Full PSD

PSDMAGAZINE.
ORG
The magazine for plumbing engineers, designers, specifers, code offcials, contractors, manufacturers, master plumbers, and plumbing professionals
M
A
Y

2
0
1
1
P l u m b i n g S y S t e m S a n d d e S i g n
The Offcial Publication of the
American Society of
Plumbing Engineers
P R S R T S T D
U . S . P o s t a g e
P A I D
P e r m i t # 5 0
F t . A t k i n s o n , W I
P l uS
Strategies for
implementing water
reuse systems
breaking out of your
booster system design rut
The magazine for plumbing engineers, designers, specifers, code offcials, contractors, manufacturers, master plumbers, and plumbing professionals
TM
Can
BlaCk
Water Be
reused
suCCessfully?
NSF recently approved a new coupling inspection program in accordance with the
current edition of CISPI 310. It holds couplings to the same level of rigorous standards
as NSF Certied cast iron pipe and ttings. So look for the NSF Mark when choosing
your next coupling to make sure your complete pipe system meets NSF Certication.
For more information go to www.nsf.org or www.cispi.org
Complete peace of mind
comes with a system
thats completely NSF Certied.
62675 CPF PS&D.indd 1 2/7/11 2:00 PM
breaking the Paradigms of 21st Century Pressure
booster System design
Although the booster system continues to evolve, many designers cling to sizing methods that have
become irrelevant due to changes in technology. Using redundancy and water storage as examples, the
author provides some methods to utilize advances in technology to design more energy-efficient booster
systems.
David P. Carrier
14
20
24
building a Case for Water Reuse
Reusing nonpotable water for outdoor applications such as irrigation is not uncommon, but our society has
become accustomed to crystal clear, highly treated water for all indoor uses, even though most indoor uses
dont require water treated to drinking water standards. This article explores the current state of water use
and supply in the United States and offers some food for thought regarding water reuse strategies.
Paul Riedinger, LEED AP
Reuse is the new black
Black water recycling provides an outside-the-box approach to water conservation. It significantly impacts
freshwater supplies and local ecosystems and offers numerous positive benefits for centralized water and
sewer infrastructure. Using examples from around the world, this article discusses how to implement
decentralized black water recycling systems, which can fundamentally change the way we approach
water and wastewater management.
Colin Fisher
14
FEATURES
GETTI NG TECHNI CAL
4 Hydronics for Plumbing
engineers
All You Need to Do Is Check Out the
Efficiency
6 designers notebook
What Type of Piping to Use and
Where to Use It

