The material in a filter that traps and holds the impurities.
Courtesy of: trane.com
Monday, December 31, 2007
NATE
North American Technician Excellence—certification acknowledging a dealer/technician as the one of the most knowledgeable and experienced at installing and servicing high performance, precision-engineered heating and cooling systems.
Courtesy of: trane.com
Courtesy of: trane.com
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Operating Cost
Cost of running your home comfort system, based on energy usage.
Courtesy of: trane.com
Courtesy of: trane.com
Outdoor Coil (also Condenser Coil)
In a heat pump, it takes in heat to warm your home. In an air conditioner, it dissipates heat from the refrigerant, changing the refrigerant from vapor to liquid to cool your home.
Courtesy of: trane.com
Courtesy of: trane.com
Package Unit (or Packaged System)
A single cabinet, typically installed outside, that houses both heating and cooling components.
Courtesy of: trane.com
Courtesy of: trane.com
Payback Analysis
Number of years required before your monthly energy savings offset the original HVAC investment.
Courtesy of: trane.com
Courtesy of: trane.com
Reciprocating Compressor
A compressor whose piston or pistons move back and forth in the cylinders.
Courtesy of: trane.com
Courtesy of: trane.com
Refrigerant
A chemical that produces a refrigerating effect while expanding and vaporizing. Most residential air conditioning systems contain R-22 refrigerant. R-22 is regulated under the Montreal Protocol and in the United States by the Environmental Protection Agency. R-22 is scheduled to be in production until the year 2020. It's used in approximately 95 percent of air conditioning equipment manufactured in the U.S. today.
Courtesy of: trane.com
Courtesy of: trane.com
Refrigerant Lines
Two copper lines connecting the outdoor condenser to the indoor evaporator coil.
Courtesy of: trane.com
Courtesy of: trane.com
SEER
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio; a measure of cooling efficiency for air conditioners and heat pumps. The higher the SEER, the more energy efficient the unit.
Courtesy of: trane.com
Courtesy of: trane.com
SEET
Seasonal Extreme Environmental Test—Trane facility that simulates series of rigorous tests to ensure the quality/reliability of outdoor units.
Courtesy of: trane.com
Courtesy of: trane.com
Self-Contained System
A refrigerating system that can be moved without disconnecting any refrigerant lines; also know as a package unit.
Courtesy of: trane.com
Courtesy of: trane.com
Sensible Heat
That heat which, when added to or taken away from a substance, causes a rise or fall in temperature.
Courtesy of: trane.com
Courtesy of: trane.com
Sensor
Any device that reacts to a change in the conditions being measured, permitting the condition to be controlled.
Courtesy of: trane.com
Courtesy of: trane.com
Setpoint
The temperature or pressure at which a controller is set with the expectation that this will be a nominal value depending on the range of the controller.
Courtesy of: trane.com
Courtesy of: trane.com
Spine-Fin™ Coil
All-aluminum outdoor coil that features the patented Spine Fin™ design. It provides greater heat exchanging capabilities (meaning higher efficiencies) and is more resistant to corrosion than a traditional copper/aluminum coil.
Courtesy of: trane.com
Courtesy of: trane.com
Split System (also Indoor/Outdoor System)
The combination of an outdoor unit (air conditioner or heat pump) with an indoor unit (furnace or air handler). Split systems must be matched for optimum efficiency.
Courtesy of: trane.com
Courtesy of: trane.com
Thermostatic Expansion Valve
A refrigerant metering device that maintains a constant evaporator temperature by monitoring suction vapor superheat; also called a thermal expansion valve.
Courtesy of: trane.com
Courtesy of: trane.com
Thermostat
A thermostat consists of a series of sensors and relays that monitor and control the functions of a heating and cooling system.
Courtesy of: trane.com
Courtesy of: trane.com
Ton
A unit of measurement used for determining cooling capacity. One ton is the equivalent of 12,000 BTUs per hour.
