Impact of 2020 Events in Building Design and Construction

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Sep 122021
 

From this Engineer’s perspective the following major events of 2020 have impacted the Architectural Engineering Community in many Ways:

  1. Covid 19 Pandemic
  2. The Global Warming impacts
  3. Infra Structure bills
  4. Impact of Technology – Communications, Retail, Office, ….

 

Covid 19 Pandemic Impact:

  • Force Majeure impacts on all contracts, leases, excusable delay clauses AIA A201 Section 8.3.1, Consensus Docs 200 Section 6.3, and, for federal contracts, at Section 52.249-14 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
  • Government and City Hall operations of processing documents
  • Delays or lack of materials due to shutdowns and transportations
  • Site, office, location safety protocols based on CDC guidelines
  • Possible legal challenges to employers for contracting the virus job sites, office, by employees, patrons, staff, …
  • Contractual impracticability/frustration of performance: Presence of unexpected events by key personnel such as Mandatory Quarantine
  • Additional steps in slowing down the work force due to added OSHA, Workplace Safety and Health Compliance
  • Subsequent similar restrictions on hundreds of other subcontractors, material suppliers, and project supply chain, where only one key element may slow, halt, or through timing make the project no longer viable
  • Additional insurance, indemnification, and mitigations
  • Possible suspension and termination of a member of the team and engagement of new team into the project.

 

The Global Warming Impact:

The discussion is not about selecting a green product or sustainability. The question is simply the Canadian architect and engineer were not designing the building to be in a 120 degrees environment. The New York City basements (and there are in thousands) were not designed to be in flood zone like in banks of Mississippi River.

 

Holland has reach environments not recorded in 700 years. The word “Century” (100 years) in the “Storm of the Century” no longer applies. The finishes and materials are now assumed to be designed as in Phoenix, regardless of locations. The adhesives, the mud, concrete, air conditioning designs and many more must be redesigned for any projects.

And of course, this Engineer prays for all new architectural roofs to be south facing and roofs with proper angle inclination for maximum solar sun use.

We are no longer in the past. Future design process must change for both very wet and very dry at the same time.

 

Infra Structure Act and Bill:

The $1.2 trillion is simply an extension of normal ~annual budget of $690 billion, only increase by $510 billion. This was purely for construction plus other components on power and communications. The construction sector will grow from 1.5% to 5.3%. This is a good shot in the arm for next 8 to 15 years. The $1.2 Trillion barely covers all the infra structures in the country that have received D and F grading from the American Society of Civil Engineers.

 

The next item is the normal budget bill $3.5 Trillion. Still debated. The additional budget of this year versus previous does contain construction sector increases. Of course, it does address the housing portion and other infra structures that will keep the Architects and Engineers busy.

 

Impact of Technology – Communications, Retail, Office, ….

 

There are nearly two to three packages per day/week in front of our doors. Fry’s Electronics closed, and Jeff Bezos can afford $5.5 billion dollars for a 4 to 11 minute outer space ride.

 

Retail spaces may exist only in a boutique format. Movie theaters are now on the palm of our hands, pop corns are delivered.  Help desk services of companies may never see the light at a regular office desk. Every minute of every employee can be statistically monitored, a restroom break a Amazon is exactly 8 minutes. Office cubicles were reduced from 200 to 100, to 56, and may be 40 square feet with four monitors.

 

All processing through city halls just transformed from slow to extremely slow due to electronic communications. City halls will return your calls in three to four business day at 8:00 am. Some Cities have the plans for nearly ten months for rehabilitation of an office damage by a car.

 

Office complexes may saturate very fast and the employees may increase their home in square footages by creating an office with very high STC walls/roofs/floors with locking doors cover to keep their kids and tails of their dogs and cats from appearing in a formal sales meetings with clients.

Technology is changing the Architectural Engineering Community.

 

 

Designers’ Beware…High Temperatures are here to stay….

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Jul 212021
 

Temperature has great impact on material selection, colors, adhesives, change of strength, bonding, longevity, aging, financial cost, life cycle, and sustainability.

 

Temperature discolors the product, the plasticity is lost and the product becomes brittle, and the life expectancy is sharply reduced. Manufactures generally trail the real changing facts, since retooling, innovations, modifications of their existing production line, marketing, or additional cost of goods are not conducive of profit making companies.

 

In LinkedIn, a short while ago I addressed this, yet the impact and response was not widely received.

The century averaging data is no longer valid. Like in Storm of the Century, the actual years is now more like 125 years and not 100 years. Canada (and I mean the Country North of United States) had 122 degrees F (50 degrees C) temperatures with 486 sudden deaths.

 

Other impacts are: air conditioning loads will increase, forest fire incidences will increase in acreage and frequency, more power consumption, lack of water to cool the power production systems, and finally power outages.

 

Politicians will scramble for additional lectures on news media podiums, yet, reality will sink onto the public.

 

As designers and specifiers of equipment and materials, specially for the exterior, the search must begin now for best possible solutions and designs for the clients.

 

It is never too late to start.

 

Dr. Nour

 

 

 

 

 

Compilation of ADA Accessibility Design Guidelines for AIA OC. April 22/June 22nd 2021

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Jun 272021
 

 

 

Dr. Saum K. Nour 6 27 2021 7                                21 2021

This is an updated version of ADA Accessibility lecture from past work with more of legal aspect and concerns.

I do touch on history and inception of ADA which it gives depth to the discussion at hand.

Currently, near 20% of country (near 60 million persons) require at least one form of accessibility, and with increase in life expectancy rate, this number continuously grows.

Of course, the video will not capture the entire text provided and 5 hours is far too short to cover a variety of accessibility requirements.

It is a good start.

 

Saum AIA Compilation of ADA Accessibility Guideline Part 1 April 22

The June 22 presentation was able to delve into part of the Accessibility topics such as Restrooms, Doors, and Accessibility Routes.

Saum Lecture AIA Compilation of ADA Accessibility Guideline Part 2 June 22

Examples of the errors and omissions on the Accessibility commonly seen in the field are provided.

Common ADA Errors Omissions

A California ADA Accessibility Check list is provided here. Please verify the current date and date of publication of the checklist.

ADA-Inspections Checklist- California

List of Legal Cases for all ADA concerns, not only accessibility are presented.

ADA Legal Cases

Intention was to provide you with the California Chapter 11B as well as with Department og Justice commentary.

Ca Chapter 11B

Ca Chapter 11B with Department of Justice Commentary

The AIA OC Youtube Channel is now online with Part 2.

 

Enjoy

Dr. Nour

 

Plastic Piping in Venting- Condensing Furnace/Water Heater Units – Presented to Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety Inspectors

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Jun 032021
 

6 2 2021

Dr. Saum K. Nour

This subject, of course like many others dealing with health and safety, has been forefront of my concerns in our industry.

Unfortunately, the cost of construction is the locomotive of most changes in the industry. Not health and safety.

Presentation below was given a while back in 2017, yet I updated and created brand new presentation. I want to thank articles by Ron George, were extremely helpful in packaging this presentation.

Basics of Plastic Piping

  1. Chemistry
  2. Organic vs inorganic
  3. Organic Chemistry: the chemistry of carbon compounds (other than simple salts such as carbonates, oxides, and carbides).
  4. Plastic: a synthetic material made from a wide range of organic polymers such as polyethylene, PVC, nylon, etc., that can be molded into shape while soft and then set into a rigid or slightly elastic form.

Common Poly (Many) + mer + s

Chemical Name Trade Name or
Common Name
polyethylene
poly(tetrafluoroethylene) Teflon
polypropylene Herculon
polyisobutylene butyl rubber
polystyrene
polyacrylonitrile Orlon
poly(vinyl chloride) PVC
poly(methyl acrylate)
poly(methyl methacrylate) Plexiglas, Lucite
polybutadiene
polychloroprene neoprene
poly(cis-1,4-isoprene) natural rubber
poly(trans-1,4-isoprene) gutta percha

 

 

 

 

Section 509.0 of the Uniform Plumbing Code with a brief detour on vented appliance categories I, II, III, and IV.

CPC 2019

509.0 Venting of Appliances

509.1 Listing

Type B and Type B-W gas vents shall comply with UL 441, and Type L gas vents shall comply with UL 641.

509.1.1 Installation

Listed vents shall be installed in accordance with Section 509.0 and the manufacturer’s installation instructions. [NFPA 54:12.2.1]

509.1.2 Prohibited Discharge

Appliance vents shall not discharge into a space enclosed by screens having openings less than 1/4 of an inch (6.4 mm) mesh.

509.2 Connection to Venting Systems

Except as permitted in Section 509.2.1 through Section 509.2.7, all appliances shall be connected to venting systems. [NFPA 54:12.3.1]

509.2.1 Appliances Not Required to Be Vented

The following appliances shall not be required to be vented:

A single listed booster-type (automatic instantaneous) water heater, when designed and used solely for the sanitizing rinse requirements of a dishwashing machine, provided that the appliance is installed with the draft hood in place and unaltered, if a draft hood is required, in a commercial kitchen having a mechanical exhaust system. Where installed in this manner, the draft hood outlet shall not be less than 36 inches (914 mm) vertically and 6 inches (152 mm) horizontally from any surface other than the appliance. [NFPA 54:12.3.2(5)]

Other appliances listed for unvented use and not provided with flue collars. [NFPA 54:12.3.2(10)]

509.2.2 Maximum Input Rating

Where any or all of the appliances in Section 509.2.1(1) and Section 509.2.1(2) are installed so the aggregate input rating exceeds 20 (Btu/h)/ft3 (207 W/m3) of room or space in which it is installed, one or more shall be provided with venting systems or other approved means for conveying the vent gases to the outdoors so that the aggregate input rating of the remaining unvented appliance does not exceed 20 (Btu/h)/ft3 (207 W/m3). [NFPA 54:12.3.2.1]

509.2.3 Adjacent Room or Space

Where the calculation includes the volume of an adjacent room or space, the room or space in which the appliances are installed shall be directly connected to the adjacent room or space by a doorway, archway, or other opening of comparable size that cannot be closed. [NFPA 54:12.3.2.2]

509.2.4 Ventilating Hoods

Ventilating hoods and exhaust systems shall be permitted to be used to vent appliances installed in commercial applications and to vent industrial appliances, particularly where the process itself requires fume disposal. [NFPA 54:12.3.3]