9 lessons learned
How Can We Design for Todays
High-efficiency Fixtures?
10 inside the Codes
Methods to Venting Plumbing
Fixtures and Traps in the 2009
International Plumbing Code
12 legal Pipeline
The Fractured World of Conditional
Payment Provisions
PERSPECTI VES
28 Peer to Peer
How to Coordinate Plumbing
Systems with Other Trades
P l u M b i n g S Y S T E M S A n d d E S i g n
VOLUME 10, NUMBER 4 MAY 2011
CONTI NUI NG EDUCATI ON
Water System design
34 Continuing Education Questions
35 Continuing Education Answer Sheet
and Application Form
ASPE REPORT
30 From the Presidents Pen
32 From the executives desk
33 new members
READER SERVI CES
36 Classifieds
36 new Product Showcase
36 advertisers index
The Official
PublicaTiOn Of The
american SOcieTy
Of Plumbing
engineerS
CONTENTS
Plumbing Systems & Design is published by the American Society of
Plumbing Engineers, Inc., 2980 S. River Road, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018,
847-296-0002, fax 847-296-2963, e-mail: psdmagazine@aspe.org, www.
aspe.org. No charge for subscriptions to qualified individuals. Annual
rate for subscriptions to nonqualifying individuals outside North America:
$175.00 USD. POSTMASTER: Change of address should be sent to Plumbing
Systems & Design, 2980 S. River Road, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018. Plumbing
Systems & Design is an official publication of the American Society of
Plumbing Engineers. Statements of fact, material, and opinion contained
in contributed articles are the responsibility of the authors alone and do
not imply an opinion or official position by the officers, staff, or members
of the American Society of Plumbing Engineers. 2011, American Society
of Plumbing Engineers. All data and other information are provided with
the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal,
consulting, engineering, or other professional services. All rights reserved;
material may not be reproduced without written permission.
ISSN 1548-5897
ADVERTISING SALES
REPRESENTATIVE
new england, Mid-atlantic,
& Virginia regions
M.J. Mrvica associates, Inc.
(856) 768-9360
mjmrvica@mrvica.com
PUBLISHER
american society of Plumbing engineers
TECHNICAL EDITORS
karl atteberry, Pe, leed aP
thomas J. Breu, Pe, CPd, leed aP
esteban Cabello, Pe, CPd, fasPe
dale J. Cagwin, Pe, CfeI
John deleo, CPd
Paul diGiovanni, Pe
richard ellis, CPd, Cet, fasPe
EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER
david r. Jern | dJern@aspe.org
MANAGING EDITOR
Gretchen Pienta | GPienta@aspe.org
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
rachel Boger | rBoger@aspe.org
daniel fagan, Pe, CPd
doug Page, Pe, leed aP
Jeffrey ruthstrom, CPd
Mark tanner, CPd
Patrick Whitworth, CPd, fasPe
James Zebrowski, Pe, CPd, fasPe
stephen Ziga, CPd, set
www.psdmagazine.org
e-mail: info@psdmagazine.org
20 24
July 9: How to Use the
Model Plumbing Codes
in Your Designs
Presented by Julius A.
Ballanco, PE, CPD, FASPE
Listen and learn while Past ASPE
President and plumbing codes
expert Julius Ballanco explains
how to interpret the International
Plumbing Code and the Uniform
Plumbing Code to design code-
compliant plumbing systems using
ASPEs latest publication, the
Illustrated Plumbing Codes Design
Handbook, written by Ballanco.
Workshop participants can
purchase the Illustrated Plumbing
Codes Design Handbook for $25
off the regular price.
Understanding
Model Plumbing
Codes plus
Infuencing Green
Initiatives
Presented by the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) in collaboration with:
Alliance for Water Effciency (AWE)
U.S. Green Building Council
International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Offcials (IAPMO)
International Code Council (ICC)
Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI)
July 8: The Impact
of Green Codes/
Standards on Plumbing
Design
Presented by IAPMO, ICC,
AWE and USGBC
Leaders from the model code
world will discuss sustainable
initiatives in the plumbing
codes, as well as advances in
green construction standards,
such as the International Green
Construction Code, Green
Plumbing and Mechanical Code
Supplement, and ASHRAE
Standards 189.1 and 191. In this
unique forum, participants will be
able to ask questions, voice their
opinion, and help infuence the
future of green plumbing codes.
Dont miss your chance to network with and have your code questions
answered by the plumbing industrys leading code experts!
ASPE Workshops: Model Plumbing Codes | Green Initiatives
Join the Plumbing Industrys Leading Code Experts
in This Unique Idea-Sharing Opportunity
July 89, 2011 | Chicago, Illinois
Register at www.aspe.org
By ROY C.E. AhlgREn
I recently spoke to a group of engineers about all of the fac-
tors that go into selecting a pump for a given application.
During the discussion we touched on the available impeller
and pump body types, the pros and cons of close-coupled
or fexibly coupled pumps, the frequency and complexity
of routine service operations, and several other items of
importance.
During lunch, one engineer commented that after he had
made all of those decisions, all that remained was to check
out the efciency. His reasoning was that once you have
determined the pump type for a required head and fow,
choosing a pump with the highest measured efciency will
reduce the operating cost to a minimum. Te rest of that
days seminar was devoted more or less to that question of
efciency.
Like everything else on a pump curve, efciency is a
measured value: the ratio of water horsepower (what you get
from the pump) to brake horsepower (what you must pay
in energy costs). Certainly, all other things being equal, the
pump that operates at the highest efciency will have the
lowest energy cost. Te problem is that all other things are
rarely equal, and its important for the designer to consider
the specifcs of the system to make the best decision.
For example, many designers use parallel pumps, two-way
modulating valves, and variable-speed drives in hydronic
systems to save energy during part-load operation. Te actual
pump efciency in such a system has little to do with the best
efciency published on the pump curve. As load conditions
change, the efciency can vary over a wide range and rarely, if
ever, achieves the published best efciency value.
All You Need to Do Is
Check Out the Efficiency
hYdROniCS for PluMbing EnginEERS
4 Plumbing Systems & Design MAY 2011 WWW.PSDMAGAZINE.ORG
In some systems, it makes sense to trade some efciency
to achieve another advantage. For example, pumps some-
times are selected on the basis of incomplete or inaccurate
design information, or excessive safety factors in the process
result in oversized pumps and motors. After the pump is
installed, the measured performance can be used to deter-
mine the proper impeller diameter and motor horsepower.
Te oversized impeller then can be trimmed to reduce oper-
ating costs. Reducing the impeller diameter almost always
reduces the pump efciency, but it may be worthwhile in
terms of the operating cost savings.
Other examples where the highest efciency isnt neces-
sarily the best guide are found in applications such as con-
densate or boiler feed pumps used in steam systems. Overall
system costs can be reduced by recovering condensate at
a high temperature. Unfortunately, that high temperature
often results in pump cavitation. Special low-NPSHR (net
positive suction head required) pumps are necessary to
recover hot condensate without cavitation damage. Com-
pared to more standard pump designs, this type of pump
will be signifcantly less efcient. Nevertheless, it will reduce
overall system operating costs since it will need less frequent
service and will last longer than a standard design pump.
A last example that comes to mind is plumbing appli-
cations where less-efcient sewage or sump pumps are
preferred over more-efcient standard designs because of
their ability to handle solids, thus reducing downtime and
maintenance costs.
Efciency in pumps, like efciency in everything else that
uses energy, is an important goal for system designers, but it
is not the only important goal.
Roy Ahlgren is a consultant to the hydronics industry. He
served as chair of the ASHRAE Technical Committee on
Hydronic and Steam Systems and was the director of the Bell
& Gossett Little Red Schoolhouse. For more information or to
comment on this article, e-mail articles@psdmagazine.org.
In some systems, it makes sense to
trade some effciency to achieve another
advantage.
TECHN CAL
SYMPOS UM
20II ASPE
TECHN CAL
SYMPOS UM
20II ASPE
TECHN CAL
SYMPOS UM
20II ASPE
TECHN CAL
SYMPOS UM
20II ASPE
registration Opens may 1!
Oct. 2730, 2011
OrlandO, FlOrida
look what aSPEs 2011 technical Symposium offers plumbing
industry professionals:
Thursday evening product show
Hands-on BIM training
Friday roundtable networking lunch
Project management courses
Up to 15 hours of continuing education credits
Nonstop professional development opportunities
Plumbing 101 trackperfect for new plumbing engineers or others wanting
to brush up on their skills
Educational sessions on sustainable design and fre protection systems
Bring the Family!
The 2011 ASPE Technical Symposium is being held at the Buena Vista Palace
inside the Walt Disney World Resort. Attendees and their families receive:
A discounted park rate good for one week before through one week after the
Symposium
Complimentary transportation from the host hotel to all Disney theme parks
An incredible ASPE-only room rate
Register and start planning your trip today!
aspe.org/2011technicalSymposium
Learn, Network, Succeed.
SPOnSOrS
Platinum
Copper Development Association
Gold
Charlotte Pipe
gf Piping Systems
moen
Silver
Bradley
CSA International
MiFab
SureSeal Manufacturing
dESignERS nOTEbOOK
By JOSEPh V. MESSinA, CPd
What Type of Piping to Use
and Where to Use It
In every project, the time eventually comes
when the designer must select what type
of piping to use for the diferent plumbing
systems. Many things afect this decision,
including cost, value engineering, and
contractors wanting to use a specifc type
of piping for a particular system. It is the
designers main responsibility to choose the
best type of pipe for each application, and
to do so, the designer must know about the
diferent piping materials available and the
pros and cons of each. Tis article provides
some fundamental information about the
diferent types of drainage piping, and the
follow-up article will cover pressure piping.
CaSt iROn SOil PiPe
Te two types of cast iron soil piping are
hub and spigot and hubless (no hub). Cast
iron soil piping is classifed as XH (extra
heavy) or SV (service or service weight) and
is used for sanitary drainage, waste, vent,
and storm systems. Te extra heavy class
generally is used underground, while the
service weight class is used aboveground.
Te manufactured sizes for extra heavy
and service weight hub-and-spigot pipe
range from 2 to 15 inches in diameter, with
lengths of 5 to 10 feet. Extra heavy and ser-
vice weight hubless piping ranges from 1 to
15 inches in diameter, with lengths of 5 to 10
feet. Because of the diferent wall thicknesses
between extra heavy and service weight, the
piping is not interchangeable without a spe-
cial adapter from the manufacturer.
Hub-and-spigot pipe and fttings are
composed of a hub into which the plain end
(spigot) of the piping is inserted. A rubber
compression gasket in the hub seals the joint.
To help make the connection, a lubricant is
used, although in some areas molten lead and
oakum still are used to make this seal.
Hubless cast iron piping and fttings
simply do not have a hub. To join this type
of piping, a hubless rubber coupling is used,
which is slipped over the plain ends of the
piping and tightened to seal it. Te coupling
comes in two types: standard and extra
heavy. Te diference between the two is the
number of bands around the coupling.
Te applicable standards for cast iron soil
piping are as follows:
ASTM A74: Standard Specifcation for Cast
Iron Soil Pipe and Fittings
ASTM A888: Standard Specifcation for Hubless
Cast Iron Soil Pipe and Fittings for Sanitary and
Storm Drain, Waste, and Vent Piping Applica-
tions
Cast Iron Soil Pipe Institute (CISPI) 301: Stan-
dard Specifcation for Hubless Cast Iron Soil
Pipe and Fittings for Sanitary and Storm Drain,
Waste, and Vent Piping Applications
CISPI 310: Specifcation for Coupling for Use
in Connection with Hubless Cast Iron Soil Pipe
and Fittings for Sanitary and Storm Drain,
Waste, and Vent Piping Applications
ASTM C564: Standard Specifcation for Rubber
Gaskets for Cast Iron Soil Pipe and Fittings
ASTM C1540: Standard Specifcation for
Heavy-duty Shielded Couplings Joining Hubless
Cast Iron Pipe and Fittings
duCtile iROn SeWeR PiPe
Ductile iron piping manufactured for
gravity sewerage comes in diameters from
3 to 64 inches. Te pipe is manufactured
with bell ends and is 18 to 20 feet long. It
is similar to cast iron piping except that it
has higher allowable pressure ratings and
external load-bearing capacities and is
used more underground outside the build-
ing perimeter because of its strength. Te
primary use of this piping is for water and
sewer systems and some industrial applica-
tions.
Te joining method of ductile iron piping
and fttings is push-on, either mechanical or
fanged. Other special joining methods are
available such as restrained, ball and socket,
grooved, and shouldered. Te push-on
method is similar to cast iron piping with the
use of a rubber compression gasket.
Te applicable standards for ductile iron
piping are as follows:
ANSI/AWWA C104/A21.4: Cement Mortar
Lining for Ductile Iron Pipe and Fittings for
Water
ANSI/AWWA C105/A21.5: Polyethylene
Encasement for Ductile Iron Pipe Systems
ANSI/AWWA C110/A21.10: Ductile Iron and
Gray Iron Fittings for Water
ANSI/AWWA C111/A21.11: Rubber Gasket Joints
for Ductile Iron Pressure Pipe and Fittings
ANSI/AWWA C115/A21.15: Flanged Ductile
Iron Pipe with Ductile Iron or Gray Iron
Threaded Flanges
ANSI/AWWA C116/A21.16: Protective Fusion-
bonded Epoxy Coatings for the Interior and
Exterior Surfaces of Ductile Iron and Gray Iron
Fittings for Water Supply Service
ANSI/AWWA C150/A21.50: Thickness Design
of Ductile Iron Pipe
ANSI/AWWA C151/A21.51: Ductile Iron Pipe,
Centrifugally Cast
MAY 2011 Plumbing Systems & Design 7
ANSI/AWWA C153/A21.53: Ductile Iron Com-
pact Fittings for Water Service
ANSI/AWWA C600: Standard for the Instal-
lation of Ductile Iron Water Mains and Their
Appurtenances
AWWA C651: Disinfecting Water Mains
ASTM A716: Standard Specifcation for Ductile
Iron Culvert Pipe
ASTM A746: Standard Specifcation for Ductile
Iron Gravity Sewer Pipe
COnCRete PiPe
Concrete piping is manufactured from
nonreinforced or reinforced concrete.
Nonreinforced piping is used for drainage
and sewer lines and for gravity-fow water
supply lines. It is available in diameters of
4 to 36 inches. Reinforced concrete piping
(RCP) is used for sewage and storm drain-
age systems and is available in diameters
from 12 to 144 inches. RCP commonly is
used for drainage of parking areas and
roadways.
Te joining of RCP when used for parking
areas and roadways is made with cement
plaster. Te joining method for use in sanitary
sewer applications for both nonreinforced
and reinforced concrete pipe is rubber
gaskets, but many plumbing codes permit
only elastomeric gasket joints conforming to
ASTM C443 for use under buildings.
Te applicable standards and specifca-
tions for concrete pipe include the following:
ASTM C14: Standard Specifcation for Non-
reinforced Concrete Sewer, Storm Drain, and
Culvert Pipe
ASTM C76: Standard Specifcation for Rein-
forced Concrete Culvert, Storm Drain, and
Sewer Pipe
ASTM C655: Standard Specifcation for Rein-
forced Concrete D-Load Culvert, Storm Drain,
and Sewer Pipe
ASTM C443: Standard Specifcation for Joints
for Concrete Pipe and Manholes, Using Rubber
Gaskets
COPPeR dRainage PiPing
Copper drainage piping for DWV applica-
tions is seamless copper tubing and comes
in diameters from 1 to 8 inches. Tis type
of pipe is required to be engraved with the
manufacturers name or trademark and
the letters DWV at intervals no greater
than 1 feet. It also can be identifed by a
yellow strip with the manufacturers name
or trademark, the nation of origin, and the
letters DWV stamped on it. Joining for
drainage applications can be soldered or
brazed.
Te applicable standards and specifcations
for copper drainage piping are as follows:
ASTM B306: Standard Specifcation for Copper
Drainage Tube (DWV)
ASME/ANSI B16.23: Cast Copper Alloy Solder
Joint Drainage Fittings (DWV)
ASME/ANSI B16.29: Wrought Copper and
Wrought Copper Alloy Solder Joint Drainage
Fittings
VitRiFied Clay PiPe
Vitrifed clay piping is made from selected
clay and shale mixed with water, formed
into pipe, and fred at 2,000F. Vitrifcation
takes place at this temperature, producing
an extremely hard and dense corrosion-
resistant material. Because of its corrosion-
resistance, this piping is used for industrial
wastes in addition to domestic sewer and
drainage systems. Available sizes are from
3 to 48 inches in diameter, with lengths up
to 10 feet in standard and extra strength
grades, as well as perforated for use for
septic tank land felds and perimeter drain-
age. Tis piping is recommended for use
outside buildings only and is joined with a
prefabricated compression seal.
tions are as follows:
ASTM C12: Standard Practice for Installing
Vitrifed Clay Pipe Lines
ASTM C301: Standard Test Methods for Vitri-
fed Clay Pipe
Compression Joints for Vitrifed Clay Pipe and
Fittings
Vitrifed Clay Pipe, Extra Strength, Standard
Strength, and Perforated
ASTM C828: Standard Test Method for Low-
pressure Air Test of Vitrifed Clay Pipe Lines
ASTM C896: Standard Terminology Relating to
Clay Products
ASTM C1208: Standard Specifcation for Vitri-
fed Clay Pipe and Joints for Use in Microtun-
neling, Sliplining, Pipe Bursting, and Tunnels
ASTM C1091: Standard Test Method for
Hydrostatic Infltration Testing of Vitrifed Clay
Pipe Lines
PlaStiC PiPe
Plastic pipe is available in compositions
designed for various drainage applications,
including DWV, water supply, gas service,
and laboratory waste and other chemical
drainage systems. Fuel double-contain-
ment systems, high-purity pharmaceutical,
and electronic-grade water and fre protec-
tion sprinkler systems are other applica-
tions, but as mentioned, this article covers
only DWV systems.
Polyvinyl Chloride
PVC is a rigid drainage pipe that resists
chemicals and corrosion. It comes in two
types: Schedule 40 and Schedule 80. PVC
drainage piping is used for storm drainage,
sewage, laboratory and hospital wastes,
and chemical lines. Schedule 40 comes
in diameters from inch to 30 inches,
and Schedule 80 comes in diameters from
inch to 30 inches. Te maximum tem-
perature rating of PVC is 140F. Te joining
method for Schedule 80 is solvent welded or
threaded. Schedule 40 cannot be threaded
and is available only with socket fttings.
tion are as follows:
ASTM D1785: Standard Specifcation for Poly
(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Pipe, Schedule 40,
80, and 120
(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Pipe Fittings,
Schedule 40
(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Pipe Fittings,
Schedule 80
The plumbing
designer must use
good engineering
practices and specify
a pipe material
that best fts the
application and meets
applicable codes.
dESignERS nOTEbOOK
ASTM D2564: Standard Specifcation for Sol-
vent Cements for Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (PVC)
Plastic Piping Systems
(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Drain, Waste, and
Vent Pipe and Fittings
ASTM D2672: Standard Specifcation for Joints
for IPS PVC Pipe Using Solvent Cement
(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Sewer Pipe and Fittings
Acrylonitrile-butadiene-Styrene
ABS is used for main sewers and utility
conduits and is manufactured in Schedules
40 and 80. It commonly is used for DWV
plumbing (black in color), main sanitary and
storm sewers, and applications in the chemi-
cal and petroleum industries. ABS is avail-
able in diameters of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 inches.
tion for ABS are as follows:
ASTM D1527: Standard Specifcation for
Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) Plastic
Pipe, Schedules 40 and 80
Solvent Cement for Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-
Styrene (ABS) Plastic Pipe and Fittings
ASTM D2661: Standard Specifcation for Acry-
lonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) Schedule 40
Plastic Drain, Waste, and Vent Pipe and Fittings
Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) and
Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Composite Sewer
Piping
Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) Sewer
Pipe and Fittings
ASTM F628: Standard Specifcation for
Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) Schedule
40 Plastic Drain, Waste, and Vent Pipe With a
Cellular Core
Polypropylene
PP is used for DWV systems such as
chemical, special waste, and acid waste,
both underground and aboveground. Te
piping is available in Schedule 40, Sched-
ule 80, and fame retardant (FR) for above-
ground installations. Polypropylene piping
for acid waste comes with either mechani-
cal joints in diameters of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6
inches or heated fused in diameters of 1,
2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18 inches. PP
piping also is used for industrial liquids,
salt water disposal, and corrosive waste
systems in sizes from inch to 24 inches.
All types of PP piping come in lengths of 10
and 20 feet.
Polypropylene also is manufactured as a
double-containment piping system used in
the DWV acid waste market. Double-con-
tainment PP piping comes in two diferent
types: non-fame (NFPP) for underground
use and fame-retardant (FRPP) for above-
ground applications. While not necessary, a
leak-detection system is recommended to be
installed in this type of system.
tions for PP piping are as follows:
ASTM F1412: Standard Specifcation for Poly-
olefn Pipe and Fittings for Corrosive Waste
Drainage Systems
ASTM F1055: Standard Specifcation for Elec-
trofusion Type Polyethylene Fittings for Outside
Diameter Controlled Polyethylene Pipe and
Tubing
ASTM F1056: Standard Specifcation for Socket
Fusion Tools for Use in Socket Fusion Joining
Polyethylene Pipe of Tubing and Fittings
ASTM F1290: Standard Practice for Electrofu-
sion Joining Polyolefn Pipe and Fittings
glaSS PiPe
Glass pipe is made of low-expansion boro-
silicate glass with a low alkali content.
Mostly used for chemical waste drainage
and venting, it also has been used for puri-
fed water. Glass piping can be installed
aboveground with padded or coated hang-
ers and buried with Styrofoam blocking
around the piping. It is a fragile material,
and care should be taken during installa-
tion. Sizes are available in 1 to 6 inches,
with lengths from 5 to 10 feet.
Glass pipe will not burn, but with enough
heat it will melt, which is why it is a popular
material for use above ceilings in return air
plenums for HVAC systems. Joining of glass
piping is made using a compression-type
coupling consisting of 300 series stainless
steel outer bands, electrometric compres-
sion liners, and sealing members of chemi-
cally inert tetrafuoroethylene (TFE).
duRiROn PiPing
Duriron is a silicon iron used for corrosion
resistance, and for many years this type of
pipe and fttings has provided a durable
means for draining corrosive waste. Like
cast iron it is made with bell and spigot
ends and fttings manufactured in diam-
eters from 2 to 15 inches. It also is manufac-
tured with a mechanical joint and fttings
in sizes from 1 to 1 inches.
Te joining of bell and spigot is made
using virgin lead and a special acid-resistant
caulking yarn. Te caulking yarn is packed
into the bell of the duriron joint, and a small
amount of lead is poured over the yarn to
fll the hub. Te mechanical joint is an easy
assembly through the use of a two-bolt
mechanical coupling. A calibrated ratchet is
necessary to complete the joint.
tions for duriron piping are as follows:
ASTM A518/A518M: Standard Specifcation for
Corrosion-resistant High-silicon Iron Castings
ASTM A861: Standard Specifcation for High-
silicon Iron Pipe and Fittings
When designing plumbing systems for an
existing facility, the plumbing designer may
need to match the existing material, but the
existing material may not be commonly used
or manufactured any longer. In those cases,
the plumbing designer must use good engi-
neering practices and specify a pipe mate-
rial that best fts the application and meets
applicable codes.
ReFeRenCeS
Plumbing Engineering Design Hand- 1.
book, Volume 4: Plumbing Compo-
nents and Equipment, Chapter 4:
Piping Systems, American Society of
Plumbing Engineers, 2008.
Michael Frankel, 2. Facility Piping Sys-
tems Handbook, Second Edition, Chap-
ter 2: Piping.
Joseph V. Messina, CPD, is the
discipline director of plumbing
engineering for HDR Architects Inc. in
Atlanta. He has more than 30 years
of experience specializing in plumbing
and fire protection system design for
instructional, research, and medical
facilities. His e-mail address is joseph.
messina@hdrinc.com. To comment on
this article, e-mail articles@psdmagazine.org.

