Volume 1, Issue 2 November 2004

Hydronic Newsof Southern California and Hawaii

Laars RepresentativesSince 1999

Cemline RepresentativeSince 1989

Bell & GossettRepresentatives

Since 1952

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

ARTICLE PAGE(S)

Calendar of Events 3

Contact Info 8

Check Your Knowledge 2, 7

Customer Comments 8

Inside Dawson 7

Product Highlights 1, 2

Project Highlights 1, 3

Technical Matters 4 - 6

Product HighlightsITT Heat Transfer

GPX Gasket Plate Heat ExchangerARI Standard 400 Certification

Interest in the ARI Standard 400 Certification of the GPX gasket plate heat exchangers continues to grow. In August, ITT received its certification from ARI and is one of only two companies currently able to offer ARI certified gasketed plate exchangers.

The recently initiated ARI Standard 400 certification designates product performance and was developed to provide a common and consistent method of evaluating the thermal performance of liquid-to-liquid heat exchangers. Certification is granted only to heat exchangers that, when tested, meet or exceed the manufacturers published thermal performance rating.

The ARI certification covers all (34) Bell & Gossett GPX models from the Model P4 to the Model P200 and provides our customers with reassurance that they can depend on Bell & Gossett for products with guaranteed performance. Continued on Page 2

Hydronic News – November 2004 Page 1

Project HighlightsVitesse Semiconductor

Plant ExpansionProject Location: Camarillo, CABy B. Allen Schneider

Vitesse Semiconductor Corporation in Camarillo, CA recently upgraded their chilled water system at their facility. Vitesse and Moon Engineering called on Dawson Co. Sales Representative B. Allen Schneider to assist in selecting the proper equipment to fit the needs of the project.

The Director of Facilities at Vitesse is Mr. Giovanni Scola. The Mechanical Engineer who assisted in the engineering design of the project expansion was Mr. Tim Moon, principal of Moon Engineering in Ventura, California.

Bell & Gossett VSC and VSCS pumps were selected for ease of installation and maximum pump efficiency. Additional products used to streamline the installation of the equipment include B&G Triple Duty Valves, Flex Hose Flex Connectors, Flex Hose Flex Increasers, Weksler Dial Pressure Gauges, B&G Air Separator, Air Vent & Bladder Tank, JL Wingert Chemical Pot Feeder, and a Blue-White Totalizing Flow Meter.

Installation of the equipment is currently nearing completion and the plant expansion is expected to be up and running by the end of this year. A Dawson Co. representative will be on site for start-up of the equipment to insure the installation standards have been met and the equipment performs to optimal expectations.

CHECK YOUR KNOWLEDGE**ANSWERS**

1. This edition of the Hydronic News highlighted the B&G Compression tanks, Expansion tanks, and Well tanks. (pg 2)

2. B&G VSC and VSCS pumps were selected on the Vitesse Semiconductor Plant Expansion project for their ease of installation and maximum pump efficiency. (pg 1)

3. The cooling system for South Orange County’s Waste Water Treatment Plant was designed by Brown & Caldwell in Santa Ana. (pg 3)

4. Every Laars Pennant Pool Heater comes with a built-in automatic mixing system. (pg 2)

5. The minimum pH target for corrosion prevention in a hydronic system is 9. (pg 5)

6. Cv means “flow coefficient”. (pg 4)

7. Four-pole operation is best for low noise and for long bearing and seal life. (pg 4)

8. If a pump experiences elevated pH levels, the binder in the ceramic material is leached out leaving the surface slightly softened and porous - resulting in leakage. (pg 5)

9. The most cost effective method for preventing pump leakage after start up is to change the seal after substantial completion of the project. (pg 6)

10. To receive the quarterly publication of the Hydronic Newsletter via email, log onto www.dawsonco.com and select the California/Hawaii link. (pg 3)

This Quarter’s Core Value

CREATIVITYThe generation of new ideas through

originality, inventiveness, and imagination.