509.2.5 Well-Ventilated Spaces

The operation of industrial appliances such that its flue gases are discharged directly into a large and well-ventilated space shall be permitted. [NFPA 54:12.3.4]

509.2.6 Direct-Vent Appliances

Listed direct-vent appliances shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions and Section 509.8.2. [NFPA 54:12.3.5]

509.2.7 Appliances With Integral Vents

Appliances incorporating integral venting means shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions, Section 509.8 and Section 509.8.1. [NFPA 54:12.3.6]

509.3 Design and Construction

Venting systems shall be designed and constructed to convey flue, vent, or both gases to the outdoors. [NFPA 54:12.1]

509.3.1 Appliance Draft Requirements

A venting system shall satisfy the draft requirements of the appliance in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. [NFPA 54:12.4.1]

509.3.2 Appliance Venting Requirements

Appliances required to be vented shall be connected to a venting system designed and installed in accordance with the provisions of Section 509.4 through Section 509.15. [NFPA 54:12.4.2]

509.3.3 Mechanical Draft Systems

Mechanical draft systems shall be listed and installed in accordance with both the appliance and the mechanical draft system manufacturer’s installation instructions. [NFPA 54:12.4.3.1]

509.3.3.1 Venting

Appliances requiring venting shall be permitted to be vented by means of mechanical draft systems of either forced or induced draft design. [NFPA 54:12.4.3.2]

509.3.3.2 Leakage

Forced draft systems and portions of induced draft systems under positive pressure during operation shall be designed and installed so as to prevent leakage of flue or vent gases into a building. [NFPA 54:12.4.3.3]

509.3.3.3 Vent Connectors

Vent connectors serving appliances vented by natural draft shall not be connected into any portion of mechanical draft systems operating under positive pressure. [NFPA 54:12.4.3.4]

509.3.3.4 Operation

Where a mechanical draft system is employed, provision shall be made to prevent the flow of gas to the main burners where the draft system is not performing so as to satisfy the operating requirements of the appliance for safe performance. [NFPA 54:12.4.3.5]

509.3.3.5 Exit Terminals

The exit terminals of mechanical draft systems shall be not less than 7 feet (2134 mm) above finished ground level where located adjacent to public walkways and shall be located as specified in Section 509.8 and Section 509.8.1 of this code. [NFPA 54:12.4.3.6]

509.3.4 Ventilating Hoods and Exhaust Systems

Ventilating hoods and exhaust systems shall be permitted to be used to vent appliances installed in commercial applications. [NFPA 54:12.4.4.1]

509.3.4.1 Automatically Operated Appliances

Where automatically operated appliances, other than commercial cooking appliances, are vented through a ventilating hood or exhaust system equipped with a damper or with a power means of exhaust, provisions shall be made to allow the flow of gas to the main burners where the damper is open to a position to properly vent the appliance and where the power means of exhaust is in operation. [NFPA 54:12.4.4.2]

509.3.5 Circulating Air Ducts and Furnace Plenums

Venting systems shall not extend into or pass through a fabricated air duct or furnace plenum. [NFPA 54:12.4.5.1]

509.3.6 Above-Ceiling or Nonducted Air Handling System

Where a venting system passes through an above-ceiling air space or other nonducted portion of an air-handling system, it shall conform to one of the following requirements:

The venting system shall be a listed special gas vent, other system serving a Category III or Category IV appliance, or other positive pressure vent, with joints sealed in accordance with the appliance or vent manufacturer’s instructions.

The vent system shall be installed such that no fittings or joints between sections are installed in the above-ceiling space.

The venting system shall be installed in a conduit or enclosure with joints between the interior of the enclosure and the ceiling space sealed. [NFPA 54:12.4.5.2]

509.4 Type of Venting System to Be Used

The type of venting system to be used shall be in accordance with Table 509.4. [NFPA 54:12.5.1]

VENTED APPLIANCE CATEGORIES. Appliances that are categorized for the purpose of vent selection are classified into the following four categories:


Category I. An appliance that operates with a nonpositive vent static pressure and with a vent gas temperature that avoids excessive condensate production in the vent.                       No condensation. Negative air

 

Category II. An appliance that operates with a nonpositive vent static pressure and with a vent gas temperature that is capable of causing excessive condensate production in the vent.

 This Category does not have any equipment listed.

Category III. An appliance that operates with a positive vent static pressure and with a vent gas temperature that avoids excessive condensate production in the vent.

Fan pushes the air…. Pipes are positive

Category IV. An appliance that operates with a positive vent static pressure and with a vent gas temperature that is capable of causing excessive condensate production in the vent.

Positive pressure. Condensation.

Back to Plumbing Code…

CPVC is used for higher operating temperatures than PVC. Be sure to follow manufacturer instructions to ensure quality sealed joints.

 

TABLE 509.4 TYPE OF VENTING SYSTEM TO BE USED [NFPA 54: TABLE 12.5.1]
APPLIANCES TYPE OF VENTING SYSTEM LOCATION OF REQUIREMENTS
Listed Category I appliances Type B gas vent Section 509.6
Listed appliances equipped with draft hood Chimney Section 509.5
Appliances listed for use with Type B gas vent Single-wall metal pipe Section 509.7
Listed chimney lining system for gas venting Section 509.5.3
Special gas vent listed for appliances Section 509.4.3
Listed vented wall furnaces Type B-W gas vent Section 509.6(2),
Section 509.6.1.2
Category II appliances As specified or furnished by manufacturers of listed appliances Section 509.4.1 and Section509.4.3
Category III appliances
Category IV appliances
Appliances that can be converted to use solid fuel Chimney Section 509.5
Unlisted combination gas- and oil-burning appliances
Combination gas- and solid-fuel-burning appliances
Appliance listed for use with chimneys only
Unlisted appliances
Listed combination gas- and oil-burning appliances Type L Venting Section 509.6
Chimney Section 509.5
Decorative appliances in vented fireplace Chimney UMC Section 911.2
Gas-fired toilets Single-wall metal pipe Section 509.7
Direct-vent appliances Section 509.2.6
Appliances with integral vents  – Section 509.2.7

 

509.4.1 Plastic Piping

Where plastic piping is used to vent an appliance, the appliance shall be listed for use with such venting materials and the appliance manufacturer’s installation instruction shall identify the specific plastic piping material. [NFPA 54:12.5.2]

 

509.4.2 Plastic Vent Joints

Plastic pipe and fittings used to vent appliances shall be installed in accordance with the appliance manufacturer’s installation instructions. Where primer is required, it shall be of a contrasting color. [NFPA 54:12.5.3]

 

509.4.3 Special Gas Vents

Special gas vents shall be listed and installed in accordance with the special gas vent manufacturer’s installation instructions. [NFPA 54:12.5.4]

Operating Temperatures are Key

Whether your furnace is vented with metal or plastic depends on its operating temperature, which is related to the fuel being used. For example, wood and oil burn at very high temperatures, with flames reaching roughly 1100°F and the flue gas temperature (chimney temperature) ranging from 400° to 900° F when burning wood and between 350° and 500° F when burning oil.

Gas burns at different temperatures depending on the type of furnace and its efficiency. An older furnace that runs between 65 and 82% efficiency burns between 275° and 350° F. That’s lower than wood or oil, but still hot enough to require metal venting.

Newer, higher efficiency furnaces, run much cooler. A furnace running at 90 to 98% efficiency burns at only 85° to 150° F. When these furnaces burn gas, they form a liquid and mild acid condensate (so they are called condensing furnaces). Not only do these high-efficiency models not need a metal vent due to their low burning temperature, but a metal flue would actually rust over time due to the mild acid that’s formed. As a result, the vent of a high-efficiency furnace needs to be corrosion resistant and liquid tight. Plastic — typically PVC or CPVC — is perfect. It would be possible to use high-quality stainless steel, however, that’s very expensive, so it is rarely used.

 

 

Types of Venting

A conventional brick or metal chimney relies on the buoyancy of the warm flue gasses to move the gasses up and out. Because the warm air rising only works if it can rise, it needs a vertical vent. This type of chimney is sometimes called “natural venting” or “gravity venting.”

By contrast, new furnaces have an electric-powered blower that pushes the flue gasses out. These go by several names — draft fan, draft blower, draft inducer, or inducer blower. The blower makes it possible to vent out the side of a house — sidewall venting or horizontal venting.

One advantage to the old-style venting system is that multiple appliances can be combined on the same vent. So, the water heater can be vented with the furnace, for example. In some cases, there could be three or four appliances using the same vent, as long as they all work with natural venting. The new PVC venting systems have to follow strict code and manufacturer guidelines and cannot be used for multiple appliances; each has to have its own vent.

An Easy Way to Know Your Furnace’s Efficiency

Whether you have a metal or plastic vent is a simple way to determine the efficiency of your current furnace. If it’s metal, you know you’re running in that 65-80% range. If that’s the case, it may be time to consider replacing your system with a new, more efficient unit. There are many options available, and over a short period of time, you can recoup the cost of a new system with the energy savings you’ll get in exchange.

Of course, if you’ve got a plastic vent, you can rest assured that your furnace is running in that high-efficiency range of 90% or more. Congratulations!

Baseline Temperature/Upper Limit

Standardized reference points for all published PVC dimensions usually apply to a temperature of 73 degrees F. Colder temperatures typically do not affect PVC piping’s strength, but as PVC piping gets warmer, it becomes more pliable and less able to hold pressurized fluid. The precise upper temperature limit can vary slightly depending on the exact specifications of the PVC pipe. However, generally speaking, the upper limit of PVC pipes is 140 degrees F; beyond that temperature, the PVC piping is at risk of losing its structural integrity.

Temperature Effect on PVC Dimensions

Temperature changes can cause slight variations of the dimensions of PVC piping, most notably in the length of the pipe. Generally speaking, you can expect a change of approximately 3/8-inch in length per every 100 feet of piping for every 10 degree F temperature change; this rule is typical of all PVC piping regardless of diameter. This phenomenon occurs both with increases in temperature, from the baseline temperature, and with decreases in temperature.

 

 

Temperature Effect on Pressure Capacity

The pressure capacity of the PVC diminishes from the baseline of 73 degrees as the temperature increases. To determine the diminished pressure capacity, you should use the following numbers: at 80 degrees, multiply the baseline pressure by .88, at 90 by .75, 100 by .62, 110 by .52, 120 by .40, 130 by .30, and 140 by .22. For example, if the PVC pipe has a baseline pressure capacity of 400 PSI at 73 degrees Fahrenheit, then the pressure at 110 degrees would be produced using the formula 400 x .50 = 200; your new pressure capacity is 200 PSI. Decreasing temperatures do not adversely affect the baseline pressure capacity of the pipes; for temperatures below 73 degrees F, you should refer to the published baseline pressure capacity.

