We like to talk about breaking the mold around here, but this month, we’re talking about stopping the ominous, fungal kind. Mold has several opportunities to creep in, starting before the building is even finished. Consider the risks during renovation, and the relationship between climate and building envelope, and perhaps the section on remediation won’t become relevant. By Carl Schultz, P.E.
What seemed like a garden variety chiller retrofit turned out to have its share of thorns. Fortunately, the story also includes a few twists for the better, including a creative cold-weather cooling strategy and a mechanic still on staff who had kept the original specifications from 1965. Throw in some equipment dilemmas and utility wrangling, and you have an HVAC adventure tale with a happy ending. By Carl C. Schultz, P.E.
North Colorado Medical Center was determined to provide surgical facilities for its local population, which experiences a larger than usual TB rate, and this article is about how NCMC makes it work with careful ventilation and filtration tactics. By Carl C. Schultz, P.E.
For large rooms with high ceilings, get the lowdown on addressing these issues with two different but successful approaches: radiant heat coupled with exhaust fans, and direct-fired pressurization units. Carl C. Schultz, P.E.
When does the situation call for a power boiler? Long-distance distribution, laundry or kitchen facilities, and absorption chillers requiring hot water service are just three examples where a power boiler may be preferred or even required. Read on for power boiler code info, and take a look at relevant tips pertaining to low NOx technologies, the Clean Air Act, permits, and current controls options. By Carl C. Schultz, P.E.
Biosafety laboratories have four levels, while biological safety cabinets have three classes. Each category carries technical distinctions of literally vital importance in the protection of researchers working with a variety of dangerous substances. Learn about these differences and the appropriate system requirements, along with guidelines for animal facilities, special HEPA considerations, and some real-life system breakdowns. By Carl C. Schultz, P.E.
Airside economizer systems are common and save energy, but they are not the only option. Waterside economizers help reduce chiller operational expenses as well, and they can offer special benefits when a project involves structural or process humidity concerns. By Carl C. Schultz, P.E.
The heat of 33,000 motors is not a common design factor. Neither are rooftop sight lines predetermined to preserve air traffic control's view of the runway. Yet, when designing the cooling system for a major shipping company's expansive handling facility, the project team ran into these and other issues. Read on to track how motor load knowledge and a bit of true imagination fueled a successful delivery. By Carl C. Schultz, P.E.