HPAC Magazine (Canada) features Detailed Article for Specifying LUXE Linear Drains for Canadia Commercial Projects.
1. DECEMBER 2013
PM 40069240
LINEAR
SHOWER DRAINS
REJUVENATING
GEOTHERMAL
WWW.HPACMAG.COM
How to achieve
HYDRAULIC
SEPARATION
WORKING WITH
INCIDENT ANGLE
MODIFIERS
LOWDOWN
ON LOW LEAD
THE NUTS
AND BOLTS OF
R-22 CONVERSION
WAYS TO BUILD
YOUR BUSINESS3
2.
3. december 2013 | HPAC 3hpacmag.com
December 2013
tents
Vol. 87 No. 7
20 plumbing
The Lowdown On Low Lead
By Patrick Callan
22 Refrigeration
For Better Or For Worse…R-22 RIP (Part II)
By Dave Demma
28 Plumbing
Discover New Opportunities
With Linear Shower Drains
By Eric Carson
34 MCAC CONFERENCE REPORT
Winds Of Change
By Kerry Turner
38 PHILANTHROPY
Building Blocks
By Patrick Callan
Hydronics
The Wide World of Hydraulic Separation
By John Siegenthaler
14
Coverimage:thinkstockphoto
47 HVAC/R
OGA Conference Focuses On Rejuvenating
Geothermal Industry By Patrick Callan
48 hydronics
Radiant Loop Layout Patterns By Mike Miller
51 MANAGEMENT
Beating Growth Gridlock By Hank Bulmash
52 RENEWABLES
Glancing Blow By John Siegenthaler
56 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Worth A Closer Look
Opportunities in home inspection.
By Patrick Callan
62 MARKETING
Harnessing The Power Of The Internet
Three ways to help build your business online.
By Brad Edwards
PRODUCTS
30 PLUMBING
36 GIZMOS GADGETS
40 HVAC/R
46 HYDRONIC
DEPARTMENTS
4 Upfront – A Gift Worth Giving
6 Industry News
42 Mechanical Supply News
44 People
59 Training
60 Calendar
61 The Source
Follow Us On
@hpacmag
6. 6 HPAC | DECEMBER 2013 hpacmag.com
Industry NewsSEE THE LATEST HPAC e-newsletter @ hpacmag.com
major changes to ASHRAE/IES
2013 energy standard
The recently published NSI/ASHRAE/
IES Standard 90.1-2013 Energy
Standard for Buildings Except Low-
Rise Residential Buildings by ASHRAE
and IES contains major changes
regarding building envelope, lighting,
mechanical and the energy cost
budget.
For the building envelope, opaque
elements and fenestration require-
ments have been revised to increase
stringency while maintaining a reason-
able level of cost-effectiveness.
Changes to lighting include improve-
ments to daylighting and daylighting
controls, space-by-space lighting
power density limits, thresholds for
toplighting and revised controls require-
ments and format.
As for mechanical, equipment effi-
ciencies are increased for heat
pumps, packaged terminal air condi-
tioners, single package vertical heat
pumps and air conditioners evapora-
tive condensers, while fan efficiency
requirements are introduced for the
first time. Additional provisions
address commercial refrigeration
equipment, improved controls on heat
rejection and boiler equipment,
requirements for expanded use of
energy recovery, small motor efficien-
cies, fan power control and credits.
For the energy cost budget, improve-
ments were made to clarify the use of
the prescriptive provisions when per-
forming building energy use modeling.
Another important change to the stan-
dard is the first alternate compliance
path, which uses the power usage
effectiveness metric to provide a
framework that could be considered
for other energy using facets of build-
ings. Also new to the standard are
requirements for operating escalators
and moving walkways at minimum
speed per ASME A17.1 when not con-
veying passengers. For more informa-
tion tel. 800.527.4723.
www.ashrae.org
Water efficiency experts
take note
Professionals and other experts working
in the field of water efficiency are invited
to submit abstracts for the 7th Annual
WaterSmart Innovations Conference
and Exposition, slated for October 8-10,
2014 in Las Vegas, NV. Abstracts may
be submitted by January 17, 2014 via an
on-line form, and a complete list of top-
ics and submittal guidelines are avail-
able on the conference website.
www.watersmartinnovations.com
continued on p8
U.S. publication recognizes Manitoba trainer
The NEWS, in conjunction with hilmor and the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and
Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), has announced the winners of this year’s Best
Instructor and Best Trainer contests. Brian Baker, CMS, founder of Westech
Energy Training Centre, and president of Custom Vac Ltd. in Winnipeg, MB,
has been named the Best Instructor. Sonny Hampton, director of training,
WaterFurnace Intl. Inc., is this year’s Best Trainer award winner. The Air
Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration NEWS is a weekly newsmagazine
headquartered in Michigan.
Brian Baker (right), poses with
graduates from the 88-hour
Fifth Class Power Engineers
course earlier this year. (Back
row l - r) Grant Holst, Andriy
Bokhankovych, Mykhailo
Stepanenko, Jordan
Manchulenko, Trevor Day;
(Middle row l to r) Lorne
Turner, John Zelinsky, Brent
Taylor, Brian Baker; (Front row
l to r) Richie Punla, Zhaohui
Yang, Spencer Mackie
(Missing Brandon Cohoe)
Alain Boisvert, president of Recyclage
ÉcoSolutions Inc. addresses attendees
at RMC’s annual meeting.
Refrigerant Management
Canada tightens its belt,
broadens reach
Refrigerant Management Canada
(RMC) held its 13th annual meet-
ing in Mississauga, ON, on
November 12, 2013. RMC dis-
cussed a number of initiatives
undertaken in the past year to
counter the impact of declining
revenues. Marie Li-Ying of
Honeywell Fluorine Products RMC
secretary/treasurer reported that
the organization is in a better
financial position than it has been
in previous years.
Aside from cost cutting, the cor-
poration is successfully taking its
expertise in refrigerant disposal
to those outside of the HVAC/R
industry. RMC has also entered
into an agreement with Recyclage
EcoSolutions Inc. to accept refrig-
erant at its plasma-arc destruc-
tion facility in Quebec.
Robert Flipse, general manager
of Gordon Latham in Vancouver,
BC, was re-appointed chair of the
not-for-profit corporation. Visit
www.youtube.com/user/hrai
channel to see the annual report.
www.refrigerantmanagement.ca
7.
8. 8 HPAC | DECEMBER 2013 hpacmag.com
Industry News continued from p6
Refrigeration and a/c appren-
tice program now accepting
applications
The Ontario Refrigeration and Air
Conditioning Contractors Association
(ORAC) and the UA Local 787 Joint
Training and Apprenticeship Committee
(JTAC) are accepting applications for
the first-year apprenticeship program
until February 28, 2014. Seventy-six
applicants were selected in 2013 and
80 were accepted in 2012.
Contractors can access the accepted
candidates listing at www.hvacrappren-
tice.ca and non-ORAC member compa-
nies can contact the communications
and program manager to get a copy
of the list. For more information e-mail
info@hvaccareeer.ca or visit www.
hvacr.ca.
CAF report finds more youth
considering careers in
skilled trades
An increasing number of students are
open to a career in the skilled trades
and are placing a higher value on the
contribution of tradespeople than they
did in the past, according to the
Canadian Apprenticeship Forum –
Forum canadien sur l’apprentissage
(CAF-FCA). The CAF-FCA polled more
than 800 Canada students in the
spring of 2013 to compile the report
Apprenticeship Analysis: Youth
Perceptions of Careers in the Skilled
Trades. It then compared this year’s
results to those from a similar survey
done in 2004. Based on its findings,
combined with the current and antici-
pated skill shortages as more and
more baby boomers retire, the CAF-FCA
has high expectations about attracting
the next generation of skilled trades
workers.
“We can definitely see improvement
in youth awareness and attitudes,”
said Sarah Watts-Rynard, executive
director of CAF-FCA. “At the same time,
we’re seeing the need for stronger
messages around opportunities for
women and better outreach to parents
and others who provide career direc-
tion to students.” Read the full report
at www.caf-fca.org.
Changes to Ontario Building
Code to take effect in 2014
Most of the 2012 Ontario Building
Code will come into effect on January
1, 2014, providing an update to the
2006 version. The 2012 code has an
environmental focus and puts in place
measures to reduce greenhouse
gases, protect air, water and soil qual-
ity, and conserve energy.
It features new standards for resi-
dential wastewater treatment, on-site
sewage dispersal beds, as well as
changes to technical, maintenance
and monitoring requirements for sew-
age systems. The revised code is more
consistent with the model national
codes for building and plumbing.
Requirements such as efficient toi-
lets and showerheads for new homes
and rain water harvesting for all new
buildings, will put Ontario among North
America’s leaders in water conserva-
tion. It also increases Ontario’s consis-
tency with other codes across Canada
so businesses can sell products and
services nationwide.
www.mah.gov.on.ca.
Calgary contractor
three-time winner
Lochinvar has announced the first win-
ners in its VIP Contractor Program for
the 2013-2014 heating season. Jamie
Whitehead of Cooper Plumbing
Heating in Calgary, AB, was named the
October winner of the VIP Installation
Showcase. Charles Felt of Buddy’s
Plumbing Service in Winthrop, MA, was
selected in the first monthly VIP draw-
ing. In June they will join other winners
of the 2014 Nashville Experience for
an all-expenses-paid trip for two that
includes tickets to the world’s largest
country music festival. This award
marks Whitehead’s third win in the
annual contest.
“I’m thrilled that Lochinvar has once
again recognized my work in its VIP
Installation Showcase,” said Whitehead.
“We take great pride in delivering the
highest quality service and solutions to
our clients, and it means a lot when a top
industry leader takes notice of what
we’re doing in the field.”
