March 2013 Product Solutions
Clearing the Air
Solving chronic air problems in residence hall
Spirotherm, Inc. The Gorham campus of the University of Southern Maine is one of three campuses that comprise USM, with a enrollment of about 9,300 students. Winters can be challenging in this climate, so heating campus buildings properly is a top priority.
Few things are more frustrating than existing buildings that continue to have problems after a major project is completed. The university had its mechanical systems in Upton Hastings Hall upgraded in 2010, and as part of the heating system upgrade, the engineer called for coalescing type air/dirt combination units. One brand was chosen based on the low bid, but after the project was completed, USM was left with chronic air problems.
In fall 2011, Dan Gearan, associate executive director for maintenance and operations, had two Spirovent air/dirt combination separators installed in an attempt to solve the chronic air problem. The Spirovent uses the patented Spirotube coalescing/barrier medium to scrub air and dirt from hot and chilled water systems with unprecedented efficiency, enabling it to break free of the flow path. The air is released through an air-release mechanism while the dirt falls to the bottom and collects in the dirt chamber, where it can be blown down through a manual or automatic blow-down valve.
Just after installing and filling the systems, Gearan reported, “I am happy to say we have finally installed the Spirovent units in Upton Hastings Hall, and they are working great. In fact, my guys are now asking me to look at putting one in another problem building we have.”
Spirovents are available from ¾ inches through 36 incheshandle flows up to 30,500 GPM and improve distribution efficiency in the system by eliminating air and separating dirt.
Select the March 2013 issue RSN number 153 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.
Retrofitting floors
Action Floor Systems. Herculan IG synthetic floors provide a range of decorative and protective polyurethane and epoxy floor systems. These systems are durable, aesthetically pleasing and easy to maintain because of their seamless self-leveling qualities. The flooring is available in a range of options, colors and finishes, and all Action Herculan IG products are low-solvent, solvent-free polyurethane or epoxy-based high-end materials.
Select the March 2013 issue RSN number 150 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.
Mechanical louvers
Greenheck. The company’s mechanical louver products are AMCA Listed as Impact Resistant Louvers and AMCA Listed as High Velocity Rain Resistant and Impact Resistant Louvers. The AMCA Listing designation is relative for louvers that are applied within the designated Hurricane Prone Regions, which includes, but is not limited to, Florida as required by the new Florida Building Code (AMCA 540 and AMCA 550) and the upcoming International Building Code version 2012 (AMCA 540 only). To achieve these designations, the louvers passed stringent AMCA 540 Large Missile Impact testing and AMCA 550 High Velocity Wind-Driven Rain testing with wind speeds of 35, 70, 90 and 110 mph and a simulated 8.8 inches of rain/hour.
Select the March 2013 issue RSN number 151 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.
Premium hand towels
Tork. A new collection of hand towels includes Premium Extra Soft, Premium and Advanced Soft. The new portfolio of hand towels is available in roll and folded options, and improves restroom aesthetics. The towels, which have a leaf embossed design, are compatible with a variety of TorkSelect dispensers.
Select the March 2013 issue RSN number 152 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.