Morton Grove, Ill. — Jan. 21, 2015 — Xylem Inc.’s Saajhi Stepping Pump received a 2014 GOOD DESIGN award in the humanitarian category for its contributions to the smallholder farmer in developing nations. The GOOD DESIGN program recognizes new consumer products from around the world in 25 categories for design and innovation. The awards receive several thousand entries from companies in 47 countries.

Developed in 2013 through Xylem’s Essence of Life initiative, the Saajhi pump uses human weight and motion to move water. It was designed to help smallholder farmers in rural areas to irrigate their land more efficiently.

“To be recognized by the international design community is a high honor and speaks greatly to the research and development capabilities of the entire Xylem team,” said Keith Teichmann, director of innovative networks and marketing, Xylem. “By striving to deliver the most innovative products for our customers — in developed or emerging markets — our company is changing the way people look at the transport, treatment, testing and efficient use of water.”

The Saajhi pump is part of the Essence of Life initiative, which works with citizens and public and private partners to understand the needs of, and develop solutions for, rural farmers in developing nations. The pump aids farmers in cultivating crops for sale, improving their economic standing within their communities and supporting sustainable rural enterprise. The Saajhi has already improved production for rural farmers, tripling crop yield over rain-fed fields and reducing labor by more than 25 percent over traditional furrow irrigation.

The GOOD DESIGN awards were established in 1950 to recognize the best in contemporary design and have included products from the paperclip to a NASA spaceship. The awards are presented by The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design in cooperation with the European Centre for Architecture, Art, Design and Urban Studies. Products in the GOOD DESIGN contest are judged for quality design in terms of innovation, new technologies, form, materials, construction, concept, function, utility, and energy efficiency and sensitivity to the environment. Award-winning products and designs will be part of the museum’s permanent design collection and exhibited in the U.S. and abroad.

To learn more about GOOD DESIGN, visit: chi-athenaeum.org/about-good-design.html.

To learn more about Xylem’s Essence of Life initiative, visit xyleminc.com/en-us/sustainability/essence-of-life/Pages/default.aspx.

About Xylem

Xylem (XYL) is a leading global water technology provider, enabling customers to transport, treat, test and efficiently use water in public utility, residential and commercial building services, industrial and agricultural settings. The company does business in more than 150 countries through a number of market-leading product brands, and its people bring broad applications expertise with a strong focus on finding local solutions to the world’s most challenging water and wastewater problems. Xylem is headquartered in Rye Brook, N.Y., with 2013 revenues of $3.8 billion and more than 12,500 employees worldwide. Xylem was named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the last three years for advancing sustainable business practices and solutions worldwide.

The name Xylem is derived from classical Greek and is the tissue that transports water in plants, highlighting the engineering efficiency of our water-centric business by linking it with the best water transportation of all — that which occurs in nature. For more information, please visit us at www.xyleminc.com.

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CHICAGO – Jan. 21, 2015 – Xylem Inc. continues the advancement of the Bell & Gossett (B&G) line of highly efficient products with the next wave of innovations at AHR Expo 2015, Jan. 26 through 28 in Chicago. Key highlights will include highly efficient pumps, the introduction of the Online Little Red Schoolhouse and advanced system solutions for HVAC and plumbing applications in commercial buildings.

The POWER OF e emphasizes the high priority B&G places on efficiency and providing systems solutions. The Efficiency Island concept is a critical element of the POWER OF e, highlighting Xylem’s advanced design for broader hydraulic coverage. B&G’s new “e-range” pumps are highly energy efficient, improving overall system performance in a wide range of applications.

The Xylem booth will feature the industry-leading POWER OF e product line, including the AHR award-winning B&G ecocirc® XL large wet rotor circulator pump, designed to help building owners and operators achieve optimal performance while reducing energy consumption.

“Our new product designs address customer feedback for products that help them achieve their need for total system efficiency,” said Mark Handzel, Vice President Product Regulatory Affairs, Director HVAC Commercial Buildings, Xylem. “Our goal is to help engineers design efficient systems by taking a highly integrated approach that takes into account how all the components in the system impact each other.”

Next generation virtual training

B&G will feature demonstrations of its new Online Little Red Schoolhouse — a Web-based extension of its well-respected Little Red Schoolhouse — at the AHR Expo. The Little Red Schoolhouse, located in Morton Grove, Illinois, has been educating the industry for over 60 years with its hands-on hydronic system training and education center for engineers, contractors and installers.

“The Online Little Red Schoolhouse is a logical step in our ongoing commitment to education,” Handzel said. “The online format offers greater accessibility for those who are seeking comprehensive training offerings, such as engineers new to the hydronics field, or as a refresher course for others already in the industry.”

The free, interactive, self-paced program will launch with two courses that provide centrifugal pump and piping system basics. The program has been designed to allow students to access the training from a computer, tablet or any mobile device via a dedicated learning app. The courses qualify for continuing education credits.

B&G product showcase

Products that are being highlighted at Xylem’s booth include:

• Suction Diffuser Plus – An innovative centrifugal pump accessory featuring advanced Flow Cone™ technology that enables the pump to retain as much as 5 percent more of its intrinsic efficiency than similar products. The patent-pending Flow Cone design addresses increasingly stringent ASHRAE and MEI efficiency guidelines by improving flow conditions and eliminating recirculation zones, which reduces energy waste.
• e-1531 – Continuing the line extension of its best-in-class end suction pumps, Bell & Gossett introduces the Series e-1531 close-coupled, nonfooted, end suction pump. The extensive efficiency profile enables users to maintain higher levels of efficiency over a much wider range of operating conditions, resulting in reduced electricity consumption, improved overall system performance and lower life cycle costs.
• e-80/e-80 ITSC – The Series e-80 and e-80SC pumps are a comprehensive redesign of the Bell & Gossett legacy Series 80 and 80SC pumps. Developed using state-of-the-art computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools, these pumps provide best-in-class hydraulic performance and optimized performance improvements while delivering a broad efficiency range for fixed or variable speed operation in an in-line configuration.
• Series 60/e-90 – The Series 60 and Series e-90 pumps offer new-to-market, highly efficient electronically commutated motors (ECM). Bell & Gossett is the first company to launch this technology into the North American HVAC market giving users an efficiency upgrade without changing pump connections or dimensions.
• Ultra Setter Pressure Independent Control Valve – The Ultra Setter line of pressure independent control valves for HVAC systems delivers 100 percent valve authority at all times for accurate flow control through a system, making it easier to select, install and commission an HVAC system.
• Technologic Drive – This variable frequency drive is fully customizable for HVAC pumps. It features access to more than 40 parameters for user specificity, and pump-specific alarms and warnings to minimize downtime and damage.
• GPX gasket plate heat exchanger – Innovative plate design provides more heat transfer in a compact design. AHRI Standard 400 certification ensures a cost effective heat exchanger solution for HVAC applications.
• e-1510 end suction centrifugal pump – Recognized in 2014 with the Consulting Specifying Engineer Product of the Year award, the e-1510 was recently redesigned to offer the largest Efficiency Island, enabling users to maintain higher levels of efficiency over a wider range of operating conditions, reducing energy consumption, improving system performance and lowering life cycle costs.
• ecocirc XL large wet rotor circulator – Recognized with a 2015 AHR Expo Innovation Award Honorable Mention, the energy efficient circulator leverages exceptional hydraulic performance, advanced motor design and smart communications capabilities to improve operations across a broad range of commercial HVAC and plumbing applications.

