The CLIN 1 TAB (Test and Balance) Report for the Rebalance Project at NIST Building 215, prepared by AECOM and submitted to Robert Hellmuth, outlines the status and issues of the HVAC systems from February 2018 to the present. The report identifies existing and discovered HVAC issues, including airflow deficiencies, pressure imbalances, and ineffective system components.
Key findings reveal inadequate airflow in fume hoods and specific rooms due to blocked return pathways and unoptimized duct configurations. Recommendations aim to improve ventilation by adjusting system setpoints, installing transfer grilles, and evaluating existing duct sizes for compliance with optimal air exchange standards.
Additionally, the report concludes that many Air Handling Units (AHUs) and Exhaust Fans (EFs) are not operating at their intended design specifications, leading to power inefficiencies and compromised performance. The document emphasizes addressing these issues through strategic renovations and modifications to enhance overall air quality and operational efficiency.
This report serves not only as documentation of current HVAC inefficiencies but also as a guide for necessary upgrades and compliance with health and safety standards in government facilities, aligning with federal and state RFP protocols.
Burdette, Koehler, Murphy and Associates, Inc. has submitted a report for the rebalancing of airflows in the Building 215 cleanroom at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the existing air systems, including the identification of deficiencies and recommendations for improvement. Significant issues highlighted include the need for replacing HEPA filters due to increased pressure drops, malfunctioning variable air volume (VAV) terminal units, inaccurate airflow measuring stations, and inadequately operating magnehelic gauges.
The primary recommendations consist of replacing and repairing these components, rebalancing airflows for various systems, and ensuring compliance with original design specifications to maintain cleanroom standards. Additional recommendations emphasize routine maintenance and the installation of differential pressure sensors to monitor system performance. The report is structured to facilitate the development of detailed construction documents for the necessary remediation and rebalancing tasks, underscoring NIST's commitment to maintaining high operational standards within its cleanroom facilities. This initiative aligns with federal government efforts to improve infrastructure efficiency and safety in scientific research environments.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is managing the Cleanroom Rebalance project for Building 215, aimed at reevaluating and adjusting the airflow systems within its advanced laboratory cleanroom facility. The project's scope includes replacing variable air volume terminal units, repairing existing control systems, balancing air handling units, and recertifying the cleanroom's performance. All work must be documented, including calibration reports and air balance evaluations, with a designated timeline for completion during a proposed 16-19 month shutdown period. Stringent safety protocols and OSHA compliance are mandated to protect onsite workers and facility occupants. Contractors are also expected to coordinate closely with NIST personnel throughout the project duration, ensuring organized progress and adherence to regulatory requirements. This undertaking underscores NIST's commitment to maintaining its facility's operational integrity and supporting advanced research programs while complying with federal construction standards and safety measures.