Archive for July, 2010

Appropriate use PEX tubing in a closed heating system

Jul 29

Posted by Edmundo Plumber in PEX Tubing & Pipe, Radiant Heating | Comments off

The pressure in the pipelines of residential buildings (regardless of the number of storeys) should not exceed 6 atm (even for metal pipes, because there is a connection and valves). Warning The parameters of the heating units are installed by another instrument – SNIP 41-01-2003 “Heating, ventilation and air conditioning”, according to which “the temperature of radiation heating panels must not exceed 60 ° C, the temperature of the carrier – not above 95 ° C”. While paragraph 3.3 SNIP 41-01-2003 reads: “The use of the coolant temperature above 90 ° C in the systems of polymer materials is prohibited. Conclusion: The appropriate use PEX tubing in a closed heating system, for example in a private house, where the maximum temperature, which gives the boiler, originally limited and can not be afraid of all sorts of crashes and accidents.

In a city where the heat flow is out of control, optimal specific heat regulating system mix with cold water, which improves the efficiency of any heating system and the period of its operation. The strong delusion, that if the steel pipe can withstand temperatures of 125 ° C, then you can forget about controlling the temperature of the carrier. But batteries, valves, heat meters, finally?

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Takagi Tankless Water Heater

Jul 29

Posted by Edmundo Plumber in PEX fittings, Radiant Heating, tankless water heaters | Comments off

Takagi Tankless Water Heater – a series of small instantaneous water heater with hydraulic control, with a rated capacity of 3 to 8 kW for single phase. Designed for one or more users, such as kitchen and washing. Like other tankless, Takagi Tankless Water Heater ensures hot water immediately, without preparation. The ideal application of this series in cases where often require a small amount of water. Additional convenience is, in particular, that when you connect to does not require special PEX fittings, you can use an existing faucet. Some models can be installed under the sink. Installation does not take much time, and compactness of the device (200/360/104) will install it anywhere. The temperature of heating water from 35C to 85S, includes water heater with hydraulic automatic and has a two-stage power switch to manually installed on the body. Possible to switch the power, for example, 12 kW / 15 kW, 20 kW / 24 kW. In principle, Takagi Tankless Water Heaterwill work in the winter, but low-power model is preferable for the summer time, when water in pipes has already reached 10-15C. If Takagi Tankless Water Heater, acquired in order to take a shower, it is better to choose the most powerful instrument. The usual shower head (the difference between the number of liters, pour in a minute – 12-16 l / min and 8-10 l / min) is recommended to change to the cost, with a small cross section. In this case STIEBEL ELTRON promises quite a comfortable shower. All units have a copper heater and internal copper flask, which means reliability. Indoor heating element resistant to the “air locks”, common in the domestic water system, open spiral in this case simply burn out, there is protection and overheat.

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Heaters for summer

Jul 29

Posted by Edmundo Plumber in PEX plumbing, tankless water heaters | Comments off

The absence of an autonomous PEX plumbing supply leads to a seasonal dependence of preventive operations in local boilers. A month or even more, in the heat of it is that hot water tap shows no signs of life. There is a lockout, which, unfortunately, can occur at any time of year. In order to, without feeling the slightest discomfort, be able at any moment to take a shower or wash the dishes, we must take care of it beforehand. For such emergencies STIEBEL ELTRON offers a variety of water-heating devices, choosing from which you can solve the festering problem once and for all.

If it is a temporary move to “own resources” does not make sense to buy the giant water heaters with an enormous power. It is quite enough of the smallest of the 150 models of devices offered by the German concern.

First of all, we should think about instantaneous water heaters, allowing a simple turn of the handle to get an unlimited amount of time in hot water.

