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TAB & IAQ Service

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TAB (Testing, Adjusting And Balancing)

TAB stands for Testing, Adjusting and Balancing for HVAC systems. It refers to the steps taken by HVAC contractors to calibrate the HVAC unit in commercial establishments to achieve optimal performance and air quality.

The key to a comfortable and efficient space is the design and function of a building's HVAC systems. The testing, adjusting, and balancing (TAB) of the systems is what ensures they are functioning properly. Using the right instruments for the TAB process is fundamental to making the right adjustments, in order to achieve a productive system.

Testing

Testing is the base of our business, whether it is in new construction or already existing buildings, with chillers, boilers, air handlers, package units, exhaust and ventilation fans, circulating pumps, and many other equipment.

Adjusting

The varying of system flows by partially closing balancing devices, such as dampers and valves, and varying fan speeds to achieve optimum system operating conditions within design and installation limitations.

Balancing

Balancing is the methodical proportioning of air and hydronic flows through the system mains, branches, and terminal devices using acceptable procedures to achieve the specified airflow or hydronic flow within installation, testing and design limitations.

Air Balancing

It means adjusting an HVAC system so every room in the house receives the right amount of conditioned air.

TEST AND BALANCE PROCEDURE

  • List and identify size, type and manufacturer of all diffusers, grilles, registers and all tested equipment. Use equipment manufacturer’s ratings to make any required calculations.
  • Identify each grille, diffuser and register with a number that is referenced on an accompanying sketch.
  • If the system is “variable air volume” (VAV), adjust all the terminal unit flow rate regulators to the required minimum and maximum CFM while monitoring and recording duct static pressure. If the system is constant volume (CV), proceed to step #5.
  • Set enough VAV’s to maximum CFM and minimum CFM to equal the rated cooling coil CFM.
  • Test and adjust system for design percentage of outside air.
  • Test and record motor load amperes.
  • Make pitot tube traverse of main supply ducts, where possible, to determine total supply CFM.
  • Test and adjust blower RPM as necessary to achieve design CFM.
  • If the system is constant volume, adjust all zones to proper design CFM, supply and re turn.
  • Test and adjust each diffuser, register and grille to within plus or minus 10% of design requirements. Care should be taken to minimize drafts whenever possible.
  • Test and record re-circulated air flow rate (CFM).
  • Test and record system static pressures, suction and discharge.
  • Temporarily set water flows and temperatures to design conditions for temperature tests.
  • Test and record entering air temperatures. (D.B. heating and cooling).
  • Test and record entering air temperatures. (W.B. cooling).
  • Test and record leaving air temperatures. (D.B. heating and cooling).
  • Test and record leaving air temperatures. (W.B. cooling).
  • List test data for all diffusers, grilles and registers, including design CFM and test resultant CFM after adjustment. When “Direct Reading Flow Hoods” cannot be used, ap plicable “Ak” factor, design velocity and test resultant velocity shall be shown.
  • Test and record required information pertaining to other equipment included in the HVAC contract such as electric duct heaters, exhaust fans, computer room units, etc.
  • The Mechanical Contractor shall be responsible for making any changes in the pulleys, belts and dampers or adding dampers as recommended by the air balance agency to achieve correct air balance.

Water Balancing

Balancing the chilled water main, branches, sub branches, risers, header & terminal by proportionally.

PREPARATION PROCEDURE FOR WATER BALANCE

  • Air balance should be completed before water balance begins.
  • Open all valves to full open position. Close coil bypass stop valves. Set mixing valve to full coil flow.
  • Verify that the responsible parties have removed and cleaned all strainers.
  • Examine water in system and determine if water has been treated and cleaned.
  • Check pump rotation.
  • Check expansion tanks to determine they are not air bound and the system is completely full of water.
  • Check all vents at high points of water systems and determine all are operating freely.
  • Set all temperature controls so all coils are calling for full cooling. This should close all automatic bypass valves at coil and chiller. Same procedure when balancing hot water coils; set on call for full heating.
  • Check operation of automatic bypass valve.
  • Check and set temperatures of boilers and chillers to design requirements.

