Pipes and other engineering services in industrial building

Dampers make up a critical part of HVAC systems and getting the selection right is vital to long term performance. Here’s what you need to know to choose the right damper.

The basics

Dampers are used to control airflow through certain portions of an HVAC system. You may need them to open and close or you may need them to modulate for variable airflow. They may be duct-mounted, wall-mounted or integrated into air handling equipment. Specialized dampers like smoke dampers limit the spread of smoke through ductwork and air transfer openings.

Dampers are constructed from metal (aluminum or steel) and consist of a frame and moving blades. The position of these blades determines how much air can flow through. Dampers may be have parallel or opposed blade arrangements. Parallel blade dampers are better suited to open/close applications while opposed blade dampers work well for modulating airflow.

Sizing and selecting a damper

Sizing a damper begins with the maximum airflow through the damper using the equation:

Airflow = Velocity x Cross-sectional area.

For dampers, the cross sectional area is the free area, which is the area available for air to flow when the damper is fully opened. Manufacturers publish this information in charts. Once you calculate your free area for a given velocity, use these charts to find the height and width for your damper.

To ensure that the dampers don’t create airflow problems in your system, the fan must be able to overcome the damper pressure drop. Depending on the situation, you may have to oversize your damper to reduce the pressure drop.

Fire damper for fire protection system on the roofing floor.

Choosing a velocity to size the damper depends on the application. The velocity for intake should be limited to 450-500 feet per minute (fpm) to prevent rain from entering. Exhaust velocities can go up to 1200 fpm.

Another decision you have to make when selecting a damper is whether the blades need to be weather-sealed or insulated. Weather sealed and insulated dampers are suitable for intake and exhaust dampers that are open to the exterior.

Controls

Dampers can be manual or automatic and with the increase in building automation, getting control right is important. This is where actuators come in. Our next article will discuss actuators in more detail.

Ever wondered who is legally responsible for the cost of clean-up and repair of damage caused by water leaks in a condominium building? Sometimes it is the association’s responsibility, sometimes it is the owner’s responsibility and sometimes it is either or both of these parties insurance companies less deductibles but here are some tips to greatly assist you in preventing water leaks to avoid the expensive damages the leaks can cause. First, it was found that most of the water leaks in condominium buildings are caused by owners not proactively maintaining and timely replacing their appliances and related hardware; thereby, causing the leaks to occur. The dilemma, however, is that even though this issue of preventative maintenance or replacement may cause the leak usually does not rise to the level of provable legal negligence which, if found, could place the entire cost of clean-up and repair on the owner. Instead, the usual result is that the association and other owners living in units below or next to the leak are having to pay for the costly cleanup and repairs of the damage to the common elements and the other owners’ units caused by the leak.

Following are the items unit owners should consider to prevent the water leaks:

• Contract for ongoing air-conditioning maintenance service, which includes periodic inspection of the system on at least an annual basis, addition of chlorine tablets or other products to keep the lines clear and periodic blowout of the lines.
• Replace unit water heaters after they have been in service for ten (10) years (normal life expectancy of a water heater before probable leaking).
• Replace dishwashers after they have been in service for fourteen (14) years (normal life expectancy of a dishwasher before probable leaking).
• Replace all washing machine hoses with steel lined hoses.
• Turn off main water valve to the unit if the unit will be unoccupied for 48 hours or more.
• Replace the wax-ring, seal and flange every six (6) years or when such activities occur including: toilet beginning to rock, toilet has been lifted or shifted, water leaking from underneath the base after flushing or when the odor of sewer gases has developed.

It is so much better to prevent the water leaks in multifamily buildings up front rather than have to cover the great expense of cleanup and damage repair later. A dry building makes for happy owners and tenants.

Keeping your home safe from flooding isn’t always foolproof, but the more you know and the more cautious you are, the better chance you have to protect your investment. For an added layer of protection, keep up-to-date with the latest technology and Water Security System at the Enolgas USA blog, Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter and YouTube. With everything you learn, you can keep flooding damage to a minimum and have peace of mind. You can’t put a price on that.

