Heat Exchangers Information

Beat the Heat the Green Way With Air Cooled Heat Exchangers

2010-07-27T13:33:00.002-07:00

Air cooled heat exchangers are simply 1 of the numerous different types of heat exchanger. Heat exchangers are devices which have been specifically made for aiding the transfer of heat from one fluid to the other. For us to better fully grasp, common samples of appliances that use heat exchangers include the air conditioners, fridges as well as space heaters.

But let's not dwell too much on the general heat exchanger rather let's at this point look at air cooled heat exchangers or ACHEs for short. It rejects heat from a warm fluid straight away to fan-blowing ambient air. ACHEs can be used whenever a procedure or setup generates heat that must be removed and sadly lacks local use. Your car's radiator is actually an example of ACHE equipment. The engine has to be cooled to prevent overheating due to friction and combustion processes by the engine. The surplus heat is carried away by the water or glycol coolant mix. Most of the heat should be taken away, and the easiest way is by supplying ambient air.

There are many uses of air cooled heat exchangers, such as the upstream production, refineries and petrochemical plants. It can also be used on conditions with high temperatures, high pressure, corrosive fluids and environments. In addition, air coolers could be equipped and used in gas and oil refineries; compressor stations used for gas pipelines; subsurface gas storage facilities; plants producing polychlorvinyl, polyethylene, glass fiber, biplastic; caustic soda plants; by-product coke plants and ammonia transportation and handling plants.

Apart from learning the actual purposes of ACHEs, we should have a peek about how it works inside and its components. Normally, air coolers for process use are composed of a finned-tube bundle with rectangular container headers on both ends of the tubes. Headers are boxers that eliminates the fluid from the piping to the tubes. Other parts consist of one or more fans that give cooling air. The fans are generally powered by electric motors and are supported by speed reducers. The fan drive assemblage is sustained by the metal mechanical drive support system. Generally, the air blows up-wards all the way through a horizontal tube bundle. The fans could be either forced or induced draft, determined by if the air is pushed or pulled through the tube bundle. Forced draft unit enables an easy access for maintenance for the fans and also to the bundles. Additionally, the fans remain within the cold ambient air. While the induced draft unit offers a stable and strong thermal performance because of the protection of the finned surface against wind, rain, hail and snow by the plenum chamber. The induced draft also guarantees an improved air distribution, much less hot air recirculation, much less air-side fouling and reduced noise levels at grade. Space in between the fans and the tube bundle is encircled by a plenum chamber, which guides the air. The entire assembly is normally mounted on legs or a pipe rack.

Understanding and knowing the inside and out of ACHEs is quite difficult, particularly if you have no background in mechanical matters. And because of this, let's once more change our concentration on another subject matter, which is the "why" question. With regards to economy, air coolers are preferred due to the lower maintenance expenses. Some other benefits presented by air coolers are as follows: lack of the need for cooling water or other cooling media, no problem shall arise with regards to the thermal as well as chemical pollution of cooling fluids, and it quite fast to install by bolted assembly.

ACHEs are regarded as a "green" alternative simply because no chemical treatment is needed to the water or fluid used by the assembly. And temperature is the only parameter that needs to be considered whenever getting rid of the water used. With no appropriate heat exchanger equipment, overheating can certainly ruin your equipments and appliances, more particularly the heat exposed parts. Out of all of the things that have been mentioned, if we're to consider the trend the world is moving, air cooled heat exchangers are the best choice for industrial plants as well as other plants when the environment is to be considered.

The writer is an active supporter of green technology. He provides information and praise to pro-environment technological advancements, specially in manufacturing industry. To know more, visit the link below:
Air Cooled Heat Exchangers

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bryce_Thurman_Q_Steed

Heat Exchanger Manufacturing A Glance Into the New Technologies

2010-07-27T13:33:00.001-07:00

A Heat exchanger(H Exchanger) refers to a device built for effective heat transfer from one medium to another. In a heat exchanger, both the mediums are separated by a solid wall so that they never get in direct contact with each other. H exchangers are commonly used for large-scale industrial processes such as refrigeration, air conditioning, petrochemical plants, petroleum refineries, and natural gas processing.

A H Exchanger is in fact a device that facilitates efficient heat transfer from one fluid to another across a solid surface. The convection and conduction principle of heat transfer is mainly employed in the design and manufacturing of a H exchanger. One of the most common examples of a H exchanger is the radiator in a car where the hot fluid in the radiator gets cooled by the flow of air over the radiator surface. A few other examples of H exchangers are pre-heaters, intercoolers, boilers, condensers, etc. that are used in power plants. There are various types of H exchangers. H exchangers could be classified based on their design and construction into the following types i.e. shell and tube H exchanger and plate and frame H exchanger.

With scientific advancement, new technology has been employed in the manufacturing of heat exchangers and they have been put to a wide variety of industrial and commercial uses.

H exchangers such as sanitary heat exchangers used in product processing play a significant role in dairy processing facilities. They help a good deal in heating, cooling and pasteurizing dairy beverages and foods. Equipment manufacturers are always coming up with highly innovative methods and designs to enhance the overall efficiency of heat exchangers, save resources and customize them for various product types. New features have been incorporated for different types of H exchangers such as plate H exchangers, tubular heat and scraped-surface exchangers and for gasketed and welded units.

Quite recently, Radicon, a leading manufacturer of H exchangers in Southeast Asia, developed a new generation of efficient heat exchangers intended for heavy-duty applications. Headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, Radicon is a well-known supplier of radiators, oil coolers and charge-air coolers.

The author is associated with IPFonline. http://www.ipfonline.com allows you to efficiently and quickly search through product profiles of engineering and industrial products from Indian manufacturers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rakesh_Kumar_S

The Basics of Heat Exchangers

2010-07-27T13:32:00.000-07:00

Heat exchangers are a staple in today's devices. They are not only present in the simplest of devices; exchangers have also found their use in big industries and machineries in the world today. They are basically devices found in some machines that enable it to transfer heat from one medium to another. They facilitate the efficient transfer of heat from one object to another.

Use of Heat Exchangers

One example of this is the radiators found in cars or air conditioners. What usually happens is that a heat source transfers water that will cool the engine through the exchanger. The exchanger will transfer heat from the water to air leaving the engine cooler.

Heat exchangers are widely used for the purposes of space heating air conditioning and even refrigeration. Heavy industries that also use this technology include power plants, chemical and petrochemical plants, oil and petroleum refineries, natural gas processors and sewage treatment facilities.

Types of Heat Exchange Flow

Heat exchangers can be classified into two types, mainly according to their flow arrangements. These are the parallel-flow and the counter-flow exchangers.

The parallel-flow exchange involves the two mediums going in the exchanger through the same side of the device. For example, two fluids will enter the exchanger at the same side and travel parallel each other for the whole process.

The counter-flow exchange, on the other hand, is the opposite of the first process. Here, fluids will enter the device from different ends and meet each other for the process of heat exchange. Many exchangers use this flow since it has been proven to be the more effective of the two processes because it can transfer more heat from the heating medium to the other. In this set-up, the mediums travel to one another and are then processed by the exchanger.

Traditionally, exchangers are designed in a way that the surface area between the two exchanging fluids is maximised whilst minimising the resistance to the exchange flow at the same time. Additional fins installed in either direction where the fluids enter can also enhance exchangers. These fins can add to the surface area of the exchangers whilst also helping control the flow of fluids during the exchange process.

Temperature during the Heat Exchange Process

Depending on the size of the exchanger, temperature will vary during the exchange process. The temperature will also vary according to the position of the device. But many industries that use exchangers almost always have their own defined mean temperature.

This temperature is usually defined in terms of the Log Mean Temperature Difference or the LMTD. Sometimes though the temperature is still hard to determine through the LMTD method, in this case, the NTU method is then used.

Types of Heat Exchangers

There are several types of heat exchangers used today. These include shell tube exchangers, plate exchangers, adiabatic wheel, plate fin, fluid exchangers, dynamic scraped surface, phase-change exchangers, HVAC air coils, spiral exchangers and the direct contact exchangers.

For more information about heat exchangers and its different types, you can visit plate heat exchangers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Luke_Wildman

New Heat Exchangers Added To MFGmatch.net Manufacturing Marketplace

2009-10-23T03:23:00.000-07:00

October 21, 2009 (FPRC) -- San Antonio, TX – MFGmatch.net, a division of ILG announced today the launch of its new Heat Exchanger and Heat Processing Equipment marketplace at http://www.industrialleaders.com/listings/heat_processing.html The company reported today during its annual meeting the site includes offerings for plate heat exchangers, air, water, tube, flat plate, oil fired and water-to-air heat exchanger systems as well as electric boilers, central heating boiler, portable commercial heaters and allied equipment for industrial applications.

According to Mark Hamilton, an MFGmatch.net spokesman, the site also provides registered users the opportunity to buy and sell new and used heat exchangers and heat processing equipment on its new marketplace at http://www.industrialsaver.com/classifieds/index.php/cat/193 The site allows users to post and view offerings for condensing, peerless, gas fired and industrial boilers as well as various HVAC equipment such as filters, ducting, large space heaters, hot air blowers and related products.

“MFGmatch.net's latest marketplace was created because the company realized a need to help manufacturing companies, foundries, machine shops and industrial plants with their heating needs,” said Hamilton. He concluded, “Those sourcing locally, national or even worldwide for heat processing systems and equipment can use the site to locate suitable suppliers of new, pre-owned and re-manufactured heating systems, accessories and solutions designed and developed specifically for the manufacturing community.”

About MFGmatch.net

MFGmatch.net is a free custom manufacturing online marketplace for machine shops, product designers, engineers, foundries and other companies looking to buy and sell machines parts, precision components and other custom manufacturing services in local, national and international markets.

Heat Exchanger Safety - A Maintained Furnace is a Safe Furnace

2008-08-22T02:43:00.002-07:00

Heat exchangers are pieces of equipment that are used for the transfer of heat from one fluid to another. When a heat exchanger goes bad, chances are, important things stop working. When your automobile engine is overheating, it's likely that the heat exchanger is the problem. You probably call it a radiator, but it's one type of heat exchanger. In your radiator, antifreeze cools air that flows past it. This air is then blown by a fan onto the engine to keep it cool. If the radiator doesn't work properly, you won't be driving very far until the situation is fixed.

Your home heating system also has a heat exchanger. In fact, nearly every piece of mechanical equipment that has a need to intentionally heat or cool part of a system does. Inside your furnace there is a combustion chamber. There is a metal wall that separates the internal combustion from the air that flows past the heat exchanger and on through the ductwork to heat your home. You need this separation because you don't want the toxic gases inside mixing with the air that is distributed throughout your home. In the previous example, a faulty heat exchanger could lead to a broken down automobile, but in your home you could be gambling with your life.

Carbon Monoxide can be present in the combustion gases. It's supposed to be contained inside, but as time goes on, it becomes possible for the heat exchanger in your furnace to crack or warp. Each time your furnace turns on, the metal wall heats up and expands. During the off cycles, the metal of the heat exchanger cools and contracts. Over time this repeated process of expansion and contraction of the metal takes it's toll. The metal can become fatigued, and eventually warp out of shape, or just plain break.

As I noted before, these metal walls were designed to keep the toxic combustion gases inside the heat exchanger chamber. Guess what happens if there is a crack? That's right, the toxic gases inside can mix with the forced air that is being blown through the ductwork and into your home. Having a reliable Carbon Monoxide detector is an inexpensive measure to protect yourself and your family from the danger of Carbon Monoxide poisoning, but you can also take some proactive measures to protect against any potential danger.

Give your furnace an annual checkup, just before the heating season, to check the condition of the burners, the heat exchanger, the furnace filter, and other components that can affect the performance of your furnace. I recommend have a certified HVAC specialist do this. Only a certified specialist will have the knowledge and experience needed to know exactly what to look for, and where to look for it, as well as knowing what the operating specifications for your unit should be.

If your furnace is over 10 years old, it is even more important to keep that annual checkup. This is the time period where the years of wear and tear on your heat exchanger make a failure of the heat exchanger wall significantly more likely. Keeping your furnace in good health can also help keep you and your family in good health.

Find out more about heat exchanger safety at my heat exchanger cleaning equipment site.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Parry

Heat Exchangers for Outdoor Corn Boilers

2008-08-22T02:43:00.001-07:00

A heat exchanger is a device designed to efficiently transfer the heat from one medium to another. In the case of an outdoor corn boiler, these media would be air and water.

A typical domestic setup would include a water-to-water heat exchanger for hot water and a water-to-air heat exchanger for forced air home heat. Water-to-water heat exchangers are also used to heat hot tubs, swimming pools and the water for radiant baseboard or radiant in floor
heating systems.

Water-to-Water Heat Exchangers

The three most common types of water-to-water heat exchangers used with outdoor
corn boilers are: Sidearm, Shell and Tube, and Brazed Plate. What differentiates these heat exchangers, besides the cost, is the way they're designed to transfer heat from one medium to another and the method used to create turbulence.

A key component in the efficient transfer of heat between liquids is turbulence. The
more turbulent the flow of water through a heat exchanger, the more efficiently heat
is transferred.

Sidearm Heat Exchanger

The sidearm heat exchanger is a popular and inexpensive choice for heating
domestic hot water. It incorporates a pipe within a pipe design where the
water in the inner pipe (your hot water) is heated by hot water from the
boiler circulating through the outside pipe.

Turbulence is created by scrolling on the outer surface of the inside pipe.

This straightforward design prevents clogging by sediment and resists
scaling. One drawback of the sidearm heat exchanger is reported slow
recovery under heavy use. Cost: $130-$150.

Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger

Shell and tube heat exchangers are available in dozens of tube configurations and
sizes ranging from a few feet long to 50 feet or more for power plant steam
generation.

A variation on the shell and tube design is shell and coil where a helical (spiralling) coil
replaces the tubes.

No matter what the design or application, the basic principle is the same. The water to
be heated flows through tubes, and the heated boiler water, encased by the shell,
flows around the tubes.

Turbulence is created by the baffles holding the tubes together in what is called a tube bundle.

Shell and tube heat exchangers for non-chlorinated water
applications, such as domestic hot water and hydronic
heating, are usually constructed with a brass shell and
copper tubes.

For swimming pools and spas the shell should be PVC or stainless steel with stainless
steel tubes. 316L grade stainless steel is commonly used for this application.

Cost: $200-$600 depending on copper or stainless construction and the overall size based on the volume of water to be heated.

Brazed Plate Heat Exchanger

The brazed plate heat exchanger combines compact size with a highly efficient design to produce a device for heat transfer that is up to six times smaller than a shell and tube heat exchanger of similar capacity.

The key to this efficiency lies in their unique construction. Corrugated stainless
steel plates are brazed together (eliminates gaskets) with every
second plate turned 180 degrees. This design creates two highly
turbulent fluid channels that flow in opposite directions (counter flow)
over a massive surface area.

Cost: $100-$500 depending on capacity.

Get better outdoor corn boiler information at Alternative-Heating-Info.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sam_Streubel

Solar Heat Exchangers - Heating Your Home With The Power Of The Sun

2008-08-22T02:43:00.000-07:00

If you are interested in harnessing solar power for solar heat in your home, but are not quite in the position to be installing solar panels and a large solar heating system, you should consider using a solar heat exchanger. Solar heat exchangers are great for heating your home in many different capacities. They are also usually quite affordable.

Did you know that heat exchangers are used throughout your home already? They are commonly found in cars, refrigerators, and air conditioners and they regulate the heat that is generated and used in these items. They prevent over-heating and transfer the right amounts of heat to the right places. Solar heat exchangers are essentially the same, but they transfer the sun’s heat instead of heat generated by an appliance or engine. They usually use liquid and air to transfer heat to another area, such as your swimming pool or your hot water tank.

One of the most popular types of solar heat exchangers is a swimming pool heater. These are great for any swimming pool owner. As you may know, heating a swimming pool can be expensive and consumes quite a bit of energy. If you don’t want to give up your heated pool, but still want to be environmentally friendly, you should look into installing a solar heat exchanger.

Another type of solar heat exchanger is one that works to heat smaller areas, such as hot water heaters and sheds. These heat exchangers are great for those individuals that want to use solar heat, but do not want to spend a lot of money. These come in a variety of styles and sizes, so you can choose one that suits your needs.

Learn the pros and cons of solar power - Solar Energy Advantages is your source for information on solar panels, fountain pumps, home solar plans and information on how solar power works and can benefit your home and family. One of the ways that you can use solar heat without spending too much or converting your entire home to solar heating is with a solar heat exchanger. These are available for a wide variety of uses including heating swimming pools, sheds and solar water heaters.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christine_Douglas

BuildNet Acquires UniLink and KeyPrestige; Alliance Completes 'Hard Goods' E-Business Connectivity From Builder to Contractor to Wholesaler to Manufac

2008-02-15T04:19:00.000-08:00

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 1, 2000

BuildNet, Inc., a leading e-business, technology and project management systems provider for the home building industry, announced today that it has acquired the assets and certain operations of Atlanta-based UniLink Group LLC, which has established an information delivery exchange that automates manufacturer, distributor and contractor/dealer (&uot;three-tier&uot;) business-to-business transactions in the &uot;hard goods&uot; industry. UniLink focuses on four mechanical service vertical markets: heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) via the brand name hvaconline.com(R); plumbing via plumbingonline.com(R); electrical via electricalonline.com(R) and appliances via appliancepartner.com(R). Founded in 1996, UniLink automates the sending and receiving of purchase orders, warranty claims, advance shipping notices and invoices through a &uot;universal link&uot; application that allows seamless 24/7 connectivity and messaging to all the companies involved in buying and selling within an industry vertical. Using UniLink, manufacturer and distributor systems can exchange transactions seamlessly using any type of document or file format, or through EDI. The system can significantly enhance efficiency because most manufacturers have over 1,000 distributors, and building traditional links to each individual one is costly. With UniLink, manufacturers need to build only one link, to UniLink, in order to have access to all the distributors linked to UniLink's integrated e-business network. Manufacturers, including recent additions to the UniLink system like Johnson Controls, and divisions of Masco and Emerson Electric, have joined existing UniLink customers York, Lennox, Honeywell and others who daily process transactions through UniLink's system. Learn more about UniLink by visiting www.unilinkgroup.com.
Also included in the acquisition was UniLink's Cypress, Calif-based subsidiary, KeyPrestige, Inc., a leading electronic warranty claims management, administration and systems-development company. KeyPrestige operates customized warranty claims processes for leading appliance and consumer electronics brands; the data runs through proprietary software links or through Web-based applications. The KeyPrestige system seamlessly links the parts distributor, manufacturer, factory and authorized repair centers in a paperless warranty claims transaction system that can cut the traditional 90-day cycle down to under 24 hours. Clients include Bosch, CAMCO, Fedders, Frigidaire, GE, Jacuzzi, Thermador, Whirlpool and others.

Together, UniLink and KeyPrestige process over five million transactions a year for over 50 manufacturers in 25,000 locations in the U.S., Canada and Latin America.

&uot;When you combine the e-business system BuildNet will begin rolling out in 2000 with the technology and services UniLink and KeyPrestige already have in place, you should be able to achieve a synergy that `completes the circle' of e-business connectivity in certain verticals for the residential home building industry,&uot; said Mike Atwood, BuildNet president and COO. &uot;BuildNet has already gathered an impressive community of builders, distributors and manufacturers, but when they are linked with the contractor-wholesaler-manufacturer community gathered by UniLink and KeyPrestige, you should have one of the most robust, customer-focused e-business systems in the nation.&uot;

&uot;Our manufacturer and wholesaler partners have frequently asked for help in extending their e-business reach to builders,&uot; said David Dunn-Rankin, UniLink chairman. &uot;With this new e-business relationship, we have the power to reach retailers and repair centers linked by UniLink to the builders building approximately one-third of all new U.S. residential homes, and the manufacturers and distributors now BuildNet-enabling their systems to supply their material needs.&uot;

About BuildNet, Inc.

BuildNet, a privately held company based in Research Triangle Park, N.C., is one of the $240 billion home building industry's largest e-business, technology and project management system providers. In January 2000, BuildNet announced that it had raised $104.7 million in private placement venture capital, to add to a May 1999 round that raised $35.7 million. These investments make BuildNet one of the best capitalized companies in the residential construction industry's business-to-business and project management system arena.

BuildNet's Internet-based e-business platform is being developed to provide home builders and their subcontractors access to an integrated on-line network designed to change the residential construction market by availing every aspect of a building project to real-time, on-line, integrated e-business links, from the builder's back offices to the back offices of a wide range of product suppliers. (This is commonly called &uot;business-to-business e-commerce.&uot;) Through its six project management systems, BuildNet products currently manage the construction of around one in three homes built in the U.S.

Saint-Gobain Licensed by Research Frontiers to Make SPD-Smart Windows and Other Products

2008-02-15T04:18:00.000-08:00

Business Editors

WOODBURY, N.Y. & COURBEVOIE, France--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 25, 2003

Saint-Gobain Glass France SA, a subsidiary of Europe's largest glass company, Compagnie de Saint-Gobain (Paris Stock Exchange:SGOB.PA) has been granted a worldwide (except Korea) non-exclusive license by Research Frontiers Incorporated (Nasdaq: REFR) to make various SPD-Smart(TM) glass products.

In an SPD-Smart window, sunroof, or other product, the user can manually or automatically "tune" the amount of light, glare and heat coming into a home, office, or vehicle. SPD-Smart film technology was recently awarded a Best of What's New Award from Popular Science magazine for home technology. Additional information about SPD-Smart windows and other products can be found at www.SmartGlass.com. About SPD Technology and Research Frontiers Incorporated

Research Frontiers Incorporated (RFI) develops and licenses suspended particle device (SPD) technology used in SPD-Smart(TM) light-control glass and plastic products. SPD technology, made possible by a flexible light-control film invented by RFI, allows the user to instantly and precisely control the shading of glass/plastic manually or automatically. SPD technology has numerous product applications, including: SPD-Smart(TM) windows, sunshades, skylights and interior partitions for homes and buildings; automotive windows, sunroofs, sun-visors, sunshades, rear-view mirrors, instrument panels and navigation systems; aircraft windows; eyewear products; and flat panel displays for electronic products. SPD technology is covered by approximately 365 patents and patent applications held by RFI worldwide. Currently 26 companies are licensed to use RFI's patented SPD light-control technology in emulsions, film, or end products. Additional information about RFI and its licensees can be found at http://www.SmartGlass.com.Note: From time to time Research Frontiers Incorporated may issue forward-looking statements which involve risks and uncertainties. This press release contains forward looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Actual results could differ and are not guaranteed. Any forward-looking statements should be considered accordingly. SPD-Smart(TM), Powered by SPD(TM), The View of the Future - Everywhere You Look(TM) and Visit SmartGlass.com - to change your view of the world(TM) are trademarks of Research Frontiers Incorporated.

Shattered trust: will the government's accountability plan restore investor confidence? - Special Report - Cover Story

2008-02-14T02:32:00.001-08:00

"I'm extremely disappointed say Mansie Booker Jr. of the steady stream of corporate misdeeds that have rocked the stock market. Booker, a 58-year-old television production coordinator for the city of san Bernardino, California, says his wife, Mary, 60, is almost ready to pull out of stocks. "You don't know which company is going to be next in terms of scandal." A few years ago, the heat of the tech sector was firing up the market. Now it appear the only thing cooking in corporate America is the books. The Bookers' sentiments echo that of most investors who, after witnessing a slew of reports and allegations of corrupt accounting practices, are reluctant to pour any more money into the stock market, no longer accepting Securities-and-Exchange-Commission--required financial information as gospel. Corporations ranging from Adelphia Communications to Xerox Corp. are finding themselves under scrutiny, as skeleton after skeleton is uncovered in corporate closets.

And all the while, the market continues to free-fall (see chart). The Dow Jones industrial average index opened at 9,379.20 on Oct. 23, 2001--the day after Enron announced that the SEC was investigating its accounting practices with its partnerships. By July 11, 2002, the Dow would shed 6%, to open at 8,800 amid a steady stream of accounting scandals from corporate America.

Desperate to repair investors' shattered trust in the battered equity markets, President George W. Bush proposed a series of actions that include: * Longer, harder jail time for executives convicted of mail and wire fraud, document shredding, and other transgressions

* Steps by the SEC to freeze questionable payments to executives from companies under investigation

* An end to executives receiving personal loans from corporate boards

* The creation of a "financial crimes SWAT team" at the Justice Department headed by Deputy Attorney General Larry Thompson, an African American

* Requirements that most corporate directors be independent

At the root of it all is greed. The overuse of stock options has been a "root cause" of corporate excess, according to B. Kenneth West, senior consultant of corporate governance for TIAA-CREF in New York City. "When executives have a carload of options; they may do anything to get the public to think the company's stock price should go up" he says.

Now that stricter oversight of public companies is in the headlines, what's likely to come to pass? "One is that [the U.S. government] is clearly going to call for more corporate governance measures," says Shawn Baldwin, chairman and CEO of Capital Management Group Investments L.L.C. (No. 9 on the BE ASSET MANAGERS list with $1.8 billion in assets under management). He says that although individual investors may fear the market at this point, asset managers and other institutional investors will continue to play the stock market. "Institutional money has to be placed somewhere, so the fiduciary stewards of these plans are going to start looking for strong governance measures at the companies before investing in its stock."