By J. JOE SCOTT ii, CPd, FASPE
It seems that when it rains, it pours, and
sometimes that might not be a good thing.
In the past two weeks I have had conversa-
tions with two diferent persons and have
received several e-mails that need to be
addressed. Te subjects were diferent,
but the issues were very similar in nature.
Understanding some background on the
questions will help us understand what
we need to investigate and ultimately will
determine the way forward to a solution.
Since the late 1930s and 1940s, we have
been striving to design plumbing systems
that take into account the unpredictable
nature of such systems and operate ef-
ciently in all situations at all times. Te devel-
opment of the fxture unit and other method-
ologies by Dr. Roy Hunter gave designers the
ability to reasonably predict the fow rates in
plumbing systems so we can accommodate
most system needs most of the time.
Of course, developments and refnements
of the methodologies have occurred over the
years, especially as the fow rates of fxtures
have decreased. Te interesting aspect, how-
ever, is that the fow rates have not decreased
as much as the total quantity of water has
decreased.
Terein lays the issue.
Someone recently asked me an interesting
question about energy. Tose of us within the
plumbing industry have spent a lot of efort
to develop a way to make plumbing systems
fow water in and out and to protect the
publics health. Most of that efort went into
predicting fow rates to ensure that plumbing
fxtures functioned properly.
We also have developed efcient ways to
get wastewater out of buildings, but we have
not spent near as much efort in fguring out
how much water we actually use. Much of the
information that determines the amount of
water we use on a daily basis was developed
back in the 1950s and 1960s.
How Can We Design for Todays
High-efficiency Fixtures?
lESSOnS lEARnEd
Surprisingly, the amount of water we use
on a per-person, per-day basis was defned
best regarding private wastewater treatment
and disposal systemsseptic tanks and
absorption felds. Most of the information
that I have found lists various building types
and the amount of water for each building
type on a gallon-per-person or use basis. Te
references all point to the Septic Manual of
Practice, which was developed in 1957 by the
U.S. Department of Health, Education, and
Welfare. Te manual underwent some revi-
sions, but most of the information remained
basically unchanged.
Te U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
has continued the development and pub-
lication of the information, with the most
recent edition being the Onsite Wastewater
Treatment Manual in 2002. Te information
is slightly diferent than the previous editions
and in most cases indicates a lower water
use. Tis is a great resource to determine the
quantity of water a building usesalmost.
Even the most recent version does not take
into account the high-efciency water-con-
serving fxtures that we now use on a daily
basis in our buildings.
It has taken us a while, but we now have
identifed the real issue: Te information
needed to predict the actual amount of water
used in our buildings does not exist. Tis is
a problem because we must be able to pre-
dict water usage so we also can predict the
amount of energy being consumed by the
plumbing systems. With new requirements
to document system sustainability and water
usage, designers need accurate information,
but how do we fnd that information?
I anticipate that the EPA is working on
an updated Onsite Wastewater Treatment
Manual, but I really have no idea if that
is true. I certainly hope they are, since it
would be easier to modify research data to
account for lower water fows than it would
be to develop the information from scratch.
Regardless, we all need to be on the lookout
for information on the amount of water
various buildings use per person, per day,
especially if the data includes the use of
high-efciency fxtures.
Te other subject is hot water usage. Much
of the data on a per-fxture, per-hour basis is
also out of date. I have some defnite opin-
ions on determining how much hot water we
use in buildings and recommend using the
methodology in the Domestic Water Heat-
ing Design Manual to determine how much
water needs to heated in each building type.
Te good news is that we are working on
an update of the Domestic Water Heating
Design Manual. Whats the bad news? Every
building is diferent, and as such it is very
difcult to give a single answer to how much
water a fxture will use. It depends on the
building and, more specifcally, on the build-
ing occupants. Tis looks like a challenge,
but we shall see.
Joe Scott is senior plumbing designer
for Cannon Design in St. Louis.
To comment on this article or for
more information, e-mail articles@
psdmagazine.org.
Surprisingly, the amount
of water we use on
a per-person, per-day
basis was defned
best regarding private
wastewater treatment
and disposal systems.
inSidE the COdES
Chapter 9 of the International Plumbing Code (IPC) describes a variety of methods to vent
plumbing fxtures and traps. Te methods have been laboratory tested to determine sizing
and installation requirements that provide proper venting to a drainage system. Te vent-
ing methods also have been feld tested, establishing a long history of satisfactory service.
In this series of articles, we will present the various approaches to venting that are permit-
ted in the 2009 IPC. You will fnd that these venting provisions ofer the installer and designer
diferent paths to achieving an adequately vented system, which could result in cost savings
along with ease of installation in diferent types of construction.
tHRee SPeCiFiC Venting metHOdS
Section 901.2.1 of the IPC establishes that traps and trapped fxtures shall be vented in
accordance with one of the venting methods specifed in Chapter 9 of the IPC. Section
903.1 requires the vent system serving each building drain to have at least one vent pipe
that extends to the outdoors.
Te most widely used method commonly is referred to as a conventional venting system.
Table 906.1 provides the maximum distance allowed for a vent in relation to the trap. A fxture
vent connected in this manner is called an individual vent. Tese individual vents are sized
according to Section 916.2. Here we fnd that the vent must be at least one-half the diameter
of the drain served, but in no case less than 1 inches in diameter.
Remember, the vent size is not based on the trap or fxture drain (trap arm), but on the
drain size that continues downstream from the point where the vent and fxture drain con-
nect. Te drain size is determined by the fxture unit load in accordance with Tables 709.1,
709.2, 710.1(1), and 710.1(2) in the IPC. Hence, if the drain size is 4 inches, a 2-inch vent is
required. A 3-inch drain would require a 1-inch vent. A 2-inch, 1-inch or 1-inch drain
would require a minimum 1-inch vent (the minimum size allowed).
Methods to Venting Plumbing
Fixtures and Traps in the 2009
International Plumbing Code
By lEE CliFTOn
Table 906.1 MaxiMuM disTance of
fixTure Trap froM venT
Size of Trap
(inches)
Slope
(inch per foot)
Distance from
Trap
(feet)
1 5
1 6
2 8
3
1
/8 12
4
1
/8 16
dEFiniTiOnS
branch Vent A vent connecting one or more
individual vents with a vent stack or stack vent
Circuit Vent A vent that connects to a horizontal
drainage branch and vents two traps to a
maximum of eight traps or trapped fxtures
connected into a battery
Combination Waste and Vent System A
specially designed system of waste piping
embodying the horizontal wet venting of one
or more sinks or foor drains by means of a
common waste and vent pipe adequately
sized to provide free movement of air above
the fow line of the drain
Common Vent A vent connecting at the junction
of two fxture drains or to a fxture branch
and serving as a vent for both fxtures
individual Vent A pipe installed to vent a fxture
trap and connects with the vent system above
the fxture served or terminates in the open air
Stack Vent The extension of a soil or waste stack
above the highest horizontal drain connected
to the stack
Stack Venting A method of venting a fxture or
fxtures through the soil or waste stack
Vent Stack A vertical vent pipe installed primarily
for the purpose of providing circulation of air
to and from any part of the drainage system
It is important to know that
Section 903.2 states a vent
stack shall be required for every
drainage stack that has fve
branch intervals or more.
Table 906.1 MaxiMuM disTance of
fixTure Trap froM venT
Size of Trap
(inches)
Slope
(inch per foot)
Distance from
Trap
(feet)
1 5
1 6
2 8
3
1
/8 12
4
1
/8 16
Section 905.5 allows individual vents to
merge with each other, as long as the connec-
tion is made at least 6 inches above the food-
level rim of the highest fxture served. Sizing
of the vents as they connect is again based
only on the required size of the drain being
served. Section 916.2 requires that vents
exceeding 40 feet in developed length shall
be increased by one nominal pipe size for the
entire developed length of the vent pipe.
It is important to know that Section 903.2
states a vent stack shall be required for every
drainage stack that has fve branch intervals
or more. If the drainage stack is less than fve
branch intervals in height, a vent stack is not
required because the pressure in the drain-
age stack is not likely to create a pressure dif-
ferential at the trap seals in excess of 1 inch
of water column. When required, vent stacks
are to be dry and are required to connect at
or near the base of the stack served to act as
a relief vent for the pressures that develop in
the lowest portions of the stacks.
Te exception in Section 903.2 wisely
eliminates an unnecessary vent to a system
that already has adequate fresh air exchange
assurance. Waste stack-vented systems,
covered in Section 910, are already oversized
to provide for adequate venting without the
need for additional vents.
Te code only requires stack vents for
drainage stacks in Section 910.3 because the
minimum required venting of each fxture
has been accomplished when the system
complies with the venting methods outlined
in Chapter 9. A stack vent typically is used as
a collection point for vent pipes so a single
roof penetration can be made.
Keep in mind that stack vents and vent
stacks are distinct. (See the defnitions side-
bar.)
Te developed length of individual,
branch, circuit, and relief vents shall be mea-
sured from the farthest point of vent connec-
tion to the drainage system to the point of
connection to the vent stack, stack vent, or
termination outside of the building.
Tere are important criteria to remember
when sizing a conventional venting system
composed of individual fxture vents, vent
stacks, and stack vents. Te minimum size
of an individual vent is one-half the required
drain size, whereas the minimum size of the
vent stacks and stack vents is one-half the
size of the drain served.
Te sizing criteria for stack vents and vent
stacks are based on three variables:
The developed length of the vent
The size of the stack served by the vent
The total drainage fxture units (DFUs) con-
nected to the stack
In Part 2 of this series, we will review
alternative venting methods addressed in
the IPC, including island fxture venting,
relief vent stacks, air admittance valves, and
engineered vent systems.
Lee Clifton is Director of Plumbing
Programs for the Plumbing, Mechanical,
and Fuel Gas Group of the International
Code Council. For more information
or to comment on this article, e-mail
articles@psdmagazine.org. This
article originally appeared in the
February 2010 issue of the Building
Safety Journal, copyright International
Code Council, and is reprinted with
permission.
By STEVEn nudElMAn
Te world is full of disclaimers. Tey may
be found on the back of a dry cleaning
ticket, on a sign in a parking garage, or
virtually everywhere you look in an amuse-
ment park. Most lay people read these
disclaimers and believe them to be true.
Tey believe that a dry cleaner may limit its
liability to $20 if it damages your Ugg boots,
that a parking garage is not liable for that
ding in your fender courtesy of a reckless
patron, or that an amusement park is not
liable if you get injured falling of of one of
its rides. Te merchant who writes the dis-
claimer is counting on the reader believing
exactly what he reads. Tis results in fewer
claims or lawsuits, and any resultant sav-
ings to the merchant get factored into the
cost of doing business.
Lawyers, as you can imagine, look at
disclaimers with a skeptical eye. Tey read
these disclaimers and doubt that most of
them are true or enforceable. Lawyers know
that a local ordinance or state statute may
restrict limitations on liability by dry clean-
ers. Tey know that similar regulations may
govern parking garages, and they know
of plenty of reported cases about amuse-
ment park liability and assumption of risk.
Merchants who write disclaimers are count-
ing on the fact that lawyers are expensive
and that, unless the loss is signifcant or
catastrophic, the customer will not assert
a formal legal claim against the merchant.
If a claim is asserted, then the merchant is
hoping that such a claim is covered under
the merchants commercial general liability
insurance policy.
By now you may be wondering what all
of this has to do with plumbing engineers.
No, this article is not going to discuss how to
The Fractured World of Conditional
Payment Provisions
lEgAl PiPElinE
DISCLAIMER: The application and impact of laws can vary widely based on the specific facts involved. Nothing in this column should be considered legal
advice or an offer to perform services. Do not act upon any information provided in this column, including choosing an attorney, without independent
investigation or legal representation. This column is not a substitute for consultation with an attorney.
word a disclaimer efectively to insulate the
plumbing engineer from liability for a leaky
pipe. Instead, this article takes a look at popu-
lar contract clauses that afect a plumbing
contractors liability. Like a disclaimer, some
plumbing contractors will read these clauses
and believe that they are self-explanatory and
automatically impose liability. Others will
have that skeptical eye and question whether
the clauses mean exactly what they say.
Yes, sports fans, the clauses that we are
going to talk about are conditional payment
provisions, also known as pay-when-paid
and pay-if-paid clauses.
Pay-WHen-Paid ClauSeS
In MidAmerica Construction Management
Co., Inc. v. Mastec North America, Inc.,
the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth
Circuit explained the diference between
pay-when-paid and pay-if-paid clauses in
construction contracts.
A typical pay-when-paid clause might
read: Contractor shall pay subcontrac-
tor within seven days of contractors
receipt of payment from the owner.
Under such a provision in a construction
subcontract, a contractors obligation to
pay the subcontractor is triggered upon
receipt of payment from the owner. Most
courts hold that this type of clause at least
means that the contractors obligation to
make payment is suspended for a reason-
able amount of time for the contractor
to receive payment from the owner. Te
theory is that a pay-when-paid clause
creates a timing mechanism only. Such
a clause does not create a condition
precedent to the obligation to ever make
payment, and it does not expressly shift
the risk of the owners nonpayment to the
subcontractor.
Commentators examining the enforce-
ability of a pay-when-paid clause in all 50
states found dramatic diferences. However,
they found no jurisdiction that treated a
pure pay-when-paid clause as a condition
precedent to payment. Tey also found no
diferences in how this clause was enforced
based on whether the subject project was
public or private or based on the contracting
tier at issue (i.e., contractor vs. subcontractor
vs. sub-subcontractor).
Pay-iF-Paid ClauSeS
As it relates to pay-if-paid clauses, the
MidAmerica Construction Court noted the
following.
A typical pay-if-paid clause might read:
Contractors receipt of payment from
the owner is a condition precedent to
contractors obligation to make payment
to the subcontractor; the subcontractor
expressly assumes the risk of the owners
nonpayment and the subcontract price
includes this risk. Under a pay-if-paid
provision in a construction contract,
receipt of payment by the contractor from
the owner is an express condition prec-
edent to the contractors obligation to pay
the subcontractor. A pay-if-paid provision
in a construction subcontract is meant to
shift the risk of the owners nonpayment
under the subcontract from the contractor
to the subcontractor. In many jurisdic-
tions, courts will enforce a pay-if-paid
provision only if that language is clear
and unequivocal. Judges generally will
fnd that a pay-if-paid provision does not
create a condition precedent, but rather
Steven Nudelman is a partner at the law
firm of Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith and
Davis LLP in Woodbridge and Roseland,
New Jersey. He is a member of the
firms Litigation Department and its
Construction, Green Building, and Dispute
Resolution Practice Groups. He may be
reached at 732-476-2428 or snudelman@
greenbaumlaw.com. To comment on this article, e-mail
articles@psdmagazine.org.
a reasonable timing provision, where the
pay-if-paid provision is ambiguous.
Like pay-when-paid, the enforceability
of pay-if-paid clauses varies dramatically
from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Te moral
of the story when dealing with these clauses
is to be sure to understand the applicable
case law and legislation afecting them
to determine whether these clauses are
enforceable as written. Indeed, it is critical
for any subcontractors, including plumbing
subcontractors, to understand whether risks
of nonpayment will be shifted to them as a
result of such contract language.
One COuRtS analySiS OF
Pay-WHen-Paid
To understand the application of condi-
tional payment provisions such as pay-
when-paid or pay-if-paid in context, it is
helpful to review an actual case, Fixture
Specialists, Inc. v. Global Construction, LLC,
from the U.S. District Court for the District
of New Jersey. While this case applies New
Jerseys interpretation of pay-when-paid,
the Court ofers an instructive analysis.
Te case addressed a contract dispute
between Global, the general contractor, and
Fixture, its plumbing subcontractor. Te
Court looked at two issues, only the frst
of which concerns us: whether under New
Jersey contract principles the pay-when-paid
clause in the parties contract established
a condition precedent to any obligation of
Global to pay Fixture.
Te Court began its analysis by looking at
the relevant contractual provision:
5.3. Pay When PaidSubcontractor agrees
that Contractor shall never be obligated
to pay Subcontractor under any circum-
stances, unless and until funds are in
hand received by Contractor in full, less
any applicable retainage, covering the
Work or material for which Subcontractor
has submitted an Application for Pay-
ment. Tis is a condition precedent to any
obligation of Contractor, and shall not be
construed as a time of payment clause.
Tis condition precedent also applies to
Contractors obligation to pay retainage,
if any. Contractor shall never be obligated
to pay retainage to Subcontractor until
Contractor has received its retainage in
hand in full. Tis paragraph governs all
other portions of this Subcontract, and
any conficting language shall be modifed
or deemed to be consistent herewith.
Global argued that under this provision,
full payment by the owner was a condition
precedent to any obligation of Globals duty
to pay Fixture. Since Global did not receive
full payment from the owner, it claimed that it
could withhold payment from Fixture. Argu-
ing against this position, Fixture claimed that
under case authority the parties subcontract
did not transfer the risk of collection to Fixture
and that Global only had a reasonable time in
which to pay Fixture.
Parties intention,
Express language Control
Te District Court analyzed one or two New
Jersey cases that addressed pay-when-paid
clauses as well as out-of-state authority.
Te Court ultimately found that under
New Jersey law, a pay-when-paid clause
generally postpones payment to the sub-
contractor for a reasonable period of time
rather than creating a conditional promise
to pay by the general contractor, unless
express language in the clause shows the
parties intention to shift the collection risk
to the subcontractor. Te Court found such
express language in the clause at issue:
Here, the express language employed
in the payment clause in Section 5.3 is
clearthe parties intended to shift any
and all circumstances of Owners non-
payment to Fixture. Undoubtedly, the
all-encompassing nature of the phrases
never be obligated to pay and under
any circumstances clearly and unambig-
uously expressed that Fixture has agreed
to assume the risk of the Owners nonpay-
ment. Te Courts construction is further
supported by the fact that the parties do
not dispute that there is no ambiguity in
any of the provisions in the Subcontract,
nor does the Court fnd any. Tus, Plain-
tifs motion on this basis is denied.
Again, it bears repeating that the Courts
analysis in Fixture is only one federal courts
interpretation of New Jersey law on pay-
when-paid clauses, but it is a sound analysis
that other jurisdictions have followed as
well. Regardless, the important thing to keep
in mind when examining conditional pay-
ment provisions in subcontracts is that, like
disclaimers on the back of a dry cleaning
ticket, they may not always mean exactly
what they say. Rather than engage in a
guessing game, the plumbing subcontractor
is best of consulting his or her attorney for
an interpretation of the clause at issueand
an analysis of the cases and statutesin the
relevant jurisdiction.
ReCOmmended Reading
MidAmerica Constr. Mgmt. Co. v. Mastec N.
Am., Inc., 436 F.3d 1257 (10th Cir. 2006).
Fixture Specialists, Inc. v. Global Constr.,
LLC, No. 07-5614 (FLW), 2009 U.S. Dist.
LEXIS 27015, 2009 WL 904031 (D.N.J. March
30, 2009).
Robert F. Carney & Adam Cizek, Payment
Provisions in Construction Contracts & Con-
struction Trust Fund Statutes: A Fifty-State
Survey, 24 Construction Lawyer 5 (Fall 2004).
R
E
U
S
E

