[Staff] [Faculty] Air Conditioning Project Testing & Balancing

[Subrata (Sooby) Bhattacharjee]

HI Darrell,

I recall that the asbestos from this building was removed a number of years
ago. If the building had asbestos originally, no amount of removal can get
rid of asbestos completely. Regardless of what constitutes these particles,
and what fraction of that makes it through the filter, would not it be wise
to shut down the system until the holidays?

I am surprised only Jay on the fourth floor is concerned about his lungs.
Those on the other floor can rest assured that one of the benefits of a
centralized system is that it is just a matter of a few hours before the
particles find their ways to every lungs.

Obviously, I don't know all the facts about asbestos. But even if there is a
possibility, I think we should rather err on the side of caution.

Sooby

On Wed, Dec 2, 2009 at 10:59 AM, Jay Harris <harris at attila.sdsu.edu> wrote:

>  Dear Darrell,
>
>
>
> The problem we face is having a continuous flow of a high density of
> particulates I would estimate to be under 10 microns in diameter.  Most are
> probably sub-micron in size.  All are easily ported to the lungs.  How can
> covering the vents with cheesecloth with 100-1000 micron sized holes be
> effective?
>
>
>
> Please locate someone who can provide information concerning the health
> hazard of the profusion of these particulates and let the faculty know of
> the dangers.  This should be viewed as a very high priority.
>
>
>
> Sincerely,  Jay Harris
>
>
>  ------------------------------
>
> *From:* faculty-bounces at engineering.sdsu.edu [mailto:
> faculty-bounces at engineering.sdsu.edu] *On Behalf Of *Darrell Irwin
> *Sent:* Wednesday, December 02, 2009 10:13 AM
> *To:* faculty at kahuna.sdsu.edu; staff at kahuna.sdsu.edu
> *Subject:* [Faculty] Air Conditioning Project Testing & Balancing
>
>
>
> This week the contractor has begun system tests of the air handler system
> being installed in the building. Several of you have noticed dust and
> particulate in your offices. This has been especially evident in offices in
> the North wing, particularly on the 4th floor. The contractor should have
> covered the vents in these areas, especially where the duct work has not
> been replaced. We had originally been told that the North wing was not a
> part of this project, but as it turns out the new air handler has been
> connected to the old duct system in that area. Since the new system has an
> increased air flow, accumulated dust and particulates in the old ductwork
> were being pushed out the vents. This morning the contractor covered all of
> the known problem vents, and all areas at the end of duct lines. In
> addition, known offices affected have been cleaned.  If there is a problem
> in your office or work area that has not been addressed, please let me know,
> and the contractor will cover your vents and physical plant will clean your
> office or work area.
>
>
>
> For the remainder of this week, the system will be undergoing tests, and
> balancing. The balancing will be done on Thursday and Friday, and will start
> with offices or rooms that have temperature controls in them. Eventually,
> they will visit all rooms to check the air flow and make adjustments as
> necessary. Since they will be visiting all of the rooms during this phase,
> the contractor asks for your cooperation in allowing them access, and also
> expressed their appreciation for your cooperation and patience during this
> construction. This is the final phase of this project, and if all goes well
> this week, the system will be fully operational next week. We will have air
> conditioning and heating to all the rooms connected to the new air handler.
>
>
>
> Again, please let me know of any issues during this testing and balancing
> phase, and I will bring them to the attention of the contractor.
>
>
>
> Darrell
>
>
>
> *Darrell** Irwin*
>
> *Resource Management***
>
> *College** of Engineering***
>
> * *
>
> *dirwin at mail.sdsu.edu*
>
> *48290 - Voice Extension*
>
> *46005 - Fax*
>
>
>
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>


-- 
Subrata Bhattacharjee, Ph.D., Fellow ASME
Professor, Mechanical Engineering Department
Adjunct Professor, Computer Science Department
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA 92182

subrata at thermo.sdsu.edu; prof.bhattacharjee at gmail.com
Tel: (619)-594-6080; Fax: (619)-594-3599

Thermodynamics Courseware: http://www.thermofluids.net
Course Management Software: http://www.classta.net
Thermo-chemical Web Services: http:// cheqs.sdsu.edu
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