12 Dec 2013

Hi "Offshore Technology Focus Magazine!."

Hi Recommendations To View & Open Reader To Access;


Click Here Or Image Below To Access Reader of Publications Available Online To View or/& Download.


Hi Career Read Focus "Managing Productive Measures"



The Latest of The Offshore Technology Focus Magazines Including the latest available edition Issue 13 December 2013 by clicking the following link here or any of the two images below. The direct link to access the online reader & all available issues of editions published including all the previous publications of editions that are available click here for online reader link & Issues accessible to all available published editions.

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Hi Industry Event Announcement For - "2014 AHR EXPO NEW YORK.!"

Hi Industry Event Visitors Recommendations.


The Cutting Edge of HVACR Technology;

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"Visit Web Site For Much More AHR Expo Info."

Click Here Or Image Above To Visit 2014 AHR EXPO Website For Further Details.
Location Destination: NEW YORK CITY / Participation Show Date: JANUARY 21 - 23

- "Trade Show Word Of Promise By The Quoted Experience In Years Running By Event Organizers"

- "Being at AHR Expo can open up doors. There are so many opportunities to see what products can help us to get an advantage over our competition, cut labor costs. That can help us get a winning bid on a job."
John Kovach, Chief Estimator

HACI Mechanical Contractors, Inc.
2011 AHR Expo Visitor

New York City


Download the Expo Show Preview by clicking here or view below;


Who Should Attend?

The drive for greater energy efficiency, greener products and sustainable technologies has accelerated the pace at which new products and innovations are coming to market.  
In this challenging economy, HVACR professionals must also be more innovative in their businesses or be left behind.  That's why AHR Expo is the one event you don't want to miss.

What You'll Find is... over 1,800 manufacturers and suppliers of the latest HVACR systems, equipment, products and services in the following areas:
  • AC, Heating & Refrigeration Systems, Equipment & Components
  • Building Automation, Controls & Facility Management Products
  • Specialized Climate Control Systems
  • Radiant Heating & Hydronic Systems, Plumbing Products
  • Ventilation, Air Movement & IAQ Products
  • Labor-saving Tools, Software, Business Support Services, and much more
The Show is for you, if your job responsibilities include:
  • HVACR, Mechanical & Plumbing Contracting
  • Consulting, Project & Design Engineering
  • Architecture & Design/Build
  • Facility & Operations Management/Building Owner
  • Wholesaling & Distributing
  • Importing/Exporting
  • Manufacturer's Agent/Rep
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  • Technician
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  • Editor, Publisher and Other Credentialed Press
  • Educator & Student

30 Nov 2013

Hi Considerations for Choosing an Industrial Ventilation System!.

Hi Your Choices for Consideration of an industrial ventilation system!!!
 Email Hammam Sales Engineering Team

Industrial Ventilation Fan Systems can be a necessary component to any commercial or industrial operating company.  These ventilation systems benefit not only the productivity of your employees and machines, but can affect your company’s bottom line as well.  When considering ventilation systems for your building, there are five key factors to consider:

1.  Objectives of the Ventilation Fan System;
These are generally multi-faceted, from personnel comfort and employee health to increased production efficiency and more.  For example, are you looking to provide general ventilation for fume or odor removal, or are you looking for personnel cooling because of heat stress on employees? Ensure your objectives are overcoming the biggest problems and accomplishing the most important benefits.

2.  Budget;
Availability of money to finance the system is a key factor that must be considered early in the planning stage. The funds available will affect the objectives you set and influence the system of ventilation selected. Expenses include equipment, as well as mechanical and electrical installation costs.  In some cases you may set out a ventilation plan that takes two or more years to complete due to limited funding. 

3.  Practical Limitations within the Building;
There are certain limitations in any production environment. The location of heat-generating equipment, partitions such as pallet racks or machinery within the building, or large cross-sectional areas are a few. Other circumstances may be air circulation obstructions such as machinery, raw materials, or finished goods.  We see a lot of what we call “short circuits,” where ventilation fans are placed next to wall openings or loading dock doors.  Thus, air is brought in thru the openings and then discharged by the fan before it's had a chance to provide cooling within the structure.

