Watts Radiant

Installing SlabHeat

2011-08-24T07:11:00.000-07:00

Installing SlabHeat^™.

The spacing of the SlabHeat cable will help determine how much heated area can be covered by a single SlabHeat coil. SlabHeat can be installed on either 4” (15 W/sf) or 6” (10 W/sf) centers, depending on the amount of heat required for the area. A heat loss calculation is required to know which spacing is right for the project. If the SlabHeat system is to be used for floor warming only, installing the cable at 6” on center is sufficient.

Another consideration to take into account when designing a SlabHeat system is to know the available amperage. A 120 VAC system will pull twice the amps as a 240 VAC system. If amp capacity is a factor, it may be better designing for 240 VAC. Make sure the voltage supplied matches the voltage requirement of the SlabHeat cable. Failure to do so may result in either an over-heating or under-heating condition.

SlabHeat can be installed in either a new slab pour or over an existing slab with a concrete cap. For new concrete pours, just zip-tie the cable to the rewire/rebar and elevate to the middle of the slab. If installing over an existing slab, it will be necessary to install CableStrap^™ to hold the SlabHeat cable in place.
When finished the only visible part to the system is the wall mounted SunStat thermostat.

A nice feature of the SlabHeat system is there is no annual maintenance required. Hydronic systems can require periodic cycling of the circulators to prevent the impellers from locking up during periods of non-use. Hydronic systems may also require fluid testing, treatment, and periodic system purges. SlabHeat systems are simple and easy.

Selecting the right product for the application is a breeze with SlabHeat. Since there are fewer parts needed to run a system, just thecable and control, ordering is easier than with a hydronic system. Just make sure to purchase the correct voltage, either 120 VAC or 240 VAC, and the correct number of thermostats or relays.

Controlling a SlabHeat system is also simple. Choose between two types of SunStat controls: programmable and non-programmable. Either one can be set up to respond to either a set floor or air temperature. SunStats are also dual voltage, meaning a single SunStat control can operate either a 120 VAC or 240 VAC system directly (one or the other, not both at the same time). This eliminates the need for cumbersome contactors, transformers, and complicated wiring as seen with other types of heating systems.

Whether heating a small sunroom or an entire warehouse, SlabHeat is the simple solution.

Christopher Campfield
Watts Radiant System Designer

Introducing SlabHeat

2011-08-23T05:25:00.000-07:00

Introducing SlabHeat^™.

SlabHeat expands upon our successful electric floor warming product lines. Designed as a robust, job site resistant cable, SlabHeat is an electric radiant system installed directly in concrete. A combination of strength, durability, and simplicity lies at the heart of SlabHeat. Engineered to provide room heating as well as floor warming for a wide range of applications, SlabHeat is the perfect solution for even the toughest heating project.

Why choose SlabHeat over a traditional hydronic radiant system?

One of SlabHeat’s benefits is the lack of a complicated mechanical room. With SlabHeat there is no need for a heat source such as a boiler; the cable is the heat source! For new construction, as well as remodel, trying to add a dedicated heat source can create its own set of challenges. Hydronic heat sources require a dedicated space, venting, power, and fuel. Hard piping is also needed to circulate the heated water. SlabHeat has none of these obstacles. With SlabHeat all that is required is to run the cable across the space and connect to the SunStat^® thermostat. Then, simply pull dedicated 120 VAC or 240 VAC power to the area to be heated. When using a SunStat thermostat, the rest is as easy as wiring a light switch.

Designing a SlabHeat system is much simpler than designing a typical hydronic radiant system. First, figure the gross square footage (wall to wall), then multiply that number by 90%. This square footage will be your heated area. The area to be heated will help determine if a 120 VAC or a 240 VAC system should be used. For a 120 VAC system this is approximately 115 square feet of heated floor area at 4” on center. For a 240 VAC system this is about 225 square feet of heated floor area at 4” on center. This is determined by the SunStat 15 amp limit. If larger areas are to be heated one of two things need to happen. Either add additional SunStat thermostats (one for each additional 115 or 225 square feet of heated area) or add SunStat Relays to the control strategy (one Relay for each additional 115 or 225 square foot of heated area).

SunStat Relays are specifically designed to work with the SunStat thermostat. Each Relay wires back to the SunStat thermostat and acts as an extension of the thermostat. A total of ten Relays can be daisy-chained off of a single SunStat thermostat. Refer to the SlabHeat installation manual for further details on setting up the SunStat or SunStat Relays.

