25A-185 (68) The two systems here-in are being presented as a typical heating system and/or
cooling system. The cooling/heating systems do not return water to the potable
water distribution system nor does it connect to a potable water system except as
allowed by backflow prevention devices.
We were informed by Mr. Charles Mazeski, that you have requested a drawing' stamped
by a Professional Engineer showing the required protection devices for the protection of
the potable water supply. By this submission we are attempting to comply with your
wishes. As usual, the final authority and/or approval are subject to the board's
concurrence.
If you have any question please call this office.
Very truly yours,
Charles P. Sharples, PE
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LINDGREN& SHARPLES, P.C.
Springfield, MA 01104-3241
The heating cooling equipment and/or piping system, as in any heating or cooling
system is not a "protected" water system. That label applies only to that piece of
pipe, which is between the backflow prevention device and the connection to the
heating/cooling system.
3. Code Item: 2.03 "Water Outlet". A water outlet, as used in connection with the
water-distributing system, is the discharge opening for the water:
(1) to afixture;
(2) to atmospheric pressure (except into an open tank which is part of the water
supply system);
(3) to a boiler or heating system;
(4) to any water operated device or equipment requiring water to operate, but
not apart of the plumbing system.
The heating/cooling system is not part of the water distribution system.
4 Code Item 2.14.6 "Water Connection's to Heating Boilers. Potable water
connections to a heating boiler shall be provided with an approved back flow
preventer or air gap in the water line to prevent a cross connection. Backflow
preventers shall not be required on manually controlled water lines to residential
type steam andlor gravity fed hot water space heating systems.
Both the heating and cooling systems have a reduced pressure backflow
prevention device. The heating system has one and the cooling system has three
(three separate connections.)
5. Code Item 2 14.6 "Used Water Return Prohibited"
1. Except as provided for below, water used for cooling of equipment or other
processes shall not be returned to the potable water system. Such water shall be
side charged into the drainage system through an air gapped indirect waste.
Under conditions where water shortage may occur, the water used for cooling
may be used for non potable purposes.
2. Systems for all gray water, black water, dual piping systems, on site
wastewater treatment, recycling etc.for reuse in the plumbing system as defined
under M.G.L. c. 142 shall be designed or engineered by a qualified person, and
plans of such system(s) shall be stamped by a Massachusetts registered
professional engineer and approved by the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers
and Gas Fitters. Application for approval shall be made of forms approved for
that purpose.
//LINDGREN& SHARPLES, P.C.
Springfield, MA 01104-3241
4 2 5-4 --19, --
/LINDGREN & SHARPLES, P.C. Consulting Engineers
96 Industry Ave. Ste. 5, Springfield, MA 01104-3241 Phone (413) 732-4336 Fax (413) 731-0786
Evert O. Lindgren,Jr.
Charles P. Sharples
Dino J. D'Angelo
February 12, 2002 Marvin D. Blakley
Mr. Louis J. Visco
Executive Secretary
Board of Examiners of Plumbers& Gas Fitters
State Office Building Room 1511
100 Cambridge Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02202
Re: Minute Maid
Dear Mr. Visco:
Lindgren & Sharples, P.C. has been engaged to review and make appropriate changes (if
required) to the process cooling system and process heating system currently installed at
the Minute Maid/Coca Cola plant in Northampton, Massachusetts. To this end we have
prepared a drawing showing the two process systems and the cross-connections backflow
protection devices now installed.
The "Plant Re-circulating Cooling System" as shown on the accompanying drawing No.
1022 P-1 is a process cooling system, which circulates water through a cooling glycol
plate heat exchanger to various manufacturing cooling processes and back through the
cooling glycol plate heat exchanger. There are three (3) points of cross-connection; all
protected with a reduced pressure type backflow protection device.
During our review we could not find any plumbing code violation:
I. The Plant Re-circulation cooling system is in our opinion, not a "plumbing
system." It is a process cooling system used to cool various manufacturing
processes. It does not connect to a plumbing drainage system. There are three
connections to the "protected" water system, all with reduced pressure backflow
prevention devices.
2. Code Item: 2.03 "Protected Water. That distance of piping from the outlet of an
approved backflow device and the final connection to the point of actual
connection to heating/cooling equipment, appliance,fixture, etc.