Upgrading Ventilation in Existing Labs: Beyond the Balance

James Coogan, Siemens Building Technologies

Many operating laboratories present opportunities to improve performance in several directions at once. The opportunities arise from events and trends occurring during the life of the building, including:

  • change in use or priorities
  • worn, degraded or neglected equipment
  • increased attention to ventilation requirements
  • new generation of equipment and controls

The significance of each of these factors varies from building to building. The particular combination shapes the selection of renovation options for a facility. There may be physical pieces in disrepair; or out of adjustment. If so, fixing them is among the first goals.

If the EHS department works with the ventilation engineers, they can reassess and the quantity AND quality of the ventilation at containment devices, in rooms and in surrounding areas. Often improvements in exposure control come at lower flow rates. The resulting energy savings pay for the project that enhances ventilation.

Projects like this go beyond balancing safety and sustainability; this puts them both on the same side. Specific examples of retrofit projects will be discussed, exploring the range of replace/reuse options and the variety of applicable solutions.

Learning Objectives

  • Learn to package renovation projects so they satisfy multiple needs, and serve the goals of multiple groups within and organization.
  • Recognize the range of replace/reuse options in renovating laboratory ventilation.
  • Conceive upgrade projects that go beyond balancing safety and sustainability

Biography:

Jim Coogan, P.E., is a Principal in product development at Siemens Building Technologies. For 30 years, he has designed controls for mechanical systems. Jim has chaired several ASHRAE Committees and is listed by ASHRAE as a Distinguished Lecturer. Jim is a member of the committee that revised the Laboratory Ventilation Standard: ANSI Z9.5 and participates in work groups with the International Institute for Sustainable Labs. Jim earned his SB in mechanical engineering at MIT.

 

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