Ben Florkey

Ben is one of our recent additions to the Tri-Tech team, working part time for the past several months. In this time he has had the opportunity to be part of a few different projects which have included plumbing design, steam boiler replacement, and natural gas supply.

In addition to working at Tri-Tech, Mr. Florkey is currently a full time graduate student at Wright State University. Enrolled in Ohio’s first masters degree program in renewable energy, He has acquired some unique academic training. Among other topics his course work has delved into photovoltaic panels, wind power, and fuel cells. One underlying theme throughout the course work is the importance of understanding the true cost versus savings of an engineering decision. Through this program, Mr. Florkey has been taught the importance of not only making environmentally wise but economically wise decisions as well. This is a lesson he does not intend to forget as he works on any current or future project.

Jacob Dilk

Jacob offers more than 10 years experience in the field of industrial controls and IT support with General Motors. During that time he learned to adapt to fluid situations ranging from the full range of Allen-Bradley controls to PC application and networking support. He is very comfortable around technology and strives to use that technology to bring value-added solutions to the business and customer in a collaborative team-based environment.
Starting his career as a co-op controls engineer Jacob quickly developed skills with the SLC-500 and PLC-5 controller families before taking on the ControlLogix system during a major platform changeover. His natural talent in IT led to his becoming Facility Software Librarian for all Rockwell and other controls related software. He also worked closely with EDS in maintaining the plant data network, going so far as to run and terminate cat-5 cable and work with Sumitomo Air Blown Fiber that constituted the plants data network.
As part of his support role for odd-man-out and orphaned systems Jacob has replaced a trunked 2-way radio system with over 650 Nextel units and maintained the facilities broadband video network. He was the resident expert on barcode scanners having experience with manufacturers such as AccuSort, Hand Held Products, and Symbol. Deploying and maintaining industrial workstations and keeping software up to date was vital to the plant maintenance department.
Jacob earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Kettering University (formerly GMI) in 1999. He also has CompTIA certifications for A+, Network+, and Security+.

Jon Burnett

Jon graduated from Purdue University in 2007 and has worked as structural engineer and safety consultant for just over two years. A major highlight in Jon’s career was his position with the AOC (The Architect of the Capitol) in Washington DC for roof fall protection system designs. Performing field work placed him on top of most of the buildings in the AOC jurisdiction, including, the US Capitol, the US Supreme Court, the Thomas Jefferson building,
the Library of Congress, the House Office Buildings (Longworth, Cannon, and Ford), the John Adams building LOC, and the US Botanical Gardens.

Other pertinent experience includes his work as steel detailer using SDS2 v7.0 as summer intern.

Emily Luckhaupt

Emily is an engineering summer intern who was born in Florida but have lived in the greater Dayton area virtually all her life. A graduate of Alter High School, Emily is currently a senior at the University Dayton on track to graduate next May with a degree in civil engineering. The past few summers has found Emily working in composite design, construction, and project engineering for the renovation of Stuart Hall, a freshman dormitory building on the University of Dayton campus.

A volleyball enthusiast, Emily has been involved in set design and construction for her school’s drama department. At the University of Dayton she is the current Social/Service chair of ASCE and am quite involved in the organization’s activities. Emily is also involved with the WIE (Women in Engineering) program and continues to feed her love of volleyball by participating in intramural sand and indoor volleyball on campus.

We are excited to have these valuable additions to our team and look forward to their continued contributions to the Tri-Tech engineering story.

Welcome to the 2010 school year. This year will provide the the Canton City School District with many new oppor

Our Energy Team introduced the idea of finding a new source of revenue for the school district.  As a result, TREMCO, Inc. in partnership with EVANS ENERGY, secured $13.5 Million in Zero-Interest Energy Bonds for the school.  This money will be used to fund energy improvements, offering an energy cost reduction of over $937,000 each year.  The team also secured an additional $400K in energy rebates available through a special program offered by our utility partners, American Electric Power Company.  TRI-TECH ENGINEERING has also joined the energy team,  providing professional engineering services and drawing development.

The team is learning more about the Evidence-Based Model that the Governor of the State of Ohio has adopted, with regard to a new funding formula for schools.  It’s anticipated that this new method will open the door to funding for work that was not previously allowed, while requiring us to reconsider some of the previously funded activities.  As new information is introduced on a daily basis from the Ohio Department of Education, we are being diligent to keep up with the the many changes to it and all of the associated spending requirements.

The information for this article was provided by Jeff Evans, Energy Advisor for Evans Energy.  For more information on energy engineering, you can email us by selecting “Energy Engineering” under our web site’s CONTACTS tab.  If you have questions or are interested in more information on this article, please post your comment below.

You may also contact Jeff directly:

“Determining Facility Expenditures and Providing Financial Solutions”

The problem is how best to economically keep a wastewater treatment plant in operation during prolonged power outages. Engineers at Tri-Tech Associates were faced with this dilemma on two separate wastewater treatment plant renovation projects. The first step forward in the project was to actually take a step back and gain an understanding of how the treatment process works.