4.  Common Sense Factors;
In planning a ventilation system, taking advantage of the location of exhaust fans and prevailing wind direction will aid the system’s efficiency.  Economy of “long dimension” is helpful in reducing the cross-sectional area of a building, thus minimizing needed air velocity. Significance of noise production of a ventilation system must be taken into account. Additionally, you will always want to use the cleanest, coolest air source to circulate through the building. Other considerations include other production equipment that depends on airflow to perform its intended purpose such as paint booths, dust and fume extraction systems, make-up air systems, etc.  

5.  Benefits of a Ventilation Fan System;
All companies want to realize economies from good planning.  The greatest benefit that can come from a well-designed ventilation system is that it achieves its basic purpose and design.  A system where all components work together is essential. Replacement of exhaust air with “make-up air” fans may be necessary. Good planning will also recognize the necessity for proper air distribution and circulation through an occupied building, not just exhausting bad air.

These five considerations, when accounted and planned for properly, will ensure a unified industrial ventilation system that accomplishes tangible benefits for a company’s productivity and profitability. There are many industrial ventilation fan system design manufacturers including Hammam Industries & Co. in Egypt who supply, install, maintain & service the fan system design equipment. Visit the web site click link here. Hammam Industries & Co. also specialize in providing all needs for air pollution & climate control projects & solutions.
 Visit Hammam Industries & Co. Web site
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Hi News Blog Post Publication Information & Update:

Visit The Hi News Blog November Archive & Recently Added Posts To view the November World Economy Review click here to view article link on Hi News Blog.


*Click the following link below to view the resource location of this article post. 

Hi Clients & News blog recommendation visit to the source web site of the original article & for further in-depth Middle East, Africa & the Globe in industry related information that is found on the online community Gulf Oil & News web site by clicking here or image below.



View Our Hi E Community Blog Our blogs main homepage by clicking here or image below; for interactive online informational resources on our sustainability & future of going green direction. With Over 24 industry publications in blog archive & access to informative resourceful interactive tools. 


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Here You Will Find HVAC Industry & Related Industry Tools & Information - Resources & Post Publications Update & Maintained Regularly. Suitable For Industry professionals or online visitors with simply a developing interest. The online Community supportive of beginner to intermediate & advanced industry knowledge base.

Now is the time to leave your valued suggestions & comments or provide us with feedback on your blogging experience. 



6 Nov 2013

Hi Green Regional Impact & Market Projects Overview.

Hi' IMPACT of 

UAE “LEEDS” in sustainable growth!.


In the UAE alone, more than 65 projects have been LEED certified with more than 10 times that amount registered for certification according to the Middle East Center for Sustainable Development. In addition, Abu Dhabi’s Estidama Pearl Rating has been awarded by the Urban Planning Council to more than 40 projects in Abu Dhabi. Citing these as instances of UAE taking the lead in sustainable growth, SAS International, a manufacturer of interior fit-out products and green building solutions, has highlighted in a press release that in anticipation of the upcoming ecoConstruct Expo 2013 to be held in Dubai, developers in the region will once again focus on the benefits of implementing green building practices and integrating innovative, sustainable building solutions. The company reaffirmed that sustainable development and green building made up key pillars in Dubai’s Vision 2021 and Abu Dhabi’s Vision 2030.



Hi 'UAE Regional Projects & Analysis Impact of LEED - Carbon Footprint:




 Click Here To Visit ASHRAE Homepage To Purchase Publication


 Click To Open ASHRAE 90.1 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

ASHRAE 90.1 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Download Free Software Tools Useful Software Resources made Available by visiting the ASHRAE Homepage click here or below links for free software
 Click To Visit ASHRAE Free Software Tool Downloads
Click To Visit ASHRAE Free Software Tool Downloads

Example of software You Can Now Download & View; ASHRAE: Service Life and Maintenance Cost Database;

- Click the link here to download 2001 ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook free e text made available & is over 38 MB download & view. Or else for latest versions visit the ASHRAE website to purchase copies of the following links for Handbooks;

2012 ASHRAE Handbook—HVAC Systems and Equipment
2011 ASHRAE Handbook—HVAC Applications
2010 ASHRAE Handbook—Refrigeration

Presentation On Measuring & Verification of Green Energy Building Performance:



Click & View or Download .PDF File Market & Industry Reports 2011 - 2014 made Available to obtain a regional overview, This material includes;



 -  Saudi Construction Industry January 2011 study by Ventures Middle East & Saudi Big 5 Show based on regional informative overview of KSA. Click link here to download & view report. 

