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With a number of factors to consider it is important that maintenance be carried out by personnel who have knowledge in all aspects of the air movement system. The term "facilities management" can imply that the contractor has knowledge of the air supply equipment and of customer requirements. The contractor is selling his know-how to ensure the customer enjoys ‘fresh’ clean air at all times, and at the most competitive price for the service. The customer must determine the ability of his prospective contractor and apply technical and commercial judgement in his evaluation. Certain factors such as track record in the industry, written technical information, presentation, quality assurance and commitment to training of personnel and investment in test and analytical equipment, all help to reassure the customer that the contractor has the necessary skills and resources to perform the tasks required.
Unlike most equipment installed in HVAC systems, air filters require periodic service checks to ensure they continue to operate within design limits. Automatic monitoring is available for air filter systems and a separate indication is required for each installation such as for primary and secondary filter systems. Good quality dry type gauges should be installed which can be monitored and readings recorded on a monthly basis. It is good practice to install both systems to ensure continued filter performance and an awareness by personnel of a changing process condition.
The air handling and air movement process is the "lungs" of the office building environment, and air from this system will permeate most building areas. It is essential therefore that a series of checks and controls are in place to ensure air quality and distribution meet the design and operating requirements. A contractor should be capable of performing a range of action points based on the following sample list:-
The choice of work to be considered for a specialist contractor may depend on the size and type of the business, and any critical air quality control requirements. Whatever the need, it is vital that the customer understands clearly what the contractor proposes once the basic work description has been presented for quotation.
Once a contract for work has been established for selective or general air process management, regular meetings with customer representatives is recommended, to ensure all parties are aware of progress and to measure performance. A basic programme for discussion would include work completed, proposals for the following month, new work and any problem areas. The management of the project includes assessment, action and control - to reduce the cost of such work to the industry. It is important to ensure that time spent at the customers premises be kept to a minimum, and every effort should be made to standardise the work schedule, which will lead to a more cost effective service in the future.
The decision to install and maintain good quality and efficient air filters has been proved over the years to be very cost effective. The price paid for duct and décor cleaning with the associated disruptions to staff and business, is far greater than a set of the best filters money can buy.
References:
• BS EN779 and BS EN 1822
• ANSI/ASHRAE STDS 52-1-1992 and 52-2P
• NAFA Guide to Air Filtration
• Air Filtration Today by Mark Smith and Stuart Wray
• Controlling Air Quality in the Food Industry
by Stuart Wray
Design, installation and management of air quality control systems
Air filtration products, Air conditioning, Mini-environments,
Isolation containment, Air process hardware, Consultancy,
Re-commissioning