HVAC Refurbishment - Extend the life of ageing systems.
Robert Rizen
Vice President | Operations | Technical Trainer | Project Manager | Consulting | Business Coach
The subject: 1960's Trane air handler. Hot & cold deck, constant volume system. Feeds operating room support areas. 7 separate zones.
The problem: microbial growth on the cold deck discharge side of the system, worn fiberglass liner, heavily impacted with dirt, showing visible microbial growth. This is after the discharge side Hepa filters!
The main components of this ahu where in good usable shape- supply air fan, filter compartments, duct work etc.
Possible solutions:
Ignore it - this appears to have been passed over long enough - not acceptable.
Complete replacement - Costly, heavy impact on operations in building, multiple trades involved: sheet metal, hvac, electrical, controls, demo and remediation.
Resurface - apply a duct liner reinforcement coating (paint) - good luck! This is a known wet location during the summer ( even though it should not be) not the right solution.
Chosen solution:
Removal and replacement of the fiberglass liner. True Cleaning Solutions developed a plan for safe removal of the contaminated duct liner, here is our process.
- Through risk assessment, getting infection control up to speed on what, where,why and when.
- Establish a shut down schedule - remember this unit is for OR support areas, they rely on it for positive pressure to the core of the building.
- Clean and treat the cooling coil set - deep cleaning helps to restore the performance of the unit - increased air flow, lowering the discharge temperature and adding static pressure.
- Establish containment, install hepa filtered air scrubbers to provide suction (negative pressure) for our work areas. They will also aid in scrubbing any odor generated during the project. Install barriers in the supply air duct work - particulate control.
- Remove and dispose of contaminated liner inside air handler.
- Through cleaning and treating of the remaining structure.
- The replacement product in this case was an 1' thick elastomeric duct liner. Smooth, non porous, no particulate.
In the above pictures, the after is during the construction phase - liner install was not complete, no bare sheet metal remained after completion. This project was completed in about 40 hours - 2 weekends of shut downs. With a warranty on the installation.
This result pictures speak for them self, no more contamination, no more particulate entering the space from this area, improved hygiene. We have improved the useful life of this equipment for a fraction of replacement cost, with minimal interruption to operations.
We do this for many industries - not just healthcare, educational, aerospace, government and the list goes on. True Cleaning Solutions can accomplish this any where in the united states - feel free to contact me to start a discussion about extending the life of your aging equipment.
Senior Product Manager at Carlisle Construction Management
6 年Love the write-up and great pictures. ?Perfect example of the fact that not all can be saved by re-surfacing.
Manufacturers, Service Providers, School Districts, Non-Profits, Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities HIRE Opt Out Associates b/c they desire lower fixed expenses & know we deliver immediate & dramatic financial savings.
6 年Robert, Those pictures are worth a 1,000 words. Thanks for sharing. Great job with the cleanup and with extending the life of that system!