Temperature Effect on Pipe Stiffness

The pressure capacity of the PVC diminishes from the baseline of 73 degrees as the temperature increases. To determine the diminished pressure capacity, you should use the following numbers: at 80 degrees, multiply the baseline pressure by .88, at 90 by .75, 100 by .62, 110 by .52, 120 by .40, 130 by .30, and 140 by .22. For example, if the PVC pipe has a baseline pressure capacity of 400 PSI at 73 degrees Fahrenheit, then the pressure at 110 degrees would be produced using the formula 400 x .50 = 200; your new pressure capacity is 200 PSI. Decreasing temperatures do not adversely affect the baseline pressure capacity of the pipes. For temperatures below 73 degrees F, you should refer to the published baseline pressure capacity.

 

Pressure ratings of PVC Fitting Schedule 40 and PVC Fittings Schedule 80.
Nominal Pipe
Size (Inches)
Sch 40 Max. Pipe
Working Pressure PSI
Sch 80 Max. Pipe
Working Pressure PSI
1/8″ 810
1/4″ 780
3/8″ 620
1/2″ 600 509
3/4″ 480 413
1″ 450 378
1-1/4″ 370 312
1-1/2″ 330 282
2″ 280 243
2-1/2″ 300 255
3″ 260 225
3-1/2″ 240
4″ 220 194
5″ 190 173
6″ 180 167
8″ 160 148
10″ 140 140
12″ 130 137
14″ 130
16″ 130

 

 

 

 

 

Pressure derating of the fittings that results when the operational temperature of the pipe or fittings changes.

 

 

Operating
Temp (°F)
De-Rating
Factor
73 1.00
80 0.88
90 0.75
100 0.62
110 0.51
120 0.40
130 0.31
140 0.22

 

Plastic Pipe Material Operating Temperature
With Pressure Without Pressure
(oF) (oC) (oF) oC)
ABS – Acrylonitrilebutadiene Styrene 100 38 180 82
PE – Polyethylene 100 38 180 82
PVC – Polyvinylchloride 100 38 140 60
CPVC – Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride 180 82 180 82
PB – Polybutylene 180 82 200 93
PP – Polypropylene 100 38 180 82
SR – Styrene Rubber Plastic 150 66

Maximum Short Time Operating Temperature

– for pipes without pressure.

  • PVC : 95 oC-203 F
  • PP : 100 oC- 212 F
  • PE : 95 oC

 

Heat Distortion Temperature

– is the temperature where a test piece of a material placed in a heat medium with a bending load (18.6 kg/cm2) applied – reaches a specified deflection.

  • ABS: 104 – 106 oC  2192F
  • PVC: 54 – 80 oC 129.2-176 F
  • HDPE: 43 – 49 oC
  • LDPE: 32 – 41 oC
  • PP: 57 – 64 oC

 

Vicat Softening Temperature

– is the temperature where a needle shaped penetrator sinks into a test piece a specified depth when a specified vertical load (1 kg) is applied.

  • ABS: 102.3 oC
  • PVC: 92 oC
  • PE: 127.3 oC
  • PP: 152.2 oC

One of the critical concerns of my use of plastics within building structures is the following graph, release of toxic fumes within building when released in he building.

 

Polymer + Heat -> Thermal Decomposition Products Decomposition Products + Oxygenated Radicals-> Combustion Products + Heat

 

The maximum operating temperature for PVC pressure pipe is 140°F.

PVC pipe and conduit becomes stiffer with decreasing temperature and more flexible with   increasing temperature. As with dimensions and pressure    capacity, published pipe stiffness figures are applicable only for 73°F operating temperatures.

On a practical level, heating PVC pipe can cause distortion. With a melting point of about 176 degrees Fahrenheit, PVC pipes may bend as the material approaches this temperature. Active PVC pipes should never be heated beyond 158 degrees.

PVC is resistant to ignition. The temperature required to ignite rigid PVC is more than 150 C (302 F) higher than that required to ignite wood.

 

Aging of plastic through time or heat: Plastic undergoes through process where Thermoplast becomes Thermoset.

 

Water Heater Structure- Note flue piping specified

Following are from Ron George Article:

As stated in the International Code Council’s International Fuel Gas Code 503.4.1.1:
Plastic pipe and fittings used to vent appliances shall be installed in accordance with the appliance manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Furthermore, several of the ASTM standards applicable to PVC plastic pipe and fittings that this company manufactures their pipe to include the following note: This standard specification for PVC pipe does not include requirements for pipe and fittings intended to be used to vent combustion gases.

There is no standard referenced in any of the codes in the United States for a plastic flue vent for combustion flue gas piping, although many water heater and boiler manufacturers recommend this.

There is a Canadian standard, ULC S636, but that standard has several flaws in that it allows flue gas temperatures that exceed the temperature limits of the pipe material manufacturers.

The maximum temperatures listed in the ABS, PVC and CPVC pipe manufacturers’ technical literature are shown in the following table. Any temperatures above the rated temperature will allow the pipe to melt, sag and, possibly, collapse or pull apart. There are serious consequences with carbon monoxide asphyxiation and fire that cannot be ignored.

Generally, for a new condensing water heater or boiler, the stack temperature will be about 20 degrees higher than the water temperature. The design and efficiency of the unit, along with several other factors, including water quality, will affect the stack temperature. If a water heater is set to store water at 140 F to minimize Legionella bacteria growth, the flue gas temperature will be about 160 F when the heater is new.

As scale builds up and the heater efficiency falls off, the flue gas temperatures can easily increase to over 350 degrees F. Even if someone had their water heater set at 120 F, with scaling, the flue gas temperatures can rise well above 300 F. Boiler thermostats or burner controls are generally limited to 200 F, commercial water heater thermostats or burner controls to 180 F and residential water heater burner controls to 160 F, and all can overshoot by several degrees. As scale builds up on the heating surfaces, the scale insulates the flue gases from the hot water in the system, causing the flue gas temperatures to increase.

Some boiler and water heater manufacturers offer stack or flue gas temperature gauges as a way to see whether the unit is scaling up and losing efficiency, which is helpful for monitoring the flue condition. A temperature sensor or probe with a high-limit control could be inserted into the flue at the flue connection to the boiler or water heater.

This control would shut off the burner if the flue gas temperature exceeds the temperature rating of the flue pipe.

A standard will be needed for plastic flue pipes that should include a temperature gauge and a high limit probe. Then PVC, CPVC and polypropylene flue gas piping can be safely used on high efficiency boilers and water heaters. This would be an answer to the dilemma of cost versus safety

Without a standard for proper use of these safety devices in combination with plastic flue gas piping or without the use of stainless steel flues, plastic flue materials can melt as flue gas temperatures rise. Not only is energy lost when this happens but flues can become blocked or disconnected, which can be a carbon monoxide or a fire danger.

A family of four died in Aspen, Colorado, in 2008, of carbon monoxide poisoning from the failure of PVC plastic flue pipes on a condensing snow melting boiler system in a rental property. The plastic pipe manufacturer was not at fault, because they had published limitations on the use of their piping, and they had not recommended PVC piping for that application. The boiler manufacturer that recommended using PVC pipe as flue material was a target of the liability claim by surviving family members.

The Canadian standard, ULC S636, covers the design, construction and performance of gas venting systems intended for negative or positive pressure venting of gas-fired appliances producing flue gases having temperatures under the following:

  1. Class I venting systems are suitable for gas-fired appliances producing flue gas temperatures of more than 135 C (275 F) but not more than 245 C (473 F);
  2. Class II venting systems are suitable for gas-fired appliances producing flue gas temperatures of 135 C (275 F) or less;
  3. Class II venting systems are further classified into four temperature ratings as follows:
    (A) Up to and including 65 C (149 F)

This temperature limit was intended to allow the use of PVC pipe for use as a flue gas material. The temperature limit for PVC pipe is 140 F, and the allowable temperature in the ULC S636 standard exceeds the temperature limits set by PVC pipe manufacturers.

(B) Up to and including 90 C (190 F)

This temperature limit was intended to allow the use of CPVC pipe for use as a flue gas material. The temperature in the pipe manufacturer technical data is 180 F. The ULC S636 standard allows the material to exceed the limit for CPVC piping by 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

(C) Up to and including 110 C (230 F)

This temperature limit was intended to allow the use of Polypropylene (PP) pipe for use as a flue gas material. There is currently one manufacturer listed to this standard, but the potential for the flue gases to exceed the 230 F is still there. A high-limit switch to shut off the boiler or water heater would be advisable.

(D) Up to and including 135 C (275 F)

I am not aware of any plastic pipe manufacturers that meet this sub-section of the standard. The potential for the flue gas temperatures to exceed the 230 F is still there. A high-limit switch to shut off the boiler or water heater would be advisable.

The final Irony: PVC manufacturer does not want to take the liability of use of their plastic piping in the venting…….

One of the PVC piping manufacturer’s technical manuals has the following information:
Using Plastics for Combustion Gas Venting
The piping manufacturer recommends that inquiries about the suitability of plastic piping systems for venting combustion gasses should be directed to the manufacturer of the water or space heating equipment being installed.
As stated in the International Code Council’s International Fuel Gas Code 503.4.1.1:
Plastic Pipe and fittings used to vent appliances shall be installed in accordance with the appliance manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Furthermore, several of the ASTM standards applicable to PVC plastic pipe and fittings that this manufacturer, manufacture’s their pipe to include the following note:
This standard specification for PVC pipe does not include requirements for pipe and fittings intended to be used to vent combustion gases.

 

 

Impact of Covid 19 in Building design and Management- AIA OC. Dec. 8th & 10th 2020

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Jun 032021
 

This two part series Lectures were presented and recorded (see YouTube) Links below.

Part 1:

Basics Covid 19 and understanding of how to tackle the problem.

Multi-part solution were: Increase outside air, UVC lighting, BiPolar Ionization, Humidity Control, and the Merv 13 filtration.

