Posts Categorized: Lab Design

Pumped Glycol Energy Recovery | Efficiency vs. Effectiveness

Topic: High Performance Run Around Energy Recovery Systems Guest Blogger: Rudolf Zaengerle, Ph. D. Konvekta USA, Inc There is some confusion about the terms ‘efficiency’ and ‘effectiveness’:  Efficiency ASHRAE defines ‘temperature transfer efficiency’ (or sometimes ‘enthalpy transfer efficiency’ if enthalpy is used instead of temperature) as follows: μT = (TE1 – TE2) / (TE1 –… Read more »

Ask Rick: Labratory Exhaust Fans | When should you manifold laboratory exhausts?

Q.  When should you manifold laboratory exhausts? We have been asked this questions countless times through the years.  In the past, public opinion held that you don’t know what lab chemicals are being work with so you don’t combine any lab exhaust.  All laboratory hoods were serviced by individual exhaust fans.  This was extremely expensive… Read more »

Project Snapshot: Millipore Research and Development | Energy Recovery Air Handling Unit

Project: Millipore R&D Building Location: Bedford,  MA Engineer: Parsons Contractor: Turner Construction Company Manufacturer: Strobic Air, Cambridgeport, Heat Pipe Technology Equipment: Energy Recovery Air Handling Units Size: (4) 30,000 CFM Units DAC Sales Engineer: Jim Shiminski  Project Challenge:     This was a new building project.  The engineer, owner and contractor were all looking to create a… Read more »

Ask Rick: Lab Exhaust Fans | Lab Exhaust Stack vs. Air Intake Location

Q.  The commissioning engineer has commented that the Heat Recovery Unit (HRU) does not meet the 25’ separation distance between the Intake hood and Exhaust Discharge requirement.  I believe that our design with the effective plume height of 44’ and the fan discharge 16’ above the inlet of the intake hood is better than a… Read more »

Ask Rick: Lab Exhaust Fans | What Standards to reference for Lab Exhaust Fan design?

Q.  I am designing a lab exhaust system and using Strobic fans. What standards, both ASHRAE and otherwise, should I be using as a reference? A.   Below are a list of standards related to laboratories and laboratory ventilation: NFPA-45 – Fire Protection for laboratories UL 705 – standard for Power Ventilators in accordance with the… Read more »

Ask Rick: High Performance Fume Hoods | Are Pass Thru Fume Hoods considered High Performance Hoods?

Q.  Are pass thru fume hoods considered ‘High Performance Hoods’?   A.  Pass Thru Fume Hoods are not high performance hoods.  Under good conditions, with one sash open between 12” and 18”,  the hoods can contain at lower velocities.   But, performance is different for each installation and dependent on lots of variables.   To achieve maximum… Read more »