Air Track HVAC Blog

Category Archives: General

Boilers: Various Types and Classification

 

In today’s energy work a variety of types of boilers. They can be classified by type of fuel, coolant type, accommodation type, level of mechanization. The specific type of boiler is selected depending on the goals and objectives, operating conditions and customer requirements.

  1. Fuel type
  • Gas: The advantage of this kind of boiler is that the gas – one of the most economical and environmentally friendly fuels. Gas boiler does not require complicated and cumbersome equipment fuel and slag removal, and can be fully automated.
  • Fuel oil: These boilers can run on waste oil, fuel oil, diesel oil. They quickly put into operation, do not require special permits, the connection negotiation, obtaining gas limits (as opposed to gas).
  • Solid: To the solid fuel concerns coal, peat, wood, pellets and briquettes from waste wood processing and agriculture. The advantage of this type of boiler is the availability and low price of fuel, but it requires the installation of fuel and ash handling systems.
  1. Coolant type
  • Steam:  In such a boiler heat carrier is steam, which is used mainly for manufacturing processes in industrial plants.
  • Water: This type of boiler is designed for heating and hot water supply of residential buildings, industrial and public facilities. The coolant is water, heated to +95 +115 ° C.
  • Combined: In these boilers are placed as steam and hot water boilers. Hot water is used to cover the load for hot water, heating and ventilation, and the steam is supplied to provide the technological needs of the enterprise.
  • Diathermic oil: In this boiler is used as a coolant in the high-temperature organic liquid, the temperature of which can reach +300 ° C.
  1. Accommodation type
  • Modular: This type of boiler is becoming increasingly popular in Russia in recent years, thanks to many advantages in comparison with stationary boilers: fastest time of installation and commissioning, factory-assembled modules, the ability to increase capacity by adding units, battery life, high efficiency, mobility. Depending on the placement of block-modular boiler can be detached, and attached, integrated, roof, basement.
  • Stationary: Stationary boilers are usually built when the required power exceeds 30 MW, or the construction of a modular boiler for some reason impossible. Stationary boilers distinguished by major building and construction (foundations, walls and partitions, roof). Installation of equipment on site is performed.
  1. The level of mechanization

Depending on the degree of mechanization / automation processes are the following types of boiler:

  • Hand: Small boilers can be equipped with boilers, in which the fuel supply is performed manually by operators. The fuel is supplied to the boiler room truck or in some cases from the outside through a loading hopper. The ash and slag from the ash hopper and are removed manually by the operator and exported outside the boiler room via trolley.
  • Mechanized: Modern boilers are equipped with solid mechanization, significantly facilitate the work boiler operator. Fuel supply by means of conveyors or skip hoists. Coal is pre-processed. The ash and slag may be removed by various methods – mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic or a combination thereof.
  • Automated: This type of boiler assumes full automation and minimal presence of the human factor. Fully automated, as a rule, gas boiler.

 

The Approach of Modern HVAC Maintenance Schedule

The usual approach to the preventative maintenance of the heating, ventilation and conditioning Systems (HVAC) is based on hours of operation to determine regular system maintenance schedule. But over the past decade the Cutting-edge developments in the HVAC technologies allows performance based Services rely on the information on HVAC systems. It allows to perform the proper HVAC maintenance whit needs, not when the schedule says.

The Concept of modern preventive maintenance is based on indicators reliability, testing tools, diagnostics and computer modeling to identify the service requirements. Systems are monitored regularly and its actual performance is compared with certain metrics, As a result it’s possible to keep track of potential problems and assign the activities for the current or upcoming scheduled maintenance before the system fail.

In fact, many companies have the necessary technological basis for to use forward-looking approach. For example, modern complex building automation system designed in view of to support programs for predictive maintenance, as they have smart interface for data collection, processing and access to data, which allows you to maintain efficient operation of building systems.

Systems of detection and fault diagnosis systems, HVAC (FDD) – another editorial technology that is used in the forecasting approach to systems maintenance building. FDD technology automatically detect failures of the main components HVAC-systems and report on them, so that professional services timely notice a potential problem and significantly reduce the risk of long periods of inactivity. Using FDD allows building owners to save

The most recent developments in modeling techniques forecast Service use sophisticated computer programs to compare Performance of existing HVAC-systems with comprehensive information on similar systems. This allows performance services in a proactive manner to assign terms of service and have it all necessary spare parts in stock.

Many organizations have implemented powerful building automation system. But only half of operational services uses building automation system at full capacity. In many cases personnel need additional training to take advantage of all the potential of these functions.

