HVAC PROTech® Forums • View topic – Call For Structural Sciences Papers/Files

 HVAC PROTech® Forums • View topic – Call For Structural Sciences Papers/Files

I am very interested in building the foundation for the Structural Sciences (Instrumentation) Board with good informative documents, files and clips. There are a significant number of what I refer to as performance contractors that are involved in building sciences evaluation and execution of corrective methods and recommendations that do not have a centralized data base and discussions format like we have here – I would like to provide that for them here – this has the potential of having exceptional mutual benefits for standard mechanical contractors/technicians as well as building sciences contractors/technicians.
Anything you have to add to the board is appreciated.

Structural Sciences/Energy Analysis Professionals are encouraged to register a free account at HVACPROTech Professional Members.

Analog Manifold Gauge Defined

It’s kind of surprising how many emails we get at Digital Zeus from guy’s asking how to read an analog manifold gauge faceplate. As we typically do when we receive several emails asking essentially the same question(s), it’s easier to answer them collectively here.

The two inner rings of the analog faceplate are Temperature Conversion Scales in degrees Fahrenheit. This particular diagram indicates refrigerants R-22, R-12 and R-502.

Vacuum Scale in “Hg (Inches of Mercury) is only reflected on the low side gauge – also referred to as a compound gauge because it indicates both (+) as well as (-) pressures.

The outer ring represents the Pressure Scale defined in PSI (Pounds Per Square Inch).

NOTE: Metric Gauges will differ slightly from the diagram illustration used here; Metric pressure is stated in either BAR, KG/Cm2 or KPA scales. Temperature will be stated in centigrade.

Pressure Scale

The outer most ring shown in the diagram is the pressure scale. Calibrated in PSI. The compound gauge also has a vacuum scale to indicate pressure below atmospheric. called negative pressure or vacuum. Therefore the scale reads  from –30 “Hg to 120 psi, with a 250 psi retard. The high side gauge cannot indicate negative pressure and is scaled from 0-500 psi.

 

Temperature Scale

Additional to the pressure and vacuum scales the analog gauge face plate contains temperature conversion charts for the refrigerant(s) the gauge set is designed to be used with. Temperature indication is located in the center of the face plate. The temperature indication is essential for superheat calculations – assuming the technician has a proper understanding of the pressure-temperature relationship. The inner rings in this particular diagram reflect temperature scales for R-22, R-12 and R-502. All three of the scales illustrated in this diagram are calibrated in degrees Fahrenheit. It is a characteristic of refrigerant that it’s temperature changes as it’s pressure does. The higher the pressure the higher the temperature and vice versa. The graduations on each scale show the temperature for that refrigerant at the corresponding pressure on the outer ring. As an example, referencing the diagram – at a pressure of 60 psi, R-22 is 34 degrees Fahrenheit.

Digital Rope of Accountability

Just for you brother Medic.

The Digital Rope of Accountability are recorded data input strings collected by a piece of digital instrumentation and spun into a database  indicating system operational efficiencies, faults and subsequent results of any actions taken by the mechnician. These data strings which are non editable can be analyzed and utilized to optimize equipment performance, additionally the database can be analyzed to determine the effectiveness of the mechnicians selected actions on site to evaluate performance and  identify areas where additional training might be indicated, or it can be utilized to just hang his hack ass.

HVAC PROTech® Forums • View topic – Analog is Analog is Analog?

HVAC PROTech® Forums • View topic – Analog is Analog is Analog?

Weiss®, Ashcroft®, Marsh® and Refco® – all superior in analog design, IMO. The fiasco with the Refco® Digimon® last year was really, really disturbing to me because of the quality of their analogs, and I believe their reputation has suffered as a result of a very poor decision by someone to throw the digital together and market it way before it was ready. They still do IMO make some of the finest analogs available anywhere.

Class 1 | Class 1.6 | Class 2

Class 1 gauges (below left) are accurate within +/- 1% reading all the way around the gauge dial. This particular class rating is the most accurate offered by Refco®. Mounted to their higher end manifolds.

Class 1.6 gauges(right) are accurate within +/- 1.6% all the way around  the gauge dial. This class rating is the standard offered by Refco®.

Class 2.0 gauges are accurate within +/- 2% over the first 1/3 of the gauge dial. +/- 3% over the next 1/3 of the gauge dial, then finally +/- 2% over the last 1/3 of the gauge dial. Typically referred to in the industry as 2-3-2 accuracy. 2-3-2 gauges are also the least accurate where most readings are taken. Refco® does not use Class 2 gauges on any of their manifolds.

Most of Refco®’s Class 1 analogs are a Bellow Gauge (as opposed to Bourdon Tube) – the metal bellow design are very pressure sensitive – making them far more accurate that typical Bourdon tube design and they are highly over-pressure resistant, withstanding up to 2.5 X over pressurization without being damaged. These can also be oil filled or dry execution dampening.

HVAC PROTech® Forums • View topic – Kanomax® Anemomaster® A031 Anemometer

 HVAC PROTech® Forums • View topic – Kanomax® Anemomaster® A031 Anemometer

HVAC PROTech® Forums • View topic – Fieldpiece® SRS2

HVAC PROTech® Forums • View topic – Fieldpiece® SRS2

Fieldpiece® says the SRS2 Wireless Refrigerant Scale is the only scale of its kind. The SRS2 delivers accurate measurements and eliminates the clumsy wires that connect the display to the platform, says the company. Features include a wireless remote with backlight and magnetic ‘hat’, a solid aluminum, heavy-duty platform with rubber bumpers, plus the recessed platform and diamond plate pad hold cylinders firmly. Remote stores in the platform; 33-foot range.

