Fernox Total Filter TF1 “The Fernox Total Filter TF1 is a revolutionary in-line filter, which combines hydrocyclonic action with specially designed magnet assemblies, to remove both magnetic and non-magnetic contaminants from system water and contain safely within the filter.” –www.fernox.us This hydronic system filter provides exactly what the manufacturer reports, all built in to a Read more
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Fernox Total Filter TF1
“The Fernox Total Filter TF1 is a revolutionary in-line filter, which combines hydrocyclonic action with specially designed magnet assemblies, to remove both magnetic and non-magnetic contaminants from system water and contain safely within the filter.” –www.fernox.us
This hydronic system filter provides exactly what the manufacturer reports, all built in to a robust assembly. Its a hydrocyclonic filter and provides debris/sludge seperation via a vortex action. The overall design of the filter allows for multi-position installation. As you can see in the photos below I chose to install it in the vertical position, which is how you will find it ready to go right out of the box. Instructions and different O-ring seals are included in the packaging if your installation requires the filter to be piped horizontally. The filter is designed for use in combination with Fernox ‘F’ range water treatment products.
The glass fiber reinforced Nylon plastic housing is rated for operating temperatures up to 257°F, well above any hot water boiler system temperatures. The plastic housing has a removable screw top lid, built in to it are a vent/chemical dosing fitting along with a sturdy magnetic rod. The magnetic rod inserts through the lid and attracts magnetic particles, such as iron oxides and rust, to the inside of the canister housing. Simply close the flow through the [provided] 1” copper sweat ¼-turn ball valves; pull the magnet out and all the collected debris will drop to the bottom where it can be flushed out of the canister via the built-in ¼-turn hose thread drain valve.
When installing this filter on the return line of a closed hydronic system you gain the ability to protect system components such as flow restrictive boiler heat exchangers, small diameter tubing, zone valves, air elimination devices and much more. The relatively low cost and minimal maintenance required is well worth the benefits provided, especially when comparing the initial cost verses system component repair/replacement due to clogging/corrosion.
Hurricane Sandy hit the North East on October 30, 2012, which damaged thousands upon thousands of homes in the Rockland County (NY) region. Basements were completely submerged leaving homeowners stunned and hopeless. We were getting tons of phone calls from our customers, hoping we could revive their heating systems! On many accounts there was no Read more
Hurricane Sandy hit the North East on October 30, 2012, which damaged thousands upon thousands of homes in the Rockland County (NY) region. Basements were completely submerged leaving homeowners stunned and hopeless. We were getting tons of phone calls from our customers, hoping we could revive their heating systems! On many accounts there was no hope what so ever and BMC Plumbing and Heating Inc needed a plan. Customers whose homes were located right on the Hudson River needed to re-evaluate their heating system options. The main concern for many was to install another boiler in the basement and be hit with another super storm, only to wash it away again. I quickly suggested to some of our customers the Dunkirk Helix, wall-hung boiler. Not only is this unit space and energy friendly, but also plumber friendly! You certainly can’t beat that!
Space Friendly
“Ok, so you’re telling me that you can install a high efficiency boiler that will heat my home properly and it won’t be installed in the basement, but in my house?” You should have seen the look on her face when one of our customers said this to me. “Where exactly do you think your installing a boiler in this house?” Believe it or not, we found a way! We installed the Dunkirk Helix right in her laundry room! Positioned perfectly so the washer and dryer could still fit right underneath the Helix like a puzzle! (see photo) The look on her face was priceless, relieved and very grateful that she never has to worry about her boiler becoming completely submerged again.
Plumber’s Friend
I know all of you plumbers reading this now are saying, “Sean, I know this may look nice and saves space, but I know whenever dealing with a high efficiency boiler there is always a ton of piping to install. Where and how am I going to install a primary and secondary loop in a closet-like space? You are out of your mind!”
Trust me, I thought the same thing when I was first introduced to this product, and boy was a blown away! Dunkirk carefully thought through this entire process. They took a good look at what was out on the market in terms of high efficiency wall hung boilers, they knew they had to design this product to favor the plumber. There is no need to install primary and secondary pipe work because Dunkirk did all of the hard work for us. They installed both primary and secondary pipe work inside the actual unit! I couldn’t believe it! It really is as simple as piping your Supply and Return with one pump, not two because the other is installed in the Helix already right into the boiler! This is a genius design not only for installation purposes but also servicing the boiler. Dunkirk designed the Helix with the contractors in mind giving us ample room so we can fit our hands inside the unit in order to reach certain parts if needed. As far as the interface, it can’t get any easier! It tells you everything you need to know about the boiler with only a few buttons to push! This Dunkirk Helix is without a doubt my friend for life!
As a plumbing contractor, I highly recommend the Dunkirk Helix wall hung boiler. Thus far the Helix has been headache free especially when installing. It has truly been a life saver for our customers who endured this past Super Storm. They now have peace of mind knowing they will remain warm, save money doing so and never have a flooded boiler again. Thank You Dunkirk!