- Click To View & Download The Meed Big 5 Show Kuwait 2013 Report considered to be an informative resource for this region focus. A Meed Report from The Big 5 Show covering similarly the UAE is available in a post article previously published click link here to visit this MEED UAE 2013 Report also available on the Hi Clients Blog.

- Visit the Homepage of an online e text publication website that we recommend, e text is available in .pdf format view & download access, Visit the e book navigation menu on the sites highlights & focus as is it titled COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS ENERGY MODELING GUIDELINES & PROCEDURES (MGP). 

-  Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Market in the GCC Report study done by ventures middle east on July 2012. Click Here


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27 Oct 2013

Hi Field Testing Brief!.

Hi Field Testing Brief!.

The purpose of a field test is to define, via testing and measurement, the actual aerodynamic performance of a fan when installed in a system. Since installations often include elbows, obstructions, swirl and sudden changes in area, obtaining accurate measurements may be difficult. Additionally, these items may have an impact upon the unit’s performance. This impact is called a system effect.



AMCA Field Test Publications AMCA Publication 203 is a general purpose guide for the measurement of fan performance. This guide is applicable to most air handling equipment installed in any system. It includes the calculation process for loss in performance due to system effects and methods for calculating test results and uncertainties. A wealth of reference material and examples of typical applications pointing out where difficulties may be encountered are included. People involved in field testing should also be familiar with AMCA’s Certified Ratings Program outlined in Publication 211 and the concept of system effect factors (SEF) defined in AMCA Publication 201, Fans and Systems.

You may be interested in viewing an article recently published on Hi Shelf discussing the Topic of Fan Performance with reference to this article & AMCA Standards & Codes which may expand on the knowledge here. Visit Hi Shelf direct publication link post by clicking here

Reasons for Field Tests Three main reasons for conducting a field test are:




1. General System Evaluation - A measurement of the fan and system’s performance. This test may be used as a basis for future modifications or adjustment to the system.
2. Acceptance Test - A test specified in a sales agreement to verify that the fan is achieving the specified performance.
3. Proof of Performance Test - A test in response to a complaint to demonstrate that the fan is meeting the specified performance requirement.

Performance Rating Parameters As already stated, the specific objective of a field test is to determine the aerodynamic performance of a fan when installed in a system. The operating point will occur at the intersection of the system resistance curve and the fan curve.

Operation at any other point is impossible without altering either the fan or the system. An operating point must be fully defined by obtaining test data that allows you to determine each of the following parameters:

1. Flow Rate - The fan flow rate is the volumetric flow rate corrected to the gas density at the fan inlet. The volumetric flow rate at any location in a system can be obtained by measuring the velocity pressure according to a specified grid in the plane of interest. The number and distribution of points is
stipulated in AMCA 203. The flow in that plane is calculated by converting the average velocity pressure to its equivalent velocity and multiplying by the area of the traverse plane. The flow rate obtained in the measurement plane must be referred back to the fan inlet using the ratio of densities at the measurement plane to that of the fan inlet.

2. Fan Static Pressure - The fan static pressure is the algebraic difference between the static pressure at the fan outlet and the total pressure at the fan inlet. Static pressures using a pitot tube or static pressure taps are obtained near the fan outlet and fan inlet. The total pressure at the fan inlet is a measured value that consists of the sum of the inlet velocity and static pressures.

3. Fan Speed - This is the rotating speed of the fan shaft in revolutions per minute. Typically, measurements of fan speed are obtained at the beginning and end of a test and then averaged providing there is a small difference.

4. Fan Brake Horsepower - This is the power delivered to the fan shaft and does not include any drive losses other than the fan bearings. Nearly all field installations are driven by an electric motor in conjunction with a v-belt drive or variable frequency controller. Portable analyzers are available that read volts, amps, watts and power factor into the motor. Power out of the motor must be calculated using motor efficiency values or the ratio of actual amps and volts to nameplate values when the motor is at least loaded to 90% of full load. Fan brake horsepower values for units with v-belt drives must be calculated using the v-belt drive loss graph in Appendix L of AMCA 203. Units driven by a variable frequency controller must be by-passed to obtain accurate electrical values due to sine wave distortion. These values must then be corrected by the fan laws to the actual operating speed.

