Morton Grove, Ill. — June 29, 2015 — Xylem Inc., a leading global water technology provider, today introduced an online destination for mining professionals, showcasing the company’s wide range of system solutions and application expertise to solve the most challenging water issues in the mining industry. The microsite is designed to help mining professionals address water accessibility, transport and quality challenges in even the most remote regions, where water can either be overabundant or scarce.

The online resource, mining.xylem.com, provides information on solutions to support open pit mines, underground mines and material processing.

“Global mining operators require reliable service, high-quality products and fast response from their solutions providers,” said Nate Maguire, Americas Director of Industry and Agriculture for Xylem’s Applied Water Systems business unit. “Our advanced technologies and experience in the industry enables us to deliver on these needs across myriad mining applications and in a highly efficient manner.”

Xylem’s broad portfolio includes industry-leading brands – Godwin, Goulds Water Technology, Flygt, Lowara, MJK, SonTek, YSI, Wedeco, A-C Fire Pump and Leopold – and addresses a host of mining applications, including:

• Submersible water
• Packaged Biological Treatment
• Leaching
• Open Pit Dewatering
• Grinding Mill
• Fire Suppression
• Floating Water Monitoring
• Environmental Monitoring
• Source water
• Underground Dewatering

“The new online resource was created to help customers better understand Xylem’s portfolio of solutions and services that enhance water and fluid handling efficiency, save energy, curtail maintenance costs and reduce downtime — all factors that are critically important in the mining industry,” Maguire said.

To learn more, visit http://mining.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.xylem.com.

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Contact:           Amanda Holloway

+1.224.500.0742

Amanda.Holloway@xyleminc.com

Volume 2/ Issue 4/ July 2015

Over the years we’ve heard numerous questions on steam systems, from what causes water hammer to how to size traps to selecting boiler feed tanks and condensate pumps. We’ve compiled our answers in the following do’s and don’ts for a one-pipe steam system.

1. DON’T size a replacement boiler by using the heat loss calculation method, the label method, the “looks a lot like” method or any other rule-of-thumb method.

DO size a replacement boiler by counting all the radiation in the house. The total becomes the net EDR (equivalent direct radiation) rating of your replacement boiler. Steam doesn’t care about heat loss or anything else–only the amount of the length of piping. If the boiler is too small, part of the building will never heat; if it’s too big, the new boiler will short cycle, consume more energy and require more service calls.

2. DON’T assume that you can pipe the new boiler exactly the same way as the old boiler.

DO pipe the boiler according to the manufacturer’s instructions. New boilers are very different from older boilers. The sections are narrower, the exit holes are smaller and less numerous, and the steam chest is almost non-existent. Pipe according to the directions, and save yourself a lot of headaches.

3. DON’T just throw in a couple of bottles of cleaning chemicals when you are finished piping a new boiler.

DO skim the boiler according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Oil from the foundry, as well as the cutting oils used in the field, creates surface tension on the top of the water in the boiler. This sets up a foaming/priming condition that creates wet steam, leading to water hammer, lack of heat, and unhappy customers.

4. DON’T use small radiator vents as end of main vents! Worse, don’t use a pipe plug.

DO use the largest main vents you can get. Venting the air from the main separately, and quickly, significantly improves the system’s balance: with a large vent, the steam heads toward the end of the main before it starts filling the risers. Hoffman Specialty Vents Number 4A, 75 or 76 are the right choice.

5. DON’T size the horizontal run-out to a one-pipe riser based on the inventory method.

DO use a steam pipe-sizing chart that tells you the exact size needed to support the radiation connected to that riser. The pipe that connects the steam main to an up feed riser i s called a horizontal run-out. Its job is to simultaneously supply steam to the riser and let condensate returning from the radiators drain back into the steam main. If the steam is moving too fast, the condensate can’t drain back into the main; instead, the steam will drive it toward the radiator vents.

6. DON’T use adjustable vents based on the radiator’s location.

DO use adjustable vents based on the radiator’s size. When coal-fired systems were converted to oil or gas, the system operated differently. Adjusting to this new “on-and-off ‘ system required balancing the air venting of the larger radiators against that of the smaller radiators. It had nothing to do with radiator location. With at least one large-capacity main vent installed at the end of each main, the adjustable vents simply control the venting rate of the larger radiators compared to the smaller radiators.

Hoffman Specialty® Adjustable Radiator Vent Series A1

7. DON’T raise the setting of the pressuretrol, thinking it will solve a heating problem!

DO keep the Pressuretrol® or Vaporstat® set as low as possible, because:

• Low-pressure steam moves faster than high-pressure steam. If you want steam to reach the end of the main quickly, lower the pressure and make sure you install a large-capacity main air vent.
• All radiator vents have a “drop-away” pressure rating. This is the maximum pressure at which the float inside the vent can fall down without stopping the vent from re-opening. lf the pressuretrol setting is too high, the vent closes and stays closed, and any air remaining in the radiator can’t vent.
• One-pipe steam radiators were sized to heat the house on the coldest day of the year with less than 1 psi of steam. For every square foot of EDR, the radiator will emit 240 BTU/H when the room temperature is 70°F and the steam temperature is 215°F.