Note that HEPA filters are not practical and not necessarily functional. HEPA filters leak 0.3 micron particulates with very high static pressure plus very thick and will not fit in ordinary HVAC existing systems. Given Merv 13 is currently code, the BiPolar Ionization simply coagulates the particulates to be captured by the Merv 13.

Of course, UVC lights will alter the genetics of the pathogens, and by increasing the outside air (dilution effect), and frequent filter exchange, the system will respond to the Covid Virus.

Of course, it is prudent to isolate, ideally every room, into an independent zone with no cross contamination of the return air.

Please review the article document and go through Part 1 of the video.

Part 2:

CDC guidelines, best management practice, and review of multiple Covid 19 spread cases are presented in this segment.

A good set of historical analysis pursued by the Chinese, Korean, and some of the incidences in U.S.A. are fully examined. CDC guidelines are reviewed for full occupation of the building.

Very illuminating and rather alarming incidences intrude into one’s thinking of better indoor design of the buildings.

Full compartmentalization of the flow of the occupants, absolute minimum outside patrons entering to the building. All deliveries are to an outside independent structures, high cleanable finishes,  many exterior  openable windows, with full signage will be the future of he building design.

Please review the article document and go through Part 2 of the video.

 

Article for your download:

Saum Nour AIA OC Impact of Covid om Building Design and Management. December 2020

 

The two recordings from the AIA OC Channel:

AIA OC        Part 1: Basics of Covid, Physics of Covid, HVAC and solution

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H39y8UrHO24

Part 2: Contact Tracing, Outbreak Studies within building interiors

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hR-HOzbG0s

 

 

Theory of Impact of Covid 19 in Indoor Ventilation Design

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Jun 032021
 

April 23rd, 2021

Dr. Saum K. Nour

This was Presented at the ASHRAE Spring Conference April 23rd, 2021, southern California Chapter through Zoom.

As first panelist to speak on theory and basics of Covid 19 virus for Indoor Ventilation Design, I relied on all historical challenges that the scientists, and engineers were to tackle the past pandemics.

  Most Notable Pandemics
No. Pandemic Name Date Description  
1 Prehistoric epidemic Circa 3000 B.C. Hamin Manga- China. All ages  
2 Plague of Athens. 430 B.C 5 years with ~100,000 Died  
3 Antonine Plague A.D. 165-180 Spread by Roman Soldiers 5 million people  
4 Plague of Cyprian A.D. 250-271 Cyprian, name of bishop of Carthage (Tunisia). Many dies, 5000 in one day in Rome (Population ~1,000,000)  
5 Plague of Justinian A.D. 541-542 10% population of world died.  
6 The Black Death 1346-1353 Asia to Europe. 50% of Europe population  
7 Cocoliztli epidemic 1545-1548  Mexico and Central America 15 million died  
8 American Plagues 16th century Colonist transferred. 90% of indigenous died.  
9 Great Plague of London 1665-1666 London, ~100,000 died (15% of London)
Then London Fire 1666.
The Architecture of City was altered
 
10 Great Plague of Marseille 1720-1723 Three years, 30% of population of Marseille  
11 Russian plague  1770-1772 100,000 died.
Riots over quarantine.
Then Many died during the riots/insurrections
 
12 Philadelphia yellow fever epidemic 1793 5000 died  
13 Flu pandemic  1889-1890 Paris. 1 million  
14 American polio epidemic 1916 6000 Americans  
15 Spanish Flu   1918-1920 500 million died south sea to north pole  
16 Asian Flu 1957-1958  China. 1 million lives  
17 AIDS pandemic and epidemic 1981-present day 35 million across world   40 million living with HIV  
18 H1N1 Swine Flu pandemic 2009-2010 Mexico young/adults 151700 to 575400 killed  
19 West African (Liberia) Ebola epidemic  2014-2016 11325 died   
20 Zika Virus epidemic 2015-present day  South America and Central America  

 

Recent Memories of Diseases or outbreaks:

HIV infections, SARS, Lyme disease, Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli), hantavirus, dengue fever, West Nile virus, and the Zika virus.

Re-emerging diseases:

malaria, tuberculosis, cholera, pertussis, influenza, pneumococcal disease, and gonorrhea.

All restroom sensors driven fixtures were pushed through recent pandemics.

Also, in history:

Paris: Haussmann’s renovation of Paris was a vast public works program commissioned by Emperor Napoléon III and directed by his prefect of SeineGeorges-Eugène Haussmann, between 1853 and 1870. It included the demolition of medieval neighborhoods that were deemed overcrowded and unhealthy by officials at the time; the building of wide avenues; new parks and squares; the annexation of the suburbs surrounding Paris; and the construction of new sewers, fountains and aqueducts. Haussmann’s work was met with fierce opposition, and he was finally dismissed by Napoleon III in 1870; but work on his projects continued until 1927. The street plan and distinctive appearance of the center of Paris today are largely the result of Haussmann’s renovation.

London: The Broad Street cholera outbreak (or Golden Square outbreak) was a  Severe outbreak of cholera that occurred in 1854 near Broad Street (now Broadwick Street) in the Soho district of the City of WestminsterLondonEngland, and occurred during the 1846–1860 cholera pandemic happening worldwide. This outbreak, which killed 616 people, is best known for the physician John Snow‘s study of its causes and his hypothesis that germ-contaminated water was the source of cholera, rather than particles in the air (referred to as “miasma“).[1][2] This discovery came to influence public health and the construction of improved sanitation facilities beginning in the mid-19th century. Later, the term “focus of infection” started to be used to describe sites, such as the Broad Street pump, in which conditions are good for transmission of an infection. Snow’s endeavor to find the cause of the transmission of cholera caused him to unknowingly create a double-blind experiment.

New York City in the late 1800s faced grim, cramped living conditions in tenement housing that once dominated the Lower East Side. During the 19th century, immigration steadily increased, causing New York City’s population to double every decade from 1800 to 1880.

Walls were erected to create extra rooms, floors were added, and housing spread into backyard areas. To keep up with the population increase, construction was done hastily, and corners were cut. Tenement buildings were constructed with cheap materials, had little or no indoor plumbing and lacked proper ventilation. These cramped and often unsafe quarters left many vulnerable to rapidly spreading illnesses and disasters like fires.

By 1900, more than 80,000 tenements had been built and housed 2.3 million people, two-thirds of the total city population.

Purpose or thesis of the topic:

A New Normal has to be defined, once everyone is vaccinated or reach “Herd Immunity” ~80-85% of population. However, building indoor environment must be ready to accept the population.  We are not done.

Unfortunately:

There is not a unified, uniform, method at this time.

CDC under Implement Engineering Controls mandates:

Design and install engineering controls to reduce or eliminate exposures …. Examples of engineering controls include:

  • physical barriers or partitions to guide patients through triage areas
  • curtains between patients personnel in shared areas

air-handling systems (with appropriate directionality, filtration, exchange rate, etc.) that are properly installed and maintained.

Engineer’s Mission Statement

Engineers must create new design and new thinking process for indoor environmental safety of occupants. Engineers’ design must provide confidence for general public to go back to their daily life..

This will be today and tomorrows’ Engineer’s task.

What does the battle look like?

https://www.facebook.com/What.If.science/videos/what-happens-in-your-body-if-you-caught-the-coronavirus/623759241800631/

  • Virus leaches to existing living cells of body, kills and multiples.
  • Covid 19- A 0.12-micron Novel virus (Unknown) identified in 2019.
  • A very highly efficient respiratory infectious virus.

                        116 days

  • UK Strand now is the predominant version. Higher efficacy of infection. 3x
  • South African is even higher. 7x
  • Now US has their own brand as well.
  • How long is the Vaccine good for min 6 months?
  • 75% Vaccines are for 14% countries.
  • Till world is secure we are not.
  • Still near 100,000 daily cases. 4 22 2021

Please read the entire manuscript attached below.

http://greenerade.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Saum-Nour-ASHRAE-Spring-conference-Spring-2021on-Covid-19.pdf

 

Impact of Covid 19 in Building Design- Part 1

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May 112020
 

Dr. “Saum” K. Nour, PE, Ph.D.

5-11-2020

In the very past seven days, number of my client have either requested to campus wide modification of their HVAC units to isolate and reduce the Covid 19 like virus in their buildings. In addition, the short article in the Linkedin has created a number of phone conversations and  request for a more broader article. Unfortunately, some have used this unfortunate incident for products portraying themselves as a Covid 19 solutions are now spreading on the engineering product advertising. The author requests for all readers to utilize this article as an inception, and expand, critique, modify, and elaborate further for their circumstances and their buildings. And in this collaborative environment, we can safe many future lives and create a safe working/living environments for our greater communities. As we know, at least for now, all of 7.783 billion persons use this the address to reside, namely, Earth. Let us help residence of this address.

Prior to initiate the theme of the topic, one must fully understand, the virus, its transmission, and prevention. The following data will not make us a biologist, yet enough for us to understand selection of the devices or materials in our endeavor. CDC has quite number of articles and under category of Reduce Facility Risk or Implement Engineering Control, many of the topics here are discussed at length.

CDC under Implement Engineering Controls mandates:

Design and install engineering controls to reduce or eliminate exposures by shielding HCP and other patients from infected individuals. Examples of engineering controls include:

  • physical barriers or partitions to guide patients through triage areas
  • curtains between patients in shared areas
  • air-handling systems (with appropriate directionality, filtration, exchange rate, etc.) that are properly installed and maintained

Historically, there are examples of similar pandemic but nothing of this magnitude since 1918. AIDS, SARS, H2N2 (influenza A Virus), Hong Kong Flu, third cholera pandemic, or similar incidences did not have the speed of spread, contagiousness, level of hospitalization, effect on economy, or similar factors of Covid 19 Virus. American Society of Heating Refrigation Engineers has a position paper on Covid 19 and describes the ASHRAE mandates of HVAC guidelines for prevention and transmission of viruses.

At this time based on www.worldodometer.info, there are 7.7832 billion people on earth, 4.2074 million Covid 19 cases in the world with 284,335 dead individuals. Right now, the United States, with 330,731,676 population (4.25% of the world) has 1,367,963 persons (34% of world) infected of Covid 19 and 80,787 deaths (28.41% of the world). Daily addition of death count is equivalent to Katrina, near 1800 persons, or in other words, United States has one Katrina occurring every day.

This disproportionate rate of cases near 33% of the world  yet only having 4.25% of world population is alarming. Till the “herd infection” of the entire world and say 1.5% of the world death (over 11 million person), or an effective vaccine, the current mood the of the social behavior is to stay. Fastest vaccine introduced was a four year process.