Baldwin says that although he hasn't lost any clients as a result of investor distrust in the equity markets, he and other asset managers have been reassuring clients, "making sure they know we're looking at the books, looking for anomalies, and delving into more intrinsic analysis"

Dennis Kroner, president of Pitt, Ryan & Linnear, an accounting firm in Chicago, says that a recently-passed law requiring CEOS and CFOs to personally sign off on corporate financial statements will have a major impact. "Most CEOs don't have an accounting background. They'll want some assurance that these statements aren't misleading."

That assurance, according to Kroner, may come from independent directors--but only if the process is revised dramatically "Today," he says, "some directors sit on many boards, in addition to holding a full-time job. A week or so before each board meeting, a director might get a 200-page packet of materials describing what's on the agenda."

Kroner believes government measures will help to restore investors' confidence, "but it will take awhile. It will probably be a year or so before professional directors are sitting on many boards and another couple of years before investors realize what a difference [the directors] make, in terms of corporate reporting This issue is not going to go away quickly," he says. Capital Management Group's Baldwin, on the other hand, says the public will need an example made of a corporate executive before trust is restored--a CEO like Enron's Kenneth Lay; Tyco's Dennis Kozlowski; or World, Com's Bernard Ebbers sentenced to hard time if found guilty of criminal activity,

Rex Jackson, a money manager with Integrity Planning, a subsidiary of a credit union in Redlands, California, agrees that these issues will bedevil investors for some time to come. "Companies are still doing things the old way," he says. "Any improprieties that are under way now won't come out until 2003."

AspenTech acquires B-JAC International; Adds key heat exchanger thermal/mechanical software

2008-02-14T02:30:00.000-08:00

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 8, 1996--Aspen Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:AZPN), today announced it has completed the acquisition of B-JAC International, Inc., a leading supplier of detailed heat exchanger modeling software, based in Richmond, Virginia.

AspenTech is a leading supplier of computer-aided chemical engineering, on-line automation, and process information management software and services to help process manufacturers operate closer to potential through the entire manufacturing lifecycle. AspenTech chairman and CEO Lawrence B. Evans said, "The addition of the B-JAC software to our modeling family allows AspenTech to tightly link the B-JAC tools with our powerful ASPEN PLUS(r) software to provide our customers a common model, from design through to the specifications with their equipment manufacturers. Since virtually every process plant requires heat exchangers, the B-JAC acquisition allows us to build upon our leadership in process modeling."

The B-JAC acquisition will be accounted for as a stock-for-stock pooling transaction, with AspenTech acquiring all of B-JAC's stock for $3.4 million. "We anticipate that the earnings per share impact of the acquisition will be non-dilutive for the current fiscal year, ending June 30, 1997," stated AspenTech executive vice president and chief financial officer Mary A. Palermo.

In a separate release, AspenTech also announced today the acquisition of Cambridge Control's process control division, a consulting group based in the UK specializing in process manufacturing control application for the refining, petrochemical and pulp and paper industries.
B-JAC information

B-JAC International, based in Midlothian (Richmond) Virginia, is a major supplier of detailed heat exchanger equipment modeling software tools. These allow exchanger design and analysis at both the thermal and mechanical levels.

Founded in 1970, B-JAC is known for its fast, reliable and easy-to-use software that could evaluate heat exchange equipment in detail. B-JAC's software conforms with industry standards, and is the leading supplier of this software in the Microsoft Windows(tm) environment. Prior to the acquisition B-JAC was privately held with more than 700 companies using their products worldwide. Sales in the fiscal year ended April 30, 1996 were $2.5 million.

About AspenTech

Aspen Technology, Inc. is a leading supplier of software and services for the analysis, design and automation of process manufacturing plants in industries such as chemical, petroleum, pharmaceuticals, electric power, pulp and paper, and metals. Process manufacturers use AspenTech's solutions to improve the way they design, operate and manage their plants. These solutions enable customers to reduce their raw material, energy and capital expenses, meet environmental and safety regulations, improve product quality and shorten the time required to get new production processes on stream. Headquartered in Cambridge, MA, AspenTech employs more than 1,000 people with offices in 12 countries worldwide. Revenues for fiscal 1996 increased 80 percent to $103.6 million, compared with $57.5 million in fiscal year 1995.

Sizing - Air Conditioner Sizing - Part II

2008-02-02T02:12:00.000-08:00

AC sizing is a long topic, and hence I have broke the articles into two parts.

Part II of air conditioner sizing will talk about the integration of three different charts, and Manual J, in AC sizing. We'll begin now.

Comfort, Psychrometric and Duct Sizing Charts' Use in AC Sizing

This method of air conditioner sizing is more extensive than using Manual J alone, and it is especially useful in sizing for central air conditioning units - where you'll have multiple rooms to cool, with fresh air intake from outside.

Here's the checklist for AC sizing using this method:

1. use comfort chart, to set the desired indoor conditions.

Comfort chart is formulated by ASHRAE, and shows a range of comfort levels for human being.

The comfort levels are provided in terms of humidity, and temperature

2. next, Manual J is used to find out the sensible, and latent heat gain and loss in each room within a desired building.

Room slope will be assigned for all rooms, individually.

It is carried out by dividing sensible heat, to total heat (sensible, plus latent heat)

3. now, psychrometric chart is to be used. This chart, will eventually determine the minimum air conditioner size for your building.

The size is determined by finding out the following values,

* mass flow rate of air into each room,

* fresh air to recirculated air ratio,

* and finally, the air conditioner size from cooling load value

Data that you will need include, the volumetric air requirement per person, of 5 litres/person/compartment/second, outside, and inside temperature and humidity, and room slope values

4. ducts will be the final item to be sized, as it needs information of air mass flow rate.

Duct sizing charts need to be used for this, with prior information of maximum air draft at design condition, and duct resistance values

The checklist above will help you in performing air conditioner sizing, using psychrometric, duct sizing, and comfort charts.

The Truth Behind Infrared Sauna

2008-02-02T02:10:00.000-08:00

Saunas are fast becoming popular. And there are sure lots of different types created these days. But infrared saunas must be the ones that are making real waves in the market.

What are infrared saunas?

Infrared saunas, which is most commonly referred to as IRS, is a type of radiation having a wavelength that is longer than visible light, but is shorter than radio waves. IRS are saunas that heat its occupants with the use of far emitted radiant heat. These saunas don't produce steam. The infrared radiation is what causes heat inside the person's body, without actually changing the air inside the room.

What do they look like?

IRS usually look like a box made of wood. It is also possible to make a sauna room that is made of wood with some infrared heaters installed in and around it. The heat comes from the heaters inside the box. Basically, infrared saunas follow the same principle for heating bodies as the sun. But Far infrared saunas are a notch better because it doesn't produce ultraviolet rays that can be harmful to the body.

How are they different from traditional saunas?

Traditional saunas use heated rocks. They use different types of heat sources to generate warm air. Stones are positioned over the main heating source for it to achieve high temperature levels. It is the stones that maintain heat and temperature inside the room. Stones are usually used because they produce stable heat. The room is usually enclosed to trap heat in.

IRS's are somehow different. For one thing, the room doesn't need to be enclosed at all. This is because the IR heaters are directed towards the person's body, causing it to sweat as it cools down. It doesn't rely on the air circulating around the room to produce and maintain heat.

The temperature inside an IRS room is at 120 degrees Fahrenheit, on the average. In a traditional Finnish sauna, it can go as high as 200 degrees. But research shows that the sweat and effects produced between the two saunas are comparably the same. And if you really think about it, you are likely to spend more time inside an IRS than in a regular one, giving you more health benefits in the process.

If you haven't been inside a IR saunas, you might as well try them now. See how different the experience is going to be. Maybe you would reconsider and build one for yourself!

Adding Central Heat and Air to an Existing Home

2008-02-01T02:08:00.000-08:00

Many older homes were built pre-central heat and air. This is a luxury that many of us have to enjoy and when moving into an older we find that this luxury is also a necessity. We tend to lose tolerance for heat as we grow older and those old window air conditioning units just look tacky. However, the whole idea of having to add ducts to a home can sound difficult and expensive, but it is easier than you might think.

Central heat and air uses a primary heating appliance such as a furnace that is often located in an area such as a small closet, basement or garage. These systems deliver heat throughout the house through pumped warm air through a system of air ducts or by sending hot water or steam through pipes to room radiators. In newer homes, the system is usually built in with the home. The duct system may be set up with an air conditioner, heat pump, or furnace. There are also two types of systems including a forced air system and a gravity system. Gravity systems, however, do not provide air conditioning and can only provide heat. If your system includes an air conditioner, then the system is a forced-air system.

Air conditioners and heat pumps are forced air systems that share ductwork. The air conditioner runs on electricity and removes heat from air through refrigeration. The heat pump is capable of providing both heating and cooling. In the winter, the heat pump extracts the heat from outside air and delivers it into the home. In the summer it does the opposite. It extracts the cool air and pumps it into the home. These systems tend to be very economical and use only one duct system.

Many central air conditioners are split systems with a condenser outside and the fan and coil unit mounted in the attic. This means that the ducts will originate in the attics. The challenge here is if the home is two stories. It can be difficult to get the supply and return ducts to the first floor. The second floor will generally have ducts that run through the attic floor, while the first floor will need to have ducts run through closets. This takes up less space than some may think and the mess can be minimal. The contractor will need to cut holes in the first and second floor ceilings and some second floor closets will need to be used for running ducts.

This work will be well worth it in the long run when your home is kept cool in the summer and warm in the winter. If you have an older home, especially one with two stories, it can be difficult to spend anytime upstairs during the summer. The upstairs rooms will hold a large amount of heat and will definitely benefit from central heat and air. In the winter it is often difficult to keep first floors warm because the heat rises. Central heat will make your first floor rooms much more comfortable.

Water In Oil, What's the Big Deal?

2008-02-01T02:06:00.000-08:00

Water can be present in lubricating oil in three different forms, dissolved water, emulsified water and free water. Dissolved water refers to water that has been chemically absorbed into the oil. Emulsified water is water that maintains its chemical integrity, but is held in suspension in the oil by additives and contaminants. Free water describes water that is present in the oil, but not held in suspension.

Effects on Lubrication
In general, water is a poor lubricant. Proper lubrication is dependant on the formation of an oil film to separate opposing friction surfaces. When pressure is applied to an oil film, the oil’s viscosity will increase proportionally to maintain protection. Water does not exhibit this tendency and will cause boundary lubrication to occur where full fluid film lubrication would otherwise be present.

Alarm Limits
Water is considered to be among the most detrimental of possible contaminants. Studies have shown that water present at any level can reduce bearing life from 10 to 100 times. While the overall tolerance for water varies from machine to machine, a good general alarm limit for water contamination is 0.05% (500 ppm). Systems may be more tolerant to water, while others may be more sensitive. Some manufacturers have set limits as low as 30 ppm. Best practice would tend to indicate that it is beneficial to keep water contamination at the lowest level possible.

Controlling Water Contamination
Controlling water contamination requires two individual considerations. First, we must address the issues of keeping water out of the system. Water can contaminate a system by condensation when moist air enters the component and a change in temperature causes the water to condense and drop into the oil. Water can also enter a system through non-drying breathers, faulty hatches and seals, and internally from leaking heat exchangers.

Second, steps must be taken to remove water once it has entered a system. This can be accomplished with physical filtration, vacuum dehydration or centrifuge. For systems prone to contamination, these types of purification can be installed in the system to remove water continuously or on demand.

Systems that are prone to water contamination should use an oil that rapidly separates from water. An oil’s ability to separate from water is known as its demulsibility. High detergent oils tend to be poor demulsifiers, while turbine oils and many industrial lubricants have better demulsibility. Circulating systems prone to water influx, such as those found in rolling mills and power generation plants, can simply drain the water from the reservoir to control contamination, provided the oil exhibits good demulsibility. In these situations, the oil’s demulsibility should be monitored to ensure that water contamination does not reach the lubricated components

Storage Tips for Tea

2008-01-31T03:23:00.000-08:00

Tea is sensitive to moisture, aromas, heat, and light. An opened package of tea should be consumed as soon as possible. Leftover tea should be stored in light-proof container with tight fitting lid in a cool and dry place.

Moisture is the number one disaster for your tea. It not only contaminates the taste and aroma of your tea, but it also produces and feeds bacteria, all in a short amount of time. Fortunately, you do not need to vacuum seal you tea; it is not practical and not necessary. The easiest way is simply avoid any direct contact with open air by folding the tea storing bag and make sure it stays folded, or close the lid of your container tightly. Naturally, having the container dry in the first place helps tremendously.

Light and heat rob away flavours of tealeaves. If your tea is constantly exposed to light or heat, it tends to make a weaker brew, or decreases the number of flavourable infusions. The most convenient way is to put them in a non-transparent bag or container and away from any heat source such as ovens or heaters. If only glass jar is available, then put the jar in area away from light, such as in a cabinet

Sun Allergies

2008-01-31T03:20:00.000-08:00

Sun and heat allergies are like regular allergies and are an immune system response to a substance that is normally harmless. Having true heat and sun allergies will occur only in certain people that are sensitive. It is not clear why some people will develop allergies to the sun and heat and there is evidence that some forms are inherited.

Some people have an allergic reaction to the sunlight. The body will be able to tell when it is about to have a dangerous reaction to sunlight and it will trigger up an allergic cascade. The sun allergies are usually going to appear on the exposed skin as a rash or hives. There are usually two forms of sun allergies that can happen to the body. They are going to be polymorphous light eruption and solar urticaria.

Some of the conditions that are thought of as sun allergies are usually skin disorders that are caused by a combination of an ingested or some type of cream that is applied to the body and then going out into the direct sunlight. This will sometimes cause a combination that is painful and will be considered an allergic reaction to the sun.

There are also people that have sun and heat allergies that are going to be very scary. Sometimes if a person is out in the sun too long, they will get heat exposure and this can feel like sun poisoning. This is going to make a person feel sick and very upset. Having too much sunlight in your life can be harmful just as not having enough. Heat allergies can be caused by the sun or by sweating and even hot showers. This can create hives on most of the body. Heat allergies can also come in two different types and they are prickly heat and heat urticaria.

Getting the facts on sun allergies is going to be a good way to keep yourself safe and to make sure that you are not exposing yourself to sun allergies. It is no fun to not be able to go outdoors and enjoy the great sunshine. You have to keep your body protected at all times and make sure that you are able to keep any sun allergies under control.

It is important to be careful when you are out doors and in the heat. You need to make sure that you are keeping yourself safe from the heat exposure and what is going on. You need to apply lots of sun block and make sure that you have some type of shelter from the heat and sun at times. You should also make sure that you are drinking plenty of fluids especially lots of water to keep you healthy and strong when you are out in the hot sun for any period.

Child Proof Your Fireplace

2008-01-30T01:28:00.001-08:00

Whether your fireplace is electric, wood burning or gas, they all generate heat and can therefore be dangerous to children. Children don't automatically know that a fireplace can generate enough heat to burn them. A young cousin of mine fell against the fireplace doors and got 3rd degree burns on both palms of his hands. There is tremendous heat there which is very dangerous.

Here is a list of steps you need to take for improved safety:

1. If your hearth area has sharp edges, pad them with foam or cushions to prevent injury should a child fall against it.

2. Secure your fireplace screens and tools so they cannot be pulled over on top of a little body.

3. Put a heat resistant door in front of the fireplace opening. Regular glass may not work so please ask your dealer about its ability to defray heat so little hands don't get burned. You want it to be fairly cool to the touch.

4. If possible, lock your fireplace doors. If not possible, burn a barrier in front of the fireplace.

5. If you're running a gas fireplace be sure the ability to turn on the gas is locked or hidden.

6. If your fireplace is wood burning, be sure the matches and other flammable items such as paper and instantly igniting wood chips are out of reach or hidden.

7. Take the time to educate your children about the dangers of all fireplaces, remind them of how hot it really is and how easily they can be burned if not careful

Do You Realize You Live In A Solar Home? Yes, You

2008-01-30T01:27:00.000-08:00

Mention the word solar in relation to a home and most people get ideas of panel systems on roofs. In truth, any home with windows is using solar energy.

Easy, Free Energy

You may not realize it, but you live in a solar home. In fact, every home you’ve lived in was powered with solar in one form or another. This concept is known as passive solar and can be used to save you serious money on utilities.

In every home, there is a room or set of rooms that bake in the sun during the day. Many people know this, but don’t realize it, when they complain about certain rooms burning up during the day while others are cold. The hot rooms, of course, are sitting in the sun all day. Since the sun is essentially a nuclear reactor, the power is sends to the earth is immense. Rooms can heat up to sweltering temperatures within 30 minutes as a testament to this power. Given some thought, you can use this power to passively heat your home.

Sunlight is very easy to put to work in a home. When you want heat, let it in. When you don’t, block the access areas. When sun energy enters an area through a window, the area is known as an isolated gain location. For instance, light streaming through a bedroom window will make the room an isolated gain area that heats up if you close the door. There are two excellent ways to put this to your use.

You can use sunlight to passively heat your home by adding isolated gain areas that track the path of the sun. Heat rises and evens out through a home. If the home has isolated access areas that track the path of the sun, you can gain free heat throughout the day. Most homes will have windows at the end of each home, but limited sunlight access through the roof. A good way to add heating to your home is through sun room roofs or skylights.

A second method for turning the sunlight into heat involves materials. Certain materials take longer to heat up in the sun, but also will generate heat longer once the sun has set. This is known as using thermal mass to heat a home. For instance, masonry materials universally collect and hold energy from the sun. Used for flooring below a window, the materials will heat up throughout the day. Once the sun sets, the materials will continue to expend heat for hours on end. If you doubt this, give some thought to how long your fireplace continues to radiate heat after the fire has gone out.

Using sunlight to heat your home passively will never replace the need for utilities. Minor home improvements, however, can help create heat during the day and make your home more comfortable.

Tips to Keep Your Computer Cool and Running Good

2008-01-05T04:41:00.001-08:00

Keep that computer running cool and efficient. Here are some simple steps.

1. Shut it down. Switch it off. Pull the plugs. Take the cover off. And give it a good blow out to get all the dust out of it so it can breathe.

2. If there is somewhere to put a fan, 80mm is most common, put one in. It'll increase air flow. Most come with male/female molex plugs for easy installation with no extra wires required.

3. Replace those flat ribbon cables with round ones. It'll increase air flow. They make them for CDROMS, hard drives, and floppy drives.

Then if you want to get real serious.

4. Put new heat sink compund on your heat sinks. Like the processor heat sink. Heat sink compound dries up after a while and becomes less efficient.

5. Replace your computer case with one that offers more fan placements.

6. Purchase a hard drive cooler and put it in to keep your hard drive to keep it cooler so it won't wear out so fast.

7. Memory card heat sinks will also help keep your memory cooler and help prevent crashes for the memory cards getting overheated.

8. Copper heat sinks have a faster heat transfer than aluminum which will also help keep your high dollar processor cooler.

9. Shutting a unit off after use also lengthens the life of your computer.

10. Sometimes the north and south bridge chip sets get too hot and slow your unit. Little fans with heat sinks can be purchased for these. And most usually has adhesive heat sink compound already applied. Just peel and apply with firm pressure. With a plug that will plug into your mother board near by.

Following these simple steps can help any computer. And you can do it yourself and not have to pay a shop to do it for you. All you need is a philips screwdriver.

Heat Transfer Facts You Should Know To Save Energy

2008-01-05T04:40:00.001-08:00

We all know that water flows down hill. If you want water to move up hill you have to “do some work” to get it there. If you do not want water to flow down hill you have to “do some work” to stop it like building a dam. “Doing some work” is like paying your energy bill because it causes some discomfort.

The first thing you need to know is that heat naturally flows from a hot area to a cold area.

Heat moves in three ways

One way heat moves is radiation. We all know that if we are exposed to direct solar radiation we can feel the heat from the sun flowing directly to us. The sun is very hot so the heat flows from the sun to the earth. Sunburn is the result of solar radiation.

The second method of heat movement is called conduction. Conduction describes heat moving through a solid. The handle of an iron fry pan gets hot by conduction. We insulate our house walls and attic to slow down the conduction of heat through the structure of the building.

Convection is the last type of heat transfer. Convention refers to moving heat by moving either air or water that has been heated.

An example of convection that we use to heat our houses is a forced air furnace. The furnace heats air that is pushed through the house, by a blower, to heat up the house. This movement of warm air is an example of convection. Heat is carried, by the air, from the furnace to the house.

Convection can also work against us. An example is warm air flowing up a chimney that conveys heat out of a house in the winter.

In the summer, we have more heat than we want in our living spaces. We force heat to move the wrong way by taking heat out of our houses and putting it out in the hotter outdoors. This takes a large input of energy to accomplish because we are “doing some work” against the normal flow. It is like pushing water up hill, it takes a lot of energy.

In the summer our furnace fan, moves warm air to the cold coil inside the ductwork. This is convection, using air, to move the heat from hot to cold.

Energy Saving Action Items

Heat flows into our homes when it is hotter outdoors, than indoors. We can slow it down by shielding and insulating our house. Shielding and insulation is like building a dam to delay water from flowing down hill.

By shielding, I mean shade trees and radiant barriers like aluminum foil or special paint. Shielding that either blocks the sun or reflects radiant energy back where it was coming from stops the sun’s rays from heating our houses. Solar window screens act as partial sun blocks. Reflective radiant barrier materials act like a mirror and reflect or deflect radiant heat away from your house. Reflective film on windows works this way.

We want the solar radiation to hit our houses when it is cold outside in the winter. Planting trees that give summer shade and let the sun shine in during the winter are a natural way to have seasonal shielding.

The other way heat travels is by conduction through materials. Insulation acts like a speed bump slowing down the movement of heat through materials like roofs, ceilings, floors and walls. The more insulation you have the slower the heat moves. The R number rating on insulation materials indicates how well they resist the conductive flow of heat. The higher the R number the more it slows down the flow of heat. For more information on this read my article titles……..

We like convective heat transfer when warm air moves from the furnace through the house. We also like it when warm air moves from the house to the cold coil of the air conditioner. We do not like convection when it helps heat escape up the chimney, around windows, or under doors.

Saving energy means having high efficiency equipment to move heat only to where we want it to go. It also means doing the best possible job of blocking or slowing down the movement of heat where we do not want it to go.

Improving your home’s weather sealing, radiation shielding and insulation are some of the very best things you can do to reduce your energy bills

Consider Geothermal For Your New Home Heating System!

2007-12-19T22:55:00.001-08:00

One thing is for sure energy prices are going to continue to rise. If you are considering replacing your heating and cooling systems or if you are building a new home then you should consider the advantages of using geothermal! One of the most energy efficient methods of heating and cooling your home is to use a geothermal heat exchanger.

Some geothermal systems even provide hot water for your home.

Geothermal heating and cooling is not science fiction, it is a proven method of supplying heating and cooling and its acceptance, and installation is growing daily. Savings on yearly energy bills can be as much as 60 percent. In the US, the federal government and many states are providing tax incentives and credits if you install a geothermal HVAC system. Other countries including Canada also have incentive programs. Check out your local electrical utility or government website.

How does it work?

It uses technologies that have been around for many years - pumps and heat exchangers. A well is drilled on your property. The water from the well is pumped through a heat exchanger in your home where a portion of the latent heat in that water is removed and used to heat your home. In the summer, as the water temperature is cooler than the outside air the system provides air conditioning to your home. In climates where temperatures fall below 0 degrees, supplemental heating using gas, electricity, or fuel oil may be incorporated into the system.

Electricity is used to power the pump and the circulation fans. There is no cost to the homeowner for the actual heat. No gas or fuel oil is consumed.

A geothermal system is not only cost beneficial, it is very environmentally friendly and it conserves our precious fossil fuels.

Interested?

For additional information on geothermal heating and cooling systems, follow the link.

TLC For Your Furnace - Avoiding Premature Failure of Heat Exchangers

2007-12-19T22:53:00.000-08:00

Ever notice how your car seems to run better right after an oil change, especially if you wash and wax it? Well, it's the same for your furnace... don't laugh, I'm serious!

The main component of heating units, both forced air and hot water, is the heat exchanger. This component takes the heat produced by burning fuel and transfers it to the water or air for distribution throughout the house. In a hot water system this component is usually concealed from view, and in a forced air unit only 10 to 25% (sometimes it's completely hidden) of this component is typically visible without disassembly.

Cut-away view of a modern forced-air gas furnaceModern forced-air gas furnace:

1. Solid-state furnace control (Fan assembly visible at lower rear)

2. Draft inducer (fan-forced exhaust)

3. Igniter and flame sensor

4. Gas valve and manifold

5. Gas burners

6. Heat exchanger(s)

7. Air filters

What usually makes heat exchangers inoperative is developing a hole or a crack that allows the hot water to escape, or exhaust from the combustion fuel to escape into the interior air of the home. Constant heating and cooling from years of use will eventually cause a heat exchanger to crack, however some last longer than others. Under ideal conditions, many survive well beyond their predicted life spans.