Courtesy of: trane.com
Courtesy of: trane.com
TRANE CleanEffects™ (also CleanEffects™)
Trane Air filtration system that removes 99.98% of airborne allergens down to .1 microns from the filtered air, making it 100 times more effective that a standard 1” filter.
Courtesy of: trane.com
Courtesy of: trane.com
TRANE FreshEffects™ (also Energy Recovery Ventilator or FreshEffects™)
Energy efficient system to exchange stale indoor air for an equal amount of fresher outdoor air.
Courtesy of: trane.com
Courtesy of: trane.com
Two-Stage Compressor
Compressor composed of a high and low stage to increase efficiency and comfort while reducing operation noise.
Courtesy of: trane.com
Courtesy of: trane.com
Two-Stage Heating / Two-Stage Cooling
Two-stage heating and cooling is considered to be more efficient, because it operates at low speed most of the time. However, on days when more heating or air conditioning is required, it switches to the next stage for maximum comfort.
Courtesy of: trane.com
Courtesy of: trane.com
Saturday, December 29, 2007
U-Factor
The factor representing resistance to heat flow of various building materials.
Courtesy of: trane.com
Courtesy of: trane.com
Upflow Furnace
A furnace in which air is drawn in through the sides or bottom and discharged out the top.
Courtesy of: trane.com
Courtesy of: trane.com
Vacuum
A pressure below atmospheric pressure. A perfect vacuum is 30 inches Mercury (periodic symbol "Hg").
Courtesy of: trane.com
Courtesy of: trane.com
Variable-Speed Motor(s)
The fan motor inside Trane's variable-speed air handlers is designed to vary its speed based on your home's heating and air conditioning requirements. Working in conjunction with your thermostat, it keeps the appropriate-temperature air (e.g. warm air on cold days) circulating throughout your home, reducing temperature variances in your home. It also provides greater air circulation and filtration, better temperature distribution, humidity control, higher efficiency, and quiet performance.
Courtesy of: trane.com
Courtesy of: trane.com
Volt
The unit of measure used to describe a difference in electrical potential; abbreviated by the symbol "v".
Courtesy of: trane.com
Courtesy of: trane.com
Watt
The unit of electrical power equal to the flow of one amp at a potential difference of one volt.
Courtesy of: trane.com
Courtesy of: trane.com
Wet Bulb Thermometer
A thermometer whose bulb is covered with a piece of water-soaked cloth. The lowering of temperature that results from the evaporation of water around the bulb indicates the air's relative humidity.
Courtesy of: trane.com
Courtesy of: trane.com
Zoning
A method of dividing a home into different comfort zones so each zone can be independently controlled depending on use and need; an air conditioning system capable of maintaining varying conditions for various rooms or zones.
Courtesy of: trane.com
Courtesy of: trane.com
Zoning System
A method of dividing a home into different comfort zones so each zone can be independently controlled depending on use and need; an air conditioning system capable of maintaining varying conditions for various rooms or zones.
Courtesy of : trane.com
Courtesy of : trane.com
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Check Valve
Below is a graphic of a check valve. The check valve is important to use if you want to keep pressure in a system. A check valve will prevent liquid from flowing back into pumps or tanks. The easy thing about a check valve is that it has an arrow on it hat shows the direction of flow. I have found check valves installed backwards.
American Ductile Iron Pipe
Here is a web site with a lot of good information about the pipe that a UT will use to repair and construct water distribution systems.
American Ductile Iron Pipe
American Ductile Iron Pipe
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
The Ground
One of the most important things that a UT should know is the ground. I have spent a good many years in trenchs and holes fixing and installing pipes. In addition a UT, needs to know about the hydrologic cycle and perculation. The graphic below shows the typical layers of dirt.
Automatic and Programmable Thermostats
Thermostats are one of the most misunderstood parts of the air conditioning system. I've actually been called to people's residences just to adjust the thermostat.