Questions on Page 7

Product Highlights - GPX GasketContinued from Page 1

LAARS Pennant Pool HeaterLaars Heating Systems Introduces its New Pennant Line ofHigh-Performance Pool Heaters

The news from Laars Heating Systems is that every Pennant Poo l Heater now comes standard with a built in automatic mixing system that eliminates problemat ic condensat ion. Incorporating an automatic three-way control valve, fast acting electronic actuator, factory mounted and wired pump and a simplified operating control that monitors all important functions of the system the Pennant Pool Heater is capable of handling return water temperatures as low as 60 degrees without experiencing condensation that will cause premature heat exchanger failure common to the commercial swimming pool and water theme park market.

An added feature to the Pennant Pool Heater is a standard “Backwash Switch” that allows the maintenance staff to safely prepare the Pennant for filter backwash by allowing the pump time-delay to complete its cycle before shutting down. This allows avoidance of nuisance high-limit shutdowns.

The unique design of the Pennant makes pool heating easy and reliable because Laars factory presets the by-pass and combustion system so that field adjustments are a thing of the past.

Count on Laars Heating Systems to provide the innovative designs of the future.

ARI’s Liquid-to-Liquid Heat Exchangers Certification process applies to liquid-to-liquid heat exchangers which are tested in accordance with ANSI/ARI Standard 400-2001. For information about ARI Standard 400 certification, visit http://www.ari.org/cert/index.html.

Well Tanks: As designed for Well Water and Booster Pump Systems:

Minimize Pump Run Times, Extends Life of PumpPolypropylene Liner Provides Corrosion ResistanceButyl/EPDM Diaphragm Resistant to Bacterial GrowthFDA Approved MaterialsHigh Maximum Operating Temperature of 200˚FHigh Maximum Working Pressure of 100 PSIGPre-pressurized to Most Common Cut-in Pressures

B&G TanksCompression Tanks: The compression tank on a closed hydronic system serves a very important function in providing adequate pressurization under all operating conditions. Above all, a compression tank must be absolutely air tight. B&G tanks are available nationally in ASME construction, are of black steel construction, thoroughly tested and guaranteed leak proof. Gauge glass tapping are included as standard.

Expansion Tanks: Bell & Gossett expansion tanks are designed to absorb the force of thermal expansion in hydronic heating and domestic potable water systems. Series HFT tanks for hydronic heating systems are available in sizes from 2 - 86 gallons. Tanks for potable water systems, Series PT and PTA (ASME construction) are available in sizes from 2 - 528 gallons.

The Series WTX tanks will help protect the pump and pressure switches against short cycling. The potable well tank delivers adequate water under pressure between pump cycles to meet the required demand. It will provide economical system operation by minimizing pump starts, extending pump motor life, and saving energy. The WTX tank will also assist the pump in meeting peak demands.

Hydronic News – November 2004 Page 2

DO YOU COMPLY?SCAQMD Rule 1146.2 - EMISSIONS OF OXIDES OF NITROGEN FROM LARGE WATER HEATERS AND SMALL BOILERS (Adopted January 9, 1998). The purpose of this rule is to reduce NOx emission from natural gas-fired large (commercial) water heaters, small (industrial) boilers, and process heaters. **Condensed Ruling available upon request, call (909) 396-2000 or visit http://www.AQMD.gov/rules/html/r1146-2.html.

EFFECTIVE NOx Emission Ruling states that units must meet NOx DATE BTU/H Input Requirement Emission Requirement or ...

1/1/2000 400,000-2,000,000 < 30ppm Shall not be purchased/installed1/1/2001 75,000-400,000 < 55ppm (40N/J) Shall not be purchased/installed7/1/2002 1,000,000-2,000,000 < 30ppm Shall not operate units manufactured prior to 1/2/921/1/2005 1,000,000-2,000,000 < 30ppm Shall not operate units manufactured between 1992-19991/1/2006 400,000-2,000,000 < 30ppm Shall not be operated

CALENDAR OF EVENTSTHIS YEAR

Little Red School House50TH ANNIVERSARY!