I
S

T
H
E
N
E
W

B
L
A
C
K
By Colin Fisher
Figure 1 Black water reuse system schematic
R
E
U
S
E

I
S

T
H
E
N
E
W

B
L
A
C
K
T
he fashion industry is forever on the lookout for the
new blackthe next big trend to replace the classic
black dress or suit. While you wont notice this new
fashion in the boardroom, you may see it in the bathroom
or basement. Black water recycling is an emerging trend
that is re-inventing the corporate headquarters and sus-
tainable development around the world.
Energy efciency has become a global priority in recent
decades, yet the proper stewardship of water often is over-
looked. In a world that relies on a clean water supply as a
matter of human security, plumbing engineers are increas-
ingly aware of the need to design for conservation. Water
management in the built environment is being approached
with an innovative eye to seek alternative solutions that
better address our water supply challenges.
Black water recycling provides an outside-the-box
approach to water conservation. Tis is not a similar scenario
to high-efciency fxtures or other point-of-use conservation
strategies. On-site black water reuse signifcantly impacts our
freshwater supplies and local ecosystems, and the positive
implications on centralized water and sewer infrastructure
also can be immense. If implemented tactically, decentral-
ized black water recycling will fundamentally change the
way we approach water and wastewater management. Its
sustainable, and its smart growth.
WhAT is BlACK WATer?
Black water is any wastewater that is contaminated with
water discharged from a toilet or urinal. In most cases,
black water is considered to be 100 percent of the waste-
water stream in a building or property. Tis would include
graywater (wastewater from showers, lavatories, and laun-
dry machines), but not rainwater or storm water.
Te premise behind on-site black water reuse is the simple
idea that wastewater should not be wasted. Black water recy-
cling provides the ability to reuse the wastewater produced
on site at least once for nonpotable applications such as
irrigation, toilet fushing, laundry, and cooling towers (see
Figure 1), so instead of fushing toilets with precious drinking
water, we can use highly treated efuent from a black water
recycling scheme.
How does black water recycling difer from the status
quo? You may be familiar with centralized wastewater reuse
programs, most common in Florida and California, which
have been around for many years. Tese programs divert
wastewater from the treatment plant to a specialized treat-
ment facility tasked with treating the wastewater to specifed
minimum requirements for reuse throughout the commu-
nity, typically for public parks or golf courses. Tese central-
ized recycling schemes are a defnite improvement over
using potable water; however, the centralized approach still
includes pumping equipment and miles of pipeline that are
costly to erect and implement. Pumping water long distances
also uses a lot of energy.
Table 1 black waTer conTaMinanT levels
Parameter Infuent Water Quality
Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), mg/L 300600
Suspended solids, mg/L 300600
Total nitrogen, mg/L 70120
Total phosphorus, mg/L 2030
Fecal coliforms, cfu/100 mL 10
6
10
8
E coli, organisms/100 mL 10
6
10
8
BlACK WATer Vs. GrAyWATer
Black water reuse conserves more water than graywater
reuse. In the context of a commercial ofce building,
graywater fows can be minimal, sometimes less than 10
percent of the total fow, which has signifcant implications
on how much can be conserved. If a property only produces
graywater at 10 percent of the daily fow, then reducing the
freshwater consumption is limited to 10 percent. However,
black water recycling most commonly collects all of the
daily fow; therefore, the only limit is the propertys potable
water demand. If the potable demand is 10 percent, on-site
water consumption can be reduced by 90 percent. In some
buildings, treated black water is being used for cooling
towers, which are very large water consumers.
Black water also grants the opportunity to reuse the water
over and over again. Take toilet fushing, for instance. Toi-
lets do not require potable water for fushing; therefore, by
engaging a black water scheme with a toilet fushing applica-
tion, the need to purchase freshwater for toilets can be nearly
eliminated. Upon each fush, the wastewater is directed into
the on-site black water treatment process, and once treated it
is sent back into the cistern for another fush.
Another important consideration is that most plumbing
systems do not separate graywater streams, so it is often
more practical to recycle black water. It is difcult to fnd an
existing development where graywater reuse is a feasible
option. Black water systems, on the other hand, can be retro-
ftted to existing buildings or installed in new developments
without addressing dual plumbing complexities. If we truly
wish to make an impact, we cannot dismiss existing build-
ings. Te ability to tap into a buildings wastewater stream
and provide treated efuent for irrigation or cooling towers
(two of the most common and sensible retroft applications)
is critical for the big picture.
The BiG PiCTUre
To better understand why decentralized black water recy-
cling is such an important component for a sustainable
country, you need to take a step back and look at things
from a macro level. Much of the sustainability conversa-
tion is focused on growth: How can we continue to grow
from an economic, built environment, and infrastructure
perspective in a sustainable manner? Te reality is that we
dont have all the answers yet, but if we stop and consider
the implications of a United States with a population of 439
million, what does that picture look like?
As of today, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates the popula-
tion is 310 million. By 2050, less than 40 years from now, they
estimate the population will be 439 million. Tats nearly
130 million more people. How will this afect our roadways,
food supplies, and water and sewer infrastructure? Combine
these challenges with the efects of climate change on our
water supplies, and we may fnd ourselves in a real dilemma.
Parts of the Southwest already feel the crunch for freshwater,
and any problems we have now will only intensify as the
population grows. Even if we dont reach the population pre-
dicted, enormous pressure on infrastructure and resources,
including water supplies, is inevitable. According to the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, at least 36 states are
anticipating local, regional, or statewide water shortages by
2013, even under non-drought conditions. As a matter of
freshwater security, environmental, and economic welfare,
we cant aford inside-the-box thinking anymore.
A decentralized water recycling program is a viable solu-
tion to address the above concerns for many reasons.
It helps protect the watershed and the environment by using
much less freshwater and reducing treated wastewater and
overfows into the environment.
It helps local water and wastewater utilities by reducing freshwa-
ter demand and reducing the hydraulic impact on the wastewa-
ter utility.
It minimizes centralized infrastructure and associated costs.
It is cost-effective from an owner/developer perspective.
It leads to smart and sustainable growth.
FiT-For-PUrPose WATer
Te best place to begin any water recycling scheme is with
an assessment of the potential sources and reuse applica-
tions. Water often is excessively treated for the desired end
use, and while safety is always the frst priority, its best to
approach each water recycling opportunity with a ft-for-
purpose methodology. For example, capturing rainwater
of the roof and using it for subsurface irrigation would
require no treatment. Rainwater is a low-risk source, and
subsurface irrigation is a low-risk application.
Graywater contains some pathogens, organics, and contam-
inants, so it needs some treatment, even if it is being used for
subsurface irrigation. More treatment will be required if using
graywater for surface irrigation or toilet fushing.
Black water is a source containing even higher contami-
nant levels (see Table 1). If used for surface irrigation it is,
due to its potential exposure to humans, a high exposure-risk
application. Tis scenario obviously would require a high
level of treatment to properly mitigate the associated risks.
All too often, water recycling schemes embark on a
treatment agenda that disregards a ft-for-purpose design.
Treating the source excessively certainly achieves the water
quality objectives necessary for the end use, but it comes
with a cost.
risK MAnAGeMenT
Closely related to the ft-for-purpose discussion is the risk
management approach. How much treatment is required,
and how can we be sure it is working? A risk management
plan is the second step once the source and reuse applica-
tions have been established.
Due to the sensitive nature of black water projects, all
schemes must ensure that public health and the environ-
ment are well protected. A risk management approach
involves actively identifying and managing risks, rather than
simply reacting to problems as they arise. In 2006, Australia
developed an internationally recognized framework for
Visit www.aspe.org/webinararchives
for more information.
managing risks within a water-recycling program, regardless
of size, source, or nonpotable reuse. Australian Guidelines
for Water Recycling (AGWR): Managing Health and Environ-
mental Risks is a great resource for anyone wishing to employ
a black water program. AGWR borrows a risk management
approach thats been used in the food industry for many
years, known as HACCP, or hazard analysis and critical con-
trol points. Under this approach, producers frst identify any
potential hazards to food safety and then identify particular
points (critical control points) in production and preparation
systems where action can be taken to reduce or eliminate the
risk that the hazards will occur.
One of the most important components of AGWRs
framework is the requirement for a comprehensive system
management plan. Water recycling schemes are not as easy
to operate as some imagine. Left in the hands of improperly
prepared building facility personnel, the system will run
awry within weeks or even days. Its a shame to see a good-
faith efort come to a screeching halt simply because an
adequate operations and service regime was not in place.
Tus, its critical to understand the importance of a thorough
system management plan.
AGWR has proven to be successful in advancing this
principle in Australia, and although the United States does
not have a similar roadmap to direct eforts, many exciting
new developments position this country for growth in the
commercial water recycling market. Te two most notable
advancements in the United States are IAPMOs Green
Plumbing and Mechanical Code Supplement and the soon-
to-be released NSF 350: On-site Residential and Commercial
Reuse Treatment Systems. While many are now familiar with
IAPMOs Green Supplement, NSF 350 is a long-awaited
standard designed to establish minimum materials, design
and construction, and performance requirements for on-site
residential and commercial reuse treatment systems. Te
scope of NSF 350 includes graywater and black water sys-
tems for irrigation and toilet fushing reuse applications. Tis
is truly a big step for the on-site water recycling market in
the United States, and the development of this standard will
usher in a newfound sense of accountability, credibility, and
confdence in the marketplace.
ProVen TeChnoloGy (BUT on A DiFFerenT sCAle)
Te challenge with decentralized reuse is to achieve com-
mercial viability on a small scale. Municipalities or water
districts have successfully treated wastewater for decades,
with increasing sophistication. However, the drivers for the
municipality are often diferent than for the decentralized
practitioner. Issues such as space, accessibility, aesthetics,
odor management, water quality, operator involvement,
and reliability difer. Decentralized systems often are
located in a suburban or city block, where space is tight,
expensive, and near people. Operationally, the plant must
be able to function with minimum operator attention. A
municipal plant, however, can be located out of public view
and often has personnel on site.
Figure 3 1 Bligh Street recycling schematic
Figure 2 The black water recycling system at 1 Bligh Street in downtown
Sydney, Australia recycles nearly 100 percent of the buildings waste stream.
Various methods for treating black water are available.
Many municipal wastewater plants traditionally use open
tanks containing aerobic biological treatment and clari-
fers, followed by fltration and/or disinfection. Membrane
bioreactor (MBR) systems are increasingly popular to treat
wastewater for centralized reuse due to their small footprint
and the high quality of the treated water produced. Yield is
very high, typically more than 99.9 percent, as a result of very
low sludge production rates.
Te MBR process is well suited for on-site black water
recycling as well; however, the design must take into account
the built environment. Advances in modular mechani-
cal design, membrane and instrument development, and
remote monitoring via the Internet have helped improve the
cost and reliability of MBR systems signifcantly in recent
years. As a result, the MBR process presents the best oppor-
tunity to adopt black water recycling on a massive scale.
Another element to consider when looking at diferent
technologies is the cost distinction between custom-
engineered and pre-engineered installations. Its simple but
important for a clients bottom line. Custom-engineering
services are costly, and project costs can escalate quickly if
signifcant time is required to achieve a complex solution.
While all black water schemes involve a certain degree of
customizing, employing a pre-engineered option as a start-
ing point can eliminate a great deal of engineering costs,
which reduces the capital cost compared to a fully custom-
ized scheme. Te key to achieving this is to incorporate the
reuse scheme early in the design. Often a void space in a
basement can become a recycled water plant room with
some minor design changes.
UnseWereD APPliCATions
Although urban centers are growing at unprecedented rates,
many metropolitan areas are so densely populated that
developers have no choice but to look to the suburban land-
scape for new projects. Te provision of water and sanitation
services is a natural frst step for a developer in both resi-
dential and commercial projects. Many property developers
are sitting on land without access to water and sewerage
services, waiting patiently for the public utility to connect. In
some cases they will wait forever. Sometimes they are given a
timeframe, but more often they are told it will happen in the
future, with no guarantees given.
On the other hand, a private water recycling plant can be
up and running in as little as two years. It also can be devel-
oped as a staged installation so the investment is spread out
over the course of the project. Developers especially value
this ability to enhance their cash fow management upfront,
but they also can beneft from the operating surplus many
decentralized plants aford. Consider the savings for being
completely of the grid from the centralized wastewater
system. Monthly wastewater rates, sewer impact fees, and
connection fees, among others, all will be avoided. Also,
having an on-site supply to meet nonpotable demands
means that signifcantly less freshwater must be purchased
for the property. Developers can realize a sizeable annual
proft on water and sewer savings.
seWereD APPliCATions
As the population continues to migrate back into urban
centers, an ample water supply is again a critical enabler of
economic activity in metropolitan areas. Cities like Phoenix,
Los Angeles, and Las Vegas that rely on the diminishing
Colorado River face an imminent challenge to provide water
for industry and residents.
Brisbane is a large city on the coast of Queensland, Aus-
tralia thats been living in the midst of this threat for the
past four years. In 2007, the Queensland Water Commission
enforced level fve water restrictions, which include a ban on
all outdoor water use and a suggested 140-liter (37-gallon)
maximum per-person daily use. Despite recent rain, restric-
tions and reuse are a permanent part of the landscape in
preparation for the next dry period and, more importantly, to
cope with increasing population pressure.
Within the urban context, the aging infrastructure in many
U.S. cities is nearing the end of its life, and in most cases
this infrastructure is overloaded. Te centralized system is
very expensive to upgrade and maintain, and ultimately the
centralized system does not address the underlying problem
faced in urban centersthe shrinking water supply and
escalating water demand.
On-site black water recycling confronts the underlying
problems and can be applied to new developments or
UnliKe GrAyWATer reUse, BlACK
WATer sysTeMs CAn Be reTroFiTTeD
To exisTinG BUilDinGs or insTAlleD
in neW DeVeloPMenTs WiThoUT
ADDressinG DUAl-PlUMBinG
CoMPlexiTies.
existing buildings. Recognizing that new developments
in urban districts often can be restricted or put on hold
altogether due to lack of capacity at the wastewater treat-
ment facility, black water recycling offers a solution for all
parties involved.
1 Bligh Street (see Figure 2), a new development in
downtown Sydney, Australia, is a perfect example. As with
most new developments in urban centers, the developers
at 1 Bligh Street planned to construct a substantially larger
building than the previous structure at the site. By recycling
nearly 100 percent of the waste stream, the developers
avoided sewer capacity issues and reduced the buildings
freshwater demand by approximately 90 percent. Calcula-
tions revealed that the buildings total waste stream would
not meet the nonpotable demand for cooling tower makeup
and toilet fushing (the desired reuse applications). Rather
than supplementing with city water, the development has
engaged in sewer mining, which involves tapping into the
citys sewer main, using it as an extra source of water (see
Figure 3). Tus, instead of this building posing a capacity
problem for the local wastewater authority, the development
now relieves the citys sewer system of 100,000 liters (26,400
