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PVF e-news, February 14, 2008 |
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Three Standing Ovations
by Jim Olsztynski
 Do you folks get as disgusted as I do when creepy celebs gain more attention in the media than some of mankind's greatest achievements? I'd like to make amends in a tiny way by drawing attention to three of the scientific and technological marvels of human history named Spirit, Opportunity and Hubble.
Spirit and Opportunity
are names given to the Mars rover robots whose engineers promised only 90 days of useful performance. Now, four years later, these real-world Energizer bunnies still keep going and going to enlighten human understanding of nature -- on the surface of a planet more than 50 million miles away with temperatures routinely plunging lower than wintertime Antarctica's and dust storms howling with winds of over 100 mph. How embarrassing to me as a journalist that our nation's news media is more fascinated with Britney's malfunctions.
Equally noteworthy has been the Hubble Space Telescope, still several years
 away from the end of a useful life now approaching two decades. Hubble's magnificence stems not only from its scientific achievements, but the human ingenuity that turned around what was shaping up as one of history's great engineering fiascos. Remember the misshapen mirror and subsequent correction?
The innards of these enormously complex machines must contain pipe, valves and fittings of incredible precision and durability to withstand their harsh operating environments. Hip, hip, hooray for everyone who designed, built and assembled those components. |
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Victaulic Promotes Thau, Renner
Victaulic
announced the promotion of Larry Thau to executive vice president and chief technical officer. He has served in a number of key capacities related to new product development during his 35 years at Victaulic, most recently as vice president-engineering. Also promoted was Jim Renner, from director of marketing and communication to vice president-marketing. In this role, Renner is responsible for the Marketing and Construction Piping Services divisions of Victaulic worldwide. Additionally, the company elevated Wayne Barefoot to chief financial officer and Joe Savage to vice president-finance.
Parker Hannifin's Popoff To Head Filtration Group
Parker Hannifin Corp. has named Peter Popoff, 55, as president of the company's Filtration Group. Popoff replaces John Oelslager, who will retire March 31, 2008
, after more than 41 years of service to Parker. Popoff had been group vice president of operations for Parker's filtration technologies prior to being appointed to his new position.
Piping Systems Training Starts In March
Engineered Software, producers of hydraulic analysis software, has established a new division,
Fluid Fundamentals Training
. Its first new product, Piping System Fundamentals, is a two-day course that awards continuing educational credits or professional development hours upon completion. Course materials include the Technical Paper 410, owned by Crane Valves North America. The first of the six training courses is set for March 26-27 in Baton Rouge, LA. Two-day classes are priced at $895. The other spring training dates are April 9-10, April 16-17, April 23-24, May 14-15, and May 21-22. For venues, registration and further information, visit
www.fluidfundamentals.com, call (360) 412-0702 or email info@eng-software.com.
Donate Dead Inventory For Tax Deduction
The National Association for the Exchange of Industrial Resources offers a cost-free service to help business free themselves of excess inventory and invoke
tax exemption 170(e)(3). This exemption allows for regular (C) corporations to deduct the cost of the inventory donated, plus half the difference between cost and fair market value, up to twice cost. (S) corporations, partnerships, and sole proprietors are eligible for a straight-cost deduction. Contact NAEIR at 1-800-562-0955 or email donor@naeir.org to receive your free Donor Information Kit.
IAPMO Branches Into Online Education
The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, (IAPMO) Online Learning Center is offering more than 300 online non-technical
courses geared toward individuals seeking professional development training that supplements their code knowledge and assists them in developing job skills that do not directly correlate to the codes. Courses include industrial safety, communications, ethics, management, leadership, computer skills, organizational skills and project management. Visit
www.iapmo.org/onlinelearningcenter and set up a free account. The offer is good for a limited time. |
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You Really Should Read This ... |
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Is Copper More Germ-Resistant Than Stainless?
Tests are undeway in certain intensive care units to find out. Read more here. |
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AEC Store’s FEATURED Product
 Piping Materials Guide
This book covers the entire piping process, including the selection of piping materials according to the job, the application of the materials and fitting, trouble-shooting techniques for corrosion control, inspections for OSHA regulations, and even the warehousing, distributing, and ordering of materials. There are books on materials, fitting, OSHA regulations, and so on, but this is the only "one stop shopping" source for the piping engineer on piping materials.
Click Here to purchase, or visit
AECStore.com to view our entire product selection. |
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PME's Hydronics Webinar Series Continues in 2008
This series of 90-minute Webinars presents the latest concepts for modern hydronic heating system design in both residential and commercial applications. CEU/PDH Credit is available.
This year’s Webinar topics include:
Feb. 14
Multiple Mod/Con Boiler Systems – Defining the Future of Hydronic Heating
Thursday, February 14, 2008 at 1:00 pm ET
Sponsored by : Lochinvar
Mar. 20
A Survey of Modern Mixing Methods
Thursday, March 20, 2008 at 1:00 pm ET
May 1
Active Solar Heating–New Opportunities For Hydronic Professionals
Thursday, May 1, 2008 at 1:00 pm ET
June 12
Home Run Distribution Systems – An Outstanding Alternative to Metal Piping
Thursday, June 12, 2008 at 1:00 pm ET
Presented by:
John Siegenthaler, P.E. John is a licensed engineer with more than 28 years of experience in hydronic heating. He also is a writer, software developer and columnist for PM and PM Engineer magazines.
Register today at::http://webinar.pmengineer.com. If you're busy that day,
sign up anyway. You have 12 months to play back the scheduled broadcast any time you like.
Missed one of our 2007 MEC Webinars? No Problem! They are now available On-Demand! Visit PME's webinar archives to view these and other Webinars. |
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Just Updated
 Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters, 7E
Fully updated for optimal learning, Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters, 7E remains a trusted resource for essential math concepts in the plumbing and pipefitting trades. With an emphasis on real-world examples that will prepare readers to successfully transfer their knowledge to on-the-job situations, this book utilizes the most currently used fitting materials to demonstrate key concepts. Simplified, clear explanations and a straightforward approach, combined with new units on changes of state, pressure and heat, and mechanical advantage, make this an ideal tool for anyone entering the field.
Check out the entire line of products at AECStore.com or call Stephanie Weingartz at 248/244-1275 with any questions. |
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