Continuing Education From Plumbing Systems & Design
Do you find it difficult to obtain continuing education units (CEUs)? Through this special series, ASPE can help you accumulate the CEUs required for maintaining your Certified in Plumbing Design (CPD) status or numerous regulatory-agency CE programs.
Click on the link below to find the latest CE article and exam. Reading the article and completing the accompanying form will allow you to apply to ASPE for CEU credit. For most people, this process will require approximately one hour. If you earn a grade of 90 percent or higher on the test, you will be notified that you have logged 0.1 CEU.
March 2010
Energy and Resource Conservation in Plumbing Systems
The construction market has made strides to reduce energy consumption by adopting model energy codes, efficiency standards, and alternate fuel sources. Just as important as energy conservation is resource conservation, especially water. A green movement has spread across the nation, pushing for the implementation of efficient and sustainable technologies. Thus, this chapter is intended to provide a plumbing engineer with design techniques that conserve both energy and water and to assist them in selecting energy- and water-efficient equipment and systems.
January/February 2010
This chapter provides the necessary principals governing the design and sizing of a modern vent system. It covers the basic vent types, as well as how to calculate the size of the vent system using drainage fixture unit values. Specialty venting systems such as suds venting and circuit and loop vents also are discussed.
December 2009
Elementary and Secondary Schools
This chapter provides guidelines for determining the hot water requirements for elementary and secondary schools. It discusses potential areas of hot water usage in elementary, middle, junior, and high schools and how to calculate the hot water demand for different areas based on the fixtures used and the school population.
November 2009
This chapter describes the bulk storage of cryogenic liquids used for laboratory purposes. There are two reasons to consider the cryogenic storage of gases. The first is where a facility uses a large volume of gas and desires storage on site for practical and economical reasons. The second is where a cold liquid is required for research, cooling, and other purposes.
October 2009
Self-regulating Heat Trace Systems
A hot water self-regulating heat trace system can be used for prompt delivery of hot water at the fixtures. This chapter helps designers understand electric heat tracing as it applies to hot water systems, including how to compare the merits of heat tracing and a recirculation system based on the requirements of a specific project; identify the extent of piping requiring heat tracing; understand the role of thermal insulation in hot water heat tracing; determine the circuit breaker/power requirements based on the estimated heat tracing circuit lengths; and translate the design requirements into a complete design for a project.
September 2009
Proper design of the domestic hot water supply system for any building is extremely important to ensure that an adequate supply of water at the desired temperature is delivered to each fixture when needed. This chapter covers the basics to any hot water supply system, including safety devices and the different types of water heaters and storage tanks, and provides sizing guidelines and installation tips.
July / August 2009
Potable Water Coolers and Central Water Systems
First invented in 1906, the water cooler has experienced an ever-changing transformation. The original units consisted of large blocks of ice used to chill the water. They evolved into cumbersome floor-standing units with belt-driven ammonia compressors used to chill the water. Today, a plethora of types and aesthetically pleasing models satisfies even the most demanding applications. The industry is focused on providing the highest quality of water while using the least amount of floor space, allowing water coolers to be installed in heavy-traffic areas while satisfying code and end-user requirements.
June 2009
This chapter discusses public indoor and outdoor swimming pool design and the selection of pool plumbing, piping components, and equipment required for operation in conformance with local codes. The first three sections can be used for the preparation of an initial scope outline of your project’s size, type, and location. The “Pool Operating Systems” section provides a listing of the key elements that are required for a complete circulation, filtration, water-heating, and chemical control system. The “Component Evaluation and Selection” section provides guidelines for making specific equipment selections.
May 2009
A subdrain is that portion of a drainage system that cannot drain by gravity into the building sewer. The wastes from a subdrain flow into a receiving tank, the contents of which are automatically lifted and discharged into the gravity drainage system. When the receiving basin collects the discharge of sanitary wastes, it is called an ejector basin and the automatic lifting and discharge equipment is called an ejector pump. When the wastes received are clear water discharges, it is called a sump basin and the equipment a sump pump. This chapter explains the difference between the two.
April 2009
A cross-connection in plumbing is the point in the water supply where the water purity level is no longer known because of the transition from an enclosed streamline of water to another surface, basin, drain system, pipe system, or other piping beyond the control of the water purveyor. This chapter explains how to design cross-connection controls, which are a piping design or device together with frequent monitoring to prevent a reverse flow of water at the cross-connection.
March 2009
Storm water is considered to be rainwater, surface runoff, groundwater, subsurface water, or similar clear liquid wastes, exclusive of sewage and industrial wastes. This chapter discusses the varying systems used to collect this water and convey it away from buildings and sites. The discussion includes collection areas, vertical walls, roof gutters and drains, sizing based on flow velocity, and combined storm and sanitary systems
Jan/Feb 2009
Plumbing drawings, plumbing specifications, general conditions, special conditions, and the addenda comprise the contract documents that make up the contract between the owner and the contractor. None of these items can stand alone: the drawings cannot serve as a contract without the specifications and vice versa. The plumbing designer must, therefore, be familiar with specification writing. If others prepare the specifications, then the plumbing designer must be able to coordinate the drawings with the project specifications.