Advantages of condensing boilers for heating systems

The latest Worldwide Energy Regulations affecting heat generation equipment and batteries on the use of efficient technologies. Condensation of water vapor is the most promising innovative technology in heating with high efficiency which is called condensing boilers.

The principles of combustion and condensation is burning any hydrocarbon fuel that provides heat which will give the end products as carbon dioxide (CO 2) and (H 2 O) water, Vaporized water spends heat, which can get back to transformed into water under high temperature due to condensation process the gas transformed into the liquid again. Design of traditional boilers does not include the condensation process and the temperature of the combustion products is always maintained at a high level. Material used for Condensing boilers are different from the traditional the heat exchanger, their heat exchanger made of an acid resistant alloy or stainless steel.

So many commercial heating systems have been promoting plans to renew old boiler rooms with the installation of latest condensing boiler solutions, but what are the main advantages of condensing boilers? Why are the most efficient option?

Increased Utilization of heat. In condensing boilers the water formed as vapor and releases energy that produce heating process. It allows more efficient operation, and also able to produce large amounts of heat from power. When we compare the process of Conventional boilers it wastes much more amount of energy.

Reduced installation costs

The gases burns at low temperature (below 40 ° C), which gives the opportunity to apply for condensing boiler flues from plastic, Due to its small size and low weight of the boiler equipment installation of the boiler requires less space, thereby reducing the installation costs of the heating system.

Adaptation to demand. Condensing boilers are adapted to demand for small to very high in any range of operation, and that allows you to work more efficiently. In conventional boilers the flue gas temperature and water in the boiler has to be above the dew point of the gases which will not allow them to adjust effectively to required changes.

Performance. Condensing boilers achieve efficiencies up to 108% relative to the lower calorific value of the fuel, putting the savings in heating between 10% and 15% on consumption compared to other modern systems and up to 30% in older facilities.

Quick amortization. The monthly reduction in gas consumption, enable faster amortization of the installation. To this aid and bonuses that trigger the regions they are added.

Lower emissions of CO 2. The reduced use of fuel affects greater care of the environment, in condensing boilers use advanced technology that burns the fuel-air mixture in optimal proportions, which minimizes the possibility of incomplete combustion of fuel. This reduces the amount of harmful emissions by 20%.

Since the condensate is chemically aggressive, in order to use it you need to make boiler elements from chemically resistant materials, so the cost of will be quite high. Though expensive it’s cheaper to buy because efficient condensing boiler, which can allows you to save on fuel consumption.

For more information about Commercial Heating Systems and Services Contact Air Track Inc.

The use of evaporative cooling devices in air conditioning systems in industrial buildings

Ensure air quality problem in a production environment, of course, belongs to the category of technology, because the focus is not so much to provide a comfortable environment, as aims to provide the necessary working conditions.

Without exaggeration we can say that the requirements for maintenance of the microclimate of the working area in the non-ferrous metallurgy enterprises are sufficiently “extreme” – this applies to the withdrawal of heat generation, and to ensure the necessary gas composition of the air.

It is known that the atmosphere in the working areas of non-ferrous metallurgy is characterized by relatively high concentrations of various gases, harmful effects on the health of staff and, consequently, complicating the implementation of their manufacturing operations.

The necessity of a large volume of gas emission assimilation determined the characteristics of the air in the production area, when its entire volume as possible is divided into separate work areas in which the local pumps are organized in combination with natural aeration space.

The problem of providing the desired microclimate in the crane cab is being addressed by at least two directions.

The first direction may include technical solutions that provide cab climate by supplying air from a central ventilation system through the movable duct. The disadvantages of this engineering solution is to limit the technological capabilities of the crane and decreased ventilation capacity due to deformation of the duct arising during operation.

The second direction is the use of self-contained air conditioning systems.

Today, we can confidently say that the main devices for cleaning the air from harmful gases are chemical filters, which are columns, equipped with a variety of nozzles, in which the contact between the aqueous solutions of reagent and purified air. Operation of these devices requires no special training, they are effective, reliable and easy to maintain.

However, these devices still have some drawbacks in terms of air quality in the limited space. Thus, during the absorption of harmful gases caused by direct contact of an aqueous solution of the reagent and air is carried adiabatic humidification. In fact, the moisture content has reached the resulting purified air is greater than the parameters of adiabatic humidification.

