Ventilation Study
SSM mechanical engineers completed a ventilation study to provide options to ventilate the “attic” spaceof Weightman Hall.
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
Philadelphia PA
SSM completed a study to provide options to ventilate the “attic” spaceof Weightman Hall. The space contained two air conditioners discharging hot condenser air into the space. The existing ventilation of this space was not sufficient to remove the heat leading to an increased load on the air conditioners and decrease in performance of the units which are rated at ambient temperatures of 95 deg. F. Temperatures in the attic space were believedtoexceed 120 deg. F.
SSM explored options to ventilate the space housing the air conditioners to provide a satisfactory ambient condition or modify the installation to mitigate the impact of being installed in an interior space. SSM mechanical engineers surveyed the site and documented existing conditions including several existing and apparently abandoned duct systems in the vicinity of the air conditioners and the space in which the units are housed and the surrounding areas in sufficient detail to develop ventilation options. The final report included three options for creating a satisfactory environment for the operation of the air conditioning units and budgetary construction costs for each scenario.
Ventilation Study
SSM was retained by Quadrant EPP to evaluate the processes being used and recommend modifications to bring the facility into compliance.
QUADRANT EPP USA, INC.
Ventilation Study
Reading PA
Quadrant EPP USA, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Quadrant Plastics of Lenzburg, Switzerland. Quadrant was founded in 1996 and has become the standard bearer for innovation with many key developments in the formulation and manufacturing of plastic materials to their credit. Quadrant, along with its strategic partner Mitsubishi Plastics of Japan, is the global leader in the manufacturing of high performance, machinable, thermoplastic materials. In addition to being the corporate headquarters for Quadrant EPP USA, Inc; the Reading, PA facility manufactures ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, nylon, and acetal polymer finished parts and shapes. The products manufactured in Reading are used in the food processing & packaging, semiconductor, aerospace, chemical processing, life sciences, and power generation industries.
A manufacturing process used at Quadrant creates off-gassing of Caprolactam which was not captured or controlled resulting in blood level concentrations exceeding OSHA guidelines. SSM was retained by Quadrant EPP to evaluate the processes being used and recommend modifications to bring the facility into compliance. SSM documented the performance of the ventilation systems and the capture capabilities of the exhaust hoods at the process points. SSM also observed the manufacturing process and operator procedures. The outcome was recommendations for modifications to the ventilation systems and modifications to the fume capture hoods to move the fumes away from personnel and intoexhaust systems for removal. SSM then provided the design of those modifications resulting in a compliant environment.
Ventilation Studies
Our services to NWNA have included providing ventilation studies at these three facilities to evaluate airflow, contaminant migration, and temperature control.
NESTLE WATERS NORTH AMERICA
Nestle Waters North America
Poland Springs ME, Breinigsville PA, Zephyr Hills Florida
NWNA is a business unit of Nestlé Nestle Waters North America (NWNA) S.A. The Nestlé Waters business represents 10% of Nestlé, S.A. global sales and holds the number one leadership position for bottled water brands in the world. Nestlé Waters North America represented 36.4% ($)of the bottled water market in 2010 producing water under the brand names of Perrier, Aqua Panna, S. Pellegrino, Deer Park, Arrowhead, Ice Mountain, Ozarka, Zephyrhills, Poland Spring, re-source, and Nestle Pure Life. SSM has worked with NWNA at several sites throughout the United States including Poland Springs ME, Breinigsville PA, and Zephyr Hills FL.
Our services have included providing ventilation studies at these three facilities to evaluate airflow, contaminant migration, and temperature control.
A key element and driver of the study at two of the facilities involved area carbon monoxide levels above the OSHA guideline. SSM performed both spot and time-history testing of carbon monoxide levels as well as space temperature and observed operating procedures within the facility. The studies provided recommendations for modifications and additions to the ventilation systems including recommendations for ventilation control systems to achieve the desired results while minimizing energy consumption.
Subsequent projects included the design of those ventilation systems and the design of the ventilation control systems including heat recovery.
Other projects have included the design of new ammonia chiller cooling systems, HVAC design for clean manufacturing areas, ventilation system validation, and arc flash studies and training.