Show details

What: 2015 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition

When: Jan. 26 through 28

Where: Xylem Booth 5223, McCormick Place, Chicago

Highlights: Featured products from the Bell & Gossett portfolio, debut of the Online Little Red Schoolhouse, Efficiency Island experts

B&G-sponsored events

AHR coffee break: Kick off AHR Expo 2015 by enjoying coffee and donuts in the show lobby, compliments of Xylem’s Bell & Gossett brand.

YEA Hospitality Suite: Young Engineers in ASHRAE (YEA) are invited to visit the B&G-sponsored hospitality suite from 4 to 6 p.m. Jan. 25 during the ASHRAE 2015 Winter Conference at the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago. Professional members age 35 and younger will gather for social and networking opportunities. The ASHRAE conference is held in conjunction with the AHR Expo.

For more information about Bell & Gossett products, visit http://bellgossett.com/ or locate a Bell & Gossett representative at http://bellgossett.com/sales-service/.

About Xylem

Xylem (XYL) is a leading global water technology provider, enabling customers to transport, treat, test and efficiently use water in public utility, residential and commercial building services, industrial and agricultural settings. The company does business in more than 150 countries through a number of market-leading product brands, and its people bring broad applications expertise with a strong focus on finding local solutions to the world’s most challenging water and wastewater problems. Xylem is headquartered in Rye Brook, N.Y., with 2013 revenues of $3.8 billion and more than 12,500 employees worldwide. Xylem was named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the last three years for advancing sustainable business practices and solutions worldwide.

The name Xylem is derived from classical Greek and is the tissue that transports water in plants, highlighting the engineering efficiency of our water-centric business by linking it with the best water transportation of all — that which occurs in nature. For more information, please visit us at www.xyleminc.com.

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Volume 2 / Issue 2 / February 2015

You’re ready to disassemble the Watchman pump and motor for servicing when you notice that the instructions say to loosen the fasteners—but the parts list refers to capscrews. Now what?

First, note that we use “fastener” to cover all the possibilities. Current assemblies use capscrews, but versions from 1982 through early 1984 sometimes use studs and nuts. You have to remove the nuts from the bottom of the volute to lift away the motor and studs.

Start by loosening the nuts or capscrews after you isolate the Watchman unit from the system at both the pump discharge and the inlet to receiver. Drain the receiver as much as possible. The static height of any residual water can create pressure that forces the water out of the pump. Loosening the fasteners first relieves this static water column pressure and helps prevent injury or damage from residual hot water.

Second, be sure you know the vintage of your Watchman. That can help you determine what to do if you’re having difficulty lifting the motor and impeller out of the pump volute.

B&G Hoffman Specialty Watchman Pump Cut Away

B&G Hoffman Specialty
Watchman Pump Exploded View

The original 1982 pump used a seal holder and wire spacer, shown in the upper pictures. Note that the wire spacer’s ear protrudes through a slot in the volute, providing a weep path to help customers see that the seal had failed in time to prevent motor damage.

Since 2001, the design has used the DP1966 seal holder with integral spacer, shown in the lower pictures. Notice the tabs at 10 o’clock and 4 o’clock, with the rest of the edge formed vertically to create spacer dimension for assembly.

Seal holder and wire spacer used from 1982 through 2001.
Seal holder part number DP0290
Wire spacer part number DP0291
Replaced in 2001 by part number DP1966 shown below with integral spacer.

DP1966 seal holder with integral spacer design.

Customers with the older seal holder/wire spacer design may find the pump more difficult to disassemble because the wire spacer, slightly larger than the impeller opening, acts like a snap ring to keep the pump together as you tighten capscrews or nuts and studs.

• If you see the ear of the wire spacer on only one side of the volute, you have this design. Grasp the ear gently with a vice grip pliers and push in slightly while lifting. This causes to the two ends of the wire spacer opposite the ear to close slightly and makes it easier to remove the motor and impeller assembly.
• If you see the two tabs of the DP1966 seal holder with integral spacer on both sides of the volute and no wire ear in the slots, you have the current design. Lodged material may be binding the pump in the volute. Gently insert two blade screwdrivers between the bronze tab and the cast iron of the volute slots, twisting gently to dislodge the material. Be careful; inserting the screw driver blades too deeply can cut the volute gasket, necessitating its replacement (one is included with the seal and gasket kit).

Pumps made before 1982 use the older “A” design pump. You can find instructions for that design in current parts lists and service manuals.

Volume 2/ Issue 2 / February 2015

A float block secures the float and operating mechanism to prevent damage during shipping. It’s installed at the factory, in one of the equalizing tappings and needs to be removed when you install the control.

Controls installed by boiler manufacturers also have a float block. It’s located in an extra tapping (see Figure 1) so the manufacturer can use the equalizing tappings to install the control. These controls have a “B” in the model or catalog number (e.g., 150S-B)—but note that our price sheets may not show the “B.” The only difference between a standard unit and one with a “B” is the extra tapping. The operation and the replacement parts are the same.

The easiest way to determine what control or parts to purchase is to drop the “B” from the model number, then check the price sheets and parts catalog for a standard unit. For instance, a 150S-B-MD becomes a 150S-MD, and a 25A-B becomes a 25A. Always refer to the McDonnell & Miller Replacement Parts Catalog, MM-701, for a complete breakdown of repair parts. Get it in print or access it online at www.mcdonnellmiller.com.

Figure 1
Series 157S Low Water Cut-Off Pump

Why do the switch setpoints change?
The bellows on Series 150/150S units (mercury or snap switch) is pressure-sensitive. At higher pressures, the bellows is stiffer, requiring more force to move it. At lower pressures, the bellows is more pliable, requiring less force to move it. Consequently, at lower pressures, the on/off points tend to narrow. The chart shows how setpoints narrow or change from factory settings at 150psi, as the bellows reacts to pressure. Narrowing happens in both original mercury switch units and snap switch units.

The lower burner-off setpoint for the MD unit is intended to reduce burner cycling. This lower setpoint provides extra distance to help prevent nuisance burner shutdowns.

How long have MD models been available?
The Series 150-MD models were created in the mid-1980s, providing a control with factory settings to compensate for setpoints narrowing at lower pressures. Introduced on mercury switch units when the knurled adjustment screws were changed to nonadjustable screws, they are also offered with the new snap switch Series 150S.

It’s common—but wrong—to think that burner cycling occurs only with Series 150S (with snap switch). Remember, it’s the pressure the bellows senses that changes the setpoints, and that happens with both types of units.

Series 150S/157S have a monel bellow which is pressure sensitive.
The operation points will shift as pressure decreases.

What’s a good starting point for troubleshooting?
Troubleshooting steam system problems can be difficult and frustrating. The control reacts to the water level in the boiler and may be doing its job. However, some other system component may not be operating properly. Start the troubleshooting process with these questions.

• Is the pump sized properly and operating at full capacity?
• Have the system dynamics changed from original installation?
• Is the feedwater piping clean, without obstructions?
• Are feedwater valves working properly?