TEST AND BALANCE PROCEDURE

  • Set chilled water and hot water pumps to proper flow (GPM).
  • Adjust chilled water flow through chiller.
  • Adjust water flow through boilers.
  • Check leaving water temperatures and return water temperatures through chiller and boilers. Reset to correct design temperatures.
  • Check water temperatures at inlet side of cooling and heating coils. Note rise or drop of temperatures from source.
  • Proceed to balance each chilled water cold and hot water coil.
  • Upon completion of low readings and adjustments at coils, mark settings and record data.
  • After adjustments to coils are made, recheck settings at the pumps, chillers and boilers and readjust, if required.
  • With full flow through the bypass, set the pressure drop across the bypass valve to match coil flow pressure drop. This prevents unbalanced flow conditions when coils are on bypass.
  • Same procedure on chiller to adjust chiller bypass valve.
  • Record and check the following items at each cooling and heating elements.
  • Pressure drop of each coil.
  • Pressure drop across bypass valve.
  • Pump operating suction and discharge pressures and final T.D.H.
  • List all mechanical specifications of pumps.
  • Rated and actual running amperage of pump motor.
  • Water metering device readings

PERFORMANCE VERIFICATION:

  • Set chilled water and hot water pumps to proper flow (GPM).
  • Adjust chilled water flow through chiller.
  • Adjust water flow through boilers.
  • Check leaving water temperatures and return water temperatures through chiller and boilers. Reset to correct design temperatures.
  • Check water temperatures at inlet side of cooling and heating coils. Note rise or drop of temperatures from source.
  • Proceed to balance each chilled water cold and hot water coil.
  • Upon completion of low readings and adjustments at coils, mark settings and record data.
  • After adjustments to coils are made, recheck settings at the pumps, chillers and boilers and readjust, if required.
  • With full flow through the bypass, set the pressure drop across the bypass valve to match coil flow pressure drop. This prevents unbalanced flow conditions when coils are on bypass.
  • Same procedure on chiller to adjust chiller bypass valve.
  • Record and check the following items at each cooling and heating elements.
  • Pressure drop of each coil.
  • Pressure drop across bypass valve.
  • Pump operating suction and discharge pressures and final T.D.H.
  • List all mechanical specifications of pumps.
  • Rated and actual running amperage of pump motor.
  • Water metering device readings

Dust Pressure Test

Vacuum the vents to remove most of the dust and dirt. Take a damp microfiber cloth to wipe the outside of the vent, as well as the wall and ceiling around it. Do not use water or cleaning chemicals, as these will smear the dirt around and make it more difficult to remove buildup!

IES offer a nationwide independent ductwork pressure testing service in accordance with SMACNA / ASHRAE/DW143 & DW144. We test that ductwork leakage is within the allowable rates stated in DW144. We produce all sign off documentation immediately to allow client witnessing and convenient sign off. Our staff are fully trained in the use of our state of the art equipment, testing methods and calculations. HVAC leakage testing is a crucial aspect of testing and commissioning for new buildings as well as refurbishment works.

Pressure Testing Procedure:

Drawings will be requested prior to works commencing in order to accurately quote for works. Tests are carried out by dividing the ductwork into manageable test sections, test sections are blocked off using reusable blocking materials such as high quality foams. Test sections are placed under pressure, specified in SMACNA / DW143, results are then calculated and witnessed by the client for sign off. All documentation is sent out electronically to all parties on the day, this includes the test calculations and equipment calibration certificates.

IAQ: Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants.

Understanding and controlling common pollutants indoors can help reduce your risk of indoor health concerns. Health effects from indoor air pollutants may be experienced soon after exposure or, possibly, years later.

NEED OF IAQ & EFFECTS OF BAD IAQ

Good IAQ contributes to a favourable environment for students, performance of teachers and staff and a sense of comfort, health and well-being.

These elements combine to assist a school in its core mission educating children. Maintenance of acceptable temperature and relative humidity.

Indoor air problems arise such as: Headache, Fatigue, Shortness of breath, Sinus congestion, Coughing, Sneezing, Dizziness, Nausea and irritation of the eye, nose, throat and skin

TECHNOLOGY USED TO MEASURE IAQ

CO2 : Non‐Dispersive Infrared (NDIR)
PM10 & PM2.5 : Light scattering or Beta attenuation method
CO/SO2/NO2/O3/NH3 : Electrochemical sensor
TVOC : PID – Photo ionization detector.
HCHO Formaldehyde : Photoelectric photometry method.
Relative humidity : Capacitive humidity sensor
Temperature : Resistance temperature Detector
Noise : Microphone
Light intensity : Photodiode or Pyrometer

Clean Room Validation

Cleanroom validation is provided by conducting a series of tests to qualify if a controlled environment is performing in accordance with process requirements and the applicable regulatory guidelines, such as ISO 14644-1:2015 or GMP Annex 1.

ISO14644:1-15 Validation:

Airborne Particle Counts, Airflow Volume Measurements, Pressure Differential Testing, Temperature, Humidity & Lux Level Recording, ISO Certification and Full Validation Report.