Provides Guidance on Selecting and Installing The Plastics Pipe Institute’s Building & Construction Division has published a major revision of PPI TN-55 “Plastic Piping Materials for Ground Source Geothermal Heating and Cooling Applications”. Originally issued in 2018, the latest edition of TN-55 was published in August 2024 with the input of industry experts including PPI Read more
Industry News
Provides Guidance on Selecting and Installing
The Plastics Pipe Institute’s Building & Construction Division has published a major revision of PPI TN-55 “Plastic Piping Materials for Ground Source Geothermal Heating and Cooling Applications”. Originally issued in 2018, the latest edition of TN-55 was published in August 2024 with the input of industry experts including PPI members and the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA).
According to Lance MacNevin, P. Eng., director of engineering for PPI’s Building & Construction Division, “Because the piping material is critical to the overall success of the ground heat exchanger (GHX) in a geoexchange system, PPI TN-55 focuses on piping, fittings, and manifold materials. TN-55 lists the technical requirements for systems using HDPE, PEX, and PE-RT piping, plus requirements for PP pipes used as indoor piping, headers, and manifolds.”
A coil of PE4710 HDPE ground loop piping configured as a premanufactured U-bend assembly. Photo courtesy of Centennial Plastics.
The new technical note describes eight types of installation techniques, such as vertical boreholes, inclined or angled configurations, horizontal directional drilling (HDD), and energy piles, and discusses design topics, such as the effects of borehole depth on static water column pressure. It also addresses why oxygen diffusion barrier layers are typically not required for ground heat exchanger piping.
MacNevin continued, “The new TN-55 is intended to be a valuable resource on piping information, but this is just one of the latest tools available to specifiers and designers of geothermal heating and cooling systems. Details about pipe installation and pressure testing are found in PPI Model Specification MS-7, which published in 2023, and industry codes such as CSA/ANSI/IGSHPA C448 and the Uniform Mechanical Code.”
PPI is the non-profit North American trade association representing the plastic pipe industry, including several manufacturers of geothermal pipes, fittings, manifolds, and vaults. PPI formed its Geothermal Steering Committee in 2018 to develop industry publications, collaborate on codes, and create educational information about these systems.
A HDPE vault for connections of ground loop piping. Photo courtesy of PPI.
The revised PPI TN-55 is available directly from PPI at: www.plasticpipe.org/common/Uploaded files/Technical/TN-55.pdf
Additional information and data about ground source geothermal systems are available from the PPI Building & Construction Division at www.plasticpipe.org/buildingconstruction
Cala’s intelligent heat pump water heater will lower costs and carbon emissions from home water heating, which currently accounts for 19% of all home energy use and 3% of U.S. GHG emissions Cala Systems (Cala), creator of highly-intelligent heat pump water heaters that ensure comfort, save energy, reduce emissions, and integrate with the home, today announced Read more
Cala’s intelligent heat pump water heater will lower costs and carbon emissions from home water heating, which currently accounts for 19% of all home energy use and 3% of U.S. GHG emissions
Cala Systems (Cala), creator of highly-intelligent heat pump water heaters that ensure comfort, save energy, reduce emissions, and integrate with the home, today announced $5.6 million in seed funding and the commercial launch of its product. The round was led by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and Clean Energy Venture Group, and included Burnt Island Ventures, Leap Forward Ventures, CapeVista Capital, Collaborative Fund, and Climate Capital. Cala’s heat pump water heater (HPWH) is now available for preorder on its website, with initial deliveries expected in the first half of 2025.
Cala has developed a highly efficient and intelligent heat pump system that heats water based on the patterns of hot water use in each home and the preferences of the homeowner. By understanding each home’s hot water patterns, Cala improves hot water availability during times of high demand and minimizes costs. In addition, homeowners can tailor water heating to their home and priorities; including synchronizing water heating with the power output of their home solar system, minimizing their greenhouse gas emissions by coordinating water heating with times of clean electricity on the grid, decreasing costs for homes with variable electric rates, preheating water before potential power disruptions, and more.