gallons) a day. Te implications on the citys water treatment
and delivery systems are similar.
Te economic benefts of black water recycling at 1 Bligh
Street are compelling. Te developer expects to recover
$100,000 a year in water and sewer savings, after taking into
account the operating costs for the black water system.
Although 1 Bligh Street is a new development, its impor-
tant to highlight again that black water recycling is in many
cases very feasible for existing developments in urban areas.
For black water recycling to truly impact the fundamental
water supply and infrastructure issues we face, existing
buildings must be included in the efort. Existing buildings
with signifcant nonpotable demand can intercept the waste
stream before it leaves the property and reuse it for chillers/
cooling towers and irrigation without complex plumbing. If
certain existing properties, such as data centers, do not pro-
duce much wastewater, sewer mining may be a solution to
meet nonpotable water demand.
It is no longer sensible to deliver water and wastewater by
piping and pumping over vast distances exclusively through
a large centralized system. Smaller, modern recycled water
plants located near the points of use result in shorter pipe
runs and reduced pumping costs. For new developments
and existing buildings, a new way of thinking is required to
achieve smart growth and a sustainable future.
Colin Fisher is CEO of Aquacell Pty Ltd, a water-recycling solutions company in
Australia. Aquacell provides a comprehensive approach to on-site graywater and
black water recycling, including consulting, manufacturing and installing systems,
project management, and ongoing operations and maintenance agreements. He
can be reached at colinf@aquacell.com.au. To comment on this article, e-mail
by Paul RiedingeR, leed aP
building
a Case
for Water
Reuse
Te architect and owner of a new construction project
wanted to incorporate water efciency into the building
and were considering using Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) as a roadmap. Te MEP
engineer thought that he couldnt do much from a plumb-
ing design perspective to help the client. When I suggested
that he consider designing a water reuse system utilizing
rainwater for urinal and toilet fushing, he looked at me in
resignation and said, Ive designed several of these water
reuse systems, but each of them was later value engineered
out of the project.
Reusing nonpotable water is not a new idea. In fact,
some irrigation systems have been using nonpotable
water for decades. In recent years, thousands of
homeowners have started using their own reusable
water systems with tools such as rainwater barrels
for various outdoor uses including gardening and
car washing. Tey have discovered not only the
favorable economics of reusing water, but also
the quality of life benefts. One of these benefts
is due to the fact that rainwater is remarkably
soft water, which can result in the use of less
soap for washing cars (see Figure 1).
However, while people typically dont
mind using nonpotable water for outdoor
applications, our society has become accus-
tomed to crystal-clear, highly treated water
for all indoor uses. Yet if you look at daily
water uses, most applications do not require
water that has been treated to our exacting
drinking water standards.
THe SCOPe OF THe PRObleM
Only a small percentage of daily water use
actually is used for drinking, bathing, and
food preparation, yet Americans use about
130 gallons of water per capita per daya fgure
signifcantly higher than the rest of the world.
Tis is especially alarming when you consider that
of those 130 gallons, only about 1 gallon is used for
cooking or drinking. Other uses such as toilet and
urinal fushing, laundry, fre protection systems, and
cooling tower water makeup could easily utilize an alter-
native water source.
Water is quickly becoming a valuable commodity in the
United States, especially in the Southwest. Lake Mead is a
great example of the excess demand on our water supply.
Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the United States,
located on the Colorado River about 30 miles southeast of
Las Vegas. Recent photos of Lake Mead clearly show that the
water level had dropped signifcantly below the historical
watermarks on the walls of the canyon. In fact, in Octo-
ber 2010 Lake Mead was at only 39 percent of its capacity
because of droughts and decreased snowfall in the Rocky
Mountains. Such low water levels are having a signifcant
by Paul RiedingeR, leed aP
building
a Case
for Water
Reuse
efect on how this area of the country deals with water poli-
cies and conservation.
Recent droughts in Georgia, North Carolina, and Cali-
fornia also have put tremendous stresses on the water sup-
plies in these areas and actually have lead to water bans on
irrigation, car washing, and pool flling. Some commercial
facilities are not immune to the issue either. A number of
commercial and industrial facilities have been forced to shut
down because of low water supplies in nearby reservoirs.
MOVing indOORS
One option to combat this shortage is to use rainwater as
a nonpotable, alternative water source. Using nonpotable
water inside commercial buildings and homes can be
extremely efective in improving water efciency and
encouraging more responsible use of our water supply.
In this application, water is collected from a surface
such as a roof, directed through a frst-fush device to
remove dust, leaves, and other contaminants, and then
emptied into a storage tank. From the tank, the water is
pumped into the home or building, where it is fltered
and sanitized to varying degrees and then channeled in
colored and/or clearly marked nonpotable pipes
(see Figure 2) to water fxtures such as
urinals, toilets, and clothes washing
machines.
The Cost Roadblock
Unfortunately, a number of road-
blocks are stymieing widespread
application of reuse water inside buildings.
One such obstacle is the issue of value
engineering. Water reuse systems
typically incur high upfront costs
such as collection and treatment
equipment, water storage tanks,
and installation labor.
However, some design engineers have been suc-
cessful designing and implementing water reuse sys-
tems that have provided a much improved return on
investment (ROI) to the owners compared to just a few
short years ago. For example, maintenance of such systems
has become more predictable and manageable.
One opportunity to implement a water reuse strategy is to
work with a client who is willing to utilize water reuse despite
an unattractive ROI. Such customers are not common,
especially with the economic downturn, but they are not
impossible to fnd. Tey typically are guided by the desire to
create a truly sustainable facility and have a genuine desire
to save water. Many examples of this type of project can be
found throughout the country, including both government
and commercial projects.
In some instances, water reuse systems can yield a very
attractive ROI. An example of one such project is the Ryerson
Forest Preserve Welcome Center (see Figure 3) in River-
woods, Illinois, near Chicago. On this particular project,
tapping into the municipal water supply and burying pipes
would have required a substantial cost. Te property is situ-
ated at the end of a long driveway entrance, which is cut into
a mature forest, surrounded by wetlands. Getting the water
from the street to the new building would have required
some destructive practices and nearly $1 million in total
costs. Instead, the owner opted for a water reuse strategy
utilizing captured rainwater for the toilets, urinals, and fre
sprinkler system. In this case, the ROI to the owner with the
water reuse system was very appealing.
Code uncertainty
Another challenge faced by designers is the uncertainty
within the code community. Green design has outpaced
building codes such that designers have to spend a signif-
cant amount of time and energy to ensure that the code
ofcials are comfortable with their designs.
Many code ofcials struggle with water reuse because of
the existing code guidelines. Although ICC has developed
the International Green Construction Code and IAPMO pub-
lishes the Green Plumbing and Mechanical Code Supplement,
adoption of these codes into the various local codes through-
out the United States will take time.
Public backlash
Another problem is the publics very negative connotation
of graywater. Americans are used to crystal-clear water in
toilets and urinals. As such, the sight of slightly discolored
water in fxtures can create problems for building owners.
However, instead of shying away from water reuse, this
creates the perfect opportunity to educate people on water
conservation and opportunities to utilize diferent sources
of water. In addition, treatment oferings from manufactur-
ers are becoming much more common, giving the design
engineer options (see Figure 4). Some systems even allow
the designer to tie the treatment system into the building
automation system. Combined, these systems help the
designer create a better, more reliable system and can help
them shield this component of the job from being value
engineered.
WHy uSe RainWaTeR?
Even with the myriad roadblocks, designing and installing
a water reuse system is quite possible, and programs such
as LEED encourage engineers, architects, and building
owners to fnd resourceful ways to use water efciently.
Saving Water
For example, the U.S. Green Building Council has released
a draft of the next version of the LEED rating systems,
which looks to redefne the description of water as a
resource instead of storm water as a management problem.
Te draft version of the new LEED takes two storm water
credits from LEED 2009 and rolls them into a single credit.
Tis proposed change will ft nicely into the new proposed
Water Efciency credit, Cooling Tower Makeup Water,
where water reuse would provide a positive efect on water
efciency and overall reduction of water use. Tis form of
water reuse can provide a very attractive ROI for the owner
because cooling towers are typically the largest users of
water in commercial buildings. Tis type of system will not
only help control the volume of water used on a daily basis,
but it also can reduce the cumulative efect of storm water
on downstream systems. Tis is a great opportunity for
design engineers to coordinate eforts with civil engineers,
with the potential for thousands or perhaps millions of gal-
lons of water saved annually.
Figure 1 Rainwater is typically softer than municipal water. As a result, less soap is required, which
saves money and sends less soap and suds down the drain.
Figure 2 Manufacturers have developed more water reuse specifc products. Purple CPVC pipe is
used in a water reuse system to clearly and safely identify the water as nonpotable water.
Figure 3 Water reuse was identifed as the only reasonable way to get water
to this Chicago area facility. Bringing water in from the tap at the road would
have cost the owner $1 million because of the long driveway cut into mature
and sensitive woods, surrounded by wetlands.
Figure 4 Numerous manufacturers offer everything from very simple to extremely sophisticated
turnkey treatment systems. These systems are remarkably economical, and most are compact. This
system at Atlantec Engineers in Raleigh, North Carolina ft easily in a utility closet, making a retroft
to an existing structure possible.
Saving Money
Considering all of these factors, engineers and building
owners should consider taking a second look at water
reuse systems. Right now, water is fairly economical, but its
price is increasing faster than oil. A quick Internet search
of water prices returns an astonishing number of results
showing trends of escalating water prices from Maine to
Australia and all parts in between.
In addition, the water industry is in a state of fux right
now, with demands from the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency on water utilities to update their infrastructures. Te
countrys aging water infrastructure is a concern not only for
the water industry, but also for water users and designers.
Te American Water Works Association claims that between
$500 billion and $1 trillion dollars will be required to update
the water systems in the United States in the next 20 years.
Compounding these costs are the costs of the energy needed
to treat and convey the water and the materials used in these
systems. Treating and conveying water is a very energy-
intensive process. Tese projects can be priced in the billions
of dollars for even medium-sized cities. Tese factors will con-
tinue to drive up the cost of water in years to come.
a PROVen SOluTiOn
Many design engineers are having much success designing
and implementing water reuse systems. In addition, they
are discovering paths to provide much improved return
on investment for their design work. Many manufacturers
are responding to the needs of design engineers for water
reuse-specifc components, including automated systems
that can tie into the building automation system. Com-
bined, these systems are providing engineers with tools to
allow them to efectively and successfully design, imple-
ment, and manage water reuse systems, with fewer chances
of being value engineered out of projects. Water reuse is
here to stay.
Paul Riedinger, LEED AP, is Technical Manager for Charlotte
Pipe and Foundry Co. For more information or to comment
on this article, e-mail articles@psdmagazine.org.
By DAViD P. CArrier
Breaking the
Paradigms of
21
st
Century
Pressure
Booster
system
design
Paradigm: A typical example or
pattern of behavior
Times are constantly changing, and plumb-
ing designers and engineers need to change
with the times. Youve probably heard
someone say, Tis isnt your fathers indus-
try anymore. However, have we really
adapted as plumbing designers? Are we
looking at our world through 21st century
glasses?
I have read many articles in this magazine
about the applications of diferent plumbing
system designs, from the essentially mun-
dane to the astounding (such as the design
of plumbing systems on the International
Space Station). Te question that begs an
answer is this: Are we designing for the 21st
century plumbing system, or are we just fol-
lowing the paradigms of the past?
WhAT is A PArADiGM?
Websters defnes paradigm as a typical
example or pattern of behavior. Unfortu-
nately, many paradigms exist in booster
system design. For instance, why do we still
use bladder tanks? Why do we use PRVs at
the source of pressure rather than lay out
the design in pressure zones controlled
by multiple PRV stations? Why do we add
an extra pump for redundant fow? I have
fought for the past 10 years to break these
paradigms by asking these questions: Why
is any specifc component needed? Is there
a better way?
Look at some of the advertisements of the
1950s (see Figure 1). Would you (as a cur-
rent-day businessman or businesswoman)
ever use these ads in a 2011 magazine or
newspaper?
Te fact is, the booster system has
continually evolved, and so should your
approach to system design. I have spent the
past 28 years watching technology change
this business of design and application. In
the packaged pumping industry, wire-to-
water efciency has been replaced by adap-
tive control. Why? Adaptive control was not
Figure 1 Advertising paradigms of the past
available without variable-frequency drives
(VFDs), but did you ever wonder if the sizing
and selection methods should change to
keep up with this technology? In fact, many
designers cling to sizing methods of the past
that now have become irrelevant due to
changes in technology.
The 80/20 rUle:
Use CAPACiTy To yoUr ADVAnTAGe
Probably the greatest area for improve-
ment in the industry is how we account
for redundancy. Unless you have been
living under a rock for the past 10 years,
you probably have noticed the infuence of
LEED and sustainable design on plumbing
and mechanical system designs. Energy
efciency is now part of the plumbing par-
lance, and everyone needs to get used to it.
Unfortunately, sometimes designers use old
methods to design for energy efciency that
simply dont apply anymore.
Consider a typical ofce building example.
If you sat in the lobby of a typical ofce
building for a day, what kind of activity
would you see? Between 8 and 9:30 a.m.,
you would see a bustle of activity, but then
between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m., practically
nothing! As lunch hour approached, the
activity in the core would increase and then
decrease by about 1 p.m. You likely would
see the same scenario occur between 4:30
and 6 p.m.
In 1994, as a U.S. plumbing systems prod-
uct manager, I suggested that most buildings
follow the 80/20 rule for boosters. What is
this rule? Typically, 80 percent of the time a
domestic water booster system is at 20 per-
cent capacity or less. What does this mean to
those of us designing for energy efciency?
It means a whole lot of savings! Most booster
systems dont actually serve a signifcant
demand at all. Tey are merely providing
pressure in the piping system so water pres-
sure is available when a user opens a fxture.
In fact, due to the 80/20 rule, this demand
occurs for short periods throughout the day.
Tis provides designers with the opportunity
to save money 80 percent of the operational
time of that system. However, this cannot be
achieved with constant-speed systems.
Looking at the pump and fan afnity laws,
you see that as the speed of a pump (or fan) is
reduced, the energy consumption is reduced
by the cube of the speed reduction. Tis
means that a modest decrease in motor speed
yields huge savings. Do you think your clients
might be interested in saving huge amounts
of energy consumption 80 percent of the time
the booster is running? For example, a 20
percent decrease in pump speed can cut the
energy bill in half! Tis is a typical example of
what variable-speed pressure boosting can
do for the 21st century designer. Many clients
need this quantifed, and I have discovered
anywhere from 65 to 90 percent energy reduc-
Figure 2 Variable-speed versus constant-speed energy analysis
Bypass Valve
Corrected to reduce
consumption
Installation and Startup
of Variable Speed Booster
System
October Daily
Average = $983.03
November Daily
Average = $665.90
Savings of
$317.13 Per day
Load is more stable
without the Motor
Surges.
Energy Cost
inTernaTional palMs resorT
Tower Total Eniscope
Energy Cost Last 60 Days
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
E
n
e
r
g
y