Troubleshoot the whole system, not just the LWCO.
Additional information about the relationship of steam, make-up water and level controls is available in General Catalog MM-825 at www.mcdonnellmiller.com. In “Basic System Operation,” see “Meeting the Needs of Systems with Multiple Boilers.”

March 24, 2015 – The second-quarter 2015 seminar schedule is now available for Bell & Gossett’s Little Red Schoolhouse in Morton Grove, Illinois. The training center’s seminars provide systems design training to engineers, wholesalers and contractors in the plumbing and hydronic heating and cooling industries.

“Xylem is at the forefront of providing education to current and future engineers,” said Larry Konopacz, Manager, Training and Education, Little Red Schoolhouse, Xylem. “Little Red Schoolhouse seminars — whether taken online or in person — equip attendees with the knowledge and confidence to take a systems solutions approach for HVAC and plumbing applications. In an ever-changing industry, education is key to staying on top of new technologies and advancements.”

 Online Little Red Schoolhouse

Bell & Gossett’s commitment to education continues with virtual curriculum. At the 2015 AHR Expo, the brand introduced the Online Little Red Schoolhouse — an interactive, self-paced series of free educational courses. This is the first time the iconic pump systems training and educational programming will be available to a global audience via the Internet.

Little Red Schoolhouse second quarter schedule

Modern Hydronic Heating Systems – Basic Seminar*                                        April 20-22

Design & Application of Water Based HVAC Systems Seminar*                        April 27-29

Service & Maintenance of Water Based HVAC Systems Seminar                      May 18-20

Modern Hydronic Heating Systems – Basic Seminar*                                         June 1-3

Design & Application of Water Based HVAC Systems Seminar*                        June 8-10

Large Chilled Water System Design Seminar*                                                    June 15-17

* Seminar approved by Green Building Certification Institute to provide credit toward the credential maintenance requirements of the LEED Green Associate and LEED AP certifications.

For continuing education credit information, seminar descriptions, representative information and enrollment, visit www.bellgossett.com/training-education.

To sign up for seminars via the Online Little Red Schoolhouse, visit: http://training.bellgossett.com/.

Follow Bell & Gossett on social media:

• Facebook: @BellandGossett
• Twitter: @BellGossett
• YouTube: BellandGossett

SEATTLE — April 7, 2015 — A good cappuccino is a great thing, but prepare it without quality water and you may as well have an empty cup. Xylem Inc. is a bronze sponsor of the 2015 World Barista Championship in Seattle. Xylem will donate and demonstrate products from its comprehensive Flojet product portfolio, including the V-jet rotary vane pump, Filtration by Flojet water filtration system and Bottled Water 5000 system.

“Xylem is proud to be a sponsor of this year’s premier international coffee competition. We share the same mission as the World Barista Championship — focusing on promoting excellence in coffee and advancing the barista profession,” said David Webber, Regional Segment Marketing Director, Americas, Xylem’s Applied Water Systems business unit. “We’re here to help customers meet quality and safety regulations, along with making reliability and efficiency a priority and ultimately creating the best cup of coffee possible.”

On April 9, Xylem experts will demonstrate Flojet products and systems from 10 to 10:30 a.m. at the Espresso Bar. Flojet provides solutions for water supply, filtration, water boosting and beverage dispensing applications. The brand’s pumps dispense more than 2 million cups of coffee each day, ensuring great taste and providing a reliable return on equipment investment.

“A cappuccino is more than good foam,” added Webber. “We want to support a high-quality and consistent experience from the top of the cup to the bottom. Just as filtering drinking water provides for the best quality taste, so does filtering coffee and espresso water.”

At the World Barista Championship, baristas representing more than 50 nations prepare four espressos, four cappuccinos and four original signature drinks to exacting standards. Judges evaluate each performance on the taste of beverages served, cleanliness, creativity, technical skill and overall presentation. To learn more about the World Barista Championship, visit scaaevent.org

To learn more about Xylem and its capabilities across the food service industry, visit foodservice.xylem.com.

About Xylem

Xylem (XYL) is a leading global water technology provider, enabling customers to transport, treat, test and efficiently use water in public utility, residential and commercial building services, industrial and agricultural settings. The company does business in more than 150 countries through a number of market-leading product brands, and its people bring broad applications expertise with a strong focus on finding local solutions to the world’s most challenging water and wastewater problems. Xylem is headquartered in Rye Brook, New York, with 2014 revenues of $3.9 billion and approximately 12,500 employees worldwide. Xylem was named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the last three years for advancing sustainable business practices and solutions worldwide.

The name Xylem is derived from classical Greek and is the tissue that transports water in plants, highlighting the engineering efficiency of our water-centric business by linking it with the best water transportation of all – that which occurs in nature. For more information, please visit us at www.xyleminc.com.

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Morton Grove, Ill. – April 02, 2015 – The Saajhi Stepping Pump by Xylem Inc., has been named a 2015 Award Finalist by the internationally renowned Edison Awards™. The distinguished awards, inspired by Thomas Edison’s persistence and inventiveness, recognize innovation, creativity and ingenuity in the global economy.

Developed in 2013 through Xylem’s Essence of Life initiative, the Saajhi Stepping pump uses human weight and motion to move water. It was designed to help smallholder farmers in rural areas to irrigate their land more efficiently.

“At Xylem, we strive to combine innovative technology with unique business models to solve compelling, global water issues,” said Keith Teichmann, director of innovative networks and marketing, Xylem. “This award is a testament to the forward-thinking nature of our business and we’re honored to have been recognized as a finalist.”

The Saajhi pump is part of the Essence of Life initiative, which works with citizens and public and private partners to understand the needs of, and develop solutions for, rural farmers in developing nations. The pump aids farmers in cultivating crops for sale, improving their economic standing within their communities and supporting sustainable rural enterprise. The Saajhi has already improved production for rural farmers, tripling crop yield over rain-fed fields and reducing labor by more than 25 percent over traditional furrow irrigation.

“It’s exciting to see companies like Xylem continuing Thomas Edison’s legacy of challenging conventional thinking,” said Frank Bonafilia, Edison Awards’ executive director. “Edison Awards recognizes the game-changing products and services, and the teams that brought them to consumers.”

Award winners will be announced April 23 at the Edison Awards Annual Gala, held in the historic Ballroom of The Capitale in New York City.

Edison Award nominees are judged by more that 3,000 senior business executives and academics from across the nation whose votes acknowledge the Finalists’ success in meeting the award’s stringent criteria for quality.

About Xylem

Xylem (XYL) is a leading global water technology provider, enabling customers to transport, treat, test and efficiently use water in public utility, residential and commercial building services, industrial and agricultural settings. The company does business in more than 150 countries through a number of market-leading product brands, and its people bring broad applications expertise with a strong focus on finding local solutions to the world’s most challenging water and wastewater problems. Xylem is headquartered in Rye Brook, N.Y., with 2013 revenues of $3.8B and more than 12,500 employees worldwide. Xylem was named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the last three years for advancing sustainable business practices and solutions worldwide.

The name Xylem is derived from classical Greek and is the tissue that transports water in plants, highlighting the engineering efficiency of our water-centric business by linking it with the best water transportation of all — that which occurs in nature. For more information, visit www.xyleminc.com.

About the Edison Awards

The Edison Awards is a program conducted by Edison Universe, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to fostering future innovators. For more information about the Edison Awards, Edison Universe and a list of past winners, visit http://www.edisonawards.com.