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COMING UP IN 2005***************************************************************************************

LAARS PENNANT, RHEOS, and RHEOS+ TRAININGBill Root and Mike Elmore will be teaching a one day seminar on the Pennant, RHEOS and RHEOS+. PLACE: LAS VEGAS, NVDATE: JANUARY 18, 2005WEBSITE: WWW.DAWSONCO.COM******************************************AHR (AIR CONDITIONING, HVAC, AND REFRIGERATION) EXPOPLACE: ORLANDO, FLDATE: FEBRUARY 7-9, 2005WEBSITE: WWW.AHREXPO.COM******************************************

Save a tree! Register to receive your quarterly Hydronic News

via email.Just go to our website,

www.dawsonco.com,select the California/Hawaii site

and click on

ON-LINELITTLE RED SCHOOL HOUSE - WESTRoy Ahlgren will be teaching on Pump Sizing & Application, Air Control & Tank Sizing, System Syzer, Primary & Secondary Piping, Large Chilled Water System, and BalancingPLACE: LOS ANGELES, CADATE: FEBRUARY 17, 2005PLACE: SAN DIEGO, CADATE: FEBRUARY 18, 2005WEBSITE: WWW.DAWSONCO.COM******************************************AAGLA PHCC TRADE SHOWPLACE: POMONA, CADATE: FEBRUARY 26, 2005WEBSITE: WWW.PHCCWEB.ORG******************************************

Hydronic News – November 2004 Page 3

South Orange County Waste AuthorityProject Location: Laguna Niguel, CABy Matt Freer

Project Highlights

South Orange County’s Waste Water Treatment Plant gets some cooling off! ITT Heat Transfer and Dawson Co. to the rescue!

Three Wakesha Engine/Generators were in need of cooling. Engine overheating from an Army sourced ebullient system led to the change out to the Heat Transfer Packages. The Wakesha Engines heat the digesters at the facility through the HTPs, which in turn supply digester gas. This digester gas then might get supplemented by a little natural gas to run the engines.

Prolonged engine life, lower fuel consumption and lower emissions are benefits immediately experienced by the facility thanks to the ITT Heat Transfer Packages. An additional benefit to the HTP is that it also provides the heat to the local YMCA pool down the street.

The engines now run cooler and more efficiently thanks to the new system designed by Brown & Caldwell, Santa Ana. The job was beautifully piped and installed by Watson Mechanical, Corona, CA.

Technical MattersHydronic System Flow Balance

What is your Cv?By Mark Gahman

Recently Mark Hegberg, Bell and Gossett Product Line Manager for Circuit Sentry, gave a Lunch and Learn for 25 folks at ACCO Engineered Systems. Among the ACCO Engineers in attendance were John Buncich, P.E., Chief Engineer, and Robert Toji, P.E., CEM LEED™ 2.0 AP, Senior Systems Engineer.

ACCO Engineered Systems was established in 1934 and is a valued customer of Dawson Co. Some of our current projects include:Westlake Village - Paul Zaragoza, Project Manager; 1st American Corp - Brian Gutshall, Project Manager; California Endowment - Doug Lemons, Project Manager; Sunrise Assisted Living - Mark Quentin, Project Manager; and Kaiser Panorama City - John Aguilar, Project Manger.

During the Lunch & Learn, Mark Hegberg reviewed some of the basic definitions, formulas and concepts involved in Hydronic System Flow Balance. One of those, which I wish to touch on in this article, is the definition of Cv. Cv means ‘flow coefficient’ and has been defined by the formula Cv = valve flow rate in gpm of 60° F water that causes a valve pressure drop of 1 psi. (ASHRAE Journal, January 1969). The problem is that this definition does not take into account that flow volume will change with density of the fluid and the temperature; this definition is not general enough.

Gil Carlson, prior Director of Technical Services at Bell & Gossett and author of many of the TEH Manuals, noted that a clear definition for Cv is Cv = flow rate (gpm) that causes 2.3 ft fluid head loss through any flow device using a liquid as the flow liquid. This allows Cv stated as a foot fluid head to be applied to any fluid - temperature does not become a factor, density correction does not need to be applied by the application engineer, and Cv is not limited to just valve applications. (ASHRAE Journal, January 1969).

Water is an excellent medium to transfer heat energy and hydronic systems must ultimately be designed with flow balancing to deliver the comfort needed in a timely manner. Pressure drops across coils, piping loops and system components must be calculated. You must know your Cv.

One of the points Mark Hegberg made during his presentation was that the ultimate goal is, when someone turns the dial on the thermostat to adjust a room temperature, some pump in the system has to increase flow to that terminal to bring more heat or more cold.

Correct Pump SpeedBy Jack Dawson, P.E., M.S.

Pumps in the hydronic industry are available in three speeds and each has its place.