Through April 2014, contractors can
continued on p10
Toronto-area executive wins top SMACNA award
Wayne Peterson, chapter executive for
the Toronto Sheet Metal Contractors
Association of Richmond Hill, ON, is
the winner of the Sheet Metal and Air
Conditioning Contractors’ National
Association’s Chapter Executive of the
Year Award. He was presented the
Petersen-Dunn Award, which is given
to the chapter executive who has
made a substantive contribution to
their local association.
“Wayne was the first person in
Ontario to see the value of affiliation
with SMACNA,” said 2013 SMACNA
president Howard Stine. “His efforts
have so far led to four additional chap-
ters from Canada joining SMACNA.”
www.smacna.org
Wayne Peterson (left) receives the Chapter
Executive of the Year Award from SMACNA
president Howard Stine at the association’s
70th Annual Convention in Maui, HI.
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10. 10 HPAC | DECEMBER 2013 hpacmag.com
Industry News continued from p 8
upload a photograph and brief description of any qualified
boiler or boiler/Squire combination installation for a chance
to be named the monthly winner of the VIP Installation
Showcase. Contractors may also register qualified Lochinvar
products to receive an entry into a drawing for the Nashville
Experience, as well as a gift card.
www.knightheatingboiler.com
College calls for increased industry
participation
At the HRAI Greater Toronto
Area meeting on October 30,
2013, chapter chair Dick
Thomas invited former chair
David Weishuhn to the podium
to discuss the Ontario Power
Authority (OPA) Heating
Cooling Incentives (HCI) pro-
gram. HRAI, on behalf of the
Ontario Power Authority
(OPA), is offering the one-day
mandatory training course to participating contractors of the
HCI program.
As of January 1, 2014, only contractors who have com-
pleted the mandatory one-day training on AC Installation
Optimization Training will be eligible to participate in the
saveONenergy Heating Cooling Incentives program, said
Weishuhn. There is no course scheduled for 2014 and
about 50 per cent of contractor members have not been
trained. He strongly urged members to get at least one per-
son through [the course] before the end of 2013.
Guest speaker Bob Onyschuk, director, compliance and
enforcement division of the Ontario College of Trades, provided
an overview of the College, its role and progress to date. He pin-
pointed training as an issue and assured attendees that the
College will be modernizing training so tradespeople are pre-
pared for the technologies they will see in the field.
In terms of driving the College mandate, Onyschuk noted that
there were vacant positions on the trade boards. He invited con-
tractors to participate on the boards. You guys have the
power, said Onyschuk. He also provided an update on the
state of enforcement. The shaking hands and kissing babies
is coming to an end, noted Onyschuk. You will see us getting
more rigorous.
He reported that three mailings have been sent out regarding
membership, an additional two months was given for compli-
ance, and 18 000 letters have gone out for non-payment. He
noted that there were 20 enforcement officers in the field and
22 in training. Of those, 38 are tradespersons, according to
Onyschuk. Attendees were receptive to the College's message,
but expressed concerns regarding the professional misconduct
level of enforcement, apprentice ratios, and the split in regula-
tion with Technical Standards Safety Authority.
In addition to cheapening what you do, they are stealing
your business, said Onyschuk as he encouraged attendees
to report non-compliant companies and individuals.
For information on the chapter meetings, e-mail k.stark@
industrialadmin.ca.
https://saveonenergy.ca/Consumer/Programs/HVAC-
Rebates/Contractor-Participation.aspx
BC adopts National Energy Code of Canada for
Buildings
British Columbia has adopted the National Energy Code of
Canada for Buildings (NECB 2011), which took effect in
December 2013. Although BC is the first to adopt the code, the
adoption process is underway in other jurisdictions. NECB 2011
provides minimum requirements for the design and construc-
tion of energy efficient buildings, excluding those that are cov-
ered in Part 9 of the National Building Code of Canada.
continued on p12
Buildingbrainpower.
At HRAI,we take training and education
very seriously.
The HRAI Book Store is your online
source for quality technical manuals.
Available in a practical handy format,
HRAI manuals are a must-have
resource for professionals in the HVAC
field, covering everything from design
to installation.
Make them work for you.
Visit hrai.ca/manuals
Your ‘go-to’ source for best practices.
Guest speaker Bob Onyschuk,
director, compliance and
enforcement division, Ontario
College of Trades.
11. t h e w o r l d ’ s l a r g e s t
h v a c r m a r k e t p l a c e
jan uary 21-23
jav its c o n v e nti o n c e nte r
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12. 12 HPAC | DECEMBER 2013 hpacmag.com
It is a model code intended for provinces and territories to
adopt and adapt for their needs. The 2011 version is an
update of Canada’s first building energy code, introduced in
1997. The original code was modeled after the U.S. ASHRAE
regulations, which some provinces such as British Columbia
and Ontario had already incorporated into their building codes.
Canada-wide adoption of the NECB 2011 would bring uni-
formity to building energy performance and its measure-
ment. The adoption process is lengthy, starting with research
on issues such as industry readiness, followed by public con-
sultations, adaptation of the code, and a final public review
prior to adoption. Ten provinces and three territories have
been involved in the adoption process, with all but one terri-
tory indicating their intent to adopt the NECB. Manitoba
expects to adopt it shortly and Ontario has an equivalent
standard that is as stringent as the NECB 2011.
www.nationalcodes.nrc.gc.ca/eng/index.html
CMPX 2014 registration underway
The 2014 CMPX show is expected to attract over 14 000
mechanical industry professionals to the Metro Toronto
Convention Centre. Space sales have now passed the
500-exhibitor mark for the three-day show starting
Wednesday, March 19 through to Friday, March 21. A full
schedule of Learning Forum sessions is posted on the
http://cmpxshow.com website. Registration for the show is
now underway at www.cmpxshow.com. For more informa-
tion, contact the show management company Shield and
Associates at tel. 800.282.0003 or e-mail sal@salshow.com.
ASHRAE, IAQA sign memorandum of understanding
ASHRAE and the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) have
joined forces to promote better indoor air quality in the built
environment. The two associations signed the memorandum
of understanding agreement on October 15 during ASHRAE’s
IAQ 2013 Conference in Vancouver, BC. The agreement com-
mits ASHRAE and IAQA to work together in the areas of con-
sistent leadership communication, chapter collaboration,
advocacy, technical activities coordination and research.
www.ashrae.org www.iaqa.org
Passive House hosts conference dedicated to
reducing building energy in cool climates
North America’s largest Passive House conference took
place at the Westin Bayshore in Vancouver, BC from
September 27 to 28 with more than 250 building profession-
als from Canada, China, Europe and the U.S. in attendance.
The “Passive House North 2013: Affordable Energy-Efficiency
For a Changing Climate” conference featured a strong cast of
presenters. Canadians included Harold Orr, who helped cre-
ate the Saskatchewan Conservation House; Bill Rees, who
originated the “ecological footprint;” Graham Finch of RDH
Building Engineering, Robert Malczyk of Equilibrium, Peter
Amerogen of Habitat Studios and Sadhu Johnston from the
City of Vancouver.
International presenters included Dr. Wolfgang Feist, a
German physicist who co-developed the Passive House
Standard; Henry Gifford, who The New Yorker dubbed “The
Boiler Man”; Tomas O’Leary of Ireland’s Passive House
Academy, Bronwyn Barry of One Sky Homes and Tim
McDonald of Onion Flats. The conference hosted the world
premiere of a documentary entitled “Passive House: A
Building Revolution.” It also held a number of workshops,
including a two-day exam preparation course for individuals
looking to become certified Passive House designers.
Buildings designed to the Passive House Standard use 90
per cent less energy than comparable structures while cost-
ing only 10 per cent more to build. www.passivehouse.ca
Interprovincial Red Seal standards strength-
ened through partnerships
The Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA)
has partnered with the United Association of Plumbers
Pipefitters (UA) and the Mechanical Contractors Association
of Canada (MCAC) to strengthen interprovincial Red Seal
trade and occupational standards in all Canadian provinces
Industry News continued from p 10
Quebec City Roadshow stop
Henri Bouchard, directeur du service technique at the Corporation
des maîtres mécanicens en tuyauterie du Québec (CMMTQ),
presents his backflow prevention session during the CIPHEX
Roadshow stop at the Expocité Quebec Centre on October 3. The
Canadian Institute of Plumbing Heating’s (CIPH) program of
one-day trade shows included four major Canadian cities from
October 1 to 10. Luc Boily
14. 14 HPAC | december 2013 hpacmag.com
T
en years ago, the term hydraulic separation was
very new to the vocabulary used in the North
American hydronics market. Back then the contem-
porary topic being discussed and applied was pri-
mary/secondary piping. The idea being that several loads,
each served by its own secondary circuit and associated cir-
culator, could be connected to a common primary loop, with
its own circulator. The “magic” of closely-spaced tees is
what prevented the flow rate in any of these circuits from in-
terfering with the flow rate in the others.
In essence, that is what hydraulic separation is: The ability of
two or more circulators within the same piping system to simul-
taneously operate without interfering with each other.
Properly designed and installed primary/secondary piping-
can achieve hydraulic separation between all circulators.
However, primary/secondary piping is not the only way to
achieve hydraulic separation, as depicted in Figure 1.
Think of hydraulic separation as the “broad topic,” whereas
primary/secondary piping is one of several subtopics. This
article will show you several other ways to achieve the same
desirable results delivered by classic primary/secondary pip-
ing, in ways that often simplify the system and reduce its in-
stallation cost.
GOOD AND BAD HEADERS
Before detailing other methods of hydraulic separation, it is im-
portant to understand the role of headers in a hydronic sys-
tem. The “ideal” header in any hydronic system would simply
split up the flow entering it into the branch circuits attached to
it with zero head loss. The spherical header shown in Figure 2
would be a very close approximation of this ideal concept.
