VENTILATION ARTICLES

Ulrik Vadstrup, Regional Europe Sales manager for HVACR at ABB Drive Products, argues the case for drive and motor (DM) packages, as opposed to electronically commutated (EC) fans, when specifying HVACR systems

A look at annual ventilation plant checks, comparing and contrasting how the roles of professional ventilation verifier and Authorising Engineer (Ventilation) are positioned to ensure that indoor air in healthcare premises is of the highest quality.

Dr. Iyad Al-Attar, a mechanical engineer and independent air filtration consultant, and a Visiting Academic Fellow at the School of Aerospace, Transport, and Manufacturing at Cranfield University, explores the evolution of indoor air quality (IAQ) governance, tracing advancements in building technology – ‘from basic mechanical systems to sophisticated smart building technologies’. Highlighting ‘the historical neglect of IAQ as a public health concern’, he contrasts it with the increased focus spurred by recent pandemics, and explains how air quality governance ‘leads the way to the promise of better IAQ – from theory into practice’.

‘Sustainability isn’t a destination – it’s a journey’, argues Steve Bishop, Business Development manager at Spirax Sarco. In this article he focuses on optimising the running and maintenance of the boiler house as part of that ongoing commitment, and the benefits this can bring. His message is that even small steps can bring considerable increases in plant efficiency, while reducing both costs and carbon emissions.

Dr Scott Brown, managing director and lead consultant for Health Tech Solutions, explores the benefits – including the opportunities for significant cost savings – of moving verification of specialist healthcare ventilation ‘in house’, along with the associated risks.

Simon Everett, a Senior lecturer in the Built Environment at Wrexham University, discusses some of the challenges of managing ‘legacy’ AHU systems across the healthcare estate, and some of the key steps for healthcare engineers to consider to minimise the risks of such equipment failing.

Gregor Riese, director at Australian-based supplier of filtration, UV, and disinfection technologies for the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, Opira Group, discusses an important new Australian standard for the classification of filters used in HVAC systems, and advises on how to select the right one.

A planned maintenance strategy can pay for itself, and should be a top priority, explains Craig Harding, Technical Field Service manager at HVAC specialist, Aermec UK.

Hospitals have unique ventilation requirements. Lee Jenkins-Skinner, CIAT’s AHU specialist, highlights updated guidance on the subject.

Josiah Padget, Lead consultant and Healthcare manager of CETEC Pty in Australia, highlights some of the key ventilation, building fabric, and airflow requirements to minimise the risk of infection in hospitals and other healthcare environments, while maximising energy efficiency and thus reducing energy costs.