It seems regular cleaning and maintenance play a factor in life expectancy, as does the environment surrounding the unit. Damp environments tend to assist the build-up of rust on the heat exchanger, shortening its life, while dry, clean environments tend to increase the life span of most furnaces.

Reduced airflow...

Dirty air filters and fan blades, dirty ductwork and obstructed air vents can all contribute to wear on fan motors, reduced efficiency and even premature failure of heat exchangers. Fuel-fired forced-air furnaces are prone to overheating due to obstructions to airflow. Modern furnaces are designed to shut down if temperatures become dangerously high... however, moderately elevated internal temperatures caused by dirt, dust and debris may not be high enough to switch off a furnace, while remaining high enough to cause metal fatigue over extended periods of time.

An annual internal inspection by a licensed burner mechanic or gas fitter, including cleaning and testing for exhaust leaks, should cost between $50 and $100. Considering the implications, I'd say that's a real bargain! Why not have your furnace inspected, and treat yourself to some peace of mind? For those of you with gas furnaces or wood stoves, a carbon monoxide (CO) detector ($30-$45) is an inexpensive means of protection against the possibility of exhaust leaks, between inspections.

Radiators take the heat in Alaskan gen-sets - L and M Mesabi radiators

2007-07-25T04:59:00.000-07:00

Although Alaska is the largest state in the U.S., its population density is among the lowest. It's estimated that more than 80 percent of the towns and villages in the state's interior depend solely on diesel engine generator sets to supply electric power. And because winter temperatures in the interior can plunge to as low as -60 [degrees] F, genset reliability is obviously critical.

Along with the bone-chilling cold itself, challenges to dependable gen-set operation in winter include fuel gelling, buildup of sheet ice inside intake air flues and ductwork, severe wind and snow.
One consistent problem with generating sets operating under these conditions is thermal shock. Although a generating set and its ancillaries are typically contained within a climatized building or enclosure, the engine cooling radiator is often located on the building's roof and exposed to outdoor ambient temperatures. Consequently, when the engine's thermostat opens and sends hot coolant to the radiator, thermal shock can break the connection between the radiator core and header. Not only does this cause gen-set shutdown due to coolant leakage, but it can also contaminate the environment.

"Years ago, leaking generating set radiators were common in supplying electric power to the Alaskan bush," explained John Cameron, manager of Pacific Detroit Diesel-Allison's Anchorage, Alaska, operation. "Cooling system failures resulted from both the severe cold and less-than-desirable modes of gen-set transportation. Thermal shock in the cooling systems of stationary electric power plants caused conventional radiators to crack and fail - and always at the most inopportune times.

Energy recovery ventilators - Brief Article

2007-07-25T04:58:00.000-07:00

Contained in this brochure is information regarding the company's Lossnay(r) energy recovery ventilation system, which, according to the company, utilizes a technology patented during the time the oil embargo was in effect. It says its product is the only fixed-plate design to offer both sensible (heat) and latent (humidity) exchange.
Features include UL or UL-component listing, ventilation, thermal nod sound insulation, no condensate or frost in must conditions, nod added security. Listed benefits include ventilation without open windows, no need for condensate pans or preheat in moot conditions, nod noticeably improves IAQ.

Medium-voltage VSDs help resort beat the utility odds

2007-07-04T03:38:00.000-07:00

When the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino opened on the Las Vegas Strip in 1996, the 2.5-million-sq-ft hotel and casino incurred annual energy costs of approximately $0.05/kWh used. Ten years later, these expenses had doubled to $0.10/kWh utilized, and Nevada Power Company recently announced a proposed utility rate increase request of 23.3%.

Owned by MGM Mirage, the resort includes 3,002 rooms and 259 suites. The 90,000-sq-ft gaining area offers a broad range of games; 2,200 slots and video-poker machines; and sports-betting areas. The resort also features eateries, a brewpub, convention facilities, a wedding chapel, theater, spa, fitness center, shopping promenade, pool area, and tennis courts.

CRITICAL CUSTOMER COMFORT

Temperature control throughout the resort is not only important to customer comfort for overnight guests but also to the casino business. It only takes a 1[degrees]F change in space temperature to cause discomfort among guests, who may move to another casino.

Since the resort opened, an on-site central plant has provided comfort cooling for the estimated 10,000 people who occupy the facility at any given time. Operating on medium voltage (4,160V), the central plant includes five 1,000-ton, R-134A, constant-speed centrifugal chillers, manufactured by YORK (a Johnson Controls Company); five cooling towers; and two heat exchangers. The plant operates in an environment where the outdoor ambient temperature ranges from a low of 30[degrees] in the winter to a high of 115[degrees] in the summer. In addition to temperature extremes, increasing humidity places additional demands on the chillers.

Since the HVAC system at Monte Carlo is responsible for approximately 60% of the resort's energy costs, it became the focus of energy-saving opportunities. According to Gary Hughes, director of engineering for Monte Carlo Resort & Casino, the resort's engineering department began making changes to the HVAC system three years ago.

The first step involved monitoring the building temperature more closely. Next, the engineering department added variable orifices to the five YORK MAXE[TM] chillers, saving energy by allowing the tower water entering the chillers to run as low as 55[degrees].

Expanding the size of the cooling towers also improved plant efficiency by increasing the capacity of each chiller from 1,000 to 1,050 tons at peak design conditions. And according to Hughes, it enabled the facility to run three chillers and three towers under conditions that previously demanded the operation of four chillers and five towers. The larger towers also increased opportunities for free cooling, utilizing the plate-and-frame heat exchangers as waterside economizers during cooler months.

A NEW TYPE OF VSD

In a third step taken just this year, the resort became the first building in the world to install medium-voltage VSDs offered by a chiller manufacturer: YORK OptiSpeed[TM] drives. Previously, low-voltage VSDs for chillers were available for facilities using medium voltage, but required an additional step-down voltage transformer. Existing 4,160V chillers also required the additional expense of a low-voltage motor.

The system also employs a YORK OptiView[TM] Control Center that gives Hughes with much appreciated access to trending graphs and historical reports, simplifies chiller operating decisions, and guides him in troubleshooting. "The OptiView feature provides us with a wealth of valuable information, right down to the dollars we are saving at any given time by using OptiSpeed drives," he said.

The drives' footprints also worked to the advantage of the resort. The three drives fit in the space occupied by three of the original electro mechanical starters, under and behind an AHU. The drives' modular design was also beneficial, because the cabinet could be broken down into sections and then bolted together.

ODDS FAVOR SIGNIFICANT SAVINGS

The OptiSpeed drives and the EMS will reduce the Monte Carlo's electricity usage by as much as 1.5 million kWh. "I think the numbers we'll see this year in terms of savings are going to be pretty incredible," said Hughes. "Everything we did on this property boils down to tools, and if the tools are used correctly, they're going to save money."

Exhaust Piping System transports corrosive gases and fumes

2007-06-19T02:07:00.001-07:00

Constructed of non-metallic PVDF, SYGEF[R] PVDF Exhaust Piping System features highly inert, high-strength thermoplastic that will not corrode or rust. UV-resistant piping operates in temperatures from -4 to 284[degrees]F, with vacuum rating of 0.218 psi, and features clear translucent color for early detection of liquid build-up. System meets FM4910 standards, and has been tested per standard ULC S102.2 with flame spread value of 0 and smoke spread value of 50. TUSTIN, Calif. - Feb.22, 2007 - Designed specifically to provide a non-corroding, safe system for the conveyance of aggressive exhaust gases and fumes, GF Piping has introduced the SYGEF[R] PVDF Exhaust Piping System. The new system conforms to FM 4910 (Cleanroom Materials Flammability Test Protocol) Standards and is suitable for the latest, state-of-the-art 300mm semiconductor manufacturing plants as well as applications in the chemical and microelectronics markets.

Constructed of non-metallic PVDF (Polyvinylidene fluoride), this material provides a highly inert, high-strength thermoplastic that will not corrode or rust, eliminating pipe deterioration issues caused from the transporting of corrosive exhaust media. The SYGEF[R] PVDF System also meets the stringent FM4910 standard and has been tested per standard ULC S102.2 with a documented flame spread value of 0 and smoke spread value of 50; allowing it to meet most applicable municipal building codes.
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Available in a complete product range, the new system includes pipe sizes from 2-1/2" through 16" (75 mm - 400 mm) and a variety of fittings, reducers, fixed flanges, gaskets, seals and throttle valves. Outstanding performance characteristics include UV-resistance, a wide operating temperature range from -4[degrees]F to 284[degrees]F (-20[degrees]C to 140[degrees]C) and a vacuum rating of 0.015 bar (0.218 PSI), 6-inch water column.

A number of other excellent features combine to provide superior performance and long-lasting operation. SYGEF[R] PVDF's clear translucent color increases the potential for early detection of liquid build-up that similar metallic systems cannot provide. Its lightweight properties make it easy to install, resulting in a lower overall installation cost when compared to coated stainless steel. The SYGEF[R] PVDF Exhaust System can be pre-assembled to ensure proper layout and fit prior to final assembly.

"GF Piping's new SYGEF[R] Exhaust System provides an excellent alternative to coated metal systems," said Michael Beutler, GF Piping Product Manager. "Metallic exhaust systems are prone to attack by corrosive media and often require expensive linings to minimize that corrosion. SYGEF[R] meets the strict FM4910 testing standard while offering the advantages of a non-corroding, light-weight system at a competitive price."

Portable Chiller suits limited-sapce applications

2007-06-19T02:06:00.000-07:00

Available with cooling capacities up to 4,800 BTU/hr, LK-20 Series features low-profile design that permits installation in space-restricted areas. Series measures 15 in. high (17 1/8 in. with casters) and offers self-contained and tethered controllers that provide stability to 0.1[degrees]C over 5 to 35[degrees]C range (up to 80[degrees]C with heater option). All-stainless steel plumbing and cabinets are compatible with many process fluids and operating environments.Tek-Temp Instruments, Croydon, PA, designer and manufacturer of portable recirculating chillers and heat exchangers, launches it newest chiller, the LK-20. The LK-20 Series feature a low-profile design that permits installing it where other chillers simply won't fit. These models have the perfect combination of compact size, reliable performance, and exceptional flexibility that make them ideal for OEMs and for end-users. A high-efficiency refrigeration system boosts cooling capabilities, while available all-stainless steel plumbing and cabinets offer superior compatibility with process fluids and operating environments. For more information visit our website, www.tek-tempinstruments.com, or call 800-259-4212 and speak with our process design team.

Three-Way Ball Valves offer chemical resistance

2007-06-18T23:07:00.001-07:00

Electrically actuated Series 175/176/177/178 and pneumatically actuated Series 275/276/277/278 are available in PVC, CPVC, PP, and SYGEF[R]-PVDF in sizes from 1/2-2 in. with EPDM and FPM seals. Utilizing PP-GV 30 actuators for chemical resistance, valves are suited for diverting and mixing liquids in food and chemical processing piping systems. L-port version provides independent connection of inlets with outlets, while T-port version provides straight through flow. TUSTIN, Calif. - Oct.19, 2005 - George Fischer, Inc. introduces a new generation of 3-way actuated ball valves with the Electrically Actuated Ball Valve Series Type 175/176/177/178 and the Pneumatically Actuated Ball Valve Series Type 275/276/277/278. Offering high stability and excellent flow characteristics, these valves incorporate all the inherent advantages offered with the new EA 21 electric actuator and PA21 pneumatic actuator.

With the new actuators designed with housings made of PP-GV 30 for high chemical resistance, these actuated valves are especially well suited for aggressive fluids and the heavy-duty requirements of harsh industrial applications. Typical 3-way ball valve applications include diverting and mixing liquids in piping systems for such industries as food and chemical processing.
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Both of the new 3-way actuated ball valve series are available in a PVC, CPVC, PP, and SYGEF[R]-PVDF in sizes from 1/2" - 2" (20mm - 63mm) with EPDM and FPM seals. Features include a 250,000 actuator cycle life for long, maintenance-free service, and compact, modular design for space savings and flexibility. The L-port version provides independent connection of inlets with outlets, while the T-port version provides straight through flow, independent connections of inlets with outlets, or interconnections of all three ports. A variety of accessories are available from position feedback to control capabilities.

The Electrically Actuated Ball Valve Types 175/176/177/178 feature a vertical (Type 178) or horizontal (Types 175, 176, and 177) configuration. The 175/176/177/178 valves incorporate the EA 21 actuator, which comes equipped with integrated emergency manual override and automatic adjustment of voltage and frequency used for on/off or process control applications. The patented manual override for these units is fully integrated into the actuator, allowing for the voltage to be interrupted and the valve manually actuated when a situation warrants. A variety of modular assemblies are available to custom-fit the valve to the application, providing high flexibility in design and operation for an optimal cost-effective solution. The EA 21 is CE and CSA certified, with UL approval pending and is available with universal automatic voltage adjustment of 100/20 VAC or a 24 AC/DC power module. Options include a cycle monitoring feature for added safety and a positioner for increased accuracy and process-safety.

The Pneumatically Actuated Ball Valve Types 275/276/277/278 feature a vertical (Type 278) or horizontal (Types 275, 276, 277) configuration, option for manual override, optional stroke limiter for accurate adjustment of the valve stop, and an ISO/NAUMR connection interface, which provides greater flexibility in adding accessories. This series is also available with extra limit switches and 1000 ohm potentiometer for position feedback.

The George Fischer, Inc. product offering includes a full range of plastic pipe, fittings, tubing, valves, actuators, rotameters, fusion machines, secondary containment, tank linings, heat exchangers, custom products, and sensors and instrumentation for industrial process control. For further information, please contact George Fischer, Inc., 2882 Dow Avenue

Fluid Circulating System offers temperature control

2007-06-18T23:05:00.000-07:00

Available with 90, 150, or 200 gpm pumping rates, Model 6017 comes with 50-200 kW heater, heat exchangers from 3.9-21 ft[sup.2], and temperature range up to 550[degrees]F. Its M2B+ Microprocessor Controller has PID control for heating and cooling, built-in ramp/soak function, and setpoint, to/from process, and DT displays. Other features include positive displacement, packed pump with drip return pump or mechanical seal, TEFC pump motor, and pressure-actuated bypass valve.

The 6017 offers simple and easy to use operation and is ready to operate when power and circulation connections are made. Sterling's 6017 Unit come standard with pumping rates of 90, 150 or 200 gpm; 50 to 200 kW heater size; heat exchangers from 3.9 sq. ft. to 21 sq. ft.; and a temperature range up to 550[degrees]F.

The M2B+ Microprocessor Controller features PID control for both heating and cooling. It has built-in Ramp/Soak feature as well as Setpoint, To Process, From Process and DT displays.

Some standard features include: positive displacement, packed pump with drip return pump or mechanical seal, TEFC pump motor, a NEMA 12-style electrical control enclosure with IEC electrical components, disconnect switch, and a pressure-actuated bypass valve.

Heat Exchanger features NEMA 4/4X rating

2007-06-07T02:51:00.002-07:00

Water-to-Air Model KNHE30 delivers uniform, closed-loop cooling for applications with requirements in excess of what air-to-air models can provide. Measuring 30 x 12 in. with capacity up to 74 W/[degrees]F, unit comes in both 115 and 230 V. It is suited for harsh environments where cool, clean water is available. Model KNHE30 includes motorized impeller, M/TAB mounting system, and 6 ft power cord.

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Kooltronic, Inc., of Pennington, NJ, announced the release of the KNHE30 Water-to-Air Heat Exchanger. With this latest addition, Kooltronic now offers six NEMA 4/4X heat exchangers, including two Water-to-Air models. The KNHE30 combines the best features of NEMA 4/4X heat exchangers with the increased cooling capacity offered by the water-to-air models.
Related Results: Heat Exchangers Information

The Water-to-Air system provides uniform, closed-loop cooling for applications with cooling requirements in excess of the capabilities of Air-to-Air heat exchangers. Made of 304-2B stainless steel, the KNHE30 is designed primarily for use in harsh environments where a reliable source of clean, cool water is available. The actual cooling capacity of the KNHE30 depends on the temperature of the cooling water. Thus, if the water is cold enough, the temperature of the air delivered to the electronics cabinet can actually be lower than that provided by air conditioners. According to Kooltronic's Director of Sales and Marketing, Rich Wenstrom, closed-loop NEMA 4/4X heat exchangers are particularly useful in highly contaminated environments. "Applications that would require frequent cleaning or changing of ambient air filters, or require frequent cleaning of the heat exchanger core are candidates for a NEMA 4/4X unit."

The KNHE30 is a 30 inch (h) x 12 inch (w) unit with a capacity of up to 74 Watts/[degrees]F, is UL/CUL Listed and available in both 115V and 230V. Other standard features include a powerful motorized impeller, Kooltronic's exclusive M/TAB hanging mounting system for easy installation and a six foot power cord.

"We have been seeing a growing number of NEMA 4/4X applications recently," noted Rich Wenstrom. "The development of the KNHE30 shows our commitment to meeting this demand and strengthens our position as the leader in NEMA 4/4X cooling products."

With over 45 years of service to its customers, Kooltronic is the leading manufacturer of air conditioners, heat exchangers, fans and blowers designed specifically to cool the interior of enclosures containing heat sensitive electrical/electronic components. The company has a complete manufacturing facility and sales office at its headquarters in Pennington, NJ and a regional sales office in Ventura, CA.

Heat and Power Module incorporates 300 kW generator

2007-06-07T02:51:00.001-07:00

Combined heat and power module produces electricity and hot water from one natural gas fuel source. Self-contained unit includes exhaust gas and coolant heat exchangers, QSK19G PowerCommand[R] controller, and remote monitoring system. It measures 15.1 x 6.5 x 7.9 ft and is offered in 50 and 60 Hz models. Former produces 315 kW electrical energy and 1.58 MBtu/hr thermal energy, and latter produces 334 kW electrical energy and 1.92 MBtu/hr thermal energy. MINNEAPOLIS - Cummins Power Generation has introduced a new 300 kW combined heat and power (CHP) module that produces electricity and hot water from a single source of fuel (natural gas). The self-contained unit includes a Cummins 300 kW lean-burn gas generator, exhaust gas and coolant heat exchangers, and associated PowerCommand[R] and proprietary remote monitoring system/CHP module controls. Modules are available for either 50 Hz or 60Hz operation.

"The new 300 kW CHP module is ideal for any facility that has a simultaneous need for electricity and hot water for space heating or industrial processing," says Peter Hartzell, Executive Director of Energy Solutions, Cummins Power Generation. "The 300 kW CHP module is particularly suited to facilities such as hotels, health clubs, shopping centers, government buildings or small industrial plants. By creating a virtually complete CHP system in a compact package, Cummins has made it easier for businesses everywhere to get control of energy costs while conserving natural resources."
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By using a single source of fuel to produce both electricity and hot water, CHP offers efficiencies that are not attainable by conventional means. CHP reduces overall energy costs up to 35 percent by nearly doubling the efficiency at which heat and electricity are produced.

Each 300 kW CHP module consists of a Cummins QSK19G lean-burn gas generator set coupled with two heat exchangers that recover high-quality heat from the engine coolant jacket and engine exhaust gas stream. The 60 Hz model produces 334 kW of electrical energy and a total of 1.92 MBtu/hr of thermal energy (562 kW thermal) in all heat recovery circuits. The 50 Hz model produces 315 kW of electrical energy and a total of 1.58 MBtu/hr of thermal energy (464 kW thermal) in all heat recovery circuits. The only external accessories required are an exhaust silencer and customer high-temperature and low-temperature process water connections and auxiliary radiators. Inlet and outlet air attenuators are also available, or the unit can be installed into an air ducting system.

The 300 kW CHP module measures 15.1 feet long (4600 mm), 6.5 feet wide (2000 mm) and 7.9 feet high (2400 mm), and is designed for installation in a relatively confined space. An internal fan supplies the required combustion air and ventilation air. The module has a removable canopy that provides sound attenuation to as low as 60 dB(A) measured 3 feet (1 meter) from the unit. The remote monitoring system/CHP module control panel interfaces with the QSK19G PowerCommand controller and allows local control of all the module's systems or remote monitoring and control. Units can be paralleled for greater capacity.

Carbon-Fiber Brush Heat Exchangers

2007-06-07T02:48:00.000-07:00

The purpose of using a thermal-contact pad of this or any other type is to reduce the thermal resistance of an interface between a heat source (e.g., a module that contains electronic circuitry) and a heat sink (e.g., a common finned heat sink). Conventionally, to obtain high thermal conductance, a thermal interface is assembled by use of high contact pressure between faying surfaces that match each other precisely (e.g., both are precisely flat). Unfortunately, high contact pressure necessitates rigid components and strong fasteners and does not allow relative motion between the clamped parts. Compliant rubber pads or thermally conductive greases or adhesives are often used alternatively or in addition to precisely matching surfaces and high contact pressure.

The proposed carbon-fiber brush heat exchangers would offer high thermal conductance with mechanical compliance and low contact pressure, even in the case of surfaces that are uneven, do not match each other precisely, are separated by relatively wide gaps, and/or move relative to each other. In a given interface, the effective surface area of the carbon fibers could be orders of magnitude larger than the nominal footprint area of an interface.
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A given thermal interface could be either single-sided (consisting of a brush on either the heat source or the heat sink) or double-sided (consisting of brushes on both the source and the sink). If the carbon fibers had high thermal conductivity and were well connected to a substrate, they would tend to isothermalize with the substrate and become thermally efficient fins. High-thermal-conductivity fibers would be well suited for brush heat exchangers because they are straight, are available in small diameters, and are compatible with many materials, even at high temperatures.

Double-sided carbon-fiber brush heat exchangers would be related to interleaving metal-fin heat exchangers, but for a given footprint area, the carbon-fiber brush heat exchangers would have larger radiating surface areas and would weigh less. The high thermal conductances occasioned by the use of carbon-fiber brush heat exchangers could be utilized to decrease the sizes and weights of heat sinks (including radiators) for a given heat-dissipation rate, increase heat-dissipation rates for heat sinks of a given size and weight, and/or enable heat-generating equipment to operate at lower temperatures. The elimination of the need for structures to resist large thermal-interface clamping forces would enable further weight reductions.

Heat Exchangers from Chester Jensen

2007-06-02T02:59:00.001-07:00

A complete line of Plate Heat Exchangers is available from Chester-Jensen. Frames are available in solid stainless steel or coated carbon steel. Both metal-to-metal and gasket supported plate designs available in either type 304 or 316 stainless steel and appropriate quantity and thickness of plate sized for individual duty. Custom engineering is standard with all units. Single piece gaskets, molded from a variety of formulated elastomers are selected to best meet application requirements. All plate surfaces can be cleaned and sanitized safely and effectively by properly designed in place recirculation systems. All units easily opened for thorough internal inspection. For more information contact Chester-Jensen Co. at 800/685-3750. Or visit www.chesterjensen.com.

Chester-Jensen Co., Inc: quality heat exchangers for the dairy industry

2007-06-02T02:57:00.000-07:00

Background: Chester-Jensen has been pioneering fluid heat exchange technology since its inception in 1914. The diversity of product applications, developed over the years, has enabled us to serve a wide variety of markets including dairy, meat and poultry, food processing, pharmaceutical, chemical and allied industries worldwide.

Our reputation has grown by providing both the highest quality products available and the personalized attention to our clients' needs. Quality at Chester-Jensen has always meant durability, longevity of service and top performance.

The early days of service to the dairy industry taught us how to respond rapidly to meet the needs of increasingly stringent "sanitary" conditions.

All our products are manufactured exclusively in the USA. To our customers, this means assured availability, quicker delivery and immediate response with answers to questions.

Plate Heat Exchangers feature:

Heavy-duty, precisely designed frames available in SOLID stainless steel or specially coated carbon steel.

Both metal-to-metal and gasket supported plate designs available in either type 304 or type 316 stainless steel.

Single piece gaskets, molded from a variety of formulated elastomers, are selected to best meet application requirements.

Gaskets are bonded to plates, for trouble-free service, yet are easily replaced, in the field, without the need for special tools or chemicals.

Standard six-bolt type closure with optional mechanical spindle or hydraulic assist closures available.

Differential operating pressures to 150 PSIG.

Computer designed configurations to process single, dual or multiple fluids and/or duties simultaneously.

Tank filler cap offers

2007-05-01T03:03:00.001-07:00

Elesa has released a tank filler cap for hydraulic systems, with two selectable modes to accommodate transportation and use of the equipment. The SFC operates as a standard filler breather and provides for high-volume oil flow in the first mode, with guaranteed high airflow to compensate as the tank fills/empties rapidly.

Mode two is achieved by rotating the cap clockwise on a quick turn thread and this clamps the cap down onto an 'O' ring, making a complete seal which prevents breathing and more importantly loss of oil during transportation.

To open the cap for breathing again, the quick turn thread is turned anticlockwise.

If turned past the quick turn thread (not easy to do by mistake) the cap may then be screwed completely off to gain access to the filter medium for cleaning if oil has splashed into it during movement.