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

Pressuretrol and VaporStat are registered trademarks of Honeywell International Inc.

Volume 2/ Issue 4/ July 2015

These six words, in the specs for every Bell & Gossett Domestic® Pump Series, add up to one word: confidence. Our production team assembles each unit and conducts multiple performance tests, linking the results to the unit’s factory serial number file.

Units ordered with control panels are tested through that control panel. We inspect appearance, check float switches and test seals and gaskets for leaks. Pump performance is typically tested at four condition points along the pump curve. For condensate return and boiler feed units, those points are:

1. Dead head or no flow, which measures the maximum discharge pressure for the unit.
2. The actual gpm at the RATED discharge pressure.
3. The actual discharge pressure at the RATED flow.
4. Maximum flow.

In a perfect world, points 2 and 3 would be the same, but in reality, they seldom are. Impellers in our pumps are trimmed to the nearest 1/16th inch increment for your specified capacity. The real flow when generating the rated discharge pressure may actually be a gallon or two higher per minute. Similarly, the real discharge pressure at the rated flow may be one or two psi higher. So while those points are very close on the pump curve, they are different.

Maximum flow is subjective. We fully open the fixture’s valves and let the pump run out the end of the curve, to just before the starting point for cavitation. Or we run the pump motor into the service factor area, to the point where the pump is drawing almost full load SFA (service factor amps), typically around 110 percent. That keeps us inside the overload protection range so we don’t pop fuses or circuit breakers or thermal overload relays. All ODP and TEFC motors in our Domestic Pump Series have a minimum 1.15 service factor. At each point of testing, we record amps draws for the motor.

Vacuum heating units go through similar tests to insure that discharges are correct when the pump is pumping from a vacuum, that air can be removed and that the vacuum can be maintained at appropriate levels. Testing also lets us set those levels on the diaphragm vacuum switch that controls the vacuum pumps.

For the customer, this all adds up to confidence. It means products leaving our factory have gone through extensive testing and are proven to work as advertised. Testing can also provide comparative information for troubleshooting units and isolating problems on troublesome installations.

Here’s what the factory recently gave to a customer who asked to see our test data.

Test Summary

Seneca Falls, NY. – Goulds Water Technology (GWT) announces its 2015 third quarter Factory School schedule for in-person and online training.

In-person training

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

GWT Factory School third quarter in-person class schedule

• Water Systems September 14-17
• Drives- Commercial and Industrial September 28- October 1

Online Training

These seminars 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 once per quarter to ensure availability for each topic.

GWT Factory School third quarter online class schedule

**No registration necessary: Online courses take place at 2 p.m. EST

• Aquavar SOLO 2- July 24
• Troubleshooting with Multimeters- July 31
• Aquavar IPC Duplex- August 3
• FM Series 6” Submersible Motors- August 10
• Xylem Online Sizing and Selection Software: Turbines- August 17
• MCT10 Software for the IPC- August 24
• SPD Product Overview- September 2
• Wastewater and Variable Frequency Drives- September 18
• Introduction to the MPVN Product Line- September 23
• Surface Motor Basics- September 25

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

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Volume 1 / Issue 2 / September 2015

• Put the drive in Local mode.
• Slowly ramp up until you’re just making pressure at no flow.
• Write down the drive frequency. This is value X.
• Shut drive off.
• Y = VFD Minimum Speed = {(X/60) * 32767} – 500.
• Go to Field Setup/PID Settings.
• Enter the VFD Minimum Speed value
• Calculate the following…
• Starting speed = {{(32767 – Y)/3} +Y}
• Combo up speed = Starting speed (as a starting position)
• Combo down speed = {(32767 – Y)/1.5} +Y.
• Speed Test Speed = Y + 500.
• Enter these values under Transition Control.
• These are all good starting points, but not cast in stone

PACE Screen

PID Settings
For the majority of job sites, the Low Flow and High
Flow settings can remain the same. Our default values
are as follows.
• Proportional: 7
• Derivative: 4
• Max Flow for Low/High Flow: Set to station capacity for standard applications. Set to 75% of station capacity if using different values for Low/High Flow parameters.
• Control dead band default is 25.
Tuning Suggestions
Problem statement: PM pump does not combo on. First main pump comes on first. Go to Supplemental Control/Dp/Dt Control. Increase PM Skip from the default value of 3 to a higher value (probably 8 or more). You can also uncheck it, thereby disabling it.

The post PACE Tuning Quick Reference Sheet Transition Speeds appeared first on Xylem Applied Water Systems - United States.

