Chicago — The American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) is proud to announce the recent formation of a student chapter at the Wentworth Institute of Technology (Wentworth) located in Boston. The student chapter held its first meeting on January 31, 2012. The chapter is currently comprised of 13 students representing Bachelor of Science programs in mechanical engineering technology and architecture.

Fredrick Neth, EIT, ASPE Boston Chapter Vice President, Technical and Lead Mechanical Engineer at Parsons Brinckerhoff, has taken the lead in working with the faculty and students of Wentworth to help form the student chapter. Neth notes, “As a proud alumnus of Wentworth, I understand the importance of mentoring and working with today’s students to help them set a strong foundation for future success in the field of plumbing engineering and design and, more importantly, helping them to be successful in all aspects of their lives.” Students participating in the chapter will have access to ASPE technical presentations and publications, mentoring opportunities with practicing engineers and designers, and networking connections that will be with them their entire careers.

Neth thanks Ryan Eisenhauer, a student at Wentworth, who was elected to serve as the President of the student chapter. “Ryan has been the driving force in helping bring the student chapter together,” Neth says. “His enthusiasm and passion are the two critical components that led us to our first meeting, and I am confident that he will lead the chapter to continued success in the future.”

The Wentworth-ASPE Student Chapter will have direct support from the ASPE Boston Chapter. Richard Dean, CPD, ASPE Boston Chapter President and Senior Plumbing Designer at Vanderweil Engineers LLP, states, “Many of our Boston Chapter members received their engineering degrees from Wentworth, and we are committed to giving back to the Wentworth community by supporting the new student chapter. I am particularly excited about working with all stakeholders in the plumbing community, including manufacturers and contractors, to set up internship programs for the student chapter members.”

ASPE President William F. Hughes Jr., CPD, LEED AP, FASPE, comments, “There is no doubt that the future success of our profession is largely based on encouraging engineering and technology students to consider entering the field of plumbing engineering and design. ASPE is committed to working with all of our local chapters to build strong relationships with universities and colleges to create a national network of student chapters.”

Conbraco fire protection system solutions rebranded

Conbraco Industries, Inc. introduces the most recent addition to its Apollo® brand: Apollo® Fire Protection System Solutions (FPSS). The fire protection fittings were previously sold through Elkhart Products Corporation. Both Conbraco Industries, Inc. and Elkhart Products Corporation are Aalberts Industries companies.

This rebranding strategy will capitalize on the well recognized Apollo® brand, adding to their wide range of UL/FM approved products. Currently, Apollo® offers backflow prevention products, pressure reducing valves and pressure relief valves. Combining all these products under the Apollo® FPSS brand will increase the service levels of all fire protection products to the industry, providing the high quality products, exceptional sales support and on-time delivery customers have come to expect.

At the heart of the Apollo® Fire Protection System Solutions are the Xpress galvanized and stainless steel piping systems. The Xpress fittings are a labor saving, high quality addition to traditional threaded pipe and fittings. These press fittings are ideal for both new construction and retrofit projects such as hospitals, hotels, schools, food and beverage facilities, or any other buildings with complex fire sprinkler layouts.

OASIS partners with Philips

Columbus, Ohio — OASIS International has partnered with Philips Lighting. OASIS and Philips have partnered to integrate a unique disinfection solution in OASIS’ water coolers. Now, for the first time, water dispensed from coolers can be disinfected instantly and efficiently, on-demand with the Philips InstantTrust solution and will soon be available in the OASIS KALIX® water cooler, and Aqua Pointe® and VersaFiller® bottle fillers.