Dec 2008
Plumbing drawings, plumbing specifications, general conditions, special conditions, and the addenda comprise the contract documents that make up the contract between the owner and the contractor. None of these items can stand alone: the drawings cannot serve as a contract without the specifications and vice versa. The plumbing designer must, therefore, be familiar with specification writing. If others prepare the specifications, then the plumbing designer must be able to coordinate the drawings with the project specifications.
Nov 2008
Energy and Resource Conservation in Plumbing Systems
One of the highest energy-consuming plumbing systems is domestic hot water, often consuming 2 percent to 4 percent of the total energy used in an office building and 8 percent of residential properties. This plumbing system has a great need for energy-conservation measures. Just as important as energy conservation is resource conservation. A resource greatly affected by plumbing system design is water. It has been determined that 39 percent of water use in commercial buildings is for domestic purposes. It is important to note that by reducing hot water use, both energy and water are conserved. This chapter is intended to provide plumbing engineers with design techniques that conserve both energy and water and assist them in selecting energy- and water-efficient equipment and systems.
Oct 2008
This chapter discusses compressed air for industrial laboratory and commercial applications. Compressed air is a major source of power possessing many advantages: It is safe, economical, easily transmitted, and adaptable. It is used to produce linear motion, and it also is employed to actuate linear movement through a piston and cylinder or a diaphragm. Atomizing, spraying, and moving hard-to-pump fluids are other applications. Compressed air can be bubbled up to measure fluid levels, agitate liquids, and inhibit ice formation in bodies of water. Another use of compressed air is for instrumentation. Air circuits solve the most complex problems in automatic control. Some applications would be almost impossible with any power medium other than compressed air.
Sept 2008
The two main purposes for fire protection systems within built environments are life safety and property protection. Equal measure must be implemented to attempt to contain a fire while protecting a building’s occupants during their evacuation. Absolute safety from fire is not attainable, but means must be provided to minimize the potential for fire and the damage done by fire. The systems and methods used today are constantly changing and improving to meet the requirements of project variations and challenges. This chapter provides the reader a basic outline for establishing the needed criteria to establish fire safety, via fire suppression, within a building environment.
July/August 2008
The design of the domestic sanitary-drainage and vent systems are standard plumbing systems, with effluent discharging directly into the public sanitary sewer. All plumbing fixtures and equipment and all sanitary-drainage piping shall be designed and installed in strict conformance with the applicable plumbing code for the project location. In terms of the design of these systems, there is nothing unique to pharmaceutical facilities; however, this chapter explains some unique types of waste, including laboratory waste, acid waste, radioactive waste, infectious waste, and chemical waste.
June 2008
It probably would be impossible to find an industry anywhere in the world in which valves do not perform an important and vital function. Today’s valves are basically the same types that were available 10 en or more years ago. However, some valves are rapidly replacing others in popularity. Two of the most commonly specified valves (gate and globe) are being hard pressed by ball and butterfly valves. This chapter discusses the different types of valves, their components, and how to choose the correct valve for each application.
May 2008
The May 2008 continuing education article is "Systems and Fixtures," Chapter 1 of Engineered Plumbing Design II by Alfred Steele, PE, and A. Calvin Laws, PE, CPD.
This chapter discusses the numerous systems and fixtures that fall under the responsibility of plumbing engineers, including all potable water supply and distribution pipes, plumbing fixtures and traps, drainage and vent pipes, and building (house) drains, as well as their respective joints and connections, devices, receptacles, and appurtenances within the property lines of the premises. Also included are potable water piping, potable water treatment equipment, fuel gas piping, water heaters, and vents.
April 2008
Animal-care facility piping Systems
This chapter discusses various piping systems uniquely associated with the physical care, health, and well-being of laboratory animals. Included are utility systems for animal watering, water treatment, room and floor cleaning, equipment washing, cage flushing and drainage, and other specialized piping required for laboratory and experimental work within the facility.
March 2008
The plumbing system can be the source of one of the most intrusive, unwanted noises in high-rise apartment buildings, hospitals, hotels, and dormitories. It is essential, therefore, that plumbing engineers understand the terminology and theory of the field of acoustics to reduce the acoustical impact of plumbing systems. This chapter discusses the acoustical performance of plumbing system materials and fixtures and describes general acoustical design principles
January / February 2008
This chapter describes fuel gas systems on consumer sites from the property line to the final connection with the most remote gas appliance or piece of equipment. The system is intended to provide sufficient pressure and volume for all uses. Since natural gas (NG) is a nonrenewable energy resource, the engineer should design for its efficient use. The direct utilization of NG is preferable to the use of electrical energy when electricity is obtained from the combustion of gas or oil. However, in many areas, the gas supplier and/or governmental agencies may impose regulations that restrict the use of natural gas.