Therefore, a force major process may be taken into place, otherwise, last economic depression will seem to be a mild recession in the upcoming future. One may wear a mask and fully geared Personal Protection Equipment to go for an accounting or telemarketing job. Once in the building, the building may not be a hospital setting with infectious disease ward, but it must have all the environment to protect the regular full time essential employees. Most likely, transients, patrons to office will be modified to online services, and non-essential workers (sales force or similar) will never report to office. Our phones will have more capabilities and fiber optics services will carry the highest 5G capabilities to insure an smooth operations.

Before identifying the new design of the work environment, one must understand the Covid 19 virus (0.12 micron), its behavior, transmission, or biological impacts. Note 19 was for the year 2019, the year of discovery or introduction to humans.  Without being a biologist, please see this video, and to our amazement how this virus travels, survives and populates.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sQCmgCmN7U

Survival rate of Covid 19 virus is assumed to be same as SARS-CoV-2

Survival Environment Hours
Median half-life  as aerosolized particles 1
Surfaces  
              Plastic and stainless steel 72
             Cardboard 24
             Copper 4
Person to Person: Distance Travel as moist ft
Normal Condition 6
Active, running, gasping  8 to 12
Coughing/Sneezing- Laboratory Studies 26
Material Filtration against 0.02 Micron Particle % Captured
Covid 19 = 0.12 micron  
Surgical Mask 89
Vacuum Cleaner Bag 86
Dish Towel 73
Cotton Blend 70
Antimicrobial Pillowcase 68
Linen 62
Pillowcase 57
Silk 54
100% Cotton T shirt 51
Scarf 49

Typical air exhaled from human has the following composition:

  • 5.0–6.3% water vapor
  • 74.4% nitrogen
  • 13.6–16.0% oxygen
  • 4.0–5.3% carbon dioxide
  • 1% argon

Exhaled particles from a person range in diameter from 0.01 and 1000 μm depending on generation mechanism and site of origin

The water vapor content becomes the carrier of the virus to travel. The myth about the cold or warm weather affecting the virus transmission is as follows. Although temperature and humidity reduce the transmission rate, yet we have any outbreaks in Florida or Arizona. One of the main reason for the reduction is the fact that in warmer air, people spend more outdoor versus indoor (confined space), hence rate of transmission is reduced.  

N95 masks are the reference standard acceptable device for transmission reduction.

N95 Filtration (0.1-0.3 microns) Effectiveness
NaCl Particles 95%
0.75 Microns 99.50%
Bacteria Size 99.50%

As noted, we must understand the Covid 19 prior to finding resolutions in tackling this in our building design. We will use the above data in our findings at length.

Subjects of Interest

There are number of subjects in building design that one must concentrate on. In earthquake design, structural elements become parameters of interest. In building fire design, egress path, building material or type of construction, and compartmentalization are of values. What about Covid 19 impact? It seems, that the adaptation and lessons from design of the hospital biocontainment will be our primary reference.

Compartmentalization.

In building design, either for security in a bank or a software company, infectious disease control in a hospital, for containment of fire based on occupancy/population/type of building, the architect lays out the building to satisfy the building owners or local plan examiners.

In the Covid 19 environment, Compartmentalization has caused places such as Walmart to create a one way path in the isles to minimize the impact of two passing shoppers. In Building and Safety departments, patrons are only permitted one area by appointment or only email conversations and plan transmissions. In addition, besides isolation of movement of people, compartmentalization requires,  dedicated air condition system for that compartment. In a school, individual classrooms must have dedicated self contained HVAC units with no cross contamination. As you may have encountered, when one pupil attends school, the classroom or entire section of building becomes ill.

In a new high rise building, the choices in HVAC design varies with number of floors. However, one can select, one air handing unit per floor, or use of water source heat pumps, or a four pipe system, or similar to achieve increased compartmentalization.

In a non-high rise building, the choices increase. The smaller the HVAC zones, ideally one per room, will be the best solution. With the advent of Variable Refrigerant Flow by Samsung provides an easy solution where a Heat Pump system is applicable. Our intention is not to advertise a product, only to show simple solutions exist and are designed currently.  

One of my lessons, in 1992, when I chaired a session in  International conference in Anaheim on Biological Effect of Electromagnetic Field was the word “Prudent Avoidance”.  

Prudent avoidance is a precautionary principle in risk management. It states that reasonable efforts to minimise potential risks should be taken when the actual magnitude of the risks is unknown. (Wikipedia)

Filtration of the HVAC system falls under this category. California Green Code 2019 upgraded the Filtration (fibrous media air filter) to Merv 13. Merv, Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV),  ranging from MERV 1 to MERV 16 based on the average removal efficiency across three particle size ranges: 0.3–1 μm, 1–3 μm, and 3–10 μm. Other commercially common proprietary test metrics for in-duct air filters are:

MPR                                 Microparticle Performance Rating

FPR                                   Filter Performance Rating

Average Particle Size Efficiency in Microns MERV Rating
3.0 – 10.0 less than 20% 1 to 4
3.0 – 10.0 49.9% 6
3.0 – 10.0 84.9% 8
1.0 – 3.0 50% – 64.9%,
3.0 – 10.0 85% or greater
10
1.0 – 3.0 80% – 89.9%,
3.0 – 10.0 90% or greater
12
0.3 – 1.0 75% – 84%,
1.0 – 3.0 90% or greater
14
0.3 – 1.0 75% or greater 16
99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns (µm) HEPA,high efficiency particulate air [filter]

Use of HEPA filters is not practical and can be used for hospitals or labs. Best option based on “Prudent Avoidance” principle is to selected MERV 16. Thinnest MERV 16 is 4”, this has to be further research by manufacturers for least depth. Other key parameters are:

  • Higher static pressure maybe offset by RPM modifications of the motors,
  • the air velocity through filters to be reduced to near 300 ft/min for highest effectiveness of particulates,
  • placement of pressure differential device to announce when filters must be replaced, and
  • good maintenance practice though the system to insure no leaks or cross contamination will ever exist.

In existing systems, one can add recirculating fan system with MERV 16 filters to insure the higher probability of particulates. In past, I was required to design tobacco/smoke  particulate within Casino environments. A basic supply and return within one zone with filtration can be added to a zone without altering the main system. However, the author recommends both.

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in health-care facilities are designed to

  • maintain the indoor air temperature and humidity at comfortable levels for staff, and visitors
  • control odors;
  • remove contaminated air;
  • facilitate air-handling requirements to protect susceptible staff and patrons from airborne pathogens; and
  •  minimize the risk for transmission of airborne pathogens

Decreased performance of healthcare facility HVAC systems, filter inefficiencies, improper installation, and poor maintenance can contribute to the spread of health-care associated airborne infections.

Air Distribution

Based on the South Korean restaurant article with 31 seats (Tables A,B,C,D, and E) nine persons were infected by one person, although they were 6 ft apart and tables E and D had no infection, since the two tables were not in the air conditioning path. See Linkedin “Saum Nour” (Linkedin Article).

Air distribution will be in conjunction with other segment of this article, if the zones become smaller, then the level of contamination reduces. In addition, one can introduce UV and inline filtration, independent of the air handling unit or even central HVAC unit.

Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI)

National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine provided basic data on UV Lights.  UV Light produced by the sun and by three special lamps (UVA, UVB, and most Energy UVC). UV energy destroys genetic materials inside viruses and other microbes. Therefore, UVC light is used for disinfection. UVC lamps and robots are commonly used to sanitize water, objects such as laboratory equipment, and spaces such as buses and airplanes.

UVC light has been found to destroy viruses and other microbes on surfaces in hospitals. But it is not widely used in hospitals or other health care settings. The U.S. government and the UV technology industry are working to define standards for UV disinfection technologies in healthcare settings.

Most UV sanitizers have not been tested against the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. But UVC light been shown to destroy related coronaviruses, including the one that causes the disease MERS.

Use of UV lights in the HVAC system, especially in the condensate pan of the air handler has been very effective. In another incident, UV light wall sconces were installed in a hospital corridor, although very inefficient. After September 11th, on September 2002, EPA commissioned RTI International from North Carolina to provide a Technology Evaluation Report on  Biological Inactivation Efficiency by HVAC In-Duct Ultraviolet Light Systems -American Ultraviolet Corporation ACP-24/HO-4. EPA announced the formation of the National Homeland Security Research Center (NHSRC)- part of the Office of Research and Development. Their mission was to report on research and technical assistance design efforts to provide:

  • appropriate,
  • affordable,
  • effective, and
  • validated technologies and methods for addressing risks posed by:
    •  chemical,
    • biological, and
    • radiological terrorist attacks.

Ironically, this report applied to presence of Covid 19.  EPA, Test/QA Plan for Biological Inactivation Efficiency by HVAC In-Duct Ultraviolet Light Air Cleaners were conducted using three organisms:

  • two bacteria (Bacillus atrophaeus and Serratia marcescens) and
  • one bacterial virus (MS2). These organisms were selected because their sizes, shapes and susceptibility to UV inactivation make them reasonable surrogates for biological warfare agents (BWAs).

Generally, vegetative bacteria are readily killed and bacterial spores are more difficult. To model use in an HVAC system, RTI used a test duct designed for testing filtration and inactivation efficiencies of aerosol, bioaerosol, and chemical challenges.

Most critical design criteria for the UVGI is the UV Dosage for 90% reduction of the virus. Attached is the 611 micro Joules in every cm square cross sections area. Therefore the cross sectional area of the air handling in cm square must be measured and proper light intensity applied. UV lamps have life expectancy of 9000 hours and then significantly reduce the UV intensity, hence effectiveness. In addition, the other factors is the contact time of virus and the air stream. This mandates careful analysis of placement of UV lamp in the air stream. It is recommended that the air handler area to be stainless or reflective material to amplify the light bouncing the chamber for more effective routing.

Airstream Disinfection
Microbe Type Diameter UV Dose for 90% Reduction
    µm µJ/cm2
Coronavirus (incl. SARS) ssRNA 0.11 611
Influenza A virus ssRNA 0.098 1935
Ref: Walker, Chris & Ko, Gwangpyo. (2007).
Effect of Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation on Viral Aerosols.
Environmental science &
technology. 41. 5460-5

Surface Contamination.

