Aeroseal passes certification for smoke generation in accordance with AS1530.3, gaining approval for Hospital Duct Sealing and avoiding major disruptions for the healthcare provider
Overview
Clean-Air completed a successful Aeroseal® duct sealing project at the beginning of February 2022 to seal leaks in the air conditioning ductwork at a Queensland Health Hospital while ensuring minimal disruptions to ongoing services. The air handling units were being replaced and the existing ductwork had around 40% air loss from the supply air ductwork. Evidence showed that the ceiling space was at a cooler temperature than the room below, which promoted further investigation. For this particular application Aeroseal sealant was required to hold Australian-recognised fire safety certification before being granted approval for use within Queensland Health Hospitals. Prior to commencement of the project Clean-Air carried out testing of the product inline with Australian standards and passed certification for smoke generation in accordance with AS/NZS 1530.3:1999.
Goal: Improve overall airflow avoiding removal and replacement of entire ductwork, reduce 40% air loss from system
Before Aeroseal: 4091 L/s leakage *
After Aeroseal: 263 L/s leakage *
Results: Eliminated overall duct leakage by 90%
(*all 4 systems)
Aeroseal Provider: Aeroseal Duct Sealing Aust Pty Ltd, a trading name of Clean-Air (Aust) Pty Ltd. Address: Unit 2/33 Achievement Crescent, Acacia Ridge QLD 4110
Building: Queensland Health Hospital
Location: Bundaberg
The Air Conditioning System
Consisted of 4 AHUs supplying air (11,700 L/s) to ground and level 1 area consisting of Oral health, Cancer Care and Procedure rooms including Administration and Critical Storage areas. The air conditioning ductwork had VAVs which involved blanking off zones and sealing each zone without causing disruptions to the ongoing activities of the hospital.
“WE SUCCESSFULLY CIRCUMVENTED ANY DISRUPTION OF CRITICAL SERVICES BEING PROVIDED TO PATIENTS BY USING AEROSEAL TECHNOLOGY TO SEAL THE DUCTWORK FROM THE INSIDE, AVOIDING A TEARDOWN OFF THE WHOLE HVAC SYSTEM”
MUNI KUMAR, PROJECT MANAGER
Execution of the Project
The goal of the project was to avoid a conventional solution of removing all ductwork and replacing with new, the result of which would have turned the area into a construction site. Our aim was to circumvent any disruption to critical services being provided to patients by using Aeroseal technology to seal the ductwork from the inside, with a target to achieve a 40% reduction of air loss in the system.
The overall project took less than 3 weeks to complete. Work was carried out overnight, with larger sections of ductwork carried out during the weekend, allowing units to run during the daytime and avoiding any downtime for the facility.
Successfully the Aeroseal sealant has only sealed the portions where the duct was leaking, the joins between sections where the gasket has failed is one example of where Clean-Air found leaks.
With the leakage reduction within the air condition supply air ductwork the faciltiy has increased airflow with the new units installed and is now able to run its HVAC system at a fraction of the power that was previously needed, saving the facility substantially on its energy costs.
Pre/Post Leakage recording determined a 90% reduction rate
Clean-Air recorded a Pre-Aeroseal Treatment Rate of 4091 L/s of leakage before sealing, and a Post-Aeroseal Treatment Rate of 263 L/s of leakage, corresponding to a successful 90% reduction in Duct Leakage.