Answers

Answers

Featuring advanced lockout delay, power interruption reset, CSD-1 Memory and a self-cleaning probe, the new LWCO ensures safe and reliable operation. The Series PSE-800-M is a new addition to the McDonnell & Miller probe type low water cut-off group of products and is available in both standard and extended configurations to fit nearly any residential steam boiler.

Key features of the PSE-800-M Low Water Cut-Off include:

• Lockout delay – If a low water condition occurs (water off probe), the burner will turn off and the red LED will begin to blink. If the water level is not restored to a level above the probe within 60 seconds, the control will lockout.
• Power interruption Reset – If there is a loss of power, the control will automatically reset if there was water on the probe before the loss of power as well as if there is water on the probe when the power is restored.
• CSD-1 memory – If a low water condition occurs and there is a power interruption, the control will remain in a low water condition when power is restored until manually reset.
• Self-cleaning probe – Reduces probe maintenance to once every five years instead of annually.
• Test-button standard on all controls to allow the control to be tested without draining the boiler or system.
• ‘Green’ power on and ‘Red’ LWCO LED’s standard on all units to give visual indication that the unit is powered-up and when a low water condition is detected.
• Available in 120 VAC and 24 VAC versions.
• Meets UL and CSA requirements for boiler safety controls.

All McDonnell & Miller PSE-800-M undergo a full functionality test prior to shipment. For more information on the McDonnell & Miller PSE-800-M visit www.bit.ly/PSE-800-M.

To learn more about Xylem’s innovative solutions and its Residential and Commercial Water brands such as Bell & Gossett, AC Fire, Flowtronex, Goulds Water Technology, Lowara, and McDonnell & Miller, visit www.completewatersystems.com.

About Xylem
Xylem (XYL) is a leading global water technology provider, enabling customers to transport, treat, test and efficiently use water in public utility, residential and commercial building services, industrial and agricultural settings. The company does business in more than 150 countries through a number of market-leading product brands, and its people bring broad applications expertise with a strong focus on finding local solutions to the world’s most challenging water and wastewater problems. Launched in 2011 from the spinoff of the water-related businesses of ITT Corporation, Xylem is headquartered in White Plains, N.Y., with 2010 annual revenues of $3.2 billion and 12,000 employees worldwide.

The name Xylem is derived from classical Greek and is the tissue that transports water in plants, highlighting the engineering efficiency of our water-centric business by linking it with the best water transportation of all — that which occurs in nature. For more information, please visit us at www.xyleminc.com.

As you know, primary-secondary pumping is simple in theory as well as in operation. It is based on a simple fact: when two circuits are interconnected, flow in one will not cause flow in the other if the pressure drop in the piping common to both is eliminated.

Each type of pumping system configuration has distinct advantages for the user or operator.  Fundamental to all of these configurations is sound design principles. Without the proper application of the basics, the most sophisticated systems will not operate effectively. To optimize system performance, the designer has a number of variations of basic primary-secondary pumping to explore. Standard rules of thumb are:

• THE COMMON PIPE: The key to all primary-secondary applications is the use of a common pipe, which interconnects the primary and secondary circuits. The length of this pipe should be kept very short in order to keep the pressure drop very low, and the supply and return tees to the secondary circuit should be a maximum of four pipe diameters apart. By keeping the pressure drop very low, water that is flowing in the primary loop will not flow into the secondary circuit until its circulator turns on.

• THE SECONDARY CIRCULATOR: A separate circulator is installed in the secondary circuit to establish flow. This circulator is sized to move the flow rate and to overcome the pressure drop of its circuit only. The circulator should be located so it is pumping away from the “common piping” and discharging into the secondary circuit. This causes an increase in pressure in the secondary circuit rather than a reduction in pressure, which would occur if the pump were located on the return pumping towards the common pipe.

• THE LAW OF THE TEE: This rule determines the flow rate and direction of flow that occurs in common piping. It is based on the relationship of the primary and secondary flow rates, and there are three possibilities to evaluate:
  • Primary flow more than secondary
  • Primary flow equal to secondary
  • Primary flow less than secondary

This rule of thumb is best described by a simple statement: flow into a tee must equal flow away from the tee.

• FLO-CONTROL VALVES: Flo-Control valves are recommended to prevent any flow into the secondary circuit induced by either the slightest pressure drop that may exist on the common pipe or by gravity heads. Because gravity flow can occur within a single pipe, two Flo-Control valves are best, one on the supply and one on the return. However, if the secondary circuit’s return is under-slung, only one valve is needed.

Finally, there are two important advantages to primary-secondary pumping:

1. Less energy is required to move water through the entire system (rather than one large circulator, small energy efficient circulators can be used to overcome the friction and inertia (“pressure drop”) of their respective loops).
2. More control can be taken over zones (and each zone can operate at its own optimum temperature).

There are many ways modern HVAC systems can be pumped. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages to the user or operator. The designer must consider present system use, plans for the future, cost considerations, and the ability level of the operator. With more tools in the toolbox, the engineer is better equipped to make the decision, “Which system is the best for my client?”