To achieve this, Cala combines sensors and advanced hardware with patented predictive control software originally developed by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Cala’s predictive controls blend artificial intelligence and physics-based techniques, enabling the system to plan ahead for future hot water use, and whatever other inputs (home solar output, electricity price, etc.) the homeowner has activated in the Cala app. It also incorporates a variable speed compressor and an integrated mixing valve, which enable it to take full advantage of its predictive controls by increasing water heating efficiency and producing more hot water when beneficial.
Cala’s HPWH is poised to benefit both homeowners and installers with local, state, and federal incentives, including up to a 30% tax rebate through the Inflation Reduction Act. Cala will conduct final assembly in Massachusetts, bringing high-quality, green manufacturing jobs to the local economy.
“Heat pump water heaters are beginning to grow rapidly because of their enormous savings and greenhouse gas reductions,” said Michael Rigney, CEO and Cofounder of Cala Systems. “Today’s heat pump water heaters are designed to deliver heat into the tank when the water is cold, a design that is virtually unchanged for the past 130 years. By contrast, our intelligent heat pump water heater is not only better at ensuring hot water is available and reducing cost, but also accounts for the other needs and goals of each homeowner. Cala is a superior way to heat water.”
Beyond developing and manufacturing its intelligent, efficient HPWH, Cala is also addressing obstacles to HPWH adoption by establishing a network of professional plumbers, electricians and HVAC contractors, as well as other partners, to support installation. To date, the company has already signed over ten Letters of Intent (LOIs) with installers.
Cala’s founders and senior team bring significant experience in the fields of consumer hardware, heat pumps, energy, and the built environment. CEO and Cofounder Michael Rigney has over 20 years of start-up experience at companies including EnerNOC, EnergySavvy and BlueTarp Financial. VP of Hardware and Cofounder, Mike Ting, led hardware and product management teams as Bose and SharkNinja. Cala’s senior leadership and key advisors are drawn from prominent companies including Nike, Google, Nest, Span, Gradient, and James Hardie.
“Other heat pump water heaters leave both money and emissions savings on the table because they don’t use the core technology as effectively as possible. Cala’s unit is the only one that seamlessly integrates with the home and the customer’s lifestyle to deliver an exceptional experience and maximum savings. The team has done remarkable work,” said Tom Ferguson, General Partner at Burnt Island Ventures.
“Heat pump water heaters are an essential tool for meeting our climate goals, and Cala’s innovative design realizes their full potential to cut emissions while helping residents save money and improve comfort,” said Susan Stewart, Managing Director of Investments at Massachusetts Clean Energy Center. “MassCEC is thrilled to support the Cala team through our 2030 Investment Fund as they grow their business and create jobs in Massachusetts to meet customer demand across the country.”
Taco has announced the launch of its innovative Manager Development Program (MDP), a transformative global initiative designed to cultivate leadership and foster professional growth. Developed in partnership with DDI and DiSC, the program reflects Taco’s dedication to investing in the development and success of its people. “At Taco, our employees are at the heart of Read more
Taco has announced the launch of its innovative Manager Development Program (MDP), a transformative global initiative designed to cultivate leadership and foster professional growth. Developed in partnership with DDI and DiSC, the program reflects Taco’s dedication to investing in the development and success of its people.
“At Taco, our employees are at the heart of everything we do,” said Cheryl Merchant, CEO of Taco Family of Companies. “By nurturing our team’s talents and equipping them with essential tools, we not only unlock their full potential but also drive our collective success and growth as a global organization.”
The MDP is designed to meet the unique needs of managers while aligning with Taco’s strategic vision. With a focus on clarity and effective communication, the program ensures that content is accessible and actionable, thereby enhancing overall interactions and interpersonal skills.
“Taco is committed to advancing global employee development through cutting-edge programs and key alliances,” said Victoria McCoy, EVP of Global Human Resources at Taco. “Our collaboration with DDI and DiSC marks a significant shift from traditional learning and development practices to a more strategic approach that aligns with our organizational goals. Together, we’ve crafted a program that embodies Taco’s values, culture, and objectives, ensuring a unified leadership strategy worldwide,” concluded McCoy.
In essence, the MDP integrates modules that aim towards developing self, managing others and leading the organization. By providing a cohesive leadership framework across all regions, the program helps Taco forge meaningful connections and empowers its employees to reach new heights.
For additional information about the MDP or to explore career opportunities at Taco, please visit the Careers page at www.tacocomfort.com/careers.
