AHR Expo 2019 New Product Round-up—Day 1
On Day 1 of the 2019 AHR Expo in Atlanta, we’ve provided some of the most interesting product introductions we’ve seen so far in the HVACR industry.
January 20, 2019
Magnetic dirt separators from Taco
Taco Comfort Solutions’ new 4900 Series magnetic dirt separator provides dual-action dirt separation for closed loop hydronic heating systems.
Both hydronic component lifecycle and efficiency are improved with the use of an effective dirt separation system. Taco’s 4900 Series magnetic dirt separator utilizes a 13,000 gauss magnet in addition to patented PALL ring technology.
The 4900 Series magnetic dirt separator separates microscopic particles including dirt and magnetite from hydronic fluid with minimal pressure loss. The unit is easily cleaned by opening a valve at the bottom of the vessel.
NFC combi-boilers from Navien
The new Navien NFC combi-boiler models come with a patented in-house designed and manufactured heat exchanger, Low Profile Burner for ease of service, advanced controls offering intuitive user navigation, a built-in DHW module (pump, flat plate heat exchanger, three-way valve, mixing valve, water adjustment valve and auto water fill valve), common venting capability up to eight units, cascading capability up to 16 units, and built-in hardware to connect up to three zone pumps without a need for additional external controllers.
Each NFC unit will ship with 16 accessories including a NaviClean magnetic filter, an isolation valve kit and an NFC primary loop manifold for easier installation.
NFB-C commercial fire tube boiler from Navien
Navien unveiled the new NFB-C commercial fire tube boiler. Shown in two sizes NFB-C-301 (299,900 BTU/H) and NFB-C-399 (399,900 BTU/H) the NFB-C uses the same patented stainless-steel fire tube technology from the NFB series released in 2018.
The commercial fire tube boiler features a 15:1 turndown ratio, 91.7% thermal efficiency, BACnet or LonWorks to BMS communication capability and top and bottom water piping connections.
Product Selection Software from Armstrong
Armstrong Fluid Technology’s ADEPT Select, a new online selection software for engineers and contractors around the world who need to size and select Armstrong solutions.
ADEPT Select includes the broad range of Armstrong solutions and services, and will improve the ease and accuracy of product selection.
ADEPT is compatible with hand held devices and offers an improved user interface that supports easy reordering of lines in a project. Import/export and templating capabilities will reduce or eliminate re-entry of project data for a better, faster user experience overall. ADEPT Select is available from the home page of the Armstrong Fluid Technology web site.
Intelligent In-Line Pump from Grundfos
The Grundfos TPE3 vertical In-line pump provides efficiency and a wide range of intelligent functionalities that makes it much more than a pump. With is integrated sensor, permanent magnet motor and variable frequency drive all manufactured by Grundfos, the TPE3 is a single source solution to a wide range of applications.
Grundfos’ Flow Limiting Function eliminates the need for a pump balancing valve and thereby reduces the pressure loss. This improves the overall performance of the system and reduces initial costs. Moreover, it features a built-in heat energy meter that can monitor heat energy distribution and consumption, preventing excessive energy bills caused by system imbalances.
Stainless steel fittings
Viega’s MegaPress technology now is available for stainless steel pipe up to 4”. MegaPress Stainless XL fittings for 2 1/2", 3” and 4” pipe now are available and join the current MegaPress Stainless offerings of 1/2", 3/4", 1”, 1 1/2" and 2” sizes to create a comprehensive lineup for a broad variety of applications, including maintenance and repair. Designed for iron pipe size (IPS) stainless steel, the new line of fittings makes secure connections in seconds, which helps keep a project on time or ahead of schedule, Viega adds. MegaPress fittings reduce installation time by up to 90% compared to traditional pipe-joining methods, the company states.
Branch connector tool kit
RIDGID’s Press-In branch connector tool kit quickly makes 3/4” branch connections on black steel pipe. Significantly faster when compared to traditional welding, it is ideal for adding gauges or 3/4" pipe in chilled water, compressed air, industrial gas and low-pressure steam system applications, the company notes. Plumbers, pipe fabricators and maintenance professionals working on 1 1/2" to 6” black steel pipe will not only save time but also eliminate fire risk and avoid the additional expense of a fire-safety watch, RIDGID points out. The kit includes an expander that fits all RIDGID standard press tools, including the RP 340, RP 330, RP 320 and Ct-400, and works with Viega Press-In branch adapter fittings. The kit also contains fitting positioning guides, an arbor shaft assembly, drill guide and vacuum adapters. Comes with a full RIDGID lifetime warranty.
Copper press adapters
Uponor North America’s ProPEX copper press adapters are available in sizes from 1/2" to 3”. Manufactured from high-quality, lead-free brass to meet all local and national potable-plumbing codes, the adapters reduce overall project timeline by an average of 71% (compared to sweat), don’t require new tools or processes and are backed by Uponor’s 25-year transferable limited warranty, the company notes. This new innovation is available now throughout the U.S. and Canada – and it’s the only copper press adapter available in 2½" and 3" sizes, Uponor points out. It also incorporates a patented design for securely fastening the pipe and fitting together, eliminating the need for a stainless-steel ring.
Condensing water heater
Bradford White’s Infiniti K Series tankless condensing water heater models are Energy Star qualified, meeting or exceeding requirements for Energy Star per the latest criteria revision, as well as most utility rebate programs. SRT (scale reduction technology) significantly reduces the incidence of scale buildup known to result in poor performance, additional maintenance and premature component or product failure. STEADISET technology virtually eliminates the cold-water sandwich without the need for an internal buffer tank and recirculation pump. A self-calibrating fan and gas valve are part of a simple combustion management system that uses self-calibrating sensors to automatically configure the air-fuel ratio for flue length, gas type and altitude without a combustion analyzer. Also features a segmented burner with a 22:1 turndown ratio.
Cordless pipe threader
Harnessing the power, performance and runtime delivered by its M18 FUEL technology, Milwaukee Tool has developed the industry’s first cordless pipe threader. The M18 FUEL Pipe Threader w/ ONE-KEY revolutionizes the pipe-threading process by delivering unprecedented control for the user, the company points out. With AUTOSTOP technology, which senses severe kickback and automatically shuts the tool off, a dedicated support arm to hold the tool stationary during threading, and an integrated die-head lock that enables side-grip thread starts, this new tool provides a threading experience that’s unmatched by corded, and eliminates the need for cheater bars, ropes, or pipe-wrench supports. Available in July.