Benefits of Spiral Round Ductwork

Spiral Round Ductwork is more Efficient than
Conventional Rectangular Ducting. 

For facilities managers, optimized facility performance is an important part of their job.  That's why many facilities are moving toward spiral round ductwork as opposed to conventional rectangular ducting. Static regained spiral round ducting can do more with less when compared to conventional rectangular ductwork: 

• Costs about 1/4 less 
• Weighs 25% less 
• Easier to install 
• Less bulky than conventional rectangular ducting in variable (VAV) or constant volume systems (SPIDA). 

Spiral round ducting can enhance the HVAC systems performance, as systems that include static regain designed spiral round ductwork use less energy, deliver air to every VAV box and create a more comfortable indoor environment for occupants and visitors. 

Take for example the leakage rate of rectangular ductwork compared to spiral round ductwork. Leakage for rectangular ductwork occurs at a much higher rate than spiral ductwork, which has a leakage rate of less than 1% (SPIDA). 

By reducing leakage, there is a significant impact on the HVAC energy efficiency and occupant comfort. The right amount of conditioned air can be directed to the intended locations within a facility, which results in better indoor air quality and a more comfortable environment for occupants. 

Another benefit of spiral round ductwork, according to the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (ASHRAE), is the allowance of spiral round ductworks for higher uses of air velocity than compared to rectangular ductwork. Higher velocity, static regain designs are state-of-the-art for current lower installed costs VAV systems.  

Direct Digital Control (DDC) strategies can enhance the efficiency of a round ductwork system. DD/VAV controls allow for fan pressure optimization because you can identify which VAV box in the system requires the maximum static pressure and then control the fan to provide just that amount of static pressure and no more. 

This article was derived from the headline "The HVAC Factor: Spiral Round Ductwork", which appeared on September 17, 2013 in the Today's Facility Manager. 

NFPA: 13: To Reinstall or Not a Removed Sprinkler

According to the NFPA 13, Installation of Sprinkler Systems, once a sprinkler is removed it cannot be reinstalled.  This rule was added to the 2013 edition of the NFPA because of concerns that the sprinkler could be damaged during the removal process.  

The addition of this stipulation is not surprising as removing a sprinkler can cause damage to occur to the threading, water seal or operating element. While there may be no visible signs of damage, the sprinkler's performance may still be negatively affected. 

A simple requirement and yet this new stipulation has stirred debates. The controversy stems from the wording, which simply states "When a sprinkler is removed" without any specifications for its removal.   

This ambiguity is the reason for that two interpretations have emerged.  Both of which are directly related to whether or not there is the presence of a drop riser nipple, or other fitting between the sprinkler and the branch-line outlet. 

According to one side, provided the sprinkler is detached from the sprinkler system without the sprinkler being touched, the potential for mechanical damage is completely eliminated.  The sprinkler and the fitting can therefore be reinstalled. 

The other side of the debate argues that regardless whether or not the sprinkler has been physically touched, it can still be damaged as it waits to be reinstalled. For example, the sprinkler or the container in which it is stored could be dropped or kicked and compromise its functionality.  

These two sides faced off at the development of the 2013 edition of the NFPA 13 and it is likely more attention will be given to this issue at the development meetings for the 2016 edition.  

This article is derived from Matt Klaus's "Since U Been Gone," originally published in the NFPA Journal September/October 2013 edition. 

BIM-The Way of the Future?

Technological advancements have revolutionized how many industries operate. Take for example, the telecommunications industry.  In recent years, the art of letter writing has quickly been replaced by email and texting. In fact, communication has never been easier. 

For the construction industry, change has occurred more gradually, but now, Building Information Modeling, or BIM, may be finally changing that.  

   

What is BIM? 

BIM is a three dimensional digital representation of a building and its characteristics.  As one of the most promising developments in architecture, engineering and construction, BIM allows for the creation of a virtual model through a digitally constructed building.

This computer generated model contains precise geometry and data, which can be used to make decisions and improve the design process.

Benefits of BIM

BIM technology has numerous benefits for design professionals and facility owners and managers. 

• Tighter Coordination: BIM enables all members of the design team, including the customer, contractor and specialists to work more collaboratively. This improves the project's development through every stage of the design process.  No longer will the interaction of firms and disciplines be confined to the exchange of construction documents.  BIM enables tighter integration of the design teams, which results in a more cohesive and effective design.
• Less Costly Revisions: The integration of the schedule and cost information improves the sequencing during construction. You can get a complete picture during the design.
• Life Cycle Data: BIM is further enhanced after the construction of the facility. BIM is first and foremost about the information and data.  It acts as a computerized maintenance management system. Equipment specifications and schedules are easily accessible and critical functions can be integrated into the system.

Additionally, in a study conducted by the Stanford University, Centre for Integrated Facilities Engineering of 32 major projects using BIM (2007), it was determined that BIM will enable:

• Up to 40% elimination of unbudgeted change 
• Cost estimation accuracy within 3% 
• Up to 80% reduction in time taken to generate a cost estimate. 
• A savings of up to 10% of the contract value through clash detections. 
• Up to 7% reduction in a project time. 

McGraw-Hill Construction reported that the use of BIM technology increased from 17% in 2007, 49% in 2009, to 71% in 2013. Despite it's rapid growth, the widespread implementation of BIM technology still faces significant challenges. Still, the potential of BIM technology makes it an indispensable tool and skill for the design professional. Those who opt not to adopt BIM, may find themselves falling behind. 