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STIEBEL ELTRON TEMPRA

Jul 28

Posted by Edmundo Plumber in Radiant Heating, tankless water heaters | Comments off

STIEBEL ELTRON TEMPRA If the needs for hot water exceeds the capacity of instantaneous water heaters, but still remains modest, one of the best options – a water heater PSH 30. This storage water heater with 12 Gallon volume and heaters heating element made of copper capacity of 2 kW, which allows you to include it via an ordinary wall socket. This model is one of most popular products STIEBEL ELTRON, as developed specially for Chicago and, therefore, takes into account all the local peculiarities of water consumption. This water heater will replace the heating plant during the summer trip of hot water in an apartment or office and come in handy at their summer cottage. Not least in the decisive choice among the various models occupy its dimensions: this device can be “to attach” even in the smallest bathroom (623/342/347 mm). The quality of manufacturing the device is not inferior to models increased. Steel flask of high-alloy steel with thickness 3 mm covered with a special enamel cold water on the consumption comes and heated automatically. insulation from environmentally friendly materials effectively reduces heat loss. Magnesium anode, a rarity in this volume of hot water heaters, prevents corrosion. Within an hour the water warms up to 60C, but this is enough for a shower for one person. Closed heating elements are recommended for soft water. But even in hard water, with an average temperature of 60 degrees, when the scale is formed is not very actively (besides, it is the most economical mode), the device will be duly served, although it will require more frequent preventive maintenance. By the way, get it and clean heater can be independently at home. PEX plumbing to the appliance is via a security group that allows time to reset the overpressure.

Electrical Stiebel Eltron is recognized as one of the most reliable and durable. If all requirements for installation and operation, which includes the mandatory grounding, water heater last more than one year without failures, and each time will rescue you in the moment of crisis.

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Diaphragm expansion tank – what to consider when choosing

Jul 27

Posted by Edmundo Plumber in Expansion tanks, Radiant Heating | Comments off

On the highway “boiler-pot” should not be shut-off valves, and narrow areas water. The pipeline is desirable to insulate. Maximum working pressure of the tank must not be less than the amount of pressure on the safety valve and pressure of the valve. It is necessary to take into account the difference in the height of the tank and safety valve.
membrane tank Amtrol Fill Trol

What are the advantages of a closed expansion tank to open?

First, the closed (membrane) tank can be placed next to the boiler, eliminating the need for laying pipes in the attic, where traditionally placed an open expansion tanks.
Secondly, in the membrane tank coolant does not contact with air, hence its use does not lead to the dissolution in the coolant supplemental oxygen, which accelerates the corrosion of heating equipment.
Thirdly, the system with closed fuel tank does not need a regular flow due to the lack of evaporation of the coolant through the open container.
Furthermore, the heating system with a closed expansion tank is permitted to use ice-coolants based on ethylene glycol, cheaper than
Propylene glycol.
The safety valve is triggered continuously, it is necessary to fuel the heating system. Why?

The reasons can be several: first, improper expansion tank, and secondly, a faulty pressure relief valve that needs replacement.
Another possible reason – lack of backwater air in the air cavity of the expansion tank. You should check the air pressure and if necessary, download it through the nipple. Perhaps the expansion tank is not working because of the failure of the membrane. If you click on the air nipple from the coolant outlet, the membrane must be replaced by a serviceable, if her problem demanded – to replace the tank. All work must be performed by specialists.

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Advantages of PEX tubes

Jul 26

Posted by Edmundo Plumber in PEX Tubing & Pipe | Comments off

In heating systems, especially with tosol (because of its high fluidity), optimum compaction connection.

For metal-base laminate is characterized by one of the most powerful thermal properties (including PEX tubing) – working pressure of 10 atm, the maximum long-term operating temperature – 95 ° C, maximum short-term – 110 ° C for several hours. Scope Metal pipes quite extensive – cold, hot water, central heating, warm floors.
PEX tubing

Another market leader in PEX tubes – PEX appeared after the PVC and PEX in response to the requirement to use PEX in hot PEX plumbing systems.