Acquisition extends a long-term strategy for market growth and channel expansion. Atlanta—Rheem has announced its intent to acquire Nortek Global HVAC (NGH), a leading manufacturer of air conditioning products, from Madison Industries. NGH is based in O’Fallon, Missouri with manufacturing in Saltillo, Mexico, and a distribution center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. “Nortek Global HVAC has Read more
Acquisition extends a long-term strategy for market growth and channel expansion.
Atlanta—Rheem has announced its intent to acquire Nortek Global HVAC (NGH), a leading manufacturer of air conditioning products, from Madison Industries. NGH is based in O’Fallon, Missouri with manufacturing in Saltillo, Mexico, and a distribution center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri.
“Nortek Global HVAC has a history of delivering market leading innovations going back over 100 years. Like Rheem, NGH has a collaborative culture with an unwavering commitment to the customer,” said Mike Branson, President Global Air at Rheem. “NGH has a remarkable team that brings unique products, operational capabilities, and market channels to complement Rheem’s expanding Air and Water businesses.”Upon the close of the acquisition—which is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals—NGH will join Rheem’s Global Air division.
Pressure and Chlorine Ratings Revised Recent revisions led by the Plastics Pipe Institute, Inc. (PPI) Building & Construction Division resulted in improvements to the latest edition of the ASTM Standard, F2389 Standard Specification for Pressure-Rated Polypropylene (PP) Piping Systems, which establishes requirements for polypropylene (PP-R and PP-RCT) piping system components including pipe, fittings, valves, and Read more
Pressure and Chlorine Ratings Revised
Recent revisions led by the Plastics Pipe Institute, Inc. (PPI) Building & Construction Division resulted in improvements to the latest edition of the ASTM Standard, F2389 Standard Specification for Pressure-Rated Polypropylene (PP) Piping Systems, which establishes requirements for polypropylene (PP-R and PP-RCT) piping system components including pipe, fittings, valves, and manifolds. The standard applies to hydronic heating and cooling, chilled water, water service lines, hot-and-cold water distribution, irrigation systems, and other related fluid transport applications.
PP-R and PP-RCT pipes and fittings discussed in the recently updated ASTM Standard F2389-24a are available in diameters from 16 mm to 710 mm, also known as nominal diameters 3/8 to 28 inches. Photo courtesy of PPI.
Originally issued in 2004, revisions to the latest edition of the standard published in July 2024, F2389-24a, include:
- Pressure-temperature ratings used for PP pressure pipe systems are clarified and harmonized by adding new definitions for “design stress” and “design coefficient” and then applying requirements for these factors in a new Section 5.6.1.
- Oxidative stability (i.e., chlorine resistance) classifications are revised from CL-TD and CL-R to Classes 0, 1, 3, and 5 for consistency with other pressure pipe standards (e.g., ASTM F876).
- Marking requirements are also revised.
According to Lance MacNevin, P. Eng., director of engineering for PPI’s Building & Construction Division, “As a result of these recent revisions, pressure ratings will be more consistent throughout the industry and classifications for resistance to hot chlorinated water will be consistent with other piping materials.”
MacNevin continued, “Polypropylene (PP) is a versatile piping material that is used in a wide range of applications. Two types of PP are used for pressure piping systems: PP-R (polypropylene random copolymer) and PP-RCT (polypropylene random copolymer with modified crystallinity and temperature resistance). With their high temperature and pressure capabilities, PP-R and PP-RCT pipes are suitable for demanding pressure piping applications, such as plumbing, hydronics, and chilled water in commercial high-rise buildings or data centers.”
PPI is the non-profit North American trade association representing the plastic pipe industry, including several manufacturers of PP pipes and fitting systems. PPI formed the Polypropylene Pressure Pipe Steering Committee in 2018 to collaborate on industry standards such as F2389, coordinate research programs, develop technical publications, and create educational information about these systems. The recent revisions to F2389 are the latest result of cooperation between PPI member firms, intended to help to grow this market in a technically correct and responsible manner.
The revised standard is available directly from ASTM at: www.astm.org/f2389-24a.html.
Additional information and data about the use and installation of PP is available from the PPI Building & Construction Division at www.plasticpipe.org/buildingconstruction.