The First Facility Management Blog

Innovex Technologies, a provider of components for heating and cooling systems, recently introduced its new iWorX^TM valve series for heating and cooling—two position, modulating and floating actuation valves featuring accurate control and durable construction.

The new ZV series, MV series and FV series valves are designed to increase comfort and reduce energy consumption while providing durability and performance at a competitive price. The valves can be used in a variety of applications where accurate control is required. These include hydronic systems, residential zone systems, fan coil units, and reheat on commercial terminal box units just to name a few.

By accurately controlling flow, these valves reduce sudden changes in supply temperature and provide heating and cooling more evenly. The Innovex line offers two position actuation in the ZV series, as well as complete modulated solutions in the MV series (modulating actuator) and FV series (floating actuator).

All ZV, MV and FV series valves determine the correct action required by responding to a thermostat or building automation system output signal. This provides accurate control of chilled or hot water into the controlled medium, cooling or warming the conditioned space as required. When the desired temperature is reached, the valve returns to its original position and powers off, which helps reduce energy consumption.

The base and cover of all ZV, MV and FV series actuators are constructed of specially engineered flameproof polycarbonate. All valve bodies feature durable EPDM rubber and stainless steel internal construction providing exceptional performance even in the harshest environments.

The entire line of ZV, MV and FV series valves are available in two way and three way configurations and in 1/2″, 3/4″, 1″, and 1 1/4″ sizes with a variety of connection types, including inverted flair. This allows these valves to be used in a range of new construction and retrofit applications.

Effective today, the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute’s Directory of Certified Product Performance can now be found at www.ahridirectory.org.

The previous Web address (www.aridirectory.org/), which was administered by the former Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI), is no longer accessible. The directory’s new address reflects the organization’s new name. On January 1, the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) merged with the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association (GAMA) to become the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI).

While the organizations merged, the certification directory listing the GAMA and I=B=R certified equipment will still be located at www.gamapower.org/. However, plans are underway to combine the three programs into one directory.

Users will notice when visiting the new AHRI directory Web site that some changes have already been made. Over the past several months, the directory has undergone a facelift to enhance search capabilities and make it easier to find certified products. Users are encouraged to bookmark the directory’s new address and use this tool to help them find certified HVACR equipment and components.

About AHRI
The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) is the trade association representing manufacturers of air conditioning, heating and commercial refrigeration equipment. An internationally recognized advocate for the industry, AHRI develops standards for and certifies the performance of many of these products. AHRI’s more than 350 member companies account for more than 90% of the residential and commercial air conditioning, space heating, water heating and commercial refrigeration equipment manufactured and sold in North America.

LONMARK Americas is taking a lead role at this year’s TFM Show by featuring an Interoperable Technology Demonstration for the first time ever at a national facility management event. The multi-vendor, open system Interactive Technology Demonstration and free educational sessions will take place as The TFM Show celebrates its 10th year April 17-19, 2007 at Chicago’s Navy Pier.

“The LONMARK Interactive Technology Demonstration is an exceptional display of enterprise-wide integration using LON open systems and a dynamic presentation of plug-and-play products suited for countless applications,” said Ron Bernstein, executive director of LONMARK International. “TFM Show attendees will see an expanse of products and technologies that enable the world’s most efficient, effective and esteemed buildings.”

The LONMARK® Interactive Technology Demonstration will showcase leading manufacturers and suppliers of interoperable devices, connectivity products, systems, tools and GUIs operating together using a common LON platform. More than 25 different products, user interfaces, tools, and utilities will be connected in one integrated interoperable demonstration, highlighting the value of open standards. Attendees will have the first-hand opportunity to see and compare products working together from competing manufacturers.

LONMARK’s mission of interoperability at the device-level complemented with multiple tools and interfaces to the system will be a highlight of the show. To date LONMARK has certified close to 700 products and has over 500 members worldwide.

“This is a new alliance between The TFM Show and LONMARK International,” said Susan Coene, TFM executive publisher. “For the first time ever at a national facility management event, LONMARK will be demonstrating the interoperability of its member companies’ open, multi-vendor control systems. This is an exciting opportunity for TFM Show attendees to experience this technology first-hand and to see how well products from a range of manufacturers can work together in their facilities.”

In addition to the Interoperable Technology Demonstration, LONMARK Americas will offer the following free educational sessions during The TFM Show:
LON Primer: The basics, the value, and the benefits. Discussions will be on basic terminology and definitions; simple system architecture overview; control system functionality and features; and ideas and concepts involving LONMARK Open Systems and LONWORKS technology. This session is geared for those who have heard about LONMARK and LONWORKS, but would like to receive more detailed technical information on the protocol, messaging, device profiles, product certification, wiring, network architecture, network diagnostics, network tools, programming devices and more.

The Value of Integrated, Open Systems: Learn how open systems can be used to reduce costs from installation and commissioning through operation by understanding the financial benefits associated with interoperability. By identifying what is and what is not an open system, integrators can avoid common pitfalls and financial burdens associated with closed systems that are many times disguised as open. This session will also feature discussions on market scope, size and trends; product sourcing and breadth of application areas.

Enterprise Connectivity: When working with open systems, multiple protocols can co-exist throughout an enterprise and still be managed as one system. Discussions include integration strategies with multiple protocols and tying open systems into the IT environment. This session will also take a look at the features and benefits of several GUIs and the role of oBIX and IP-852 and how these can lead to a full, scalable system.

System Specification Process: This session will address how to write, enforce and leverage an open systems specification, including how to ensure openness, the ABCs of specifying an open system; available tools and resources; common mistakes and how to avoid them, and examples of good specifications.

The World of LONMARK: This panel discussion will include what’s new in the world of LONMARK International/Americas, including industry initiatives, product certification, system-level standards, and integrator certification. LONMARK members will highlight major projects throughout the world featuring open, interoperable systems and the value proposition
gained by the owners and operators.

To register for your free conference pass please visit:
www.TFMShow.com

Thomas C. Wilson, a provider of products to the boiler, condenser, and heat exchanger industry, recently announced the promotion of Stephen Hanley to president and chief operating officer. In his new role, Hanley will lead the company towards expansion into new markets both domestically and internationally, continuing work that he began in his former role as vice president of sales.

Hanley has been with Thomas C. Wilson for over 28 years, since December 1978. Prior to becoming vice president of sales, he also served as sales manager for the entire company and as regional sales manager for the southern New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Maryland territories. He also holds a B.S. in Business and Psychology from Lynchburg College in Lynchburg, VA.

“We are looking forward to Mr. Hanley continuing his valued service to the company and building on his already impressive record,” said Thomas C. Wilson’s Chairman of the Board, Jane Hanley Wilson. “He has been instrumental in our successful expansion in new HVAC markets, particularly internationally.”

“My goals in this position are to continue to bring quality-engineered products and solutions to the boiler and heat exchanger industry,” said Hanley. “I think Thomas C. Wilson’s role in the market is to provide solutions to our customers as their products and businesses change. We’re continually evolving to comprehensively meet the needs of our customers.”

About Thomas C. Wilson
With over 80 years of experience, Thomas C. Wilson, Inc. provides air, water, and electrically driven tube cleaners, as well as tube expanders, tube removal and portable pneumatic tools, torque controlled expander drives, and countless other products for the boiler, condenser, and heat exchanger industry. Wilson products are supported with a 24-hour service hotline.