5. Fan Gas Density - The fan gas density is the density of the gas being handled at the fan inlet. The inlet density is calculated using the barometric pressure, wet and dry bulb temperature and corrections for suction or pressurized inlet conditions.

Calculation and Analysis of the Results Detailed calculations are contained in AMCA 203 for obtaining test results. To compare test results with the factory-specified fan curve it is necessary to include SEF values, relevant drive losses, and speed and density corrections. The converted operating points can then be plotted on the factory- AMCA certified performance rating curve for analysis An estimate of the individual uncertainties for each test parameter must be made. These can be combined to provide an
overall uncertainty in flow, pressure and power. An error rectangle is then established around the test point using plus and minus absolute values of the combined uncertainties. Assuming the procedures from AMCA 203 are followed, combined uncertainties range as follows:

Volume 2% to 10%
Pressure 2% to 8%
Horsepower 4% to 8%

Hi Summary';


Keep in mind that the factory tests are conducted in ideal conditions. Because fans are rarely installed in ideal conditions, field tests are frequently performed. 



26 Oct 2013

Hi Air Distribution Estimating & Related Top Rated Estimating Software!!!.

Challenges and Methods of Estimating a Conceptual HVAC Design:


In any conceptual HVAC design, estimators are faced with the challenge of trying to capture all of the pieces that complete a system. The difficulty in this can be that they are faced that there is limited information for the estimator to fully complete an estimate. 

The only way to accurately complete an estimate is for an estimator to use past experience.

Using previous completed jobs as a template can help an estimator determine how to approach the estimate. Another advantage of having this experience is knowing the order in which the HVAC components should be taken off, since one item will affect how another is quantified. Past jobs will help an estimator determine how much duct work is needed based on square meter calculation, or how much piping will be needed for each piece of equipment.

The contents of this publication will discuss the major components of a HVAC system and the difficulties and methods in determining quantity with limited specifications and information. 

There are three major cost components that make up a mechanical system. These include equipment, piping, and duct work. These three items will be discussed in detail on how their design and layout can impact cost and how to determine what is actually needed to complete the system with little information. Only the most common HVAC designs will be identified here.

Estimating a conceptual HVAC system can prove to be difficult, especially if drawings are not yet designed. Many factors have to be considered when trying to visualize how a HVAC system will be built.

In many cases when trying to estimate a project that has not yet been completed, an estimator essentially has to become an engineer. Use of experience and knowledge is needed to complete a design that is incomplete. Explore to HVAC systems as an estimator gives you chance to see different engineered systems and how they are used. Experience with working with these many different systems will help accurately put together cost estimates with little information. This experience and knowledge proves to be useful, especially if architects are uncertain that a specific design will work and be with‐in a project budget. 

HVAC costs can often be one of the most expensive internal components of a project. Being able to fully understand and estimate its value, can make an estimator very beneficial to a project that is still in the early stages of design.



HVAC EQUIPMENT

The most complex and expensive component of a mechanical system is the equipment. In any commercial project the goal of the mechanical equipment system is to heat and cool the building the most efficient and cost effective way. The first thing an estimator must establish is what type of mechanical system is being used. Most of the time big components of equipment will be listed and sized in the narrative. The challenge to the estimator is that not all of the smaller equipment will be shown to complete the system.

Two things to always consider when doing an HVAC estimate is: what type of equipment will heat and cool a building and, what type of equipment will supply and exhaust the air. These two components are different in nature, but act as one to complete a system. In the following paragraphs, here it is explained how using information obtained from the narrative or architect will help an estimator. 

This information will include size of the building, number of rooms, function of the building, and what type of major HVAC equipment will be used. It will also help an estimator identify additional equipment that will be needed and the quantities. This will insure that the estimator has effectively put together a
complete system and all of the components are captured.

MAIN HEATING EQUIPMENT

The method used to heat and cool a building is to supply hot and cold water to the air supply equipment coils. Heat for the HVAC system can be achieved two different ways. The most cost effective system is to use steam to heat the water. This is assuming steam utilized comes from an existing steam plant which is commonly found on large university sites or large medical facilities. Steam is used to heat water through the use of a heat ex-changer and estimators must be aware that a pressure reducing station will be required if this system is used. Figure 1 (steam heat ex-changer) is an example of how a steam heat ex-changer works.


