Doug DeAngelis, Laars’ mid-Atlantic regional sales manager, shows off the Mascot, a gas-fired residential and commercial wall-mounted boiler.

Bryan Steam LLC (www.bryanboilers.com) showed its new Compliance+® Series hot water and steam boilers featuring the new ultra low NOx boiler/burner design, as well as the RV Series boiler with Rapid Mix combination gas/oil Gordon-Piatt forced draft burner. Also on display was the DR Series boiler with a sub 30 ppm low NOx, power flame forced-draft gas burner in sizes ranging from 350 to 850 MBtuh.

ECR International Boilers (www.ecrinternational.com) debuted two new boilers at the AHR Expo. The Utica Boiler UB95-200M is a gas-fired (natural or LP) modulating direct vent condensing hot water boiler with 95 percent AFUE efficiency. The Dunkirk Quantum 95-200M has the same features. Both products are dealer-design driven and carry a 12-year manufacturer warranty.

Grundfos (www.grundfos.com) exhibited its new, integrated variable-speed drive E-Circulator line, available in two configurations. Series 1000 pumps are suitable for constant temperature, flow, and pressure control. Series 2000 pumps add the capability of differential pressure with the use of a transducer to the pump suction and discharge flanges. This enables the choice of proportional differential pressure control with firmware that maps pump performance to maximize energy savings.

HydroTherm, a Mestek company (www.hydrothermkn.com) featured its full line of KN self-adaptive boilers. The KN Series is a family of high-efficiency commercial, gas-fired boilers that feature a self-adaptive design, which is tolerant to changing conditions. All KN boilers (the KN-6, KN-10, and the new KN-20) combine the high efficiency and small footprint of a modern copper boiler with the long life and reliability of a cast iron boiler.

Laars (www.laars.com) showed AHR Expo attendees some new products including the Mascot, a gas-fired residential and commercial wall-mounted boiler, which can be common vented for multiple boiler jobs; and the Pennant boiler and water heater combo in a smaller footprint, which carries a 100 percent guarantee against condensing on its heat exchanger, and offers flexible venting and easy maintenance.

Lochinvar Corp. (www.lochinvar.com) rolled out the Knight condensing boiler, available in seven models with a fully modulating burner with 5:1 turndown, and efficiency rating of up to 93 percent AFUE. It is standard with an internal sequencer that allows multiple boilers to be controlled by one central boiler. The Smart Systemâ„¢ operating control is user-friendly and will interface with a PC to speed service calls and show trends in energy consumption.

RBI, a Mestek company (www.rbiwaterheaters.com) displayed its next generation of sealed combustion, direct vent, Futera boilers. The boilers feature full modulation and 3:1 turndown, and supply the precise amount of heat necessary to maintain desired building temperature by matching heating demand without overfiring and wasting energy. Other features include a rugged, four-pass design and a gasket-free heat exchanger with bronze headers and fittings to prevent rust and corrosion.

Rehau Inc. (www.rehau-na.com) exhibited its RauPanel system, a lightweight and easy-to-install radiant heating system, which is designed for new construction and retrofit applications. In addition, Rehau's snow and ice melt system (SIM), designed to quickly and efficiently melt snow and ice from vehicle or pedestrian pathways, was featured.

Smith Cast Iron Boilers (www.smithboiler.com) featured its 28HE Series high-efficiency boiler, said to offer the highest combustion and thermal efficiencies possible with forced draft firing, according to the company. Thermal and combustion efficiencies are up to 86 percent for oil and 83 percent for gas. The boilers are available in 15 basic sizes, with gross output ratings from 931 to 4,622 MBtuh and can be used in either water or steam systems.

Solaronics (www.solaronicsusa.com) introduced its newly patented True Dual Modulation infrared heater. The heater operates in high-heat mode, relative to a pre-selected set point temperature. When the desired set point temperature is near, the heater automatically powers down to an energy efficient, low-heat setting. The heater is designed to lower operating costs and improve indoor comfort and air quality.

Space-Ray (www.spaceray.com) showed its expanded line of unitized low-intensity gas-fired infrared LTU Series U-tube heaters as well as its other lines of infrared heaters. Available in both natural and propane gas, the LTU Series heaters are well-suited for high air change environments and higher mounting heights of 12 feet or higher. The line has been expanded to 21 different models, with heating capacities from 40,000 to 250,000 Btuh.

Taco (www.taco-hvac.com) rolled out several products at the AHR Expo including its X Pump Block, an all-in-one mixing system with an attached brazed plate and counterflow heat exchanger; the KS 1213 vertical inline pump for large commercial applications, capable of flows above 6,000 gpm; and the 1400 Series high capacity circulators, designed with a precision balanced rotor for operation in medium to high/flow head hydronic heating and cooling applications.

TVM Building Products (www.tvmi.com) introduced its Ultra BOARDâ„¢, an under concrete insulation product primarily for use with radiant in-floor heating and snow melt applications. By using the combined benefits of reflective foil bubble and expanded polystyrene, TVM is bringing this next generation product that will withstand jobsite traffic without breaking up and is impenetrable to water and vapor.

Viega (www.viega.com) introduced a variety of new products including the ProPress ball valves in sizes from ½ inch to 2 inches, solderless copper ProPress fittings; the Smart Connect™ feature for every Viega ProPress and ProPress G fitting; the Viega Snap Panel, which allows contractors to lay out 3 x 5 grid panel sections by easily snapping them together; and a new technologically enhanced version of the Advanced Snow Melt Control, which provides enhanced sensitivity for snow detection and system activation, increased safety and added efficiency.

Watts Radiant (www.wattsradiant.com) demonstrated its new Hydronexâ„¢ mechanical panels at the show. The panels are mass produced, precision radiant appliances that lower the cost and improve the delivery dates for hydronic systems. The panels are offered in three pump options for Taco, Grundfos, and Bell & Gossett small circulators. They are built in three major configurations: P for primary loops, D for high- and low-temperature distribution systems, and Z for remote zone locations.

Publication date: 02/13/2006