Check out the link below to have a better understanding of thermostats:
Automatic and Programmable Thermostats -- Dept of Energy
From: toolbase.org
Check out the link below to have a better understanding of thermostats:
Automatic and Programmable Thermostats -- Dept of Energy
From: toolbase.org
A Few Plumbing Jokes
1. A lawyer in California needed a leak fixed and called the plumber; who after about 45 minutes was done and all cleaned up.
“That will be $75″ said the plumber.
The lawyer objected saying “I’m a lawyer, and I don’t even get that much an hour!
“The plumber responded: “I didn’t either, when I was a lawyer”.
2. Did you hear that someone broke into our local police station and stole the toilet?
Right now the cops have nothing to go on…
3. “A plumber is the only guy I know who can take a leak…
…and fix it also!”
4. A plumber arrived at his next job only to find his client was going out. Worried about the clients Rotweiler the man asks if he could come back later.
Noticing the plumber’s insecurity the client says, “Don’t worry about the dog he won’t hurt you, but whatever you do don’t talk to the parrot!”. Heeding the client’s warning he walks into the house and into the kitchen.
Feeling more confident about the Rotweiler he starts working on the sink. Barely after starting he notices the parrot sitting by the Rotweiler, all of a sudden the parrot bursts out with a bunch of insult’s. Almost half way through the job the plumber starts to get angry, he starts to tell the bird to shut up.All of a sudden the bird becomes silent, then very quietly the bird says, “Sick him Rex.”
5. A plumber was called to woman’s apartment in San Diego to repair a leaking pipe. When he arrived he was pleased to discover that the woman was quite a luscious, well-stacked dish.
During the course of the afternoon, the two became extremely friendly. About 6:30 p.m. the phone rang, disturbing the bedroom shenanigans.”That was my husband,” she said, putting down the phone. “He’s on his way home, but is going back to the office around 8 p.m.. Come back then, dear, and we can take up where we left off.”
The union plumber looked at the woman in disbelief. “What? On my own time?”
6. I bet you have never seen a plumber bite his nails.
7. A good flush beats a full house every time!
Shamelessly borrowed from www.plumbing.1800anytime.com
“That will be $75″ said the plumber.
The lawyer objected saying “I’m a lawyer, and I don’t even get that much an hour!
“The plumber responded: “I didn’t either, when I was a lawyer”.
2. Did you hear that someone broke into our local police station and stole the toilet?
Right now the cops have nothing to go on…
3. “A plumber is the only guy I know who can take a leak…
…and fix it also!”
4. A plumber arrived at his next job only to find his client was going out. Worried about the clients Rotweiler the man asks if he could come back later.
Noticing the plumber’s insecurity the client says, “Don’t worry about the dog he won’t hurt you, but whatever you do don’t talk to the parrot!”. Heeding the client’s warning he walks into the house and into the kitchen.
Feeling more confident about the Rotweiler he starts working on the sink. Barely after starting he notices the parrot sitting by the Rotweiler, all of a sudden the parrot bursts out with a bunch of insult’s. Almost half way through the job the plumber starts to get angry, he starts to tell the bird to shut up.All of a sudden the bird becomes silent, then very quietly the bird says, “Sick him Rex.”
5. A plumber was called to woman’s apartment in San Diego to repair a leaking pipe. When he arrived he was pleased to discover that the woman was quite a luscious, well-stacked dish.
During the course of the afternoon, the two became extremely friendly. About 6:30 p.m. the phone rang, disturbing the bedroom shenanigans.”That was my husband,” she said, putting down the phone. “He’s on his way home, but is going back to the office around 8 p.m.. Come back then, dear, and we can take up where we left off.”
The union plumber looked at the woman in disbelief. “What? On my own time?”
