John Siegenthaler: Hydronics Workshop

The finer points of applying a 2-pipe buffer tank

April 28, 2017

There are advantages to using this piping configuration in hydronic systems.

How to properly size finned-tube baseboard heat emitters

Have a look at the rating tables for most finned-tube baseboard sold in North America and chances are you’ll see a footnote.

John Siegenthaler, P.E.

March 29, 2017

Have a look at the rating tables for most finned-tube baseboard sold in North America and chances are you’ll see a footnote under the table that reads something like this: “Ratings are based on active fin length and include 15% heating effect factor.”

Examining the effects of flow reversal in circulators

Unique design concepts sometimes require components to operate in non-standard conditions.

John Siegenthaler, P.E.

February 17, 2017

There are hydronic design concepts in which flow must pass backward through a non-operating circulator, perhaps thousands of times over the life of the system.

When is flow reversal practical?

Increasing heat output.

John Siegenthaler, P.E.

January 18, 2017

Flow reversal is possible in a P/S system, but is it practical?

When and how to use reverse return piping

In many hydronic systems, there’s a need to divide the overall system flow into equal streams that pass through several identical components.

John Siegenthaler, P.E.

November 16, 2016

When — and when not — to use reverse return piping.

Options for achieving hydraulic seperation between circulators

Keeping the peace.

John Siegenthaler, P.E.

October 5, 2016

Twenty years ago, the contemporary approach to prevent interference between simultaneously operating circulators in a hydronic system was primary/secondary piping.