The Importance of Airflow Management in Laboratories

Proper airflow management is crucial to the safety of employees, especially in laboratory environments. The right system removes harmful fumes, vapors, and particles that could cause serious harm to human health. However, outdated laboratory air valves and fume hoods make this process expensive and potentially unmanageable for some companies. Modern HVAC solutions are now revolutionizing this process.

Equipment like the AccuValve and AVC Fume Hood Control System can optimize outdated airflow management systems and lead to significant energy savings. Not to mention, they allow for real-time control and other benefits. Below, we’re highlighting the advantages you can expect from switching to this equipment.

The AccuValve System: Accurate Control for Lab Ventilation

To maintain proper airflow and pressurization requirements in any critical environment, you must keep within +/- 5% airflow measurement. However, outdated mechanical valves make this nearly impossible to achieve. That’s where the AccuValve comes in.

As an ISO 9001:2015 certified electronically operated airflow control valve, the AccuValve was developed to reduce dependence on outdated mechanical valve systems. No matter the ductwork orientation, this equipment can maintain +/- 5% airflow measurement at all times. With real-time feedback to the building management system, the AccuValve allows operators to decide how they want to control the space. Whether you’re building a new structure or retrofitting existing HVAC equipment, the AccuValve can help you save time and create a better working environment for everyone on the project.

But, that’s not all. This equipment can also contribute to significant energy savings. In fact, using an airflow-based valve instead of a pressure-based valve can reduce duct static pressures by greater than 1.0” wc. This will result in fans running at lower brake horsepower and can mean savings of over $425,000 over a 20-year life of a building with 100,000 CFM of exhaust. All of these benefits have made it possible for the AccuValve to win the ASHRAE AHR Innovation Award for value, impact to the industry, and application.

The Accutrol AVC Fume Hood Control System

The Accutrol AVC Fume Hood Control System offers an unparalleled advantage for critical airflow control. This system combines the AccuValve with a smart fume hood display, decreasing setup times and future costs. The computer program allows you to easily access the controller to change configuration and set points, as well as set alarm points and tune the controller.

Now, even the most difficult setups — like combination sash-type hoods — are easily configured. The computer program tells the technician what information is required. It’s just a matter of making the measurements at the hood and filling that information in on the computer.

The easy-to-use software empowers technicians to make changes on their own. In fact, the average technician can set up an AVC Fume Hood Control System in less than eight minutes. And, it reduces future costs by eliminating expensive service calls and days of waiting.

Overall, the AVC Fume Hood Control System offers cost-effective solutions for laboratory ventilation needs. It’s even been recognized as the 2016 AHR Expo Innovation Award winner for building management.

Trust Gunn & Pegelow to Match You with the Right HVAC Solutions

If you’re interested in laboratory air valves and other HVAC solutions for your laboratory setting, turn to Gunn & Pegelow. For decades, we’ve been matching customers with the right HVAC equipment for their needs. We partner with companies like Accutrol, Strobic Air Technologies, Measured Air, and more to deliver high-quality laboratory HVAC solutions. Trust us to coordinate all your HVAC needs, taking stress off your plate.

When you partner with us, you can expect a tailored approach along with our high-quality solutions. Our versatile group of HVAC experts explores and understands your unique challenges and requirements, identifies the best approach, and matches you with the best equipment. Most importantly, we’ll be there to provide quality service long beyond the sale.

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Want to learn more about what we can do for you? Reach out to our team today.