6. I bet you have never seen a plumber bite his nails.
7. A good flush beats a full house every time!
Shamelessly borrowed from www.plumbing.1800anytime.com
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
The Fire Pump
Below is a photo of a fire pump. This is a very specialized piece of equipment. The fire pump is generally specified as a set like this one, with all the controls already installed. There is usually a fire pump, a jockey pump, and control valves that are interlocked with the fire alarm or smoke detection system.
The Difference Between Storm Water and Sanitary Sewer
There is a difference between storm water collection and sewage collection, most people do not know the difference. Each system should be seperated and treated differently. The problem is that during high rain situations, the waste water plant can be overwhelmed, this almost guarantees that sewage will be released into the environment. Even the debris from a drain system can cause a sewage treatment plant to go off balance, again increasing the possibility of sewage release.
Below is an article that brushes this situation:
Keeping the Water Clean -- By Aram Kalousdian, Editor
Below is an article that brushes this situation:
Keeping the Water Clean -- By Aram Kalousdian, Editor
Monday, December 24, 2007
Liquid Assets
PBS will soon air a documentary called "Liquid Assets." The documentary is about our water infrastructure, which is in major need of repair. It is an interesting subject and should be of interest to the UT.
Liquid Assets: The Story of Our Water Infrastructure
Liquid Assets: The Story of Our Water Infrastructure
Is the Time of Incandescent Light Bulbs Done?
The new energy bill is tough, but can be worth it.
The bottomline:
"The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy has projected that the bill will reduce energy use by 7 percent and carbon dioxide emissions by 9 percent in 2030."
Check out this article:
Energy bill, on its way to Bush, aims to make U.S. greener -- by RICHARD SIMON
Courtesy of BDCnetwork.com
The bottomline:
"The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy has projected that the bill will reduce energy use by 7 percent and carbon dioxide emissions by 9 percent in 2030."
Check out this article:
Energy bill, on its way to Bush, aims to make U.S. greener -- by RICHARD SIMON
Courtesy of BDCnetwork.com
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Wet Vent
A wet vent is a vent which receives the discharge from wastes other than water closets. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Water-Supply System
The water-supply system of a building or premises consists of the water-service pipe, the water-distributing pipes and the necessary connecting pipes, fittings, control valves, and all appurtenances in or adjacent to the building or premises. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Water-Service Pipe
The water-service pipe is the pipe from the water main or other source of water supply to the building served. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Water-Distributing Pipe
A water-distributing pipe in a building or premises is a pipe which conveys water from the water-service pipe to the plumbing fixtures and other water outlets. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Waste Pipe
A waste pipe is a pipe which conveys only liquid waste, free of fecal matter. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Vertical Pipe
A vertical pipe is any pipe or fittings which is installed in a vertical position or which makes an angle of not more than 45 degrees with the vertical. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Vent System
A vent system is a pipe or pipes installed to provide a flow of air to or from a drainage system or to provide a circulation of air within such system to protect trap seals from siphonage and back pressure. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Vent Stack
A vent stack is a vertical vent pipe installed primarily for the purpose of providing circulation of air to and from any part of the drainage system. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Trap Seal
The trap seal is the maximum vertical depth of liquid that a trap will retain, measured between the crown weir and the top of the dip of the trap. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Trap
A trap is a fitting or device so designed and constructed as to provide, when properly vented, a liquid seal which will prevent the back passage of air without materially affecting the flow of sewage or waste water through it. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Stack Venting
Stack venting is a method of venting a fixture or fixtures through the soil or waste stack. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Stack Vent
A stack vent (sometimes called a waste vent or soil vent) is the extension of a soil or waste stack above the highest horizontal drain connected to the stack. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Stack Group
Stack group is a term applied to the location of fixtures in relation to the stack so that by means of proper fittings, vents may be reduced to a minimum. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Stack
A stack is the vertical main of a system of soil, waste, or vent piping. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Soil Pipe
A soil pipe is any pipe which conveys the discharge of water closets or fixtures having similar functions, with or without the discharge from other fixtures, to the building drain or building sewer. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Side Vent
A side vent is a vent connecting to the drain pipe through a fitting at an angle not greater than 45 degrees to the vertical. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Roughing-In