Cape Town is in the unenviable situation of being the first major city in the modern era to face the threat of running out of drinking water.

However, the plight of the drought-hit South African city is just one extreme example of a problem that experts have long been warning about – water scarcity.

Despite covering about 70% of the Earth’s surface, water, especially drinking water, is not as plentiful as one might think. Only 3% of it is fresh.

Over one billion people lack access to water and another 2.7 billion find it scarce for at least one month of the year. A 2014 survey of the world’s 500 largest cities estimates that one in four are in a situation of “water stress”

According to UN-endorsed projections, global demand for fresh water will exceed supply by 40% in 2030, thanks to a combination of climate change, human action and population growth.

It shouldn’t be a surprise, then, that Cape Town is just the tip of the iceberg. Here are the other 11 cities most likely to run out of water.

1. São Paulo

Brazil’s financial capital and one of the 10 most populated cities in the world went through a similar ordeal to Cape Town in 2015, when the main reservoir fell below 4% capacity.

At the height of the crisis, the city of over 21.7 million inhabitants had less than 20 days of water supply and police had to escort water trucks to stop looting.

It is thought a drought that affected south-eastern Brazil between 2014 and 2017 was to blame, but a UN mission to São Paulo was critical of the state authorities “lack of proper planning and investments”.

The water crisis was deemed “finished” in 2016, but in January 2017 the main reserves were 15% below expected for the period – putting the city’s future water supply once again in doubt.

2. Bangalore

Local officials in the southern Indian city have been bamboozled by the growth of new property developments following Bangalore’s rise as a technological hub and are struggling to manage the city’s water and sewage systems.

To make matters worse, the city’s antiquated plumbing needs an urgent upheaval; a report by the national government found that the city loses over half of its drinking water to waste.

Like China, India struggles with water pollution and Bangalore is no different: an in-depth inventory of the city’s lakes found that 85% had water that could only be used for irrigation and industrial cooling.

Not a single lake had suitable water for drinking or bathing.

Will Cape Town be the first city to run out of water?

3. Beijing

The World Bank classifies water scarcity as when people in a determined location receive less than 1,000 cubic metres of fresh water per person a year.

In 2014, each of the more than 20 million inhabitants of Beijing had only 145 cubic metres.

China is home to almost 20% of the world’s population but has only 7% of the world’s fresh water.

A Columbia University study estimates that the country’s reserves declined 13% between 2000 and 2009.

• Graphene sieve makes seawater drinkable

And there’s also a pollution problem. Official figures from 2015 showed that 40% of Beijing’s surface water was polluted to the point of not being useful even for agriculture or industrial use.

The Chinese authorities have tried to address the problem by creating massive water diversion projects. They have also introduced educational programmes, as well as price hikes for heavy business users.

4. Cairo

Once crucial to the establishment of one of the world’s greatest civilisations, the River Nile is struggling in modern times.

It is the source of 97% of Egypt’s water but also the destination of increasing amounts of untreated agricultural, and residential waste.

World Health Organization figures show that Egypt ranks high among lower middle-income countries in terms of the number of deaths related to water pollution.

The UN estimates critical shortages in the country by 2025.

• ‘My wife doesn’t shower any more’
• Drought forces Rome to cut water pressure

5. Jakarta

Like many coastal cities, the Indonesian capital faces the threat of rising sea levels.

But in Jakarta the problem has been made worse by direct human action. Because less than half of the city’s 10 million residents have access to piped water, illegal digging of wells is rife. This practice is draining the underground aquifers, almost literally deflating them.

As a consequence, about 40% of Jakarta now lies below sea level, according to World Bank estimates.

To make things worse, aquifers are not being replenished despite heavy rain because the prevalence of concrete and asphalt means that open fields cannot absorb rainfall.

6. Moscow

One-quarter of the world’s fresh water reserves are in Russia, but the country is plagued by pollution problems caused by the industrial legacy of the Soviet era.