In a hospital setting where infectious diseases are rampant, all surfaces are subject to question in designing a facility. Given the life expectancy of the Virus on different surfaces, they can survive up to 3 says. In a research by this Author for the Doctoral thesis, multiple papers were published on particle deposition in turbulent flow over rough surfaces (Khosrow Nourmohammadi, Ph.D. Thesis, Nuclear Engineering, U. of Illinois- Urbana-Champaign, 1982). Based on this study for Uranium mines, the rougher surface caused higher deposition of radioactive materials of surfaces of mine. Therefore, all areas, surfaces, furniture, obstructions must be redesigned for least accumulation of virus.

Best Management Practice.

It is evident that all theories and articles and guidelines are only as good as they are implemented, applied, and maintained, even though mas casualty pandemics occur once in a century. A rigid protocol with weekly assessment is mandatory and essential for safe keeping of the occupants.

Summary

This article was more detailed than previous articles and the intent was not use to bore the reader. The intention was simply open up the dialogue. Compartmentalization, filtration, UV systems, surface contamination, air distribution, system selection, and quite number of other untold parameters become step stones of designing and creating a building while living through this pandemic.

Please Stay Safe.

And May God Bless all who have lost their lives due to Covid 19.

Saum’s Plumbing Pod Cast Series: Major Plumbing Code Changes 2019

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May 032020
 

Greetings in this tumultuous times,

Since all upcoming seminars are cancelled, I have created “Saum’s Pod Cast Series” of all lectures.

  • Plumbing,
  • Energy Codes (Title-24),
  • Mechanical, and all
  • 6 Architectural Registration Exams V 5.
  • In addition, Covid 19 impact on the building design is inevitable. Multiple sessions will be devoted to Covid 19 impact.
  • My 5 hours seminar on “Construction and Law” will follow the trails of Pod Casts.

The plumbing Code changes are more than presented here. These are major code changes. Please note all code books are available for viewing online for free.

Other tabulations are generated by other Jurisdictions. I will copy them at end of this tabulation. However, they will not be on “Saum’s Pod Cast Series”.

Hyperlink of downloading the “Saum’s Plumbing Code Changes Pod Cast Series” are to follow this article.