Ensuring the microclimate in the working areas of non-ferrous metals associated with the solution of a number of specific problems caused not only a high level of heat and water generation associated with certain technological processes, but also high gas content of the atmosphere. Used traditionally centralized ventilation methods require the use of large air exchange rates, which may not always be justified from an economic and environmental standpoints, and in some cases creates an unsolvable technical problem, which is fully applicable to the provision of the microclimate in the cabs of moving objects.

Known technical solutions in the field of air purification of harmful gases, based on the use of chemical methods, by themselves unable to provide the required sanitary standards of the air environment.

Therefore, the solution to this problem is possible based on the combined use of heat and humidity of air pre-processing to achieve a balance in the exchange of heat and moisture between the streams in chemical interaction

The choice of energy-efficient office buildings air conditioning systems

The microclimate of office space has a decisive influence on the individual performance of people, especially – temperature parameters of the environment in the room. Tired and not the location of the work is very often the consequences of poor indoor climate parameters, while, with significant economic consequences. With the construction of office buildings of class “A” requirements to a microclimate of comfort increased significantly, necessitating the installation of professional technically air conditioning systems.

One of the challenges of designing modern office building is to identify possible thermal regime at various measures of its software in the choice of economically viable option, maintains optimum air-heat treatment of all premises taking into account the coefficient of security.

Selection of the air conditioning system in the building must be carried out on the basis of carefully consider the terms of reference. The job has specific requirements for the microclimate (thermal comfort, a minimal amount of outside air and movement of air in the room to be ventilated, noise level and other parameters relevant to the purpose of each room context). It is necessary to take into account the desired life of the system, to assess the future costs of maintenance and operation. You also can not neglect the aesthetic requirements of the designer, the client and the user.

The architecture of the building and its layout have a direct influence on the choice of the air conditioning system. Along with the climatic characteristics, they are the source of data for determining the external heat gain, a significant proportion of which in the warm season of the solar radiation. Obviously, the constructive measures for sun protection are able to greatly reduce the load on the air conditioning system.

Air quality at airports

 

A consequence of the application of large amounts of outside air ventilation and heating systems of buildings and constructions of airports cannot be a reduction, but rather an increase in the risk of negative effects of pollutants. As one of the solutions to air quality problems in these areas are invited to use the gas filtering systems.

The volume of cargo transportation by air transport has steadily increased (from 40 to 100% per year). However, this type of cargo is not completely safe for the environment. The main objective is to minimize the airline harmful effects on the environment and, in particular, the noise level. In the US, hygienic air conditions in the rooms set the standard ASHRAE 62 – 1989.

However, to meet the requirements of this standard with the help of ventilation to the outside air quality and meet regulatory requirements. Recent studies have shown that the highest level of contamination found on the leeward areas of the airport, the departure and arrival halls and ticket offices.

Thus, when it is required to increase the quality of indoor air, the use of large amounts of outside air can increase rather than reduce the risk to human health. In the design of ventilation systems at airports must be considered as the level of outdoor air pollution, and harmful substances released indoors.

Winterize air conditioners for the winter

Air conditioning can be damaged by cold weather, even if it is turned off. Low temperatures can be punished for minor mistakes when installing the air conditioner adversely affect the materials, parts and components of the device. For the conservation of the air conditioner can contact a service technician cents, or carry out the procedure themselves.

Usually action include three main stages:

  1. Transfer the refrigerant in the outdoor unit to avoid its losses through loose connections outer Freon line
  2. Blocking the possibility of including the air conditioner to avoid accidental start-up
  3. Fencing outdoor unit when there is a risk of damage by ice or falling icicles

In preparation for winter air conditioning service technicians can be done and a professional cleaning air conditioning, it’s generally, it should be done at least once a year.

  1.  Disconnect the power supply
  2. Clean the air conditioner with a damp and then a dry cloth (in those places where it can be done)
  3. Clear filters from contamination
  4. Be sure to dry the air conditioner (it will turn out, if you include the heating mode, if available, for 30-40 minutes, and then the ventilation mode for another half an hour, or just for a longer period including ventilation)
  5. Carefully clean debris from all kinds indoor and outdoor unit
  6. Clear off any snow or ice that may accumulate on the unit throughout the winter months.

Dry the air conditioner after a season of work before sending it in “hibernation”, be sure to do – or the winter inside the device might be mold, when you turn on the unpleasant odor in the Living space spread disease-causing bacteria, mold spores.

Ammonia a Natural Refrigerant – controlling ozone depleting

 

Industrial refrigeration is used in about two-thirds of the facilities of the food industry, therefore, deserves a special mention. Food preservation achieved inexpensively by using canning, freezing, or drying techniques. Modern-day food preservation methods. The conservation of all meat and fish, fruits and vegetables, dairy products etc. is ensured by means of low temperatures.