Volume 1 / Issue 2 / September 2015

Stephanie Magee is currently the Lead for our Xylem Dallas Order Fulfillment Team (Central Order Management-COM) and Export Trade Compliance in Dallas, Texas. Stephanie was hired at Xylem in February 2011 working in the Finance department. She was instrumental in positioning the site to overcome gaps related to sales taxes and freight, along with developing the SOX (Sarbanes–Oxley) matrix for user access.

Stephanie was presented with an opportunity to transition from the Finance department to a Customer Service role within the Order Fulfillment Team in July 2011. With her previous 8+ years’ experience in managing Customer Service and Call Center environments, along with 13+ year experience in Accounting she proved to be an excellent fit for the position and has become an integral part of the Customer Service Team.

Stephanie is a very driven individual focused on providing superior customer service, while consistently assessing opportunities for short and long term improvements. She was involved in a SMART Team, and with the support of Xylem’s Lean Six Sigma (LSS) program Stephanie obtained her LSS Green Belt Certification in December 2013. Her projects directly impacted and improved the factory On Time Performance, and the Change Order Notification process. She also recently obtained her Import and Export Certification in May 2015.

She has also been involved in additional improvement projects such as serving on the Internal Audit Team for ISO 9001:2008 Certification, being an instrumental team member for the Dallas Call Center Environment Implementation. Stephanie takes great pride working for Xylem and Owning the Response!

In Stephanie’s free time, she loves to spend time with her family and is passionate about her pets.

The post Meet the Flowtronex Team appeared first on Xylem Applied Water Systems - United States.

Volume 1 / Issue 2 / September 2015

When Winstar Casino Golf Course asked Flowtronex to take their old station back and completely refurbish it in a short time frame of 4-weeks, the tough got going! The project scope began with reconditioning the existing base. Sandblasted down to bare metal, a new Flowtronex TOFF coat finish was applied. This very durable polymer coating product, similar to sray-in bed liners you see in pickup trucks, will easily extend the life of the skid beyond standard industry finishes out there today.

Secondly, a solution for adding a 3rd 75HP pump to the station was engineered, satisfying a large customer need.

Finally, a panel upgrade, that included the Flowtronex state-of-art PACE controller & software, was installed. It will provide the customer with proven years of service and reliability.

The customer not only received the refurbished package in time, but saved thousands of dollars in the process.

Giving our customers best-in-class product quality, value, and lead time is what we do. Flowtronex has built over 16,000 pump stations for the golf industry. Behind that history stands many long-time employees with 15+ years of experience in this industry. Flowtronex – Solutions – Brand of Choice.

Winstar newly installed refurbished station

Contributor: Dan Gregg, Regional Sales Manager

The post Flowtronex Delivers Solutions to Winstar appeared first on Xylem Applied Water Systems - United States.

Volume 1 / Issue 2 / September 2015

Vietnam is experiencing a golf course building boom with Harmonie Golf Club in the Ho Chi Minh City area being one of the more recent new course developments. Harmonie selected course architect Jim Engh along with Larry Rodgers for its irrigation design. Harmonie is an 18 hole layout currently with room for additional growth according to project manager and owner rep, Jason Bao. Harmonie is scheduled for completion in 2016.

 
Flowtronex beat out several competitors and was awarded the project based on its product reliability, quality, reputation, and the local after-market support provided by our Vietnam FlowNet service center. According to construction manager Richard Arnett, “when you think of golf course pump stations, you think Flowtronex – it’s just that simple”. Flowtronex is proud to be the supplier of choice for Harmonie and we look forward to continued success in the Vietnam golf market.

Filter view

Workers preparing grass sprigs for nursery planting

Contributor: Steve Pope, Regional Sales Manager

The post Flowtronex is in Harmonie with the Vietnam golf market. appeared first on Xylem Applied Water Systems - United States.

Volume 1 / Issue 2 / September 2015

Pump Controls

Most of you have probably never heard of me, for good reasons.  I’m an electrical engineer, and most engineers stay in the back rooms working on geek-stuff that we think is awesome, but what the rest of the world usually takes for granted. I’ve been working on, with and around pump system controls for over 25 years now.  While I’m hardly the first, the best or the brightest, I have worked with some from all 3 of those categories, and have learned an awful lot in the process.  I hope to impart some useful information that can help you get more from your pump station, by understanding a little better how it works.  There is no way to give an adequate treatise on pump station controls in a single article, so I hope you’ll take a look also at some other articles on our website www.flowtronex.com as they become available in the future.

Irrigation pump station control has come a long way in the past 30 years. Prior to that, most stations were built on site by local welders, electricians, and pump techs. Controls ranged from a door switch and a control valve, differential pressure switches, to some truly ingenious, early computer based controls built in the garage. Nearly all were fixed speed, but who can say what contraptions may be lurking in some pump houses out there.

Today, with pump system packagers vying for business by wielding any of the latest technology they can get their hands on, it’s easy to lose sight of what is really important in pump station control. 20 years ago, variable frequency drives (VFD’s) revolutionized the industry. Not only could the stations potentially provide accurate pressure control, but the VFD gave the engineers complete control of the systems response to demand. New features were made possible to protect the piping, reduce energy usage and increase reliability.

