Field Test Lab Dedicated to Problem-Solving
(Kinston, NC) - Field Controls has unveiled its new test lab, located at its headquarters in Kinston, North Carolina.
The 5,000 square foot facility features five dedicated test bays with 25 foot ceilings. The lab is designed to conduct multiple tests simultaneously, including water heater energy efficiency studies, sidewall venting testing, AFUE analysis, product life cycle testing, wind load, weather, combustion, and air flow tests. “We perform analysis, problem-solving, and equipment testing for our OEM customers,” says Tony Schrank, Sr. VP of Engineering. “This facility gives us the space and capacity to perform a wide range of standard and customized tests to meet our customers’ needs.” Some of the specialized equipment in the lab includes a test stand built by ETL for energy efficiency evaluation of water heaters, a Yamatake Heat Value Gas Chromatograph for monitoring natural gas heating values, and a California Analytical Instruments flue gas analyzer. All data is captured via custom software on PCs that are integrated into the test. Field Controls is able to develop virtual 2D and 3D designs and then quickly build a prototype for test units in their prototype construction center. Typical testing in the Field Controls lab centers on problems and products related to IAQ, venting, combustion, and draft.
UV-Aire®
The flu has increased consumer awareness about disease-causing pathogens that can be transmitted through the air.
(Kinston, NC) - Flu viruses travel from one infected person to another through the air by coughing or sneezing or through direct contact with someone who has touched the airborne virus and then touched another person or object. The CDC recommends frequent hand washing, use of disinfectant cleaners and quarantining of persons who have contracted the flu. Flu viruses, according to the latest studies, can be killed by exposure to high output UV-C germicidal light, like the light used in UV-Aire® air purifiers.
When installed in a central heating/air conditioning forced-air system, the UV-Aire in-duct models help sterilize the air in the entire home or office. As air circulates through the system, airborne viruses, bacteria and molds are destroyed when exposed to the intense UV-C light of the UV-Aire. The portable UV-Aire models help sterilize air in localized areas and add an extra layer of protection in bedrooms, living rooms and kitchens. They are also recommended for use in homes without central forced-air systems.
UV-Aire air purification is highly recommended as a part of a complete program to reduce and control the spread of airborne pathogens. There are 18 UV-Aire models to choose from for virtually every application. For more information, visit www.fieldcontrols.com/uvaire or call 252.522.3031.
Field Offers Tips on Burner Conversion
Field Controls has published a new report on issues related to safe oil-to-gas burner conversion. With the recent volatility of oil prices, many homeowners are electing to switch to natural gas or propane, leading to a “burner conversion” frenzy. While the obvious first step in the process is to change the burner and the fuel supply, Field recommends two additional steps to ensure a safer, faster installation.
Normally, a gas fired appliance would call for the installation of a draft hood in place of the existing barometric draft control. The Field Report recommends replacing the existing draft control with a double-acting draft control and a blocked-vent thermal safety switch. This system is not only easier and faster to install, it is also safer and more efficient. The double acting draft control keeps the over-fire draft consistent, enhancing burner efficiency. The control is designed to respond to changes in barometric pressure, updrafts and downdrafts. The blocked vent switch detects flue spillage and automatically shuts the burner down until the blockage can be resolved.
The entire system is easier to install, compared to retrofitting a draft hood, saving the installer and the homeowner precious time and money. For a copy of the report click here or for more information, call 252.522.3031.
The Fuel Saver. Field's Oil Vent Damper
Field Controls, the venting solutions company, has developed a new Oil Vent Damper that significantly reduces off cycle heat loss in oil burning appliances, resulting in less fuel consumption, a 5% to 10% savings in energy costs, and an up to 2% gain in AFUE.
Normally, when the thermostat is satisfied and the burner shuts down, the residual heat in the burner chamber escapes via the chimney. The Field Oil Vent Damper prevents this loss by effectively closing the vent during the off cycle. Field testing indicates the average homeowner can save 5% to 10% on fuel costs with a properly installed OVD.
The OVD also improves comfort by reducing or eliminating drafting through the chimney, which can cause drafty conditions in the living space.
The unit is installed between the draft control and the vent outlet and wired into the 120v primary circuit or aquastat. When there is a call for heat, the damper opens within five seconds. Redundant 10 amp switches are wired in series with the burner and will not allow the burner to start until the damper is open. Additional safety is included with a 200 degree WMO-1 blocked-vent safety switch. In the event of a blocked chimney or venter, the WMO-1 will shut the burner down and prevent operation until the vent is cleared and the switch is manually reset.
A hold-open service switch is included to lock the damper in the open position during service or maintenance. The housing and damper are made of corrosion resistant 316 stainless steel. The damper plate rotates 360 degrees for automatic self-cleaning action.
Click Here to watch how it works.