C
o
s
t

i
n

$
W
e
d
6
O
c
t
S
u
n
1
0
O
c
t
F
r
i 1
5
O
c
t
S
a
t
2
0
N
o
v
5
D
e
c
tion over constant speed in identical applica-
tions (see Figure 2).
siZinG For reDUnDAnCy:
The 70 PerCenT MeThoD
Over the years, consultants consistently have
asked, How many pumps should I use in
my application? Te funny thing about this
question is that until recently the answer was
not a scientifc one. Some manufacturers
suggested always adding another pump, no
matter the gallons per minute (gpm) required
of a multi-pump booster. Tis seems like
a good way to sell more pumps, but it does
nothing for energy efciency.
At the end of the day, this is the underlying
question: How much redundancy is needed?
Te primary purpose of pump redundancy is
to ensure fow if one of the pumps fails or is
removed for maintenance. As in the previous
discussion, due to changes in technology the
redundancy factor needs to be re-evaluated.
Unfortunately, no scientifc method has
been developed to calculate redundancy in a
multi-pump booster, so designers are forced
to create one. I use the 70 percent method.
Simply put, the 70 percent method theo-
rizes that in any number of multi-pump
boosters, if one of the pumps fails or is
removed for maintenance (a realistic expec-
tation), the remaining pump (or pumps)
can supply 70 percent of the building load.
Why 70 percent? Based on Hunters curve
and other calculations, a building will never
be under-pumped at any given time with
70 percent capacity. Te most important
thing to remember in this calculation is that
80 percent of the time the system is at 20
percent capacity or less; thus, 70 percent is a
conservative and maintainable percentage.
Why is this method important? Te primary
reason is that you are not unnecessarily over-
sizing the system by simply adding another
pump. Te other thing to keep in mind is that
the 70 percent method adapts to how many
pumps are in the system, so (by defnition) a
duplex system would require more fow than
a triplex system. If the raw load is based on
100 gpm, heres how it is calculated:
100-gpm duplex = 2 pumps at 70 percent, or
70 gpm x 2 pumps = 140 gpm
100-gpm triplex = 3 pumps at 35 percent, or
35 gpm x 3 pumps = 105 gpm
As shown in this example, two things
afect the need for redundancy: the fow
required in gallons per minute multiplied
by 70 percent and the number of pumps left
available if any one pump fails. In this exam-
ple, a triplex system can be sized for less gpm
because if one pump fails, two pumps are
still available to make up the 70 percent load.
You havent unnecessarily added an addi-
tional pump to a duplex system (making it a
triplex) simply to have the extra redundancy.
Te 70 percent method is a scientifc
method to determine redundancy. Based on
the maximum fow required and the brake
horsepower required of the pumps, the
most cost-efective method will be based on
the total combined horsepower, not some
arbitrary add another pump method, a
paradigm not even based on science. Most
importantly, the 70 percent method does not
cause oversizing, which is a waste of valu-
able energy for your client.
sAy Bye-Bye To
hyDroPneUMATiC TAnKs
Te birth of the hydropneumatic tank was
based on the realities of booster systems.
In fact, you can say that these devices came
into vogue due to the 80/20 rule. As a result
of this epiphany, manufacturers began
specifying pressurized tanks to contain
enough capacity to keep the booster system
of during low demand to save energy.
A popular analogy is this: Running a
constant-speed pump is like driving a car
with the gas pedal to the foor but regulating
the speed with the brake. Tis is very true
since constant-speed systems only have two
speeds: on and of. Te best way to reduce
energy consumption is to take your foot of
the gas by shutting down the pump.
However, the problem with bladder tanks
is that you must have a pressure diferential
at the tank to store water in them. As in the
case of constant-speed systems, the pump is
developing maximum pressure only to have
the PRV chop of the over-pressure by throt-
tling. Tis extra pressure is diverted to charge
the bladder tank during low-fow conditions.
Unfortunately, if you apply science to the
equation, you discover a harsh reality: Tanks
dont store much water! As a result, the
pump downtime is not very long. Te actual
amount stored can be calculated by Boyles
law: P1/V1 = P2/V2. Simply put, the pressure
in an enclosed vessel rises on both sides
of the bladder proportionately. If the pre-
charge is 80 pounds per square inch (psi)
and you add 90 psi, the pre-charge must
be increased to 90 psi, which means only a
fnite amount of water will be stored based
on the pre-charge and the shutof pressure.
Heres a typical rule of thumb: Te aver-
age storage is about 10 percent of the total
volume of the vessel. Tus, a 120-gallon
tank will store 12 gallons or less of water for
downtime. Sounds more like a drip-load,
dont you think? When you apply variable-
speed drives to a typical system, there is no
pressure change at the tank; therefore, a
bladder tank mounted next to the variable-
speed booster does nothing except waste
your clients money. Tis paradigm has been
hard to kill. It is almost as if these tanks are
some kind of security blanket. However,
even if applied correctly on a constant-speed
system, they dont store enough water to
justify any return on investment.
ChAnGe is GooDeMBrACe iT!
One thing you can learn from these para-
digms is that not only is change inevitable,
but it also is good. Change forces us to con-
tinue refning our designs in a world where
the client is pushing the architect and the
engineer to raise their game to the next level.
One of these challenges has been a result of
the advent of sustainable design. Plumbing
designers and consultants now must look at
the big picture as it relates to carbon foot-
print, energy efciency, and water conser-
vationall while trying to ft the equipment
into a shrinking mechanical room. Te good
news is that the technologies to deal with
these challenges have risen to the occasion.
Now it is just a matter of applying them for
the good of the client and the planet.
David P. Carrier is CEO and the director
for all engineering, sales, and marketing
of QuantumFlo Inc. of DeBary, Florida.
For a copy of the reports quantifying the
energy reduction due to variable-speed
drives, e-mail dave@quantumfo.com. To
comment on this article, e-mail articles@
psdmagazine.org.
Register and start
planning your trip today!
aspe.org/2011technicalSymposium
TECHN CAL
SYMPOS UM
20II ASPE
TECHN CAL
SYMPOS UM
20II ASPE
TECHN CAL
SYMPOS UM
20II ASPE
TECHN CAL
SYMPOS UM
20II ASPE
Oct. 2730, 2011
OrlandO, FlOrida
How to Coordinate
Plumbing Systems
with Other Trades
PEER TO PEER
In the construction industry, a lot of the
communication that takes place concerns
the coordination between systems, whether
they be plumbing, mechanical, electrical,
civil, structural, or architectural. Despite
all the talk, coordination is a consistent
problem on many jobs, yet some of these
situations can be avoided easily with proper
communication early in the project. Fol-
lowing are some strategies for plumbing
engineers that may help.
aRCHiteCtuRal
When you frst receive the drawings, it is
important to perform a general overview
of the layout. During this overview, note
whether or not proper space has been allo-
cated for the necessary plumbing equip-
ment and risers, particularly checking the
clearances provided behind the fxtures.
Also, make sure that chases, fxtures, etc.
are not located directly over any electrical
rooms, switchgear rooms, rooms that may
contain large ductwork to the bottom of the
deck, and so on.
You must note any locations of fxtures or
drains that may interfere with beams below.
Te quantity of fxtures provided versus the
quantity required by code should be con-
frmed with the architect.
Roof, plaza, and parking garage drains all
need to be coordinated with the architect.
Te quantity of drains as well as the roof
construction and the slope of the area being
drained are important items that should be
addressed early on in the project.
HVaC
Coordination with the HVAC engineer is
fairly straightforward. However, the HVAC
engineer may inadvertently forget to ask for
drains or water connections when needed.
To prevent these last-minute changes
from the HVAC engineer, take a proactive
approach and ask for confrmation of all
of their requirements. Water connections
required by the HVAC system may include
(but are not limited to) air-conditioning
units, humidifers, and cooling tower
makeup. As the plumbing engineer, it is
your responsibility to ensure that proper
backfow preventers have been provided at
these connection points.
When coordinating the drainage required
for HVAC, make sure that you are aware of any
extreme temperatures that may be discharg-
ing to the plumbing system as well as the fow
requirements so proper provisions may be
made in the plumbing drainage system.
eleCtRiCal
You should coordinate any electrical loads
you may have with the electrical engineer
as early as possible. Water heater loads (if
electric), pumps including domestic water
booster pumps, hot water recirculation
pumps, sump pumps, and ejector pumps,
as well as heat tracing all should be dis-
cussed with the electrical engineer.
Other important items to coordinate, espe-
cially for international projects, are the avail-
able voltages and frequencies that are being
used for each specifc project.
Site CiVil
Te civil engineer on your project should be
able to provide you with information regard-
ing the sizes, locations, and elevations of the
incoming cold water, sanitary waste, and
storm sewer as well as the incoming pres-
sure for the domestic water. Tis information
is vital to coordinate with the other trades
previously mentioned. Other important
coordination items for the site civil engineer
may include grease basin locations, oil inter-
ceptors, and site drainage.
StRuCtuRal
When coordinating with the structural
design of the building, you should be
able to recognize the diferent structural
systems and read the structural drawings.
Plumbing engineers are not structural
engineers, but they are responsible for
knowing enough about structural systems
to be able to coordinate the plumbing sys-
tems through a building. Tus, you should
be aware of some general rules of thumb
to begin the coordination process with the
structural engineer.
Drawings for concrete structures generally
consist of beams with associated identifca-
tions. Once you locate the beam identifca-
tion, you generally will need to refer to a
beam schedule to fnd the depth of that
particular beam. For concrete structures,
note that the depth of the beam includes the
depth of the slab since it is poured as one
integrated piece.
When reading structural drawings, you
will notice that steel beams typically are
labeled something similar to W18 x 35. Tis
number is a beam identifcation, which can
be looked up in tables located within the
Structural Steel Designers Handbook. Te W
refers to the type of beam. Te frst number,
18 in this case, is generally the depth of the
beam, although it may be of by inch. Te
second number, 35 in this example, refers to
the nominal weight per foot.
By RAndY FiORiTO And dAniEllE SChEnKOSKE, CPd, lEEd AP
You also should learn the width of these
beams to ensure that no penetrations will
interfere. Unlike concrete structures, the
depth of steel beams does not include the
depth of the decking. Terefore, to obtain
this information, you will need to refer to the
structural details and sections. Also, always
remember to add extra depth below the
beams to account for freproofng.
It is critical to coordinate pipe sleeve sizes
and locations when dealing with post-ten-
sion slabs, which are common in hotels and
residential buildings and consist of highly
stressed cables embedded into the slab.
Typically hangers can be drilled into a post-
tension slab to a depth of only about 1 inch.
When coordinating underground piping,
be aware of the sizes and locations of grade
beams, footings, mat slabs, hydrostatic slabs,
buried conduit, and geothermal piping.
Some locations cannot accommodate piping
due to the underground structural design,
so it is always important to know and under-
stand the restrictions of the structural engi-
neer. For instance, if the structural founda-
tion is designed to withstand the hydrostatic
uplift that may be caused by the water table,
then it would not be necessary to provide a
drain-tile system. However, penetrating the
slab will compromise its structural integrity,
so other options would need to be explored
and discussed with the structural engineer.
At the schematic design phase, you should
coordinate issues such as whether or not the
slab is designed for the hydrostatic uplift,
the loads of major plumbing equipment that
may afect the structural design, and any
expansion joints that may afect the plumb-
ing layout. In addition to updating all signif-
cant plumbing equipment weights during
the design development phase, housekeep-
ing pad locations, sizes, and thicknesses
should be coordinated as well as major shear
wall and beam penetrations.
During the construction documents
phase, all of the items listed above should
be fnalized and re-coordinated with the
structural engineer. When in doubt, always
ask the structural engineer designing the
specifc project. Te requirements may vary
depending on the building and the engineer,
so it never hurts to ask questions. Also, when
coordinating sizes of openings, you must
include additional allowances for insulation,
freproofng, and construction tolerances.
SPeCialty COnSultantS
You also must coordinate with all specialty
consultants, including (but not limited
to) kitchen, landscape, pool, and laundry
consultants. As the plumbing engineer,
you must have a good understanding of the
requirements of these systems regarding
the fow, pressure, temperature, discharge
rates, etc. Also, you must understand the
systems being interfaced to provide proper
backfow prevention.
building inFORmatiOn mOdeling
Building information modeling (BIM) can
be a very useful tool for coordination. How-
To prevent any last-minute changes from the HVAC engineer, take a
proactive approach and ask him to confrm any requirements he may
have for drainage or water connections.
ever, its usefulness completely depends
on the accuracy of how things are shown
within the model. Also, it does not substi-
tute for communication between engineers
and architects. However, BIM can be used
to cut sections through buildings at prob-
lematic areas and is a great tool to use in
discussions regarding coordination.
Randy J. Fiorito is an associate in
the Plumbing and Fire Protection
Departments and Danielle E.
Schenkoske, CPD, LEED AP, is a senior
associate in the Plumbing Department
at ESD (Environmental Systems Design,
Inc.) in Chicago. For more information
or to comment on this article, e-mail
Start Your Planning now
WILLIAM F. HUGHES jR., CPD, LEED AP, FASPE, 2010-2012 ASPE PRESIDENT
Te premier professional development event specifcally
tailored to plumbing engineers, code ofcials, inspectors,
contractors, and other plumbing industry professionals
will be taking place October 2730, 2011: the ASPE Techni-
cal Symposium. Tis event is for all professionals who want
to increase their knowledge of plumbing systems and
sharpen their design skills.
The 2011 ASPE Technical Symposium will be held in
one of the countrys great travel destinations: Orlando,
Florida. This years Symposium will offer attendees an
assortment of highly specialized educational sessions for
all levels of professionals. In just 2 days, attendees can
obtain up to 15 continuing education hours toward recer-
tification or professional registration. (ASPE CEUs are
approved in all 50 states.)
The 2011 ASPE Technical Symposium Committee,
lead by co-chairs William T. ODonnell, CPD, FASPE, and
Joseph Vela, CPD, FASPE, has been working very hard to
organize this event. Working closely with the co-chairs
are ASPE Vice President, Technical Timothy A. Smith,
PE, CPD, FASPE, the Education Committee lead by ASPE
Vice President, Education Mitchell Clemente, CPD, ASPE
Managing Director/Director of Education and Meetings
Cliff Reis, and ASPE Education Program Coordinator Pam
Newman.
learn
Tese individuals currently are completing the education
program and obtaining industry experts to present the
extensive variety of quality sessions for attendees. Te ses-
sion tracks include:
Green Buildings
Fire and Life Safety
BIM
Advanced and Emerging Technologies
Plumbing Design 101
Project Management
Tese tracks cover several current areas about which
design professionals need to be informed to conform to all of
the current regulatory and design requirements.
One of the hottest topics within the industry is BIM, and
once again we will be ofering courses to help attendees
understand the requirements and processes necessary for
working with this design tool. Te committee has recom-
mended both beginner and advanced sessions to be part of
this years event, and as these presentations will be limited in
size, sign up early to reserve your place.
Tis year the committee has established a new project
management track, and some of the proposed sessions are
change order management, cost estimating, and steps in
project management.
From the Presidents Pen
www.aspe.org
A
S
P
E