Today, internet accessibility, handheld cellular device connectivity and brilliant touchscreens are the norm. These have the potential to again revolutionize the end user experience. Alarm notifications and performance monitoring can help ease the mind of the superintendent who increasingly has more on their plate than ever.

But there is still an aspect of the pump station that is as important as it ever was, and yet isn’t talked about much anymore. This is controls performance. It’s assumed, expected, but too often doesn’t truly materialize. Features written into the software that makes the station operate efficiently and safely (for the irrigation piping), and protects the life of the expensive equipment on the skid: Primarily pumps and motors.

Often, the end user is left with an uneasy feeling about the way the station runs, and because it does start nightly and isn’t still running in the morning, and the grass all gets watered, it seems to be ok. But true performance takes two elements: good design and good commissioning. The startup technician selected is as important as the engineers behind the controls code. No amount of factory testing and “standard setting” can replace a well-trained ear and eye on how the station responds to YOUR irrigation system demand and usage style. A lot can be done in irrigation programming to make up for a mediocre station calibration, and to be sure, irrigation programming should take into account the physics and reality of what goes on in the pump house (I can envision an entire article about this subject!), but the irrigation requirements should be as free as possible of making allowances for the pump station. This is also a good reason for integration between the station and the irrigation (again, another article).

That being said, the technician has to have a solid program to start with. A consistent, reliable program, with the functionality installed to give them the flexibility to solve problems when they come up. Irrigation systems are different, and have their own quirks. From city boost systems with backflow preventers, to vertical turbines with super-flat curves; each one requires a toolset to make it run smoothly and efficiently. This means that pumps start when they need to, but not sooner, stop when they can be stopped, without having to restart minutes later, and pressure control during the run that is rock solid, but smart enough to ease the pressure back up when it does fall.

Modern controllers provide so much more room to work in, there are no longer reasons to compromise one feature for another. We can have good, finely tunable control and still have internet accessibility, cell phone access, email alerts and the other whiz-bang gadgetry we all have come to expect. I hope you’ll join me over the coming months while we explore how to get the most out of your pump system.

Contributor: Will Hawkins

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Morton Grove, Ill. — Sept. 22, 2015 — Xylem Inc., a leading global water technology company focused on addressing the world’s most challenging water issues, was recently awarded a Consulting-Specifying Engineer 2015 Product of the Year award for its Bell & Gossett (B&G) brand ecocirc XL large wet rotor circulator.

Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s annual Product of the Year contest is the premier award for new products in the HVAC, fire/life safety, electrical and plumbing systems engineering markets. The reader’s choice program was established to provide readers with information on top new products in their fields. This year, readers of the publication recognized the highly efficient B&G ecocirc XL with a Silver Award in the HVAC category.

“It’s an honor to receive this award, especially because it was voted on by the readers of Consulting-Specifying Engineer. We’re pleased that the industry recognizes the energy efficiency benefits, quality and reliability the ecocirc XL offers,” said Mark Handzel, Vice President, Product Regulatory Affairs, and Director, HVAC and Commercial Buildings, Americas, Xylem. “The ecocirc XL was developed with state-of-the-art hydraulics, advanced motor design, intelligent controls and smart communication capabilities to support a broad range of HVAC and plumbing applications.”

The ecocirc XL is a high efficiency, large wet rotor circulator that enhances commercial hydronics systems. With three standard control modes, the ecocirc XL can be customized to maximize energy efficiency and reduce utility costs. Other product benefits include:

• An intuitive digital interface that provides users with real-time pump performance information
• Built-in, dry-run protection, which stops operation in the absence of water to prevent damage
• Electronics that are separated from the pump to prevent condensation at temperatures as low as 14 F
• Enhanced self-monitoring that reduces system downtime for maximum operational efficiency
• Increased control options, including start-stop, temperature control and pressure regulation inputs, for dynamic system management
• Advanced settings that can be managed from a PC, tablet or smartphone

The ecocirc XL and other Product of the Year recipients were featured online and in the September issue of Consulting-Specifying Engineer. To learn more about the ecocirc XL, visit http://power-of-e.com/ecocirc-xl/.

Follow Bell & Gossett on social media:

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

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.xylem.com.

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The post Bell & Gossett awarded 2015 Product of the Year recognition by Consulting-Specifying Engineer appeared first on Xylem Applied Water Systems - United States.

Xylem’s Goulds Water Technology Factory School releases Q4 training schedule

Seneca Falls, N.Y. – Goulds Water Technology (GWT) announces its 2015 fourth quarter Factory School schedule for in-person and online training.

In-person training

Live sessions are available at the educational facility in Seneca Falls, New York. Classes provide hands-on training in water systems, variable frequency drives, wastewater and commercial applications. This training is designed to provide attendees with extensive, firsthand experience in the Campbell Education Center laboratory.

