Improving
the Environment for Animal Holding Facilities
Christopher
Robertson, Phoenix Controls Corporation
Objectives:
Genomic research is fueling explosive demand in the
housing and care of rodents in animal laboratories. This specialized
type of research facility requires very accurate and stable environmental
controls to protect the animals from even small fluctuations in
temperature, humidity, noise levels, pressurization and lighting.
Changes to any one of these parameters may negatively affect their
well-being and compromise years of valuable research. In addition,
the caregivers who work in animal labs need a safe, comfortable
working environment.
These specialized environments are highly dependent on the proper
design and operation of the ventilation system. Yet, HVAC system
performance deficiencies are the most often cited reason for failing
to earn accreditation by AAALAC (Association for Assessment and
Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International). One recent
improvement is to directly exhaust cage racks through the building
exhaust system. This allows for significant increases in the number
of rodents that may be housed and is providing some relief to the
space issues plaguing many animal facilities.
During this presentation we will address several different design
approaches and provide actual operating data to support the various
approaches. Also, we will try to help the audience with design issues
and show them how to improve the overall operating efficiency of
these facilities.
Findings:
Present actual design and operating data on energy efficiency designs
for ventilation systems using with animal caging systems from several
vivarium recently commissioned. This data will help demonstration
that by using the latest design concepts the owner can achieve substantial
energy savings, increase operational performance and improve the
overall operation of these critical laboratory spaces.
Labs21 Connection:
- Protect occupant safety.
- Optimize whole building efficiency on a life-cycle basis.
- Protect research integrity.
Biography:
Christopher S. Robertson
is the Vice President, Worldwide Sales & Business Development
responsible for the companies' global sales operation & business
development activities. Prior to assuming this responsibility he
spent two years in Japan where he was the Director of Asia/Pacific
in charge of developing and running the company's business unit
throughout Asia and the Pacific Rim. He has also serviced as the
Manager, Laboratory and Heath Care Markets, responsible for overall
direction, development, and implementation of strategies and products
directed towards the laboratory and health care markets worldwide.
He has been a featured speaker on airflow control issues at many
international conferences and seminars. He is a Member of ASHRAE
and is active on Laboratory Committee TC 9.10, Clean Spaces Committee
TC 9.11 and Standards Committee SPC 110 (Testing Performance of
Laboratory Fume Hoods)
His background includes ten plus years with Phoenix Controls in
various sales and marketing roles and ten years with Johnson Controls
as an Applications Engineer, Sales Engineer and Sales Manager. He
holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Marquette University.
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