R
E
P
O
R
T

Green Buildings, Fire and Life Safety, Advanced and
Emerging Technologies, and Plumbing Design 101 round out
the list of tracks, and all will provide attendees with a variety
of up-to-date information.
network
Attending the ASPE Technical Symposium provides the
opportunity to network with other design professionals
from across the country. Networking with your peers pro-
vides both young and experienced engineers insight and
the ability to share similar experiences. Tese networking
opportunities most likely will address problems very simi-
lar to those you have recently experienced, and you may
discover a diferent solution to resolve the issue.
As part of this years Symposium, the committee has
developed a new and diferent approach to networking with
your peers. Roundtable discussions with select Symposium
sponsors will be part of the Friday lunch. Here you will be
able to pick the brains of experts working in the feld and
discuss topics that are important to you. You will be able to
partake in conversations on the latest plumbing engineering
issues from across the country.
Spend Time with Your Family
Te ASPE staf has dedicated many hours to making this
years Symposium an exceptional educational event for
attendees and also to provide a vacation opportunity for
those attendees with families who want to take advantage
of the Orlando area. Te hotel is located on the Walt Disney
World Resort, across the street from Downtown Disney, so
this years Symposium is a great opportunity to mix busi-
ness and pleasure for you and your family.
When selecting this site, the board of directors wanted
to give attendees an opportunity to bring their families and
enjoy some quality time either before or after the Sympo-
sium, and as part of our registration package, the ASPE staf
was able to negotiate discounted rates on all Disney theme
park tickets good from one week before through one week
after the Symposium. Disney holds the Mickeys Not-So-
Scary Halloween Party during this time of the year, and I
hear it is fun for both children and adults.
Tat said, this years event does not confict with Hallow-
een, which has been a complaint in the past. Attendees will
be able to attend the entire Symposium and return home in
time to spend Halloween with their family.
Tis years Symposium allows you to enrich your knowl-
edge to advance your career, as well as reward your family
with a vacation they will always remember. I hope that many
of you take advantage of this premier professional develop-
ment event for its quality educational programs, networking,
and family vacation opportunity.
20 1 1 AS P E WE BI nAr S E rI E S
Review the market conditions
that are driving the increase in
radiant cooling specifcations
Review how to design, install,
and control a radiant cooling
system
Explain how to integrate radiant
cooling into radiant heating
designs to decrease installation
and construction costs
Address the key obstacles faced
when working with a radiant
cooling system
Review best practices for piping
and controlling radiant cooling
fow distribution
Explain how to integrate a
radiant cooling system with
other building systems
Join ASPE and attend this webinar FREE!
Contact aspeeducation@aspe.org
Member price: $69.95; non-member price: $129.95
radiant Cooling:
Engineering and Designing Hydronic
Systems for Complete Climate Control
Wednesday, May 25, 2011, 1:00 pm CDT
Earn Continuing Education Credits: This one-hour contact program provides 0.1 CEU or 1.0 PDH.
Register Now at www.aspe.org/CurrentWebinar
Join other engineers and learn about radiant cooling during ASPEs May 2011 webinar. Using
numerous case studies, this webinar will:
WEBINAR
www.aspe.org
A
S
P
E

R
E
P
O
R
T
My Thoughts on Volunteerism
and Certification
jIM kENDZEL, CAE, ASPE ExECUTIVE DIRECTOR
During the past few months, I have been working on two
items of importance to ASPE: member volunteers and cer-
tifcation. Tese topics have been on my mind due to recent
needs to solicit the engagement of our members in several
areas as well as the annual ofering of the CPD examination
last month. I would like to provide my thoughts on both of
these items.
Member Volunteering
It is not uncommon for a professional society such as ASPE
to struggle with trying to access member time for volun-
teering. In fact, many past articles in this magazine have
discussed the difculties of getting members to volunteer.
Te good news is that I am not writing about a lack of vol-
unteers or the need for you to participate. Instead, I want to
discuss the experiences I recently have had and how pleased
I am with our membership in stepping up and volunteering.
Recently, I put out a call for a member to volunteer to serve
on a committee developing a research protocol on the efects
of low-fow devices. Te project is being developed through
the Plumbing Efciency Research Coalition, of which ASPE is
a member. I received more than 25 requests to participate! In
addition, we put out a call for members to volunteer to serve
on several ICC committees. Due to the tremendous response,
we were able to submit names for nine committees having a
direct impact on the plumbing industry. Finally, we recently
sent a survey related to possibly taking this magazine digital.
We received more than 750 responses!
I recognize that not everyone can volunteer to serve on
chapter or Society boards or on standing committees. Yes,
these are critical leadership positions that we must fll
with qualifed individuals to ensure our future success,
but members can participate in many other ways. Simply
taking the time to complete a survey or review a chapter
of a technical publication provides signifcant value to our
organization. To all of you, thank you for your passion and
commitment to ASPE.
Certification
Prior to coming to ASPE, I was responsible for running the
largest North American accreditation program for personnel
certifcation programs: the National Commission for Cer-
tifying Agencies (NCCA), a division of the Institute for Cre-
dentialing Excellence (ICE). While in this position, I spent a
signifcant amount of time explaining what defnes a credible
certifcation program and the diference between such terms
as certifcate, certifcation, diploma, etc. Tese questions also
periodically come to ASPE staf, so I thought I would briefy
provide some information that I hope will be helpful.
From the Executives Desk
In the united States, two major standards are used to
evaluate the credibility of a personnel certifcation program:
NCCA Standards for the Accreditation of Certifying Agencies
and ISO 17024: Conformity AssessmentGeneral Require-
ments for Bodies Operating Certifcation of Persons. Although
the two standards are diferent, the basic requirements in
both defne a credible program. Te basic requirements are:
Development of a job/practice analysis leading to clearly defned
performance domains and tasks, associated knowledge, and/or
skills used as the basis for developing each type of assessment
instrument
Development of assessment instruments consistent with the job
analysis and consistent with sound psychometric principles
A time-limited certifcation with a validation of continued com-
petency or enhanced knowledge and skills periodically adminis-
tered (recertifcation)
Tese basic, but key, principles are adhered to in the
development and administration of the CPD program. Tese
three key principles also diferentiate a professional certifca-
tion program from other programs. As an example, a prop-
erly designed certifcate program is one related to a specifc
education/training program and is not a professional
certifcation that leads to the use of a designation following
ones name. In fact, ANSI/ICE Standard 1100 for certifcate
programs specifcally prohibits the use of a designation.
My intent is not to provide a lengthy dissertation on
certifcation, so I encourage you to visit the ICE website
(credentialingexcellence.org) or the ANSI website (ansi.org)
for more information. I think the more you know about what
defnes a credible, high-quality certifcation program and
what goes into the creation and maintenance of the ASPE
CPD program, the more you will be gratifed in maintaining
your CPD or, hopefully, the more you will desire to obtain
your CPD.
Oct. 2730, 2011
OrlandO, FlOrida
Join the Discussion
Twitter
LinkedIn
Facebook
Facebook:
ASPE: http://bit.ly/ASPEFacebook
PS&D: http://bit.ly/PSDFacebook
LinkedIn:
http://linkd.in/ASPELinkedIn
Twitter:
ASPE:
www.twitter.com/ASPEorg
PS&D:
www.twitter.com/PSDMagazine
Welcome to all new Society members. When you choose a chapter affliation, you have twice the advantage. not only can you
be involved at the national level, you also can participate in chapter functions and programs. To all members, old and new, this
is your Society. Your involvement enhances the plumbing engineering feld as well as ASPE. Suggestions about how to make
your Society more benefcial to both fellow members and all involved in the industry are welcome.
new ASPE Members
Society News
FD
FD
UP
UP
LAv
LAv
LAv
LAv
CO
WC
WC
WC
WC
AAv lPC-14
Zoom = 0.2
2"
1-1/2"
4"
2" Circuit vent
Air Admittance valve
Its Here!
ASPEs Illustrated Plumbing Codes Design Handbook
Have you ever struggled to translate the International Plumbing
Code or Uniform Plumbing Code into real-world designs?
Struggle no more! ASPEs new Illustrated Plumbing Codes
Design Handbook takes the guesswork out of plumbing system
design.