About the GWT Factory School

• Classroom-style seating for 30 participants
• Interactive, working demonstrations of pumps and controls
• Lab for attendees to install and troubleshoot numerous pumps and controls
• Use of digital multimeters for troubleshooting and diagnostics
• Most classes also include a tour of GWT’s manufacturing facility in Auburn, New York

GWT Factory School fourth quarter in-person class schedule

• Drives – Commercial/Industrial                                                                Sept. 28-Oct. 1
• Commercial/Industrial Pump Product and Application                       Oct. 26-29
• *Advanced Pumps & Drives Operations                                                   Nov. 9-12

*Prerequisite: Minimum five years’ experience with pumps and drives. Pre-approval required. **

Online training

These seminars provide users with up-to-date product information, troubleshooting support and industry knowledge. Training can be accessed from anywhere with an Internet connection, and courses are offered once per quarter to ensure availability for each topic.

GWT Factory School fourth quarter online class schedule

No registration necessary. All online courses take place at 2 p.m. EST

• e-HM Applications                                                                                     Oct. 2
• Xylem Online Sizing Selection Software                                               Oct. 9
• Aquavar SOLO 2 Features & Functionality                                          Oct. 16
• Troubleshooting with Multimeters                                                        Oct. 22
• Writing & Programming for Aquavar IPC Duplex                              Oct. 30
• Features of FM Series 6-inch Submersible Motors                            Nov. 6
• Xylem Online Sizing and Selection Software — Turbines                Nov. 13
• Capabilities of MCT10 Software for the IPC                                        Nov. 20
• Programming and Competences of Aquavar IPC                               Dec. 11
• MPVN e-MP Line Operations                                                                 Dec. 18

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

The post Xylem’s Goulds Water Technology Factory School releases Q4 training schedule appeared first on Xylem Applied Water Systems - United States.

Volume 2/ Issue 5/ September 2015

An engineer planning to specify a Domestic 75CBM22-85 BFU recently asked us if it’s feasible to have a chemical feed pump come on at the same time as the make-up to the BFU. The chemicals wouldn’t be pumped into the receiver, but instead added to the make-up water.
We advised the customer that adding chemicals to the boiler feed receiver or through the make-up water will void warranties. This is noted in every Domestic Pump Series operations manual:

But let’s talk about when and how to add treatment chemicals.

The drawing below shows the standard industry practice which has remained consistent for many years: by means of the funnel and receptacle between the pumps and boiler. That way you can periodically check treatment chemicals and add what’s needed to the boiler.
Some people have tried to automate this process (in other words, skipping service and maintenance contracts, leaving everything to the magic black box, and not knowing what’s really going on). They replace isolation valves on the discharge piping with a series of solenoid or similar control valves that open every time the pump comes on. The goal is to use the pump to mix and inject the chemicals.
This setup is often linked to a building management system via an auxiliary contact on the pump starter. Each and every time the pump comes on, the BMS is notified and performs a specified action. I’m sure the M&M guys can tell you more about the effects of this action on probes and other components. But our experience with pumps is that this approach simply doesn’t work.

So let’s cut to the chase. Please don’t let your customers inject chemicals in any form into the boiler feed receiver. At the very least they’ll create the following issues:

1. Solid or powdered chemicals injected into the boiler feed receiver won’t fully dissolve. There’s just not enough mixing. The result is rapid seal failure, a consequence of pumping high concentrations of abrasive solids—which also skew the pH beyond the seal’s rating (typically a pH of 7-9). Less-abrasive liquid compounds still raise the pH issue and can be equally dangerous.
2. The skewing of the pH also accelerates corrosion in the pumps / floats switches and other areas, increasing failures. Add the air from the vented receiver, plus a steam system’s high temperatures, and the potential for failure is doubled.
3. Using the make-up water as the mixing agent, then piping into the solenoid make up piping, is likely to compound the dissolving issues. The typical make-up water temperature is too low. Using liquid agents still leaves the other issues in the receiver.
We continue to recommend a slightly more hands-on approach that includes regular checks and periodic reviews of the system as a whole. It’s like changing the oil in your car and doing other scheduled maintenance, rather than waiting for the engine to seize up and self-destruct.
If you rely on the chemical guy for answers, you may hear “if a little is good, a lot is better” (mainly for the chemical guy’s sales numbers). Have the customer look at what the boiler guy recommends for treating the boiler and how to handle its introduction. Then talk to the trap people and controls guys to make sure what you’re doing won’t contradict their products. Now factor in what I’ve said, and you should reach a happy medium that gets the best results for everybody.
Ultimately, as with any system, it’s not about what’s right for one part. It’s about what’s right for the system as a whole to keep it in proper balance, providing many years of efficient service

The post Adding chemical treatment to boilers appeared first on Xylem Applied Water Systems - United States.