By providing both features in one 30mm cap mechanism, Elesa has offered users of off-road or transportable equipment a further aid to safety and convenience in day to day operation and maintenance of their hydraulic systems.

Steam trap monitor reduces energy costs

2007-05-01T03:02:00.000-07:00

Armstrong International, a provider of intelligent system solutions for steam, air and hot water utility applications, has released SteamEyeO, a wireless steam trap monitoring system that captures energy savings and reduces labour in steam-intensive applications. 'SteamEye is a valuable diagnostic tool that allows users to continuously monitor the performance of any steam trap and learn the moment a trap blows through, so that huge energy losses can be prevented', said Chris Gibbs, Account Manager for Armstrong International.

'At today's record energy prices, the cost of steam is now over US $10 per 1,000 pounds and just one blown trap can cost an operation more than US $6,000 a year', Gibbs said.

'SteamEye is an ideal solution for steam-intensive users such as refining and petroleum manufacturers, food processors, chemical manufacturers, and institutions such as hospitals and universities that want to reduce labour costs associated with manual monitoring of their steam trap population and to contain high-energy costs caused by blown or failed steam traps'.

SteamEye works by using a radio frequency transmitter mounted at the inlet of any manufacturer's type or style of steam trap.

It detects fluctuations in steam flow and temperature and instantly sends a signal to a web-based receiver, alerting system operators of trap failure or blow through.

SteamEye is especially valuable in applications where steam traps are located in hard to reach or dangerous areas such as underground tunnels.

SteamEye is also an ideal replacement for hand-held diagnostic tools, which are labour-intensive and often inconsistent in their assessment.

SteamEye works in tandem with SteamStarO, the first web-based steam trap measurement platform that collects data from manual steam trap surveys, hand-held diagnostic tools or steam traps equipped with SteamEye.

SteamEye and SteamStar offer the first integrated solution for continuous, labour-free steam trap monitoring.

In addition, SteamEye can communicate with building automation systems or multiple control systems.

Custom tubing, hose

2007-05-01T03:01:00.000-07:00

NewAge Industries has released custom tubing, hose and assemblies made to exact specifications. Customised products address each individual application's requirements and can result in less waste, labour, and cost than stocked tubing and hose. Types of customisation available from NewAge Industries include hose assemblies, thermal tube bonding, special compounding and colours, coiling, heat-formed parts, adjusted wall dimensions, overbraiding and jacketing, printing, cut-to-length pieces, slitting, hole punching, and packaging.

'Some of our stock products started as custom requests', notes David Schwass, Director of Sales.

'We had a call for braided polyurethane in black to help hide dirt in an industrial application'.

'That hose, Urebrade, is now stocked in black and is actually lower priced than the original transparent version'.

Customers request specialised products for a number of reasons.

One example is saving the cost and time of labor when an item such as a hose assembly can arrive ready to install.

Assemblies are available with all sorts of hose - stainless steel overbraided PTFE, reinforced PVC and silicone, polyurethane - and with a variety of fittings, including sanitary styles, attached by clamps or crimped-on collars for permanency.

Hot Bond, NewAge Industries' thermal bonding process, joins together two or more tubes of similar material (PVC to PVC, nylon to nylon).

This can result in reduced complexity, easier installation and a neater appearance.

Heat-formed shapes also tackle the subject of limited space.

Curves and elbows often fit into a confined area better than tubing with fittings and clamps.

They can also eliminate common problems like kinking.

Other custom options, such as custom compounding (blending additives into the raw plastic material), permit the fine tuning of plastics to meet special performance requirements.

The need for low-temperature flexibility, improved elasticity, UV stabilisation or decreased tack can be addressed.

Overbraiding and jacketing protect tubing and hose from abrasion, heat, kinking or chemical attack.

Services like printing and striping identify tubing and hose with information such as sizes, performance capabilities and limitations, company recognition or part numbers.

Cut-to-length pieces can reduce labour costs for the customer, as the cutting can often be done at the end of the production line immediately following manufacture.

This automated procedure results in consistent lengths.

Packaging can also be an important consideration.

Orders may be shipped in boxes of a specified size, or by weight, or have a certain number of cut pieces bagged together and then boxed.

Conveyor belt samplers

2007-05-01T03:00:00.002-07:00

Automatic single-point, strip and cross-cut conveyor belt samplers in the Sentry range are now available in the UK from Orthos, providing an extended series of dry material process samplers and related equipment for the widest range of applications. This follows the acquisition of Gustafson from Bayer CropScience by Sentry Equipment, the US process sampling specialist represented in Britain by Orthos, and the full integration of the new range with its Isolok and DS-3 conveyor belt samplers.

Single-point samplers in the range work at a fixed point in the product flow while the strip samplers effectively remove a strip of material from the product stream and cross-cut samplers take a sample from the complete cross-section of the product flow.

The DS-3 sampler takes a product sample from a moving belt conveyor.

Suitable for use with both free and non-free flowing pellets, flakes, granules, grain, seed and powders, the samplers can be installed in screw, drag and pneumatic conveyors, gravity chutes and hoppers, bins, at the ends of conveyor belts and in fluid bed dryers.

Most units are designed to capture a fixed volume of material.

Special models, including the Isolok series, are particularly suitable for friable materials, food and pharmaceutical products.

The strip samplers are mainly used in gravity applications such as chutes, hoppers, bins, air slides, mixers and blenders while the cross-cut samplers are ideal for use in vertical spouts and chutes.

Rotating union senses its medium

2007-05-01T03:00:00.001-07:00

New from Deublin is a bearingless AutoSense long-stroke rotating union for coolant, MQL and air service. The 1154 Series rotary union features patent pending AutoSense technology that automatically changes between closed seals and controlled leakage in response to the media - be it coolant, MQL or air.

The nonrotating element has a long stroke to track drawbar movement even when the union is mounted on a clamping device.

Balanced mechanical seals made from silicon carbide offer long service life.

The Importance of Renewable Energy Resources

2007-04-16T23:15:00.001-07:00

The modern lifestyle depends tremendously on the use and existence of fossil fuels. With levels of these fuels constantly decreasing, we should act now to become less dependant on fossil fuels and more dependent on renewable energy sources.

The decreasing levels of fossil fuels isn't the only reason why we should begin to use renewable energy. Pollution is becoming a huge problem in many countries around the world, especially the developing world. With carbon emissions at an all time high, air quality can be very low in some areas, this can lead to respiratory diseases and cancer.

The main reason to switch to cleaner energy production methods is the global warming aspect. The more carbon dioxide we pump into the atmosphere, the greater the effect becomes. We can't just stop using fossil fuels thinking that global warming will go away, but we can slow down and dilute the effects of global warming through the wide spread use of renewable energy resources.

There are many natural energy sources out there, but you have to decide which method is best for you, as all of these sources depend on your current environment.

The installation of a solar panel or a wind turbine to boost every homes power supply would be an amazing step forward. Some governments are in the process of supplying solar panels to hundreds of households to test this method of energy saving.

A technology set to be very important in the future is geothermal energy. With geothermal energy, you are able to extract heat from within the earth and transform it either into a hot water system, or if there is plenty of this energy, a geothermal power plant. Huge amounts of money have been flowed into research of this method, especially in recent years, in order to make the current technology more effective.

So there we have the reasons why we should turn to renewable energy resources which are more than likely to play a very vital and important role in our future society.

Renewable Energy - Practical Home Options

2007-04-16T23:14:00.002-07:00

As a homeowner, you may be using renewable energy sources. Let's look at a few of these important, powerful sources.

If you use solar powered lights to brighten your walkway, a solar cover on your swimming pool or hang your clothes out to dry, you are already making use of the sun's renewable energy. There are many other renewable energy home options you can take advantage of, and by doing so, help preserve our environment.

The most practical of renewable energy options for the home consist of space heating and domestic hot water. This is over 50% of a household's energy usage. In using renewable energy we can experience cost saving benefits.

Perhaps the best way to take advantage of renewable energy home options is when designing a new house. A southern wall taking advantage of an appropriate amount of windows can take full use of the low sun in the winter. Adding a roof overhang over these windows allow the higher summer sun to be blocked. Also, on a cool day you can open your windows to let a breeze cool off the house and make use of wind energy. You have achieved adding heat in the winter and coolness in the summer, thereby lowering your heating and cooling costs naturally. This is called passive solar heating since it is integrated with no extra costs. You can also do day lighting by taking full advantage of the sunlight during the day to take care of your daytime lighting needs.

Wood stoves can also be advantageous, if using only dead wood, diseased wood or small pellets made from wood chips, crop waste and other organic material for burning. This is a renewable source of heat through the use of space heating. Modern wood burning stoves are highly efficient, making it a more practical option.

A homeowner can also utilize active solar heating. A solar water heater can use renewable solar energy to heat water for a house. This would use solar collector panels placed on a roof. Water runs through pipes under these panels and is heated by the sun. The water travels to a water tank in your home for your use. Electricity can also be produced for a home using the photovoltaic technology. This runs on the same idea as a solar calculator. Solar electricity is ideal for rural homes where it would be difficult to run an electric line to.

Geothermal heat pumps use the heat from the Earth to move heat from one area to another. This system uses a series of underground pipes to move a heat exchange fluid. The heat pump moves this fluid, heated from the earth and transfers it to buildings for use. Initial installation costs are much the same as traditional heating systems, but operational costs are lower.

If you live in a windy part of the country and have quite a bit of land, wind can power a wind turbine to produce electricity for your household. But your location must be ideal to catch wind and you must be able to capture a certain amount for this to work.

These are some home options for renewable energy sources. By trying to utilize some of them we are preparing for our future by using clean energy that does not affect air quality or harm the environment.

How Extracting Geothermal Heat Sources Can Save you Money

2007-04-16T23:14:00.001-07:00

An ever growing burden in today's society is the cost of the average utility bill. Over recent years, especially in the U.K, we have seen continuous price increases regarding gas and electricity bills.

The causes behind the rising prices are primarily political. In recent months, prices have dropped slightly as new pipelines from friendly nations have been connected to the U.K, but do you want to be at mercy from your government and other nations?

A very good way for you to save on your heating bill would be to install a geothermal heating system (or a solar power heating system.) The geothermal energy system works on the basis of the underground placement of pipes, a water pump and an energy efficient boiler.

Water is pumped through one end of the pipes (which are laid about 1 meter underground.) These pipes run for around 100 meters while they are absorbing natural heat from the earth around them.

By the time the water has reached the end of the piping system, it is significantly warmer than when it first started. All that needs to be done now is some extra heating, by the back up (energy efficient) boiler. This extra heating may not be required, depending on the geothermal activity beneath your feet, and the depth of the pipes.

Geothermal energy is very sustainable, the heat is always there. A proven example of this is that geothermal heating equipment is widely used in countries such as Iceland, Norway and Sweden. There is an awful lot of heat beneath all of that snow, and many people harness the energy our earth has to offer.

Heat exchangers.

2007-04-06T04:45:00.001-07:00

Publication: Diesel Progress North American Edition
Date: May 2005
Subject: HVAC industry (Product information), Heat exchangers (Product information)
Product: Heat Exchangers
Location: United States

L&M Radiator has published literature on its Mesabi V-tube core radiator designed for heavy-duty equipment exposed to excessive dirt and debris. The radiator features V-shaped tube finning and "flow through" passages arranged to allow debris to pass through radiator core. The literature also includes contact and ordering information.

SEE DIRECTLINK @ WWW.DIESELPUB.COM

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In addition, make sure to read these articles:

* Cost-effective heat treatment.
* Heat exchangers.
* WATER MONITOR IS MONEY IN THE BANK.
* Equipment Update.
* New line of evaporators.

Heat exchangers for extreme conditions.

2007-04-06T04:44:00.001-07:00

Publication: Products Finishing
Date: Jan 2006
Subject: Heat exchangers, Precious metals industry
Product: Heat Exchangers

The brochure features the SolutionMaster[R] Coils, Teflon[TM] heat exchangers for heating and cooling in extreme conditions. These coils are specifically designed for use by galvanizers, picklers, anodizers, precious metal platers, semiconductor processors and printed circuit board manufacturers.

For more information from Vulcanium Corp., call (847) 498-3111 or enter PF Direct code 776LR at www.pfonline.com

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

In addition, make sure to read these articles:

* Coil heat exchangers.
* Immersion coil and shell-and-tube heat exchangers.
* Matrix Metrologies.
* Evaluation and Selection of Heat Exchangers.
* LITERATURE.

Heat exchangers

2007-04-06T04:43:00.000-07:00

Publication: Food Processing
Date: May 2001
Subject: Heat exchangers, HVAC industry (Product introduction)
Company: ITT Standard (Product introduction)
Product: Heat Exchangers
Location: United States

Pure-Flo heat exchangers from ITT Standard are designed to meet the high quality, cleanliness and flexibility standards required by such applications. These compact units are made of corrosion-resistant materials and are available in a single- or multi-pass design in a variety of interior finishes. A double tubesheet design eliminates potential contamination of tubeside fluid. Pure-Flo heat exchangers meet the sanitary criteria of FDA (CGMP) and 3-A and conform to ASME code and TEMA.

In addition, make sure to read these articles:

* Heat transfer coils.
* Alfa Laval. (Bake Tech).
* Heat exchangers. (Supplier's Marketplace).
* New generation of Contherm[R] Scraped-Surface Heat Exchanger.
* Getting out of a scrape: advances in heat exchanger design offer alternatives to high-maintenance scraped-surface.

Wind turbines go up and away

2007-04-06T04:34:00.001-07:00

A Canadian company is developing turbines based on tethered, rotating balloons.
Magenn Power, based in Ottawa, has been around since 1978 when it developed and demonstrated the idea of a rotating, spherical airship. This rotated backwards about a horizontal axis as it moved forwards in order to take advantage of the Magnus Effect to more than double its lifting ability.
This has led to the idea of the Magenn Air Rotor System (or Mars), in which a tethered balloon is fitted with vanes to make it rotate – generating electric power as it does so. This scheme avoids the expense of having to mount conventional wind turbines on tall towers.
Mac Brown of Magenn Power says: “We are still in prototype phase and need to raise $5 million to finish the prototypes and bring the product into production.”
He estimates the cost of generated power at $3-5 per watt for small units and $1-2 for the larger ones.
“We expect a 10kW unit to cost between $30,000 and $50,000,” he says.
The company has appointed a distributor, Krystal Planet in Kansas. When we asked how the wind turbines would cope with some of the weather they get there, Brown replied: “In hurricane and tornado conditions you must bring the Mars unit to the ground.” More information from Magenn Power

Turbines powered by refuse A 140kW turbine has been developed to run on 13-30% methane – or biogas – which is too lean to be used as fuel by a conventional generating set.
James Oakley, managing director of Turbine Developments in Northern Ireland, says: “This is the only engine capable of this with no pilot fuel.”

It has a specialised combustion system and a purpose-designed engine. The turbine cycle is fairly straightforward, though the turbine is laid out in a special way.
The turbine and generator fit into a 6m shipping container. The engine and combustor have been perfected during three years of tests on a Biffa waste site. The company predicts a market of 665 engines in the UK, generating 93 MW.
The company has evolved out of work begun by Dr David Artt at The Queens University in Belfast on low cost target drone engines.

Extruded tube with twisted fins improves heat exchanger design

2007-04-06T04:33:00.001-07:00

A small UK-based engineering company has developed a novel method of manufacturing heat exchangers which improves the efficiency and cost of manufacturing. Dean Palmer reports

A small engineering firm based in Dartford has developed a novel method of extruding aluminium tubular heat exchangers, that reduces the cost of manufacture and improves the efficiency of the heat exchanger.

Indeed, multi-channel extruded aluminium tube is not a new technique and has been used for many years in the construction of heat exchangers. But efficiency of the units has been limited due to the need to bond an extended surface to the tube in the form of thin, convoluted fins.

The breakthrough comes from Brise Fabrications of Dartford, a four-man engineering company that has recently changed its focus from a manufacturing company that competed with cheaper products from lower labour cost countries, to a firm that now focuses on innovation and finding novel methods of manufacturing. "This is the only way we can stay ahead of Far Eastern manufacturers," explained Tim Brise, MD of the company.

Brise manufactures many types of heat exchanger, mainly for the automotive market. Annual turnover is around £400k. These products are usually fabricated from aluminium using cores that are sourced globally. In order to fabricate solutions for individual customers for diverse custom applications, it is necessary to procure an exact size of core to suit the application. As Tim Brise explained: "The required size of tank, inlet/outlet tubes and mountings are then welded on to produce the finished component."

The cores are normally constructed from aluminium oval, seam welded tube and thin convoluted fin. The tube/fin assembly is assembled with a header plate to the required size, then furnace-brazed to form an integrated unit.

According to Tim Brise, in order to eliminate reliance on outside sources for the cores, the new twisted fin tube was developed. "The manufacturing techniques and processes required to produce a furnace-brazed core required too much investment in tooling and equipment, therefore an innovative solution was needed instead."

Most heat exchanger applications require that the cooling medium and the medium to be cooled have flows that are at 90 degrees to one another. For example, in an air cooled oil radiator, the air flow moves over the tubes containing the oil flow at 90 degrees. In order to produce an extended surface during extrusion, it is only possible that the fins run in the same direction as the tube. Therefore, when the tubes are stacked together, the fins obstruct any flow at 90 degrees.

To solve this problem, Brise has developed a manufacturing technique and special cutting tool that simultaneously twists and shears the axial running continuous fins on the external surface of the tube. The tool was originally a hand tool invented by Tim Brise but this has been superseded by a press tool, jointly developed by Brise and New-Tech Tools based in Swanley, Kent. This purpose-built press tool can now manufacture 900 fins per minute.

Brise's 'twisted fin tube' is extruded with continuous external fins running laterally along its length. In a post-extrusion forming operation, the lateral fins are twisted and sheared into an array of fin segments.

These segments allow air or liquid to flow across the tube surface at right angles to the flow of air or liquid in the internal channels. The segments are angled to promote a turbulent flow, which enhances heat transfer. As Brise explained to Eureka: "Basically, the more tortuous the route a fluid has to take through a heat exchanger, the better that unit's heat transfer characteristics will be."

Most heat exchangers use adhesive to bond the fins to the tube in some form or another. With Brise's design, the twisted fins are formed from the parent material of the tube, so there is no thermal barrier caused by bonding or brazing of the extended surface. Heat transfer is therefore improved and the manufacturing costs of the unit are lower too.

When the tubes are assembled into a complete heat exchanger assembly, the external fin arrays have been designed in such a way as to interlock, which produces a very complex, but thermally efficient path for fluids, while retaining a very low pressure drop.

This interlocking of the fins also reduces the physical size of the assembly but maximises the tube density. The lightweight, fully-welded final assembly can cope with very high pressures and temperatures.

There is no limit to the size (length) or depth of the extrusion. Brise's designs currently use around five layers of fins in the heat exchanger, but this could be increased if desired. GDM Heat Transfer, a company based in Wolverhampton, is currently looking at the development with a view to using it for industrial heat transfer applications.

The development has also been given to Stafford University. According to Tim Brise, the lecturer responsible for testing the design and its heat transfer characteristics remarked that the twisted fin tube "was the most exciting development he had seen in a long time".

Brise's heat exchanger is already being field tested by British Touring Cars and by the Mini Saloon Car Racing team, to give improved performance in oil/water heat exchangers, air/water turbo charge air coolers and air/oil coolers. On the Mini for example, the gearbox and engine share the same oil, so there were lots of cooling issues on the car. Brise's new unit replaces a 19-row oil cooler that is around five times larger and three times heavier than Brise's twisted fin tube. "The temperature of the oil and the water during races so far have proved to be around the same as the original system, except you get the weight and size reduction benefits now," explained Tim Brise.

Many industrial applications could also benefit from the new technique. Variable speed fans, air conditioning units, air compressors and condensers could all perhaps employ similar designs for their cooling cores.

Brise Fabrications is currently looking for partners to help develop new market opportunities for its patent-pending process and to help it investigate new manufacturing techniques for the twisted fin tube such as computerised plasma welding and brazing.

Pointers

* Brise has developed a manufacturing technique and special cutting tool that simultaneously twists and shears the axial running continuous fins on the external surface of the tube

* As well as automotive applications, many other industrial applications could also benefit from the new twisted fin manufacturing technique, including variable speed fans, air conditioning units, air compressors and condensers

* An industrial heat transfer company is currently investigating the technology and Stafford University is testing the efficiency of the device

EUREKA SAYS: The twisted fin tube represents a genuine step change in heat exchanger technology and design. Although originally developed for automotive applications, the device could be adopted for industrial heat transfer applications where the same cooling principles apply

Boilers: this product guide features the company's full-line of cast-iron boilers

2007-03-23T03:37:00.002-07:00

This product guide features the company's full-line of cast-iron boilers as well as water heaters/heat exchangers, radiant systems, accessories, and support programs. Product photos and descriptions are included.

Feeling better than ever

2007-03-23T03:37:00.001-07:00

When a nonprofit rehab facility in Boise needed to expand, officials elected to stick with the previous building's geothermal approach. The new version, chosen largely for its simplicity and cost advantages, heats the hospital's 156,000-sq-ft space well. In fact, from special heat exchangers for therapeutic pools to other touches including filtration, the whole system coalesces to provide comfort for the convalescing.

For more than 50 years, Idaho Elks Rehabilitation Hospital has been providing rehabilitation services to people in the Boise area. The hospital was established in 1947 to offer convalescent care for children recovering from polio. Over the years, the hospital added other programs that required more space, so numerous additions were made to the original one-story hospital.

By the late 1990s, it was no longer feasible to keep adding to the original structure, and it was determined that another hospital had to be built. Consequently, construction on a new hospital commenced, and the state-of-the-art facility was dedicated in May 2001. The $25 million, four story building consists of approximately 156,000 sq ft, with each floor measuring in at around 39,000 sq ft.

The old hospital used a geothermal system to heat the facility, and it was decided that the same type of system should be used for the new building. The rationale was that the engineering staff already knew how the system worked, so it would be a simple transition. In addition, geothermal systems are incredibly energy efficient, so the nonprofit hospital would see the savings reflected in its bottom line.

UNUSUAL CITY OFFERING

It's no surprise that engineers don't normally consider geothermal systems when they're designing mechanical systems for hospitals. The reason for that usually boils down to cost: The first cost of a standalone geothermal system (as opposed to one being served by a heating district) can be four to five times that of a traditional boiler plant, and hospitals usually don't have the cash to invest in such an expensive system.

First cost wasn't really an issue for the Elks hospital, though. That's because the City of Boise operates a geothermal heating district that serves the city's downtown area, The city delivers hot geothermal water to buildings at 155[degrees]F to 165[degrees] and collects the water from customers after the heat is removed. The system currently serves 50 buildings, heating over two million square feet of floor space.

Boise's pricing structure is set to ensure an energy cost savings of 30% over natural gas, based on a comparison of energy usage of geothermal equipment taking 50[degrees] out of the geothermal water and a gas boiler with 75% boiler efficiency. If the geothermal equipment is designed to take more than 50[degrees] from the geothermal water, the savings is even greater.

Charles Paulin, P.E. with Musgrove Engineering (Boise, ID) was the project manager and principal engineer in charge of the Elks hospital design. He noted that whenever his firm does a project within the downtown vicinity, they always take a look at the opportunity to use geothermal.

He said it is very cost-efficient, because it is not necessary to bury miles of pipe somewhere. "The city brings the water to the facility and amortizes the cost over the life of the installation. So in this case, it was a no-cost option for the Elks, because they know they'll recoup that money fairly quickly."

Gregg Heyn, the hospital's director of engineering, noted that the initial cost of the equipment was a little more expensive than a set of packaged hot water boilers. "It also requires a more sophisticated control system. But we wouldn't have the energy savings, which is why we wanted to stay with the geothermal."

The water is delivered to the hospital already pressurized, so there's no need for a pumping system. As Musgrove noted, "We take their water and distribute it through several plate-and-frame heat exchangers, and from there, we just run the building systems through the other sides of the plate-and-frames. It's very cost effective to install."

Depletion of the aquifer has caused the City of Boise to place a moratorium on the use of its high-temperature geothermal district for new buildings (sidebar). Fortunately, the hospital was able to be grandfathered in, due to the fact that it was on the city's geothermal district in its previous facility.

Paulin noted that the city also provides a low-temperature geothermal system that runs through downtown, which uses the wastewater from the facilities using the high-temperature system. "Facilities typically take 50[degrees] or 60[degrees] out of the water, so a lot of times, water is being returned at 110[degrees] to 115[degrees]. The city lets us tap this water for hydronic heat pump systems, which we have been installing in a lot of the downtown office buildings."

MULTIPURPOSE SYSTEM

The hospital uses its geothermal system for heating and domestic hot water purposes. One plate-and-frame heat exchanger is used for the building's heating system and another is used for the domestic hot water. These Alfa Laval heat exchangers were constructed with Type 316 stainless steel.