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April 9, 2015 – Goulds Water Technology (GWT) announces its 2015 second quarter online Factory School schedule. For more than 30 years, the GWT training facility has educated thousands of water industry professionals about the latest advancements in commercial, residential and agricultural applications. These courses will now be offered online as compact, hour-long sessions hosted via webinar.

The semi
nars provide users with up-to-date product information, troubleshooting support and industry knowledge. Training can be accessed from home or the office, and courses are offered multiple times to ensure availability for each topic.

In-person training

In-person sessions are also available at the educational facility in Seneca Falls, New York. Four classes provide hands-on training in water systems, variable frequency drives, wastewater and commercial applications. Courses are designed to provide attendees with extensive, firsthand experience in the Campbell Education Center laboratory.

GWT Factory School second quarter online training schedule

**No registration necessary; Online courses take place 2 p.m. ET

• Surface Motor Basics                                                                                  April 17
• e-HM Overview                                                                                            April 29
• Aquavar IPC Duplex                                                                                     May 22
• Xylem Online Sizing and Selection Software – Turbines                              June 5
• MCT10 Software for the IPC                                                                        June 12
• MPVN                                                                                                           June 29

For course descriptions or to learn how to register for in-person and online courses, please visit: http://goulds.com/factory-school/.

Connect with Goulds Water Technology on social media:

• Facebook: @GouldsWaterTechnology
• Twitter: @GouldsWaterTech
• YouTube: GouldsWaterTech

April 2, 2015 – Five employees from the Applied Water Systems (AWS) business unit of Xylem were recently recognized by the Hydraulic Institute (HI) for their longtime service to and involvement in HI, the largest association of pump industry manufacturers in North America. The recognition took place during the organization’s 2015 annual meeting in St. Petersburg, Florida.

“Xylem has one of the greatest, if not the greatest, number of participants helping to shape the future of the pump and hydronic systems industry, including significant involvement in defining efficiency standards and government regulations,” said Dave Flinton, Vice President, Engineering and Marketing, AWS. “These awards highlight Xylem’s leadership in the industry, and the deep expertise our people have.”

Awards and the team members they were presented to are as follows:

• Mark Handzel, Vice President Product Regulatory Affairs and Director, HVAC Commercial Buildings, Americas – Industry leadership Award for U.S. Department of Energy pump efficiency regulations
• Mark Heiser, Test & Validation Manager – Industry Leadership Award for development of HI Standard 40.7 and recognition for completion of standard development for DOE pump efficiency regulations
• Paul Ruzicka, Chief Mechanical Engineer – Industry Leadership Award for development of HI Standard 40.6 and recognition for completion of standard development for DOE pump efficiency regulations
• Chris Johnson, Global Engineering Manager, Centrifugal Pumps – Recognition for contributions to HI standards development
• Jim Roberts, Associate Principal Mechanical Engineer – Recognition for 20 years of service to the development of HI standards

About Xylem

Xylem (XYL) is a leading global water technology provider, enabling customers to transport, treat, test and efficiently use water in public utility, residential and commercial building services, industrial and agricultural settings. The company does business in more than 150 countries through a number of market-leading product brands, and its people bring broad applications expertise with a strong focus on finding local solutions to the world’s most challenging water and wastewater problems. Xylem is headquartered in Rye Brook, N.Y., with 2013 revenues of $3.8 billion and more than 12,500 employees worldwide. Xylem was named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the last three years for advancing sustainable business practices and solutions worldwide.

The name Xylem is derived from classical Greek and is the tissue that transports water in plants, highlighting the engineering efficiency of our water-centric business by linking it with the best water transportation of all – that which occurs in nature. For more information, please visit us at www.xyleminc.com.

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From concept to consumer, Goulds Water Technology is engineered, assembled and tested in America.

right click to open the full case study

Volume 1 / Issue 1 / May 2015

Hydroturf International, our Flowtronex partner in the Middle East, was under fierce competition to land this large highly optioned stainless steel pump station. With the help of Hydroturf sales force, we were able to influence the end customer that Flowtronex had the ability to expedite the shipment to meet a very tight timeline. Additionally, our track record for manufacturing high quality pump stations that can last for years in extreme climates in the Middle Eastern regions helped us obtain this multi-million dollar order.

Project Overview:
Station Total flow 6300gpm 2@130’
Dual Zone Irrigation Station
(9) 316 Stainless Steel Goulds Pumps
(7) Main Vertical Inline Turbine Pumps, all 316 Stainless Steel
(1) Vertical Inline Turbine Jockey Pump all 316 Stainless Steel
(1) PMP All 316 Stainless Steel
(7) 125HP Custom Build Nidec Motors
(7) 150HP ABB VFD’s
(1) 50HP Custom Build Nidec Motors
(7) 60HP ABB VFD’s
Aluminum Skid
Sea Service Rated High Pressure Discharge Valve (DSR)
Custom built 316 Stainless Steel Manifold and Discharge Dog Legs (Z-Pipe)
All 316 SS Pump ISO Valve & Station Lug Iso Valve
(3) 316SS Amiad EBS-L Scanner Filters w/300 Micron Screens
GDR Nutrifeed Liquid Fertigation System
Custom Pace Programming includes Toro Lynx Integration

Qatar Education City sales drawing

Volume 1 / Issue 1 / May 2015

“Reliable Water”, that’s what you hear from Duane Janssen, superintendent of Ridglea Country Club in Fort Worth Texas. Duane has been working for Ridglea Country Club for 20 years, and has been an Flowtronex fan his whole life. That was verified when Duane’s father recently visited our factory to see Duane’s new turf station. Duane’s father was also a golf course superintendent for many years. Like father like son, Duane’s father also selected Flowtronex for his pump stations on his golf courses, as they ran for decades in the tough southern environment. Ridglea Country Club is a testament to our quality. For the last 28 years, this course has relied on only one pump station: Flowtronex #1617 commissioned in 1987.

With the ever tightening water restrictions here in Texas, Duane has decided to take advantage of Flowtronex’s best in the industry software program, PACE, which delivers leading technology in the management of pressure and power of the pump station. Station #16399 is on the way to Ridglea Country Club and follows almost 15,000 stations built since they received their first station. When you add that to the energy savings of newer more efficient motors it translates into energy and water savings for the club. Duane will be ordering another Flowtronex station when their next golf course is ready. And what about old station #1617? It is still in great condition after all these years!

Flowtronex excellent products stand the test of time from generation to generation. According to Duane, “we make water reliable”.

Original Ridglea Country Club Package No. 1617 built in 1987

New Ridglea Country Club Package No. 16399 under construction

Volume 1 / Issue 1 / May 2015

The Short Circuit Current Rating (SCCR) of an industrial control panel represents the maximum short circuit current that the panel can withstand before the equipment becomes damaged beyond the defined acceptance criteria. While this maximum short circuit current can vary from site to site, the SCCR of any control panel is determined by the components
inside of it.

One of the most effective methods to increase a panel’s SCCR is to use current limiting fuses instead of circuit breakers. These fuses, which have a high SCCR themselves, limit the amount of fault current that will affect the components on the circuit they are feeding. This allows for more flexibility in choosing the other components while still maintaining a high SCCR.

