Industry News
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High Efficiency Toilets Allow Americans to Flush with Confidence
High Efficiency Toilets (HETs), with their proven performance and water-saving features, are the next important wave in plumbing conservation efforts for North America, according to a new white paper released by industry leader American Standard Brands.
This document, entitled “High Efficiency Toilets (HETs): Why ‘Flushing with Confidence’ is Here to Stay”, provides an excellent overview of why HETs were developed, how American Standard perfected its models to achieve powerful flushing performance, and why these low-flow toilets will be vital to the future.
Authored by C.J. Lagan, compliance engineering manager for American Standard Brands, this informative piece is available for free download to all members of the plumbing industry at www.plumberprotects.com. The educational white paper conveys why HETs originated after the National Energy Policy Act of 1992, the initial challenges with this move from 3.5 to 1.6 gallons per flush and the ultimate success in HET design and performance.
The paper reviews the innovative flushing technologies developed by American Standard, including the company’s triumphant methods to effectively harness gravity, use larger flush valves and trapways, efficiently size water spots and well contours, and create sophisticated water flow dynamics that contributed to the superior performance of collections like the Champion 4 and Cadet 3.
HETs and the water efficiency they achieve are critical in the future, according to the paper. Growing populations, aging infrastructures that process and transport water, rising daily usage rates among individuals and environmental factors increasingly draw on the existing fresh water supply.
“HETs will become commonplace as the green movement to conserve water and energy grows,” concludes Lagan. “American Standard is ready with high-performing HETs that have been developed, tested and proven successful in the marketplace, so that North America can continue to flush with confidence.”
PMI hosts 2008 Fall Meeting
Promoting a healthy balance on both personal and professional levels was the bedrock of the 2008 PMI Fall Meeting, held October 5-8 in Arlington, Va. One of the highlights of the meeting was speaker Tucker Carlson, senior political correspondent for MSNBC. Carlson shared stories of his experiences covering political campaigns. Highlights included:
Monday, October 6, was devoted to PMI Issue, Standing and Product Committee meetings and included special presentations by Rita Feinberg, director of international relations and development for Green Builder Media; and Kent Larson, principle research scientist in architecture, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Tuesday, October 7: Rear Admiral William Sutton, U.S. Department of Commerce assistant secretary for manufacturing and services, spoke on the state of manufacturing in America and what the federal government can do to aid companies in these bleak financial times. Rod Jones, manager of counterfeit intelligence for the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), spoke about the dangers of counterfeit goods and what can be done to stop counterfeiters.
Jay Peters, executive director of plumbing, mechanical and fuel gas, International Code Council (ICC), spoke about the organization’s new programs. Reginald Henry, chief technology officer, ASAE/The Center for Association Leadership, showcased exciting and innovative communication tools.
The conference wrapped up on the morning of Wednesday, October 8, with a session titled “Looking Ahead: Economic and Political Forecasts for 2009 and Beyond.” David Huether, chief economist at the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM); Jim Haughey, chief economist at Reed Business Information; Aric Newhouse, senior vice president of policy and government relations at National Association of Manufacturers (NAM); and Brian Castelli, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Alliance to Save Energy, gave attendees informative presentations on the state of manufacturing and housing in the current economy and what the upcoming elections will mean for the manufacturing industry.
Don’t miss the 2009 PMI Spring Meeting, April 5-8 at The Grove Park Inn, Asheville, N.C. Visit www.pmihome.org for more information.
CIPH awards most innovative product
Sloan Valve Company’s new Sloan ECOS electronic dual-flush Flushometer was awarded most innovative product at the 2008 CIPHEX West trade show and conference held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating (CIPH) show combined the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada and the World Plumbing Conference with the theme, “Water -- Our Business, Our Life, Our Responsibility.”
“We are excited about the industry response we have received to date with the new Sloan ECOS,” said Jim Allen, president and CEO of Sloan Valve Company. “The Sloan ECOS represents an evolution in water efficiency.”