In refrigeration systems in the food industry, the refrigerant used is usually ammonia. As refrigerant, ammonia offers many advantages

Energy efficiency Ammonia is one of the most effective refrigerant and has a wide range of applications. With an increasing emphasis on energy ammonia refrigeration systems are safe and reliable choice for the future. Thus, the use of ammonia in refrigeration systems that condense water cooled evaporative cooling equipment are an extremely efficient technology for the food industry usually 15-20% more efficient

Environmentally friendly Ammonia is a natural and environmentally friendly refrigerant, and more over its global warming potential GWP and ozone depletion potential ODP zero.

Security Ammonia is toxic under certain conditions – flammable. Therefore, it requires careful handling at the same time ammonia, smell of ammonia is most security guarantee, unlike other refrigerants having no odor, ammonia refrigeration has a proven record of safety, partly because leaks are easily detectable.

Smaller diameter pipes as gaseous or liquid ammonia for smaller diameter pipes are needed in comparison with most refrigerants.

High heat transfer parameters compared with most refrigerants ammonia has better heat transfer characteristics that can be used with the equipment at the surface of the heat transfer and thus reduce the cost of the refrigeration system.

The cost of the refrigerant in many countries, the cost of ammonia (1 kg.) is significantly lower than the cost of HFC refrigerants.

The advantages of using this technology is summarized: energy efficiency, respect for the environment, health safety and unbeatable relationship between investment and performance.

The truth is that the use of evaporative cooling in industrial processes involves a choice of topical given the benefits of energy efficiency, environmental friendliness and resource optimization based on performance it provides. Evaporative cooling is secured thereby, as a future technology

Inverter Air Conditioning – Ideal for Electricity Saving

 

Inverter air conditioning is expensive while comparing to non-Inverter air conditioning, but it gives significant advantages on power savings.

  1. At least 30% – 50% cheaper to run as it consumes less power
  2. Achieve desired temperature very quickly
  3. Startups 30% faster
  4. Much quieter
  5. No temperature fluctuations, maximizing comfort level
  6. No voltage peaks from compressor

Unlike conventional systems, Inverter compressor speed adapts to the needs of each moment, allowing only consume the energy.

Inbuilt Electronic device is sensitive and identify the temperature changes to supplies, equipment vary Inverter engine speed compressor to provide the power required. Thus drastically reducing temperature swings, keep getting in the range between -1 and + 1 ° C and enjoy greater environmental stability and comfort.

And so when they are about to reach the desired temperature, decrease the power equipment to avoid peak compressor starting. Thus the noise is reduced and consumption is always proportional.

No Inverter: On cold days without an air conditioner inverter function heats the room not quite right.

With Inverter: When producing 60% more heat than models constant speed, inverter air conditioners heat a room quickly even in the colder days.

Efficient use of power

No Inverter: The compressor is switched on and off according to temperature changes in the room. In other words, whenever the temperature fluctuates.

With Inverter: compressor speed and thus output power, is adapted to the room temperature. This efficient and linear temperature regulation at all times maintains a nice room.

Lower power consumption

No Inverter: An inverter air conditioner without function consumes approximately twice as much electricity. With this difference, not take long to get high bills.

With Inverter: An inverter air conditioner consumes half the electricity that a model without inverter function, so you get more welfare for much less money.

Heart Pumping Workout : HVAC Compressor Maintenance?

Compressor is the main heart beat of machine. While comparing compressor with human heart its beginning same one. Most similar one in both is circulating system like how heart circulates all functions in body. Likewise the compressor will handle the all functions in machine. If the compressor fails it will affect the whole machine to avoid this we should maintain properly.

It was found that most of the problems with the compressor is not related to the quality of the product, and is the result of lack of understanding of the principles of operation of air conditioning systems, improper maintenance and repair.

How to maintain the compressor  

  1. check the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant at the inlet and outlet of the compressor;
  2. Check the temperature of inlet and outlet of the compressor and condenser tubes. High pressure pipes should be hot and dry;
  3. Verifying that the condenser and the radiator fan. The appearance of moisture or frost on the part of the high pressure can hinder the flow of refrigerant;
  4. Check the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the dryer. If the temperature difference is greater than 3 ° C, then the system is too high moisture content;
  5. Check the refrigerant for Icing elements of the air conditioning system which can cause  blockage on the system;
  6. check tension and condition of the compressor belt;
  7. Check for extraneous noise in the compressor, expansion valve, fan and air-conditioning system channels.