Another benefit of using fuses over circuit breakers is that to achieve an acceptable SCCR with a circuit breaker, one often has to use a specific component.

A circuit breaker/contactor combination may have a high SCCR, which is a result of testing. If that circuit breaker needs to be replaced, it has to be done so with the same manufacturer and model of circuit breaker, otherwise the SCCR may be decreased. Fuses can be replaced using any similar type fuse, regardless of the manufacturer, without affecting the SCCR.

Fuses also have the advantage in versatility, as their straight voltage rating means they can be used in any type of supply voltage. When using a breaker, which can have “slash” voltage ratings, the type of supply voltage must be taken into account. With fuses, as long as their voltage rating meets the supply voltage, there is no need to take the type of system into consideration.

Finally, over time and environmental changes, a breaker’s operation time may vary, resulting in delayed actions that can lead to hazardous scenarios. Fuses are less affected by age or environmental factors, providing more reliability while requiring less maintenance.

Volume 1 / Issue 1 / May 2015

Mauricio “Doc” Camacho is currently the Applications Pump Specialist at Xylem Dallas and covers all product lines. Doc has served multi-functional roles within the company during his 12 year employment, having started as a CNC Programmer/Class-“A” Machinist in 2003. Within his first 3 months of employment, he was asked to take on the role of Pump Shop Foreman, a role which he filled for the following 6 years.

In 2009, “Doc” moved into the role in the Applications Engineering Department as the Pump Specialist, a role “Doc” Camacho would then fill for the next 2 years, from 2009 through 2011. He performed duties such as overseeing the application and engineering of water pumps, vertical turbine pumps and horizontal centrifugal pumps for turf irrigation, municipal, landscaping, fire and other commercial water-pump irrigation applications.

In 2011, “Doc” took on a new role in the company with the title of “Process Improvement Leader”, and led a project of obtaining Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listing and Factory Mutual (FM) approvals for the Dallas plant as an alternate manufacturing site for the 1580 Vertical In-line pump series for the fire application product line.

Since 2012, “Doc” has continued to serve as an Applications Pump Specialist at the Xylem-Dallas facility. Additionally, he has developed and implemented important and valuable Dallas documents such as the Pump Length Sales Form. This was pivotal to the process as the form confirmed wet-well depths at the golf course job sites, in order to insure all vertical turbines and submersible pumps were configured and built with the correct overall length to fit wet-wells.

Outside of work, ”Doc” is a big Dallas sports fan which of course includes the Rangers, Stars, Mavericks and Cowboys.

Doc can be reached at mauricio.camacho@Xyleminc.com.

Volume 1 / Issue 1 / May 2015

The normal PID Proportional and Derivative values for the Flowtronex PACE Control Platform should be between 7- 10 for the Proportional Gain and 4-6 for the Derivative. These values are usually good for both the high and low flows.

The normal setting for the Transition Control Delay Time found on page 1 of the Field Setup Menu should be between 5-7 seconds.

The APS, (Automatic Power Savings) should have a normal setting of “0” for the PSI Below Setpoint Value. This is found on page 2 of the Field Setup Menu.

CHICAGO — May 13, 2015 — Better beverages start with better water. From May 16 to 19, Xylem Inc. will highlight new products and technologies for improving beverage dispense at the 2015 National Restaurant Association show in Chicago at McCormick Place. At Booth 3801, the company will feature its comprehensive Flojet product portfolio, emphasizing the importance of constant pressure and consistent, quality water for beverage dispensing systems.

“Today’s restaurateurs and beverage purveyors demand technologies that enable them to create an unforgettable experience with every single cup,” said David Webber, Regional Segment Marketing Director, Americas, Xylem’s Applied Water Systems business unit. “Flojet filtering and dispensing products are at the core of those taste experiences and our updated portfolio further delivers on that commitment.”

At NRA, Flojet will showcase four advanced innovations for hot and cold beverage dispense, including new and updated products that help improve performance and lower product lifetime costs. The new pumps are easy to customize for a variety of applications.

• Solenoid Pumps —The Flojet Solenoid Pump product line has been extended to provide a compact solution for a variety of low-flow, high-pressure applications, including espresso machines. The pumps are available in food-grade plastic and brass corrosion-resistant body options to accommodate various liquids. The pumps also are UL, CE and VDE certified, making them viable for any global environment.
• 5000 Series Bottled Water System — The updated 5000 Series Bottled Water System pumps bottled water for coffee makers, refrigerator-based water dispensers/ice-makers, espresso carts and portable sinks, providing a quality solution for portable applications. The quieter and more compact 5000 series offers different size connections for inlet and outlet tubes for more intuitive and stronger friction fit connections to power supplies and float sensors used on suction wand assembly.
• U Series Bag-in-Box (BIB) — The new U Series BIB air-operated dispensing pump’s integrated, modular construction and durable design, saves space and operating costs. It also decreases assembly and installation time when building complete back-room packages. The air-operated pump, inspired by the most reliable BIB pump platform available for the market, provides favorable lifetime costs. It handles all syrup viscosities, including high-yield syrups, with ease for run lengths of up to 100 feet to maintain top-performance in any standard installation.
• Mini Air-Operated Diaphragm Pump — The upgraded Mini Air-Operated Diaphragm Pump has a smaller footprint, making it ideal for compact countertop-dispense applications. Providing a consistent flow, the diaphragm pump is capable of handling standard syrup viscosities and non-pulp juice concentrates.

Flojet provides solutions for water supply, filtration, water boosting and beverage dispense applications. For more information about Xylem’s presence at NRA 2015, stop by Booth 3801 or visit foodservice.xylem.com.

About Xylem

Xylem (XYL) is a leading global water technology provider, enabling customers to transport, treat, test and efficiently use water in public utility, residential and commercial building services, industrial and agricultural settings. The company does business in more than 150 countries through a number of market-leading product brands, and its people bring broad applications expertise with a strong focus on finding local solutions to the world’s most challenging water and wastewater problems. Xylem is headquartered in Rye Brook, New York, with 2014 revenues of $3.9 billion and approximately 12,500 employees worldwide. Xylem was named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the last three years for advancing sustainable business practices and solutions worldwide.

The name Xylem is derived from classical Greek and is the tissue that transports water in plants, highlighting the engineering efficiency of our water-centric business by linking it with the best water transportation of all – that which occurs in nature. For more information, please visit us at www.xyleminc.com.

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Morton Grove, Ill. – May 14, 2015 – The Saajhi Stepping Pump by Xylem Inc., has been selected as a silver winner at the Edison Awards in New York City, earning honors in the Agricultural Enhancements category. The distinguished awards, inspired by Thomas Edison’s persistence and inventiveness, recognize innovation, creativity and ingenuity in the global economy.

The Saajhi Stepping Pump was developed in 2013 through Xylem’s Essence of Life initiative. It uses human weight and motion to move water and was designed to help smallholder farmers in rural areas to irrigate their land more efficiently.

“Using the Saajhi Stepping Pump enables smallholder farmers to increase their crop yields and generate income for their families,” said Keith Teichmann, director of innovative networks and marketing, Xylem. “This award is a testament to our mission and commitment to improve agriculture for smallholder farmers, facilitate sustainable rural enterprise and elevate quality of life in these communities.”