Roughing-in is the installation of all parts of the plumbing system which can be completed prior to the installation of fixtures. This includes drainage, water-supply, and vent piping, and the necessary fixtures supports. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Riser
A riser is a water-supply pipe which extends vertically one full story or more to convey water to branches or fixtures. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Revent Pipe
A revent pipe (sometimes called an individual vent) is that part of a vent pipe line which connects directly with an individual waste or group of wastes, underneath or back of the fixture, and extends either to the main or branch vent pipe. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Relief Vent
A relief vent is a vent the primary function of which is to provide circulation of air between drainage and vent system. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Plumbing System
The plumbing system includes the water-supply and distribution pipes; plumbing fixtures and traps; soil. waste, and vent pipes; building drains and building sewers including their respective connections, devices, and appurtenances within the property lines of the premises; and water-treating or water-using equipment. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Plumbing Fixtures
Plumbing fixtures are installed receptacles, devices, or appliances which are supplied with water or which receive or discharge liquids or liquid-borne wastes, with or without discharge into discharge system with which they may be directly or indirectly connected. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Main Vent
The main vent is the principle artery of the venting system, to which vent branches may be connected. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Main Sewer
A sewer directly controlled by public authority. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Main
The main of any system of continuous piping is the principal artery of the system, to which branches may be connected. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Loop Vent
A loop vent is the same as a circuit vent except that it loops back and connects with a stack vent instead of a vent stack. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Local Ventilating Pipe
A local ventilating pipe is a pipe on the fixture side of the trap through which vapor or foul air is removed from a room or fixture. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Liquid Waste
Liquid waste is the discharge from any fixture, appliance, or appurtenance, in connection with a plumbing system which does not receive fecal matter. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Leader
A leader (downspout) is the water conductor from the roof to the building storm drain, combined building sewer, or other means of disposal. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Interceptor
An interceptor is a device designed and installed so as to seperate and retain deleterious hazardous or undesirable matter from normal wastes and permit normal sewage or liquid wastes to the discharge into the disposal terminal by gravity. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Horizontal Pipe
Horizontal pipe means any pipe or fitting which makes an angle of more than 45 degrees with the vertical. --American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Horizontal Branch
A horizontal branch is a drain pipe extending laterally from a soil or waste stack or building drain, with or without vertical sections or branches, which receives the discharge from one or more fixture drains and conducts it to the soil or waste stack or to the building (house) drain. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Grade
Grade is the slope or fall of a line of pipe in reference to a horizontal plane. In drainage it is usually expressed as the fall in a fraction on an inch per foot length of pipe. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Frostproof Closet
A frostproof closet is a hopper that has no water in the bowl and has the trap and the control valve for its water supply installed below the frost line. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Flushometer Valve
A flushometer valve is a device which discharges a predetermined quantity of water o fixtures for flushing purposes and is actuated by direct water pressure. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Flush Valve
A flush valve is a device located at the bottom of the tank for the purpose of flushing water closets and similar fixtures. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Fixture-Unit Flow Rate
Fixture-unit flow rate is the total discharge flow in gpm of a single fixture divided by 7.5 which provides the flow rate of that particular plumbing fixture as a unit of flow. Fixtures are rated as multiples of this unit of flow. --American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Fixture Unit
A fixture unit is a quantity in terms of which the load-producing effects on the plumbing system of different kinds of plumbing fixtures are expressed on some arbitrarily chosen scale. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Fixture Supply
A fixture supply is a water-supply pipe connecting the fixture with the fixture branch. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Fixture Drain
A fixture drain is the drain from the trap of a fixture to the junction of that drain with any other drain pipe. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Fixture Branch
A fixture branch is a pipe connecting several fixtures. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Effective Opening
