Market Farming

[CAVM AT aol.com]

Below are some comments by the engineer I use in greenhouse heating projects.

 

"The guy's quote about EPDM working better is correct in some aspect due to the heat transfer abilities of the product over PEX.   EPDM was developed by Shell Oil for use in piping systems that were exposed to extremely variable temperatures and product.   It is tough stuff.   It is the piping product used in all closed-loop geothermal systems - due to the temperature transfer abilities.   However, PEX is at least half the cost.   The thing is, at the relatively low temperatures that those folks run the water, plain 'ol black polyethylene pipe will work just as well - at a fraction of the cost.   That stuff can easily handle 150F at 40 psi of pressure. "

 

He went on to say that he has recently followed up some product engineers' work in a few greenhouses. Just because they sell equipment or materials doesn't mean that they know how to design a project that uses them.  He is replacing failed heating systems in greenhouses that were designed by the product engineers.  We should keep in mind that they are basically salesmen and have the interest of their company at heart not yours.

 

Neal