Imagine piping coming out of this spherical header in all di-
rections, like a copper basketball with tubes coming out all
over its surface. The water would be very “content” to flow
through such a header, but imagine how this would look in a
typical mechanical room. In short, it would look terrible. It
would take up lots of room and be very difficult to install us-
ing standard methods. Bottom line: We do not build headers
like this. Not because they would not work, but because of
these other practical and aesthetic reasons.
Instead, we approximate the favourable fluid mechanics
offered by the copper basketball header with standard hard-
ware that looks good and lays out neatly in a mechanical
room, as depicted in Figure 3.
I like to call these “short/fat” headers. Simply put, the
shorter the header and the greater its diameter, the closer it
comes to approximating the copper basketball header.
Remember, the goal is to split up the flow into the branches
with as little head loss as possible.
So, here is something that every hydronic system designer
can easily remember: Short/fat headers are good and long/
skinny headers are bad. It is always good to keep the head-
ers in your systems as short as practical and to use a tube
size that keeps the flow velocity when all branch circuits sup-
hydronics
The Wide World Of Hydraulic Separation
Several methods for achieving the same results. BY john siEgenthaler
Figure 1 Methods To Achieve Hydraulic Separation Figure 2 Spherical Header
hydraulic separation
primary/!
secondary !
piping
alternate!
method!
#1
alternate!
method!
#2
alternate!
method!
#3
very low
head loss!
inside
header
15. december 2013 | HPAC 15hpacmag.com
plied by the header are operating at no higher than two feet
per second. Figure 4 is a table that lists the flow rates corre-
sponding to flow velocities of two feet per second for type M
copper tube.
BEYOND THE HEADERS
Short/fat headers provide hydraulic separation between the
circulators connected to them. These circulators can be dif-
ferent sizes. Some may be variable speed circulators while
others operate at fixed speeds. Hydraulic separation occurs
because the head loss (and thus the pressure drop) along
the length of the headers is very low.
To maintain the hydraulic separation afforded by short/
fat headers it is important that the headers connect to a
piping assembly that itself creates very low head loss.
One arrangement that achieves this is simply connecting
the headers to a low flow resistance heat source, such as
a cast iron boiler, or a “tank type” hydronic heat source,
as shown in Figure 5.
Both of these heat sources create very little head loss.
When combined with short/fat headers, the “common pip-
ing” assembly, outlined with the dashed lines, creates very
Figure 3 The Mechanical Room Reality
Figure 4 Flow Rates At Given Velocity
short
fat
Tubing
Flow rate to establish
2 ft/sec flow velocity
1/2 type M copper 1.6 gpm
3/4 type M copper 3.2 gpm
1 type M copper 5.5 gpm
1.25 type M copper 8.2 gpm
1.5 type M copper 11.4 gpm
2 type M copper 19.8 gpm
2.5 type M copper 30.5 gpm
3 type M copper 43.6 gpm
aquatherm
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www.aquatherm.com
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Unleash your inner hero.
What if you could install piping systems that were invulnerable to things like
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reliable than anyone ever thought possible? And what if your systems helped save
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one. Do not attempt to outrun speeding bullets or leap
tall buildings in less than two bounds.
continued on p.16
16. 16 HPAC | december 2013 hpacmag.com
little head loss, even when all the circulators are operating.
The lack of any significant head loss in the common piping
is what prevents circulators from “feeling” each other’s
presence in the system. If the circulators cannot “feel”
each other, they cannot interfere with each other.
The piping in Figure 5 also provides the same supply wa-
ter temperature to each load served by the header. This is
not true with traditional primary/secondary piping where
all sets of closely-spaced tees are arranged in series
along a common primary loop. The latter arrangement cre-
ates decreasing supply water temperature in the down-
stream circuits. Furthermore, the extent of this temperature
drop is not consistent. It varies depending on which sec-
ondary circuits are operating at any given time.
If the heat source you want to use has higher flow resis-
tance – as its typically created by coil-type heat exchangers
in compact mod/con boilers, or coaxial heat exchangers in
water-to-water heat pumps, you can merge the headers to
that heat source, as shown in Figure 6.
The pair of closely-spaced tees hydraulically separate the
boiler circulator from the circulators on the header. Thus, the
overall piping assembly within the dashed lines, (i.e., the
common piping) has low head loss. Voilà: hydraulic separa-
tion between all circulators in the system.
If your system needs added thermal mass to stabilize a
low mass heat source against the potential demands of a
highly-zoned distribution system, then let a buffer tank,
Figure 7 System With Added Thermal Mass
buffer!
tank
very low flow resistance!
common piping!
size headers for
max flow velocity of
2 ft/sec
boiler!
circulator
high flow
resistance
boiler
hydronics continued from p.15
Figure 5 Headers Connected to Low Flow Resistance Heat Source
very low flow
resistance!
common piping!
size headers for
max flow velocity of
2 ft/sec
low flow
resistance
heat!
source
Figure 6 Headers Merged To High Flow Resistance Heat Source
closely spaced tees
very low flow resistance!
common piping!
high flow !
resistance boiler
size headers for max
flow velocity of 2 ft/sec
continued on p.18
Figure 8 System With Hydraulic Separator
hydraulic separator
very low flow resistance!
common piping!
high flow !
resistance boiler
size headers for max
flow velocity of 2 ft/sec
17. Jessica Holmes
is one of Canada’s top
comedic talents.”
A favourite on CBC’s
Royal Canadian Air Farce…
Her comedic high-jinks and
crazy antics, topped with her
unique knack for skewering
celebrities are sure to amuse.
Join us as we celebrate 20 years of
investing in our communities through
support for Habitat for Humanity
Gala Evening
“
YEARS
Tuesday March 18, 2014
Metro Toronto
Convention Centre
ciph.com/gala
18. 18 HPAC | december 2013 hpacmag.com
Fernox supplies everything from
cleaners inhibitors to
specialized equipment such as
the MKIII Powerflow Flushing machine and
the TF-1 Magnetic Filter.
Our specialized equipment is designed to improve
efficiencies save installers time on the jobsite .
Fernox products respect the environment with
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hydronics continued from p.16
(piped as shown in Figure 7, and working in combination with
the short/fat headers) provide the hydraulic separation.
Finally, it is possible to use a component called a “hydraulic
separator” to provide – you guessed it – hydraulic separation.
The piping is shown in Figure 8.
Along with hydraulic separation, many hydraulic separators
now contain internal screens called coalescing media. These
inserts enhance the ability of the hydraulic separator to sep-
arate microbubbles of air passing through the upper portion
of the separator. Using a hydraulic separator with a coalesc-
ing media eliminates the need to use a separate, high effi-
ciency air separator in the system.
A second coalescing media, built into the lower portion of
the hydraulic separator, enhances its ability to trap dirt parti-
cles that might be riding along with the flow as it returns from
the distribution system. With multiple passes, some coalesc-
ing media can separate out dirt particles as small as five mi-
crons. They drop out of the active flow path and into the lower
portion of the separator. A periodic opening of the valve at the
bottom of the hydraulic separator can flush out this dirt.
FOURSOME
There you have it: four methods of achieving the very desir-
able characteristic called hydraulic separation in your hy-
dronic systems. Notice that all these methods provide the
same supply water temperature to the loads and that none
of them require a dedicated primary loop circulator. In that
respect, the methods shown, in my view, are significant im-
provements over traditional primary/secondary piping.
Integrate them into your designs where appropriate.
John Siegenthaler, P.E., is a mechanical engi-
neering graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute and a licensed professional engi-
neer. He has over 34 years experience in de-
signing modern hydronic heating systems.
Siegenthaler is also an associate professor emeritus of
engineering technology at Mohawk Valley Community
College in Utica, NY. His online course, Mastering
Hydronic System Design, will be offered February 17 to
April 25, 2014. www.hydronicpros.com/events
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20. 20 HPAC | DECEMBER 2013 hpacmag.com
W
ith major reductions to acceptable lead levels inpota-
ble water set to take effect in North America in
January 2014, the Canadian Institute of Plumbing
Heating (CIPH) provided an update and some clarity on the sit-
uation at its Ontario Region Business Meeting. Held on October
25 at the Mississauga Convention Centre, the full-day meet-
ing consisted of a low lead industry forum panel, a workshop
for CIPH’s Young Executive Society (YES) and a presentation
from the CEO of the Standards Council of Canada.
Ninety people attended the low lead industry forum panel,
and dozens more tuned in for the online webinar, featuring
Kevin Ernst, general manager at Oakville Stamping Bending
Ltd. and the chairman of CSA B125 technical committee,
Joseph Rogers from the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs
and Housing, Thomas Husebye, vice-president of marketing for
Dahl Brothers Canada Ltd. and Al Hook from Wolseley Canada.
The panel looked at the impact the Safe Drinking Water
Act (coming into effect in the U.S. on January 4, 2014) and
the new low lead requirements in Canada (being adopted by
various provinces across Canada beginning January 1 2014)
will have on all aspects of the plumbing industry. In both
countries, the changes will require lead levels to be reduced
from eight to 0.25 per cent for fittings intended for use for
human consumption through drinking or cooking.
To meet the new low lead requirements, all manufacturers
who are certified to ASME A112.18.1/CSA B125.1 or CSA
B125.3 will have to be recertified by their certification body by
December 31, 2013. As of January 1, 2014 manufacturers will
no longer be able to produce certified products that do not
meet the new low lead requirements in the two standards.
Under B125.1 this will affect drinking fountain supply fit-
Plumbing
The Lowdown On Low Lead
CIPH’s Ontario meeting focuses on low lead changes, coordinating Canada-U.S. stand. BY Patrick Callan
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Engaging Young Executives
While the low lead forum was taking place, about 25 members of
CIPH’s Young Executive Society (YES) gathered for the Juggling
Multiple Projects workshop led by Michael Stefanovic, senior consul-
tant for World Class Productivity. The YES program, which represents
the interests of people aged 40 and under in the plumbing, industrial
PVF, waterworks and hydronic heating industry, was also recognized
as CIPH’s program of the year during the meeting.
www.ciph.com
21. DECEMBER 2013 | HPAC 21hpacmag.com
tings; kitchen, sink and lavatory fittings and supply stops up
to one inch. Under B125.3 this will affect automatic compen-
sating valves other than those for individual wall-mounted
showering systems, supply line stops up to one inch and
temperature actuated in-line mixing valves.