The effective opening is the minimum cross-sectional area at the point of water-supply discharge, measured or expressed in terms of (1) diameter of a circle, (2) if the opening is not circular, the diameter of the circle of equivalent cross-sectional area. (This is applicable to air gap). -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Drainage System
A drainage system (drainage piping) includes all the piping within public or private premises, which conveys sewage, rain water, or other liquid wastes to a legal point of disposal, but does not include the mains of a public sewer system or private or public sewage treatment or disposal plant. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Developed Length
The developed length of a pipe is its length along the center line of the pipe and fittings. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Dead End
A dead end is a branch leading from a soil, waste, or vent pipe, building drain, or building sewer, which is terminated at a developed distance of 2 feet or more by means of a plug or other closed fitting. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Cross-Connection
A cross-connection is any physical connection or arrangements between two otherwise separate piping systems, one of which contains potable water and the other water of unknown or questionable safety, whereby water may flow from one system to the other, the direction of flow depending on the pressure differential between the two systems. (See Backflow and Back-Siphonage). -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Continuous Waste
A continuous waste is a drain from two or three fixtures connected to a single trap. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Continuous Vent
A continuous vent is a vertical vent that is a continuation of the drain to which it connects. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Common Vent
A common vent is a vent connecting at the junction of two fixture drains and serving as a vent for both fixtures. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Combination Waste and Vent System
A combination waste and vent system is a specially designed system of waste piping embodying the horizontal wet venting of one or more sinks or floor drains by means of common waste and vent pipe adequately sized to provide free movement of air above the flow line of the drain. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Combination Fixture
A combination fixture is a fixture combining one sink and tray or a two- or three-compartment sink or tray in one unit. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Circuit Vent
A circuit vent is a branch vent that serves two or more traps and extends from in front of the last fixture connection of a horizontal branch to the vent stack. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Building Trap
A building (house) trap is a device, fitting, or assenbly of fittings installed in the building drain to prevent circulation of air between the drainage system of the building and the building sewer. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Friday, December 21, 2007
Building Sewer
The building (house) sewer is that part of the horizontal piping of a drainage system which extends from the end of the building drain and which receives the discharge of the building drain and conveys it to a public sewer, private sewer, individual sewage-disposal system or other point of disposal. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Building Drain
The building (house) drain is that part of the lowest piping of a drain system which receives the discharge from soil, waste, and other drainage pipes inside the walls of the building and conveys it to the building (house) sewer beginning 3 feet outside the building wall. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Branch Vent
A branch vent is a vent connecting one or more individual vents with a vent stack or stack vent. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Branch Interval
A branch interval is a length of soil or waste stack corresponding in general to a story height, but in no case less than 8 feet within which the horizontal branches from one floor or story of a building are connected to the stack. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Branch
A branch is any part of the piping system other than a main, riser, or stack. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Battery of Fixtures
A "battery of fixtures" is a group of two or more similar adjacent fixtures which discharge into a common horizontal waste or soil branch. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Back-Siphonage
Back-siphonage is the flowing back of used, contaminated, or polluted water form a plumbing fixture or vessel into a water-supply pipe due to a negatie pressure in such pipe. (See Backflow.) -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A4.80-1955)
Backflow Preventer
A backflow preventer is a device or means to prevent backflow into the potable water system. -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Backflow
Backflow is the flow of water or other liquids, mixtures or substances into the distributing pipes of potable supply of water from any source or sources other than its intended source. (See Back siphonage.) -- American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Air Gap
An air gap in a water-supply system is the unobstructed verticle distance through the free atmosphere between the lowest opening from any pipe or faucet supplying water to a tank, plumbing fixture, or other device and the flood-level rim of the receptacle. --American Standard National Plumbing Code (ASA A40.8-1955)
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Water Hammer Arresters: Standard PDI-WH 201
Here is the standard for water hammer arresters. The use of water hammer arresters is not well known. As a UT, it is important to know this standard, especially when designing and specifying plumbing systems.