Up Next: Installation...

Christopher Campfield
Watts Radiant System Designer

Basic Design of Hydronic Freezer Panel Systems

2011-08-15T11:30:00.000-07:00

Description:
A typical freezer application consists of an industrial sized, permanent freezer above a soil or compacted base. One issue resulting from this application involves the ground directly below the freezer heaving due to the moisture in the soil freezing. This heaving can sacrifice the integrity of the structure and should be avoided or mitigated if possible.

Solution:
To remedy the freezing and subsequent heaving of the soil, circulate hot water through piping in the soil to maintain a temperature above freezing. The ideal solution is to heat the soil enough to prevent freezing, while not causing excessive heat to transfer to the freezer itself, reducing efficiency and increasing load on the mechanical systems.

Design:
The design for the necessary supply fluid temperature is extrapolated from ASHRAE heating load calculations. The output of the surface of the soil is dependent on the freezer design. Freezers with internal temperature ranges between 20 °F and 30 °F are designed with loads of 3 BTU/h-ft², the ambient temperature is set at 50 °F directly above the soil, with a maximum ground surface temperature of 55 °F. These assumptions yield a solution that results in the soil staying above freezing (32 °F), while limiting the surface temperature of the soil as to minimize the negative effects on the freezer mechanical system. As we are not concerned with striping or stratification on the surface, as we would be in a standard heating application, designs are computed around 36” or 48” tube spacing. NOTE: The diameter and length of the tubing are irrelevant when determining a supply fluid temperature and should be selected to optimize cost, availability, and mechanical room and pumping solutions.

Results:
Empirical data shows that the resulting supply fluid temperatures within temperate climates range from 60 °F to 65 °F. With supply fluid temperatures that range close to the ground temperature, the back and edge losses from the soil are negligible. Dozens of these systems have been designed by Watts Radiant and are performing as expected for many years. The best results have been realized when combining intelligent controls that monitor ground temperatures with a heat source that harvests the waste heat produced from the freezer system. By doing this, a hydronic freeze protection system can be an attractive, simple solution that can be run with minimal cost to the owner.

-MDR

Sludge in Radiant Systems

2011-07-29T12:23:00.000-07:00

Black sludge and other debris is often the initial sign of trouble for a hydronic system. Left untreated, corrosion will drastically shorten the life of any hydronic heating system. But how is corrosion treated? To answer this question it is important to understand what corrosion is and how it is caused. Different types of corrosion will require different types of treatment.

The most common cause is basic oxidation, or rust. Oxidation happens when oxygen, which is entrained in the water, reacts with ferrous (iron based) components. The rate in oxidation is doubled with every 18 degree rise in water temperature. Being a closed-loop radiant system, the internal water generally operates in the 100°-140°F range. Even a small amount of oxygen can cause significant corrosion. A simple field test can be used to visually verify corrosion. Partially fill a clear, clean glass with system fluid and then hold a magnet up to the side of the glass. Watch as the floating black particles migrate towards the magnate. This happens because the black particles are rust, composed mostly of iron, which is naturally attracted to the magnet.

Another fairly common cause for corrosion is an improperly balanced pH level. An ideal pH level is 7 on the pH scale, which is neither acidic nor basic. A low pH level will turn the system fluid acidic, causing the fluid to “eat away” at the ferrous components. Conversely, a high pH level is basic. Basic levels can be equally aggressive depending on the metals used. For the most part, basic pH levels do not adversely affect hydronic components themselves. Instead, a high, or alkaline, pH level tends to cause unwanted scale deposits. All the dissolved materials naturally present in the water supplied to the system will more likely precipitate out at higher pH levels, causing potential obstructions or reduced system performance over time. An example of a high pH system generally involves glycol. Most glycol based systems tend to start out more towards the basic pH range due to the inhibitors used.

The downside to glycol is the pH level is not constant and will drop as the glycol ages. Aging is a result of the glycol solution absorbing oxygen (which makes it an effective tool against oxygen permeation). A good practice to follow is to perform a yearly check of the glycol and re-fill with a new solution or add inhibitors when needed.

If the corrosion takes on the form of orange sludge, or has a pungent order, the system might be experiencing microbial growth. With water temperatures below 160 degrees, oxygen, and a food source such as glycol or sulfur rich water, microbial life can begin growing in the system. The resulting sludge is created when these microbes die. This is a particular problem with areas using artesian wells, which tend to be a good source of sulfur.