Figure 1 Steam Heat Exchanger

The second most common way to heat water is through the use of boilers. Boilers can be heated by the use of electricity, coal, steam, or gas. Depending on the size of the building, the most common method in commercial construction is the use of a gas boiler. Typically, any building over 1,859 square meters uses gas because it provides benefits such as cost and heating efficiency.


Figure 2 (gas fired boiler) shows how water enters a boiler and is heated.
Figure 2 Gas Fired Boiler
MAIN COOLING EQUIPMENT

Cooling a building works in the same manner as heating, except the equipment will cool the water instead of heat it. The most typical way to cool water is through the use of a chiller. There are two different types of chillers. The first is a water‐ cooled chiller and is commonly used in buildings over 1,858 square meters and has become a common practice in commercial construction. An estimator must be aware that if a water‐cooled chiller is used, than a cooling tower must also be utilized on the roof. 

Water‐cooled chillers produce higher tonnage (cooling capacity) at lower costs per ton, creating energy efficiency. The second type of chiller is an air cooled chiller. Though this type of chiller is not as effective as a water cooled chiller, it can be used when there is limited space inside a building. Air cooled chillers can typically be found in smaller office buildings and generally cost less, however they carry a higher energy cost



Figure 3 (water‐cooled chiller) is an example of how a cooling tower helps release heat from the water to help cool the chiller.
Figure 3 Water‐Cooled Chiller

PUMPS

An estimator must be aware that for every piece of heating or cooling equipment, there is a pump that is needed to distribute water from the equipment to the heating and cooling coils of the air distribution equipment. This information may not always be communicated to the estimator. These pumps can vary in size depending on the size and load requirements. Typically two main primary pumps and a re-circulation pump for each of the heating and cooling system will be needed. The main pumps will feed the majority of the system while the re-circulation pump will help maintain the pressure of the system and return the water to be heated or cooled again. Along with the pumps, the estimator must allow for an air separator and an expansion tank for each system.

MAIN AIR SUPPLY EQUIPMENT

The most common piece of equipment that will supply air to a building is called an air handling unit. This is almost always used in a commercial building. The purpose of this piece of equipment is to move air from outside to inside a building and to heat and cool air through the use of hot and cold water coils. It also takes the exhausted air from the building back out into the atmosphere. An estimator will need to be aware there could be an energy recovery wheel that is included with the air handling unit.

This recovers heat from the exhausted air and reuses it to save energy. Energy recovery wheels can often be expensive so an estimator must ask if it will be part of the air handling unit system. 



Figure 4 (air handling unit) is an example of how air will pass over the coils, thus transferring hot or cold water coils to the air.
Figure 4 Air Handing Unit

VARIABLE AIR VOLUME BOXES

A list of the major pieces of equipment is typically what the estimator will be given before the start of an estimate, however smaller pieces of equipment that are used to help enhance the system may not. 

These pieces of equipment may not be shown on schematic design drawings and will have to be included based on the building type and the number of rooms. One of the most common methods to help enhance a system is to install variable air volume boxes (VAV boxes). These are small boxes that
are installed in between the duct-work. Variable air volume boxes come with different internals
depending on the buildings needs. 


Table 1 (variable air volume box variations) shows the different
variations of these VAV boxes and the most common ones used for different types of buildings.
Table 1‐ Variable Air Volume Box Variations

Typically there is one for every two rooms. So if an estimator knows the number of rooms and the buildings use, one can accurately calculate the type of VAV box and the number of boxes that will be
needed.

SUPPLEMENTAL HEATING AND COOLING EQUIPMENT

It is common in buildings to have some areas that do not receive enough heat through the central heating, or that there simply is not enough insulation to contain the heat. To help supplement heat in these areas, small heaters are used. These include fan coil units, unit heaters, and cabinet unit heaters. These act in the same way as variable air volume boxes, however, they are not connected to the duct-work and can be placed anywhere in a building. These pieces of equipment can also be heated through the use of hot water pipes or through electric coils. Electric coils are the most common method used since it saves cost by eliminating having to run pipes to these units.

Common places to place such equipment are in areas such as stairwells, mechanical rooms, and entrances to buildings. An estimator must be aware that if a building has an elevator, than the building will also have an elevator machine room. This room houses all the elevator’s equipment's. This equipment tends to get very hot and requires the use of a split system air conditioning unit to help cool down the room. This unit is very similar to what is used in residential homes, but not as big. It consists of an outside condenser, inside fan unit that has cooling coils inside it and piping between the two.