New Producer Price Index for the Direct Health and Medical Insurance Carriers Industry—NAICS 524114

2007-03-23T03:36:00.001-07:00

In July 2004, in its ongoing effort to expand coverage of the service sector in the Producer Price Index (PPI), the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) introduced a new price index for the direct health and medical insurance carriers industry. This index, NAICS 524114--Direct Health and Medical Insurance Carriers, appears in table 5 of this publication and is available online via the BLS homepage: www.bls.gov. Data are available for December 2002 to present; prior to December 2003, the index is published as discontinued series SIC 6325.

The primary output of this industry is the contractual transfer of the risk for payment of medical costs and financial intermediation. The policy underwritten by the insurer represents a unique output. The policy lists the conditions for which restitution would be made to the policyholder to cover medical costs. The amount of risk being transferred to the insurer is clearly stated in terms of covered benefits (and benefits not covered), and it obligates the insurer to pay claims for all such occurrences. The indexes for this industry measure the change in the total premium (employee and employer contribution) paid to the insurer plus the return on the invested portion of the premium.

COOLANT CONFUSION: It's Not Easy Being Green . . . or Yellow or Orange or . . .

2007-03-23T03:35:00.001-07:00

With so many different coolants out there, it's important-make that essential-to know what's safe to put in where, and when.

Lift the hood of a new Ford vehicle and you're likely to see a yellow coolant in the overflow jug and an interesting label on it. In pictorial language it says "Do not use orange coolant; yellow coolant is okay."

Sounds pretty straightforward, right? It isn't. Lift the hood of another Ford product (in this case, a Taurus with the pushrod V6) and you'll see that same label, but the jug contains orange coolant. Wait a minute. Something clearly is very wrong. It cautions "don't use orange," but the factory-installed coolant is orange.

Lift the hood of a Chrysler product and you'll see orange coolant in the jug and a "special engine coolant only" warning on the cap. Isn't DexCool the special coolant, and isn't it orange? Yes to both questions, but Chrysler Group says don't use DexCool in its products. It's confusing, to say the least.

The basic answers to what coolant to use where, and when, are pretty simple, but when you go past that, you're getting into some pretty complex territory. And you have to know what coolant you're dealing with to be sure you're doing no harm.

Longtime MOTOR readers know that the color of the coolant dye really is meaningless. Dye should help you spot a leak, but that's about it. But with these seemingly contradictory warning labels, you really need a basic understanding of what's been happening with coolant formulations and colorings.

You may remember that about 93% of most coolant is ethylene glycol, another few percentage points are water and/or a solvent to keep rust/corrosion inhibitors in solution and the remainder are those inhibitors. The inhibitors make a huge difference, and they're what all the arguments are about.

Didn't we talk about all these coolants last year? You bet, and we'll probably be talking about them for years to come. Since last year, however, Honda and Toyota have moved strongly into extended-life organic acid technology (OAT) coolants. Yes, DexCools also are OATs, but these Japanese formulas are not DexCool, and the two car companies have indicated they absolutely, positively don't want DexCool-type coolants used in their vehicles.

Nevertheless, you have to pick something to install, and to top up with, and we've learned that the systems are not necessarily forgiving of some mixtures of different coolants. There are circumstances where an unfavorable mixture can cause an increase in corrosion.

Taking these issues a step further, this year we've seen more cases that contribute to coolant confusion. These days, it's all too easy to make a mistake.

You have to appreciate a bit of chemistry about the various formulas. You've got to know in basic terms what's different about the different coolants-both conventional and extended-life types-and what it means when you have to pick one. Yes, that includes a bit about the dye colors.

What's In DexCool?

You should know that the term "orange coolant" has come to mean a DexCool-approved brand but that doesn't mean it's really true. If you make this assumption, you'd be wrong. It's what Fords warning labels could be interpreted to refer to, so that label doesn't serve to clarify things (certainly not when a Ford system contains a very different-non-DexCool, but orange-dyed-coolant). The discontinued Mercury Cougar was an exception; it did contain an orange coolant similar to DexCool.

The "DexCool" designation means the coolant passes General Motors performance testing. Although DexCool is not a specific formula, all three brands that have the label (Texaco Havoline, Prestone Extended Life and Zerex Extended Life) are somewhat similar. In particular, they're OAT coolants, but the similarities go beyond that basic description.

All DexCool-approved coolants to date use two organic acid rust/corrosion inhibitors, one called sebacate, the other called 2-EHA (which stands for 2-ethylhexanoic acid). These organic acids are very stable and last a long time, although they take thousands of miles to become fully effective in protecting coolant passages.

GM recommends a DexCool change every five years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. Because most people drive 15,000 to 20,000 miles a year, that translates to a five-year replacement interval. As noted, the thousands of miles required to protect metal is an important trade-off for that longer life. Although like conventional coolants, OATs also contain other inhibitors, for targeted protection.

The inhibitor 2-EHA works well in hard water and is more effective than sebacate at lower pH levels (when the coolant moves from the alkaline end toward the acid side), particularly for cast iron. Well, GM has a number of cast-iron engines. When there's a low coolant level in the coolant passages, the exposed cast iron rusts. Apparently, that rust is washed away later by flowing coolant, and is deposited in the heat exchangers. It eventually produces the rust powder problems that have been so widely observed (see MOTOR's August 2002 issue at www.motor.com). Why does the coolant level in these engines drop? The original radiator cap design was blamed for some of the issue, but there probably are a number of causes, including owner neglect and normal seepage. However, the rust powder issue is not a problem that was observed with the previously used conventional American coolant.

Associations, societies, & government activities

2007-03-23T03:34:00.000-07:00

Ask Congressmen to visit

This election year, during the August summer recess, as members of the U.S. Congress return to their home districts, the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute is urging its members to invite their local representatives to tour their manufacturing facilities.

"With all of the U.S. House of Representatives and a third of the Senate up for election, your elected representatives look for this type of opportunity to visit voters," said Don Davis, ARI director of legislative affairs.

ARI also announced a new Web site, www.ari.org/cert, which contains several hundred pages about its certification programs, including product descriptions and free performance standard downloads, utility rebate tips, information on bid solicitations, and details of ARI's certification programs. ARl also announced a revision of its Standard 700-2004, "Specification for Fluorocarbon Refrigerants."

ASSE adds Ecuador units

Expanding its membership to South America, the American Society of Safety Engineers formed an Ecuador section at its House of Delegates meeting june 7 in Las Vegas, but safety issues in South America "are still viewed as an expenditure, not as an investment, by many local corporations," according to Fernando L. Benalcazar, a health and safety manager for EnCanEcuador, Quito, Ecuador.

"Recent legislation in Ecuador is calling for a larger commitment from the private sector," Benalcazar said. "Through the new ASSE Ecuador section, safety, health, and engineering professionals in Ecuador will be able to gain the latest safety information and technology, enhance awareness, help regulatory compliance, and share lessons, learning instead of reinventing the wheel on safety, health, and engineering issues."

ASSE applauded the enactment of the U.S. "Standards Development Organization Advancement Act."

Phasing out refrigerants

An educational session on U.S.-Canadian regulatory and phase -out guidelines for R-22 refrigerants is to be the major topic of the annual conference of the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Sept. 30-Oct. 2. Ted Gartland and Ron Vogel of Honeywell Refrigerants will highlight regulatory guidelines for R-22 in the U.S. and Canada. Technical sessions will be held on refrigerants 407C and 410A.

The conference will also offer an educational session on brazed plate heat exchanger, led by James E. Bogart of Flat/Plate, Inc., including a brief history of exchangers, construction, installation tips covering evaporators, condensers, subcoolers, desuperheaters, fluidto-fluid units, steam-to-fluid units, and swimming pools.

Conference attendees can take exams for certificates during the conference. Information on fees and registration is available from (800) 310 -6853 and (317)718 -5910 and by fax at (317) 718 -5912.

Distributors optimistic

More than 80% of electrical distributors responding to a National Association of Electrical Distributors survey estimated sales increases for the first half of 2004. The survey was distributed in early April to 30 ,0 700 distributors. NAED did not report the response percentage, but said that second -quarter expectations were "bright, although a little more cautious in the volume of sales expected."

NAED's Western Region, which had been the least optimistic in the first quarter, had the largest percentage of distributors experiencing increased sales. The Southern Region was second, followed by the Midwestern and Northeastern distributors.

hvac: The New Realities of HVAC Design

2007-03-23T03:32:00.002-07:00

HVAC systems have been rapidly growing more complex, thanks in part to new factors to the equation. Today's systems are expected to meet changing heating and air conditioning needs, while performing at higher levels of energy efficiency than systems installed as recently as 10 years ago. At the same time, they must meet new standards for indoor air quality and communicate with other building systems.

The equation has become even more complex with the recognition of the role HVAC systems play in protecting the health and safety of the building occupants. Aware of system vulnerabilities, facility executives are striving to protect facilities and occupants from the threat of chemical and biological threats, whether accidental or intentional.

The challenge to system designers and facility executives is achieving goals for improved system performance, efficiency and security without making systems unaffordable or unmanageable. At first glance, the challenge may seem tough enough in new system design, and overwhelming in retrofit applications. Fortunately there are options that allow facility executives to reach many of these goals, and to do so without breaking the bank or creating systems that cannot be maintained.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

The energy efficiency of HVAC systems and equipment has been improving steadily for many years.

New-generation chillers offer peak operating efficiencies that are 25 percent higher than those of only 10 or 15 years ago. Even higher annual operating efficiencies can be achieved by adding variable frequency drives to both older and new-generation chillers.

Similar improvements in operating efficiency can be achieved with boiler systems. New condensing boilers offer an operating efficiency of about 92 percent, as opposed to 75 to 85 percent for older units. On an annual basis, this improvement in operating efficiency reduces energy use by 20 to 25 percent.

Further improvements in boiler operating efficiency can be achieved by adding such features as oxygen trim controls and economizers. Conventional boiler controls are set to provide 10 to 20 percent excess combustion air to eliminate the generation of smoke under a wide range of boiler loads. Oxygen trim controls allow clean operation of the boilers with as little as 5 percent excess air, significantly increasing the boiler's operating efficiency.

One way to improve boiler efficiency is to use a modulating control. Conventional boiler controls shut down the boiler for a short period of time when the load is satisfied. As pressure and temperature fall in the system, the boiler fires. This cycling of the boiler reduces overall operating efficiency. In contrast, modulating boilers automatically vary boiler firing to match the load. This typically results in an increase in annual operating efficiency of approximately 10 percent over conventional boilers.

Economizers can be used to recover heat from the flue gas and transfer it to the boiler feed water, raising the overall operating efficiency. As a rule of thumb, for every 10-degree Fahrenheit increase in feed water temperature, boiler efficiency is improved by 1 percent.

Energy efficiency can also be improved by careful selection of electric motors used in pump and fan systems. Motor efficiency has steadily been improving. While high-efficiency motors are more costly than standard efficiency ones, the additional first costs can typically be recovered in one to two years.

MATCHING THE LOAD

One of the most significant changes in HVAC system design practice today is right sizing. In the past, it was accepted practice to calculate the loads that the system would have to meet, then add anywhere from 20 to 50 percent additional capacity. Several factors combined to make this the long-accepted practice.

One factor was that load estimates used in sizing equipment were just that - estimates. Without today's modeling tools, it was too time-consuming to calculate loads more accurately. Designers would use rules of thumb, then round the numbers upward.

Another factor was the belief that additional capacity provided flexibility. Oversizing systems was intended to offer spare capacity in the event of changes to operations within the building. In practice, however, changes in operations either had little impact on total building loads, or they were so significant that additional or specialized systems had to be installed anyway. The result was that the spare capacity was rarely needed.

Designers also liked to build in a safety factor for system deterioration over time. As dirt accumulated on fan blades or within ductwork, it reduced the possible airflow through the system. Similarly, scaling and corrosion within boilers, chillers and heat exchangers reduced the efficiency and capacity of the equipment. To compensate for these losses, designers simply increased the size of the components.

TARGETING PEAK EFFICIENCY

While having some additional capacity is a necessity, 20 to 50 percent spare capacity is rarely advisable. The additional capacity increases installation and maintenance costs without providing any benefit. Even worse, oversizing in almost all applications decreases operating efficiency. Practically all HVAC equipment operates at its peak efficiency at or near its full-load rating. Operating under part-load conditions can significantly reduce this efficiency.

Integrated design intent: remember the big picture when you do your DID

2007-03-23T03:32:00.001-07:00

The basis of a strong commissioning program has always been a strong design intent document (DID). Commissioning has also been a process focused on building "systems" as opposed to individual pieces of equipment. As such, most of the DIDs I've seen over the past few years have been organized in terms of systems--i.e., one section for the HVAC system, one section for the fire alarm system, one section for the lighting system, and so on.

This is a great improvement over the first generation of DIDs, which were organized around pieces of equipment--fans, pumps, heat exchangers, generators, transfer switches, light fixtures, etc. The owners and designers who thought in those terms were really regurgitating equipment schedule information and thinking it was a DID. A true DID is something that defines the owner's desired performance from groups of individual pieces of equipment working together as systems. Examples include temperature, humidity, IAQ, noise levels, light levels, smoke removal rates, etc.

As I have been working with systems-based DIDs, however, I am seeing a tendency for them to be compartmentalized and divvied up between the various disciplines, particularly during the design phase. Similarly, the electrical engineers are focusing only on the electrical DID "sections," fire protection engineers are only looking at the fire protection system "sections," and so forth. Perhaps most common is the misconception that if the "building envelope" is not being commissioned, the architectural designers need not be concerned with the DID performance criteria at all.

This can, and has, led to one of the very problems commissioning is trying to prevent, which is poor coordination between the disciplines. Whenever we try to break down a building's performance criteria into discipline-specific sections, we encourage nonintegrated design. One of the typical challenges in this approach is determining where certain criteria belong in the DID. For example, if you need exhaust fans on backup electrical power, do you put that redundancy criterion in the HVAC or electrical section?

AN ENCOMPASSING VIEW

I propose that DIDs need to take a larger view and present the functional performance criteria in terms of an integrated building. What is it that the owner is really looking for? In some of the more complex facilities, the critical criteria vary from space type to space type, and that's how the owner will be judging the adequacy of the final product. The criteria may also vary from enduser to enduser (e.g., a certain piece of equipment needs specific pressure, amperage, or ventilation). Let's consider organizing our DIDs in this format. The benefits should be a more integrated design approach and a DID that an owner may be able to relate to better.

One example would be to define the performance criteria for an auditorium, which is often one space within a larger building. Instead of defining the HVAC, electrical, lighting, life safety, and architectural features all in discipline-specific sections, try defining exactly how the auditorium needs to operate as an integrated space. Let's look at some factors involved.

Noise. Noise is often one of the most critical criteria for an auditorium. Architectural finishes and furnishings (carpet, wall coverings, ceilings, seats, curtains, etc.) have a huge impact on final space noise levels. Of course, the HVAC system is another system that has a major impact on noise levels. If you were to bury noise level criteria into a single discipline (HVAC is the typical section), are you putting the onus for noise levels in the auditorium onto the mechanical designer alone? The mechanical engineer won't take on that responsibility and, in many cases, will simply use the DID noise criteria as the "selection point" for duct sizing and diffuser selection without coordinating with the architects at all.

Lighting. Lighting is another system that always needs to be integrated, regardless of what type of space is being served. Achieving light level criteria is heavily dependent on ceiling heights; walls, ceiling, and floor colors; and electrical power supply. The lighting designer cannot be made solely responsible for achieving foot-candle goals without collaborating with the architects and electrical engineers.

Relative humidity. Some auditoriums, particularly those housing costly musical instruments, may have different relative humidity requirements than the rest of the building. That seems like an obvious criterion to place in an HVAC-only DID section. However, that mindset ignores the fact that a different relative humidity level will necessitate a vapor barrier around the auditorium, and that is an architectural responsibility.

MicroThermics, Inc

2007-03-23T03:30:00.001-07:00

MicroThermics specializes (and down) of, UHT/HTST aseptic, pasteurization, hot-fill, and continuous cooking processes. Our laboratory processors simulate the entire process, not just the hold time and temperature. We enable researchers to produce production quality Milk, Nutritional Beverages, Soy/Milk Beverages, Juices, Puddings, Baby Foods and more right in the lab!

Our equipment is heat sterilizable and has flow rates of 300 to 4000 mLs/min. Our customized processors are available with: electric hot water or steam heat, steam injection, in-line homogenization, sanitary welding, tube or plate heat-exchangers, vacuum cooling, multi-heating/cooling steps, multiple hold tubes, Ultra-Clean Filling, and more.

We also offer Miniature Plant Trial Services at our facility for all your UHT and HTST processing. We have process analysis and consulting to ensure the simulation of your production process. Let our trained staff help you produce your next samples. We have indirect, direct steam injection and microwave heating, in-line homogenization, deaeration, custom hold times, and ultra clean filling.

A new horizon at Verizon

2007-03-23T03:29:00.000-07:00

In the wake of a disaster that left a major facility with massive damage and dust up to its cooling towers, the telecommunications company moved swiftly to rebuild this Manhattan location. The consulting firm improved on the original by rethinking mechanical room location, improving redundancy, and expanding the life safety system. Now, the building is ready to serve its occupants better, in case of emergency or just another day at the office.

Among the damage from the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks was Verizon's 140 West Street facility in lower Manhattan. Located just across the street from Ground Zero, the original New York Telephone Company headquarters building, constructed in 1926, suffered major damage. Falling steel pierced its walls and facade, tearing open gaping holes. Water from fire hoses and broken water mains flooded its basement vaults, which shorted out cables not already severed by the fallen steel, destroyed the electrical switchgear, ripped loose fuel tanks, and severely compromised the chiller plant. On the exterior, mountains of debris several stories high blocked the ducts, and a thick coating of dust blanketed everything, up to the rooftop cooling towers.

As one of Verizon's largest office buildings in the United States, and its largest switching center in NYC, the 1 million-sq-ft, 32-story structure is a critical telecommunications facility, serving some 300,000 voice lines and 3.5 million data circuits, as well as circuits connected to other telecommunications companies. Within a month, Verizon launched a reconstruction program to both repair the historic structure and improve its systems to better meet present and future needs. Consulting engineers Syska Hennessy Group joined the effort, initially to evaluate the condition of the building, and then to assess the space and develop several options to rehabilitate and/or replace the systems.

The team's objective was to create a state-of-the-art telecommunications center in a landmark building, with a complete infrastructure upgrade that would suit both the telecommunication functions on the lower floors and the administrative functions on the upper ones. Syska Hennessy Group was responsible for the design of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, life safety, and central utilities systems.

All the new MEP systems and equipment were designed to furnish the capacity and flexibility necessary for the possible addition of telecommunications equipment in the future. Another key goal was to provide backup for the systems by building in redundancy and to make provisions for essential MEP services to be brought in from outside in the event of emergencies.

The design team also had to contend with a number of other challenges. First, the work had to be carried out expeditiously to complete the rehabilitation as soon as possible. In order to move it along quickly according to construction priorities, the team broke the work down into individual design and construction packages. For example, they issued design documents for the 17th floor, where the new fan farm would be located, as a single package.

Furthermore, the critical nature of the building meant that telecommunication operations could not be interrupted and that existing systems had to keep functioning while the new ones were being built and integrated into the structure. Thus, the new chiller plant on the first floor had to be constructed while the electrical service was maintained just below it, so work could not be performed in that area. In addition, the plant was designed for installation while a satellite chiller plant was kept in operation. Finally, because the building has landmark status, specific guidelines to avoid interfering with its historic features also came into play.

GREATER COOLING REQUIREMENTS

Technological changes that permit a larger number of processes executed by ever-smaller equipment have led to higher electrical loads per square foot and the need for greater cooling in a building of this type. Therefore, an entirely new central refrigeration plant was built to produce all the chilled water required for cooling the facility.

Redundancy was built into the plant by utilizing four 800-ton-capacity electric centrifugal chillers with associated chilled and condenser water pumps for an N + 1 capacity. The design also allows for the future connection up to 1,600 tons of additional capacity should the cooling load grow in the future. The plant includes two plate-and-frame-type heat exchangers to provide free cooling when outdoor conditions permit. To prevent damage or outage in case of flooding, the plant was located on the first floor, rather than in the basement where the previous one had been.

Each of the telecommunications floors from three to ten received two mechanical equipment rooms (MERs), at diagonally opposite corners, to reduce the risk of losing both in the event of an emergency. Each of the MERs includes two AHUs, either one of which is capable of handling the entire design load. In this state-of-the-art cooling system, the air is distributed beneath raised floors, leaving the maximum space free to house switching equipment. To protect the telecommunications equipment, water risers run through the MERs rather than through the telecomm space.

A solution for thermal pollution

2007-03-23T03:28:00.000-07:00

Using nearby water for cooling in industrial applications and then returning that water to the source is a traditional maneuver, but it can also damage local aquatic life and violate EPA regulations. Now more than ever, cooling towers are being used to precool that water before discharge, diverting rejected heat into the atmosphere instead. Learn the costs and benefits of a few configurations, along with tips for dealing with blowdown and effluent within the facility itself.

Warm water can be found in a number of different areas in nature--for example, hot springs or water warmed by volcanic activity. Warm water can become a problem, however, when it is created by man and introduced into nature. An example of this is when the water used to cool power plants or other industrial applications is discharged into streams, rivers, and lakes.

This is known as thermal pollution or thermal discharge, and it is the introduction of waste heat into bodies of water that support aquatic life. The addition of heat reduces the water's ability to hold dissolved gases, including the oxygen required for aquatic life. If the water temperature is greater than 95[degrees]F, the dissolved oxygen content may be too low to support some species. If the differential temperature is too large, the difference can also stress some species.

As a result, thermal pollution can wreak havoc on native fish species, such as trout, that require cold water with high levels of dissolved oxygen. When the water becomes warmer, other non-native fish that thrive in the warmth can take over habitats from native fish. In addition, warmer water allows bacterial populations to increase and thrive, and algae "blooms" may occur.

Regulators and lawmakers in the United States long ago recognized that thermal pollution is a problem and addressed the issue in Section 316(a) of the EPA Clean Water Act. States and other regulatory agencies use those guidelines to require power plants and industries to limit warm water discharges back into surface waters, sometimes by way of cooling towers.

GROWING NEED FOR TOWERS

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, about 48% of all freshwater and saline-water withdrawals for 2000 were used for thermoelectric power. Most of this water was derived from surface water and used for once through cooling at power plants. About 52% of fresh surface water withdrawals and about 96% of saline water withdrawals were for thermoelectric power use.

This large amount of water is needed by power plants due to the fact that over the years, there has been an ever-increasing need for electricity. This means power plants are expected to run at near maximum output for a large part of the year. The cheapest and easiest method for power plants to operate has always been to withdraw water from a nearby body of water, pass it through the plant, and return the heated water to the same body of water.

These once-through cooling systems now require very strict environmental permits, issued in accordance with the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System. The permits vary from state to state and location to location and may have different requirements. For example, some permits require that the plant must discharge the water within a temperature differential limit over the temperature of the intake water. Other permits have an ultimate limit; in other words, they can't ever exceed a specific temperature. Still other permits have both differential and ultimate limits.

Depending on the permit, restrictions are often magnified during low river or lake levels, or drought conditions. That's because most utilities see their peak loads in the summer months, when air conditioning loads are high. In addition, water temperatures are at their highest in the summer, which can make it difficult for power plants to comply with permit requirements.

Cooling towers provide one way in which power plants can follow permit restrictions. "Cooling towers are the surest way to solve thermal pollution problems, because the cooling results can be predicted with a high degree of accuracy prior to installing the towers," said Robert C. Brink, president and CEO of Tower Tech, Inc. in Oklahoma City.

Since the need for cooling towers can be seasonal, some power plants rent cooling towers as needed. In months where plants are bumping their thermal limits, they can install rental cooling towers to cool the effluent, provided there is reasonable access. "These facilities pump all or part effluent through the cooling tower and then back to the discharge to diminish the ultimate temperature before it reaches the surface water," said Kent Zammit, manager for cooling water technologies at Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) in Palo Alto, CA.

These installations are easier in the presence of a discharge canal that provides access to the heated effluent and diffusion of the cooled water back into the effluent.

ONCE-THROUGH OPTIONS

Cooling towers use evaporation to cool water, and their ability to cool is driven largely by the difference between the wetbulb temperature and the desired cold water temperature. "Of course," Brink said, "a cooling tower uses other variables to provide a certain amount of cooling, such as fill media, fans, motors, tower size, but it is this temperature differential that enables a cooling tower to cool water by evaporation."

TLC For Your Furnace - Avoiding Premature Failure of Heat Exchangers

2007-02-15T22:06:00.000-08:00

Ever notice how your car seems to run better right after an oil change, especially if you wash and wax it? Well, it's the same for your furnace... don't laugh, I'm serious!

The main component of heating units, both forced air and hot water, is the heat exchanger. This component takes the heat produced by burning fuel and transfers it to the water or air for distribution throughout the house. In a hot water system this component is usually concealed from view, and in a forced air unit only 10 to 25% (sometimes it's completely hidden) of this component is typically visible without disassembly.

