asiepi wp5 webevent2 04 testingmethods

International WebEvent on Ductwork Airtightness, 2009-12-16

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Duct System Leakage TestingMethods, requirements, handing over

Dr. Peter G. Schild

SINTEF Building & Infrastructure


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Topics

Testing equipmentStandardsTesting procedures – on-site and in laboratoryPractical aspects of on-site testing


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Measurement apparatus

Manometer(measures leakage flow rate)Manometer

(measures leakage pressure)

Fan(reversible)

Calibrated orifice

Airtight flexible tube

Tested ductwork

— 600 Pa–— 400 Pa–— 200 Pa–— 0 Pa

–20 ℓ/s —

–10 ℓ/s —

–0 ℓ/s —

Speed control

> 2 m


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Measurement instrumentsAmerican models Scandinavian models

Large leakage flow ratesLarge flexible hoses

Smaller leakage ratesSmaller hoses (50-100 mm)


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Bladders


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Leakage localization – smoke tests


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Swedish VVS AMA 98

Contractual aspects of VVS AMA:Specification guidelines. Voluntarily referenced in building contracts.

Leakage tests (ducts & AHU) must be done by the HVAC contractor as part of the contract. AMA requires the contractor to include the cost of testing in their contract price. Tests can be subcontracted to specialists

The owner’s consultant, is normally also present during the test.

The parts to be measured are chosen by the owner’s consultant.


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Swedish VVS AMA 98

Test method for leakage testing:Similar to EN 12237 (round) & EN 1507 (rectangular). Separate test of air handling unitA one-pressure measurement, normally at 400 Pa.Minimum duct surface area to be tested:

10 % of total area for round ducts, 20% for rectangular duct systems>10 m² duct surface. (Area is defined as external surface area)Select multiple random test locations, each approx. 25 m²

If the leakage exceeds requirement, repair and repeat on another 10%/20%.If this 2nd test also exceeds requirement, repair and test whole system


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European StandardsLeakage classification:

EN 1507:2006. Ventilation for buildings - Sheet metal air ducts with rectangular section - Requirements for strength and leakageEN 12237:2003. Ventilation for buildings - Ductwork - Strength and leakage of circular sheet metal ductsEN 1886:2007. Ventilation for buildings - Air handling units - Mechanical performanceEN 1751:1998. Ventilation for buildings - Air terminal devices - Aerodynamic testing of dampers and valves

Leakage requirements, Measurement method, Handing over:EN 13779:2007. Ventilation for non-residential buildings - Performance requirements for ventilation and room-conditioning systemsEN 14239:2004. Ventilation for buildings - Ductwork - Measurement of ductwork surface areaEN 12599:2000. Ventilation for buildings - Test procedures and measuring methods for handing over installed ventilation and air conditioning systems(Corrigendum AC:2002 incorporated)


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Illustration of VVS AMA Commissioning

Source: AIRWAYS Souce Book


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European StandardsLeakage classification:

EN 1507:2006. Ventilation for buildings - Sheet metal air ducts with rectangular section - Requirements for strength and leakageEN 12237:2003. Ventilation for buildings - Ductwork - Strength and leakage of circular sheet metal ductsEN 1886:2007. Ventilation for buildings - Air handling units - Mechanical performanceEN 1751:1998. Ventilation for buildings - Air terminal devices - Aerodynamic testing of dampers and valves

Leakage requirements, Measurement method, Handing over:EN 13779:2007. Ventilation for non-residential buildings - Performance requirements for ventilation and room-conditioning systemsEN 14239:2004. Ventilation for buildings - Ductwork - Measurement of ductwork surface areaEN 12599:2000. Ventilation for buildings - Test procedures and measuring methods for handing over installed ventilation and air conditioning systems(Corrigendum AC:2002 incorporated)


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EN 14239: Area calculation

All length measurements are along centre-linesAll components are thus included in area, e.g. dampers (A), reductions (B), bends (C).Area of reductions (B) are based on largest diameterLength of branch ducts is measured from centre-line of main duct (D)Openings (e.g. branches) shall not be deductedInclude area of end plates

Example of round duct system

Diameter [mm] Length [m] Area, π·D·L [m²]

800 6.5 + 5.2 = 11.7 π×0.8×11.7 = 29.4

600 3 π×0.63×3 = 29.4

400 4.2 + 3.3 = 7.5 π×0.4×7.5 = 29.4

SUM 44.8


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What the CEN standards sayIn-situ measurements on building site:

at least 10% of total duct system area, and >10 m². Variety of fittingsRatio between joint length and duct area typically: 1 < L/A < 1.5 [m-1]One test pressure: pdesign < ptest < ps,limit, steady for 5 mins, preferably 200, 400 or 1000 Pa.If the leakage exceeds requirement, repair and repeat on another 10%.If this 2nd test also exceeds requirement, repair and test whole system

(for testing of round ducts)

0.001

0.01

0.1

1

10

10 100 1000Duct test pressure, Pa

Air

leak

age,

(

ABCD


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EN 12237 & EN 1507: Testing of duct (contd.)

Laboratory measurements of duct products:

>10 m², representative variety of duct dimensions and fittings.

Ratio between joint length (L) and duct area (A): L/A > 1 [m-1]

>5 positive & negative pressures: ptest < ps,limit , each for 5 minutes


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Ratio between joint length (L) and duct area (A)Example system below: L/A = 57 / 34.9 = 1.63 m²

Butt joints


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On-site measurements

Time & cost for large building: 1 day for 2 persons

Sensible to test as early as possible during construction, before commissioning.

In large buildings, typically many parts of the duct system are tested separately, e.g. a selection of floors

Measurement protocols – See VVS AMA


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Disclaimer

The ASIEPI project (www.asiepi.eu) has received funding from the Community’s Intelligent Energy Europe programme under the contract EIE/07/169/SI2.466278.

The sole responsibility for the content of this publication lies with the authors. It does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the European Communities. Neither the European Commission nor the authors are responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.

SINTEF’s contribution to the ASIEPI project is funded in part by ENOVA contract SID 06/644

asiepi wp5 webevent2 04 testingmethods

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