That is specifically worrying for Moscow, where the water supply is 70% dependent on surface water.

Official regulatory bodies admit that 35% to 60% of total drinking water reserves in Russia do not meet sanitary standards

• Somalia drought claims dozens of lives
• Raw waste water use on farms ‘50% higher’

7. Istanbul

According to official Turkish government figures, the country is technically in a situation of a water stress, since the per capita supply fell below 1,700 cubic metres in 2016.

Local experts have warned that the situation could worsen to water scarcity by 2030.

In recent years, heavily populated areas like Istanbul (14 million inhabitants) have begun to experience shortages in the drier months.

The city’s reservoir levels declined to less than 30 percent of capacity at the beginning of 2014.

8. Mexico City

Water shortages are nothing new for many of the 21 million inhabitants of the Mexican capital.

One in five get just a few hours from their taps a week and another 20% have running water for just part of the day.

The city imports as much as 40% of its water from distant sources but has no large-scale operation for recycling wastewater. Water losses because of problems in the pipe network are also estimated at 40%.

9. London

Of all the cities in the world, London is not the first that springs to mind when one thinks of water shortages.

The reality is very different. With an average annual rainfall of about 600mm (less than the Paris average and only about half that of New York), London draws 80% of its water from rivers (the Thames and Lea).

According to the Greater London Authority, the city is pushing close to capacity and is likely to have supply problems by 2025 and “serious shortages” by 2040.

It looks likely that hosepipe bans could become more common in the future.

• Free water in England to cut plastic waste
• UK ‘could adopt’ Norway recycling system

10. Tokyo

The Japanese capital enjoys precipitation levels similar to that of Seattle on the US west coast, which has a reputation for rain. Rainfall, however, is concentrated during just four months of the year.

That water needs to be collected, as a drier-than-expected rainy season could lead to a drought. At least 750 private and public buildings in Tokyo have rainwater collection and utilisation systems.

Home to more than 30 million people, Tokyo has a water system that depends 70% on surface water (rivers, lakes, and melted snow).

Recent investment in the pipeline infrastructure aims also to reduce waste by leakage to only 3% in the near future.

11. Miami

The US state of Florida is among the five US states most hit by rain every year. However, there is a crisis brewing in its most famous city, Miami.

An early 20th Century project to drain nearby swamps had an unforeseen result; water from the Atlantic Ocean contaminated the Biscayne Aquifer, the city’s main source of fresh water.

Although the problem was detected in the 1930s, seawater still leaks in, especially because the American city has experienced faster rates of sea level rise, with water breaching underground defence barriers installed in recent decades.

Neighbouring cities are already struggling. Hallandale Beach, which is just a few miles north of Miami, had to close six of its eight wells due to saltwater intrusion.

What Does an Electric Actuated Ball Valve Do?

Before you start your quest to find the ideal electric actuated ball valve, you should know just what they do. These valves serve an array of industrial and commercial applications. In HVAC, they direct air flow in certain manufacturing operations. Even when they’re used to move water, electric actuated ball valves are technically listed as an HVAC component. The most common use in this regard is in industrial water chillers, which help cool any equipment that’s at risk of overheating.

In addition, electric actuated ball valves are ideal for situations that lack a compressed air supply, as well as applications where a solenoid valve is incompatible.

Electric Actuated Ball Valves Versus Other Ball Valves

When you’re trying to control air flow, you have an endless amount of options. Pneumatic, manual, hydraulic, and spring ball valves are all easy to find and work for most projects. The advantage of employing electric actuated ball valves is that they’re easily wired in parallel electric circuits, providing a plethora of benefits that keep your system running smoothly as long as power continuously runs to the valves. Other valves rely on other types of sources to work, and most often, they aren’t nearly as easy to control or access.

What are the Advantages of Electric Actuated Ball Valves?

In short, the advantages of electric actuated ball valves lie in their versatility. For example, these ball valves come in a variety of materials to suit the task at hand. Stainless steel, brass, and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) are three of the most popular materials for the valves, offering different price ranges and benefits. For example, stainless steel is more malleable than other substances, while PVC is an inexpensive alternative.