HVAC EQUIPMENT OVERVIEW

Now that all of the components of the HVAC equipment have been covered and it is understood how they function, one can see there are many different variations and combinations of equipment that can be used to complete a system. 



Table 2 (example of building equipment) shows how an estimator
can decide what other pieces of equipment will be utilized depending on building size, type, and number
of rooms. 

As stated earlier, the designer has the ability to choose which system will be used. Being able
to identify the smaller pieces of equipment and knowing the different setups will help an estimator ask
the question, “What type of system are we using?”

EQUIPMENT PIPING

The second component of HVAC equipment system is the piping that is needed to carry hot and cold water to equipment coils. An estimator has to accurately calculate the quantity of piping that is needed. Again, past experience will help an estimator accomplish this challenge. In every HVAC system, there is a hot and cold water system. For each system there will need to be a supply and return pipe. This means for every piece of heating and cooling equipment, there are two pipes going to it. An estimator has to be aware that some pieces of air‐supply equipment have both hot and cold water running to it, so it will require two sets of piping.

QUANTIFYING PIPING

In order for an estimator to take off the quantity of pipe needed, one would have already established the equipment used to heat and cool the water, and the equipment needed to supply the water to the air distribution system. For example, an estimator would have already known if the variable air volume boxes would be using electric reheat coils or hot water coils. Once an estimator has the equipment quantity, an average length can be taken for each piece of equipment depending on the building size. Buildings less than 929 square meters will have an average length of 18.3 meters per set of pipe. Remember, there is supply and return piping for each hot and cold water supply. Any building over 929 square meters, 30 meters will be used. However, if the supply air equipment contains more than one coil, this number will be doubled. 


Table 3 (piping quantities) is an example of a building
equipment list taken from table 2. This will show the number of coils and pipes going to each piece of
equipment and the average length that can be used to help an estimator come up with an accurate
quantity.
Table 3‐Piping Quantities

DUCT-WORK

All projects require the use of duct-work to distribute and return air throughout a building from the air handling units. An estimator that has worked on past projects that have been built can accurately quantify the amount of duct needed when it is not shown. Since duct is priced per kilogram, using past jobs will allow an estimator to figure out the kilograms of duct that will be required for a specific building type by dividing the square meter of the building by the number of kilograms. For example: a 1,858 square meter office building that was completed last year required 10,000 kilograms of duct-work. So that equates to 5.38 kilograms of duct-work per square meter for a similar job.

DUCT-WORK INSULATION

After an estimator calculates the kilograms of duct-work, one has to multiply the kilograms of duct by 70% to obtain the surface area of insulation. This is not a mathematical approach to the quantity of duct insulation, just a proven method among st estimators. Like the duct-work, this is where an estimator’s past experience is useful.

DUCT-WORK MATERIAL

When quantifying duct-work, an estimator has to keep in mind that there can be different types of material used. Typically, duct-work is made out of galvanized metal. Laboratories required the use of stainless steel duct-work. Stainless steel duct-work is used when there are chemicals in the air that are being exhaust. One example of this would be exhausted air from a fume hood. When estimating a laboratory, using 15% of the total duct will allow for enough stainless steel duct-work.

AIR DEVICES

In every building, there are diffuse-rs, registers, and grills used in the ceiling for the duct-work to connect to within the rooms. There is an easy method in quantifying these devices since they will not be shown. Typically every room will have two diffuse-rs, one for the supply duct and one for the exhaust. An estimator can easily get the number of diffuse-rs by multiplying the number of rooms the building has by two. This will include corridors, mechanical rooms, and electrical rooms.

CALCULATIONS

As you can see, the challenge for an estimator to accurately quantify the air distribution system is that they would have had to work on an identical building to obtain these calculations. Using these calculations and methods can help an estimator complete the air distribution system before it has ever been designed. 

Table 3 (air distribution calculation) shows a comparison of different building types and
the amount of duct and accessories required per square foot. One will notice that a laboratory will
require more duct than a typical office building.