The last main cause for corrosion is electrolysis due to dissimilar metals. Because of all the trace metals present in city water, the possibility of these different metals reacting with each other and various system components is fairly significant. Metallics suspended in water create an excellent electrical conductor, increasing the chance of corrosion in systems with high ferrous content.

The best solution to any of these conditions is to ensure the system has been properly treated. To better evaluate the situation and determine which problems are causing the corrosion a fluid test should be performed. Companies which conduct these tests will be able to determine the nature and root-cause of the corrosion as well as offer a means of correction. Most “cures” include adding a specially formulated additive to the system. Although these additives will cure the current corrosion issues they won't eliminate the need for regular system maintenance and fluid checks. Inspect the hydronic system before the beginning of each heating season and take the necessary steps to ensure a corrosion-free season!

Christopher Campfield
Watts Radiant System Designer

Balanced Circuit Lengths

2010-10-06T12:46:00.000-07:00

Q: In a hydronic system, should I keep all of the circuit lengths the same?

A: Most of the time, yes.

There are differing opinions on the need to keep balanced circuit lengths when designing and installing a hydronic system. The primary goal in any hydronic zone is to keep the flows of all the individual circuits the same, thereby creating equal temperature drops and equal heat from each circuit.

In the olden days, prior to circulators, gravity fed hydronic systems were sized in such a way that the natural balance of the system dictated the flow. These systems were very complicated to design and install, but were (in theory) self-balancing and required little to no adjustment.

With the introduction of modern hydronic circulators and flow controls, the systems became much more forgiving to design flaws. Circuits of varying lengths can be mated to a single manifold with flow controls, then balanced out to provide equal flows throughout the system. However, there is a tradeoff: balancing the systems can add a significant labor cost to both installation and maintenance. This may not be a huge deal with a single zone or 2-3 circuits, but with larger zones and more circuits, this becomes quite the daunting task for the installer. Also, if you're using a single manifold with actuators to feed multiple zones, having equal circuit lengths may not apply.

Do circuits need to be the same length? Technically, no. However, when a system is designed and installed with equal length circuits, the payoff is a more stable, self-balancing system that will require less maintenance and adjustment over it's lifespan.

-MDR

RadiantWorks Professional - New Version w/ April 1 Pricing

2010-06-17T07:52:00.000-07:00

RadiantWorks Professional version 2010.02.001 has been released, and can be downloaded from the RadiantWorks page on the Watts Radiant site.

The pricing in RadiantWorks has been updated to reflect the July 1 price guide. The software will now also have the ability to quote the FlexPlate and R-flex product lines.

To install the update, just download the .exe file from the site, and it will install over the old version. Your settings and projects will not be erased or moved with the update.

For more information regarding this or other Watts Radiant products, please visit the RadiantWorks page or call 800-276-2419.

Watts Radiant introduces FlexPlate,™ a revolutionary NEW under floor heating plate.

2010-06-04T08:11:00.001-07:00

The primary material in the plate is a specially processed natural graphite giving FlexPlate unique heat conduction properties. Extensive performance testing indicates FlexPlate will outperform the industry standard aluminum plates. This increase in performance maximizes the thermal efficiency of any under floor radiant system through the use of lower input water temperatures.

In some cases FlexPlate will permit the use of lower temperature sources such as modulating-condensing boilers, ground-source heat pumps and solar thermal. FlexPlate is light weight, flexible, easy to cut to length, and features a simple staple-up installation.

For more information regarding this or other Watts Radiant products, please visit the FlexPlate Site or call 800-276-2419.

New Boiler Module Kit

2010-05-18T10:55:00.000-07:00

Everything (er, almost everything) you ever wanted for the boiler room in one kit. This new kit comes complete with:

Air Remover (with or without flanges) for direct connection to circulators
Swivel Isolation Pump Flange complete with integrated Purge Port.
Residential Boiler Fill Fitting (RBFF).

Each of these items are designed to make installation and initial system fill easier, faster, and trouble free. The new RBFF is a new twist on an old concept. Each RBFF fitting allows for fast and easy isolation of the system expansion tank, a drain valve for easy purging or filling, and a 30 psig pressure gauge for quick and easy check of the system’s current pressure.

DESCRIPTION	QTY	MODEL #	ORDER #
3/4" Boiler Module	1	HP-BHM-75	81013752
1" Boiler Module	1	HP-BHM-100	81013745
1 1/4" Boiler Module	1	HP-BHM-120	81013746

Watts Radiant introduces a NEW compact, lightweight PEX Unwinder.

