Following a recent fatal fire incident which prompted a research study and a series of fire tests, there has been concern raised over the potential for the antifreeze solution in the residential fire sprinkler system to ignite in certain fire situations.
According to the NFPA, any system that contains antifreeze should have the antifreeze drained from the system and replaced with water. NFPA is recommending that those who are responsible for a residential occupancy with a fire sprinkler system should have a fire sprinkler contractor test their system for antifreeze. NFPA also advises that all residential fire sprinkler systems currently being installed should avoid designing or installing a system that would require antifreeze.
Antifreeze systems were first recognized and approved for use in residential occupancies in the 1989 edition of the NFPA fire sprinkler installation standards. More information regarding NFPA’s safety alert on antifreeze in residential fire sprinklers or the list of recommended action to take for systems containing antifreeze can be found at www.nfpa.org/antifreeze. If you believe this affects you, contact your local building or fire official for more information.
EPA launches national water conservation campaign/EPA’s WaterSense program helps consumers save money and water
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) WaterSense program today is kicking off its national “We’re for Water” campaign to encourage Americans to make simple choices that save water. The program, in collaboration with its partner, American Water, will spread the word about saving water by traveling cross-country, stopping at national landmarks and educating consumers about WaterSense labeled products. WaterSense products use about 20 percent less water than standard models. “Whether by replacing an old, inefficient plumbing fixture with a WaterSense labeled product or adopting more water-efficient behaviors, together we can help save water for future generations,” said Peter Silva, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Water. “WaterSense offers consumers simple tips that can help the environment and keep money in their pockets.”
ITT Bell & Gossett offer hydronic balancing solutions bulletin
ITT has published a new bulletin that provides a comprehensive summary of its Bell Gossett brand solutions for hydronic balancing. Included in the bulletin is a Balancing System Selection Guide, which allows users to identify the valves most suitable for their specific projects from manual valves to field adjustable, automatic temperature control valves.
The new bulletin (A-509) also helps users select the most efficient balancing solutions for reducing energy and operating costs while increasing comfort. The six categories of balancing valves covered in the bulletin include: • OPTIFLOTM (PICV) – field adjustable control valve • ULTRASET – externally field adjustable automatic valve • CIRCUIT SENTRY – automatically maintains set flow rate • CIRCUIT SENTRY LOW FLOW – internally field adjustable automatic • CIRCUIT SETTER PLUS – externally field adjustable manual • VENTURI BALL/BUTTERFLY VALVE – standard valve providing venture flow accuracy Also included in the bulletin is detailed information on Bell Gossett Coil Kits, including: • Coil Supply Line Options • Union ended ball valve/Y-strainer UBY UBL) • Union ended ball valve (UBV) • Coil Return Line Options • Union Accessory (Model UA) • Temperature Control Valves • Bypass Control Valve Options • Hose Kit Assemblies For more information, contact your local Bell Gossett Representative or visit www.balancevalves.com.
New Products
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Solar pumping station |
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Toilet bowl protector The T-BowlShield safeguards the toilet bowl and the siphon tube from careless use of the standard auger. The flexible, tapered, nose cone nestles easily in standard toilets, effectively “bridging” the throat of the toilet and allowing a scratch free passage of the auger into the blocked area of the toilet. The two piece design comes with instructions on how to assemble the T-BowlShield. Rugged, reusable, and simple to use. Patent Pending. Wooten Metal. |
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Electronic dry pipe accelerator The VIZOR Accelerator is a fully supervised, self-contained, riser-mounted, quick-opening device that reduces the time required to operate a dry pipe system with the activation of one or more automatic sprinklers. All essential components are located inside its enclosure making the VIZOR Accelerator easy to install, set, and maintain. Tyco Fire Suppression & Building Products. |
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New tankless line EverHot® tankless water heaters offer energy efficiency in a compact but powerful package, with flow rates up to 9.4 gpm. Six models available (3 interior and 3 exterior) in natural or LP gas with maximum input ranges of 150,000 — 199,900 Btuh. Can be converted from residential to commercial. Control monitors and displays 17 diagnostic codes for trouble-shooting. Small footprint, wall mounting. Bradford White. |