The most common is a four-pole motor that will be in the 1700-1780 RPM range. The higher efficiency motors will run a little faster than standard efficiency and some thought should be given to the actual pump speed when selecting the pump and its curve. Four-pole operation is best for low noise and for long bearing and seal life.

Very large pumps need very large inlet holes in the impeller and obviously the impeller must be bigger than the inlet hole. Often this minimum diameter is too large for the required head. In this case, we can run the pump with a six-pole motor (1150-1180 RPM). At two-thirds the speed we get 4/9 the head. B&G has pumps up to 48 inches.

Sometimes we need very low flows and high heads. An example would be 50 GPM at 200 feet. If anyone were to build such a pump for four-pole operation, the impeller would have to be about ½” wide and 15” in diameter. The cost would be very high and the efficiency would be very low. In this case we use two-pole speed and, if necessary, multiple stages to obtain the head required. We use these pumps for high head pressure boosting and boiler feed pumps.

If the pumps are for intermittent duty, such as condensate return, two-pole speed is often preferable. The inertia is lower on high speed pumps as compared to four-pole pumps of the same performance and they handle the cycling service better. The number of starts per unit time can be more frequent with lower inertia two-pole pumps.

Some of the 14 huge pumps at Wheeler Ridge, which B&G Allis Chalmers subsidiary supplied, run at 600 RPM while producing about 150,000 GPM at 1,900 feet. A very large inlet determines the minimum diameter impeller and, in this case, the pumps have four impellers in series to produce the required head.

If the system is not balanced correctly and strategically engineered to include automatic balancing of the coils, you are going to have problems getting your end result.

Calculations for pressure drops in the system loops and coils takes time, but the reward is a well engineered system which functions as it was intended. Pumps do what they do, air separators do what they do, expansion tanks do what they do, balancing valves do what they do, and the list goes on. What’s your Cv – your real Cv? This is the key to making sure that everything comes together and works as it should.

Team ChampionsASHRAE Trap & Skeet Tournament

Striving to be the best and living up to the Dawson Co. Mission Statement, “Providing Superior Solutions, Performance & Value. Always.” applies to more than just the products and customer service we provide - it’s a way of life for our employees.

With a record setting attendance at the 2004 ASHRAE Trap & Skeet Tournament, the Dawson Co. team snatched the Team Championship trophy with a score of 277, eight targets over the 2002 team champion. The event was held August 27th at the Miramar Gun Club and established a record for most entries as 51 shooters competed for individual and team awards. The trophy will be on display at the Dawson Co. San Diego office until the 2005 tournament.

Hydronic News – November 2004 Page 4

Dawson Team: Bryan Fulgham, A.O. Reed; Craig Johnson, UCSD Facilities Design & Construction; Mike Caffrey, Dawson Company; Frank Saunders, Consulting Solutions; Chuck Poindexter, SDG&E

PUMP START-UP AND SEAL FAILUREI’ve started my pump, and now it’s leaking . . .

By Mike Caffrey

Or even worse “I’ve started my pumps, and they are all leaking.” The next question is “when can this be fixed?” but the real question should be “why did the seal fail?” There are a variety conditions that can lead to seal failure, and the majority are preventable.

First, let’s examine the conditions that are not preventable in the field. This could include a bad seal. It does happen, just not very often. Mean failure rates of the mechanical seals used in Bell & Gossett pumps are extremely low. Another possibility is an improperly constructed seal chamber in the pump itself. Out of thousands of pumps sold over the last few years, I am aware of one occasion wherein this was the case. While material failure is always a possibility, this is an extremely rare occurrence in our company’s experience.

This article will address typical start-up conditions and cleaning procedures for hydronic systems, basic water treatment of these systems, and the effect that the procedures and treatment will have on the pumps mechanical seals.

Start-up conditions, procedures and water treatmentChanges in new construction, particularly with regards to scheduling, have virtually guaranteed a pump seal failure soon after start-up. The rapid pace of new construction does not allow for use of flush pumps. Flush pumps require a pipe side stream with the appropriate valving to operate, and this does take time to construct and then remove. Please take a moment to consider when you last saw a flush pump being used on new construction, retrofit or T.I. work? When did you last see the use of a flush pump specified? In some informal surveying, five years was the most popular answer, and many people answered ten years.