HVAC PROTech® Forums • View topic – Industry-First Wireless Datalogging Multimeter from Extech

HVAC PROTech® Forums • View topic – Industry-First Wireless Datalogging Multimeter from Extech

Industry-First Wireless Datalogging Multimeter from Extech Earns 2010 Best in Test® Nod from Test & Measurement World
Waltham, MA (Vocus/PRWEB ) January 6, 2010 — Extech Instruments, makers of the best handheld test and measurement tools, announced its game-changing Extech EX540 wireless digital multimeter and datalogger has been nominated for a 2010 Best in Test® award.
Since 1991, the Best in Test® awards are presented annually by the editors of Test & Measurement World magazine. These awards honor important and innovative new products and services in the electronics test and measurement industry.
Extech vice president of sales and marketing, Arpineh Mullaney, acknowledged the award nod, “We are thrilled that, once again, Extech’s drive for affordable innovation in the handheld test equipment market is recognized by a key industry publication. In addition to the Best in Test nod, the excitement we are seeing in web and social media discussions around the EX540 wireless DMM truly validates Extech’s pioneering leadership in handheld testers and meters.”

File comment: Extech EX540 Wireless Digital Multimeter Datalogger

About the EX540 Wireless Multimeter

The Extech EX540 digital multimeter is the first handheld multimeter to offer wireless data streaming to a laptop or PC for datalogging or real-time monitoring. The new DMM is part of the EX500 series of industrial multimeters, considered the “toughbook” of multimeters. Extech’s ruggedized, waterproof design can withstand a 6-foot drop, making it the ideal starting point for a go-anywhere DMM.
The innovative new meter offers wireless connectivity to your laptop or PC using a USB receiver with a range comparable to Bluetooth™ (10m/33 ft). The EX540 transmits real-time data for monitoring, trending and analysis (using the included software) on one of two available frequencies (433 and 914 MHz).
Now, electrical professionals can monitor and datalog readings at a safe distance from hazardous locations. Additionally, it is easier to perform remote tasks such as powering up a device from a control panel that is not nearby. From a time-saving perspective for laptop users, the EX540 permits a user to set up his or her laptop at a centralized location and then sequentially datalog readings throughout a site without relocating the laptop.
Ruggedized to industrial-duty specs, the new Extech is a True RMS DMM that, in addition to wireless datalogging, can log up to 9,999 readings internally and also reads voltage, current, resistance, capacitance, frequency (with dual-range sensitivity for electrical and electronic work), duty cycle (dwell), continuity, diode testing (2.8V), and even temperature (using its Type K thermistor bead probe).
The new meter features accuracy that is a tough-to-beat 0.06% and it is backed by a Category IV overvoltage safety rating, protecting users even on outdoor wiring.
Several one-button statistical data functions include minimum/maximum, relative, hold, and peak hold as well as selectable auto-ranging or manual-ranging. An analog-style bargraph complements the EX540’s informative triple-reading display.
The Extech EX540 includes double-molded test leads, USB wireless receiver, temperature probe, magnetic hanging strap, 9V battery and carrying case. Additionally, NIST calibration is available. The suggested retail price for the EX540 is $299.99. For more information, contact Extech Instruments at 781-890-7440 or visit extech.com.

About Extech Instruments
Extech Instruments is recognized as the source for the best handheld test and measurement tools worldwide. Founded in 1971, Extech is known for its depth and breadth of innovative testers and meters suited for electrical, HVAC, building/restoration, as well as a host of environmental testers for measurement of sound, light, humidity and other factors. All Extech meters are distributed worldwide through leading representatives, distributors and OEMs. The company is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, USA and is ISO 9001 2000 certified. Extech is a wholly owned subsidiary of FLIR Systems, Inc.

Review: TruTech Tools

Zeus has been asked for a review of the TruTech Tools website by several of our readers that are planning short and long term tool and instrument investments. Planning for these investments are pivotal to the success of any forward thinking mechanical | energy contractor or on-site facilities maintenance programs.

Planning, education and knowledge are critical components in the success of TruTech Tools as well. The technical range and business knowledge of the folks at TruTech are second to absolutely no one in this industry. It’s almost cliche when you hear businesses exclaim, “you’re not just a customer, you’re a friend” – whatever, I’ve heard that played out line so many times I wanna puke.

There is an intimate ‘partnership’ that evolves when you make your investments with TruTech – they have a genuine concern that you are happy with your investment, that you understand the instrument and it’s applications. TruTech invests in you before you invest in them, taking the time to understand the applications you are involved with, designing customed instrument packages to meet current application needs with foresight to design into the packages, instrument expandability to meet future application need capabilities. There are very, very few companies anywhere that have the knowledge or the understanding of these instruments – much less the applications to provide this type of service.

Continued support after the purchase and TruTech stands behind every tool and instrument that they list in their portfolio. Zeus has directed a lot of tech’s to the TruTech site who have made purchases of several thousand dollars and we’ve yet to have a complaint based on our recommendations.

Zeus has awarded the Premium Vendor Recognition Ribbon two times, both times it’s been to TruTech Tools.

Veto Strap Hook – A Closer Look

Building a Pneumatic Tool Kit