Table 4‐ Air Distribution calculations

CONCLUSION

Estimating a conceptual HVAC design can prove to be challenging. There are many methods estimators have adopted over the years to help accurately complete a system with limited information. HVAC equipment is one of the most important components in the system since it tends to have the highest overall cost

Making sure an estimator has quantified all of these pieces is important since the other components such as piping are impacted by these quantities. Since the equipment affects the quantity of the piping, the equipment should be the first item that an estimator focuses on. After the equipment that will be used is established, an estimator can accurately quantify the meters of pipe needed using the methods disused in this paper. Knowing the type of building and how it will be used is very helpful to the estimate since this influences the amount of duct that will be required. Estimators with past experience, as well as using the techniques and methods discussed, can help provide accuracy when trying to estimate quantities for a conceptual HVAC design.



Top 7 Most Reviewed Mechanical and HVAC Estimating Software Systems



1. Maxwell Systems Estimation is an advanced estimating program that specializes in generating estimates and takeoff for HVAC, mechanical, and residential and commercial plumbing and electrical firms. We find the software to be a good match for firms that have annual revenue from $1 million up to $1 billion making it a solution your company grow with.
In addition to handling the takeoff and estimating capabilities of these trades, the system includes integrated functionality for project and service management. This allows for estimates and takeoffs to be performed while being able to track materials, forecast for projects, and manage service contracts.
The estimating application contains functionality for Excel integration, proposal generators, visual assemblies, “what-if” analysis, and a historical database. The estimation module includes trade specific estimation capabilities for each of the trades served to help generate the most accurate and financially feasible estimates possible. The software includes a database updated with the most current prices for materials and labor for each industry.
The application for digital takeoff includes functionality for electronic plan takeoff, digitizer integration, a conversion calculator, automatic scaling, and CAD file integration. The digital takeoff application allows for plans to be downloaded from any online plan room and generate takeoffs without the use of digitizer boards and stylus pens. For those that prefer digitizer boards, takeoff can be streamlined the takeoff with their Rollup Digitizer or Rigid Digitizer, which integrate with the system. The Rollup Digitizer is a lightweight digitizer designed by GTCO that was built for the field made to “roll up” into a carrying case. The Rigid Digitzer is their permanent fixture offering that digitizes takeoffs from a more standard digitizer board.

2. WenDuct and WenPipe are construction estimating and digital takeoff systems designed specifically for mechanical contractors. Wendes Systems, the maker of WenDuct and WenPipe, has a long history of helping specialty contractors create estimates. They were founded in 1976 and have published 30,000 copies of their Wendes Sheet Metal and Mechanical Estimating Manual. Today, they offer estimating software and input devices designed specifically for these trades including real-time, web-based net pricing, and rectangular to round conversions for value engineering sheet metal in order to lower costs.
WenDuct and WenPipe are designed for contractors working on HVAC sheet metal, mechanical piping, industrial ventilation, and process piping projects. It's best for small and medium commercial and industrial contractors.
The takeoff and estimating applications in WenDuct and WenPipe can be purchased as individual systems, or combined in a single system. The takeoff application offers screen takeoff from digital drawings, digitizer integration, automatic scaling, 2D takeoff, a conversion calculator, CAD file integration, and many other features. The estimating application offers Excel integration, an updated cost database, visual assemblies, a proposal generator, and more. The labor and material cost data in WenDuct and WenPipe is based on 22 years of productivity studies from Herb Wendes.

3. FastEST, Inc. is one of the industry's leading developers of takeoff and estimating solutions that have been specifically designed for plumbing, mechanical, HVAC and sheet metal contractors. For almost 20 years, FastEST, Inc. has worked to provide competitively priced software solutions that are both trade-specific and user-friendly. Their software is used by thousands of contractors of all sizes, both large and small; in fact, more than 30% of their customer base to date has an annual revenue under $2.5 million.
FastPIPE® and FastDUCT® are two of the company's easy-to-use, comprehensive construction cost estimating solutions. FastPIPE was designed to meet the unique needs of mechanical contractors that manage both industrial and commercial work. It supports a variety of estimates, from plumbing to industrial process piping, HVAC piping and insulation.
FastDUCT simplifies the estimating process for sheet metal contractors managing HVAC and industrial duct work. FastPIPE® was the first piping system to use the intuitive Windows interface in 1995 and FastDUCT utilizes the same platform. FastDUCT reports integrate directly into FastPIPE, offering an end-to-end mechanical bid quoting solution. Also integrated into both FastPIPE and FastDUCT is the company's On-Screen Digitizer, which offers users to complete takeoffs on their computer directly from digital plans and drawings.
FastEST maintains and updates the pricing in their database, which is unique among their competitors. They also offer in-house online and technical support.
We recommend FastEST solutions to contractors seeking a complete cost estimating solution that was designed specifically for their trade.