In Ontario, a recent minister’s ruling included the low lead
requirements to its 2012 Building Code, which takes effect
on January 1, 2014. However, because of a transition rule
any building permit applied for before January 1, 2014 still
follows the 2006 Building Code but construction will have to
start within six months from when the permit is issued.
Building permits applied for after January 1, 2014 will have
to comply with the updated 2012 code, which includes the
low lead requirements.
The two low lead standards are expected to be updated in
the National Plumbing Code by the end of 2013 or early
2014, and the rest of the provinces and territories are in the
process of working towards adopting those changes.
A recent CIPH poll showed that most provinces are expected
to have adopted the low lead requirements by June 2014. The
poll also indicated that 30 per cent of manufacturers and whole-
salers plan to carry double inventory of regular and lead free
brass products during the six-month transition phase.
The meeting’s main speaker – John Walter, CEO of the
Standards Council of Canada (SCC) – presented on what is be-
ing done to coordinate standards between Canada and the U.S.
The total cost of product testing and certification compliance
for the North American plumbing and heating industry is be-
tween $3.2 to $4.5 billion per year. And since only about 10
per cent of referenced standards are currently bilaterally harmo-
nized, duplicate testing and certification ends up costing
Canadian consumers from $120 to $150 million each year.
To address this issue, CIPH and Electro-Federation Canada
took a leading role by developing value propositions to quan-
tify costs of duplicative requirements, and then organized
two consultation sessions earlier this year (one in the U.S.,
one in Canada) to raise awareness about the findings. These
efforts have led to the creation of pilot projects between the
SCC and the American National Standards Institute to facili-
tate joint Canada-U.S standards in the electro-technical and
plumbing/heating sectors.
The projects are expected to begin in 2014.
COMING UP
CIPH’s next Ontario Region meeting will be held on January 16,
2014. It will focus on the economic outlook for Canada, featuring
a presentation from personal finance expert Preet Banerjee.
Banerjee is host of the television show Million Dollar Neighbourhood
on the Oprah Winfrey Network.
For more information, visit www.ciph.com.
22. 22 HPAC | december 2013 hpacmag.com
I
n Part I in HPAC October 2013,
we discussed the importance of
having an R-22 strategy. Now it is
on to the logistics of choosing a
suitable replacement for converting
existing R-22 systems, and a step by
step process for implementing the
conversion.
Table 2 shows the more common
replacements for R-22, along with their
chemical formulation. There is a limited
supply of building blocks available to
make suitable R-22 replacements. In
fact, all of the common R-22 replace-
ments are made by blending at least two
of the following components: R-32,
R-125, R-134A and R-143A. Some
contain three of these components, and
one contains all four. Along with these,
there are several hydrocarbon com-
pounds available, which when added to
an HFC, will facilitate the use of mineral
oil in the system (more on this later).
As stated in Part I, there are several
factors to look at in making that choice:
• Thermodynamic properties of the
conversion refrigerant
• Cooling capacity relative to R-22
• Refrigerant Mass Flow relative to R-22
• Efficiency relative to R-22
• Discharge temperature relative to R-22
• Pressures of the conversion refrigerant
• Conversion refrigerant oil requirements
• Has compressor manufacturer evalu-
ated compressor performance and
wear with conversion refrigerant
• Environmental concerns (GWP of the
conversion refrigerant)
• Price and availability of the conver-
sion refrigerant
The thermodynamic properties of the
new refrigerant will determine the
following:
• COP (efficiency) of the system
refrigeration
For Better Or For Worse...R-22 RIP
The nuts and bolts of choosing a suitable refrigerant replacement. (Part II). BY Dave Demma
Reader comment in response to Part I
(see HPAC October 2013, available online at www.hpacmag.com)
Reader: Dave some of your comments are in conflict. In the third paragraph
you state: ...there is currently a good supply of R-22. There will be some R-22
available on January 1, 2020; however it is likely to be in limited supply. More
importantly, it’s likely to be expensive. Further along you say: ...do not panic.
There is a good supply...
Dave Demma: No doubt what was written in Part I appeared contradictory
and confusing...so let me attempt to clarify. Being based in the U.S., my per-
spective on R-22 is much more influenced by what is happening here. The
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has revised their R-22 allocations
for the importation/manufacture of new R-22 as appears in Table 1.
In 2012, the allocation for new imported/manufactured R-22 was set to
be at 89.8 million lb. A temporary allocation ruling was released, with the
proposed allocation for 2012 to be somewhere between 55.4 million lb. and
79.7 million lb. They went with the 55.4 million lb. amount. With such a se-
vere reduction in allocation the price responded as one would expect...it
quickly skyrocketed. In January of 2013, the allocation was further reduced
to 39 million lb., causing further price increases. In April of 2013 the EPA re-
leased a permanent allocation ruling, bringing the current year allocation up
to 62.7 million lb. That is a 60 per cent increase in supply and once again,
the price responded as one would expect–with price reductions throughout
the year.
In addition to the reduction in price, the increased allocation has caused a
mini glut of R-22 in the U.S. While this is certainly a temporary situation, the fact
is there is plenty of R-22 available right now. There will be a further reduction in
allocation down to 51 million lb. in 2014, but this will still be greater than the
original allocation given for the beginning of 2013.
We are awaiting the EPA’s final allocation ruling for 2015–2020. This will
be the determining factor as to where prices will settle out in 2014. It will
also indicate what we can expect the supply of R-22 to be as we get closer
to 2020.
There is a good supply of R-22 now and the price is reasonable.,However,
it will not last and that is true whichever side of the border you are on.
Table 1 EPA R-22 Allocations
Year Original
Allocation
(million lb.)
Proposed
Allocation
(million lb.)
Temp Allocation
(million lb.)
Final 2013
Allocation
(million lb.)
2010 110
2011 100
2012 89.8 55.4-79.7 55.4
2013 79.1 46-69.1 39 62.7
2014 68.5 36.3-57.9 51
23. december 2013 | HPAC 23hpacmag.com
Refrigerant Trade Name Capacity Relative
to R-22
Mass Flow
Relative to R-22
Efficiency (COP)
Relative to R-22
Recommended
Lubricant Type
R-404A HP62, FX-70 103% 142% 91% POE
R-407A Klea 60 106% 114% 96% POE
R-407C Suva 9000 102% 101% 97% POE
R-407F Performax LT 112% 109% 96% POE
R-417A MO59, NU22 86% 107% 96% MO, AB, POE
R-421A Choice 88% 120% 95% MO, AB, POE
R-422A MO79, OneShot 102% 164% 90% MO, AB, POE
R-422B NU22B 89% 118% 95% MO, AB, POE
R-422C One Shot B 100% 158% 91% MO, AB, POE
R-422D MO79 93% 131% 93% MO, AB, POE
R-424A RS-44 86% 130% 96% MO, AB, POE
R-427A FX-100 98% 103% 97% POE
R-428A RS-52 107% 170% 89% MO, AB, POE
R-434A RS-45 99% 144% 93% MO, AB, POE
R-438A MO99 94% 111% 96% MO, AB, POE
R-507A AZ-50 104% 148% 90% POE
Table 3 – Comparative Performance of R-22 Replacements in AC Applications
• Cooling capacity of the system
• Discharge temperature
• Required refrigerant mass flow rate
(which will determine whether flow
controls will need replacement)
In most cases it would be desirable
to use an R-22 replacement that will
provide performance and capacity
close to that of R-22. The charts in
Table 3 (Low Temperature), Table 4
(Medium Temperature) and Table 5
(Air Conditioning) show the compara-
tive values for these four system
parameters.
Capacity relative to R-22 is fairly self
explanatory. Assuming that the R-22
capacity is 100 per cent, a value less
than that means you will be suffering a
capacity loss when using the particular
refrigerant that capacity loss is at-
tached to. The numbers in red are
losses that are substantial and likely
to eliminate the particular refrigerant
as a valid choice for conversion.
Note that the capacity losses be-
come more magnified as the evaporat-
ing temperature becomes lower. For
example choose a refrigerant that has
a capacity loss of approximately six per
cent in an air conditioning application.
On systems that are barely maintaining
temperature with R-22, this would not
be a good choice. However, if the sys-
Table 2 – Chemical Composition of Common R-22 Replacements
Blend
Component
Refrigerant (ASHRAE Designation Number)
R-407A R-407C R-407F R-417A R-421A R-422A R-422B R-422D R-424A R-427A R-428A R-434A R-404A R-507 R-438A R-410A
R-32 20% 23% 30% 15% 8.5% 50%
R-125 40% 25% 30% 47% 58% 85.1% 55% 65.1% 50.5% 25% 77.5% 63.2% 44% 50% 45% 50%
R-134A 40% 52% 40% 50% 42% 11.5% 52% 31.5% 47.0% 50% 16% 4% 44.2%
R-143A 10% 20% 18% 52% 50%
R-290
Propane
0.6%
R-600
N-Butane
1.0% 1.7%
R-600A
IsoButane
3.4% 3.4% 3% 3.4% 0.9% 1.9% 2.8%
R-601A
IsoPentane
0.9% 0.6%
continued on p.24
24. 24 HPAC | december 2013 hpacmag.com
Refrigerant Trade Name Capacity
Relative to R-22
Mass Flow
Relative to R-22
Efficiency
Relative to R-22
Disch Temp Relative
to R-22 (ºF)
Recommended
Lubricant Type
R-404A HP62, FX-70 95% 143% 85% -112 POE
R-407A Klea 60 95% 105% 93% -61 POE
R-407C Suva 9000 91% 92% 95% -48 POE
R-407F Performax LT 101% 101% 94% -38 POE
R-417A MO59, NU22 72% 99% 90% -116 MO, AB, POE
R-421A Choice 74% 109% 89% -107 MO, AB, POE
R-422A MO79,
OneShot
89% 160% 82% -126 MO, AB, POE
R-422B NU22B 75% 108% 88% -109 MO, AB, POE
R-422C One Shot B 87% 152% 83% -124 MO, AB, POE
R-422D MO79 79% 123% 86% -115 MO, AB, POE
R-424A RS-44 72% 102% 89% -75 MO, AB, POE
R-427A FX-100 86% 94% 94% -64 POE
R-428A RS-52 97% 170% 81% -125 MO, AB, POE
R-434A RS-45 87% 137% 85% -91 MO, AB, POE
R-438A MO99 81% 100% 94% -112 MO, AB, POE
R-507A AZ-50 97% 150% 85% -88 POE
Table 5 – Comparative Performance of R-22 Replacements in Low Temperature Refrigeration Applications
tem has enough extra capacity where a
six per cent loss can be absorbed with-
out loss in maintaining adequate com-
fort in the middle of summer, this might
be an acceptable choice.