This means that the system pumps have been used for conditions other than what they were designed for, namely system flush and cleaning. These conditions, and the accompanying fluid characteristics, present significant problems for pump seals.

To begin, one of the first things that will occur in a new system is a pressure test. Water is introduced into the system piping through the pump. This water is dirty with high levels of sediment and construction debris and is passed over the pump seal. This fluid contains high levels of dissolved and suspended solids. Mechanical seals are not tolerant of dissolved solid levels above 1,000 ppm or suspended solids above 20 ppm, but we will address that in greater detail later.

System cleaning and pipe treatment are typically done with alkaline cleaners. Alkaline cleaning uses chemicals to raise the pH level in the system to somewhere between 9.5 and 10.5, with this level being most beneficial to the pipe.

A quick review of pH – By definition pH is the measure of free hydrogen activity in water, and can be expressed as: pH = -log[H+]. A more practical statement for our purposes is that pH is the measure of acidity or alkalinity. Measured on a scale of 0-14, solutions with a pH of less than 7.0 are acids while solutions with a pH of greater than 7.0 are bases (alkaline). This is a logarithmic scale and, as such, each unit represents a 10-fold increase or decrease relative to the next unit. For example, seawater with a pH of 8 is 10 times more alkaline than fresh, clean water, with a pH of 7. This is noted to illustrate how a pH increase or decrease of 1 or 1.5 is very significant with regards to the fluid properties.

Corrosion levels increase in copper and steel as pH falls below 7. This is acidic, and should make sense on an intuitive level. Since we don’t fill our systems with acids, this is a non-factor. Corrosion occurs readily at pH levels between 7 and 8.9, but falls off dramatically at 9, so the alkaline side of water treatment is where our attention should be focused.

The pH target is 9, with significant corrosion consequences if the system pH should fall below this number. As such, the most common treatment pH target range is between 9.5 and 10.5. Spikes in pH can occur, but for the most part this is not harmful to the piping. It can, however, be extremely harmful to the pump seal.

Mechanical Seal TolerancesInternally flushed mechanical seals include a stationary face and a rotating element. The materials from which the seal are made have specific tolerance ranges with regards to temperature, pH and particulate levels. A standard seal, which will have a carbon stationary element and a ceramic rotating element, has the following limitations:

• Maximum temperature: 225ºF • pH range: 7 – 9 • Total dissolved solids: 1,000 ppm • Total suspended solids: 20 ppm

Based on what has already been outlined regarding start-up and water treatment, it can be reasonably assumed that the seals have already been subjected to conditions that exceed their limitations - probably for an extended period. The water chemistry during cleaning will quite likely have a negative effect on the seal a few months later.

At elevated pH levels, the binder in the ceramic material is leached out, leaving the surface slightly softened and porous. As this element rotates, pieces of the ceramic embed in the carbon face and act like a grinding wheel on the weakened mating face. This will lead to seal leakage. Once the pH spike occurs, the damage is done regardless of subsequent adjustments.

The flushing water that cools and lubricates the seal evaporates due to the frictional heat generated between the seal faces, leaving behind whatever chemicals are dissolved in the water. For this reason, chemical concentrations of dissolved solids above 1,000 ppm will act as an abrasive on the seal faces. This will erode the face, and the seal will leak. Similarly, suspended solids can work between the faces and be trapped by the evaporation of the system fluid. The seal will be damaged as consequence.

Technical Matters

Continued on Page 6

Hydronic News – November 2004 Page 5

Technical Matters - Pump Start-up and Seal FailureContinued from Page 5

Hydromatic Self-Priming PumpsImpeller Trimming on Self Primers?

References

• B&G Bulletin 4976 “Mechanical Seal Selection Guidelines”• The Burgmann Dictionary at www.burgmann.com• The Chesterton web site at www.chesterton.com• John Crane Company, article “Avoiding Premature Seal

Failure”

Thanks to Roy Ahlgren, Director of Training and Education, Bell & Gossett.

Thanks to Mark Pondel, Manager of Field Service, Bell & Gossett.

With Special Thanks to Michael Burns, General Manager, Aquatec.