Essence of Life works with citizens and public and private partners to understand the needs of, and develop solutions for, rural farmers in developing nations. The Saajhi Stepping Pump helps farmers cultivate crops for sale, providing opportunity for economic mobility within their communities, and supporting sustainable agricultural operations. The Saajhi has already boosted production for rural farmers in Africa, Asia and Central and South America, tripling crop yield over rain-fed fields and reducing labor by more than 25 percent compared to traditional furrow irrigation.

“Xylem is working to continue Thomas Edison’s legacy of challenging conventional thinking,” said Frank Bonafilia, Edison Awards’ executive director. “Edison Awards recognizes the game-changing products and services, and the teams that brought them to consumers.”

Edison Award nominees are judged by more that 3,000 senior business executives and academics from across the nation. The votes acknowledge the finalists’ success in meeting the award’s stringent criteria for quality and innovation.

About Xylem

Xylem (XYL) is a leading global water technology provider, enabling customers to transport, treat, test and efficiently use water in public utility, residential and commercial building services, industrial and agricultural settings. The company does business in more than 150 countries through a number of market-leading product brands, and its people bring broad applications expertise with a strong focus on finding local solutions to the world’s most challenging water and wastewater problems. Xylem is headquartered in Rye Brook, N.Y., with 2013 revenues of $3.8B and more than 12,500 employees worldwide. Xylem was named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the last three years for advancing sustainable business practices and solutions worldwide.

The name Xylem is derived from classical Greek and is the tissue that transports water in plants, highlighting the engineering efficiency of our water-centric business by linking it with the best water transportation of all — that which occurs in nature. For more information, visit www.xyleminc.com.

About the Edison Awards

The Edison Awards is a program conducted by Edison Universe, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to fostering future innovators. For more information about the Edison Awards, Edison Universe and a list of past winners, visit http://www.edisonawards.com.

Volume 2/ Issue 3/ May 2015

Facilities with their own boiler plant almost always have a closed loop system and require condensate to be as hot as possible upon return to the boiler. Conversely, steam condensate return pumps require subcooling to prevent cavitation or condensate flashing to vapor at the pump impellers’ suction eye. The degree of subcooling varies with the hydraulic design and pump characteristics.

We’ve previously mentioned the effect of temperature on NPSHA vs. NPSHR of the pump. Forgetting that effect when you pick a condensate return unit is a sure path to trouble. So, what do you need to know when sizing a condensate return pump?

Start with the load

Boilers are rated to tell you how much steam they can put out, in terms of boiler horsepower, pounds per hour of steam, BTUs or other ratings. It makes sense to convert the information you get from the engineer or customer into common terms across the system. When everything is said and done, what comes back from the boiler as condensate is .000496 gpm per 1 sq ft EDR. Rounding off, the boiler puts out half a gallon per minute of water in the form of steam per 1000 sq ft. EDR. When the steam cools and turns back to water, that’s the condensate you have to deal with.

Some common conversion factors:
Multiply Boiler Horsepower (BHP) by 34.5 = Lb. of steam (water per hour (lb/hr)
Multiply Boiler Horsepower (BHP) by 0.0069 = Gallons of water per minute (gpm)
Multiply Boiler Horsepower (BHP) by 33,479 = BTU
Multiply Boiler Horsepower (BHP) by 139 = Square feet of equivalent direct radiation (sq ft. EDR)

Look at the evaporation rate

Knowing how much water, or water as steam, the boiler can put out is good, but don’t pick a pump size yet. ASHRAE recommends sizing your return pump for two to three times the boiler’s evaporation rate—so the return unit can return condensate faster than the boiler can put it out.

Think about it: All boilers have a marked water line and optimum steaming levels. If the boiler starts pushing out steam, and your system can return condensate only as fast as the boiler puts it out, then as the water level falls and condensate returns, you can only keep up at the lower water line…not good for the boiler. Your optimum steaming level goes out the window, and the boiler soon after. If you send extra makeup water into the boiler, you must deal with it at some point, or you’ll flood the boiler when the boiler stops and the condensate plus the extra water return. Even worse, adding cold city makeup water to a steaming boiler will cause the steaming process to shut down quicker than the mouth of a toddler facing a spoonful of peas.

What about temperature? Condensate return units are designed to collect the returns and move the condensate along quickly and efficiently, minimizing heat loss and thus the energy required to heat it back to steam. With prices for light sweet crude hovering around $50 to $60 a barrel, saving energy can put a pretty penny in your pocket. So hotter is better, right?

Hold on. Remember what we said about NPSHA and NPSHR. First, when temperature goes up, NPSHA goes down. And when the NPSHR (required) of the pump is greater than the NPSHA (available) of the condensate, our old friend cavitation appears. The pennies you “saved” by making the returned condensate as hot as possible will probably go to pump repair. We’ll come back to this. For now, the next step is to figure out your discharge pressure requirement.

Calculate required discharge pressure

The required condensate unit discharge pressure includes:
• the static head lift,
• the friction loss in the piping (including pipe, fittings and valves),
• and any pressure that has to be overcome in the receiving vessel.
Manufacturers and ASHRAE generally recommend that when these values total less than 50 psi, you add 5 psi. For totals over 50 psi, add 10 psi.

This can be a daunting calculation; you have to find out how much pipe there is, what size it is, and the number of elbows, unions, etc. Don’t forget the isolation valves, check valves and plug cock (see previous article on balancing). As water flows through each of these, friction slows condensate and reduces pressure.

Refer to the charts, submittals and anything else you can grab to determine the value for each of these (sometimes called or expressed as a ∆p), and total it all up. The result is generally expressed in feet of head. If you’re transferring back to a vented boiler feed unit, add the 5 (or 10) psi to get your required discharge pressure for the condensate unit.

But remember—required discharge pressure also includes any pressure in the vessel that you’re pumping into. If that vessel is a pressurized deaerator, you have to add the maximum deaerator pressure plus the pressure drop across the spray nozzle (on some types), because that must be overcome to get condensate into the deaerator. If you’re pumping directly into the boiler (a rare and less desirable option that we’ll discuss in another article), add the maximum boiler pressure.

Determine condensate return temperature

So, we now know what size pump by gpm, and what discharge pressure to size for. As we mentioned earlier, temperature’s effect on NPSH can affect which unit you pick. That means you need to determine condensate return temperature—not an easy task. If you’re selecting a new unit for an existing system, you can measure the temperature of the actual condensate at your desired recovery point. But for a new or redesigned system, you have to make the calculation before you actually turn on the system.

The return temperature matters because hotter means less NPSHA, and some pumps don’t like that. The hotter the water, the more limited the choices. Most pumped condensate return units operate from a vented tank. Remember, steam heating applications using thermostatic traps drain condensate around 160 to 180 degrees. At 180 degrees, a condensate pump mounted to a collection tank at the same level as the pump will have about 15 feet of NPSHA in the water. Most pumps handle this from a vented tank with no problem. But if the trap fails, and the temperature in the condensate tank rises to 212 degrees f., there is zero NPSH available. NPSH is still required, however, because it’s a function of the pump design. Having some NPSH required vs. no NPSH available is a problem at 212 degrees: The pump that could discharge condensate at 180 degrees will now cavitate.