Minister Berlakovich was impressed by the energy saving potential of our manufacturing process and products. Hydrovar, which achieves energy savings for the end user of up to 70%, was a  product he showed particular interest in.

With efficient water usage a worldwide effort, Minister Berlakovich congratulated Xylem on our role in the conservation of this natural resource and achievements in the water market.

As you have been reading in our blog over the past month, a major focal point has been technology, innovation and trends.  Much of the blog’s content was derived from conversations with industry thought-leaders dealing with such topics as:

• Greener Standards
• Tighter Energy Standards
• New LEED System
• Sustainable Water Management
• Better System Integrations & Automation
• Private-Public Partnerships
• More, Better Training

One such technology that we mentioned in a recent blog from AHR Expo was how prevalent the use of mobile technology has become.  The number of companies that have developed mobile applications (apps) and/or software to streamline and automate processes for HVACR professionals seems to have multiplied dramatically.  Why?  Well, as many HVACR professionals have discovered, incorporating mobile technology into their businesses can significantly increase productivity and profitability.

With mobility becoming so ubiquitous at such a rapid pace, it’s not a matter of if it will have a profound impact on HVACR professionals; it is a matter of when.  And, by the look of the number of companies with this technology now available, the time is rapidly approaching.

Some industry professionals already have found accessing apps over Smartphone eliminates the need for expensive hardware, software and special hand-held devices.  Since the apps download to a Smartphone, they are available 24/7 regardless of server or phone-service connection issues.

Hundreds of Smartphone apps exist for the marketplace, ranging from software that helps owners manage their businesses more effectively to highly technical apps on how to install equipment at jobsites. These various apps are designed to help companies increase worker productivity in the field, improve customer satisfaction, enhance training and generate new sales leads.

A few applications available to help HVACR contractors, technicians and facility managers in the field or on the go include:

• Belt-efficiency calculators
• Cap-tube resizing calculators
• Fuel-cost calculators
• Duct-sizing calculators
• System Syzer piping systems
• Fan-law calculators
• HVAC-operating cost calculators
• Steam calculators
• Voltage-drop calculators
• Wire-size calculators
• Field service automation
• Residential load calculators
• Pressure/temperature calculators
• ROI calculators

These are just a few of the many apps that we saw at AHR Expo and it is important to note that different versions are available depending on the developers.

What all this means to the HVACR professional is that regardless of whether it is work in the field or in the office, we all need to be aware of mobile technology and its implications of integrating them into our businesses.

What is your favorite business mobile app?

For three days in the Windy City, spirits were high, traffic was excellent and there were plenty of innovations and product launches at this year’s AHR Expo.  As I mentioned last week, many consider this to be show to go to for innovation, green building and technology trends in the HVACR and buildings market.  Some even call it the biggest product playground in the HVACR industry.

As I walked the show floor, it was easy to overhear discussions on energy efficiency, green products and sustainable technologies as well as building automation and controls, energy monitoring, audits and commissioning.  All of the conversations I overheard made it clear that it starts and ends with performance, efficiency and energy-savings.

Technology Trends and Going Mobile

While sustainability continues to be a key talking point in the industry, the development and introduction of new technology drives the market.  In fact, as I toted around my Smartphone, iPad^® and flip camera for the second year in a row, I noticed for the first time I wasn’t alone.

One such technology trend that was noticeable walking the floor was the number of companies that have developed mobile applications (apps) and/or software to streamline and automate processes. A few of the ones that peeked my interest:

• A field service management platform that delivers functionality that improves in-the-field efficiency
• An Energy Efficiency Education Dashboard that informs occupants in real-time, building performance data and illustrates the building’s sustainable features to create environmental awareness among occupants and the public.
• The Bell & Gossett System Syzer^® that performs critical calculations using iPads^® and iPhones^®
• Several new lines of Wi-Fi enabled HVAC Controls and Web Portals
• A new GPS tracking interface with an entirely new look and feel.  It was like looking at a video game.
• Other mobile applications available in the HVACR marketplace include:
  • Belt-efficiency calculators
  • Cap-tube resizing calculators
  • Fuel-cost calculators
  • Duct-sizing calculators
  • Fan-law calculators
  • HVAC-operating cost calculators
  • Steam calculators
  • Voltage-drop calculators
  • Wire-size calculators
  • Residential load calculators
  • Pressure/temperature

Other interesting topics and trends that were discussed and seen while at AHR Expo:

• Custom products for Data Servers, increased interest in “cloud” storage.
• Interest in heat pumps and heat recovery versions of products
• Increase in system performance (energy efficiency) rather than component efficiency
• Increased presence in geothermal heat pumps and technology
• New models and expanded offerings of modular chillers
• Increased development of Low GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerants
• Increased use of VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) zoning strategy

Whew!  What a show!  I’m sure all that walked the floor to see the innovative products and services available in our industry would say the same.  Next year is in Dallas, see ya’ll in 2013.