Forum discussion

NC-2009 IEQc5:Indoor Chemical and Pollutant Source Control

EQc5 Negative Exhaust Rates

I'm trying to figure out the exhaust airflow rates required for chemical pollutant source rooms in a hospital (e.g. janitor's closets, copy rooms, etc.). The LEED credit requirements state: "The pressure differential with the surrounding spaces must be at least 5 Pascals (Pa) on average and 1 Pa at a minimum when the doors to the rooms are closed." This is a bit ambiguous, but I take this to mean that the average exhaust rate of these rooms must meet at least a 5 Pa pressure differential over their entire operating range but the instantaneous pressure differential can get as low as 1 Pa. This implies that LEED is giving allowance for spaces where the chemical use is variable and the exhaust fans have multi-speed control where they ramp up only when chemicals are in use. Most of the exhaust air systems I work with for these types of spaces are simply equipped with constant volume fans however. So if the exhaust air volumes don't change, then it sounds like we must meet a 5 Pa pressure differential to meet the credit requirements. Is my interpretation correct? Has anyone had experience or LEED comments related to this specific issue? Thanks,

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Wed, 01/15/2014 - 22:30

Scott - correct - you should meet 5 Pa if the volumes don't change

Thu, 01/16/2014 - 08:43

I thought it applied to the measurements. I.e. over ten minutes of measurements at say a measurement every 5 seconds, the average of all measurements must be 5 Pa with a maximum deviation of 4 Pa. Yes, you design for 5 Pa.

Sat, 01/25/2014 - 02:01

Jean, In my experience LEED/GBCI has never asked for measured data for this credit. Have you had a LEED reviewer ask you to prove you're meeting the required differential pressure?

Sat, 01/25/2014 - 02:01

Jean, In my experience LEED/GBCI has never asked for measured data for this credit. Have you had a LEED reviewer ask you to prove you're meeting the required differential pressure?

Mon, 01/27/2014 - 10:52

We've had projects, some with the submitting measured data and some with providing calculations, and to date have had no questions asked.

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