Resources: 
http://www.smartplanet.com/blog/take/the-future-of-construction-meet-bim-or-else/441

http://www.burnsmcd.com/Resource_/Article/5721/PdfFile/aticle-SeeingtheFutureBIM.pdf

http://www.construction.com/about-us/press/bim-adoption-expands-from-17-percent-in-2007-to-over-70-percent-in-2012.asp

http://www.wspgroup.com/en/wsp-group-bim/10-truth-bim/

Removing the Cloak of Invisibility from the Engineer Profession

The engineering profession is one of anonymity, with most
people being unable to define what exactly an engineer does. 

Engineers are responsible for designing some of the world's most fundamental systems. While they may not have made your clothes, the machine that did was most certainly designed by an engineer. Likewise, your home couldn't have been built without the collaboration of an engineer.

The fact is engineers have their hands in just about everything. Still, if you were to ask someone to define the engineer profession, his or her response would be more than lacking. 

So why is the engineer profession such a mystery? 

Alan Werner, P.E. explains that the nature of the engineer's job is partly to blame for the invisibility of the engineer profession.  Think about it.  The engineer's primary objective is to solve problems before they even exist. For the public, this can be difficult to understand. If the problem isn't visible, then the engineer who solved the problem in the first place is by default invisible. 

This issue is perpetuated by the engineering profession as a whole, which seems to prefer being unknown. They are satisfied with simply accomplishing the goal and moving on without the public recognition of a job well done. This likely contributes to the "invisible engineer."

How do we overcome the invisible engineer phenomenon? 

First and foremost, the engineering community must bring awareness to the process that goes in to creating a useful & successful design.  As a society, we so often emphasis the final product rather than the steps it took to get there. This is reinforced in our education system and often in the professional world.

The engineer and the industry must re-emphasize the effort and innovative problem solving that goes into the design process.  But how?  Here are some ways we can bring awareness to the engineering profession:

1. Community Involvement

One of the easiest ways to bring awareness to the engineering profession is by simply getting involved in the community.  Building relationships with others can help debunk stereotypes, while emphasizing the importance of engineering.

2. Education Programs

Encourage education programs that emphasize the design process. This will help students become active problem solvers, while helping them to appreciate the process instead of simply the final product. 

3. Media Exposure 

One of the most effective methods of gaining exposure for the engineering profession is through the media. Particularly the digital media, as the internet can make an message viral. 

More ideas? Leave a comment to let us know! Remember the engineering community plays an integral role in our developing and growing world, by bringing awareness to the engineer profession we can continue to make gains as a society. 

This article was derived from Alan Werner, P.E. N.S.P.E., "Why are Engineers Invisible" originally published in the Magazine for Professional Engineers in August/September 2013.

Generators: What you Need to Know

Nothing is more frustrating than a power outage.

From unpredictable weather to man-made natural disasters your business's operations are in jeopardy of being disrupted. Even more disheartening is the statistic that when businesses are forced to close because of a disaster, at least one in four never opens again.

By having a generator for your facility, you can ensure that your operations can continue to run smoothly no matter the disaster happening around you.

Choosing a Generator 
There are a variety of generators available and knowing the advantages and disadvantages of both can better help you make an informed decision.   One of the first choices you must make is whether or not to invest in a portable or standby generator.

Portable vs. Standby

Portable generators must be
manually hooked to appliances. 

Portable Generators

During a power outage, you must hook up your portable generator and plug it into the appliances you want to power or a subpanel. While portable generator are less money, they have limitations. Your portable generator can only be hooked up to a certain number of appliances at a time.

Standby generators  are wired into
 the building's electrical system.

Standby Generators

Unlike portable generators, standby generators are wired into your building's electrical system through a power switch.  Your standby generator will automatically start during a power outage.  A standby generator isolates your "emergency" electrical wiring and provides power to the selected equipment from the normal power source which then transfers the emergency load to the generator.  When power is restored the switch will also connect "emergency" circuits back to the utility lines and turn off the generator. In addition to the convenience of automatic switching, permanent generators offer higher power levels compared to portable units and longer run times.  

Sizing your Generator 

To choose the appropriate sized generator you must determine what your electrical needs are. Consider all the items you would like to power during an outage. Find the wattage and the year it was made. Add up the wattage of all your appliances and other items you want to power and double it. This can give an estimate of the amount of 

Choosing the Right Fuel

Most generators run on gasoline, but there are also other fuel alternatives that  s depending on your needs.

Natural Gas

Advantages:  Cleaner compared to oil and coal, inexpensive and readily available.

Disadvantages: Extremely explosive and a fire hazard, emits carbon dioxide and it is a limited or non-renewable resources.

Propane

Advantages: Long shelf life, doesn't evaporate overtime, clean burning, quieter engine noise level, and more emission compliant. 

Disadvantages: Pressurized cylinder of flammable gas, fuel system is more complicated, tanks are not as aesthetically pleasing, fuel system plumbing results in higher installation cost, somewhat expensive fuel.

Diesel

Advantages: Higher ratio of costs to energy density, assures steady power,reduces maintenance because there are no spark plugs or wires, long life span and least flammable fuel source.

Disadvantages: Expensive, tends to be nosier, large and bulky and considered a pollutant.