If high pH levels and elevated concentrations of solids are typical of the installation, other seal materials are available as an option. Like anything, this will come at a price. These seals cost more, are more susceptible to thermal shock, and will crack quite readily if run dry even for a moment. The most common alternative seal would be of EPR/tungsten carbide construction. EPR, ethylene propylene rubber elastomer, is the stationary element. Tungsten carbide is the rotating element. This seal will tolerate pH levels of up to 11 and temperatures to 250ºF. Since the materials are harder, they will handle solids more effectively, but the exact amount is not published.

While we have not discussed temperature in depth, this is not typically an issue on standard hydronic heating systems, although it may be a factor in some cogeneration facilities. Please bear in mind that at elevated temperatures the effects of high pH levels become more pronounced, as well as the evaporation rate of the fluid between the seal faces. These seals will fail more rapidly as a result.

Conclusions and SolutionsHow to cure the problem? The most cost effective solution is to simply change the seal after substantial completion of the project. While there are options regarding water treatment that will not elevate pH levels, they come at a steep price increase. Given our competitive market place, this is unlikely to be a regular alternative. Monitoring the water chemistry during start-up and system cleaning will provide an early indicator of seal replacement necessity. Please bear in mind that because the system is corrected does not mean that damage has not been done.

This is a topic about which very lengthy articles have been written, and it is impossible to discuss all the factors of seal failure at any length in this newsletter. I would welcome your comments and input on this topic.

Typically, when a customer requeststhat a pump be rated for a specified flow and head pressure, we take a look at the pump curve and determine what impeller trim and horsepower is required. With Self-Priming pumps we also have to look at the pump curve, but we use it to determine the required speed that the pump needs to turn at.

SELF PRIMING PUMPS DO NOT HAVE IMPELLERS TRIMMED. THE IMPELLER IS ALWAYS THE MAXIMUM SIZE AND THE CAPACITY IS CHANGED BY CHANGING THE PUMP SPEED.

So, unless the selection requires a speed of 1100, 1750 or 3500 RPM, you will need to provide a pump with belts and sheaves to attain the desired capacity.

San Diego Steam Seminar A Huge SuccessBy Steve Mercer

Dawson Company places great value on educating all participants in the hydronic industry. The George T. Hall Company shares this philosophy, so it was a natural fit to support George T. Hall in their efforts to schedule and organize a Steam Seminar in San Diego. Steve Mercer of Dawson Company was able to recruit the help of ITT Fluid Handling to provide an instructor for the class, which took place June 23rd-24th at the Scottish Rite Center in San Diego.

All in attendance had the pleasure of learning from one of the industry’s experts, Roy C.E. Ahlgren, Director of ITT Fluid Handling’s Training and Education Department. With 19 years of experience in hydronics and steam, Roy is frequently published in several trade journals and currently teaches at ITT Fluid Handling’s well known “Little Red School House.” Roy covered several topics, including properties of steam, steam system design, and troubleshooting.

Some of the companies represented at the seminar included employees from A.O. Reed, Southland Industries, University Mechanical and The Scripps Research Institute. Reaction from the attendees regarding the quality of the class was overwhelmingly positive. Students were very impressed by Roy’s extensive industry knowledge, and his clear, effective method of teaching. Bill Brennan of George T. Hall noted “Without a doubt, this was the best class I’ve ever been involved with.” Keep your calendars open because we have plans to bring Roy Ahlgren back to Southern California in 2005!

Hydronic News – November 2004 Page 6

Check Your Knowledgeanswers on page 2

6. What does Cv mean?

7. Fill in the blank: _____-pole operation is best for low noise and for long bearing and seal life.

8. What happens to a pump if it experiences elevated pH levels?

9. What is the most cost effective method for preventing pump leakage after start-up?

10. Where can you sign up to receive the quarterly publication of the Hydronic News via email?

1. What are the three types of B&G Tanks highlighted in this issue of Hydronic News?

2. Why were B&G VSC and VSCS pumps selected for the Vitesse Semiconductor Plant Expansion project?

3. Who designed the cooling system for South Orange County’s Waste Water Treatment Plant?

4. Which product now comes with a “built in automatic mixing system”?

5. What is the minimum pH target for corrosion prevention in a hydronic system?

Inside Dawson CompanyFluid Core

By Frank E Dunn, Exec. Vice President and Chairman of the Board

Many of our business partners have known Dawson Co. for a multitude of years. The company most certainly has seen its share of events, history, and growth. But I wish to share with you “How” Dawson Co. became the organization that exists today.