Now, take the same refrigerant in a
low temperature application and you
have a 19 per cent capacity loss. It might
be a little more difficult to find an appli-
cation that has enough extra capacity to
absorb a loss of that magnitude.
The refrigerant mass flow rate will de-
termine whether the existing flow con-
trols (TEV and distributor nozzle) are
sufficiently sized for the new refrigerant.
While there are some refrigerants listed
that have mass flow rates which are
very close to R-22, there are others (in
red) which would require replacing exist-
ing TEVs (and distributor nozzles in
Refrigerant Trade Name Capacity Relative
to R-22
Mass Flow
Relative to R-22
Efficiency (COP)
Relative to R-22
Recommended
Lubricant Type
R-404A HP62, FX-70 102% 143% 91% POE
R-407A Klea 60 103% 112% 96% POE
R-407C Suva 9000 99% 99% 97% POE
R-407F Performax LT 107% 110% 96% POE
R-417A MO59, NU22 81% 106% 95% MO, AB, POE
R-421A Choice 84% 117% 94% MO, AB, POE
R-422A MO79, OneShot 98% 163% 89% MO, AB, POE
R-422B NU22B 85% 116% 94% MO, AB, POE
R-422C One Shot B 97% 157% 90% MO, AB, POE
R-422D MO79 89% 129% 92% MO, AB, POE
R-424A RS-44 82% 109% 95% MO, AB, POE
R-427A FX-100 94% 100% 97% POE
R-428A RS-52 104% 170% 88% MO, AB, POE
R-434A RS-45 96% 141% 91% MO, AB, POE
R-438A MO99 90% 107% 96% MO, AB, POE
R-507A AZ-50 103% 150% 90% POE
Table 4 – Comparative Performance of R-22 Replacements in Medium Temperature Refrigeration Applications
refrigeration continued from p.23
continued on p.26
25. 46
Protecting important data depends on maintaining a controlled
environment. That’s why it is essential to install a commercial-grade
server room cooling system that is consistent, efficient and reliable,
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
With so much on the line, it’s surprising that there are modified
residential units claiming to be sufficient for server room
applications. Little wonder that these units can’t take the strain
placed on them by modern server rooms.
Mitsubishi Electric’s P-Series precision cooling system is different.
It’s a commercial grade ductless unit that is designed for commercial
applications and is tooled specifically for durability and to maintain
consistent, reliable server room temperature.
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one from the ground up, Mitsubishi Electric P-Series can help keep
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26. 26 HPAC | december 2013 hpacmag.com
refrigeration continued from p.24
some cases). This becomes a very time
consuming and expensive conversion.
Refer to Table 6 and 7 for examples of
potential conversions, and whether ex-
isting flow controls would require re-
placement. The application is a typical
supermarket with a -20F evaporator
temperature, a liquid subcooler provid-
ing 50F liquid refrigerant, and operat-
ing at 105F condensing temperature.
There are two things to consider with
TEVs: Will the existing valve selection
yield sufficient capacity with the new re-
frigerant, and will the new refrigerant use
the same thermostatic element as R-22.
R-404A and R-507 will require an ele-
ment replacement, even if the original
R-22 TEV body provides sufficient capac-
ity after the conversion.
Now, it is true that every application
is different. While the thermodynamic
properties will determine how the exist-
ing R-22 selection will fare with the
new refrigerant, how the original selec-
tion was made will also be a determin-
ing factor. In the above example, if the
application above were 24 000 Btu in-
stead of 18 000 Btu, the original TEV
selection would have been a three-ton
valve. This valve would be sufficiently
sized for use with R-438A, slightly un-
dersized for R-422D in the low ambient
months, and sufficiently sized for
R-404A/R-507 (but would require an
element replacement).
It is recommended that all distribu-
tor nozzle and TEV selections be veri-
fied prior to the conversion. This
becomes additional labour to verify
what is currently in the system and
then going through the exercise of de-
termining the capacity with the new
refrigerant.
Certainly choosing a refrigerant,
which has a minimal capacity loss and
similar mass flow requirements (mean-
ing no distributor nozzle or TEV replace-
ments) would be desirable.
There is much more to discuss and
that will be done in a later issue.
Dave Demma holds a de-
gree in refrigeration engi-
neering and worked as a
journeyman refrigeration
technician before moving
into the manufacturing sector where he
regularly trains contractor and engineer-
ing groups. He can be reached at
ddemma@uri.com.
Table 6 – Refrigerant Distributor Nozzle Selection with R-22 Replacements
Table 7 – TEV Selection with R-22 Replacements
18 000 Btu Evaporator
-20F SST / 105 SCT
50F Liquid Temp
R-22 R-407A R-422D R-438A R-404A R-507
Feeder Tube ODF 3/16 3/16 3/16 3/16 3/16 3/16
Feeder Tube ∆P 13 psi 16 psi 20 psi 19 psi 19 psi 20 psi
Feeder Tube % Loaded 124% 150% 177% 174% 170% 171%
Nozzle Size #1 #1 #1 #1 #1 #1
Nozzle ∆P 27 psi 34 psi 35psi 34 psi 38 psi 39 psi
Nozzle % Loaded 109% 133% 141% 138% 151% 154%
Total Distributor ∆P 40 psi 50 psi 55 psi 53 psi 57 psi 59 psi
Replace Nozzle? ----- No Yes #2 Yes #1-½ Yes #2 Yes #2
18 000 Btu Evaporator
-20F SST / 70F 105 SCT
50F Liquid Temp
R-22 R-407A R-422D R-438A R-404A R-507
TEV Selection
(Using R-22 Dist/Nozzle)
EGVE-2 EGVE-2 EGVE-2 EGVE-2 EGSE
1-½
EGSE
1-½
Thermostatic Element
Replacement Required?
----- No No No Yes
SZ/SZP
Yes SZ/SZP
Nominal TEV Capacity
after Element Replacement
----- 2 Ton 2 Ton 2 Ton 1-½ Ton 1-½ Ton
% Rated Capacity at 105F
Condensing
59% 58% 84% 67% 65% 66%
% Rated Capacity at 70F
Condensing
99% 97% 149% 110% 113% 115%
Valve Replacement Required? ----- No Yes
EGVE-3
Possible
EGVE-3
Possible
EGSE-2
Possible
EGSE-2
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28. 28 HPAC | december 2013 hpacmag.com
I
n the ultra-competitive world of architectural building
products it is remarkable that manufacturers and de-
signers can continue to create and develop new ones.
But somehow there always seems to be another light-
ning-hot product or system that jolts the building design and
construction industry from top to bottom.
In North America, decorative linear channel drains for cus-
tom showers has been that product. The drains have been
experiencing explosive growth across the board and borders.
Whether it is in a single home or for the grandest of all com-
mercial projects, the drains have several different features
that appeal to decision-makers.
The most obvious reason is that architects and interior de-
signers like the look and freedom available to them in com-
mercial building projects that include custom showers. The
process of installing linear drains can be faster and simpler
than the one used to set the traditional round-centre drain.
The mortar bed slopes down ¼ in. per foot in one direction
toward the linear drain, as opposed to the round-centre
drains that require the mortar bed to be sloped equally in
four different directions toward the middle.
In truth, even if the only benefit of linear channel drains
was faster, easier custom shower installations, they would
be popular with owners, developers and general contractors
for the time and labour savings alone.
SHOWER ACCESS
The drains can be used to create wheelchair accessible,
ADA-compliant showers, which are required in several of the
most important and profitable segments of commercial
building, such as hotels and hospitals. The specification of
linear drains allows a new level of freedom for designers
since the drain can be placed anywhere in the shower layout.
The visual appeal and faster, easier installation process has
fueled the product’s rapid growth with residential contrac-
tors, as well as architectural design firms.
“As soon as linear drains gained approval, or UPC listing
for commercial buildings in North America, the category has
continued to rapidly grow each year, or for that matter each
quarter,” said Joe Phillips, president of LUXE Linear Drains.
In a most unusual development, many of the several thou-
sands of well-established, five-star hotels across the country
have made the decision to undergo full-scale tub-to-shower
conversion renovations for every guest room shower on every
floor in an effort to remain current and relevant.
This explosive demand for decorative linear channel drains
has in some ways taken North America by storm, spreading
so fast that it has caused some confusion for contractors
and other interested parties in the mix. The confusion that
might exist in the new category for commercial building is the
result of slight differences in how the process shakes out in
Canada as opposed to the U.S., specifically who installs lin-
ear channel drains for residential and/or commercial proj-
ects: the tile contractor or licensed plumber. The official
answer is both. And it is different in the U.S. and Canada.