Volume 2/ Issue 5/ September 2015

1. Can I run a hot water zone off an existing steam boiler without a heat exchanger?

Yes, but there is a limit to how much radiation your steam boiler can support.
Manufacturers list two capacity outputs on every steam boiler: the Department of Energy (DOE) capacity, aka the boiler’s gross output, and the boiler’s net capacity. Gross output is about 20% higher than net capacity and includes capacity to pick up the system when you tum it on as well as the load of keeping the piping network warm. Net capacity is the energy available to beat radiation and keep the house warm.
Once the system has warmed up, the boiler has this extra 20% capacity. Its availability determines how much radiation can be supported for the hot water zone. You could run the zone in a priority condition if the load is greater than the pick-up factor, but this means no heat in the steam system while the hot water zone operates.

2. What keeps the water “up” in the piping and radiation?

The air around us has weight and presses down on everything it touches. This atmospheric pressure pushes down on the water in the steam boiler, forcing it up into the radiation.
The atmospheric pressure at sea level is 14.7 pounds per square inch, decreasing as you travel higher. One pound of pressure per square inch can lift water 2.31feet. So, in theory, the atmosphere can support water to about 34 feet (14.7 x 2.31), but the practical limit is closer to 30 feet.
Because atmospheric pressure forces the water in a steam system up, you should never use vents in the condensate zones off the boiler. If you do, as soon as a vent opens, the condensate will fall into the boiler and flood it.

3. What happens if I add the hot water zone loads to the size of my replacement steam boiler?

Oversizing your steam boiler will “shove” too much steam into a system designed for a lesser load. That leads to all kinds of problems—water hammer, surging water lines and uneven heating. Don’t do it!

 
4. How should I pipe the hot water zone off the steam boiler?

Locate the supply and return connections below the boiler’s water line (see illustration). Ideally, you should have a good cross-sectional flow through the boiler, so that the water doesn’t “short-circuit” through the boiler and not pick up enough BTUs.

Locate the circulator on the supply side (below the water line), pumping away from the boiler and out to the radiation so that its pressure differential is added to the system, not subtracted. This helps prevent the water from flashing into steam and causing water hammer.

5. What else should I consider when piping the hot water zone off the boiler?

Be sure to pipe a bypass around the boiler to limit the temperature of the water that will circulate out to the radiation. When the boiler is producing steam, the water temperature is the same as the steam. At one psi of steam pressure, the water temperature is 216°F; at two psi, the temperature is 218°F, and so on. The problem with water being this hot is that, when the circulator shuts off because the zone is satisfied, it’s likely that some of the water up in the zone will “flash” into steam. Remember, these systems don’t have pressurereducing valves, so the water at the top of the system is under no pressure. Since water can flash into steam at 212°F at zero psi, whenever the circulator turns off, you can get “banging” in the hot water zone and a flooded steam boiler in the basement!

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Morton Grove, Ill. — (Oct. 6, 2015) — Bell & Gossett, a Xylem brand, today launched the highly efficient Series e-80 vertical inline centrifugal pump, enhancing its portfolio of system solutions for the commercial building services market. The Series e-80 further expands the B&G e-range of pumps, all of which feature the industry’s largest Efficiency Islands. These extensive efficiency profiles provide the highest energy and hydraulic efficiencies across the widest range of operating conditions – reducing electricity consumption, improving overall system performance and lowering life cycle costs.

“According to the USGBC, commercial building owners are expected to invest nearly $960 billion in energy-efficient retrofits during the next 10 years and are seeking high-performance products that increase energy savings,” said Mark Handzel, Vice President, Product Regulatory Affairs, and Director, HVAC & Commercial Buildings, Xylem. “Bell & Gossett e-range products, including the Series e-80 and e-80IT/ITSC, exceed expected U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) efficiency standards for pumps, making them a reliable system solution for both retrofit and new construction projects.”

Series e-80 close-coupled inline pumps are also available in a split-coupled model (e-80SC). Customers have the option of adding factory-installed Integrated Technologic sensored (e-80IT) and sensorless (e-80ITSC) variable frequency drives to any e-80 pump to lower operating costs by better matching system demands and prolonging the life of the product.

Durable stainless steel impellers contribute to efficient pump performance and maximize product life cycle. The line’s e-80SC split-coupled model is the first and only pump with a patent-pending jackscrew design, requiring only one person to service it, compared to all similar models, which require two people.

“Easy serviceability is a critical factor in pump specification,” said Handzel. “The advanced design of the e-80SC significantly reduces maintenance costs and repair time to address this need.”

The e-80 and e-80SC come in sizes from 1-1/2 inches to 14 inches with impellers ranging from 7-1/2 inches to 14 inches. The e-80 is offered with up to 60 horsepower (HP), the e-80 split coupled is offered with up to 125HP, and the e-80IT/ITSC and e-80SCIT/ITSC single-phase has up to 30HP. An armor braided, flexible flush line comes as standard for increased mechanical seal durability. All Technologic drives are configured with a NEMA 12 enclosure rating to ensure safe drive operation in the presence of falling dirt, circulating dust and dripping or light splashing of water. The drives also come with a temperature controlled cooling fan to maintain uninterrupted operation and an efficient advanced power system design.