Wastewater treatment plants by design are built with a certain level of redundancy, and for obvious reasons. People do not stop flushing their toilets just because a piece of equipment has failed. The gray water just keeps on coming. Also, the plant is designed for varying loads, that is, higher or lower flow rates. But always, the plant is designed for continuous operation.

Understanding this, certain questions had to be asked and answered. For instance, what loads are critical to operation of the plant? What loads must run simultaneously? What loads must run continuously? And, what loads can run intermittently?

Once these issues were understood it became apparent that it would not be necessary to size an emergency power generator to run all loads at the same time. Certain loads are deemed non critical and can be eliminated from the emergency power grid altogether. Almost half the process equipment load can be eliminated due to the redundancy issue. But how do we even further reduce the remaining emergency power load?

The answer, “Load Sharing” as opposed to load shedding. This is an operational philosophy whereby the remaining loads are minimized using smart control design and operation techniques, prioritized, and then run sequentially. Loads are minimized by using variable frequency drives where possible and operating that equipment at a minimal speed. Loads are further minimized by preventing any two motors which use full voltage starters from starting at the same time. And then reduce lighting to the minimum safe level.

Prioritized loads are operated only on an as-needed basis. For instance, aeration blowers are not operated while sludge transfer pumps are in use. The need for oxygen always takes priority.

Philosophy now established the focus becomes making sure all these priorities are set in place. We configured the plant SCADA system to automatically carry out the control philosophy while continuing to monitor the operational parameters of the plant.

Tri-Tech uses the Wonderware System Platform as the backbone for the plant SCADA system. This offers the ability to interface an InTouch operator interface with any and all existing networks, integrate them with our new PLC, drives, instruments and other peripherals via the new EtherNet I/P network, and capture the entire operation in real-time data collection and reporting using the Historian product.

The PLC is allowed to make the decisions once normal power has been lost and emergency power is available. The result becomes a wastewater treatment facility that operates continuously and efficiently during power interruptions. The customer has saved money by minimizing the size of the generator and subsequently lower fuel consumption.

It would seem that SCADA Systems are much like the human brain. We have only tapped into a very small part of its capability.

This article was authored by Steve Allison of Tri-Tech Engineering. Steve is a senior designer in charge of controls and automation projects.  For more information on controls and automation, you can email us by selecting “Controls and Automation” under our web site’s CONTACTS tab.  If you have questions or are interested in more information on this article, please post your comment below.

Below are pictures of recent battery handling system installations which included everything from layout on the facility floor to the electrical power distribution design.  The project design included foundations, piping, eyewash showers, and electrical raceways.

For more information on material handling, you can email us by selecting “Sales” under our web site’s CONTACTS tab.  If you have questions or are interested in more information on this article, please post your comment below.

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Statistics from the Engineered System per the BIM design.

The main truss is made up of all-welded construction with a  weight of over 100 tons (205,230 lbs.).   It’s overall length is 356 feet, overall height is 48′, and the clear span is over 300′ (the length of a football field).  The truss has a 5″ camber to compensate for its large load.

The total building steel system is comprised of over 920 different parts which were used to make up 535 assemblies.  This included almost 1,700 field-installed bolts with washers and nuts used to assemble the steel – a total field bolt weight of over 1 ton (2483.4 lbs.).

For more information on structural engineering, you can email us by selecting “Structural Engineering” under our web site’s CONTACTS tab.  If you have questions or are interested in more information on this article, please post your comment at the bottom of this page.

Consider the Cost of Building Construction this Spring

If you are thinking about breaking ground this spring, here are a few things to consider.

1.  You can’t begin planning too soon.  Whether you are building new, adding on, or just remodeling; it’s important to keep time on your side.  With commercial projects, time really is money.

2.  Work close with your design team to develop accurate budgetary numbers that are based on current information.  This can be accomplished in several ways.

Estimating books are a great tool.  Be sure that the ones you are using are up-to-date with current pricing information.  Over the past five years, construction materials have been all over the board.

Specialized software is an excellent way to develop a valid budget.  Many of these will provide multiple options, ranging from square-foot cost estimating to detailed construction breakdowns that include assembly, component, and labor costs.  Other common features include pricing adjustment based on your building type and location.  Again, like estimating books, the data must be current (be cautious when using privately developed spreadsheets).

Also consider using actual contractor estimates and quotes.  They are in the business and they’re used to providing rock-solid pricing.  If you are going to approach a contractor for this purpose, be sure to share a clear objective (so that you’re not constantly running him around with new ideas).  Also, be sincere about your intent to use him as estimating is a time consuming effort.  If you’re getting prices from more than one contractor, be fair and let him know that up front.

3.  Don’t be afraid of putting in a safe budgetary contingency.  If you feel that the information you’re estimating from is subjective, use a higher percentage.  Then as the design drawings are developing more detail, you can reduce the contingency.  Other criteria that should increase your initial contingency include; unknown existing building/underground conditions, corporate or committee reviews, and unfamiliar zoning and building codes.