In both countries, the demand and popularity of linear
drains and tile tray inserts, as well as square replacement
drains in both styles, is being driven by manufacturers of tile
and stone surfaces. And no matter what country you are in,
the installation of linear drains has everything to do with the
plumbing
Discover New
Opportunities With
Linear Shower Drains
BY Eric Carson
PhotosLuxeLinearDrains
29. december 2013 | HPAC 29hpacmag.com
materials and methods used by the installer. For one custom
shower at a private residence, or 250 custom linear showers
in a new hotel, the technical installation specifications re-
main the same.
In the U.S., each state has adopted California plumbing
codes and standards, and Canada has adopted U.S. codes.
In America, and thus Canada, the specifications for installing
linear drains or linear tile tray insert drains adhere to the
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) details. ANSI
details focus on the characteristics of the installation mate-
rials being used in accordance with the steps required for in-
stalling tile or stone in wet areas.
Where it might be tripping some of us up and causing con-
fusion between contractors is that every single code or re-
quirement concerning the installation of linear drains in
custom baths are pulled directly from the Uniform Plumbing
Code (UPC) standard-issue handbook. This makes perfect
sense in Canada since all drain installations, linear or other-
wise, must be done by a plumber.
THE ROLE OF THE PLUMBER
In Canada, plumbing contractors play a much larger, more
important role than they do in America. This explains why in
Canada “ticketed plumbers” must install every linear drain,
residentially or commercially, while in America the tile con-
tractor is always in charge of every custom shower installa-
tion. So what you have here is just that certain aspects of
U.S. and Canadian building codes are handled differently.
That does not necessarily clear up all the confusion in
North America, since things can get a bit dicey with all the
codes, requirements, governing bodies and acronyms that
need to be identified and then met in both countries. In addi-
tion to ANSI technical installation specifications, manufac-
turers of linear drains must earn UPC listing through IAPMO
R T, which is also acceptable or transferable to the
Canadian marketplace and denoted as cUPC.
In fact, U.S. and Canadian linear drain manufacturers in ei-
ther country hoping to do business in both, must imprint or
engrave their UPC/cUPC listing identification on the body of
the actual product itself. In addition, U.S. manufacturers
must also earn certification from the National Plumbing Code
of Canada, the International Plumbing Code (IPC),
International Building Code (IBC), as well as the International
Residential Code (IRC). In every scenario, application or
building type in the U.S., the tile contractor is always the one
responsible for the installation of linear drains for modern,
stylish custom showers in private homes or large-scale com-
mercial projects.
Eric Carson is director of Blueprint Global Media.
Installation calls for sloping mortar drain bed.
Linear drains appeal to designers of custom baths.
Option works well in accessible washrooms.
30. 30 HPAC | december 2013 hpacmag.com
plumbing products
Ridgid is now offering a self-leveling camera head for its
SeeSnake Max rM200 Camera System to help take the
guesswork out of inspections. Users can now count on a
clear, right-side-up image or video in even the most compli-
cated lines. The SeeSnake Max rM200 Camera System is
capable of inspecting lines up to 200 ft. in length and 1-½ in.
to 6 in. in diameter.
www.ridgid.com
The Gen-Eye Hot Spot locator by General Pipe Cleaners is de-
signed to make locating easier with an intuitive directional map-
ping and guidance system that simplifies locating of pipe in-
spection cameras, sondes, active power lines and buried
utilities. The locator’s total field antenna array allows users to
locate from any direction, and the easy-to-read, high-contrast
backlit LCD display provides graphic icons that lead users di-
rectly to the target. The locator’s depth range is up to 10 ft. in
cast iron pipe and 20 ft. in clay or plastic pipe.
www.drainbrain.com
Aquatherm Greenpipe’s recyclable polypropyl-
ene-random piping system for potable water
applications is now available in sizes up to 18
in. in diameter, and is ideal for water mains and
highrise buildings. It features a standard di-
mension ratio 11 (SDR 11) wall thickness,
which is capable of delivering 4000-6000 gpm
and provides a balance of strength and flow
rate. Greenpipe can be directly buried in soil,
sand and other materials.
www.aquatherm.com
The Copper De-
velopment Associ-
ation has convert-
ed its Copper
Tube Handbook
into an app for
plumbers, HVAC
technicians and
contractors. The
app is a resource
for anyone work-
ing with copper
tube and piping
systems or seek-
ing access to technical specifications, data or
installation instructions. The app can be down-
loaded through Apple’s App Store and Android’s
Google Play. www.copper.org
Bradley Corp. has introduced the streamlined Verge L-Series Lavatory System, designed for the
most upscale and refined commercial restroom applications. The L-Series features an attractive,
molded and seamless basin made from Bradley’s durable and sustainable Evero Natural Quartz
surface. The basin shape funnels water to the drain, minimizing standing water. The L-Series also
features an optional 0.38 gpm water-conserving faucet, and comes with a textured stainless steel
trap cover to conceal plumbing elements. www.bradleycorp.com
continued on p.32
31.
32. 32 HPAC | december 2013 hpacmag.com
Plumbing PRODUCts continued from p.30
Correction to October, p.72
The T30828 from Turbo is a pre-assembled twin 1/3 HP cast iron sump
package that offers double the protection in a small package. The sys-
tem can be installed in a 14 in. or
larger diameter sump basin. The
pumps come pre-assembled with
nine ft. independent piggyback ver-
tical switches, pre-installed check
valves with 1 ½ in. ABS discharge
pipe and they operate on two inde-
pendent 110V circuits. The system
has a 78 gpm maximum capacity.
www.turbopumps.ca
The Viega SmartLoop system helps maintain water quality by reducing
water stagnation and is ideal for use in multi-story commercial applica-
tions. It uses a supply riser to insulate the internal recirculation line
tubing and keeps water hotter longer. Water within the system remains in
constant motion, which reduces the risk of waterborne pathogens, includ-
ing legionella. According to Viega, the SmartLoop system offers energy
and water consumption savings potential of up to 40 per cent.
www.viega.com
Watts has introduced the Triton Pipe Fusion system, a plastic pipe weld-
ing solution that uses radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic technology to
improve pipe joining and testing times. Triton offers faster start-up time
than conventional welding techniques such as socket or butt-welding. It
includes three components – a control unit, fusers and fittings – which
operate together to create durable outside diameter welds offering unob-
structed flow and decreased pressure drop. The use of RF electromag-
netic technology eliminates exposed heating elements, adhesives and
VOCs. www.tritonpipefusion.com
Aquatherm’s polypropylene-
random (PP-R) piping sys-
tems now feature a thread-
less transition from PP-R
pipe to fixture units and
flush valves, which allows
for installations to be fitted
out entirely in PP-R. With
Aquatherm-to-copper stub-outs, which come in ½-in., ¾-in. and 1-in. di-
ameters, installers can easily transition through a wall to a fixture unit or
flush valve using PP-R. www.aquatherm.com
Sloan has introduced concealed models of
its Solis solar powered sensor-activated
flush valves for water closets and urinals.
They are designed for busy restroom
facilities such as schools, stadiums and
transportation centres. The flushometers
for wall-hung water closets flush at either
1.28 gpf/4.8 Lpf or 1.6 gpf/6.0 gpf.
The urinal flushometers, available in
0.5 gpf/1.9 Lpf and 1.0 gpf/3.8 Lpf
models, can use automated logic to reduce water usage in high-use
applications. www.sloanvalve.com
EasyHeat’s AHB residential water pipe heating cable is ready to use out-
of-the-box. An integral thermostat controls the cable to automatically pro-
tect water pipes from freezing by keeping water flowing down to -40F.
Equipped with an energy-saving thermostat, the AHB cables automati-
cally switch electricity on or off based on the temperature. The cables
operate on standard 120 Volts AC and are available in lengths from three
to 80 ft. in wattages ranging from 21W to 560W. www.easyheat.com
33.
34. 34 HPAC | December 2013 hpacmag.com
D
elegates enjoyed educational programs and social
events at the 2013 edition of MCA Canada's 72nd
Annual National Conference in Winnipeg, Manitoba,
from September 25-28. After several days of exec-
utive and board meetings, MCA Canada opened the formal
part of the conference with a rollicking Welcome To Winnipeg
Night. Hosted by MCAC’s Manitoba representatives, the multi-
cultural extravaganza was fronted by the largest and longest-
running troupe of its kind, Folklorama.
At the opening breakfast on the 26th attendees were
treated to a humorous and down-to-earth address by author
and member of the cast of CBC’s Dragons’ Den, David
Chilton. Delegates then took in the educational programs fo-
cusing on Best Practices and Personality Profiling.
Business was combined with pleasure as delegates
headed to The Hitch N Post Ranch for an evening of music,
dancing and dinner. Fundraising for MCA Canada's Charity –
Operation Eyesight–involved arrests, imprisonment, and one
assumes “bail,” as chairman Brad Diggens, aka the sheriff,
collected more than $35,000 for the cause.
Following MCA Canada's AGM, the golfers in the crowd
challenged Larters At St Andrews Golf Country Club, for
the Annual John Bradshaw Memorial Golf Tournament.
At the Mechanical Contractors Network Awards Breakfast
on September 28, The Gary Greig Memorial Award was pre-
sented to James Derksen of Derksen Plumbing Heating
1984 Ltd. The award recognizes significant and meritorious
contribution through long-standing participation, leadership
and commitment to MCA Canada's National Conference.
The Lloyd McLean Memorial Award, which is presented for
outstanding commitment and volunteerism, was awarded
posthumously to Jamie McNabb (ABCO Supply Service Ltd,
Winnipeg, MB). Tim Meadows of Victaulic received the Doug
Crawford Memorial Award, in recognition of his significant
contribution to the success of the associate members.
That evening at the chairman's gala dinner and dance, out-
going chairman Brad Diggens was recognized for his out-
standing contributions over the last three years. Incoming
chairman, Gaetan Beaulieu has been a long-serving member
on MCA Canada's Board of Directors representing New
Brunswick and has sat on the executive committee for sev-
eral years as vice-chairman eastern.