To view a product introduction video, or for more information about the Series e-80, please visit bellgossett.com/e-80.

Follow Bell & Gossett on social media:

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

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 four years for advancing sustainable business practices and solutions worldwide and the Company has satisfied the requirements to be a constituent of the FTSE4Good Index Series each year since 2013.

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.xylem.com.

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Six high school teams developed filtration devices to help solve tomorrow’s water challenges

Students built and designed products that clean water for people in need

Morton Grove, Ill. – Oct. 13, 2015 – Four high school engineering teams were recognized at the Let’s Solve Water Challenge on Oct. 10 for their original water filtration device designs. Six FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) teams competed in the fourth annual contest sponsored by Xylem Inc., a global water technology leader.

This year’s challenge focused on designing and building a water filtration system. Water filtration is critical to ensuring that water pumped throughout the world is clean and safe to drink or use for hygienic and/or sanitation purposes.

“Xylem’s goal is to develop more sustainable ways to treat, test and use water. These students are the future of engineering, and the Let’s Solve Water Challenge enables them to begin working today to solve tomorrow’s water-related issues,” said Ken Napolitano, President, Xylem’s Applied Water Systems business unit.

Xylem engineers kicked off the two-week competition on Sept. 19 at McQuaid Jesuit High School in Rochester, New York, the program’s primary advocate located 250 miles from Xylem’s headquarters in Rye Brook, New York. Students were given a $50 budget to design and build a water filtration system using tubing, fittings, fasteners, and other materials that will filter water with particulates up to 1/16 inches in diameter. Teams worked side-by-side with water technology experts from Xylem.

Students used their engineering skills to manage design constraints and build a product that filters dirty water.

As part of the final competition, six teams presented their working devices and described their development process to a panel of judges from Xylem that included:

• Chris Felix, Product Development Engineer
• Paul Ruzicka, Global Center of Excellence, Residential, Commercial and Wastewater

The panel of judges evaluated each team on design, time, exertion and cost. Winning teams were awarded prizes totaling $4,000 based on four categories. The winning teams from this year’s Let’s Solve Water Challenge are:

• Best Filtration: Cougar Tech from Honeoye Falls-Lima High School
• Greatest Volume Filtered: The IgKnighters from McQuaid Jesuit High School
• Lowest Cost Solution: Devil Tech from Victor Senior High School
• Most Elegant Design: Grapes of Wrath from Naples High School

“Learning to design and build an efficient product and then demonstrate a working sample of it is a good opportunity for emerging engineers. We’re excited to be involved in the Let’s Solve Water Challenge to support the next generation of industry professionals,” added Napolitano.

To learn more about the Let’s Solve Water Challenge, visit http://contest.igknighters.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 four years for advancing sustainable business practices and solutions worldwide and the Company has satisfied the requirements to be a constituent of the FTSE4Good Index Series each year since 2013.

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.xylem.com. 

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Xylem Inc. commits to American Business Act on Climate Pledge

Morton Grove, Ill. — (Dec. 3, 2015) – Xylem Inc., a leading global water technology company dedicated to solving the world’s most challenging water issues, today announced that it has signed on to the American Business Act on Climate Pledge, joining more than 140 companies from across the U.S. economy that are standing with the Obama Administration to demonstrate an ongoing commitment to climate action and to voice support for a strong outcome to the COP21 Paris climate negotiations. Xylem Inc. is the parent company of the Bell & Gossett and McDonnell & Miller brands.

“The connection between climate and our shared water resources cannot be ignored. Earlier this year, the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks 2015 report identified water crises as the biggest threat to our planet,” said Patrick Decker, Xylem President and CEO. “As a leader in the water technology industry, we view climate change as a vital opportunity to create value for all stakeholders and we are proud to join this important pledge. Through our energy efficient technologies that help mitigate the effects of climate change in water infrastructure, we help customers and partners around the globe to reduce emissions. We are also helping communities to adapt to climate change with solutions that increase resilience to droughts and floods, making them more water-secure. By promoting sustainable solutions, we will continue to meet our customers’ needs while also advancing socially responsible business practices as a citizen of the global community.”

As part of its ongoing work on sustainable practices, Xylem recently published its Powering the Wastewater Renaissance report, which concluded that nearly half of the electricity-related emissions in wastewater management can be abated at a negative or neutral cost with the use of proven, readily available technologies.

Xylem’s American Business Act On Climate Pledge

We applaud the growing number of countries that have already set ambitious targets for climate action. In this context, we support the conclusion of a climate change agreement in Paris that takes a strong step forward toward a low-carbon, sustainable future.