Electric actuated ball valves also come in two-way and three-way varieties. This helps streamline the automation process for your needs. Two-way varieties can accurately turn air flow on and off at the touch of a button, or as part of an automated unit. Three-way valves allow you to close air flow or change air flow in rapid succession for maximum efficiency.

When you need electric actuated ball valves for your business, you don’t want to take chances on units that lack quality or durability. That’s what makes Enolgas USA a solid choice. Since 2008, Enolgas USA has produced only the highest quality actuators and valves in the world. Don’t hesitate to contact them for your next purchase. It might be the best choice you make.

From June through November, hurricanes wreak havoc on homes throughout the country. These massive storms start in the south Atlantic and Caribbean and gain momentum as they approach Florida, the Gulf states, and up the east coast. While rain and wind are two of the defining factors of a hurricane that threaten your home, flooding is also a huge risk. Before a hurricane destroys your home, follow these tips to prevent flooding.

Build Flood Barriers

Depending on the height of your building and its clearance off the ground, you may want to think about installing flood barriers. Some of these fixtures are permanent, while others you can assemble in just a few hours. Flood skirts are one of the most popular permanent barriers. These fit around a home and deploy with the touch of a button, providing protection from floods without looking unsightly. If you don’t have permanent barriers, you can strategically place sandbags to prevent the floodwaters from rushing into your home.

Repair Your Foundation

Damage to your home’s foundation can degrade its structural integrity, which can cause your home to take on water during a flood. Water can permeate the foundation through even the tiniest cracks. Depending on the severity or number of cracks, you can either hire a professional to fix the cracks, or you can patch the cracks yourself. Patching the cracks on your own is less costly than hiring someone, but it might require a higher level of expertise. If the cracks aren’t repaired properly, water can still enter and cause lasting effects. The sooner you correct the cracks, the less severe the damage can get from flooding.

Install Gate Valves or Backflow Valves

During hurricane flooding, your sewer system can also back up. This is the worst possible scenario—not only do you have water in your home, but bacteria and fecal matter can create unsanitary conditions. Cleaning and repairs can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.

A superb solution to the sewer problem is to install gate valves or backflow valves. These act as a water security system, which prevents backups and keeps your home safe and clean.

Clean Your Gutters

Keeping your gutters clear is one of the most effective ways of preventing flood damage in your home. Gutters direct rainwater off the roof and to the ground away from the house’s foundation, which prevents buildup on the shingles and plywood that make up the roof. When hurricanes pour excessive rain on your home, this exacerbates the problem. Make certain to clear all the debris, twigs, and leaves out of your gutter prior to hurricanes to prevent damage.

Keeping your home safe from hurricane flooding isn’t always foolproof, but the more you know and the more cautious you are, the better chance you have to protect your investment. For an added layer of protection, keep up-to-date with the latest technology and water security systems at the Enolgas USA blog. With everything you learn, you can keep flooding damage to a minimum and have peace of mind. You can’t put a price on that.

What Are Valve Actuators?

To understand what an electric actuated valve is, you first need to understand the nature of valve actuators. A valve actuator is any device that employs a source of power to open or close a valve.

Often, that source of power is a human being. As in, a person must be present at the valve site to apply rotational force in order to open or close the valve. As you can imagine, this is often inconvenient and can cost precious time. For example, if there is an emergency within a plumbing system you may have to wait hours until a plumber can shut off the valve if you’re not familiar with how to do it.

Other valves are automatic. They may be operated by a variety of means, including electricity, hydraulics, air, or springs.

Advantages of Electric Actuated

The biggest advantage of electric actuated valves is they can be remotely operated. Therefore, if there is a plumbing emergency the valves can easily be shut off before a bad situation gets any worse.

