School
Business, Entrepreneurship, and Professional Development
Division
Building Sciences
Department
Energy Technology
Academic Level
Undergraduate
Course Subject
Energy Technology
Course Number
125
Course Title
Steam and Hot Water Heating Systems
Credit Hours
2.00
Instructor Contact Hours Per Semester
32.00 (for 15-week classes)
Student Contact Hours Per Semester
32.00 (for 15-week classes)
Grading Method
A-E
Catalog Course Description
A pipefitting-plumbing course for those in technical construction, apprentices, and those interested in seeking basic hydronic HVAC, pipefitting skills. Introduces principles of steam and hydronic systems, converter trap sizing, steam traps, and skimming boilers. Offers information on the proper selection, sizing, and installation of pipe and fittings related to hydronic and steam systems. Discusses how to design and layout typical systems. Lab activities.
Goals, Topics, and Objectives
Core Course Topics
- Principles of heat flow in a building, use and application of heat charts, and formulas.
- Heat loss calculations
- Planning heating systems
- Steam heating systems; one-pipe, two-pipe, and steam traps.
- Steam heating system design; placement of pipe and specific connections.
- Steam heating design.
- Hot water heating systems; direct-return, reverse-return, air control, and vents.
- Radiant panel heating panels; hot water boilers and controls.
- Boiler fittings, valves, steam gauges, and relief valves.
- Design of a radiant heating systems.
- Series loop and one zone system.
- One-pipe system.
- Two-pipe and reverse-return system.
Core Course Learning Objectives (Separated)
- Describe the principles of heat loss in a structure.
- Differentiate between steam and hot water systems.
- Identify the procedures for laying out functional heating systems.
- Use principles introduced in class to select the best system for a given set of conditions.
- Classify the different types of systems according to their pipe arrangements.
- Identify the safety equipment required by Michigan state law for work on boilers and furnaces.
- Design steam and hydronic systems using manufacturer sizing tables.
- Demonstrate the selection process for sizing the vent and chimney liner using GAMA tables.
- Demonstrate the process of using sizing charts for gas pipe volume on pressure vessels.
- Describe relevant combustion safety devices and their use.
Assessment and Requirements
Assessment of Academic Achievement
The following assessment tools will be common to all sections:
- Lab assignments
- Multiple-choice question tests
- Multiple-choice question final exam
- Class participation
General Course Requirements and Recommendations
Due to the nature of this course, attendance is mandatory.
Credit for Prior College-Level Learning
Approval Dates
Effective Term
Fall 2020
Review Semester
Fall 2020