2010-03-19T06:35:00.000-07:00

Watts Radiant introduces a new compact, lightweight unwinder for RadiantPEX+ and RadiantPEX-AL.

This sturdy unwinder is collapsible and comes complete with its own carrying bag. Each unwinder comes fully assembled and can be secured to the ground or floor for smooth unwinding. The unwinder measures 10"x 36"x6" when folded, and handles coils up to 1".

For more information regarding this or other Watts Radiant products, please visit our website at www.wattsradiant.com or call 800-276-2419

SubRay Product Update

2010-02-17T13:00:00.001-08:00

Watts Radiant introduces a new, convenient way to quickly discern our 15mm thick SubRay® sleepers and Headers from 18mm.

Beginning March 1, 2010, the 15mm sleepers and headers will be painted blue on one end while the 18mm items will remain unpainted.

For more information on SubRay, visit the Watts Radiant Site.

Watts Radiant introduces NEW Crimp Fittings and power tools for 1-1/2” PEX

2010-02-01T05:52:00.000-08:00

Watts Radiant is pleased to introduce CrimpRings and connections for 1 ½” RadiantPEX tubing. Now fast and easy crimp connections are possible with larger diameter 1 ½” RadiantPEX applications.

Available in:
1-½” x 1-½” crimp coupling
1-½” crimp x 1-½” MPT
1-½” crimp x 1-½”male sweat adapter
1-½” crimp x 1-½” female sweat adapter

Our fittings are designed to be used with ASTM F876 (SDR-9) rated RadiantPEX tubing.

Temperature and pressure ratings:
Max. Operating Temperature 180°F.
Max. Operating Pressure 100 psi.

We have also expanded our crimp jaws for our corded and cordless power tools to include the 1-½”size. For those who currently use the RIGID® Model 320-E Cordless Press Tool®, our 1-½” crimp jaws are fully compatible.

With material costs and labor a fraction of copper pipe, RadiantPEX using our new crimp fittings is the perfect choice for distribution lines to commercial or large residential radiant zones, snowmelt zones, or other hydronic applications.

For more information regarding this or other Watts Radiant products, visit our website at www.wattsradiant.com or call 800-276-2419.

Stainless Steel Manifold with Flow Meter Shut Off

2010-01-04T11:22:00.000-08:00

For Immediate Release!

Watts Radiant has updated its state-of-the-art Stainless Steel manifold system to incorporate fl ow meter shut off valves on all 1” and 1-1/2” models. Providing enhanced ease of use and performance, complete circuit isolation is now achieved by closing the fl ow balance valve under the blue cap and rotating the flow meter, eliminating the need for accessory circuit isolation ball valves.

All features you have come to expect will continue with the new design. Each manifold pair will come complete, pre-mounted on metal brackets, eliminating the need for job site assembly.

A wide range of accessory items are available, including
vent/purge assemblies, end caps, trunk isolation valves, and
pressure differential by-pass valves.

Maximum fl ow rates are 12 gpm for 1” manifolds and 20 gpm for 1-1/2” manifolds. Individual circuit fl ow meters are 0-2 gpm for 1” and 0-4 gpm for 1-1/2” manifolds. Manifolds and gauges are rated to 180°F and 80 psi pressure. Fittings are spaced at 2-1/8” on center.

For more information regarding this or other Watts Radiant products, please visit our website at www.wattsradiant.com or call 800-276-2419.

Watts Radiant offers Transition Fittings for Stainless Steel Manifolds

2009-12-03T06:14:00.000-08:00

Watts Radiant now offers a wide selection of transition fittings for its 1” and 1-1/2” Stainless Steel manifolds system. Now transitioning from Onix, RadiantPEX, RadiantPEX-Al, copper, or iron supply and return line is simple and easy.

All transition fittings feature a threaded 1” or 1-1/2” female BSP manifold connection with a variety of Male Sweat, PEX Crimp, RadiantPEX-AL Press, Onix Barb, or NPT connections available on the pipe side.

The fittings are manufactured from durable brass and heavily plated with nickel for corrosion resistance, and are an attractive and functional compliment to the stainless steel manifold trunk.

For more information regarding this or other Watts Radiant products, please visit our website at www.wattsradiant.com or call 800-276-2419.