Plumbing Pod Cast PC201

Plumbing Pod Cast PC202

Plumbing Pod Cast PC203

Plumbing Pod Cast PC204

Plumbing Pod Cast PC205

Plumbing Pod Cast PC206

Plumbing Pod Cast PC207

Plumbing Pod Cast PC208

Plumbing Pod Cast PC209

Plumbing Pod Cast PC210

Plumbing Pod Cast PC211

Section Title Code: Purchase the Book- IAPMO- Major Code Changes
301.2 Minimum Standards Pipe, pipe fittings, traps, fixtures, material , and devices used in a plumbing system shall be listed and labeled (third-party certified) by a listing agency (accredited conformity assessment body) and shall as complying with the approved applicable recognized standards referenced in this code, and shall be free from defects . Unless otherwise provided for in this code, materials, fixtures, or devices used or entering into the construction of plumbing systems, or parts thereof shall be submitted to the Authority Having Jurisdiction for approval.
301.2.1 Markings Each length of pipe and each pipe fitting, trap, fixture, material , and device used in a plumbing system shall have cast, stamped, or indelibly marked on it any markings required bv the appl icable referenced standards and listing agency.  and the manufacturer ‘s mark or name, which shall readily identify the manufacturer to the end user of the product. Where required by the approved standard that applies, the product shall be marked with the weight and the quality of the product. Materials and devices used or entering into the construction of plumbing and drainage systems, or parts thereof, shall be marked and identified in a manner satisfactory to the Authority Having Jurisdiction. Such marking shall be done by the manufacturer. Field markings shall not be acceptable. Exception: Markings shall not be required on nipples created from cutting and threading of approved pipe.
301.3 Alternative  Materials and Methods of Construction Equivalency Nothing in this code is intended to prevent the use of systems, methods, or devices of equivalent or superior quality, strength, fire resistance, effectiveness, durability, and safety over those prescribed by this code. Technical documentation shall be submitted to the Authority Having Juris­ diction to demonstrate equivalency prior to installation. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall have the authority to approve or disapprove the system, method , or device for the intended purpose .However, the exercise of this discretionary approval by the Authority Having Jurisdiction shall have no effect beyond the jurisdictional boundaries of said Authority Having Jurisdiction. An alternate material or method of construction so approved shall not be considered as in accordance with the requirements, intent, or both of this code for a purpose other than that granted by the Authority Having Jurisdiction where the submitted data does not prove equivalency.
309.3 Installation Practices  Plumbing systems shall be installed in a workman like manner that which is in accordance with this code, applicable  standards, and the manufacturer ‘s installation  instructions. All   materials shall be  new.  installed   so as not to adversely affect the svstems and eguipment or the structure of the building. and in compliance with  all  laws and other provisions of th is code. All plumbing svstems shall be in accordance with construction documents approved by the Authority  Having  Jurisdiction.
40.4 Wall-Hung Fixtures Wall-hung fixtures shall be rigidly supported by metal supporting members so that no strain is transmitted to the connections . Floor-affixed supports for off-the -floor plumbing fixtures for public use shall comply with ASME  A l 1 2.6.1 M . Framing-affixed  supports for off-the -floor water closets with concealed tanks sh a l l comply with ASME A 1 1 2.6.2. Flush tanks and similar appurtenances shall be secured by approved non-corrosive screws or bolts
404.0 Waste Fittings and Overflows
404.1 Waste Fittings and Overflows.
404.21 Waste Fittings. Waste fittings shall complv with ASME A 1 1 2 . 1 8.2/CSA B 1 25.2. ASTM  F409 or Table 70 l .2 for above­ ground  drainage piping  and  fittings.
404.3 Overflows Where a fixture is provided with an overflow, the waste shall be so arranged that the standing water in the fixture shall not rise in the overflow where the stopper is closed or remain in the overflow where the fixture is empty. The over­ flow pipe from a fixture shall be connected to the house or inlet side of the fixture trap, except that overflow on flush tanks shall be permitted to discharge into the water closets or urinals served by them, but it shall be unlawful to connect such overflows with any other part of the drainage system
407 Lava- tories
407.6 Overflow Overflows shall be installed in accordance with Section 404.1. Where overflows are provided. they shall be installed in accordance with Section 404.2.
409 Bathtubs and Whirlpool  Bathtubs
409.3 Overflow Overflows shall be installed in accordance with Section 404.1. Where overflows are provided. they shall be installed in accordance with Section 404 .2.
410.3 Limitation of Water Temperature in Bidets The maximum hot water temperature discharging from a bidet shall be limited to l 10°F (43°C) by a device that complies with ASSE 1070/ ASME A112.1070/ CSA B125 .70 or CSA Bl25.3. The water heater thermostat shall not be considered a control for meeting this provision.
416.2 Water Supply Emergency eyewash and shower equipment shall not be limited in the water supply flow rates. Flow rate, discharge pattern, and temperature flushing of fluids shall be provided in accordance with ISEA Z 358.1 based on the hazardous material. Where hot and cold water is suppl ied to an emergency shower or evewash station the temperature of the water su pplv shall be controlled bv a temperature actuated mixing valve complying with ASSE  I071 . The flow rate. discharge  pattern. and temperature of flushing fluids shall  be provided  in accordance with ISEA Z358 . l .
509.3.2 Appliance Venting Requirements Appliances required to be vented shall be connected to a venting system designed and installed in accordance with the provisions of Section 509.4 through Section 509.15. [NFPA 54: 12.4.2]
509.3.3.1 Venting Appliances requiring venting shall be permitted to be vented by means of mechanical draft systems of either forced or induced draft design. [NFPA 54:12.4.3.2]
Exception: Incinerators
509.3.3.3 Vent Connectors Vent connectors serving appliances vented by natural draft shall not be connected into any potion of mechanical draft systems operating under positive pressure. [NFPA 54: 12.4.3.4]
509.3.6 Above-Ceiling or Nonducted Air Handling System Where a venting system passes through an above-ceiling air space or other nonducted portion of an air-handling system. it shall confom1 to one of the following requirements:
(1) The venting system shal l be a listed special gas vent. other system serving a Category  III  or Category  lV appliance. or other positive pressure vent. with  joints sealed in accordance with the appliance or vent manufacturer’s   instructions.
(2) The vent system shall be installed such that no fittings  or joints  between  sections are  installed  in  the  above-ceiling  space.
(3) The venti ng system shall be installed i n a conduit or enclosure with  joints  between  the interior of the enclosure   and   the   ceiling   space    sealed.    [NFPA 54:12.4.5.2]
509.4.1 Plastic Piping Plastic piping used for venting appliance listed for use with such venting materials shall be approved. Where plastic pipi n g is used to vent an appliance.  the  appliance  shall  be  listed  for use with   such venting  materials  and  the  appliance  manufacturer’s installation instruction shall identify the  specific  plastic piping material,  [NFPA 54: 12,5,2]
609.4 Testing Upon completion of a section or of the entire hot and cold water supply system. the system shall be tested with water or ai r. The potable water test pressure shall be greater than or equal to the working pressure under which the system is to be used. The air pressure shall be a minimum of 50 psi (345 k Pa). Plastic  pipe shall not be tested  with  air. The piping  system shall withstand  the test pressure without showing evidence of leakage for a period of not less than  15 minutes. Exception: PEX. PP or PE-RT tube shall be permitted  to be tested with air where permitted by the manufacturer’s instructions.
610.9 Size of Branches Where Table 610.4 is used, the minimum size of each branch shall be determined by the number of total fixture units to be served by that branch, and then following the steps in the total developed length of the system, and the meter and street service size in accordance with Section 610.8. No branch piping shall exceed the tota l demand in fixture units for the system computed from Table 610.3. is required to be larger in ize than that required by Table 610.4 for the building supply pipe.
705.5 Polyethethelenr (PE) Sewer Pipe 705.5  Polyethylene ( PE) sewer pipe or tubing and fitting joining methods shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions and shall comply with Section 705.5 . l through Section 705.5.1.3.
705.5.1 Heat-Fusion Joints Heat -fusion joints between PE sewer pipe or tubing and fittings shall be assembled in accordance with Section 705.5 . l . l through Section 705.5.1 .3 using butt-fusion. electro-fusion. or socket-fusion heat methods . Do not disturb the joint  until cooled to ambient temperature.
705.5.1.1 Butt-Fusion Joints Butt-fusion joints for PE pipe shall be installed i n accordance with ASTM F2620 and shall be made by heating the prepared ends of two pipes. pipe. and fitting . or two fittings by holding ends against a heated element. The heated element shall be removed when  the required  melt  or times are obtained. and  heated  ends shall be placed  together with applied  force. Do not disturb the joint  until cooled to ambient temperature.
705.5.1.2 Electro-Fusion Joints Electro -fusion joints shall be heated  internally by a conductor at the interface of the joint. Fittings shall comply with ASTM F l 055 for the performance requirements of polyethylene electro -fusion fittings . The specified electro -fusion cycle used to form the joint  requires consideration  of the prope1ties  of the materials  being joined.  the design of the fitting being used. and the environmental conditions. Align and restrain fitting to pipe to prevent movement and apply electric current to the  fitting . Tum off the current when the  required time has elapsed  to  heat  the  joint . Do not  disturb the joint  until cooled to ambient temperature.
705.5.1.3 Socket-Fusion Joints Socket fusion joints shall be installed i n accordance with ASTM F2620 and shall be made by simultaneously heating the outside surface of a pipe end and the inside of a fitting socket. Where the required melt is obtained. the pipe and fitting shall be joined by inserting one into the other with applied force. Do not disturb the joint until cooled to ambient temperature.
715.3 Existing Sewers Replacement of existing building sewer and building storm sewers using cured in place pipe lining trenchless methodology and materials shall be installed in accordance with ASTM f 1216. Cast iron soil pipes and fittings shall not be repaired or replaced by using this method aboveground or below ground.  Replacement  using cured – in -place pi pe  liners shall not be used on collapsed piping or when the existing pi ping is compromised. To a point where the installation of the liners will not eliminate hazardous or insanitary conditions.
1106 Engineered Storm Drainage System General. The design and sizing of a storm drainage system shall be permitted to be determined by accepted engineering practices. The system shall be designed by a registered design professional and approved in accordance with Section 301.5.
Siphonic Roof Drainage Systems. The desi gn of a si phonic roof drainage system shall com pl y with ASPE 45.
1106.3 Siphonic Roof Drains Siphonic Roof Drainage Systems. The desi gn of a si phonic roof drainage system shall comply with ASPE 45.
1201 General
1201.1 Applicability The regulations of this chapter shall govern the installation of fuel gas piping in or in connection with a building, structure or within the property lines of premises up to 5 pounds-force per  square inch (psi) (34 kPa) for natural  gas  and 10 psi (69 k Pa) for undiluted propane , other than service pipe. Fuel oil piping systems shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 31.
1215.6 Vaiable Gas Pressure Where the supply gas pressure exceeds 139 inches 5 PSI (34.6 kPa) of water column for natural gas and 277 inches 10 psi (69 kPa) of water column for undiluted propane or is less than 6 inches ( 1.5 kPa) of water column, or where diversity demand  factors are used, the design, pipe, sizing, materials, location, and use of such systems first shall be approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. Piping systems designed for pressures exceeding the serving gas supplier ‘s standard  delivery pressure  shall have prior verification  from the gas supplier of the availability  of the design  pressure.
1208.8 Gas Pressure Regulators,
1208.8.1 Listing Line pressure regulators shall comply be listed inaccordance with  CSA Z2 l.80 . [NFPA 54:5.8.2]
1208.8.5 Venting of Gas Appliance Pressure Regulators Venting  of  Gas Appliance  Pressure  Regulators . Venting  of  gas appliance  pressure  regulators  shal l  be  in accordance with Section 507.21 . [NFPA 54:5.8.5 .2)
1208.8.6 Discharge of Vents The discharge of vents shall be in accordance with the following requirements: (1) The discharge stacks, vents, or outlet parts of pressure-relieving and pressure-limiting devices shall be located so that gas is safely discharged to the outdoors. (2)The discharge stack or vent line shall be not less than  at least the same size as the outlet of the pressure-relieving device. [NFPA 54:5.9.8.1-5.9.8.2]
1208.8.7 Bypass Piping The discharge of vents shall be in accordance with the following requirements: (1) The discharge stacks, vents, or outlet parts of pressure-relieving and pressure-limiting devices shall be located so that gas is safely discharged to the outdoors. (2)The discharge stack or vent line shall be not less than  at least the same size as the outlet of the pressure-relieving device. [NFPA 54:5.9.8.1-5.9.8.2]
1208.8.8 Identification Line pressure regulators at multiple regulator installations shall be marked by a metal tag or other permanent  means  designating  the building  or the part  of the building  being  supplied. [NFPA 54:5.8.8 5.8.7]
1208.9 Overpressure Protection Where  the  serving  gas  supplier  delivers  gas at  a pressure  greater  than  2  psi  for pi ping systems serving appliances designed to operate at a gas pressure of 14 inches water column (3.5 kPa). or less . overpressure protection devices shall be  installed.  Piping  systems  serving equipment  designed  to  operate  at inlet  pressures  greater  than  1 4 in w.c. shall be equipped with overpressure protection devices as required bv the appliance manufacturer ‘s installation instructions.  [   FPA 54:5 .9. l l
1208.10 Pressure Limitation Requests        . Where  pi ping  systems  serving  appliances designed  to  operate  with  a  Q:as fil!Jlli.ly pressure of 1 4 inches water column (3 .5 kPa) or less are required to be equipped with overpressure protection  in accordance with Section  1 208.8. each overpressure protection device shall be adjusted  to limit the gas pressure  to each connected  appliance to 2 psi (14 kPa) or less upon  a failure of the l i ne pressure  regulator . [NFPA 54:5 .9.2 . 1 ]
1208.10.1 Overpressure Protection Required        Where piping systems serving: appliances designed to operate with a gas supply pressure greater than 14 inches water column (3.5 kPa) are required to be equipped with overpressure protection i n accordance with Section 1 208.8, each overpressure protection device shall be adjusted to limit the gas pressure to each connected  appliance as required  by the appliance  man ufacturer’s   installation   instructions .  [N FPA  54:5.9.2.2)
1208.10.2 Overpressure Protection Devices Each overpressure protection device installed to comply with the requirements of this section shall be capable of limiting: the pressure to its connected appliance(s) as required by this section independentlv of any other pressure  control  eq ui pment  in  the piping system . [NFPA  54:5.9.2 . 3)
1208.10.3 Detection of Failure        Each gas pi pin g system for which an overpressure protection device is required by this section shall be designed and installed so that a failure of the primary pressure control device(s) is detectable. [NFPA 54:5.9.2.4]
1208.10.4 Flow Capacity If a pressure relief valve is used to meet the requirements of this section. it shall have a flow capacity such that the pressure in the protected system is maintained  at or below  the limits specified  in Section  1208.9 under the following: conditions:
(1) The line pressure regulator for which the relief valve is providing: overpressure protection has failed wide open.
(2) The gas pressure at the inlet of the line pressure regulator for which the relief valve is providing overpressure protection is not less than the regulator ‘s operational: inlet pressure . [ NFPA 54:5.9.2.5]
1209.0 Excess  Flow Valve
1209.1 General         Where automatic excess flow valves are installed, they shall be listed to CSA Z2l.93, and shall be sized and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions . [NFPA 54:5. 13]
1210.1 Piping Underground.
1210.1.1 Cover Requirements Underground piping systems shall be installed with a minimum of 12 in . (300 mm) of cover not less than 12 inches (305 mm). Where external damage to the pipe or pipe or tubing from external forces is ikely to result.  The minimum cover shall be not less than increased to 18 inches (457 mm) if external damage to the pipe or tubing from external forces is likely to result. Where a cover not less than 12 inches (305 mm) cannot be minimum of 1 2 i n. (305 mm) cannot be provided, the pipe  shall be  installed  in conduit or bridged  (shielded) . [NFPA 54:7.1.2.1 (A) (B)]
1210.1.3 Protection Against Corrosion Gas piping in contact with each or other materials that is capable of corroding the piping shall be protected against corrosion in an approved manner. Where a dissimilar metal are joined underground., an insulating coupling or fitting shall be used. Piping shall not be  laid in contact with einders. Uncoated threaded or socket welded joints shall not be used in piping in contact with soil or where internal rtrviee or corrosion in known to occur.  Steel pipe and steel tubing installed underground  shall be  installed  in accordance with  Section  1 21 0.1 .3.1 through  Section  1 21 0 . 1 .3.9. [NFPA 54:7.1.3]
1210.1.3.1 Zinc Coating Zinc coating (galvanizing) shall not be deemed adequate protection for underground gas piping. [NFPA 54:7. 1.3.l l
1210.1.3.2 Underground Piping Underground pi ping shall comply with one or more of the following unless approved technical  justification   is provided  to demonstrate  that protection  is unnecessary:
(1) The piping shall be made of corrosion-resistant  material  that  is suitable for the environment  in which  it will  be installed .
(2) Pipe shall have a factory-appl ied . electrical lv insulating coating. Fittings and joints  between sections of coated pi pe shall be coated in accordance with the coating manufacturer ‘s instructions.
(3) The pi ping shall have a cathodic protection   system installed. and the system shall be maintained  in accordance with Section 1210.1.3 .3 or Section  1 21 O. l.3.6. [N FPA  54 :7 . 1.3.2]
1210.1.3.3 Cathodic Protection Cathodic protection systems shall be monitored  by testing and  the results shall be  documented. The test results shall demonstrate one of the following:
(1) A pipe-to-soil voltage of -0.85 vol ts or more negative  is produced. with  reference  to a saturated  copper-copper sulfate half cell
(2) A pipe-to-soil voltage of -0.78 volts or more negative is produced . with reference to a saturated KCl calomel half cell.
(3) A pipe-to-soil voltage of -0.80 volts or more negative is produced. with reference to a silver-silver chloride half cell
(4)Compliance with a method described in Appendix D of Title 49 of the code of Federal Regulations. Part 1 92. [NFPA 54:7.1 .3.3]
1210.1.3.4 Sacrificial Anodes Sacrificial  anodes shall be tested in accordance with  the following:
(1) Upon installation of the cathodic protection  system . except where prohibited by climatic conditions. in wh ich case the testing shall be perfom1ed not later than 1 80 days after the installation of the system.
(2)12 to 18 months after the initial test.
(3)Upon successful verification testing in accordance with Section 12 10. 1 .3.4( I) and Section 1 21 0.1 .3.4(2). periodic follow- up testing shall be performed at intervals not to exceed 36 months. [NFPA 54:7.1 .3.4]
1210.1.3.5 System Failing Tests. Systems failing a test shall be repaired not more than 180 days after the date of the failed testing. The testing schedule shall be restarted as required in Section 1210.1.3.3.4(1) and Section 1210.1.3.3.4(2). and the results shall comply with Section 1210.1.3.3. [NFPA 54:7.1.3.5]
1210.1.3.6 Impressed Current Cathodic Protection. Impressed  current  cathodic  protection  systems  shall be  inspected and tested in accordance with the following schedule:
(1)The impressed  current rectifier voltage output shall be checked at intervals not exceeding two months.
(2) The pipe -to-soil voltage shall be tested  at least annually . [N FPA 54:7 . l.3.6]
1210.1.3.7 Documentation        Documentation of the results of the two most recent tests shall be retained. [NF PA 54:7. 1.3.71]
1210.1.3.8 Dissimilar Metals Where dissimilar metals are joined underground. an insulating coupling or fitting shall be used. [NFPA 54:7.1 .3.8]
1210.1.3.9 Steel Risers Steel risers. other than anodeless risers . connected  to plastic  pi ping  shal l be cathodically  protected by means of a welded anode. [NFPA54:7. l .3.9]
1211.0 Electrical Bonding and Grounding. CSST gas piping systems shall be bonded to te electrical service grounding electrode system. The bonding jumper shall connect to a metallic pipe or fitting between the point of delivery and the point of delivery and the first downstream CSST fitting. The bonding jumper shall be not smaller than 6 AWG copper wire or equivalent. Gas piping systems that contain one or more segments of CSST shall be bonded in accordance with this section. CSST gas piping systems. and gas piping systems containing one or more  segments  of CSST.  shall  be  bonded  to the  electrical  service  grounding  electrode  system  or. where provided.  lightning protection   grounding electrode system. [N FPA  54 :7.13.2]
1211.2 Bonding of CSST Gas Piping The bonding jumper shall connect to a metallic pipe. pipe fitti ng. or CSST fitting, [NFPA 54:7.13.2. l]
1211.2.1 Bonding Jumper Connection The bonding  jumper  shall  not  be  smaller than  6 AWG  copper wire  or equivalent  [NFPA 54:7.1 3.2.2]
1211.2.2 Bonding Jumper Size The bonding  jumper  shall  not  be  smaller than  6 AWG  copper wire  or equivalent  [NFPA 54:7.1 3.2.2]
1211.2.3 Bonding Jumper Length The length of the jumper between  the  connection  to the  gas pi ping  system  and  the grounding electrode system shall not exceed 75 feet (22 875 111111) . Any additional electrodes shall be bonded to the electrical service grounding electrode system or, where provided. lightning protection  grounding electrode  system.  [NFPA  54:7.13.2.3]
1211.2.4 Bonding Connections Bonding connections  shall be in accordance with  N FPA 70,  [N FPA 54:7.1 3 .2.4]
1211.2.5 Devices Used for  Bonding Devices used  for the bonding  connection  shall be  listed  for the application in accordance with A NSI/UL 467. [NFPA 54:7.1 3.2.5]
1308.0 Pipe Materials
1308.2 Cleaning Tubes, valves, fittings, station outlets, and other piping components in medical gas systems shall have been cleaned for oxygen service by the manufacturer prior to installation in accordance with the mandatory requirements of CGA G-4.1, except that fittings shall be permitted to be cleaned by a supplier or agency other than the manufacturer. [NFPA 99:S.1.I0 . 1.l;5.3.8.2.2] Where tube ends, fittings, or other components become contaminated before installation they shall be recleaned in accordance with Section 1311.0.
1308.5 Tubes for Medical Vacuum Systems. Piping for medical vacuum systems shall be constructed of one any of the following:
(1) Hard-drawn seamless copper tube in accordance with one of the following: (a) ASTM B88, copper tube (Type K, Tv p c L, or Tvpe M) (b) ASTM B280, copper ACR tube (c) ASTM B8 l 9 copper medical gas tubing (Type K or L) (2) Stainless steel tube i n accordance with the following: (a) (a)  ASTM A269 TP304L or 31 6L
(b)  ASTM A3 1 2 TP304L or 316 L
(c)  ASTM A3 l 2 TP 304L or/ 3 l 6L. Sch SS p i pe, and ASTM  A403 WP304L/3 l 6L, Sch SS fittings [N FPA 99:5.1.1 0 . 2 . 1 ]
Exceptions: Piping for Category 3 medical vacuum systems shall be permitted to as follows:
(1) Schedule 40 or Schedule 80 PVC plastic piping manufactured in accordance with ASTM D1785[NFPA99:5.3.8.2.3(1)] .
(2) Schedule 40 or Schedule 80 CPVC IPS (iron pipe size) plastic piping manufactured  in accordance with ASTM F441[NFPA 99:5.3.8.2.4(1)]
(3) CPVC CTS (copper tube size) plastic ASTM D2846, ½ of an inch (15 mm) through 2 inches (50 mm) in diameter. [NFPA 99:5.3.8.2.4(3)]
1308.6 Category 3 Systems Category 3 systems shall comply with Section 1308.0 through Section 1309.0. except as fol­ lows:
(1) Dental air and dental vacuum shall comply  with Section 1 308.5. except the tubing shall be pem1itted to be annealed (soft temper).
(2) Dental  vacuum  tubing shall be permitted  to be:
(a) PVC plastic pipe shall be Schedule 40 or Schedule 80. complying with ASTM D 1785.
(b) PVC plastic fittings shall be Schedule 40 or Schedule 80 to match the pipe. complying with ASTM 02466 or ASTM 02467.
(c) Joints in PVC plastic piping shall be solvent-cemented in accordance with ASTM 02672.
(d) CPVC l PS plastic pi pe shall be Schedule 40 or Schedule 80. complying with ASTM F44 l .
(e) CPVC IPS plastic fittings shall be Schedule 40 or Schedule 80. to match pipe complying with ASTM F438 or ASTM F439.
(f) CPVC CTS plastic pi pe and fittings 1/2 of an inch (15 mm) through 2 inches (50 mm) in size shall be SDR 11 . complying with ASTM  02846.
(g) Solvent cement for joints in CPVC plastic piping shall comply with ASTM F493 .
(3) Dental air and dental vacuw11 fittings shall be pcm1itted to be:
(a) Soldered complying with ASME B 16.22.
(b) Flared fittings com plying with ASME B 1 6.26.
(c) Compression fittings (3/4 of an inch (20 mm) maximum size)
(4) Soldered  joints  in Category  3 dental  air suppl y pi ping  shall be made  i n accordance with ASTM  B828 using a “lead -free” solder filler metal  containing not  more than  0.2 percent  lead by volume  that complies with ASTM  B32.
(5) W here required.  gas and vacuum  equipment  and piping  shall be seismically restrained  against earthquakes  i n  accordance with  the applicable building code.
(6) Gas  and  vacuum  pi pin g  systems  shall  be  designed  and  sized  to deliver  the  required  flow  rates  at  the  utilized  pressures. [NF PA 99:5.3.1 0]