MCAC will hold its 73rd national conference September 24
to 27, 2014, in St. John's, NL. www.mcac.ca
conference report
Winds Of Change
Winnipeg meeting geared to preparing delegates for the future. BY KERRY TURNER
At the AGM, from left, Bob Hoare, Gaetan Beaulieu (incoming chair)
and Del Pawliuk.
Tim Meadows accepts a plaque
in recognition of his service to
the Canadian Mechanical
Contracting Education Foundation
(CMCEF) from Tania Johnston,
CMCEF executive director.
Speaker Dr. Awad Hanna of the
Univeristy of Wisconsin noted that in
the U.S. productivity is less than it
was in 1961, in spite of technology.
David Chilton autographs The
Wealthy Barber Returns for
Tolanda Baker of Luk Plumbing
Heating Ltd. in Manitoba.
Joe Senese, vice president operations
with Groupe Deschenes, paddles
along with other volunteer participants
during Folklorama’s high-energy
performance. The ensemble of
dancers and musicians, together
with the variety of artisans and
dining options available at the
welcome event, set a lively
international tone.
This year’s conference
included the Supplier
Innovation Showcase where
the latest new products and
services available to contractor
members were on display.
35.
36. 36 HPAC | december 2013 hpacmag.com
Gizmos and gadgets
Miller Electric Mfg. Co. has introduced the Multimatic 200, a portable multi-process welding
power source capable of performing MIG, Stick and TIG welding in one compact design. The
auto-set elite feature allows operators to quickly and easily set weld parameters based on
material type and thickness, as well as fine tune those parameters to match each specific
application. The Multimatic 200 is ideal for use in light fabrication, maintenance and repair,
HVAC, construction and farm/ranch applications. www.millerwelds.com
Ridgid’s advanced lithium 18V batteries deliver im-
proved performance and more benefits than their pre-
decessors. Available in two sizes – 2.0 Ah and 4.0 Ah,
the updated batteries provide short-circuit protection,
over-current protection, over-discharge protection and
cell balancing. They work in temperatures ranging from
-20C to 70C, allowing for work to continue in demand-
ing conditions. The 2.0 Ah battery can provide more
than 200 presses per charge, while the 4.0 Ah battery
can deliver more than 400 presses per charge.
www.ridgid.com
Bosch Power Tools has launched the compa-
ny’s first 12V Max heated jacket and battery
holster/controller USB power backup. The
PSJ120 12V Max Heated Jacket is designed to
keep contractors warm while also offering a
built-in battery backup power source – the
BHB120 – for USB-compatible cell phones and
other electronics. The jacket features three
quick warming core heat zones – two chest and
one back – that provide up to six hours of heated
run-time on low heat level with a 2.0 Ah
battery. A three-level heat controller button on
the jacket’s chest lights up in red, green and
blue to denote heat levels of high, medium and
low. www.bosch.ca
Buyers Products Company has introduced the newly designed Kabgard window protector to fit
full-size pickup truck cabs. It is ideal for trucks that regularly carry tools and heavy equipment, and
the window protectors provide a barrier from items rubbing on, scratching or breaking cab windows.
Available in standard mounting or cross-body toolbox mounting options, Kabgard window protector
supports common lighting accessories, including spotlight, beacon and several models of light
bars. www.buyersproducts.com
Milwaukee Tool Corp. has added the M12 LED Stick Light to its M12 Lithium-Ion system. The light
features three powerful LEDs that provide 220 lumens, a replaceable resistant lens for tough work
conditions and a multi-position stainless steel hook for hands free use. An accessory magnet
(48-24-2351) is available to secure the M12 LED Stick Light on metal surfaces.
www.milwaukeetool.com
37. december 2013 | HPAC 37hpacmag.com
The WorkStar 2030 floodlight by Maxxeon Inc.
offers a cushioned comfortable grip, camou-
flage coating and many other unique features.
These include a moveable, directional light
head with two brightness levels, and a choice
of mounting options such as powerful, integral
rare earth magnets, retractable hook or tripod
mount. The light has a run time of up to eight
hours, it is rechargeable and it uses a single,
high output 270-lumen light-emitting diode
(LED) as the lighting source. The LED has a life
expectancy of 50 000 hours.
www.maxxeon.com
ESAB Welding Cutting Products has introduced a new range of
TXH GTAW welding torches with welders’ needs in mind.
The torches have an ergonomic design, are easy to
operate, and produce high quality results in all
common GTAW applications. They are designed
to be used with ESAB GTAW machines that
have an OKC connection, including ESAB Caddy
Arc, Caddy Tig and Heliarc 281i, 283i and 353i models. Remote versions
will operate with CAN-bus controlled machines. Electrode diameters range
from .040 in. to ⅛ in. for the TXH 121 torch and .040 in. to 3/16 in. for the
TXH 401w model. www.esabna.com
MSA has developed a “green” protective hardhat
manufactured using green high-density polyethylene
(HDPE) sourced entirely from sugarcane ethanol.
Developed by MSA in Brazil, the V-Gard GREEN hard-
hat meets the company’s performance standards, as
well as those defined by ANSI Z89.1 and CSA Z94.1.
Green high-density polyethylene is 100 per cent
recyclable in the same stream as conventional HDPE,
making it suitable for reuse in non-safety products.
www.msasafety.com
The Knipex installation pliers and the Knipex
X-Cut diagonal cutters received 2013 Interna-
tional Forum (iF) product design awards. The iF
awards are among the largest and most impor-
tant international design awards. The Knipex
installation pliers are ideal for electrical work
come fully loaded with functions mimicking the
four essential electrical installation tools: long
nose pliers, wire strippers, crimping pliers and
cable shears. The cutters are compact and
lightweight, and also precise and powerful due
to the double-supported joint axis that allows
for heavy-duty cutting. www.knipex.com
38. 38 HPAC | DECEMBER 2013 hpacmag.com
A
Surrey, BC hydronics company is reaching out to its
business partners to help raise money for building
schools in the developing world.
Brian De Jaegher, owner of Raven Hydronic
Supply Ltd., came up with a fundraising model that asks ven-
dors to provide one discount on one order per year. His com-
pany will then match the discounted funds with its own
money and donate the cash to Room to Read’s Vancouver
chapter.
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, Room to Read has
more than 50 chapters worldwide. The non-profit organiza-
tion has opened more than 15 000 libraries and 1 600
schools – benefiting 7.8 million children in 10 developing
countries.
“I was reading the Vancouver Sun and there happened to
be a whole page article about John Wood and the Room to
Read organization,” said De Jaegher.
At the time, Wood – who founded Room to Read in 2000
after a life-changing trek through Nepal – was in town pro-
moting his most recent book. After reading it, De Jaegher
raced off to the local library to read Wood’s first book Leaving
Microsoft to Change the World.
“It was very exciting to read, very uplifting,” he said.
The book inspired De Jaegher to get involved and raise
money for Room to Read.
He has set a goal for his company to raise $35,000 in the
first-year – enough to build a schoolhouse in a developing
country like Cambodia.
Going forward, he hopes to increase fundraising efforts by
bringing more of Raven’s business partners on board – such
as engineers and contractors – in order to open multiple
schools every year.
Construction of the first school is planned to start in early
January 2014 and finish by mid-2015.
“We realize the benefit of education, and none of us would
be where we are if we weren’t well educated,” he said. “For
us it’s a way to pay it forward.”
Sharon Davis, chairwoman of Vancouver’s Room to Read
chapter, is someone who also believes in paying it forward.
And, like De Jaegher, she was also inspired after reading
Wood’s book – it prompted her to launch the Vancouver chap-
ter back in 2007.
“It’s important for every kid to be educated,” she said.
Davis said in the developing world families often have to
pay money for their children to attend school. Millions simply
can’t afford it and need their children to work instead.
“Families are living on $200 per year and it costs $250 per
year to go to school,” she explained.
Thanks to the support of one local donor, Davis said a re-
cent report from an elementary school in southern Cambodia
shows eight Cambodian teachers are educating more than
450 students in Grades 1 to 6. In the past six years, her
chapter has raised more than $1.5 million for Room to Read
– including $400,000 last year alone.
Room to Read strives for not only equal access to educa-
tion, but also gender equality, she said. A strong emphasis
in their schools is placed on breaking down barriers about
girls being “second-class citizens.”
“It’s been proven that if you educate a girl you change a lot
of things: you change her family, her community, probably
her country down the road.”
Having someone like De Jaegher and his company raising
money plays a large part in Room to Read’s success be-
cause it eliminates the need for large departments of profes-
sional fundraisers, she added.
“We were thrilled when we heard Brian wanted to do this,”
she said. “It’s important for us to have people who want to
really attach themselves to a project.”
www.roomtoread.org www.ravensupply.ca
philanthropy
Building Blocks
Hydronics supplier joins effort to educate
children in developing nations.
BY PATRICK CALLAN
Room To Read depends on corporate support, such as that of
Raven Hydronic Supply.
39. Mike Bannon,
VP of Production, Tempo Plastics
Mik B
“An energy audit helped us
identify opportunities to save money
by reducing electricity use.”
Saving energy makes sense
– business sense.
Energy efficiency incentives from your local electric utility are available for
manufacturing operations like yours. Whether you’re in the plastics and
packaging, automotive or food and beverage industry, you may be covered
for up to 70% of your project costs, including engineering studies and process
and systems upgrades to help lower operating costs.
Big or small, every Ontario business can benefit from energy efficiency.
Contact your local electric utility or visit saveonenergy.ca/industrial
Get up to 70% off
project costs, including:
• Engineering studies
• On-site energy manager
• Key system upgrades
• Monitoring and targeting
Subject to additional terms and conditions found at saveonenergy.ca. Subject to change without notice.
A mark of the Province of Ontario protected under Canadian trade-mark law. Used under licence.