Domestic® Pump Series CB

See how this changes things? Up to about 200 degrees, a standard centrifugal pump design generally works if properly sized for the duty point and NPSHA. From 200 to 210 degrees, you need more specialized (and somewhat more expensive) low NPSH pumps. From 210 to 212 degrees, about all you can do is move the tank above the pump to add NPSHA, in the form of a static column of water above the pump suction. That’s right, raising the tank provides additional NPSHA and lets you pump hotter water. Why not raise the tank even more? Because that takes more material, which costs more money, erasing the savings. Besides, return piping is seldom located high in the equipment space. It’s a matter of picking the right tool for the job.

Consider condensate tank sizing

You usually want one minute net storage in a condensate tank; remember, the sooner you collect and return condensate, the less heat it loses and the less energy required to heat back to steam. Keep in mind that “one minute of net storage” refers to one minute of pumping capacity in storage. If you size for one minute of return rate, the tank is undersized and forces the pump to short-cycle. That accelerates on/off frequency as well as the wear on the pump.

Putting it all together. You know the boiler can put out half a gallon per 1000 sq ft EDR per minute. Sizing for two times that to get the pump capacity means sizing your pump for 1 gpm per 1000 sq ft EDR. Let’s apply that to some typical boiler sizes.

For a boiler rated 100 BHP: Use the formula above to convert boiler horsepower: BHP X 139 = sq ft EDR. 100×139=13900. When you calculate the amount of steam put out, you get 6.9 gpm of water as steam. Let’s round that up to 7 gpm. Sizing the pump for twice the return rate means we’ll size for 14 gpm. Now apply the 1 gpm per 1000 sq ft EDR rule of thumb. Sizing the tank for the pumping capacity based on one minute net storage, you need a tank that is 14 gallons. If the manufacturer you use doesn’t offer a 14-gallon tank, choose the nearest size—but beware: In this example, a tank smaller than 14 gallons will not only collect condensate quicker and pump it back to the boiler hotter, but also lack the mass to provide the degree or two of sub cooling required to address NPSHA issues. Going smaller can also set the pump up to short cycle. It’s better to go to the nearest larger size than your 1 minute storage—in our example, 15 or 18 or 20 gallons.

The right equipment matters

Before the mid-1970s, most manufacturers sized for three times the boiler’s evaporation rate. Bigger was better—and boy, what a safety factor! Sizing for three times the evaporation rate meant the pumps were sized for 1.5 gpm per thousand square foot EDR. But when oil shortages hit the United States, and people lined up around the block to buy a tank of gasoline, and the cost of making steam rose, manufacturers gradually moved to sizing for two times the evaporation rate.

You can see how that makes a difference. A 15,000 sq ft EDR system puts out 7.44 gpm of condensate as steam. Sizing for twice that, you need a 14.88 gpm pump. Sizing for one minute net storage leads you to a 14- to 15-gallon collection vessel. In the Domestic/Hoffman pump products, you’d choose a 15 gpm unit with 14-gallon tank and, if you’re looking at a 20 psi requirement, the hp in 3500 rpm is 1/3 HP. Compare that to sizing for three times the evaporation rate. You’re forced to go to a 22 gpm pump and 23-gallon tank, and the HP increases to 1/2 HP. You end up with a bigger, more expensive unit. What’s more, since the evaporation rate doesn’t change, the condensate sits there longer until enough is collected to be pumped, giving up heat (energy) that has to be added back in at the boiler. The pump comes on less frequently, but the 1/2 HP pump costs more in electricity to run than the 1/3 HP pump.

That wraps up our tips on sizing condensate units. Watch for a future article on sizing boiler feed units—similar to the above, but with important differences.

Volume 2/ Issue 3/ May 2015

Having problems with that steam-heating boiler’s water line? Is that boiler constantly flooding? And does that make your customer complain about not having enough heat?

Before you get mad at the automatic water feeder, look at what may be causing the flooding. Good troubleshooters never make decisions until they’ve examined all the clues.

Here are 10 common reasons steam-heating boilers flood

1. The water line surges, turning the automatic water feeder on and off. Surging begins when dirt and oil accumulate on the boiler water’s surface. As the steam tries to break free, it lifts the water, creating the surge. You can see this in the gauge glass. Since steam systems are open to the atmosphere, you occasionally need to clean them. Get rid of the surging, and you usually get rid of the flooding.

2. The water’s pH is too high. When steam condenses, it produces carbonic acid that can eat through wet-return lines. So service technicians often add chemicals to steam boilers to keep the pH from getting too low.  But it can be just as bad if the pH gets too high; that causes foaming, and foaming leads to trouble. Too much water flows from the boiler with the steam. That water loss sends the automatic feeder into action. Then the condensate returns, and the boiler floods. A good pH for a steam system ranges from 7 to 9. When the pH reaches 11, the water foams. The old-timer’s cure? Add vinegar to the boiler. Vinegar is acidic and helps bring the pH down.

3. The boiler has a tankless coil, and it’s leaking. City water pressure is greater than the pressure in a steam heating system. Even the smallest leak in a tankless coil will flood a boiler. Close the cold-water valve leading to the coil for a few hours and watch the gauge glass. If the flooding stops, you’ve probably found the culprit. Replace the tankless coil.

4. The system has a gravity return and motorized zone valves. When a motorized zone valve closes on a boiler that’s under pressure, the water backs into the closed zone’s return line. That brings on the automatic water feeder. The next time the motorized zone valve opens, the condensate returns and floods the boiler. Install quarter-inch bleed lines around the tops of the motorized zone valves. This lets through enough pressure to keep the water from backing out of the boiler, without letting through so much steam that the zone overheats.

5. The boiler is overfired. If the flame is too big, the steam’s exit velocity carries water from the boiler into the system. The automatic water feeder then replaces the “missing” water. When that water works its way back into the boiler, the boiler floods. Fire boilers to the connected piping-and ­radiation load. No more, and no less.

6. The automatic water feeder is positioned too high on the boiler. Some installers try to cover a tankless coil during the summer by adding nipples and elbows to the McDonnell & Miller Quick-Hook-Up fitting. That causes the feeder to sit too high on the gauge glass.

Normally, the feeder should open when the water line drops just above the low-water cutoff’s operating position. But if the feeder is too high, so is the low-water cutoff. That means the feeder will add too much water, and the returning condensate will flood the boiler every day.

7. The feed line is clogged with sediment. If you‘re using a float-operated feeder/cutoff combination, such as McDonnell & Miller’s 47-2, a plugged feed line can create a back-pressure that keeps the feed valve from shutting tightly. City water pressure will bleed through and flood the boiler. You can diagnose this problem by doing a broken-union test (see M&M’s instructions). lf you find a plugged feed line, replace it.

8. The feeder-bypass valve isn’t holding. The bypass around the feeder lets you fiII the boiler quickly. But if the shutoff valve in that line doesn’t hold tightly, the boiiler keeps taking on water until it floods. Again, the broken­ union test lets you quickly see whether that important valve is doing its job. If it’s not, replace it.

9. The piping around the boiler doesn’t meet the boiler manufacturer’s specs. Modern boilers make steam quickly . If the piping around the boiler is wrong, the boiler throws water into the piping. The automatic water feeder then replaces that water—and before long, the boiler is flooded. Take the time to check the piping on the job against what the boiler manufacturer calls for. If it doesn’t meet the specs, you have to repipe that boiler. Tough medicine, but it’s often the only cure.