Politics of Energy: Is Energy Republican or Democrat?

 Comments Off on Politics of Energy: Is Energy Republican or Democrat?
Feb 272019
 

Is Sun a registered democrat?

Is Wind born in a democratic family?

Is Coal a red state voter?

Nuclear must be an independent!

Recently, in my multi cultural and multi political pack of Facebook friends, I was totally shocked that even engineers have issue with politics and sourcing of energy. It actually began on a subject of former Vice President’s energy seeking house and whether he drives a gas guzzler, private plane and whether he is a scientifically called a “Hypocrite”, a Greek word for stage actor, pretender, or dissembler. Does his house fall in category on “Net Zero”?

I had to dig deep. Joules for Energy or Joules per second or Watts for power are outcome of all sources. Burning an exothermic reaction creates Joules such as coal, wood, charcoal. Interaction of sun rays over silicon wafers excites electrons and their movements create joules, and finally, the stratification of air temperature creates wind which in turns propellers and joules are born.

But,  … none of the above paragraph has to deal with any parties. They are in science books. Engineers use these books, and make pumps and design plumbing systems, and we take hot shower. In old days, this would have been called magic.

 

Now we come to a controversial word: Global Warming. This word is definitely coined for political upheaval, and it is noted that one side definitely is opposed. However, activities such as insulating your pipe, your duct, your water heater may assist in reducing global warming, then does this activity make you a democrat.

 

Nationally, a baby energy program of DOE is named Comcheck (commercial) and rescheck (Residential) softwares. These softwares are adopted in the entire country including the “Red” (vs “blue”) states.

By observing the map, one sees that depending on the bluer states, they have adopted most recent program versus the redder states have adopted older versions. Red states have energy codes that require energy savings, do they believe in global warming then?

If one is patriotic, would you not want to save the energy savings of the military and convert that money to salaries to the troops. Once you become more stringent and move towards the California Energy requirements, i.e. T24, do you then become an advocate of Global Warming, or is it just common sense?

You decide.

Architectural Concerns of California T-24, Green Code, And California Net Zero Initiative- Dec 5th/12th 2018 AIA OC

 Comments Off on Architectural Concerns of California T-24, Green Code, And California Net Zero Initiative- Dec 5th/12th 2018 AIA OC
Feb 242019
 

Greetings,

This is the lecture provided for AIA OC- December 5th and December 12th, 2018.

Since then, unbelievable level of rain, impact of Woolsey (ironically I was stuck in Thousand Oaks all night due to fire), all new upcoming mandatory codes are emerging into one basket.

The recent rainfall has not made a major impact on the California drought condition.

This is an Architects Be-Aware Document.

Dec 5th 2018 AIA OC Part I- a

Dec 5th 2018 AIA OC Part I- b

Dec 12th 2018 AIA OC Part II- a

Dec 12th 2018 AIA OC Part II- b

  1. I am simply tired of making energy crisis, fire crisis, and water crisis a political issue.
  2. Farmers in the rural areas with affinity to one group or another cannot plant the seed they wish.
  3. The Urban dwellers with other political affinity take shower, as if there are endless supply of water.

Be aware and design your buildings accordingly and please, I beg you have your large surface roofs face the south for the solar panels.

Every drop counts.

Saum