Electric actuated valves are also energy efficient. Not only can they prevent excess water flow, thereby saving you money on your water bill, but the valves themselves do not consume a great deal of energy. According to Flow Control Network, which focuses on designing, maintaining, and operating fluid control systems, “It is often said that control valves wastefully expend energy, but this is not true. Modern control valve design and sizing methods allow for the use of pumps with smaller head pressures, resulting in less energy absorption via the pressure drop across a control valve.”

Electric actuated valves are often used in industrial settings, but they can be useful in any fluid management system.

Electric Actuated Valves as Part of a Water Security System

A water security system can prevent flooding, prevent water damage, and reduce water waste. Electric actuated valves can be an integral part of such a system. The valves may have sensors that detect when water flow is too high and automatically shut off. This monitoring capability does not consume a lot of energy and can be especially valuable when you are away from home for extended periods of time and aren’t around to notice if something is off with your water system.

You don’t have to be an expert to understand that electric actuated valves can benefit you and your home. If you would like to learn more about electric actuated valves and water security systems, contact Enolgas USA, Inc. today. The experts there will make recommendations for your home so you can take advantage of modern technology that will make your home more secure and more efficient.

Water Security Systems Prevent Flooding

A water security system uses technology to control water flow within pipes. If you have a plumbing malfunction, the water security system can kick in to stop the flow of water.

When a high-tech water security system from Enolgas detects uncontrolled water flow within a property, it shuts off the water and notifies you, the owner. The system includes motion and moisture sensors as well as a flow meter to keep tabs on how much water is flowing through a property.

Other, less advanced means to ensure water security are also available. Backwater valves and sump pumps can also prevent flooding on your property.

Water Security Systems Prevent Water Damage

Preventing uncontrolled water flow is so vital because flooding can wreak devastating damage on your home. If a burst pipe is left unattended for even a few hours, the resulting flow of water can cost you tens of thousands of dollars in damage. In fact, according to one study, homes are nearly ten times more likely to suffer from water damage as they are to suffer from fire damage.

Water Security Systems Control Utility Spending

A water security system can also help you save money on your monthly bills. In a recent year, the average water bill in Seattle was over $170. The average water bill in Atlanta was $150. In San Diego, the average was around $100. No matter where you live, your monthly water bill is likely an important part of your budget.

If you are spending more than your neighbors on water, the problem might be an unseen leak in your plumbing. A water security system can detect that above-average flow and shut off the water — helping you to save money. The sensors within the system might even help you find the leak. Some water security systems can integrate with your home’s security system and allow you to monitor water flow in your home in real time.

Choosing the Right Water Security System for Your Home

Shopping for a water security system requires that you weigh the pros and cons of each system available to you. The better the quality of the system, the more secure your home will be. Some systems will even automatically shut off water once a flow limit is reached; this could potentially make homes safer for older adults who live alone in homes without grab bars and other safety measures in their bathrooms. Do thorough research on water security systems before you settle on one so you can pick the system that best fits your needs.

If you want to learn more about water security systems and their benefits, contact Enolgas USA today. Our experts will be happy to help you.

• Real time usage data: no centralized monitoring of water usage has been a problem. There have also never been any public records of water usage. This proposal aims to make water usage public and accurate so that the levels of usage can be reduced.
• Improved water modeling: water modeling can help predict water shortages and surpluses. As a result supply and demand will be better matched.
• Desalination research hub: a comprehensive attempt to desalinate the water of the oceans can solve a lot of the water shortage problems. Currently the technology is harmful to the environment, expensive and not energy efficient. The desalination research hub can be used to improve the technology so that it is a viable option to provide water for all Americans.
• Raising water issues: a White House Water Summit will be held to raise awareness and speak about the issues that concern the water supply for Americans.

We have all seen droughts in Western USA and the problems that it inflicts locally. Since we can no longer rely on rainfall models that have filled up our reservoirs over the last few centuries, we hope that Obama’s $300 million proposal can go a long way to solve potential water supply problems. Clean water is an undeniable human right that in the 21^st century should not be in question – especially the powerhouse that is the USA.

Learn more and read the full article here.