OM
Official Marks of the Ontario Power Authority.
40. 40 HPAC | DECEMBER 2013 hpacmag.com
HVAC/R products
EasyHeat Warm Tiles Elite floor
warming mats provide soothing
and energy efficient heat for
fine residential and commercial
floors. At less than ⅛ in. thick,
they help reduce installation
costs, preparation time and do
not increase floor height build-
up. Elite mats are available in both standard rectangular sizes and
custom layouts ranging from six to 138 sq. ft. for areas with irregu-
lar shapes. They can be installed underneath ceramic, porcelain,
terrazzo, glass mosaic, marble and natural stone, and under the
engineered wood and laminated floors. www.warmtiles.com
Tjernlund Products Inc. is offering a
brochure for its AireShare line of room-
to-room and level-to-level transfer
fans, which are designed to make hot
or cool rooms more comfortable. The
brochure illustrates ways the fans can
be installed to pull cool air from floor
level or warm air from ceiling level and
distribute it high or low into an adjoin-
ing room. It also shows how the level-
to-level units can transfer air from a
lower to upper floor and vice versa.
www.tjernlund.com
Fluke Corporation has introduced the Fluke 2638A Hydra
Series III to the Hydra line of Data Acquisition Systems/
Digital Multimeters. It features a full colour display with an
easy to use menu system, DC measurement accuracy of
0.0024 per cent, 6.5 digit DMM mode and CAT II safety
ratings. The 2638A incorporates the Fluke Universal Input
Connector that supports 15 common thermocouple types
and delivers thermocouple accuracy of 0.5C. The connec-
tor has 22 channels of differential analog input (expand-
able to 66 channels) for wiring multi-channel systems.
www.flukecanada.ca
Nordyne has partnered with Add2Cart to de-
sign an in-home sales app for HVAC contrac-
tors. The ComfortConsultant app allows Home-
owners to get answers to questions about
their new HVAC system. The app recommends
a system based on their input and lets users
view the price differences between more or
less efficient systems. ComfortConsultant
comes pre-loaded with equipment, but contrac-
tors can choose which units and IAQ products
to display. Six different branded versions of the
app are available: Maytag, Broan, Frigidaire,
NuTone, Tappan and Westinghouse. The app is
available through the App Store.
www.nordyne.com
UV Resources’ redesigned X-Plus
UV fixture accommodates 17 to
61-in. extended base lamps,
which easily mount from the
exterior of any HVAC system, air
handler, plenum or duct. The
X-Plus series is ideal for hard-to-
access outdoor and indoor HVAC
equipment up to 30 tons, includ-
ing rooftop package units,
through-the-wall or fan coil units.
Benefits include improved heat transfer, reduced energy use, lower odour and maintenance,
reduced cleaning downtime and damage, and sustained capacity of an air conditioning system
while improving IAQ. www.uvresources.com
Superior Radiant Products has introduced
its newest modulating infrared tube heater
– the Modulus. It features more heaters per circuit with self-
diagnostic ignition, fully modulating gas and air, and fully automatic or manual control
of burner modulation. Model rates range from 80 000 to 200 000 Btuh, and NG or LPG heaters
are available in lengths from 20 to 60 ft. With no fixed points, the Modulus is self-regulating and
able to adapt to the demand regardless of condition. www.superiorradiant.com
41. DECEMBER 2013 | HPAC 41hpacmag.com
United CoolAir Corp. has re-
introduced the self-con-
tained VariCool EZ-FIT mod-
ular air conditioning system
for use with floor-by-floor
variable air volume applica-
tions. It is designed and
manufactured for installa-
tion in renovation and retro-
fit projects for challenging HVAC applications. The VariCool EZ-Fit consists
of three distinct sections (fan, evaporator coil and condensing) that mate to
form a system module. Single modules are available in 12-15 ton and 20-
25 ton sizes. www.unitedcoolair.com
Belimo’s New Generation Globe Valve
Actuators are engineered to adapt to
most globe valves regardless of make.
The actuators can be used for a range
of HVAC applications and the retrofit
linkages are highly adaptable for easy
selection and installation. They are de-
signed with an adjustable UGVL linkage
to fit on most ½ in. to two in. globe
valves. www.belimo.com
Allied Commercial has launched the new Z-Series commercial rooftop pack-
aged units designed for compatibility with many replacement jobs. Avail-
able in three to five ton gas/electric, electric/electric and heat pump mod-
els, the units fit most curb sizes while offering value, flexibility and
long-lasting performance. At up to 20 per cent lighter than competing units,
Z-Series units help reduce structural engineering costs, allowing for less
time on the job and more savings. www.alliedair.com
Check with your local Lennox®
PartsPlus®
store about specials
on Aire-Flo®
.
Big value,
litte price tag.
• 80%, 92% and 95% Furnace
• Air Handler
Visit us online at www.LennoxPartsPlus.com
Stores are open Mon–Fri 7:30am–4:30pm
and Sat 7:30am–11:30am through Dec. 21
Don’t forget about your
installation supplies you
need to complete the job!
CALGARY, AB
5350 86th Ave. S.E.
403-279-8075
BRAMPTON, ON
10 Woodslea Road
905-799-9911
SCARBOROUGH, ON
2010 Ellesmere Road,
Units 13 14
416-754-4311
HAMILTON, ON
351 Nash Road North,
Unit #10
905-560-4200
OTTAWA, ON
1177 Parisien Street
613-745-1528
WATERLOO, ON
115 Randall Drive, Ste 10
519-886-3666
LONDON, ON
1 Adelaide Street N., Ste 5
519-439-3377
EDMONTON, AB
8103 McIntyre Road
780-425-0733
BURNABY, BC
2962 Lake City Way
604-421-1767
DARTMOUTH, NS
133 ILSLEY Ave, Unit D
902-468-5995
WINNIPEG, MB
1653 Saint James St
204-633-0345
VILLE SAINT LAURENT, QC
3540 Boulevard Poirier
514-336-6090
REGINA, SK
2110 7th Avenue
306-757-7678
SASKATOON, SK
3026A Faithful Avenue
306-934-4858
42. 42 HPAC | DECEMBER 2013 hpacmag.com
MECHANICAL SUPPLY NEWSMANUFACTURERS • distributors • wholesalers
Grundfos grows tech school initiative
Grundfos Canada will contribute $12,500 over the next five
years to Kwantlen Polytechnic University's (KPU) plumbing
apprenticeship program. As part of its technical school initia-
tive, Grundfos will also share real-world experience with stu-
dents through in-class lectures and presentations. The pump
and pumping system manufacturer launched the initiative in
2011 with the dual objective of supporting student talent and
developing its potential workforce.
“Grundfos Canada was impressed with Kwantlen
Polytechnic University‘s innovative and professional pro-
grams,” said Simon Feddema, general manager of Grundfos
Canada. “We look forward to partnering with the school in the
years ahead as we together work on developing the next gen-
eration of trade professionals.”
KPU Tech – the university’s Cloverdale, BC, trades and
technology campus – offers three levels of plumbing appren-
ticeship training with a fourth level currently under develop-
ment. The in-school training for each level is six weeks and
includes a final exam.
Since launching the Technical School Initiative in 2011
with NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology), Grundfos
has expanded the program across Canada to include SAIT
Polytechnic (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology),
Mohawk College in Stoney Creek, ON and most recently KPU.
At press time the company announced that the plumbing
apprentice students at Humber College would receive an
early Christmas gift of $25,000. The five-year partnership
agreement makes Humber College the most recent school in
the company's initiative. Watch www.hpacmag.com for more
on this story. http://ca.grundfos.com
Uponor launches two new enterprises
Uponor has launched a subsidiary enterprise – Uponor
Innovations – targeting anyone from entrepreneurs to man-
agement teams who have innovative ideas about emerging
markets or creating new products. Uponor Innovations will
be able to use Uponor’s exist-
ing infrastructure of staff, funds,
marketing, technical support
sales, manufacturing and dis-
tribution network to explore any
possible business opportunities.
For more information or to sub-
mit a summary of your idea visit
www.uponorinnovations.com.
Uponor also recently launched LiveChat where profession-
als in the PEX plumbing, fire sprinkler and radiant heating and
cooling industries can access Uponor Technical and Design
Services online for support. Users can access LiveChat by
visiting www.uponorpro.com and clicking the small blue
chat now box in the lower right-hand side of the screen.
Representatives from Uponor Technical and Design Services
are available on LiveChat Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to
5 p.m. Central Standard Time.
Daikin unitary brand products now available in Canada
The Daikin unitary brand is now available in Canada. All prod-
ucts will be assembled in manufacturing plants in Texas and
Tennessee. In addition, the full line of Daikin brand ducted
unitary products will be supported by a brand reinforcement
campaign focusing on bringing “comfort for life” for residen-
tial homeowners across North America.
In other Daikin news, Daikin McQuay recently announced
that it has changed its company name to Daikin Applied
Americas Inc. and its product brand name to Daikin.
www.daikinapplied.com www.daikincomfort.com
MERGERS, ACQUISITIONS
Carrier, Bosch join forces in North American geothermal market
With sales of geothermal heat pumps expected to nearly tri-
ple by 2020, Carrier and Robert Bosch North America Corp.
are teaming up to develop and manufacture geothermal and
water source heat pumps for the North American residential
and commercial markets. Sales channels and the respective
brands for each company will remain independent of one
another. The two companies signed the joint venture agree-
ment on November 11, which is pending the necessary regu-
latory approvals. No financial details of the partnership were
released. www.carrier.com www.bbtna.com
Grundfos presents a cheque for $12,500 to Kwantlen Polytechnic
University's plumbing apprenticeship program. (From left) KPU
plumbing instructor Sven Rohde; Henry Reiser, dean of the faculty
of trades and technology; Grundfos Canada president Simon
Feddema; and Grundfos Canada district sales manager Rod Parker.