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Controlling Ventilation Air Flows
Animation Series 1:
Controlling Ventilation Air Flows
- Desired Ventilation Flows
- Overcrowded Offices
- Air Handling Unit Contaminated
- Outdoor Air Damper Opening Reduced
- Exhaust Not Operating Properly
- Supply Air to Office Shut Off or Pinched Down
- Economizer Operating
- Contaminated Outdoor Air
Air Handling Unit Contaminated
Mouse over the animated picture above to see messages which are referenced in more detail below.
Pressure relationships between rooms is designated at the bottom of each room (with a plus for positive and minus for negative pressure).
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[AN AIR HANDLING UNIT (AHU)] The AHU can release dirt, mold, or chemical contaminants into the supply air stream. Dirty filters, filter changes when the fan is operating, dirty coils or drip pans, excess moisture anywhere leading to mold, deteriorating duct insulation, trash or housekeeping/maintenance products in the mechanical room/mixing chamber—these are COMMON EXAMPLES of pollution sources in the AHU. Does this describe your buildings? Good maintenance and cleanliness not only keep the system running well, they also insure that the AHU does not become a source of indoor air pollution. Who suffers from contamination in the AHU?
- OCCUPIED SPACES: Notice how the contamination in the AHU spreads to every occupied space serviced by the AHU through the supply air stream. If you have health complaints that are widespread – consider whether the AHU or air ducts are contaminated by improper building maintenance or from other causes.
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