In 1998 we implemented a more strategic philosophy and culture within the company. This was developed through the workings of an inner circle of personnel, known since then as the Fluid Core.

When the Fluid Core first came into being, the joke was that I thought we were talking about a new golf ball design. However, this core group of people was instrumental in developing the Purpose, Values, and Vision that guides the company in its daily operations and provides a roadmap to expand and develop the corporation to meet the needs of tomorrow.

There are many processes that have been and are being used today to achieve a similar desired effect. Six Sigma, Lean, and Total Quality Management are just a small sample of the tools available. At Dawson Company we incorporated the GoInnovate™ system. And yes, ‘Innovation’ gets bandied about as the corporate buzzword of our generation, but if you were to ask any Dawson Co. employee, they would tell you it simply means “the implementation of a new idea that generates wealth.”

To accomplish innovation in our company we use a system model consisting of three parts that all interact with each other.

• The Generators: Our Value set of Leadership, Creativity and Collaboration.

• The Cycle: Includes five components by which we 1) Visualize our ideals - where we want to be and are going. 2) Measure the gap - how we will know that we’ve arrived at our

stated ideal or are we getting into trouble. 3) Strategize the approach - the big “how” we intend to close

the gap. 4) Projectize the details - the who, what, how, when, and

where are we going to do the things that will accomplish the strategy.

5) Orchestrate the results - doing and completing the projects!

• The Context: The people, structures, processes and technologies that surround the company and will either enable or hinder the achievement of our goals.

Simply stated, within the organizational context, individuals apply the generators to guide the cycle. By viewing the cycle you will see how

the three parts fit each other and the interaction between them that drives innovation at Dawson Company.

It has been five years since we began to work our plans and initiatives. This last September the Fluid Core was revitalized. With a mix of new and prior members, it was given the task to develop the strategies that will guide the company over the next five years.

We look forward to the limitless possibilities that exist and to the mutual business that our companies will do over this period. But more importantly we certainly want to know how we are doing. So let us know and remember, “Fluid Core, its not just another golf ball”.

Hydronic News – November 2004 Page 7

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CONTACT INFO:NEWSLETTER COMMENTS SALES/ PRODUCT ESTIMATING SUBMITTAL & QUESTIONS: QUESTIONS: & QUOTE REQUESTS: REQUESTS:Ric Serafin, President & CEO Frank Dunn Juan Alvarez Lalap Mamangun2124 N. Lincoln Ave. Executive Vice President Estimating Sales AdministratorAltadena, CA 91001 (626) 797-9710 ext. 227 (626)797-9710 ext. 225 (626)797-9710 ext. 226Eml: RSerafin@dawsonco.com EML: FDunn@dawsonco.com EML: JAlvarez@dawsonco.com EML:MMamangun@dawsonco.com

2124 N. Lincoln Ave.Altadena, CA 91001

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

Customer CommentsFollowing is an excerpt from a letter written October 19, 2004 by Mr. Mike Gallagher, PE of Western Allied Corporation sent to Mr. Bob Rasp of Waterpik Technologies (Laars).

“This is just a short note to pass on some comments from our service technicians. People are always quick to deliver complaints, so it is only fair to pass on positive comments when they occur.

We’ve now been installing Pennant boilers long enough to have some feel for their serviceability. The installations themselves have been good experiences, but it wasn’t until our recent autumn service visits in preparation for the winter season that we’ve had an opportunity to really assess the service issues. The verdict from our technicians is positive. As you know, a typical boiler annual includes cleaning burners, inspecting the fire box, blowing out soot, checking and calibrating controls and safeties, verifying hot surface igniter performance, etc. . . .

The Pennant . . . seems to be the preferred boiler at this point. Service accessibility is generally good, the construction methods and quality control seem to be good, the literature is pretty good, and we have few problems. The unit seems remarkably tolerant of gas mixture variations.

…the product looks to be very trouble free. Without question, our technicians view it as being the best of the current low NOx, copper tube products.

When I get virtually blanket agreement on something like this from my entire group of technicians, I tend to take it as Gospel.

Please pass on our compliments on a product well conceived and produced.”

Kudos to Laars for a job well done!

Hydronic News – November 2004 Page 8