The traditional and the best raw material for PEX tubing is copolymer poliproplen Random from the category of thermoPEXs. Without going into details of technological processes, we note that he obtained by adding a chain of molecules of ethylene propylene molecules. Thus have offset the lower temperature limit of the material (a simple PEX could not stand the temperature below 5 ° C), increase PEXity, improved mechanical properties and reduce the consumption of raw materials (and prices).

The advantages of PEX tubing include durability, low thermal conductivity, high temperature resistance (depending on thickness – up to 75 ° C), the ability to withstand short-term increase in temperature the carrier to 95 ° C and low weight, lack of electrical conductivity, good adaptability to manufacture and assembly. PEX is chemically impervious to many aggressive media, eco-friendly, easily washed out during operation, while maintaining hygienic properties throughout life, which according to all standards of construction is 50 years.

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If you choosing PEX Tubing pipe

Jul 25

Posted by Edmundo Plumber in PEX Tubing & Pipe | Comments off

When choosing a PEX tubing crucial are the following characteristics: diameter of the pipe, the possibility of its linear expansion, chemical resistance, working pressure and temperature of the transported medium.

We must start with the temperature of the transported medium, since it is due to the item having any kind of misunderstanding. In the advertising brochures of many producers means that their pipes will serve not less than 50 years at the maximum coolant temperature of 95 ° C. It is tempting, but is it true? In fact, in this case combined two totally different concepts. The maximum lifetime of PEX tubing depends on the combination of two factors – temperature and pressure.

If the pressure is small, and the temperature is high, and vice versa, the pipe will last a long time (the time specified in the special tables), while at high temperature and high pressure – the life of declining dramatically. For it was the maximum – 50 years, or the pressure must be no more than 4-6 atm, or the temperature not more than 60-75 ° C (for PEX tubing also depends on the thickness of the walls). But it is simplistic.

The maximum term of service – this time the impact of constant temperature and pressure on the pipe, which is capable of withstanding, without damage, taking into account the reliability factor. Temperature conducting medium (water) for most PEX tubing is 60-75 ° C for hot water and about 20 ° C for cold. It is quite acceptable, given that according to the SNIP 2.04.05-91 (“Internal PEX plumbing and drainage of buildings”) for all systems, hot water temperature should not exceed 75 ° C, except for child care, where it can not exceed 37 ° S.

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Operating parameters imposed by building codes of ASTM

Jul 21

Posted by Edmundo Plumber in PEX Tubing & Pipe | Comments off

As the pressure in the heating, the ASTM stated: “The pressure in the heating system, based on the conditions of the strength of cast-iron radiators and valves, must not exceed 6 atm,” “pipeline, water and mixing valves must be designed for a working pressure of 6 atm , hydrostatic pressure in the public water systems and hot water from sanitary appliances shall not exceed 4.5 atm. In this respect, all in perfect order. There is an interesting point, as pressure testing of heating systems in urban residential buildings – as a rule, it is 12-16 atm, however, cold water or air.

So, if you observe the operating parameters imposed by building codes, the use and Metal, and PEX tubing a guaranteed lifetime of 50 years. The next most important factor (especially for PEX tubing) – the possibility of linear expansion.

Expansion ratio of PEX tubing is such that when heated by one degree of a segment (any size) is lengthened by 0.15 mm. It seems to be a little bit. But if the heating tube is at 60 ° C (assembly at 20 ° C, and operation at 80 ° C), then at each meter will be added to 9 mm. And let the tube to expand in any case impossible – the internal stresses are much more dangerous than the workloads of the pressure. The destruction of PEX tubing (99%) – it does not exceed operating parameters, and the illiterate strip, especially in extended systems.