Features include:
• Modulating condensing boiler with 5:1 turndown ratio
• Innovative 316L/444 stainless steel fin tube heat exchanger
• Built-in primary/secondary piping
• Factory wired and installed probe-type, low water cut -off.
• Corrosion resistant CPVC Flue Collector for long life
• Control features simple, plain English display, outdoor reset, priority domestic hot water and integrated multiple boiler control capability for up to 16 boiler modules.
• Simplified electrical connections with removable terminal block.
• Replacement ready with 1-1/4” piping connections and low pressure drop – no high head pump required.
• Jacket slides on and off for quick access.
• Wall-mount bracket included.
For information, http://www.dunkirk.com/product-details.asp?id=247
This book by Dan Holohan (Mechanical-hub Advisory Board member and Founder of heatinghelp.com) is written in his own classical way of relating technical information without losing you to shear and utter boredom. Dan weaves personal experience and stories into the technical aspects of hydronics making this an enjoyable read. Today's plumbing & heating contractor often Read more
This book by Dan Holohan (Mechanical-hub Advisory Board member and Founder of heatinghelp.com) is written in his own classical way of relating technical information without losing you to shear and utter boredom. Dan weaves personal experience and stories into the technical aspects of hydronics making this an enjoyable read. Today's plumbing & heating contractor often works in buildings many, many decades older than him/herself. The heating systems installed in these buildings can be very complex, or even simple but they all have origins rooting back to a common starting place. His explanation of how these “classic” systems work, their origins, how they may have been changed over the years, and what can be done to get the most of out them is done in a way so that the reader will have a working knowledge and better understanding about such systems. You're not going to be inundated with math formulas, hard to read diagrams or illustrations. Instead clear explanations of each type of classic system along with the types of problems and easy to understand solutions will have you glad you found this literary gem.
Whether you are a seasoned wet head, have had only new construction experience or would like to learn more about hydronics as a whole, Dan's “Classic Hydronics” is a must read…and then, reread. Each of Dan's books I own is well worn from cover to cover because I find myself constantly coming back to them for reference and entertainment. You can click the link above to navigate to Dan's site where you'll find this and many other books and materials for purchase.
I recently had the opportunity to try out Taco’s new Viridian variable speed pumps on several projects. I have installed a total of six pumps on three projects. This pump uses ECM technology to vary the speed of the pump to match the load. On two projects, I used the Viridian pumps on the geo Read more
I recently had the opportunity to try out Taco’s new Viridian variable speed pumps on several projects. I have installed a total of six pumps on three projects. This pump uses ECM technology to vary the speed of the pump to match the load.
On two projects, I used the Viridian pumps on the geo loop fields. We used them in tandem to provide standby capability in the event one pump fails. The integral control board has this capability eliminating the need for an outboard control.
The pump has several operational modes but we chose the delta-P operating parameter with a remote enable signal to turn on the pump. The pump provides flow to the loop field and multiple geothermal heat pumps (six on one project, nineteen on the other project).
The Viridian will vary its flow as geo units come on line and then cycle off. A two-way motorized valve at each geo unit controls flow. The ability of this pump to vary its flow eliminates the need to bypass flow through three-way valves or through pressure actuated bypass valves. This simplifies piping and allows the pump to operate at the most efficient point on its pump curve.
For the horsepower and flow, I found these pumps to be compact, which is always a plus when working in tight mechanical rooms. They are also very quiet. When operating at a lower flow rate, I had to put my ear to the motor to confirm it was operating.
On another project, we used a smaller Viridian pump to feed 18 hot deck coils on air handler units. Required flow will vary greatly depending on how many air handlers are calling at one time. If you listen closely, you can hear the motor ramp up or down and flow requirements vary. These smart pumps also have an RJ45 Ethernet port which allows you to connect a laptop, router or network. I’ve yet to delve into this aspect of control, so I can’t report on this feature.
The six pumps we have currently installed and running have exceeded expectations and I plan to use this pump on future projects.
Dan Foley is president and owner of Foley Mechanical, Inc. based in Lorton, VA (www.foleymechanical.com). FMI specializes in radiant, hydronic and steam systems, as well as mechanical systems for large custom homes. Contact him at 703-339-8030 or at dfoley50@verizon.net.
Written by Tom Lane and Charlie Squires. Tom is one of those “been there, done that” type of guys. He has practiced and honed his solar skills in the Florida market for decades. His ever-evolving books covers a lifetime of experiences. I like that Tom shows a lot of the old as well as new-cutting Read more
Written by Tom Lane and Charlie Squires. Tom is one of those “been there, done that” type of guys. He has practiced and honed his solar skills in the Florida market for decades. His ever-evolving books covers a lifetime of experiences. I like that Tom shows a lot of the old as well as new-cutting edge product and technology. Tom has a list of credentials as long as your arm, and well deserved. This is an ideal book to study if you are considering testing for the NABCEP exams, by the way. So make room on your reading list for this blockbuster book. Make a spot front and center on your book shelf, this is one that you will pull down and refer to often, I promise.
www.ecs-solar.com