10. Someone is adding water when you’re not there. Never dismiss this as a possible cause. If someone adds water to the boiler in the middle of the steaming cycle, the returning condensate will push the water level even higher, and the boiler will flood.

Talk to the homeowner or building superintendent. Make sure they understand how a steam system works, and what it needs in the way of feed water.

Remember:
Your McDonnell & Miller representative is always willing to help you solve your steam heating problems. Call them next time you need help.

FROM CONCEPT TO CONSUMER, GOULDS WATER TECHNOLOGY IS ENGINEERED, ASSEMBLED AND TESTED IN AMERICA.

According to the American Water Works Association, average daily residential water use in the United States is 27.4 billion gallons. This domestic water is used for everything from lawn irrigation to cooking, cleaning and plumbing. By that account, it’s clear that water is essential to homeowners who take great pride in maintaining and improving their homes.

A consistent supply of water requires reputable, reliable and high quality pumps. Xylem’s Goulds Water Technology (GWT) brand pumps are engineered, tested and assembled to meet these homeowner needs with pride in craftsmanship.

DESIGNED FOR DECADES OF TROUBLE-FREE OPERATION

Xylem’s passion for solving domestic water challenges begins with innovative pump concepts, design and engineering work at the company’s facility in Seneca Falls, New York. As part of the design process, engineers explore virtually every possible use of these highly technical devices. Using 3-D software and advanced CAD simulations, they examine how the pumps will behave in scenarios ranging from normal everyday domestic water use, to rare or extreme water-related situations, as in the event of a drought that causes dry running conditions, or from abrasives such as sand.

Additionally, expertise in residential applications, including water pressure, wastewater and irrigation, enables Xylem engineers to design GWT pumps to last for decades with progressive technologies. Materials, such as cast iron, engineered composites and stainless steel ensure exceptional durability over time. Prototyping supports identification of design enhancements that address considerations ranging from geography and climate, to adverse system conditions.

“Design and engineering is the first and a critical step in providing the highest quality products in the industry to our trade customers,” said Chris Preston, Manager, Residential Water Products, Xylem. “We design our pumps with our audiences, like well drillers and pump installers, in mind, making sure that our products have the necessary features for smooth, trouble-free installation.”

Expert engineers take the entire home’s water systems into account when designing each pump, enabling the company to build system solutions that can result in cost, energy and time savings for installers and homeowners.

ASSEMBLED WITH CARE

The next step in producing the highest quality pumps in the industry is putting them together with a highly critical eye and attention to detail. Twenty minutes down the road from Xylem’s Seneca Falls location where residential water and wastewater pumps are engineered, more than 200 dedicated workers are producing durable pump components, hand-assembling products, and fulfilling orders at the 300,000-square-foot Xylem production facility in Auburn, New York.

Here, employees are meticulous in their craftsmanship, building nearly 2,500 residential and wastewater pumps each day. The comprehensive portfolio of products built here include 4-inch and 6-inch submersible pumps, jet pumps, sump, effluent and sewage pumps, prepackaged systems, multi-stage and end suction pumps, and a host of other accessories and controls.

The facility itself is designed and equipped to ensure high product quality and reliability. In fact, Xylem’s Auburn plant recently completed a three-year Lean Transformation program, minimizing errors in production, creating a safer work environment, and supporting some of the best on time performance and delivery to lead times in the industry.

“The Lean Transformation helped create a more flexible cross-trained work force, ensuring that highly trained operators are available at all times,” said Michael Foster, Manager, Goulds Water Technology Manufacturing Engineering. “Additional error-proofing steps were implemented to ensure that a quality product is being passed to the next step in the process.”

This relentless attention to detail was also a primary factor in earning the facility ISO-9001 certification, which further sets the global water technology leader apart from its competitors.

Xylem and its employees exhibit as much care and consideration in the final stages of assembly, as they do throughout the rest of the production process. Pumps are packaged and shipped with attention to product presentation and durability to ensure a positive unboxing experience for customers.

PERFORMANCE COUNTS

Precise assembly is followed by rigorous performance testing, an integral part of the production process for all GWT pumps. Every pump is hydraulically and electrically tested to Xylem’s industry-leading safety and performance standards. The company’s commitment to quality leaves nothing to chance during production.

Take GWT 4-inch submersible pumps, which go through two test cycles. First, the pump is tested for liquid end hydraulic performance in accordance with Hydraulic Institute standards. This involves submerging the pump in water, connecting the pipe and wiring and then running the product to assess performance. Then, the motor undergoes an electrical test where electrical characteristics (i.e., watts) are confirmed and verified a second time to the published performance.

By the time these products are ready for market, many have undergone more than 1 million testing cycles comprising factors such as mechanical strength, durability, hydraulic validation and electrical checks in the Xylem lab, located in Seneca Falls, New York.

Each motor and pump receives a bar code containing information from the test process. By coding the motors and pumps, plant workers can guarantee they match during assembly. Labels, serial number tracking and production records for each unit identify which assembly line produced it and which operator assembled it.

To ensure quality of the final product, the data matrix label – which includes the model and serial numbers, test performance data, date and time stamp – doesn’t print unless both pump and motor pass their tests. This process, currently used for the production of the 4-inch submersible pumps, is important because it enables the installer to scan the product and understand how it is going to perform before they invest time and money to install it.

“A great sense of pride and responsibility comes with knowing that each product can be traced to its origins and was assembled here in the U.S.,” said Foster.

BEYOND THE BUILD

Xylem’s superior performance and quality testing are matched by the company’s training and educational offering for the residential and wastewater market. The Seneca Falls facility hosts the Campbell Education Center and laboratory, which has educated thousands of people about Goulds Water Technology products and taught troubleshooting techniques for more than 30 years.

The GWT Factory School, as it’s called, was revamped in 2012, providing distributors, dealers, engineers and other industry professionals with hands-on exposure to the latest pumping technologies, and a suite of courses that span the GWT product line and related systems.

The lab comprises mobile demonstration units, network and Wi-Fi enabled equipment, LED TVs and configurable work stations for real-world experience in residentialSTUDY and wastewater pump systems. Complementary to the interactive lab environment is practical education in the classroom outfitted with smart technology.

“We believe that investment in education is critical to the success of our industry,” said Tom Stephan, Manager, Goulds Water Technology Training. “Because we provide a full system offering and have the ability to teach to specific residential applications, we are able train beyond the product.”

Education is also important to Xylem customers like Texas-based Whisenant & Lyle Water Services, which has been purchasing GWT pumps through Austin Pump and Supply for more than 15 years. “We’ve had a good working relationship,” said Pat Lyle, Vice President and General Manager, Whisenant & Lyle Water Services. “Some of it is due to the fact that Goulds Water Technology goes the extra mile with education and taking people to where the pumps are produced, and seeing the people who produce them.”

Tyler Sutliff, president of Whisenant & Lyle, agrees. “We are learning about technology that we’re using now as well as technology coming online in the future. Xylem is keenly focused on helping support our business, which, in turns, helps us grow our business,” Sutliff said.

From concept and engineering to assembly, testing and installation, GWT products continue to be produced with the conscientious pride of a workforce dedicated to quality, the credibility of a 150-year old company, and the high reliability of components and processes critical to ensuring an excellent pump ownership experience.

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