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West Milford residents get an education in “green” building

Jul 20

Posted by Edmundo Plumber in PEX Tubing & Pipe, Plumbing supplies, Radiant Heating | Comments off

West Milford — There are both short- and long-term benefits with investing in sustainable technologies when building or renovating your home or business. So said a panel of experts at a recent West Milford Democratic Club meeting last month. The program featured presentations from Passaic County Freeholder Director Bruce James, Phil Luogameno, president of North Star Building Associates here in West Milford, and Dave Smith, principle of Dave Smith Architecture. The group especially emphasized the benefits with careful consideration of the total cost of ownership and the timelines for return on investment.

Energy audits save cash

James, who serves as the chairman of the county’s Energy and Sustainability Committee, described how the committee has been conducting energy audits of county buildings, with resultant upgrades saving taxpayers roughly $68,000 per building, per year. He discussed a cogeneration plant being planned for Wayne Township. The intent of the project is to create and utilize energy generated by a number of sustainable technologies, saving utility costs and also returning excess electricity back to the utility grid, generating revenue for the township. The cogeneration plant would ultimately yield potential tax savings in the millions of dollars. As the county owns many buildings, including Passaic County Community College and Passaic County Vo-tech High School, energy audits and upgrades can result in substantial tax savings from such energy conservation.

Think out of the box

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Luogameno, whose West Milford-based company specializes in custom home construction including energy conserving mechanical systems utilizing solar and geothermal technologies, elaborated on his experience with photovoltaic solar panels. They include popular systems that heat water to circulate in pipes to supply hot water and reduce heating costs. He also described the inherent benefits of geothermal radiant heating, which provides effective savings and comfortable heating of indoor spaces by embedding pex tubing that circulates hot water within floors. Another emerging technology is the idea of “pico-hydro” which is a small water turbine that can be installed in any of our many streams running near homes and businesses. For new construction, he also stressed using structural insulated panels, or SIPS, with foam sandwiched between oriented strand board to yield high R-values with greatly reduced air infiltration, as opposed to traditional exterior wall and roof construction methods.

An architect’s view

Smith’s architectural business is now located in Warwick, N.Y. but was formerly at Pinecliff Lake. He has nearly 20 years of experience in designing and upgrading energy-efficient homes in both New Jersey and New York. He stressed that conservation brings the greatest savings in the shortest time span. Folks should start with home energy audits to determine where they are losing heat. Often that is by air-flow from around doors, windows and even electrical outlets, light switches in the walls and around attic stairs. He said closing gaps in log-cabin chinking that permit air inflow in the winter when logs shrink. Replacing single-glazed windows with double-pane windows brings substantial heating and air conditioning savings. Smith was asked whether there were more difficulties in obtaining regulatory approvals when designing new “green” building systems versus more traditional methods. He said building inspectors are doing well in remaining abreast of new technologies. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the architect to ensure all designs are properly engineered.

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Inaccessible volumes for PEX tubing

Jul 20

Posted by Edmundo Plumber in PEX Tubing & Pipe | Comments off

How to fend off this feature – in fact such a good pipe? Make temperature compensator (see special installation instructions), and at the domestic level has never shut the pipe segments longer than a meter in the closed or close the channel to provide an air gap or a damper pad, enter the pipe in the insulating tube with a wall not less than 13 mm. A gasket in the inaccessible volumes for PEX tubing (after pressing the control) is completely harmless.

Another more radical solution – an introduction to the design of pipe-layer aluminum foil (it turns out that something like a PEX-AL-PEX). And once again achieved several goals – decreasing temperature deformation (one meter is lengthened by 0,026 mm), decreases oxygen barrier dozens of times (which is very important for heating systems), increases the strength of the pipe. But the price of such pipe increases.

PEX-AL-PEX has a lower coefficient of expansion – one meter lengthens when heated by one degree at 0,02 mm. This is quite a bit, and in addition, internal stresses for metal pipes are not so terrible. But the elongation is very unpleasant for the PEX fittings. PEX-AL-PEX tubing can be laid in a dense Stroebe and put in a closed volume, but given the requirements for the compounds – all Collet collapsible PEX fittings must be accessible and controllable.

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