FACILITY MANAGEMENT ARTICLES
Removing Hidden Operational Bottlenecks in Modern Buildings
Modern buildings are becoming increasingly complex and while technology has improved front-end operations, there are many internal workflows that remain inefficient. This leads to hidden bottlenecks as well as inefficiencies that are not always visible but can still impact performance.
Annual Preventive Boiler Maintenance Before Winter
As temperatures begin to drop, heating systems will soon start to kick in. Experienced facility maintenance directors know that waiting for the first cold snap to address heating issues can cause operational disruptions and delays. Annual preventive maintenance helps facility owners avoid costly degradation.
How Fuel Quality Disrupts Filtration & Circulation
When your facility places a fuel oil system service call due to low flow, the first component blamed is often the pump. This is understandable since the pump moves the fuel; this could indicate that the pump has reached the end of its service life. But often, low flow is just a symptom of a different issue.
CASE STUDIES
Ice Thermal Storage Delivers Savings at Penn State
The Penn State Berkey Creamery implemented BAC’s ice thermal storage solution to reduce energy costs, maintain consistent process temperatures, and improve system reliability for its batch refrigeration operations. By leveraging lower off-peak electricity rates, the creamery achieved a more efficient, resilient, and flexible refrigeration system.
Condensate Recovery Boosts Steam System Efficiency
Condensate is one of the most valuable resources in a steam system because it contains both recoverable heat energy and treated water. In a large healthcare environment, even small failures in that recovery process can become costly over time. At Atrium Health Cabarrus, condensate return challenges pointed to a larger system health issue.
Making the Grade at Mooresville High
The renovation and expansion of Mooresville High School showcased The Korte Company’s ability to deliver a superior educational space despite a strict budget and a tight timeline. The innovative solutions developed for Mooresville High couldn’t have become reality without diligent planning, lots of communication and bold, outside-the-box thinking.
Above-Floor Systems Solve Plumbing Challenges
Adaptive reuse projects are defined as the process of repurposing existing buildings for new uses, often introducing unforeseen infrastructure challenges. A Florida-based building owner and his plumbing subcontractor deployed SFA Saniflo pump solutions to overcome structural constraints and accelerate a 59,000-square-foot adaptive reuse project.
A Cooling Tower With a Chronic Condition
At the Corewell Health Service Center, the organization’s mission centers on healing and restoring health. But one critical piece of infrastructure had developed a chronic condition of its own: the cooling tower serving the facility’s air-conditioning system was deteriorating from corrosion and leaks, leading the facility team to rethink the traditional replacement approach.
Hospital Saves Energy With Proactive Maintenance
Northwell Health partnered with APM Steam to improve steam system performance across its facilities and reduce energy waste. By taking a proactive approach to steam trap maintenance, the organization strengthened efficiency, lowered costs and supported its broader sustainability goals without compromising patient care.
PRODUCTS IN ACTION
JM-1000 X & JM-1450: Built for Tight Spaces, Powered for Tough Jobs
When it comes to clearing grease, sludge, or sand from small to mid-size drain lines, electric water jetters are taking the lead, especially in tight indoor spaces where gas units can’t go.
Hannay Reels H16 Portable Hose Reel for Jetting Applications
Designed for portable jetting operations, the Hannay Reels H16 Portable Hose Reel is an all-steel, hand-carry hose reel for residential and light commercial applications.
Russelectric Highlights Advantages of Central Paralleling Systems
Russelectric, a leading manufacturer of power control systems and automatic transfer switches, highlights the value of centralized paralleling systems for applications requiring maximum control precision, system resilience, and operational visibility.
What the Pittsburgh Potty Teaches Plumbing Professionals About Sewer Backups
A Pittsburgh Potty is more than a quirky basement fixture. It points to a basic sewer-backup principle plumbing professionals still deal with today.
Patcraft Partners To Advance Neurodiversity in Education
SHSU announces the launch of the Center Advancing Neuro | Design for Learning Environments. Patcraft joins the initiative as one of the Center’s first founding sponsors, bringing expertise in commercial design, research, and learning environments.
4 Tips You Need To Know About Drain Cleaning
If you use a drain cleaning tool in the wrong application, it won’t clear the drain properly, and you could damage the machine or injure yourself. Here’s a list of clogged drain problems, and the recommended drain cleaning tools for each.