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Ecodrain gets US building code approval

Steve_175
Steve_175 Member Posts: 238
in Domestic Hot Water
<a href="http://www.gizmag.com/ecodrain-drain-heat-exchanger/32858/">http://www.gizmag.com/ecodrain-drain-heat-exchanger/32858/</a>

Comments

  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 23,114
    nice, a horizontal style

    good move. May be the best bang for your fuel saving dollars, these drain HXers.
    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
  • icesailor
    icesailor Member Posts: 7,265
    Shower Drain HW/HX:

    Just how much hot (available heat energy) water do you think will be available when you place this HX over a shower drain when by code and practical application, shower water coming out of a shower head won't be more than 106 degrees? 108 degrees is uncomfortable and can cause scalding in small children and geriatrics's. Most drains today are PVC/ABS, not copper or cast iron. 6' is the maximum unvented developed length for a 2" shower drain. How long is that thing? If the water comes out of a shower head at 106 degrees, and falls through 70 degree air, what will the temperature be after it falls through the atmosphere and enters the drain? If the shower drain is between the floors for a second floor bathroom? Its only good for a drain that is exposed and below the bottom of joists with clearance between the top of the HX and the bottom of the joists.

    After purchase and installation, it will be a good example of spending hundreds to save less than a penny. Similar to stepping over ten dollar bills to save a dime.

    IMO.
  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 23,114
    been around for some time

    the GFX brand started in 1986, must be plenty, thousands?, of them installed.



    Larry has one in his place, what maybe 10 years now? Something to be said for no moving parts or electronics.



    Again, like anything, in the right application that would be an excellent ROI, considering maybe 800 bucks installed.



    Wonder what that 25 lbs of scrap copper will be worth in 20 years or so :) should it wear out.
    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
  • Larry Weingarten
    Larry Weingarten Member Posts: 3,564
    These devices...

    ... can save roughly 60% of the heat that goes down the drain.  Savings can be in energy, but they can also be in using smaller equipment.  A twenty gallon heater can deliver the same shower as a forty gallon unit with this counter-flow exchanger.  There is basically little to fail and no moving parts. 



    The nifty thing about a horizontal unit is that it can be fit into so many places a vertical unit cannot go.



    Mine was less than half the price years ago, but energy costs more now.  They are certainly easier to install in new construction, but durable and reliable energy savings are not a bad thing.



    Yours,  Larry
  • icesailor
    icesailor Member Posts: 7,265
    25#?

    2" Type DWV Copper? It weighs 1.07# per foot. Maximum code length for an unvented shower drain is 6' developed. A scrap dealer might give you $20 to $ 25 for it. But how much $$$ savings are you going to get from mixing 120 degree water into a shower valve that mixes it down to 106* and goes down the drain at about the same temperature as a body fluid.

    The manufacturer can make any claim they want. I'd just like to see actual repeatable test results. In installed field applications.

    Take that same $$$ and insulate all the hot water lines. New flow restricted shower heads. There's money well spent.

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