CIPH voted the Sloan ECOS Flushometer as a “Most Innovative Product” in the industrial category. Sloan ECOS offers advanced sensor technology that allows for hands-free operation while delivering water-saving dual-flush performance. In addition to ground-breaking water efficiency, smart dual-flush sensing technology delivers the appropriate flush volume -- automatically. The valve senses the user’s proximity and duration and delivers the proper flush volume based on these factors. Whether flushed manually or automatically, the new Sloan ECOS offers unequaled efficiency and reliable performance.
New heating manifold offers durable, cost-effective radiant solution
Uponor, a global leader in PEX-a systems for radiant floor heating and cooling, plumbing and fire safety, is introducing the Engineered Plastic (EP) Heating Manifold for radiant applications. Comprised of thermoplastic, high-performance, advanced materials, this new manifold resists corrosion, pitting, scaling, elevated chlorine levels and ultraviolet light and is suitable for use under conditions of high impact, heat and moisture for an extremely durable, cost-effective radiant product solution.
Energy Auditing Train the Trainer
The heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) industry is a $200-billion-a-year U.S. industry, and second only to transportation as the largest consumer of energy. Energy efficiency is on everyone's mind and the HVACR industry is central to the solution. An energy audit provides possible areas for improvement in efficiencies.
John Walsh, president of Training for the Trades will teach the Energy Auditing Train the Trainer program at the industry-sponsored National HVACR Educators and Trainers Conference. Participants must bring their own laptop computer. They will be totally emerged doing practical exercises.
The Energy Audit program will show you how to calculate monthly and annual heating and cooling costs for residential and light commercial buildings. An optional version of the Energy Audit program contains appliance capabilities and can calculate appliance and hot water energy use.
Features of the Energy Audit software program include:
Ability to compare system types and costs over any given study period -- Energy cost calculations -- Loan, lease and credit card analysis reports designed to demonstrate affordability of better systems -- Enter equipment data manually or automatically look it up from AHRI data files.
The conference is March 8 - 10, 2009 at the Imperial Palace Hotel in Las Vegas, NV. The program is one of 30 sessions offered at the 2009 National HVACR Educators and Trainers Conference. Persons involved in training the current and future workforce of the HVACR industry (contractors, wholesalers, trainers, educators) are encouraged to attend.
New Products
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Smith+Gard protective cover Smith+Gard provides vertical adjustment of floor drain strainers and cleanout covers after the concrete pour and protect them from abuse during construction. The patented punch and strip technology allows for easy removal, adjustability and grouting after the pour. Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co. |
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Variable voltage circualtor The Variable Voltage 00-VV Circulator is the all-in-one, pump/control, variable voltage version of the manufacturer’s Variable Speed 00 circulator. It operates the pump at different speeds based on an externally generated analog voltage signal input. Accepts four external signal voltage ranges: 0-10 V(DC), 0-20mA, 2-10 V(DC) or 4-20mA signal. Easy to wire with a snap-in PC board and plug-in low voltage wiring terminal. UL approved; integrates seamlessly with DDC or building management systems. Taco. |
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Differential temperature controller The iSolar series is a compact, easy-to-install, multi-functional temperature differential controller for solar water heating systems. Preset factory defaults divert surplus heat, maintain tank temperature, protect against overheating, or direct another source to heat the storage tank. Energy meter records production of solar hot water. Four models plus dc voltage for PV powered off-grid applications. Easy-to-use icons on a large LCD display. Caleffi. |
Movers & Shakers
GROHE, a global leader in premium-quality kitchen and bathroom faucets and shower products, named Jeffrey C. Ackerberg president and chief executive officer for GROHE America, a subsidiary of GROHE Water Technology AG & Co. In his new role, Ackerberg is responsible for overall growth of the GROHE brand in the United States, Canada, Central and South America. Ackerberg will take over his position from Andrew Stearns who was recently appointed global chief supply officer for GROHE AG. |