4.  Consider tax planning up front.  Include a knowledgeable accountant in your planning team.  They can advise you of the different depreciation schedules associated with the different types of work.  A knowledgeable accountant can also advise you of a special tax deductions and credits that may apply to your project.

5.  Think about the hidden costs in your project; like permits, dumpster rental, porta-pots, taxes, etc.  These can quickly add up and break your budget.

6.  Facility operating expenses are often overlooked.  Often, the first dollar costs of construction are on your mind – but can leave you with long-term financial burdens. Your engineer can work with you to look at multiple operating scenarios; projecting future costs for energy use, maintenance, and future replacement.

Tri-Tech Engineering has been developing accurate project budgets for over 30 years.  If you are thinking about construction, we would like to work with you to begin the planning process.

The National Guard Base in Ravenna, Ohio, provides housing for base personnel who are assigned locally for training.  The base is in the process of developing four (4) new barracks facilities to accommodate this. Each barracks complex is to house over one hundred people, and includes sleeping quarters, showers, and a laundry area.

Tri-Tech Engineering in Beavercreek, Ohio, recently participated in the design of one the the buildings.  The team leader for this project is Thomas K. Boardman, A.I.A., LEED-AP of LJB, Inc. located in Kettering; joined also by EverGreen Architects, Inc. of Centerville. Tri-Tech’s part was to complete the engineering and specifications for the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing aspects of the facility.

The design for the mechanical systems includes air conditioning and distribution utilizing four (4) gas-fired furnaces with electric DX cooling.  Special consideration was taken to included the laundry and restroom exhausts, and a make-up air system required for the additional loads.

The plumbing design incorporated restroom and shower facilities and the laundry center. The system included several large-volume water heaters for the laundry and showers, distribution to hot and cold water devices, and sanitary plumbing.  A special piping design was required to develop a new riser which is to be split to service both fire suppression and the domestic water uses.

The electrical design included power distribution and lighting throughout the facility.

See more information on Tri-Tech’s Government and Military experience

This week, I read a great article about building a trust-based, customer-focused culture.  The author made an important observation – as technical people; We often find it difficult to separate the project work from the client relationship.

The article hit the nail on the head as the author pointed out that we have a tendency to ask, “How’s the work going?”, when what we really need to know is how the relationship is going.  The first refers to the project or the individuals working on the project, where the second is something we typically would not ask someone straight-up. He goes on to say that to get a useful assessment of your performance in professional services, you need to be more intentional about having open-ended conversations with your client.

This article is relevant because in 2010, one of the company objectives set by Tri-Tech’s Board of Directors was to become more client focused. Of course we’re interested in improving internal efficiencies and engineering methods too, but we’re making a special effort to build relationships. We intend to do this by dropping in more often, having meetings over lunch, or even a round of golf. The better we understand your needs, the better we will be able to meet them.

One last thing. We value your constructive criticism.  If you see an area where we can do better, give one of us a call or leave us a note by clicking the CONTACT tab above.

REFERENCE: Read the article, “Building a Trust-Based, Customer-Focused Culture” – by Charles H. Green.

I’m proud to tell you that I’m being locked up…that’s right, I’m going behind bars to help Jerry’s Kids© and MDA. To be released on good behavior I have to raise bail and I need your help!

All you have to do is click here to make a secure, online donation before 01/28/10. Your donation will help families living in our community and help guarantee me an early release. I can’t wait to add you to my list of contributors.Thanks in advance for your help.   Together we’ll make a difference.

Tim Gebhart
Tri-Tech CFO

If the link above does not work, please cut and paste the address below into the address bar of your Internet browser.
https://www.joinmda.org/beavercreeklockup2010/gebhart/

Office environment is professional yet relaxed. Very team oriented for multi-discipline projects. Client needs come first. Highest integrity in all client interactions is a requirement.

PROJECT WORK

Projects will typically range in all sizes. Engineer must be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously. CAD expertise is valuable, although CAD designers are available to complete projects from engineer’s markups.

ACCEPTING RESUMES FOR FOLLOWING POSITIONS:

SR. MECHANICAL ENGINEER

Engineer responsibilities include the detailed development and design of mechanical, piping, and plumbing systems for facilities-related projects. Specific experience required includes HVAC-R, Piping and Plumbing designs. Job typically entails: Client meetings, field investigation, design and engineering, drawing development using AutoCAD (knowledge of MicroStation a plus), development of specifications, cost estimates, and coordination with electrical, structural, & architectural teams, professionally certify design after completion (State of Ohio P.E. Preferred), and construction administration (submittal reviews, site visits, punch lists, etc.).    CLICK TO APPLY

SR. ELECTRICAL ENGINEER

Engineer responsibilities include the detailed development and design of electrical power distribution and lighting for all types of facilities (commercial, government, industrial, etc.).   Job typically entails: Client meetings, field investigation, design and engineering, drawing development using AutoCAD (knowledge of MicroStation a plus), development of specifications, cost estimates, and coordination with mechanical, structural, & architectural teams, professionally certify design after completion (State of Ohio P.E. Preferred), and construction administration (submittal reviews, site visits, punch lists, etc.).  CLICK TO APPLY