The Onix Files: Discover the Truth

2009-11-30T14:19:00.000-08:00

When: September – October, 2009

Where: Found in 1/2” RadiantPEX+ Box

What: Tagged 2’ Onix Sample; Knotted

Why: To Get the Truth Out There

Who: Watts Radiant

How: go to www.theonixfiles.com

Motive:

To introduce Onix to a new generation of radiant installers. Most new wet-heads understand PEX, but few understand Onix. Some have never even heard of Onix. The goal is to make them aware there is an option.

Means:

Every other box of 1/2” RadiantPEX+ shipped in the months of September and October will contain a 2’ sample of Onix tied in a knot.

Each sample will have an evidence tag/teaser attached. This tag will provide a hint of an Onix case - a case solved only by Onix.

To Discover the Truth, and to find out more about Onix, installers will be directed to the support site: www.theonixfiles.com. Once there, visitors can read more about their case, or about other cases. They can even discover more about Onix itself. Installers will be encouraged to share their stories and to tell us how Onix helped solve their radiant case.

Opportunity:

Through brand awareness we can open the door to more radiant projects. This will help installers make more money, save more time, and have a better radiant system delivered to their customers.

Task:

Keep your eyes and ears open for the word on the street. Onix is about to become the new prime suspect for radiant and snowmelting applications.

September, 2009

Have you seen Onix, the prime suspect for radiant heating and snow melting applications? Keep an eye out for these flags attached to Onix samples showing up in RadiantPEX+ boxes at local jobsites.

Caution:

There will be questions. Onix samples and project flags are currently shipping with various 1/2" RadiantPEX+ boxes. Installing contractors have the chance to find one of ten different Onix Case Flags in their box of RadiantPEX+.

These cover a wide range of projects, including:

Heat Pump Conversion(staple up tied into a geothermal heat pump)
Be on Top of It (thin-slab)
Sandy Footwarmer(beach bar floor warming)
Doing Brick Right(sand and brick paver snow melt)
Show-off Showroom (commercial slab)
The Cold Install (winter slab install)
Under Current (staple up)
This Old House (staple up remodel)
Hot Idea (firehouse slab)
Rehabitat (animal containment)

To submit a case for review or to simply learn more, go visit The Onix Files.

Introducing ProMelt™ - An Electric Snow Melting System

2009-11-23T14:02:00.000-08:00

Watts Radiant is introducing ProMelt™, an electric snow

melting product line consisting of both mats and cables. Like with HeatWeave® and WarmWire®, our floor warming products, each ProMelt mat or cable has a single point electrical connection, simplifying both installation and wiring.

ProMelt mats are available in 2 ft or 3 ft widths with either a 38 W/sf or 50 W/sf snow melting capacity. ProMelt cables can be spaced at either 3" or 4" on center to provide either 50 W/sf or 38 W/sf of snow melting capacity.

Both mats and cables are available in 120, 208, 244, or 277 VAC power. To help assist wiring of these various voltages, a wide range of control options are available. Eliminate the concern of unwanted slips and falls. ProMelt is safe, efficient, and easy to operate. Say good-bye to sore backs and early mornings and say hello to ProMelt!

For further information on ProMelt and all of our electric floor warming and snow melting systems, please visit the website or call 800.276.2419.

Watts Radiant introduces R-flex™, a Pre-Insulated Piping System

2009-11-23T10:02:00.000-08:00

One of the fast-emerging “green” changes we are seeing in the heating industry today is the use of ultra-efficient, low NOx, wood boilers or water-to-water geothermal systems. Each of these require the transportation of heated water trenched underground to remote locations where heat is then distributed. Getting that heat to points of interior comfort, without losing precious BTUs, can be a challenge.

To address these and many other needs, Watts Radiant is introducing a flexible, pre-insulated piping system called R-flex™. R-flex consists of Single or Dual PEX carrier pipe(s) surrounded by a thick layer of cross-linked PEX foam insulation. All of this is protected by a thick, double-wall corrugated outer shell.

R-flex is able to maintain tighter bends, which means easier handling and faster installations. The benefits of the unique insulation design are low water vapor absorption, enhanced R-value, and excellent resistance to extreme temperatures. The double wall casing offers superior protection against heat loss. R-flex is available in longer coil lengths for fewer connections in the field and a decreased risk of leaks. An added feature is there are no special tools are required to install R-flex. Insulated piping is for use in exterior applications only. A few examples of applications include hydronic heating and snow melting, district heating, geothermal, solar, and commercial process piping.

For further information on R-flex insulated piping system, please visit our website (R-flex) or call 800-276-2419.