This standard is from the Plumbing and Drainage Institute:
Water Hammer Arresters: Standard PDI-WH 201
This standard is from the Plumbing and Drainage Institute:
Water Hammer Arresters: Standard PDI-WH 201
Capture Kitchen Grease
Here is an interest publication about kitchen grease...the bane of plumber's existence. During my time as an UT, I have had more than my fair share run in with kitchen grease.
This article is published by the Plumbing and Drainage Institute.
Capture Kitchen Grease
This article is published by the Plumbing and Drainage Institute.
Capture Kitchen Grease
8 Ways to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
Here is an interesting article that talks about energy conservation and some simple tips to make your home more green. Found on Greenlight-digital.com
8 Ways to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient -- By Harvey Sachs
8 Ways to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient -- By Harvey Sachs
Balancing the IEQ Equation
Here is an interesting article. This is an issue that we are finding more and more prevalent in modern buildings as they are built tighter for energy efficiency. The secret is finding a balance. This balance must be achieved in design, construction and maintenance. Found on facilitiesnet.com
Balancing the IEQ Equation -- By Naomi Millán
Balancing the IEQ Equation -- By Naomi Millán
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
What is Energy?
Energy is basically stored work; the ability to do work or move against a resistance.
What is Heat?
Heat is a form of energy. Most people would know heat by how it is measured. It effect on the temperature. There is heat until the temperature reaches absolute zero.
Refrigeration System Installation and Startup Procedures
Here is a good article that accurately describes some checks that need to be done for air conditioning and refrigeration start-up.
Refrigeration System Installation and Startup Procedures, and Air Conditioning Equipment Efficiency -- By Armin Rudd
Refrigeration System Installation and Startup Procedures, and Air Conditioning Equipment Efficiency -- By Armin Rudd
Make Room for Caddy
This article is about mechanical ventilation, specifically about ventilating Carbon Monoxide out of attached garages. This is a potentially dangerous issue, if not done properly.
Make Room for Caddy -- By Paul H. Raymer
Make Room for Caddy -- By Paul H. Raymer
HVAC System Pressure Relief
This article is about the balancing of systems with pressure relief ducts. This is a problem that I have found in buildings that have been added on to.
HVAC System Pressure Relief--By Paul H. Raymer and Neil Moyer
HVAC System Pressure Relief--By Paul H. Raymer and Neil Moyer
Smart and Cool- The Art of Air Conditioning
This is a good article about the proper sizing of air conditioning systems.
Smart and Cool - The Art of Air Conditioning -- By John Proctor
Smart and Cool - The Art of Air Conditioning -- By John Proctor
Best Building Science Online/ HVAC
Below is a good link for HVAC information. There are interesting videos that explain some important concepts.
Best Building Science Online/HVAC
Best Building Science Online/HVAC
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Code College On-Line Training
This is a very good website that should be of particular interest to UTs. All professionals should understand the building codes.
Code College On-Line Training
The best thing is that they are all free and there is alot of information.
Code College On-Line Training
The best thing is that they are all free and there is alot of information.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Heating Help
Probably the best resource for heating and hydronics information...check it out.
HeatingHelp.com
The best of the best in the heating community.
HeatingHelp.com
The best of the best in the heating community.
What does d.c. mean?
Direct Current
You will most likely find d.c. stored in power cells and batteries. Direct current only flows in one direction.
You will most likely find d.c. stored in power cells and batteries. Direct current only flows in one direction.
Atmospheric Pressure
The weight of the atmosphere that is exerting force on every point in contact with the said atmosphere.
Air
By definition, air is a gas consisting of a mixture of 23.2% (by weight) of oxygen, 75.5% nitrogen, 1.3% argon and small amounts of several other gases.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Plenum
An enclosed portion of the building structure, other than an occupiable space being conditioned, that is designed to allow air movement and thereby serve as part of an air distribution system.
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