December 2007
Recirculating Domestic Hot Water Systems
This chapter addresses the criteria for establishing an acceptable time delay in delivering hot water to fixtures and the limitations of the length between a hot water recirculation system and plumbing fixtures. It also discusses the temperature drop across a hot water supply system, types of hot water recirculation system, and pump selection criteria, and gives extensive information on the insulation of hot water supply and return piping.
November 2007
The purpose of the sanitary drainage system is to remove effluent discharged from plumbing fixtures and other equipment to an approved point of disposal. A sanitary drainage system generally consists of horizontal branches, vertical stacks, a building drain inside the building, and a building sewer from the building wall to the point of disposal. The discussion in this chapter centers only on the design of
drain and waste systems.
September/October 2007
Chapter 4 of ASPE Data Book 3: Special Plumbing Systems.
This chapter discusses the basic design criteria and components of irrigation systems for ornamental lawns and turf. Among the factors considered are water quality and requirements, soil considerations, systems concepts, and components. A design information sheet is also provided, as Appendix A, to assist the plumbing engineer in the orderly collection of the required field information and other pertinent data.
July/August 2007
This chapter discussed hydraulics, which can be defined as the study of the principles and laws that govern the behavior of liquids at rest or in motion, hydrostatics, the study of liquids at rest, and hydrokinetics, or the study of liquids in motion. Although this text deals exclusively with water, all the data developed can be applied to any liquid. The chapter delves into the physical properties of water, types of flow, Bernoulli’s and Toricelli’s Theorems, and friction in piping as they relate to sizing piping systems. It provides calculations for finding the Reynolds number, velocity of flow, potential and kinetic energy, pressure, velocity head, and Bernoulli’s Theorem, among others.
May/June 2007
Private Sewage Disposal Systems
The May/June 2007 continuing education article is "Private Sewage Disposal Systems," Chapter 21 of Engineered Plumbing Design II by A. Cal Laws, PE, CPD.
With the ever-increasing cost of land located in proximity to urban centers, more and more construction is being implemented in outlying areas. Sanitary sewers are not usually available in these remote locations and it becomes necessary for the plumbing engineer to design private sewage systems to handle the wastes from buildings. Where the concentration of population is not sufficient to economically justify the installation of public sewer systems, installation of a septic tank in conjunction with a subsurface soil absorption field has proven to be an exceptionally satisfactory method of sewage disposal. This chapter explains the different types of private sewage disposal systems for residential and commercial applications as well as criteria for their design and construction.
March/April 2007
The March/April 2007 continuing education article is "Water System Design," Chapter 13 of Engineered Plumbing Design II by A. Cal Laws, PE, CPD.
The objective in designing the water supply systems for any project is to ensure an adequate water supply at adequate pressure to all fixtures and equipment at all times and to achieve the most economical sizing of the piping. There are at least six important reasons why proper design of water distribution systems is absolutely essential: health, pressure, flow, water, pipe failure, and noise. This chapter describes how to design an effective water system keeping these factors in mind, focusing on pressure, flow, and demand.
January/February 2007
The January/February 2007 continuing education article is “Engineered Plumbing Design II" by A. Calvin Laws, PE, CPD.
Flow of air is the primary consideration in the design of a venting system for the ventilation of the piping and protection of the fixture trap seals of a sanitary drainage system. Since air is of such primary importance, it is essential that the plumbing engineer be familiar with certain physical characteristics that are pertinent to its behavior in a plumbing system. This chapter explains these fundamentals that are vital to the design of a vent system. It also covers vent stacks, the various types of vents and venting, the effects of suds pressure, frost closure, and vent system pressure tests.
November/December 2006
Animal-care Facility Piping Systems
The November/December 2006 continuing education article is "Animal-care Facility Piping Systems,” Chapter 7 of Pharmaceutical Facilities Plumbing Systemsby Michael Frankel. This chapter discusses the various piping systems uniquely associated with the physical care, health, and well being of laboratory animals. Included are utility systems for animal watering, water treatment, room and floor cleaning, equipment washing, cage flushing and drainage, and other specialized piping required for laboratory and experimental work within the facility.
September/October 2006
The September/October 2006 continuing education article is “Automatic Sprinkler Systems,” Chapter 8 of Fire Protection Systems by Justin Duncan. This chapter discusses the different types of sprinkler systems and where to use them; system design requirements including water pressure and temperature, piping, area limitations, drainage; sprinkler temperature ratings; installation parameters; and alarm systems. The information is based on NFPA 13: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems. Factors to consider when selecting a sprinkler system, as well as care and maintenance tips, are included.