We recognize that delaying action on climate change will be costly in economic and human terms, while accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy will produce multiple benefits with regard to sustainable economic growth, public health, resilience to natural disasters, and the health of the global environment. We put forth our pledges as follows:

Climate change will exacerbate the water challenges that lie at the heart of Xylem’s work. In response, we are developing mitigation and adaptation solutions that will improve the efficiency of the water sector and build resilience to the water-related challenges associated with climate change. We have also set ambitious operational targets for ourselves related to climate change. We pledge to do the following between now and 2020:

Our operations

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions intensity from Xylem facilities by 20% by 2020 compared to our 2014 baseline;

Reduce waste sent to landfill by 20% by 2020 compared to our 2014 baseline;

Reduce Xylem’s water use by 25% by 2020 compared to our 2014 baseline;

Invest in energy-efficiency retrofits – such as energy-efficient equipment – for our manufacturing facilities.

Our products

Continue investments in R&D to develop water technologies that are energy-efficient, reliable and help customers build climate resilience;

Introduce new products such as highly-efficient water technologies, pumps, and treatment solutions that use less energy and reduce lifecycle costs, including integration of renewable energy into key water technologies;

Continue investing in development of low-cost water technologies for communities in developing economies.

Our stakeholder engagement

Develop and promote research focused on understanding how the water sector can support climate change monitoring, mitigation and adaptation;

Continue advocating for private sector action in curbing climate change through partnering with organizations such as the Stockholm International Water Institute, Carbon Disclosure Project, CERES, and the UN Global Compact.

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.xylem.com.

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Goulds Water Technology to highlight innovation and education at the 2015 NGWA Expo

Online learning program and new cast iron sump pump to launch

 LAS VEGAS — Dec. 14, 2015 — Goulds Water Technology (GWT), a Xylem brand, will introduce the long-lasting GSP0311 Cast Iron Sump Pump and expand its industry-leading training and education offering with the new GWT e-Learning system at the 2015 National Ground Water Association Expo – Dec. 15 through 17, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

GWT will showcase its advanced technologies for residential applications at Booth 303, including the GSP0311 Cast Iron Sump Pump with a new, fail-safe switch, and the Aquavar IPC pump controller, Aquavar Solo² constant pressure system and Aquavar SPD variable speed drive. These products, and the comprehensive GWT portfolio, are designed to provide high-quality system solutions that can address virtually any residential water application.

Goulds Water Technology e-Learning debut

GWT will also launch its new e-Learning virtual education program at NGWA. Goulds Water Technology e-Learning is an extension of the GWT Factory School in Seneca Falls, New York. For more than 30 years, the GWT Factory School has educated thousands of water industry professionals about the latest advancements in commercial, residential and agricultural applications.

“Goulds Water Technology e-Learning is an extension of our in-person training,” said Tom Stephan, Training Manager, GWT Factory School. “The online format offers greater accessibility for those who are seeking flexible and comprehensive training offerings, and is an excellent complement to live training.”

The free, self-paced program will launch with 11 online modules that follow the factory school training schedule, focusing on topics including pump basics, understanding pump curves and sizing. GWT e-Learning is easily accessible from a computer or mobile device.

Xylem experts will also be available to discuss the Goulds Professional Dealers Association (GPDA) loyalty program that helps professional pump installers grow their business and provide superior service to homeowners by providing tools, education and support.

This year at NGWA, GWT will offer GPDA bonus points to dealers who register for Goulds Water Technology e-Learning. Upon registration, dealers will be automatically entered into a raffle to win one of six $250 Visa gift cards. Raffle winners will be announced throughout the expo.

GWT product highlights at NGWA include:

• GSP0311 Cast Iron Sump Pump – Launching at the show, the durable GWT GSP0311 Cast Iron Sump Pump is designed to provide longer overall product life, with a new, long-life, easily-replaceable switch that has undergone rigorous testing. The GSP0311 also has a silicon-carbide seal that can handle 1/2-inch solids, making it one of the few pumps tough enough to service both effluent and sump applications.

• Aquavar residential products – GWT’s Aquavar products deliver reliable constant water pressure regardless of the number of water outlets in use. Live demonstrations of the recently launched Aquavar Solo² constant pressure system will be conducted throughout the show, highlighting its capabilities for any conventional system.

“Professional installers are demanding reliable, long-lasting products that can handle the hard conditions that homeowners can place on them,” said Chris Preston, Residential Product Manager, Xylem. “Whether it’s our innovative cast iron sump pump, or our industry-leading line of constant pressure systems, we understand the need for solutions that will stand up to daily water requirements in any environment.”

Show details

What: 2015 National Ground Water Association Exposition

When: Dec. 15 through 17

Where: Xylem Booth 303, Las Vegas Convention Center

Highlights: Featured products from the Aquavar portfolio and debut of the Goulds Water Technology e-Learning virtual education program

To learn more about Xylem and its Goulds Water Technology brand, visit Booth 303 during the NGWA Expo, or visit www.gouldswatertechnology.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 four years for advancing sustainable business practices and solutions worldwide and the Company has satisfied the requirements to be a constituent of the FTSE4Good Index Series each year since 2013.

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.xylem.com.

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