It features:
a breakdown of the two major model plumbing codes by topic
CAD drawings on every page illustrating code requirements
500 pages of helpful commentary and interpretation of the codes
a CD-ROM containing all of the CAD drawings for use in your designs
Topics covered include:
backow prevention
building drain and sewer systems
circuit, common, and individual venting
indirect and special waste
single-stack and sovent venting
stack vents and vent stacks
combination waste and vent
horizontal and vertical stacks
air-admittance valves
xture spacing
and more!

Order this unique, must-have publication now at aspe.org/xcart.
Member price: $75 + shipping and handling
Alabama Chapter
Jason Mahalas Mitchell, PE
Atlanta Chapter
Timothy Michael Taylor, PE, gE
baltimore Chapter
darren Anderson, PE
boston Chapter
brian C. bourque
british Columbia Chapter
Tony Pagnotta
Central Ohio Chapter
Robert Charles Yoakum, lEEd AP
Chicago Chapter
Michael McKenny infanger, gE
dallas/Ft. Worth Chapter
larry Edward Peters
Roger Wakefeld, lEEd AP, O+M
denver Chapter
Steven balliett Clark, PE, gE
Richard Mondragon
Kansas City Chapter
Jeffrey Thomas McCoy
los Angeles Chapter
brian William Sybesma, lEEd AP
Member at large
debra l. lallier, gE
Minnesota Chapter
J. Shane Albertson, PE
Montreal Chapter
Silvain Ponton, P.Eng, lEEd AP
new Jersey Chapter
Kevin Ogorman
Peter Shine
new Orleans Chapter
John R. Woolf Jr.
new York City Chapter
Sudhindra ganesh nayak, gE
Juwita Seman, gE
Orange County Chapter
Mani Faez
Cambria Mcleod, gE
Ottawa Region Chapter
david benchimol, gE
William Xia, P.Eng
Overseas Chapter
Rabee Taleb, gE
Phoenix Chapter
Michael Jon bright
Christopher daniel Jago
Pittsburgh Chapter
Jill Michelle bauer
Karl Edward Eidberger, niCET
Quebec Chapter
Pierre-louis Pelletier
Richmond Chapter
Chad Michael luettel
San Francisco Chapter
Vasilis lolis
Seattle Chapter
Jonathan Ray gillespie, PE
Edward d Kommers, PE
St. louis Chapter
david Robert Fichtenmayer
nicholas John hipp
Washington, d.C., Chapter
Theodros gidey
Charlie hernandez, gE
West Coast Florida Chapter
luke Collins
Oct. 2730, 2011
OrlandO, FlOrida
34 Plumbing Systems & Design MAY 2011
COntinuing eduCatiOn: Water System design
About This Issues Article
P
S
d

1
7
7
Continuing Education from Plumbing Systems & Design
CE Questions Water System design (PSd 177)
improper sizing of a water system can cause ________. 1.
inadequate pressure a.
contamination of the water supply b.
failure of the water supply c.
all of the above d.
________ pressure is the pressure that exists at any point in a 2.
system when water is moving at that point.
static a.
fow b.
residual c.
constant d.
What is the rate of fow at the outlet for a faucet with a -inch 3.
supply and 16-psi fow pressure?
1.25 gpm a.
5 gpm b.
11.25 gpm c.
none of the above d.
What is the actual inside diameter of 3-inch brass pipe? 4.
3.068 inches a.
3.062 inches b.
2.907 inches c.
2.945 inches d.
________ can be used to increase pressure to an adequate level. 5.
automatic fow-control orifce a.
gravity tank system b.
booster pump system c.
both b and c d.
________ is the fow that will occur if the outlets on all fxtures 6.
are opened simultaneously.
average fow a.
maximum possible fow b.
maximum probable fow c.
peak fow d.
Which of the following is considered a continuous demand? 7.
lawn irrigation a.
air-conditioning makeup b.
water cooling c.
all of the above d.
a fxtures loading effect is determined by what? 8.
rate of water supply required a.
duration of each use b.
frequency of use c.
all of the above d.
When designing a system, it is necessary to consider only the 9.
________ imposed by each fxture on the system.
average fow a.
maximum fow b.
peak demand c.
none of the above d.
What is the fxture unit value of a public fush valve wall urinal? 10.
2 Fus a.
3 Fus b.
4 Fus c.
5 Fus d.
70 fxture units equal ________ gpm in a system with fush 11.
tanks.
35 a.
59 b.
38 c.
62 d.
it is safe to reduce the values obtained by use of Hunters curve 12.
by ________ percent.
10 a.
30 b.
40 c.
50 d.
Do you fnd it difcult to obtain continuing education units (CEUs)?
Trough this special section in every issue of PS&D, ASPE can help you
accumulate the CEUs required for maintaining your Certifed in Plumb-
ing Design (CPD) status.
now Online!
Te technical article you must read to complete the exam is located at
www.psdmagazine.org. Just click on Continuing Education at the top
of the page. Te following exam and application form also may be down-
loaded from the website. Reading the article and completing the form will
allow you to apply to ASPE for CEU credit. If you earn a grade of 90 percent
or higher on the test, you will be notified that you have logged 0.1
CEU, which can be applied toward CPD renewal or numerous regulatory-
agency CE programs. (Please note that it is your responsibility to determine
the acceptance policy of a particular agency.) CEU information will be kept
on fle at the ASPE ofce for three years.
Note: In determining your answers to the CE questions, use only the material pre-
sented in the corresponding continuing education article. Using information from
other materials may result in a wrong answer.
The May 2011 continuing education article is Water
System design, Chapter 13 of Engineered Plumbing
Design II.
The objective in designing the water supply systems for
any project is to ensure an adequate water supply at ad-
equate pressure to all fxtures and equipment at all times
and to achieve the most economical sizing of the piping.
This chapter discusses how to accomplish this, focusing on
fow in piping, material selection, piping layouts, estimat-
ing demand, dealing with pressure problems, and sizing
the system.
You may locate this article at psdmagazine.org. Read
the article, complete the following exam, and submit your
answer sheet to the ASPE offce to potentially receive 0.1
CEu.
WWW.PSDMAGAZINE.ORG
PS&D Continuing Education Answer Sheet
Water System Design (PSD 177)
Questions appear on page 34. Circle the answer to each question.
Q 1. A B C D
Q 2. A B C D
Q 3. A B C D
Q 4. A B C D
Q 5. A B C D
Q 6. A B C D
Q 7. A B C D
Q 8. A B C D
Q 9. A B C D
Q 10. A B C D
Q 11. A B C D
Q 12. A B C D
Plumbing Systems & Design Continuing Education Application Form
This form is valid up to one year from date of publication. The PS&D Continuing Education program is approved by ASPE for up to one
contact hour (0.1 CEU) of credit per article. Participants who earn a passing score (90 percent) on the CE questions will receive a letter
or certifcation within 30 days of ASPEs receipt of the application form. (No special certifcates will be issued.) Participants who fail and
wish to retake the test should resubmit the form along with an additional fee (if required).
1. Photocopy this form or download it from www.psdmagazine.org.
2. Print or type your name and address. Be sure to place your ASPE membership number in the appropriate space.
3. Answer the multiple-choice continuing education (CE) questions based on the corresponding article found on
www.psdmagazine.org and the appraisal questions on this form.
4. Submit this form with payment ($35 for nonmembers of ASPE) if required by check or money order made payable to ASPE or credit
card via mail (ASPE Education Credit, 2980 S. River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60018) or fax (847-296-2963).
Please print or type; this information will be used to process your credits.
Name ________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Title _________________________________________________ ASPE Membership No. ____________________________________
Organization __________________________________________________________________________________________________
Billing Address ________________________________________________________________________________________________
City _________________________________________ State/Province ________________________ Zip ______________________
Country ______________________________________________ E-mail _________________________________________________
Daytime telephone ____________________________________ Fax ____________________________________________________
PE State _____________________________________________ PE No. _________________________________________________
Appraisal Questions
Water System Design (PSD 177)
1. Was the material new information for you? Yes No
2. Was the material presented clearly? Yes No
3. Was the material adequately covered? Yes No
4. Did the content help you achieve the stated objectives? Yes No
5. Did the CE questions help you identify specifc ways to use ideas presented in
the article? Yes No
6. How much time did you need to complete the CE ofering (i.e., to read the
article and answer the post-test questions)?
I am applying for the following continuing education credits:
I certify that I have read the article indicated above.
Signature
Expiration date: Continuing education credit will be given
for this examination through May 31, 2012.
Applications received after that date will not be processed.
ASPE Member Nonmember
Each examination: $25 Each examination: $35
Limited Time: No Cost to ASPE Member
Payment: Personal Check (payable to ASPE) $
Business or government check $
DiscoverCard VISA MasterCard AMEX $
If rebilling of a credit card charge is necessary, a $25 processing fee will be charged.
ASPE is hereby authorized to charge my CE examination fee to my
credit card
Account Number Expiration date
Signature Cardholders name (Please print)
ClASSiFiEdS/AdVERTiSERS indEX
adVeRtiSeRS index
Armstrong .................................................... IFC
www.armstronginternational.com/brain
Charlotte ...................................................... BC
www.charlottepipe.com
CISPI .............................................................. 1
www.cispi.org
Hoeptner ...................................................... 29
www.freezeflow.com
Kusel ............................................................ 11
www.kuselequipment.com
Liberty Pumps ............................................... 36
www.libertypumps.com
Zoeller ......................................................... 19
www.zoellerpumps.com
LEH-Series submersible sewage pumps from Liberty are now available in
larger horsepower models for higher heads and flow rates. The 2 solids-
handling pumps are robust and durable with unique one-piece castings,
quick-disconnect power cords and efficient, heavy-duty motors for long life.
When reliability counts in a higher performance sewage pump get it right
here in America. Designed here. Built here.
The new LEH-Series from Liberty Pumps.
now in 1, 1.5 and 2 hp sewage pumps,
LEH-Series
The
New
One of Americas fastest growing,
privately owned companies.
800-543-2550
www.libertypumps.com
Copyright Liberty Pumps, Inc. 2009 All rights reserved.
AMTC
AMTC Introduces the FixedFlo Series
Automatic Faucet System
AMTC introduces the FixedFlo automatic
faucet system featuring non-adjustable water
fow technology for ultimate water savings.
The FixedFlo comes in non-adjustable
0.4gpm, 0.5gpm, and 1.0gpm water fow
models. The FixedFlo mechanism uses no
diaphragm eliminating maintenance. The
faucet works with any aerator or with no
aerator. Designed to work in hard water
environments using a reliable motor drive
with a 5-year warranty. Low lead compliant.
Multiple power sources (with back-up power).
Various spout models available.
Visit www.fxedfo.com or call 800-874-7822
NEW PRODUCTSHOWCASE
ASPE
Webinars
Did you miss a webinar?
Want to brush up on your knowledge? Now is the time to visit
ASPEs archived webinars, which allow you to view and listen to
previously recorded events at a time that is most convenient for
you. Pay a small fee to earn quick CEUs.
A
S
P
E

E
d
u
c
a
t
i
o
n
Visit www.aspe.org/webinararchives
Residential fire sprinkler systems
Clean agents for fire suppression
Natural gas and propane sizing
Si phonic roof drainage
Inside the Green Codes
Grease interceptors
Graywater Systems
Water heater sizing
Medical gases
LEED
BIM
GREEN SUPPLY
HAS OFFICIALLY CAUGHT UP WITH
GREEN DEMAND.
Charlotte Pipe now offers a variety of pipe made for green construction.
Distributes non-potable
water inside a building
The rst purple CPVC
pipe, clearly marked
DO NOT DRINK
Using non-potable water
can earn LEED
points
The rst NSF-listed PVC
Schedule 40 pipe with
recycled content
Center layer made from
100% recycled PVC, virgin
inner and outer skins
Easy to install and
maintenance-free
Made from 100%
recycled content
Long service life and recyclable
at the end of its life
Underground installations only
require trench as wide as the
pipe no sidell is needed
Demand Charlotte Pipe for your next green project and well supply you with green products you can trust.
www.charlottepipe.com
62303 CPF PS&D.indd 1 9/2/10 12:01 PM

Full PSD

Hochgeladen von

Dokumentinformationen

Originalbeschreibung:

Originaltitel

Copyright

Verfügbare Formate

Dieses Dokument teilen

Dokument teilen oder einbetten

Freigabeoptionen

Stufen Sie dieses Dokument als nützlich ein?

Sind diese Inhalte unangemessen?

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

Full PSD

Hochgeladen von

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

PSDMAGAZINE.

Das könnte Ihnen auch gefallen