July/August 2006
Life-Safety Systems
Chapter 8 of Pharmaceutical Facilities Plumbing Systems by Michael Frankel. This chapter describes water-based emergency drench equipment and systems commonly used as a first-aid measure to mitigate the effects of such an accident. Also described are the breathing-air systems that supply air to personnel for escape and protection when they are exposed to either a toxic environment resulting from an accident or normal working conditions that make breathing the ambient air hazardous.
May/June 2006
Reflecting Pools and Fountains
Plumbing engineers, architects, and landscape architects all are involved in the creation of display fountains and reflecting pools. The architects are concerned with the overall aesthetics, whereas the engineers must be familiar with the available fountain equipment and the technical details of each component if they are to design systems that will achieve the desired display effects. The plumbing engineer should work closely with the architect and the landscape architect to achieve the desired display. In addition, the systems should be designed with provisions for cleaning, water treatment, and maintenance.
Custom fountains providing small or large water displays with almost any desired decorative effects are discussed in this chapter. Also included are the technical details of pool design, mechanical equipment, including spray systems, and operation and maintenance. The engineer must also be aware that the fountain is usually represented on a set of architectural drawings as an undefined space or a rendering. It is also usually the last item to be coordinated. What this means is that the engineer usually designs the fountain in its entirety, including the water effect and its influence on the surrounding area. Then, he needs to quickly (and accurately) select the nozzles, determine flow rates, select the equipment, try to get space for the equipment, and coordinate with the other disciplines involved, then coach contractors, who look upon a fountain as a glorified swimming pool.
March/April 2006
Plumbing Design for Health-Care Facilities
Health care facilities, nursing homes, medical schools, and medical laboratories require plumbing systems that are more complex than those for most other building types. The plumbing designer should work closely with the architect and facility staff and be involved in meetings and discussions in order to fully understand the plumbing requirements for any new or special medical equipment. The plumbing design must be coordinated with the civil, architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical designs to ensure that adequate provisions have been made for utility capacities, for the necessary clearances and space requirements of the piping systems and related plumbing equipment, and for compliance with applicable codes. Health care facilities may have different requirements or be exempt from some codes and standards, such as water and energy conservation codes and regulations regarding the physically challenged. The plumbing engineer should consult with the administrative authority in order to ensure conformance with local ordinances.
This chapter discusses the provisions that may be encountered by the plumbing professional in the design of a health care facility, including the following: plumbing fixtures and related equipment, sanitary drainage system, water supply system, laboratory waste and vent systems, pure water systems, and medical gas systems.
January/February 2006
Medical Gas and Vacuum Systems
Health care is in a constant state of change, which forces the plumbing engineer to keep up with new technology to provide innovative approaches to the design of medical gas systems. In designing medical gas and vacuum systems, the goal is to provide a safe and sufficient flow at required pressures to the medical gas outlet or inlet terminals served. System design and layout should allow convenient access by the medical staff to outlet/inlet terminals, valves, and equipment during patient care or emergencies.
This section focuses on design parameters and current standards required for the design of nonflammable medical gas and vacuum systems used in therapeutic and anesthetic care. The plumbing engineer must determine the needs of the health care staff by determining answers to the following fundamental design questions at the start of a project:
1. How many outlet/inlets are requested by staff?
2. How many outlet/inlets are required?
3. Based on current conditions, how often is the outlet/inlet used?
4. Based on current conditions, what is the average duration of use for each outlet/inlet?
5. What is the proper usage (diversity) factor to be used?
November/December 2005
Valves
Valves serve the purpose of controlling the fluids in building service piping. They come in many shapes, sizes, design types, and materials to accommodate different fluids, piping, pressure ranges, and types of service. Proper selection is important to ensure the most efficient, cost-effective, and long-lasting systems. No single valve is best for all services. This chapter is limited to manually operated valves that start, stop, and regulate flow and prevent its reversal.
September/October 2005
Jail and Prison Housing Units
The criteria used to design hot water systems for jail housing units differ from those used for prison housing units. This difference is due to the fact that the facilities are used for different purposes. Jails are used primarily to house people awaiting trial or serving short sentences. Prisons are used to house convicted criminals serving long prison terms. This difference affects the prisoners’ daily routines, which, in turn, determine when the facilities’ peak hot water demands occur.
The objective of this chapter is to help the designer understand and deal with the problems of designing water heating systems for jail and pris
on housing units. It is important that the designer recognize that each building is unique and work closely with the owner, architect, and government authorities to determine how a building will operate. A building’s operation will affect when and for how long the peak hot water demand will occur.
The first part of this chapter discusses generally some of the design criteria and areas of special concern involved in designing jail and prison housing units. The second part gives two practical examples of sizing methodology, one for jails and one for prisons.