Special Considerations in HVAC

Special Considerations in HVAC:

Some situations require special attention with respect to the HVAC system. This section lists a few examples from the many situations where HVAC systems play a key role in success or failure.

Some applications have strict requirements for precise temperature and humidity control. These include food processing, storage of perishables, certain industrial
processes, chemical processing and storage, computer rooms, green houses and other applications where a few degrees difference in temperature could mean the ruin
of costly product or equipment.

In some laboratories and health care facilities, the potential for the migration of dangerous or infectious substances is a concern. Patients recovering from surgery, transplants or other immune compromised conditions are especially prone to airborne infections and may require special
consideration with respect to filtration and ventilation. (TSI has published a brochure featuring instrumentation for managing differential pressure in health care facilities. Visit our website www.mepsite.blogspot.in
Cleanrooms in the semiconductor industry require very stringent filtration and control of ambient air. Here, even a small breach in contamination control could mean the loss of a considerable amount of valuable product.

Many buildings have adjacent or underground parking areas and controlling the introduction of vehicle emissions into the building is imperative. Smoking restrictions have been implemented in
public buildings, restaurants and many corporate facilities. In general, proper exhaust and ventilation is an important concern to rid the building of unwanted contaminants.

During construction or renovation, special attention must be paid to the HVAC system to contain and control unwanted airborne contamination and prevent it from migrating to other areas of a building. Maintaining negative relative pressure in the construction area is an important
consideration along with special filtration and, perhaps, dedicated exhaust. Another matter regarding our national interest is protecting buildings from the infiltration of dangerous material, particularly airborne nuclear, biological or chemical (NBC)agents. Here special consideration must be given to controlling and protecting the outdoor air intake, filtration,the level of uncontrolled leakage and the ability of the system to purge a building. Mechanical ventilation systems have various controls to regulate air flow and pressure in a building that can
be essential in an emergency response situation. In some cases, with sufficient time, it may be wise to shut off the building’s HVAC and exhaust system to help prevent the introduction of NBC agents. Other times, the system can be used to regulate pressure and airflow to control the migration or spread of unwanted agents through the building. Special training for building personnel may be required for them to recognize situations requiring certain action and be familiar with the proper plan of action.