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Hydronics is a diverse field that covers a wide range of functions, from keeping people warm in their living rooms to melting the snow from downtown sidewalks. They all come down to the same process: using water to provide heat. The following is a roundup of some of the latest offerings from an assortment of the industry’s largest hydronics manufacturers.

Lochinvar

Lochinvar’s Crest Condensing Boiler with Hellcat Combustion Technology featuring RealTime O2 Trim is designed to automatically adjust combustion to surrounding conditions. The combustion technology includes Feed Forward, Feed Back, Commissioned Trim, and Learned Trim to allow the user to set tailored parameters, so the unit can run at peak performance around the clock without the need to make manual adjustments. Additionally, the boiler features an O2 sensor exclusively designed for a condensing hydronic boiler.

Also featured is Lochinvar’s Smart Touch operating control that adapts to rapidly changing environmental conditions. The new technology accounts for seasonal changes, shifts in weather patterns, and altitude, which can affect both the boiler’s combustion air supply and the gas supply. The control platform records the optimal settings and logs that information, and when those same environmental conditions arise, the combustion system automatically adjusts.

Combustion Technology come in eight models, ranging from 1 million to 6 million BTU/hour, with up to a 25:1 turndown, a wave fire tube design, and CON-X-US Remote Connect capabilities. Other features include independent air and gas dampers, universal control boards that work on any size model, six venting options that permit direct-vent air intake and exhaust runs up to 150 equivalent feet, and an integrated controls platform featuring five boards and coded LED lights.

Watts

CONTROL: The BACnet Snow/Ice Sensor Interface 681 from Watts uses Tekmar sensor technology to automatically detect snow or ice, and upon detection communicates with the BAS through BACnet MS/TP. (Courtesy of Watts)

The BACnet Snow/Ice Sensor Interface 681 from Watts is designed to measure the presence of snow/ice and interfaces with the building automation system (BAS) to operate electric or hydronic snow melting systems. The 681 uses Tekmar sensor technology to automatically detect snow or ice, and upon detection communicates with the BAS through BACnet MS/TP. This operation allows the BAS to automatically turn on/off and provide operational status for a snow melting system. The 681 is suitable for any snow melting commercial application, including hospitals, schools, airports, ski resorts, business entrances, driveways, loading docks, and shopping malls.

Laars

HOT WATER: The Laars FT Series Floor Boiler boasts a 6-plus-gallon first-minute domestic hot-water delivery. (Courtesy of LAARS)

The ultra-high efficiency Laars FT Series Floor Boiler features 10:1 turndown and operates at 95.3% AFUE while providing premium heating response based on an advanced fire tube heat exchanger. The combi boiler boasts a 6-plus-gallon first-minute domestic hot-water delivery and a continuous delivery of 5.2 gallons per minute at a 70° rise. Built-in piping via an integral low-loss header hydraulically separates the boiler loop from the home’s heating loop, and top connections make the FT an ideal replacement or retrofit, even for older cast-iron boilers. Condensing off the wall.

Taco

GROWTH: Taco Comfort Solutions has expanded its family of high-efficiency ECM circulators. (Courtesy Of Taco)

Taco Comfort Solutions has expanded its family of high-efficiency ECM circulators with the addition of the 0034e and 0034ePlus models. With a maximum of 34 feet of head and 50 gpm, the new circulators offer up to 85% energy savings over a conventional circulator.

These circulators are available with cast iron or NSF/ANSI 61 & 372 certified stainless steel volutes, ideal for closed-loop heating systems and domestic hot recircs.

The 0034e offers an easy-to-use dial with five operating modes, including constant pressure, fixed speed, Taco’s exclusive activeADAPT self-adjusting proportional pressure, and 0-10V capability. The 0034ePlus adds proportional pressure and more constant pressure settings as well as a digital display with real-time feedback, including watts, GPM, feet of head, and RPM. Both circulators are dual-voltage 115V/230V.

Resideo

VERSATILE: Available in five different modes of operation, the AquaPUMP Variable Speed Circulating Pumps from Resideo provide versatility to cover the performance of fixed- and variable-speed circulators and utilize pressure responsive control. (Courtesy of Resideo)

AquaPUMP Variable Speed Circulating Pumps from Resideo are offered in both cast-iron and stainless-steel models for closed- and open-looped applications. Available in five different modes of operation, the pumps provide versatility to cover the performance of fixed- and variable-speed circulators and utilize pressure responsive control. These quiet and energy-efficient pumps are backed by a five-year warranty.

Magnetic hydraulic separators regulate pressure, reduce flow velocity, minimize audible noises with air elimination and protect the boiler system from ferrous sediment with a standardized magnet. Hydraulic separator bodies are offered with union connections from 1- to 2-inch for sweat, threaded, or press fitting. Flanged bodies are available with connections from 2 to 6 inches.

Press PV SuperVent Air Eliminators vent out the air in hydronic systems. SuperVent Air Eliminators have debris baffles to control dirt fouling and to prevent failing. The adjustable collar ring allows for easy installation and application flexibility.

Press Boiler Trim Kits offer a high-quality Press PV SuperVent Air Eliminator, Press NK300 boiler feed combination, and expansion tank with service check valve, all in one box.