Air flow, according to engineering resources, is a measurement pertaining to the amount of air per unit of time that flow through any particular device.
Air, in this instance, is often measured by its volume or its mass. In most applications, it’s measured primarily by volume; some applications, however, require measurement by mass due to air’s gaseous nature that may cause its volume to vary in different temperatures.
Air flow may seem like a superfluous measurement system, however it’s important to those who build, construct, implement and install HVAC systems for buildings. Air flow control systems, in particular, are responsible for various thing, including: the control of moisture damage in buildings, the reduction of energy loss and ensuring that building occupants are comfortable and healthy (in regards to the air of the building).
In our last article, we talked about precision air flow control systems. This time, we’re going to examine some of the most frequently asked questions about laboratory air flow control systems for air flow control in critical environments.
Behind Laboratory Air Flow Control Systems ~ Frequently Asked Questions
As mentioned in our last article, air flow control systems in buildings is an important aspect of maintaining a building’s overall moisture and temperature control in different climates. An air flow control system mainly helps control the amount of air leakages that may occur due to unrecognized gaps in insulation or other issues. This often causes a building to exert more energy than it should exert during the year.
It’s a system overlooked that most ‘regular people’ don’t realize how important is for a building to have such a system implemented, especially if the building revolves around being a critical environment or a place of interest that more or less controls a business’ main operations.
Laboratory air flow control systems are such a system that are specifically designed for use in laboratories. Laboratories are critical environments that require air control systems to maintain the temperature and humidity of its enclosure to prevent issues related to either.
What are the Main Reasons why Air Flow Control Systems are Important to Building Enclosures?
The main reason why air flow control is important to building enclosures is performance. It not only applies to the performance of a building, but it applies to the comfort and performance of those who work in the building itself.
There are also several reasons why it’s imperative to implement an air flow control system for performance-related reasons:
Moisture control – As mentioned in our last article, moisture from water vapor can enter a building via condensation, eventually causing issues that can compromise the integrity of the building and the health of the people who work there, among other performance-related issues. Robust laboratory air flow control systems control and also prevent significant amounts of moisture from entering a building enclosure.
Energy savings – Air leakage is known to cause buildings to rack up large energy costs each year. During summer seasons, air leakage causes cooler air to escape the building, causing the air’s conditioning system to have to draw air from the outside to condition in order to further cool the building—and the cycle repeats. It’s the same case when the building’s HVAC systems work to keep the building warmer during colder seasons and in colder climates.
Comfort and health – Excessive air leakage can also compromise the health of people who work in the building in question. Not only does it cause excess moisture to develop in a building, but leakage also causes harmful elements like mold, strange odors and gases to enter the building.
As you can see, an air flow control system is important for those very reasons. And, it’s especially important to implement an air flow control system in areas that are critical environments for those reasons, too. When we mean ‘critical environments,’ we’re talking about laboratories and their requirements for a clean, controlled air that produce a comfortable and safe workspace.
Can you tell me more about Laboratory Air Flow Control Systems? Why are they Important?
As mentioned, laboratories are critical environments that require air control systems to maintain the temperature and humidity of the enclosed space there.
Critical spaces like laboratories require special air flow control systems to not only regulate the temperature and humidity of the space, but to control the air pressure there, as well.
Many professional companies that produce laboratory air flow control systems for businesses and organizations recognize the needs of such a critical space. These systems often ensure that the integrity of those particular environments remain secure, and they accomplish that those controlling the aforementioned pressurization, humidity and temperature of those environments.
What else should I know about Laboratory Air Flow Control Systems?
Many laboratory air flow control systems also implement technology to help reduce energy costs from keeping the system operating on a consistent basis. This allows facilities to significantly reduce their energy usage and, subsequently, their energy costs on a yearly basis.
In addition, the implementation of laboratory air flow control systems also helps keep laboratory tenants comfortable without compromising their health. Given the critical nature of places like laboratories, laboratory air flow control systems also help keep laboratories well regulated to protect equipment and delicate contents that may be stored in the lab.
Many modern laboratory air flow control systems are designed to perform and, therefore, accomplish various goals at once. Some of the most notable systems provide a faster response speed for system operators, better pressure independence than older system types, higher turndowns and better accuracy and usage based controls that allow systems operators to regulate energy usage throughout the year.
As you can see, robust laboratory air flow control systems are essential for modern buildings for various reasons. Most importantly, precision air flow controls systems keep critical environments from incurring issues from fluctuating temperatures and humidity.
Given the nature of the climate in this country, it’s important for any critical environment to have system that controls air flow in and out of its building enclosure in order to efficiently maintain its temperature and humidity.