ASPE joins IAPMO on Hunter’s Curve revisions

Ontario, Calif. — The increased use of high-efficiency plumbing fixtures, fixture fittings and appliances — and the subsequent decreased demand for water in our nation’s commercial buildings and residences — has resulted in the need to revise the methodology for properly sizing plumbing systems. In response to this, IAPMO and the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) convened a special task force of industry representatives that has been reviewing this matter and is working toward recommendations for the reduction of pipe diameters in certain applications.

Oversized pipes in plumbing systems waste water and energy and may present a potential health and safety concern, as low velocities inside water pipes reduce scouring on the interior pipe walls, which can lead to biofilm buildup. However, under-sizing plumbing systems will result in serious performance consequences, as well, so this complex project must be approached cautiously.

To assist in the mathematical and statistical portion of this work, ASPE has appointed three high-profile members to work with Dan Cole, IAPMO’s technical services supervisor and also an ASPE member.
The three ASPE members who will work with Cole on this project are Jason Hewitt, PE, CPD, LEED AP, of CB Engineering; Tim Wolfe, PE, of BSA Life Structures; and Thomas Poerio, Ph.D., PE, LEED AP, of Univesco, LLC. All three are experts in advanced mathematics and will be invaluable assets in this effort.

ASSE appoints new members to Product Standards Committee

Westlake, Ohio — The American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE) has appointed two highly qualified new members to their Product Standards Committee: James G. Kendzel, MPH, CAE, executive director and CEO of the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) and Abraham I. Murra, director of Standards Development for the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO).

As executive director and CEO of ASPE, an association comprised of over 6,500 plumbing engineers, Kendzel is responsible for the strategic direction of ASPE and oversight of all operations of the organization. His current and past involvement with like-associations, such as NSF International and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), adds to his resume and makes him a valuable asset to ASSE’s Product Standards Committee, the consensus group responsible for directing and supervising all activities relating to the development and issuance of ASSE Product Performance Standards for devices, fixtures, appliances and materials pertaining to plumbing.

Murra, director of Standards Development for IAPMO, an accredited testing and certification organization, and accredited codes and standards developer, is responsible for directing the development and maintenance of IAPMO Standards. His current position, along with his past experience working with organizations such as the Canadian Standards Institute (CSA) and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), will add another level of expertise to ASSE’s consensus body.

Multi-million dollar investment to support U.S. growth of clean energy initiatives

Atlanta — Siemens Industry, Inc. is celebrating the production of its SINVERT solar inverters at its recently-updated manufacturing plant located in West Chicago, Ill. The company invested approximately $10 million upgrading two buildings at the location, one of which will support the growing demand for solar power in the United States.

Siemens is currently producing SINVERT PVS inverters in West Chicago to support a 20MW solar project in the Southwest United States. This multi-million dollar contract was secured in early 2011, with commissioning of the inverters slated for October of this year.

Siemens West Chicago manufacturing facilities, comprising 200,000 square-feet in two buildings, employs 350 people. In addition to producing solar inverters, Siemens also manufactures motor control centers, enclosed motor starters, switchboards and control cabinets at the facilities. Siemens has renovated and modernized both buildings at the location, implementing a number of employee suggestions designed to improve productivity and efficiency.