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Project AIR 3R Info

Facility Operation and Development (FOD) under the leadership of the Facility Design and Construction (FDC) Office and with support from a variety of contractors and outside engineering firms and in consultation with the Physics Department and others.

 

 

 

"AIR-3R" is a project of significant complexity and cost created to address performance issues related to Air Handler 1 (AH-1) and Air Handler 2 (AH-2) that serve the labs.

 

Naming the project improves communication and distinguishes it from other activities. The three "Rs" denote Repair, Renovate, and Reconfigure. The University project designation for this effort is OSU-130638.

 

The project has been subdivided into two main phases.  In concept, a third phase may follow dependent upon the results of the first two phases.

 

 

 

Many performance issues stemming from multiple root causes are present in the current systems.  These issues have caused, among other things, premature deterioration of the machines to such a degree that an urgent need to halt this condition is now present.

 

The project seeks to remedy the underlying performance issues and to normalize the projected life span of the air handlers.

 

 

 

Phase 1:   Creates a new air inlet north of the patio - work was completed in May '13.

 

Phase 2:   Focuses on AH-1 and AH-2 with extended outage work planned

              on consecutive weekends in November. See project timeline for details.

 

Phase 3:   Conceptual only.  No design, schedule, or funding currently planned.

 

 

 

Phase 1 work was done in the main air inlet plenum and can be seen in completed form near the north edge of the patio. Phase 2 will be work done within the internal space of AH-1 and AH-2 in the basement mechanical room.  Phase 3 is undefined.

 

 

 

The project hopes to meet its goals by completing the following actions in the air systems and/or within AH-1 and AH-2 :

 

 

Phase 1: (completed)

 

- Reconfigure the main air inlet to improve air flow by adding a new inlet area well.

 

 

 

Phase 2: (November 2013)

- Reconfigure humidification systems to improve control stability and to reduce entrainment

 of softening salts into the air stream by installing a complete new system.

 

- Repair corrosion damage to fan shafts and bearings by replacing these items with new

 parts.

 

- Renovate interior surfaces of air handlers and fan housings by coating them with a

 high-performance, high-gloss epoxy that retards corrosion. (see Aquis Solutions link below)

 

- Repair discharge duct of AH-1 to reduce turbulence and vibration by replacing damaged

 air turning vanes with new aerodynamic profile turning vanes.

 

 

 

 

Total costs  ~$900k split as Ph. 1 = ~$300k, Ph. 2 = ~$600k, Ph. 3 = $TBD (unfunded).

 

The funding is provided under the University/FOD Repair and Renovation (R+R) program.

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Project Summary
Project Sketches and Photos
Project Scope

 

 

Addition of a second source of outside air by digging an area well and connecting it to the existing plenum south of the major plenum obstructions.

 

 

 

 

 

Remove existing reheat coil, filter rack, and humidifier

 

Install high efficiency steam dispersion panels.

 

Install anti-stratification baffles at pre-heat coils

 

Install airfoil turning vanes (Aero-Dyne) in large elbow at unit discharge.

 

Clean surface corrosion and paint with stabilizing paint

 

 

 

Replace complete main fan assemblies (2x)

 

Remove existing reheat coil, filter rack, and humidifier

 

Install a high efficiency steam dispersion panels.

 

Install anti-stratification baffles at pre-heat coils

 

Rework condensate trap; coat cooling coil pans to provide positive drainage.

 

Remove corrosion and restore interior surfaces by application of multi-part epoxy coating

 

 

 

Additional insulation at southeast corner of main air plenum

Phase 1:

 

•  Air Intake

 

 

 

 

Phase 2:

 

•  AH-1 Work

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

•  AH-2 Work

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

•  Other

 

Project Timeline**

Completed in May 2013

 

 

 

 

3-day weekend of November 9-10-11. (Veteran’s Day Holiday on Monday the 11th)

 

Outage 1 begins at close of business on Friday November 8th at 5:00 pm through start of business day Tuesday November 12th.

 

AH-1 and AH-2 and related main exhaust fans will be shut down completely for the full duration of this weekend and the building will be considered closed for general occupancy.

 

Fume hoods will be out of service during the full duration of Outage 1.

 

Focus will be on all mechanical assembly and demo work within both units.

 

 

2-day weekend of November 16-17.

 

Outage 2 begins at close of business on Friday November 15th at 5:00 pm through start of business day on Monday November 18th

 

AH-1 and AH-2 and related main exhaust fans will be shut down completely for the full duration of this weekend and the building will be considered closed for general occupancy.

 

Fume hoods will be out of service during the full duration of Outage 2.

 

Focus will be on all corrosion removal and epoxy coating work within both units.

 

 

Phase 1:

 

 

Phase 2:

 

•   Outage 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

•   Outage 2

 

 

Phase 1
Phase 2
AH-1
AH-2
Basement Level Duct Arrangement
Enlarged View at Air Handlers
Interior of AH-1
Interior of AH-2
Main Supply Fans of AH-2
Missing turning vanes
AH-1
AH-2
Enlarged View at Air Handlers
Click Icon for
Calendar View
of Schedule

** Special Note

 

The Phase 2 dates presented above are  now fixed. Effective 31-OCT-2013, the contract between OSU and the contractor is now fully executed and in place.