Cut-away view of a modern forced-air gas furnaceModern forced-air gas furnace:

1. Solid-state furnace control (Fan assembly visible at lower rear)

2. Draft inducer (fan-forced exhaust)

3. Igniter and flame sensor

4. Gas valve and manifold

5. Gas burners

6. Heat exchanger(s)

7. Air filters

(Configuration will vary between models)

What usually makes heat exchangers inoperative is developing a hole or a crack that allows the hot water to escape, or exhaust from the combustion fuel to escape into the interior air of the home. Constant heating and cooling from years of use will eventually cause a heat exchanger to crack, however some last longer than others. Under ideal conditions, many survive well beyond their predicted life spans.

It seems regular cleaning and maintenance play a factor in life expectancy, as does the environment surrounding the unit. Damp environments tend to assist the build-up of rust on the heat exchanger, shortening its life, while dry, clean environments tend to increase the life span of most furnaces.

Reduced airflow...

Dirty air filters and fan blades, dirty ductwork and obstructed air vents can all contribute to wear on fan motors, reduced efficiency and even premature failure of heat exchangers. Fuel-fired forced-air furnaces are prone to overheating due to obstructions to airflow. Modern furnaces are designed to shut down if temperatures become dangerously high... however, moderately elevated internal temperatures caused by dirt, dust and debris may not be high enough to switch off a furnace, while remaining high enough to cause metal fatigue over extended periods of time.

An annual internal inspection by a licensed burner mechanic or gas fitter, including cleaning and testing for exhaust leaks, should cost between $50 and $100. Considering the implications, I'd say that's a real bargain! Why not have your furnace inspected, and treat yourself to some peace of mind? For those of you with gas furnaces or wood stoves, a carbon monoxide (CO) detector ($30-$45) is an inexpensive means of protection against the possibility of exhaust leaks, between inspections.

Waste not

2007-02-10T04:30:00.002-08:00

Energy and operational savings turn facilities into A PROFIT CENTER

Visit Victor Atherton, the associate vice president of facility administration at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Fla., and you will likely find him fiddling with programmable thermostats, compact fluorescent lamps and valves on low-flow plumbing fixtures. And that's before he leaves for the office.

Once at work, he moves on to his professional challenge: figuring out how to reduce energy and operating costs to run the 100 university-owned facilities on the same amount of money as in 1989.

"Energy conservation has always been important to me in my personal and professional life," Atherton says. "If you come to my house, you would lind compact fluorescent lamps, a programmable thermostat, high-efficiency air conditioning equipment and water-saving plumbing fixtures - all installed long before they were code-required."

Atherton is on a mission to snuff out energy inefficiency and any other waste that forces him to spend even a penny more than he did 14 years ago to operate the 4 million square feet that comprise the university's Coral Gables campus facilities. The reason he lives with such a tight budget restriction is simple: He asked for it.

Atherton moved to the main campus at a time when incandescent light bulbs, proprietary control systems and inefficient use of chiller plants were the norm. After seeing how the various systems could be upgraded and made more efficient, Atherton went to top university administrators with a proposition.

Atherton wanted the university to freeze the facilities budget at its 1989 level in exchange for being allowed to keep within the department any money he didn't spend. He would still get increases allocated for university-mandated raises and new buildings, but that's it. Any additional funds he needed would have to be borrowed from the university and repaid.

While the proposal sounded risky to some, Atherton knew there was enough inefficiency within the department for him to not only live within the budget, but to sock away extra to start reducing a deferred maintenance backlog. From the university's perspective, Atherton says, the arrangement made it easy on the financial people because facilities would no longer be nagging for more money.

"They love it," he says. "They absolutely love it."

With the university in agreement with his proposal, Atherton took to zapping squandered kilowatt-hours. One of the largest energy-saving projects the facility department undertook involved integrating three chilled water plants into a single chilled water loop.

When the project started in 1992, the university used three chilled water plants to cool 13 buildings. One plant served seven buildings, another served five and the third was serving only the library. Atherton's plan called for creating a single chilled water loop, connecting the three plants and converting old buildings to chilled water - creating a "conduit of efficiency," Atherton says. "When it was completed we could run the entire academic campus on one chilled water plant. The other two could be used as backup systems."

To implement the plan, Atherton first had to go to the board of trustees and borrow money to build the loop. Borrowing the money was no hurdle because calculations showed the savings the university would realize through the new loop would repay the school in less than three years. As the plan progressed, Atherton realized there were more advantages to be had. The university was able to upgrade all of its chillers to high-efficiency units and install variable speed pumping units. Sixty-one percent of costs of those upgrades were paid through energy grants and rebates from the local utility, so he only had to borrow 39 percent of project costs.

The university started saving money immediately. The chilled water loop allowed the university to cool 22 buildings from a single chiller plant and add 1,235 tons of new load. At the same time, the university qualified for a new lower electricity rate. Where the school had been paying 8 to 10 cents per kilowatt-hour to produce air conditioning, it was now paying 5.8 cents. The new rate and the increased efficiency of the chillers - .51 kw per ton instead of 1 kw per ton -saved the university $800,000 annually. In addition, it has 100 percent backup cooling capacity in the two remaining plants that were once used for prime cooling.

ENERGY MATTERS

Since Atherton moved to the main campus, energy use at the university has been cut by 25 percent per square foot. He says the reduction would have been 6 percent greater if it weren't for the addition of computers, Internet servers and other electronic equipment in the past decade or so. Atherton says the facility department essentially financed the additional energy costs created by the computer revolution.

That Atherton would concentrate efforts on reducing energy used by HVAC systems should surprise no one. In addition to having earned a degree in mechanical engineering, he developed hands-on and technical skills regarding air-conditioning systems through work to earn his journeyman and master mechanical licenses. A lot of the influence to learn about those systems came in high school when Atherton was pulling wires and mounting electrical boxes to help his dad's part-time air conditioning contracting business. He even learned enough about metalwork to fabricate ductwork.

Mercedes' virtual reliance: the centerpiece of Mercedes' design strategy isn't real. It's virtua

2007-02-10T04:30:00.001-08:00

Virtual reality is the backbone of engineering for us," says Dr. Bharat Balasubramanian, vice president of development for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, while standing within the virtual reality (VR) center at the Mercedes-Benz Technology Center in Sindelfingen, Germany, where all Mercedes-Benz vehicles are designed. The importance of VR at Mercedes can be assessed from the fact that the VR center opened a mere three years ago in April 2000, but was doubled in size a year later. Now it's a critical part of Mercedes' ambitious plan to make twice as many new models in half the time it did just a few years ago. (Ten new vehicles in the four year period ending with 2005 is the goal.)

Balasubramanian says the initial hurdle that VR had to overcome was convincing executives that were used to seeing and touching clay models that they could make design decisions based solely on 3-D projections. The development of the SLK, he explains, helped accomplish this in that the executives saw that their VR-based decisions were precisely reflected in physical models. Now every development program has a digital phase that simulates packaging, functionality, assembly and durability, and leads directly to the creation of a physical model. For major model changes, Balasubramanian says the development process involves three full cycles where VR simulations lead to the creation of prototypes, and information taken from the prototypes are used to refine the VR model. For minor changes or model variants only one or two cycles are required.

Although a great deal of public attention is on the simulation of entire vehicles, 70% of all VR simulation time at Sindelfingen is centered on component-level work: checking the relationship of parts of one another. Ergonomic studies also consume lots of time in the VR environments known as "CAVEs" (Cave Automatic Virtual Environments), where full-size, 3D images are projected on three walls. For example, to test driver ergonomics, special interior bucks are rolled into the CAVEs that employ force feedback to combine with the VR images and create realistic driving experiences. Also, 800 Sindelfingen workers, who have been classified by height and weight and indentified as test subjects, "drive" the bucks to help Mercedes ensure that future vehicles can be operated by a wide range of people. (Interestingly, Balasubramanian says that a vehicle interface similar to BMW's complicated iDrive was tested at the VR center, but the feedback indicated that a simpler system was needed.)

While reducing the time and costs associated with building physical prototypes are usually cited as the chief reasons Sot the expanded use of VR in automotive development, Balasubramanian says that Mercedes is not participating in the race to shave as many months as possible ors of development schedules. He expects that even with the extensive use of VR the development of all-new vehicles will still take between 30 and 40 months. And though this time is significantly shorter than in the pre-VR era and is the key to Mercedes aggressive new model plan, speed is not the main goal. "We are trying to achieve high product maturity," he says, "We're not trying to be the fastest."

BETTER MOLD STEEL

As automotive designers pursue mare ambitious uses of plastics, the pressure is on mold tool makers to continually improve their products. Recognizing the need For higher performing fool steels, Bohler Uddeholm [Rolling Meadows, IL) has developed a new premium grade stainless tool steel called Stavax Supreme, that if says solves many of the current problems of mold tool steels. Top on the list is greater corrosion resistance. Bohler Uddeholm's technical manager, James Kaszynski, points out that molders can experience a lot or down time because of corrosion-related maintenance like surface re-polishing and coaling channel re-drilling. Corrosion also causes higher reject rates, especially for molders of high-quality transparent parts like automotive lenses. He says Stavax Supreme is far more corrosion resistant than current mold steels which confers many benefits: lower mold maintenance costs, elimination of humidity protection, and better heat transfer characteristics and cooling efficiency for more consistent cycle times. Kaszynski says that the steel is also crack resistant, has good ductility and toughness and excellent through-hardening properties. Bohler Uddeholm is targeting second tier lighting suppliers and currently has 12 trials underway in North America and 10 in Europe.--KEW

COST VS. TECHONOLGY

The near-constant talk in the industry about lowering costs and, by association, using China as a supply base has a number of suppliers in high dudgeon, and suggesting it could put a chill on technical innovation. However, Delphi's vice chairman and chief technology officer, Don Runkle, doesn't quite see it that way.

"Each OEM has a different perspective in terms of cost and innovation," he said, adding, "You can't say that all OEMs are the same," according to Runkle, "because they each have a distinct business model that follow. Still," he says in a manner that puts an emphatic close to the cost question, "automakers often get the suppliers they deserve."

Hydrocracker primer

2007-02-10T04:29:00.000-08:00

Many refineries employ hydrocracking technology to convert heavy hydrocarbon oils into lighter and more valuable products. Here's a typical flow sheet for a single stage hydrocracking process.

Hydrocarbon liquid and hydrogen feed into the hydrocracker. Hydrocrackers are capable of processing a wide range of liquid hydrocarbon feed stocks, but typically process heavy oils such as vacuum gas oils and atmospheric residuals. The hydrogen-hydrocarbon feed blend is typically heated in a fired heater and sent to the reactors, where the cracking reaction occurs. After heat exchange, operators separate the hydrocarbon products from hydrogen and light gases in a series of separators and flash drums. They process hydrocarbon products further in a fractionation section. Both heavy hydrocarbon liquids and hydrogen are recyclable.

The reactions taking place in the hydrocracker process include cracking, whereby long-chain hydrocarbons break into smaller chains, and hydrogenation, where any free radicals or double bonds are saturated. The end result is a hydrocarbon product whose average molecular weight is much smaller than the molecular weight of the feed. The overall reaction set is significantly exothermic. Under some circumstances, heat generated in the reaction may increase the temperature of the catalyst bed, leading to increased reaction rates and more heat generation. This effect can spiral out of control and result in a potential loss of integrity of the reactor vessel or piping due to excessive temperature.
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The reaction occurs as liquid hydrocarbon contacts a fixed bed of catalyst with excess hydrogen at a high pressure. During normal operation, adding a cold hydrogen quench to sweep away the heat of reaction to the downstream heat exchangers controls temperature. In an emergency situation, depressuring the reactor can stop the reaction. When a depressuring occurs, the reactor pressure, and thus the partial pressure of hydrogen, decreases. The decrease in hydrogen partial pressure essentially decreases the concentration of reactant available, and in accordance with traditional chemical reaction kinetics, the reaction rate quickly falls off. The speed at which the reaction rate falls is a function of how fast the reactor pressure drops. Many hydrocrackers are equipped with two different means of depressuring: a slow system and a fast system. Obviously, the fast system can bring the process to a safe state more rapidly, but causes unwanted side effects such as intense flaring and equipment degradation due to hydrogen embrittlement. In an emergency scenario, an operator will first attempt to bring the process under control using the slow depressuring and only use the fast depressuring system if the other is not capable of stopping the runaway reaction from continuing.

Shortcut methods such as hazard matrices and risk graphs, commonly used for safety integrity level (SIL) selection, are effective in most situations. In some scenarios, selecting the SIL using these tools doesn't work-usually because the selected SIL was significantly higher than originally expected.

Habanero #1 Geothermal Well Reaches Depth of 4,421 Meters

2007-02-10T04:28:00.002-08:00

Geodynamics, Ltd. recently announced that its Habanero #1 geothermal well in Australia has reached a depth of 4,421 meters (about 14,504 feet), which "exceeds the minimum target depth for carrying out the full hydraulic stimulation program" as originally designed for stage one of the project.

According to the company, the Habanero #1 well has now penetrated 754 meters (about 2,474 feet) into the target heat-bearing granites, "more than sufficient to carry out the two planned hydraulic stimulations for the development of underground heat exchangers."

"Geodynamics is pleased that drilling operations have been carried out without any lost time incidents," said Geodynamics. "The company is now looking forward to commencing the hydraulic stimulation program, which is expected to commence [in October]."

Acoustical pipe & duct lagging - Engineer's Technical Library

2007-02-10T04:28:00.001-08:00

Sound Seal's Lag Series features a loaded vinyl noise barrier combined with a fibrous glass scrim reinforced aluminum foil facing on one side. This product is suitable for a variety of indoor and outdoor applications and for wrapping iron, steel and plastic pipes, ducts, valves, and heat exchangers. Pipe and duct lagging feature superior corrosion resistance, high and low temperature applications, easy installation, STC ratings of 26-30 and meets Class A flammability ratings per ASTM E-84. Quilted fiberglass absorber / decoupler models are also available. For more information call 1-800-569-1294 or visit us online at www.soundseal.com--Sound Seal, Agawam, MA.

A clean break

2007-02-10T04:27:00.003-08:00

The quest for truly clean air in hospitals is rife with technical and financial challenges, but one company is making great claims for its new displacement ventilation solution.

Hospitals tend to have a large number of relatively small air handling units; each serving a specific function within the building. Special technical demands include hygiene, reliability, safety and energy related issues. Within this array, the air handling unit and the air distribution terminal devices are important parts of the ventilation system.

In a hospital environment there tend to be high concentrations of harmful microorganisms. Their routes to humans are either by physical contact or by airborne routes. In this environment they are particularly dangerous because of reduced immunity levels in patients.

The risk of being infected through the airborne route is a function of particle concentration. The chance of a particle that is carrying an organism falling into an open wound increases with particle concentration. By reducing the concentration we reduce the chance of infection.
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Four main factors affect the local concentration around a person in a room. Firstly, the concentration of particles would tend to increase with the rate of production of particles in the room. Secondly, the greater the proportion of supply and exhaust air quantity in relation to the size of the room. Thirdly, the level of filtration of the supplied air will affect the ability of the ventilation system to dilute the room air particle concentration. Fourthly, air turbulence and air movement in the room can transport particles so the method of air distribution will affect local concentrations.

The last three of these are attributes of the ventilation system that can be engineered to limit the effect of the first.

For example, air handling unit filters have the task of, as a minimum, limiting the concentration of particles entering the room from outdoors, but also of keeping the air handling unit components as clean as possible in order to reduce the risk of biological growth within the unit itself. Ideally, the air handling unit should not produce any dust itself, but that is more or less impossible where moving parts are concerned, for instance in the fan set. Systems and products to meet these engineering problems have been developed and, for example, Flakt Woods has some well-tested solutions that reduce the production of dust generated by the fan set. For instance, special flat belts can produce considerably less dust than normal v-belts and are more efficient at transmitting the power from the motor to the fan. Direct driven fans avoid the use of belts and both plug fans and axial fans can be offered.

The motor can also be mounted on the outside of the air handling unit casing to avoid mounting both the motor and the belt drive in the air stream. This involves the use of a special fan with an extended shaft. Care must be taken when engineering such a solution in order to increase the size of the shaft while avoiding the critical speed to compensate for the additional forces on the shaft. In addition, the fan and motor assembly must also be fully isolated from the building structure.

Final filtration can be used to substantially reduce the concentration of dust particles in the supply air and here the design of the filter frame and its installation can be decisive.

PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS

The standards used for determining the type of collecting efficiency of filters often differ between Europe and in the US. Even in Europe there are different standards in different countries. CEN EN 1822 gives a common standard within Europe and is based on the filters ability to collect the most penetrating particle size, MPPS, or in other words how good the filter is at stopping the particles that are most difficult to catch.

MIL Std 282, DOP 0.3[mu]m is used in the USA. Particles with a size of 0.3[mu]m are not necessarily the most difficult to catch so for any individual filter the test result will appear to be better, when tested in accordance with the US standard, than if tested to the European standard. As a result, care should be taken when comparing the performance data for HEPA filters from different manufacturers. Note that the collecting efficiency is inversely proportional to the air velocity. While air pressure drop is proportional to air velocity. That means that increasing the velocity (or reducing the overall filter area) may be a false economy since the while initial installation cost may seem lower, the operating cost and will be much higher and the filtration performance reduced.

HEAT RECOVERY

Either liquid coupled or plate heat exchangers are recommended for heat recovery in hospitals. The advantage of the liquid coupled system is that there is no risk of transfer of air and contamination from the extract to the supply side. The system also offers considerable flexibility since the supply and extract need not be near each other and multiple heat exchangers can be used on either or both of the supply and extract.

Results of cross-contamination testing on desiccants - Engineer's Technical Library

2007-02-10T04:27:00.001-08:00

This report summarizes the results of independent research completed in accordance with ASHRAE Standard 84 1991 (Method of Testing Air-to-Air Heat Exchangers). The purpose of this research was to provide the industry with quantitative data establishing the relative amount of carry over of important indoor air pollutants attributable to the various desiccant materials used by manufactures of total energy recovery wheels.--SEMCO Incorporated, Columbia, MO.

PRODUCT PERFECTION

2007-02-10T04:26:00.001-08:00

New and emerging R&D tools enhance dairy product quality.

Researchers and developers need much more than an available processing facility to transform innovative ideas into successful new dairy products. Those ideas must somehow be turned into palatable products that meet an existing - or created - demand.

Dairy developers have long understood the role quality testing plays in product appearance, flavor, aroma, texture, stability and other parameters. The market has no room for a pizza cheese that browns before it melts - or for a flavored milk that leaves behind a bitter aftertaste.

Adequate testing during the research and development (R&D) phase, therefore, is critical to the production of a high-quality product. Moreover, new and emerging tools and technologies can help dairy processors improve or simplify lab quality measurements to ensure full-scale production delivers the desired results.

Choice Cheese

Process cheese can be coaxed into shapes or spreads and also is a featured ingredient in many other food products. When it comes to melting or machineability, its functionality requirements might vary greatly from one application to another.

Functionality tests, therefore, are critical to the creation of a process cheese, says Mary Anne Drake, Ph.D., associate professor of food science at North Carolina State University. For example, machineability is crucial if the product is to be transformed into shreds, cubes, sticks or slices, she says. A bit of legwork on the R&D side could mean the difference between clearing a "bunch of gummed up paste every 30 minutes on the machine" and churning out a cleanly sliced product, she adds.

An instrument originally created to evaluate the cooking characteristics of a starch could one day help process cheese developers speed up the laboratory manufacturing process and assess critical functionality parameters such as viscosity. According to Lloyd Metzger, Ph.D., an assistant professor of food science in the University of Minnesota's Office of Food Science and Nutrition, the Rapid Visco Analyzer, or RVA, slashes product development time. Manufactured by Newport Scientific Pty Ltd. of Australia, the RVA is distributed in the United States by Foss North America, Eden Prairie, Minn. Essentially, it simulates the temperature and stirring profile used to make process cheese on a large scale.

Unlike traditional setups, says Metzger, which typically involve a small-scale cooker holding product in the "10- to 20-pound range," the RVA allows researchers to work on a very small scale. "You make about a 25-gram batch of processed cheese, so you can look at numerous formulations in a very short period of time at a low cost," he says.

Metzger and fellow researchers currently are in the testing phase. "We're actually assessing changes that we know influence processed cheese characteristics, and then seeing if we get data that make sense based on what we know already," he says.

Because numerous formulation options come into play for process cheese, "it's really difficult to assess whether or not you're having an effect on the product," says Metzger. "You have so many ingredients to look at. It may be adding a specific type of starch or a gum if it's a spread." He says he has used the RVA to screen ingredients for a number of companies and is pleased with the results so far.

During the laboratory manufacturing process, Metzger says he measures the process cheese's viscosity and evaluates whether or not the product is "doing what it's supposed to do." The cheese must have a certain viscosity to be pumped appropriately or run on the process line, he adds.

Metzger then measures the characteristics of the unmelted cheese - factors such as its firmness and adhesive characteristics. To do this, Metzger transfers the cheese to a cylinder, where he performs texture analysis after the product is cooled. He then places the cheese back into the RVA, where the product is remelted to determine if it has the appropriate flow properties.

Because the cheese ingredients in a process cheese have a significant natural variability, Metzger also uses the RVA to conduct research on natural cheeses. "Studies I'm doing now are to make natural cheeses that 1 know have different properties that will influence process cheese characteristics," he says. "Then I use the RVA to make process cheese out of them and, at the same time, make process cheese on a larger scale, in a larger cooker, and then compare those results."

Beyond RVA

Metzger says he is experimenting with fluorescent spectroscopic analysis techniques that could one day provide realtime data related to process cheese manufacture. "I think online analysis is really an area that will start to blossom," he says. "While you're manufacturing the process cheese, you're analyzing its characteristics and know immediately whether it was manufactured properly or what its functional properties are going to be."

John Lucey, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Food Science at the University of WisconsinMadison, says in-line instruments such as improved coagulation sensors could someday help product developers determine the best time to cut the curd in cheese making, especially in situations in which the cheesemilk is altered by processing.

Power to keep the road open: Alaska DOT maintains network of powerhouses to support crews and equipment to maintain vital highway

2007-02-10T04:25:00.000-08:00

As part of the development of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline ill the mid-1970s, a pioneer read was built by oil company contractors to allow the movement of material and equipment for the pipeline's construction. Over time, that road was improved and expanded and eventually became Dalton Highway 11. Running nearly 500 miles, it serves as the lone artery between Fairbanks in the south and Prudhoe Bay in the north.

As such, it's a vital thoroughfare, even though much of the area through which the road is laid remains virtual wilderness. The road must be passable year round, however, and making sure it remains that way is a full-time job for the Alaska Dept. of Transportation (ADOT).

To do that, a series of seven road camps were established, with colorful names such as Deadhorse, Coldfoot, Chandalar and Jim River. The road camps, all but one of which are north of the Arctic Circle, are completely self-contained, incorporating water and sewer plants, heavy equipment and truck shops, camp maintenance shops and crew housing.

Each camp operates a fleet of graders, dozers, backhoes, Class 8 tractors with end, belly and side dumps, one-way plows, sanders and lowboys. Highway crews of four to seven men work six 11-hour days and one 9-hour day for a 75-hour week, followed by a week off when they are supplanted by a second crew. There is also a staff of four roving operators and four maintenance technicians. Aside from the rovers, each crew is assigned to a specific camp
and the camps operate year-round.

Needless to say, as most of the camps are surrounded by miles of wild land, they are well off any utility grid. Instead, each of the camps include a dedicated powerhouse that encompasses two engine generator sets. In 1993, shortly after being hired, one of the rovers on the maintenance side, Ernie Searing, was assigned to review each of the camps' facilities and develop a uniform spec. "My boss, Dan Moody, who was the Dalton Highway Camp maintenance chief, said here's your truck, survey all the camp powerhouses," Searing noted. "Come back in a week and tell me what we need."

During his survey, Searing said he saw "every color and size" of gen-set "just about all worn out and none really installed right even to the powerhouse layouts.

"All the camps had about the same load demand, so the master plan was all the gen-sets and all the powerhouses would be set up the same. As this is a 24 hour operation, yearround and the entire camp is dependent on electricity, we went pretty much first class with the idea of long term operation and lifetime on units. "

Ultimately, the project was spec'd out, put up for bid and Cummins Northwest in Anchorage got the job. Over the course of the next four years, four new powerhouses were built, two were remodeled and updated and eight new gen-sets were installed.

In addition to the permanently installed gen-sets, Dalton Highway also has three portable emergency gen-sets. Two are John Deere 100 kW units fully self-contained and mounted in vans, while the third is a skid-mounted Caterpillar 3306 gen set rated 185 kW. "We can haul an emergency unit to the site and hook-up is less than five minutes, Searing noted.

The new gen-sets consisted of Cummins L10 diesels that include Fleetguard two stage air filters connected to the engine turbos through Dynaflex Products 4 in. aluminum tubing. On the other end, Dynaflex also supplied the 5 in. stainless tubing, fitting, clamps, ells, stack extensions and exhaust mufflers Other engine accessories included Engineered Products restriction indicator; Nelson crankcase emissions absorbers; Dwyer Instruments manometers; and Isspro pyrometers and thermocouples.

