Design Manuals for Snow Melting

Unknown

1) What's the difference between the old ASHRAE, (chapter 46) and the new ASHRAE chapter on snow melting design?

2) I think it's: (Guide No. S-40) and it use to be available through the Hydronics Institute. Where can I find a copy of the latest I=B=R Manual for snow melting calculations and installations?

3) Has the RPA completed their snow melting guidelines?

4) Other than Mfr. specific manuals, are there any other design manuals out there that I have not mentioned?

*To catch up with me real time, try AIM. User name: Radiantfloors

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RB_2

SIM

Gary,

Short & Sweet Version…

First is the “Frequency of Snow Melting Loads” which can be used to establish customer’s expectations. Those clients with high expectations, ie: regardless of conditions, the system must provide 100% performance each and every time – to those customers who find it acceptable for their system to experience maximum loading only 75% of the time - each system is sized accordingly.

ASHRAE provides 75%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99% and 100% expectations.

Second is the recognition that wind speed in the direction of slab lengths has an impact on determining the load and provide a number of factors to influence the calculations.

The RPA have completed the HYDRONIC SNOW/ICE MELT, Design and Installation Guidelines. ( Not sure when it hits the press )

I think it was Larry Drake who wrote the I=B=R SIM Manual and I don't believe it has been updated...yet.

My library contains the usual suspects … manufacturers, I=B=R, or ASHRAE manuals – that’s it.

rb

John Jr

Gary, check out Wirsbo they have a Snow-Melt design book. www.wirsbo.com

Mad Dog

When I did my first big snowmelt job, recently, I found that

there was a real dearth of information out there on actual snowmelt designs. The wirsbo book just has basic guidelines and standards. The RPA didn't have what I waS LOOKING for either. Thank GOD for The Wall and MARK EATHERTON. Mark walked me thru the whole job. Hey Mark I am imploring you!!!!!!! You are the Man to write the book. Mad Dog

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Mad Dog

I've found that there is a real dearth of information

out there on snowmelt. I found this out recently on a large (5100 s.f) snow melt joib we did. First i went to Wirsbo....all they had was that book on guidelines and standards - not too much help, but a start. Then I called RPA: "Are there any books by siggy or anyone, on snowmelting???" No, sorry. I found my snowmelt Godsend here at The Wall. Mark Eatherton walked me thru every phase, guided me around all the pitfalls, and weeded out all the unecessary garbage I was told I needed. Mark, when are You gonna write that book. Mad Dog

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steve_26

Snow melt info

Have you tried Stadler-Viega Bedford Ma.
they will provide Complete in house design,cad drawings if you want,traning at their Bedford facility and manuals.
steve

George_10

snowmelt and compatibily

Compatible water treatment with glycol etc. Our products not only will prevent corrosion or scale in the boiler area heating sources and do oxygen scavenging, but can be used with the anti freezing agents.

As Hotrod said in his article, clean a new system and then treat it for the potential problems while in use. We have the two step process down pat. Hope this helps.