4. The On Center Software portfolio includes On-Screen Takeoff and Quick Bid. These solutions are the counterpart to On Center’s popular and free Plan-viewer which has seen over 200,000 downloads from N. America and locations around the world. The On Center system itself has been put to use by over 20,000 companies globally.
The On Center offering includes a takeoff and an estimating application that can be used by both commercial and residential contractors, including the trades of: design-build, general contractors, interior and exterior finishes, roofing, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, low voltage, concrete, and many others. The takeoff application includes on screen takeoff, digitizer integration, file integration (CAD, PDF, etc), and 2D takeoff. The estimating application includes electronic quote system, cost databases by trade, and accounting integration. The system is compatible with tablet technology that provides field access to project data for cost and labor management. 
Companies best suited for this product will bring in revenue upwards of $1 million and be of any number of employees. There is no limit to the number of users that can be added to the system so companies will be able to grow using the software.


5. Sage Estimating (formerly Timberline Estimating) offers integration with Excel, as well as RS Means. The software also supports conceptual estimating, and proposal generation. Construction firms interested in the construction estimating application will also likely want to purchase the construction takeoff application.
Construction firms that need one or more templates in their estimating software should avoid the starter package as it does not come with any templates in the estimating software. The software features a standard version, as well as an extended version that includes estimating templates. Both versions come with pre-built databases ready to use “out of the box.” Databases can be easily customized, too.


We find the capabilities of Sage Estimating fit the needs of construction firms across all segments. Whether you are a firm that specializes in utility contracting or mechanical and HVAC construction, the product can suite your needs. We find that the primary limiting factor here is revenue. Sage Estimating is best suited for companies that run operations of at least $1 million due to the Timberline software cost. Construction firms beyond this benchmark will find this solution to be suitable.




6. Vision InfoSoft currently has a customer base of over 11,500 electrical and plumbing contractors. Plumbing Bid Manager is the only industry solution that integrates automatic pricing updates with estimating and on-screen takeoff. Plumbing Bid Manager offers cost estimating and on-screen takeoff on a best-of-breed basis. The software includes key features such as digitizer integration, 2D takeoff, excel integration, and visual assemblies. The software also includes standard estimating features such as “what-if” analysis and conceptual estimates. To help plumbing contractors make the most accurate bids on their projects, the software includes an updated cost database with up-to-date material and labor pricing. Plumbing Bid Manager is best suited for small and medium-sized plumbing contractors, but can also support larger firms taking on projects beyond the million dollar mark. The software is a great fit for both residential and commercial plumbing, but does not offer support for mechanical or HVAC projects. Vision InfoSoft offers a unique training program with Brian Hoffelder to help buyers get up to speed with the software’s estimating functionality. In addition to the built-in training, Vision InfoSoft also offers support by phone, email, and Internet.




7.  McCormick Systems was founded by a contractor during the late 1970’s and after thirty-three years in the industry has grown their product to reach over 8,000 contractors around the world - from the United States to Australia. McCormick System’s has won numerous awards for their estimating software from multiple trade organizations and publications.
McCormick Plumbing & Mechanical Estimating software was developed specifically to handle the needs of construction firms that operate in the plumbing and mechanical piping trades. The software’s strength lies in the estimating, takeoff, and bid management applications which are offered as best-of-breed solutions. For contractors that also get involved in a bit of service work, McCormick offers a best-of-breed service management application.
The takeoff application offers modules that allow for CAD file imports, automatic scaling, 2D takeoff, and digital plan takeoff. McCormick also offers a count and length probe that integrates with the software to allow manually marked drawing measurements to be entered into a digital format.
This package can handle jobs of nearly any size. We find ourselves recommending it primarily to companies that generate up to $100 million in revenue. There is no limitation on the number of employees or number of users to operate this system.
For contractors that need takeoff capabilities digitally, McCormick offers On Screen Estimating to perform takeoffs from PDF, TIF, JPG files and many more.

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