Engine instrumentation includes coolant temperature, fuel pressure and oil pressure gauges packaged in a panel by FWMurphy that is mounted to the engine on Lord shock mounts. Other instrumentation includes an ENM hourmeter and an Engineering Concepts Unlimited (ECU) ECU88N control module that incorporates a manual start/stop switch, hi-lo speed switch and auto shutdown LED indicators.

The engines drive six-pole Kato 6P2-1325 alternators rated 130 kW, 165 kVA, 277/480V, three-phase, 60 Hz, with bolt on bus bars in the junction box. Operating speed is 1200 rpm. Voltage control is through Basler Electric APR63-5 voltage regulators with remote voltage adjustment, remote field switching and red LED indicator when energized. Crompton Instruments provided electric meters, transducers and transformers.

The switchgear, 400 Amp TPDT, main circuit breakers and enclosures, motor starters, waste heat exchanger circulation pump motor controllers, powerhouse panel boards and main distribution panels were supplied by Square-D and thermostats and other sensors were from Honeywell.

Not surprisingly, considering the climate--winter temperatures can exceed--70[degrees]F--thermal management is a major challenge. "Preferred powerhouse construction is up on pilings, leaving the ground below frozen," said Searing. "If it's on the ground, then some mechanical method of keeping ground frozen must be used. Permafrost ice heave and melt will kill your project.

Heat Exchangers from Chester Jensen

2007-02-10T04:22:00.001-08:00

Chester-Jensen Co., Inc: quality heat exchangers for the dairy industry

2007-02-10T04:21:00.001-08:00

TLC For Your Furnace - Avoiding Premature Failure of Heat Exchangers

2007-02-10T04:14:00.001-08:00

Ever notice how your car seems to run better right after an oil change, especially if you wash and wax it? Well, it's the same for your furnace... don't laugh, I'm serious!

The main component of heating units, both forced air and hot water, is the heat exchanger. This component takes the heat produced by burning fuel and transfers it to the water or air for distribution throughout the house. In a hot water system this component is usually concealed from view, and in a forced air unit only 10 to 25% (sometimes it's completely hidden) of this component is typically visible without disassembly.

Cut-away view of a modern forced-air gas furnaceModern forced-air gas furnace:

1. Solid-state furnace control (Fan assembly visible at lower rear)

2. Draft inducer (fan-forced exhaust)

3. Igniter and flame sensor

4. Gas valve and manifold

5. Gas burners

6. Heat exchanger(s)

7. Air filters

(Configuration will vary between models)

What usually makes heat exchangers inoperative is developing a hole or a crack that allows the hot water to escape, or exhaust from the combustion fuel to escape into the interior air of the home. Constant heating and cooling from years of use will eventually cause a heat exchanger to crack, however some last longer than others. Under ideal conditions, many survive well beyond their predicted life spans.

It seems regular cleaning and maintenance play a factor in life expectancy, as does the environment surrounding the unit. Damp environments tend to assist the build-up of rust on the heat exchanger, shortening its life, while dry, clean environments tend to increase the life span of most furnaces.

Reduced airflow...

Dirty air filters and fan blades, dirty ductwork and obstructed air vents can all contribute to wear on fan motors, reduced efficiency and even premature failure of heat exchangers. Fuel-fired forced-air furnaces are prone to overheating due to obstructions to airflow. Modern furnaces are designed to shut down if temperatures become dangerously high... however, moderately elevated internal temperatures caused by dirt, dust and debris may not be high enough to switch off a furnace, while remaining high enough to cause metal fatigue over extended periods of time.

MAPICS To Play Key Role In Tranter PHE's Commitment To Reducing Operations Costs; Rapid Return On Investment Anticipated

2006-12-26T21:38:00.003-08:00

MAPICS, Inc. (Nasdaq/NM: MAPX), a global provider of collaborative, extended enterprise applications for world-class manufacturers, today announced that Tranter PHE, a major manufacturer of heat exchangers for industrial and commercial applications and a Dover Corporation Company, has selected MAPICS' ERP, SCM and collaborative solutions for use at its worldwide locations.

Tranter PHE Inc., based in Wichita Falls, Texas and Vanersborg, Sweden, is looking to MAPICS to better align its business processes with the growth in product diversity, sales volume, geographical coverage and administrative demands the company has experienced over the last several years.

"The MAPICS solution is the best fit for our needs as a global manufacturer whose volume and reach had far outgrown our business systems," said Chuck Monachello, president of Tranter PHE. "It's a fully integrated solution that is compatible with different currencies, languages and locations and that supports critical manufacturing processes such as materials planning and inventory control--all capabilities that needed improvement since we became a seamless and global organization."
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Implementing the MAPICS solution will enable Tranter PHE to realize valuable benefits in a relatively short period of time. The company expects this return on its investment to result from reduced operations costs and the efficient integration of sales, purchasing, inventory and manufacturing processes--all made possible by MAPICS without the need for costly modifications. Tranter PHE also expects to reduce purchasing costs with the increased visibility into longer planning horizons that MAPICS offers.

"We're looking to MAPICS to help both our U.S. and European locations in a number of valuable ways," explained Kevin Echols, director of information technology at Tranter PHE. "The new solution will allow us to integrate these locations and their functions; homogenize business and technical terminology; standardize information formats; consolidate best practices; reduce capital requirements; improve inventory control and production requirements; and enhance the flow of communication and information among our geographically separate units."

Watermark Technology, an independent sales affiliate company of MAPICS, was instrumental in closing the deal with Tranter and will work closely with the manufacturer to complete training on the MAPICS solutions by the end of 2002. Live implementation will begin in early 2003, and the solution is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2003.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for both MAPICS and Watermark Technology to work with a customer with such great potential to achieve world-class metrics in a very short period of time," said John Carter, senior vice president and general manager of North American operations for MAPICS. "Tranter PHE has aggressive goals and high expectations, and we know we can deliver the type of benefits they're hoping to realize in critical business areas such as cost reduction and increased customer satisfaction."

Founded more than 70 years ago, Tranter PHE has manufacturing facilities in Texas, Sweden and India and regional sales offices in Italy, Germany, France and the UK.

About MAPICS

Headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, and with offices around the globe, MAPICS delivers collaborative business applications and expert consulting services that help manufacturers become world class. By transforming operations to achieve best-in-class performance in key business metrics, world-class manufacturers gain market share, operate at peak efficiency and exceed customer expectations. MAPICS solutions include an enterprise resource planning (ERP) foundation, plus supply chain management and customer relationship management functionality. With nearly 4,800 customers installed in more than 10,000 sites in more than 70 countries, MAPICS has a strong focus and proven success in helping create world-class manufacturers in discrete and batch process manufacturing industries like electronics, industrial equipment, and automotive and transportation. MAPICS customers include such leading manufacturers as Anaren Microwave, Inc., Dukane Corp, Schneider Electric Mexico, Volvo Construction Equipment, YORK International Corporation, Dirona SP, Goodrich Corporation, Hartzell Propeller, Inc. and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. For more information visit www.mapics.com.

Graham Corporation to Add Two New Directors

2006-12-25T21:37:00.000-08:00

Graham Corporation (GHM:ASE) will add two new members to its Board of Directors.

The new directors, who will take office at the next regular meeting of the Board in March, 2003, are William C. Denninger and James J. Malvaso.

William C. Denninger, 52, is a Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Barnes Group, Inc. in Bristol, Connecticut. Previously he served as Vice President-Finance and Chief Financial Officer of BTR, Inc. in Stamford, Connecticut, where he had spent 15 years in a series of operational and financial management roles. Before joining BTR, Mr. Denninger spent 13 years in managerial positions in the manufacturing divisions of ITT Corporation. He earned an MBA in finance from New York University and a BS from the Maritime College of the State University of New York.

James J. Malvaso, 52, is President and CEO of The Raymond Corporation in Greene, New York, a leading manufacturer of fork-lift trucks. He served Raymond previously as Chief Operating Officer and Vice President-Operations. During Mr. Malvaso's tenure as President and CEO, Raymond Corporation's revenues have grown by 70% and its profits by 80%, while the Company's market share has more than doubled. Mr. Malvaso played an instrumental role in the sale and merger of Raymond's parent company, BT Industries, to Toyota Automatic Loom Works, creating the world's largest fork lift company. Before joining Raymond, Mr. Malvaso served as Vice President-Operations of Pfaudler Corporation, a manufacturer of process equipment. Mr. Malvaso holds a MBA from the University of Rochester and a BA from LeMoyne College.

MAPICS To Play Key Role In Tranter PHE's Commitment To Reducing Operations Costs; Rapid Return On Investment Anticipated

2006-12-24T21:38:00.000-08:00

CDA Market Trends Forum Looks at Major Copper Uses

2006-12-23T21:37:00.000-08:00

More than 120 executives of leading U.S. copper producers and fabricators heard guardedly optimistic reports at a market trends forum hosted here in December by the Copper Development Association.

Experts representing the automotive, power utility, plumbing fixtures and air-conditioning industries led the forum and were followed by an economist providing a market overview.

Morris Kindig, president of Tier One, an automotive market consulting organization, told forum participants to look for an increased use of copper in automobiles a few years after the industry introduces 36/42-volt electrical systems. Higher voltage is needed to meet consumer demand for more electrical and electronic features. But automotive copper use may decrease somewhat over the short term due to finer gauge wiring in the harnesses made possible by the higher voltage. By the end of the decade, however, Kindig says new electrical features such as integrated starter-generators and X-By-Wire(a) systems, plus entry into the market of copper-intensive hybrid vehicles, should restore and possibly even increase the amount of copper in vehicles.

Kathleen Kelly, vice president, Markets & Regulation Practice Leader for Stone & Webster Consultants, described the changing U.S. electrical power industry and the need for new generating facilities. According to Kelly, the industry must first pass through a period of imbalance, and the small oversupply in generating capacity that currently exists will evaporate before the end of the decade, since 43% of new generating capacity announced in 2001 has been cancelled or delayed. In fact, she says, plants representing only around 210,000 MW of the 660,000 MW in planned new capacity are sufficiently advanced to be completed by 2009. Complex economic, demographic, environmental and regulatory issues make predicting the future shape of the electrical industry difficult, but two key factors -- the need for improved reliability and calls for distributed generation facilities -- are inherently beneficial to copper.
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Three speakers addressed copper's all-important housing-related markets. Annette Meyer Holley, principal international consultant for BSRIA, a U.K.-based market research organization, saw favorable prospects for copper in the steadily growing demand for air-conditioning equipment. Growth has been especially strong in China and other Asian countries (exclusive of Japan), and in Southern Europe. While the recent economic downturn has led to excess inventory, particularly in China, Holley says copper consumption can ultimately be expected to benefit, both from a need for more wire and cable as infrastructures expand to accommodate the new electrical demand, and from an increased use of copper tubing in air conditioner heat exchangers, where the metal promotes high efficiency.

Linda Mayer, senior vice president, Marketing and Product Development for Moen Incorporated, expressed the view that copper consumption should continue to gain from the U.S. housing market. Mayer acknowledged that new housing starts and existing home sales are expected to decrease somewhat over the next few years, but the faucet market (an important outlet for brass) will remain strong, as homeowners increasingly opt for upgrading and remodeling their dwellings. According to Mayer, the repair and replacement market is nearly three times larger than that for new home construction in terms of the number of faucets sold annually. And, while competition from plastic plumbing products has been evident for many years, Mayer sees a clear opportunity for the copper industry to strengthen its position by stressing the reliability and value of high-quality brass products to consumers.

Looking a bit farther down the road, as-yet undiscovered opportunities for copper products may arise, if tomorrow's housing units adopt the modular components and adaptable environments envisioned by MIT's Digital Design Laboratory and School of Architecture and Planning. Kent Larson, the laboratory's director, told forum attendees that open-source concepts similar to those that are now broadly accepted in the manufacturing and computer industries, may lead to greatly improved efficiency and economy in home construction. New features might include walls that double as photovoltaic cells and premanufactured structural elements that serve as conduits for integrated power, signal and heating/cooling distribution systems. The distinctions between materials and electronic devices will become blurred, says Larson, and all building materials will have some computational component. That concept alone is highly promising for sustained copper use.

Bringing forum participants back to the present tense, Kevin J. Bannon, executive vice president and chief investment officer for The Bank of New York, offered an analysis of what he expects will be an encouraging economic outlook for the coming years. Many economic signs point to recovery, according to Bannon. That, too, is good for copper, since the growth in U.S. copper usage has outpaced GDP over the past decade.

Graham Corporation Announces Third Quarter Results and Company Restructuring

2006-12-22T21:36:00.000-08:00

Graham Corporation (GHM:ASE) announced today results for the third quarter (October - December 2002) of its current fiscal year.

Net sales for the three months ended December 31, 2002 of $13,703,000 produced a net loss of $178,000, or diluted loss per share of $.11. Net sales for the quarter compare to sales for the third quarter of the previous fiscal year of $11,810,000, which produced net income of $354,000, or diluted earnings per share of $.21.

Net sales for the nine months ended December 31, 2002 of $35,308,000 produced a net loss of $987,000, or diluted loss per share of $.59. Net sales for the first nine months compare to sales for the nine months ended December 31, 2001 of $35,473,000, which produced net income of $94,000, or diluted earnings per share of $.06.

New orders for the third quarter were $8,790,000 compared to $9,074,000 in new orders for the same quarter in the previous fiscal year.

Consolidated backlog at December 31, 2002 was $27,003,000 compared to a backlog at March 31, 2002 of $33,871,000.

The Company also announced that it has begun a major restructuring to accommodate business conditions that continue to be depressed. Last week the Company reduced its office staff and plant administrative staff by approximately 17% and is undertaking significant changes in its employee benefits cost structure.

Al Cadena, Graham's President and CEO, commented, "The structural changes we have undertaken are to put the Company in a position to meet the current competitive situation while leaving it poised to take advantage when conditions improve. In particular, Graham is continuing to carry out its strategies in the areas where it can achieve the greatest growth in market share. The current restructuring leaves this capacity intact, notwithstanding the significant cost reductions it achieves."

Graham designs and builds vacuum and heat transfer equipment for process industries throughout the world. It is a worldwide leader in vacuum technology. The principal markets for Graham's equipment are the chemical, petrochemical, petroleum refining and electric power generating industries, including cogeneration and geothermal plants. Other markets served include metal refining, pulp and paper, shipbuilding, water heating, refrigeration, desalination, food processing, drugs, heating, ventilating and air conditioning. Graham's ejectors, liquid ring and dry vacuum pumps, condensers, heat exchangers and other products, sold either as components or as complete systems, are used by its customers to produce synthetic fibers, chemicals, petroleum products (including gasoline), electric power, processed food (including canned, frozen and dairy products), pharmaceutical products, paper, steel, fertilizers and numerous other products used everyday by people throughout the world.

Delphi and BWS Subsidiary, Magnacharge, Formalize Strategic Relationship for Battery Distribution to Canadian Aftermarket

2006-12-21T21:35:00.000-08:00

Delphi Product & Service Solutions, part of Delphi Corporation ("Delphi") (NYSE:DPH) and Magnacharge Battery Company, ("Magnacharge"), a subsidiary of Battery & Wireless Solutions Inc. ("BWS") (TSX-V:BWS) are please to announce a strategic agreement, establishing Magnacharge as one of Delphi's key Battery Specialists in North America. Under the terms of the agreement, Magnacharge will act as a feeder to Delphi national accounts in Canada, as well as inventory, sell and distribute Delphi products to its expanding client base.

"Formalizing our strategic relationship with Delphi gives Magnacharge new opportunities going forward," said Greg Granholm, vice president of sales and marketing, Magnacharge. "In particular, Magnacharge will act as a feeder for Delphi, making us responsible for the fulfillment of orders to some of Delphi's most significant customers in Canada. This is a responsibility that we gladly welcome."

This agreement supports Delphi Product & Service Solutions' strategy to increase its distribution capabilities in North America. "The battery business is a critical segment for our aftermarket strategy," said Norm Young, director of North American sales, Delphi Product & Service Solutions. "Our relationship with Magnacharge is key to our success in Canada."

CTIA Wireless 2003 Exhibitor Profiles

2006-12-20T21:35:00.000-08:00

CTIA Wireless 2003 takes place March 17 - 19 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. For more information about the event visit http://wireless2003.ctsg.com/.

Listed below are profiles from CTIA Wireless 2003 exhibitors. News releases, advisories, press kits and photos are available at www.tradeshownews.com. Business Wire and Virtual Press Office are the official news services for CTIA Wireless 2003.

Graham Corporation Declares Quarterly Dividend

2006-12-19T21:33:00.001-08:00

Graham Corporation's (ASE:GHM) Board of Directors yesterday declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.05 per share on the outstanding common stock of the Company.

The $0.05 per share dividend declared yesterday will be payable April 7, 2003 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 24, 2003.

Graham designs and builds vacuum and heat transfer equipment for process industries throughout the world. It is a worldwide leader in vacuum technology. The principal markets for Graham's equipment are the chemical, petrochemical, petroleum refining and electric power generating industries, including cogeneration and geothermal plants. Other markets served include metal refining, pulp and paper, shipbuilding, water heating, refrigeration, desalination, food processing, drugs, heating, ventilating and air conditioning. Graham's ejectors, liquid ring and dry vacuum pumps, condensers, heat exchangers and other products, sold either as components or as complete systems, are used by its customers to produce synthetic fibers, chemicals, petroleum products (including gasoline), electric power, processed food (including canned, frozen and dairy products), pharmaceutical products, paper, steel, fertilizers and numerous other products used everyday by people throughout the world.

Japan's titanium industry seeks broader demand base

2006-12-19T21:33:00.000-08:00

Japan's titanium industry is continuing its product diversification downstream to broaden the base of demand, especially to the consumer product area.

This is reflected in the increasing volume of shipments of titanium mill products to distributors in recent years who sell in small lots to small users. The distributors purchase such mill products as sheet, plate, bar, pipe and wire rod from major mills that only deal with large customers.

"Shipments handled by distributors are growing," said Kazuyasu Kitaoka, executive director and secretary general of the Japan Titanium Society, noting that sales through the distribution market have come to take a nearly 20 percent share of domestic demand.

The change is also reflected in the composition of membership of the association, which now has 24 regular member companies and 122 associate member firms. Compared with four or five years ago, the number of core members has remained almost unchanged, but the associate membership has tripled.

Titanium , the executive noted, is finding uses in increasing varieties of consumer products that now include, just to mention a few at random, golf clubs, watches, spectacle frames, bicycles, motorcycles, cameras, water purifiers, cigarette lighters, cooking pans, vacuum bottles, mountaineering boots, fishing gear, earrings, wheelchairs and even face protectors for Japanese fencing.

Supporting Organizations and Publications Enhance Depth and Breadth of SUPERCOMM 2003

2006-12-17T21:32:00.000-08:00

As SUPERCOMM continues to provide attendees with an exchange of valuable information and ideas with its educational programming and technology exhibits, SUPERCOMM is also committed to working with additional technology organizations and trade publications.

Along with SUPERCOMM, to be held June 1-5 in Atlanta, these organizations and publications are dedicated to providing a platform for growth, development and visibility to the world of communications infrastructure.

Both the Supporting Organization and Supporting Publication programs broaden the reach of SUPERCOMM by increasing attendee awareness in a variety of sectors and divisions of communications infrastructure.

No where else can attendees speak with and see the cooperation between leading technology associations, forums, special interest groups and publications to begin to fully understand the dynamic and far-reaching communications infrastructure industry.

Graham Corporation Announces Results for Fiscal Year and Fourth Quarter Ended March 31, 2003

2006-12-16T21:29:00.000-08:00

Sales for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003 were $49,378,000. Net income for the year was $133,000 or diluted earnings per share of $.08. Sales for the fourth quarter of the fiscal year were $14,070,000. Net income for the fourth quarter was $1,120,000 or diluted earnings per share of $.67. Two significant transactions affected the fourth quarter. The Company had reserved capacity in previous quarters for a large electrical power condenser that was placed on hold. During the fourth quarter this order was formally cancelled, which resulted in a before income tax gain of $1,801,000. Also, the Company recorded a provision for employee severance expense of $658,000.

By comparison, sales for the previous fiscal year were $47,396,000 producing a net income of $2,305,000, or diluted earnings per share of $1.38. Sales for the fourth quarter of the previous fiscal year were $11,923,000 producing net income of $2,211,000 or diluted earnings per share of $1.32. Four electric power condenser orders were cancelled in the fourth quarter. The effect on income before tax of these terminated orders was $3,989,000.

New orders for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003 were $40,596,000 compared to $54,464,000 for the previous full fiscal year. New orders for the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003 were $12,372,000, the highest level of quarterly bookings for the year. This compares to $16,764,000 for the fourth quarter of the previous fiscal year and to $8,790,000 for the third quarter of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003.

Consolidated backlog on March 31, 2003 was $25,069,000 compared to $33,871,000 on March 31, 2002.

Al Cadena, President and Chief Executive Officer of Graham, commented, "Graham's markets continue to be extremely competitive. However, we see new opportunities coming from overseas markets such as China. We have re-sized the Company to bring its cost structure into line with anticipated conditions. The Company remains in a very strong financial position, enabling it to take advantage of such opportunities as we may identify for expanding the product base. We will continue executing our strategies for developing new products to increase the breadth of our vacuum product line. This is one of our important investments in the Company's future."

Graham designs and builds vacuum and heat transfer equipment for process industries throughout the world. It is a worldwide leader in vacuum technology. The principal markets for Graham's equipment are the chemical, petrochemical, petroleum refining and electric power generating industries, including cogeneration and geothermal plants. Other markets served include metal refining, pulp and paper, shipbuilding, water heating, refrigeration, desalination, food processing, drugs, heating, ventilating and air conditioning. Graham's ejectors, liquid ring and dry vacuum pumps, condensers, heat exchangers and other products, sold either as components or as complete systems, are used by its customers to produce synthetic fibers, chemicals, petroleum products (including gasoline), electric power, processed food (including canned, frozen and dairy products), pharmaceutical products, paper, steel, fertilizers and numerous other products used everyday by people throughout the world.

Biogas Powers Fuel Cell In Portland

2006-12-15T03:21:00.001-08:00

In July of this year, a group of federal, state, and city, officials, vendors, engineers and other adherents of Oregon's reputation as an environmentally "green" state, gathered at the Columbia Boulevard Wastewater Treatment Plant in North Portland to dedicate the West Coast's first methane-powered, ONSI PC25 fuel cell power plant.

Allegorically, the fuel cell was fueled by a portion of the one million cu.ft. of methane produced daily in the plant's anaerobic digesters tanks, the "green" conscience of Portland's Environmental Services, and creative financing that laid the groundwork for the $1.3 million power plant.

Dean Marriott, director of the city's Bureau Environmental Service, said that "We think energy and the environment go hand-in-hand. Since 1990, energy efficiency projects have saved our bureau about $615,000 per year."

Contracting For Energy Savings

2006-12-14T22:02:00.001-08:00

Robert A. Palazzi, chief, design and development for the VACHS, was selected to act as energy manager for the project. He sought the expertise of several energy service companies (ESCOs), reviewed proposals, and selected EUA Cogenex (Lowell, MA) based on the company's ability to meet the VA's needs and provide guidance concerning finances and energy service contracts. Working with Cogenex, Palazzi implemented the first Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) within the VA system.

The project was completed in two phases. Phase One replaced approximately 8,000 incandescent and fluorescent fixtures with modern, energy efficient fixtures. Two inefficient 885-ton centrifugal chillers were replaced with a 1,000 ton, two-stage, new steam absorption chiller and a new 800-ton electric centrifugal chiller, both by York International (York, PA). The aging cooling tower, chilled water, and condenser water pumps were all replaced with new equipment and energy efficient motors. Bell & Gossett (Morton Grove, IL) provided the base-mounted centrifugal pumps.

A ddc control system, the Infinity SCX 920, by Andover Controls (Andover, MA) was installed to control the new chiller plant. Square D (Palatine, Il) provided the electrical distribution control center. By implementing Phase One, VACHS pioneered performance contracting for energy services in the VA system.

To Ice And Back

2006-12-13T22:01:00.000-08:00

In "ice-build mode," which usually starts about 7 p.m. each evening, the solution of Dowtherm SR-1 fluid is chilled to 18[degrees]F and pumped to the banks of coils inside the underground storage tank, where it freezes the water in the tank surrounding the coils. The solution flows at 28,000 gpm until full ice-build is reached. This mode could take as little as eight to 10 hours or as long as 14 hours, depending on the weather and cooling loads expected for the following day. The screw chillers are run from 7 p.m. to 11 a.m. to take advantage of the lower electrical rates and to minimize electrical use during the daytime peak period from noon to 6 p.m.

In "ice-burn" mode, which runs from noon to about 6 or 7 p.m., glycol pumps are started and the heat transfer fluid flow is switched from the screw chillers to glycol-to-chilled-water plate-and-frame heat exchangers. The solution of Dowtherm SR-1 fluid enters the plate and frames at 34[degrees] and then returns to the storage tank at 53[degrees] to start melting the ice on the coils.

On the other side of the plate-and-frame heat exchanger is the campus chilled water, which is cooled from 58[degrees] to 41[degrees]. When the load on the campus cooling system starts to level off in the early evening, the plate-and-frame heat-exchange system shuts down, and the system is then switched back to ice-build mode.

Industry tackles energy costs; High prices bring a new focus for

2006-12-12T22:00:00.000-08:00

When Mercury Marine Inc. plant managers were told they would be held accountable for energy costs, it did more than send them running to put on sweaters and dial down office thermostats.

The Fond du Lac company is an energy-intensive machine that consumes $13 million a year of natural gas and electricity. Mercury learned that its operations managers were unaware of their energy costs because the utility bills were routinely paid by the corporate office.

"No one really understood how much their particular plant was spending on utilities. The accounts payable department paid the energy bills, and no one else thought twice about it," said Jerry Eaton, company central facilities manager.

Not anymore. Utility costs are now part of each Mercury plant's operating goals, just like productivity and material costs. To help keep track, the company installed power meters so that managers in every building know the natural gas and electricity usage.

Prime Power For Remote Fish Hatchery - Two Perkins-powered gen-sets provide life support - Brief Article

2006-12-11T22:00:00.000-08:00

Two Perkins-powered gen-sets provide critical life support to over 20 million salmon eggs and fry

On any day of the week, you'll find Mike McMann brooding over 20 million fish eggs and fry at the Little Bear Bay salmon hatchery on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. He's responsible for taking care of them until they're big enough to move on to the open water rearing pens where they'll quickly grow to tasty 10 lb. table fare.

Located almost 20 miles off the power grid up a long, hard gravel road in the remote Campbell River area, the hatchery depends on a pair of 166 kW gen-sets to meet its electrical demands. McMann is hatchery manager at Little Bear Bay, and dependable power is an absolute necessity to his success.

The hatchery is located just a few feet from the Pacific Ocean beach at the mouth of sparkling Pye Creek. Pye Creek's clear waters circulate through the hatchery and make it possible.

Jac's NASA - New design for Ford Motor Co;interview with Bez Ulrich - Interview

2006-12-10T21:58:00.000-08:00

Ford has a brave new mission for its Aston Martin brand, and an ex-Porsche engineer is at Mission Control.

Ford Motor Co. has a new role for its Aston Martin brand: to explore advanced technologies and manufacturing processes. To understand just how serious Ford is about this new mission for its Premier Automotive Group torchbearer, consider that Aston has so far built 50 prototypes of its new V-12 Vanquish coupe. That's four cars more than the tiny British sports car maker built in total during 1992.

Don't be fooled by the Vanquish's taut, muscular exterior -- the work of Jaguar design chief Ian Callum. It may be a potent distillation of classic Aston design cues, but the stuff under the skin is a testament to Ford's technical resources.

With a chassis made entirely from glued-and-riveted aluminium and carbon fiber, a body constructed from superformed aluminum and composites, a Formula One-style paddle-shift 6-speed transmission and drive-by-wire throttle control, the V-12 Vanquish is anything but a traditional Aston. In many ways, it's Jac Nasser's space program. Unlike the Astons of James Bond's era, there's not a splinter of polished wood -- the almost cliched signature piece of an upscale British auto -- in the interior.

No end in sight for copper prices; Area manufacturers increasingly

2006-12-09T21:59:00.000-08:00

First, it was high steel prices that squeezed profit margins of many manufacturers. Now, it's copper.

Runaway copper prices have increased 43% in the last 12 months and are hovering near record highs, according to commodity exchanges where metals are bought and sold.

Copper is used in thousands of items that are part of our everyday lives, from toasters and electric blankets to electronics and automobiles. If copper prices continue to soar, consumers should expect to pay more for many items.

"It has been ugly," said Andrew Lampereur, executive vice president and chief financial officer at Actuant Corp., a Glendale manufacturer of products that range from battery chargers and bicycle accessories to electric tools and industrial equipment.

Actuant, formerly known as Applied Power Inc., buys about $10 million worth of copper a year mostly for its electrical products. The company has lost at least one customer who refused to accept a copper-price surcharge.

Shaw to build $1.3B Xcel coal-fired plant in Pueblo, Colorado

2006-12-08T21:58:00.000-08:00

The Shaw Group Inc. today announced its Shaw Stone & Webster unit has been awarded an engineering, procurement, and construction contract by Xcel Energy, for $1.35-billion generating unit at its Comanche Generating Station in Pueblo, Colo. The new, 750-megawatt supercritical coal-fired power plant will be the third unit at the Comanche Station. Shaw's lump-sum, turnkey contract covers balance of plant facilities, including a steam turbine, and supplying and erecting associated plant systems including piping, pumps, heat exchangers and electrical equipment. The scope includes engineering and installation of concrete foundations and other civil and electrical works for the total facility. The value of Shaw's contract was not disclosed. Xcel Energy will procure contractors for certain components such as the steam generator, air quality control systems and stack. The new plant is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2009.Today's rising oil and natural gas prices are driving the demand for economically reliable energy solutions, particularly coal-fired electricity generating facilities, said J. M. Bernhard Jr., chairman and CEO of Shaw, said. Shaw employs approximately 20,000 people at its offices and operations in North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region.

Processing, Packaging from Europe - news from the International Food Processing Week and International Packaging Exhibition shows in Paris - Brief Art

2006-12-07T21:55:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving week saw the marriage of two European trade shows with significant dairy segments. IPA, a loose French acronym for "International Food Processing Week," joined with Emballage, the 34th International Packaging Exhibition. Both are biennial shows. The result was a huge co-joined trade show that took over all 2.2 million sq ft of the Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Center.

Emballage claimed to be the biggest packaging show of the year, bringing in 111,868 visitors, a 7.6% increase over the 1998 show. The number of exhibitors also was up, to 2,680. IPA drew 57,008 visitors, a 15% increase.

With 374 million consumers in 15 countries, the European Union represents a food processing and packaging market estimated at $800 billion. The U.S. exported $364 million of food processing and packaging machinery to Western Europe in 1996, and U.S. companies were well represented at the show.

MECHANICAL AND STUCTURAL INTEGRATION: Utilities System at Boeing's Delta Rocket Manufacturing Facility

2006-12-06T21:55:00.000-08:00

The sheer scope and function of a rocket facility creates an atypical set of challenges. See how one firm took the project from concept to liftoff.

Traditionally, manufacturing facilities are not air conditioned except in extremely warm climates. Often, even in warm climates, air conditioning found in these facilities is limited to those areas where processes are temperature- and humidity-sensitive. Least common of all is to air condition an entire 1.5 million-sq-ft manufacturing facility, especially one with a standard ceiling height over 50 ft and with high bay structures as high as 120 ft.

The Boeing Company, with the help of The Austin Company, has created a state-of-the-industry hvac system that controls the environment of its entire brand-new rocket factory in Decatur, AL. The facility is fully air conditioned to accommodate a low tolerance for temperature and humidity change due to thermal expansion/contraction and moisture-sensitive characteristics of the materials used to fabricate the rocket's booster core. The only air conditioning for creature comfort is in the staff office areas, which comprise a very small percentage of the overall building square footage.

The Boeing Delta Rocket Factory, completed in late December 1999, is located on 175 acres of a 410-acre site in the Mallard Fox Creek Industrial Park and Port located one mile from the Tennessee River. The rocket manufacturing factory has been designed with all the equipment and processes matched to produce Delta-class launch vehicles as efficiently as possible. The river provides a major portion of the route for delivery of the largest of these, the 165-ft-long, 16.7-ft-diameter Delta IV rocket's first stage, from the factory to launch sites at Cape Canaveral Air Station in Florida or California's Vandenberg Air Force Base.

Renewable energy

2006-12-05T01:20:00.001-08:00

Sources. The Nation consumed 6.0 quadrillion Btu of renewable energy in 2005, accounting for 6.0 percent, of total energy consumption during the year. At 2.7 quadrillion Btu, conventional hydroelectric power was the largest component of the renewable energy total, measuring 45 percent of the total. Wood was the next largest component at 1.8 quadrillion Btu and 30 percent of the total. Waste, the third largest component of the renewable energy total, contributed 0.6 quadrillion Btu in 2005, a 9-percent share of the total.

Electric Power Sector. In 2005, the electric power sector consumed 3.7 quadrillion Btu of renewable energy resources, 61 percent of all renewable energy consumed. Conventional hydroelectric power recorded 2.7 quadrillion Btu in 2005, 73 percent of the electric power sector total. Waste, at 0.4 quadrillion Btu, was the second largest renewable source consumed for electricity generation, followed by geothermal, wood, wind, and solar.

End-Use Sectors. The industrial sector was the largest end-use consumer of renewable energy in 2005. Industrial facilities used 1.5 quadrillion Btu of renewable energy in 2005, 87 percent in the form of wood. The residential sector was the next largest end-use sector in the use of renewable energy, consuming 0.4 quadrillion Btu--81 percent in the form of wood, 14 percent solar, and 4 percent geothermal. The transportation sector consumed renewable energy in the form of alcohol fuels used in the blending of motor gasoline; in 2005, alcohol fuel use was 0.3 quadrillion Btu. The commercial sector used 0.1 quadrillion Btu in 2005, 45 percent of it as waste and 40 percent as wood.

Electricity

2006-12-04T01:19:00.000-08:00

In 2005, net generation of electricity totaled 4.0 trillion kilowatthours, up 2 percent compared with the total in 2004. Of the total generated, 96 percent came from the electric power sector; 4 percent was generated by combined-heat-and-power plants and electricity-only plants in the industrial and commercial sectors. The Nation imported 45 billion kilowatthours and exported 20 billion kilowatthours of electricity in 2005.

Net Generation. In December 2005, total net generation of electricity was 346 billion kilowatthours, 1 percent higher than December 2004.

Consumption of Combustible Fuels. The consumption of coal for electricity generation and useful thermal output by all sectors was 94 million short tons in December 2005, slightly lower than in December 2004. Total petroleum consumption was 24 million barrels, 18 percent higher than a year earlier. Natural gas consumption was 476 billion cubic feet, 4 percent lower than a year ago.

Stocks of Coal and Petroleum. Stocks of coal held by the electric power sector in December 2005 were 101 million short tons, 5 percent below the level held a year earlier. Total petroleum was 51 million barrels in December 2005, 1 percent lower than a year earlier.

Retail Sales of Electricity. Total retail sales of electricity in December 2005 were 309 billion kilowatthours, 3 percent higher than sales in December 2004. Sales to residential users in December 2005 were 121 billion kilowatthours, 5 percent higher than a year ago; commercial sector sales were 104 billion kilowatthours, 2 percent higher than a year ago; and industrial sector sales were 83 billion kilowatthours, 1 percent lower than a year ago.

Electricity

Note. Classification of Power Plants Into Energy-Use Sectors

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) classifies power plants (both electricity-only and combined-heat-and-power plants) into energy-use sectors based on the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), which replaced the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system in 1997. Plants with a NAICS code of 22 are assigned to the Electric Power Sector. Those with NAICS codes beginning with 11 (agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting); 21 (mining, including oil and gas extraction); 23 (construction); 31-33 (manufacturing); 2212 (natural gas distribution); and 22131 (water supply and irrigation systems) are assigned to the Industrial Sector. Those with all other codes are assigned to the Commercial Sector. Form EIA-860, "Annual Electric Generator Report," asks respondents to indicate the primary purpose of the facility by assigning a NAICS cod

Delayed in the USA: infrastructure woes aren't just a third-world problem, they also pose a major "last-mile" headache for American businesses from co

2006-12-03T01:18:00.000-08:00

A wave of scorching, humid weather had settled over the Midwest. During one particularly oppressive stretch, temperatures in Chicago topped 90 degrees for eight straight days--an early summer blaze not seen in more than 50 years.

Tempers were flaring as well. Notably, executives at electric utilities in America's heartland were hopping mad at rail-cargo operators after a series of derailments in Wyoming's coal-rich Powder River Basin, combined with track-maintenance problems, triggered delays all down the line. Soon, power-plant stockpiles had dropped to dangerous levels. Some nonregulated power producers, many of which had embraced just-in-time (JIT) inventory concepts, had to ship in coal from Central America or buy natural gas on spot markets--costly alternatives. "They took chances with their safety stock," recalls Rick Navarre, CFO at coal company Peabody Energy, which operates three huge mines in the Powder River Basin: "I think they've changed their view now."

A lot of supply-chain managers have changed their view about safety stock. JIT manufacturing may be standard operating procedure among U.S. businesses, but the approach requires finely tuned, well-synchronized supply chains. And while managers have long worried about transportation snafus in less-developed countries, they're growing increasingly concerned about bottlenecks closer to home--on American highways, in rail yards, and at deepwater ports, the so-called "last mile" of the supply chain.

It's hard to assess the extent of the problem. Few executives are eager to talk about missed shipments. (Motorola, Best Buy, and Dell all declined interviews.) Moreover, finance departments typically do a poor job of calculating the hit to earnings from botched consignments. But in announcing a new infrastructure initiative in May, then--Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta estimated that freight bottlenecks and delayed deliveries cost U.S. businesses $200 billion a year. Says AMR Research senior vice president of strategic research Kevin O' Marah: "Financial calculations go out the window if your goods are floating off the coast of California while your promo is being rolled out in stores."

The shipping news isn't likely to get much better, either. America's 50-year-old interstate highway system is in desperate need of repair. Plans for new port facilities are few and far between. Rail lines require double-tracking. And nobody seems to want to drive a truck anymore.

At the same time, U.S. businesses are sourcing more from Asia and Europe. All told, the World Shipping Council reckons cargo movement in the United States (both domestic and international) will increase by roughly 60 percent between now and 2020. And logistics experts predict that the mounting tide of cargo may overwhelm the nation's aging transportation network. If so, the last mile could become one gnarly stretch. "It's a tightly strung system," warns O'Marah. "A minor bump along the way can turn into a major problem."

ROAD WORRIERS

These days, just getting a load on the road is an accomplishment. A wave of mergers and acquisitions in the trucking industry--including YRC Worldwide's $1.5 billion purchase of USF Corp. last year--has left customers with only a handful of national carriers to consider. "Over the past three years, demand has clearly outstripped supply," notes Tim Coats, vice president, supply-chain logistics, strategy and grain, at General Mills. "Many companies have been caught short."

Given the capacity constraints, trucking operators have become very choosy about the routes and customers they will service. Some operators have shut down marginally profitable routes or lines that

no longer fit with their strategic goals. Last year, for example, YRC shuttered USF Dugan, a line it acquired when it purchased USF a few months earlier. USF had itself shut down Red Star, a Northeast-based carrier, following a union strike in 2004.

Most truck firms have also negotiated rate increases with customers. The rise in diesel-fuel prices has not slowed their momentum, either. Many have simply passed the costs on to customers in the form of fuel surcharges--a telling sign of the carriers' newfound leverage. "The situation has completely shifted," says Beth Enslow, supply-chain service director at the Aberdeen Group consultancy. "Manufacturers and distributors used to have the upper hand in setting prices."

Electric company makes a powerful argument

2006-12-02T01:17:00.000-08:00

Monday night football fans probably think little about the power that lets them watch the game on television and wash down microwaved popcorn with a cold beer. And Tuesday-morning quarterbacks probably aren't analyzing the essence of the clock-radio alarm, blow-dried hair and a hot cup of coffee.

Only when the monthly electric bills come do average Americans think about the power that makes life convenient. But when people are making a payment isn't when they consider the electric company in the best light, so to speak.

It Southern California Edison wants to change that to some degree by constructing a 230-mile, high-voltage transmission line from the Devers Substation about 10 miles north of Palm Springs to the Harquahal Switchyard about 40 miles west of Phoenix, Ariz. The line would add 1,200 megawatt capacity (one megawatt can serve 1,000 customers in the winter and 750 customers in the summer). But it's not the area's exploding population fueling the project.

"Our primary purpose in this is to access low-cost power," says Marco Ahumada, project manager. "This will, however, contribute to help us maintain costs as load increases and population grows."

Ahumada was among about a dozen SCE engineers and economic, environmental and public relations experts at a fourhour project open house in Palm Desert on Sept. 28. It was the last in a series of such events along the proposed line, the earlier events being in Blythe, Loma Linda, Calimesa and Beaumont.

Display boards on easels around the room at the Joslyn Senior Center illustrated SCE's plans.

The new 500,000-volt line would essentially parallel an existing 500,000-volt line (constructed in the early 1980s) running along the south side of Interstate 10 from Arizona to the Cactus City rest stop near Desert Center, then crossing to the north side of the interstate to the Devers Substation.

The bottom line, according to SCE officials, is that the DeversPalo Verde No. 2 line, as the project is called, would (1) allow the company to import lower-cost electricity into California, thus lowering the cost its customers pay; (2) increase energy producers' access to the California energy market and provide an incentive for new generation development; (3) increase competition among energy suppliers; and (4) offset price increases that could result from events such as droughts that reduce supplies of low-cost hydroelectricity and heat waves that create high-peak demand for electricity.

The bottom line to SCE customers, based on questions/concerns raised in the face of the proposal, is (1) how the project will impact their electricity rates; (2) how the additional line will impact the environment; (3) how construction of the new line will impact them; and (4) whether they will experience increased health risk from electric and magnetic fields.

The answer to the first question is somewhat elusive, in part because SCE doesn't know how many customers it will actually be serving when the line is completed (projected for June 2009). "We haven't converted the community cost ratio to a rate," Ahumada says. All SCE customers will share in the $600 million cost.

According to Ahumada, the savings realized by cheaper sources of electricity will offset the transmission charge line item on electric bills. "We expect to see benefits immediately," he says. "Our analysis shows the benefits exceed the costs," And, he points out, the cost won't appear on bills until 2010, after the project is completed. "We get financing to pay upfront costs," Ahumada says.

Of course, SCE can't just go out and start digging holes for transmission tower footings. The company already has prepared inches upon inches of documents detailing technical, economic and environmental aspects of the proposal. The California Independent System Operator - responsible for managing the California electric power grid - is conducting its own analysis, and SCE hopes to have CISO approval next month. Then it must file applications with and obtain approvals from the California Public Utilities Commission, Arizona Corporation Commission (the CPUC equivalent in that state), and Bureau of Land Management. SCE hopes to have those approvals by early 2006.

When all of that is accomplished, SCE will then request permission from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to put the cost of the project into customer rates. In addition to governmental approvals, SCE must coordinate its activities with The Gas Company and Imperial Irrigation District to cross their lines.

Heat exchangers

2006-11-30T22:48:00.001-08:00

The Minex [R] beat exchangers, the M4DW and the M10DW, are available in a choice of plate and gasket materials to meet the specifications of each application. Both models feature double plates that are laser-welded together around each porthole. According to the manufacturer, both models offer compactness, low weight, easily adjustable heat transfer area, low hold-up volume, end quick response time.

Demand for heat exchangers almost doubles Owasso company's business

2006-11-29T22:46:00.000-08:00

A longtime Hammco employee met owner Charles Helscel as he entered a 10,000-square-foot industrial warehouse sheltering tons of pipe, either already machined or waiting to be. Helscel chuckled as he heard that four semis full of pipe had been turned away that morning - for lack of space.

"That's how busy we are," he said. "All this you see here, all this is for projects already paid for."

Today's rising oil prices have created a roaring bull market for Owasso-based Hammco Air Coolers, maker of 80,000-pound heat exchangers for oil refineries and offshore oil rigs. But even as he prepares to build one 20,000-square-foot addition to his 90,000- square-foot complex, with plans for a second, 66-year-old Helscel approaches the surging business with caution. Having lived through the '80s oil bust, he vividly recalls what overextending operations can do.

"Business is growing faster than I've ever seen it," said the 36- year industry executive, who foresees his revenue approaching $30 million this year - up from $18 million-plus last year.

With a six-month backlog of contracts, Helscel refused to speculate on next year's revenue, noting he has already turned away deals that could force him to grow too quickly.

"I can do that when I know the economy is strong," he said with a smile. "We can be as big as we want to be with the volume of business that's out there.

"I have never been one to try and grow too fast," he added, "because it's difficult to get the quality of people that Hammco has."

While oil prices have driven the energy market, Helscel credits much of Hammco's growth to tougher Environmental Protection Agency regulations that spur refinery demand for his huge heat exchangers. This, along with refinery expansions planned to accommodate energy market growth, promise a long era of prosperity.

"They say we have 10 years of business like this in front of us," he said.

Building on garbage

Helscel entered the heat exchanger sector somewhat by default. Emerging from high school without the means to go to college, and not knowing exactly what he wanted to do, he found a job with a now- deceased manufacturer of heat exchangers. He soon decided that he needed a much stronger education if he was going to succeed in that field, so he attended night classes for two years as he pursued his office work, rising to the level of draftsman.

Moving to The Happy Co., another Tulsa-based manufacturer of heat exchangers, Helscel continued his night courses at Tulsa University. Through 13 years at Happy, Helscel rose through the ranks from chief draftsman to chief engineer to plant manager - the post he held in 1970 when Happy was bought out by an East Coast conglomerate. While his career continued its upward movement, he came to dislike how the new owners "treated people like a number."

For Helscel, the turning point came when he was invited to meet with company officials in Florida. Asked to become president of Happy, Helscel realized the move involved accepting business practices that conflicted with his religious beliefs as a member of the Assembly of God. So he turned down the promotion and, while remaining at Happy, opened a fabrication shop in a dairy barn east of Owasso.

"We were paying $50 a month rent," he said with a laugh, running the firm a night as he continued his day job at Happy. As its contracts grew - eventually to include not just Happy Co. but also competitors - Helscel built a second line of business selling containers for refuse haulers.

"They would put down a 10-percent down-payment and then pay 10 percent a month on the balance plus 1 percent interest," said Helscel.

That revenue stream grew to where Helscel found himself making money just from those "revolving charge accounts." It also led him to build a sister company, Commercial Containers Inc., to produce roll-off containers for the garbage trucks.

By January 1974, business demands left Helscel no time to spare for Happy. Still, it took six months before he could find his replacement and leave that firm, even as he established Hammco in a 20-by-60 building on five acres along the east side of U.S. Highway 169 in Owasso - where it remains to this day.

"I made a deal with the owner to buy the property for $300 a month for eight years," he said, "and I thought to myself, 'Lord, how am I ever going to pay this off?'"

Assembled through auctions

As the 1980s approached, Helscel decided to start offering his own line of heat exchangers, which would give Hammco control of its own destiny. The move proved beneficial as the '70s energy boom turned into the '80s energy bust.

Micro cogen for homes: Honda, climate energy system under development for home heat and power; 15,000 in Japan

2006-11-28T22:44:00.000-08:00

Smaller combined heat and power (CHP) cogeneration systems have long fallen under the good idea category, but have never found widespread use, at least in North America.

For many years proposals have been floated and plans developed to place these types of cogeneration systems in everything from hotels to fast food restaurants, small retail operations and even residential applications from apartment complexes to individual homes. But the market penetration of these smaller output sets has never quite realized the potential or the volumes predicted for them.

A technology widely used globally in large reciprocating engine markets with diesel or natural gas engines and especially gas turbines, the smaller CHP systems moved down the horsepower chart, the less practical the technology has seemed.

Now, however, a new effort is being mounted for development of a small CHP system that comes to the U.S. with something different--a real world track record; 15,000 applications of a similar system in Japan over the last three years.

Two new plate pasteurizers at Clover Stornetta - milk plant in Petaluma, CA - Food Manufacturing & Packaging - Company Profile

2006-11-27T22:55:00.000-08:00

The new Clover Stornetta milk plant in Petaluma, Calif., which started production last September, is one of the most modern facilities in the dairy industry. To meet production requirements of 50,000 gal. of milk products and 3,000 gal. of orange juice a day, the plant has installed two new Cherry-Burrell Thermaflex plate heat exchangers to pasteurize its products.

The $7.5-million, 25,000-sq.-ft. plant produces whole, 1%, 2%, and nonfat milk, as well as, orange juice. Besides whole raw milk, the plant receives skim and condensed milk directly from a local dairy co-op, so it does not need to separate its own milk.

The different finished milk products are produced by blending the three streams in-line just ahead of the larger pasteurizers, which is rated at 6,500 gal. per hour. The smaller unit is rated at 1,400 gal. per hour for orange juice. Each is a conventional regeneration/heating/cooling plate heat exchanger.

Both pasteurizers are equipped with Cherry-Burrell's Thermaflex plates, which feature the new Thermalock gaskets. These snap in and out easily and require no adhesive, reducing downtime by up to 75% when gaskets need to be changed.

Thermalock gaskets fit into deep, protective grooves. Each groove actually extends deeper than the plane of the main plate pattern, so less gasket area is exposed when plates are nested. This enables the gaskets to handle higher pressures without tearing free or blowing out.

Other advantages of Thermaflex plates include better product flow onto the plate, increased heat exchange; and right- and left-hand plates and gaskets are interchangeable, reducing inventory.