Waco performs complete HVAC system replacement packages for our many commercial and institutional clients. New technologies from manufacturers have vastly improved the quality and comfort of air as it is distributed throughout the building. Waco has been proactive in advancing the implementation of these new systems. We will explain the many components required for constructing a properly functioning commercial HVAC system.
Important Components of a HVAC System:
Depending on what system or combination of systems that are being utilized in a building – these are the main components that we will review:
*Boiler *Cooling Tower
*Chiller * Ductwork & Piping
* AHU * Controls & Instrumentation
Boiler
The main components in a boiler are: the combustion chamber, burner, economizer, heat exchanger, intake fan, exhaust stack, pumps, piping, valves, controls and instrumentation.
Boilers vary greatly in size, type of fuel and the type of heat produced (usually steam or hot water). Many of the larger types of boilers used in the past have been replaced with new more efficient packaged boiler systems. These new units require less space, and ramp up times are greatly reduced so that needed heat is available quickly and effectively.
Chiller
The main components in a chiller are: the evaporator, condenser, compressor, air separator, cooling towers, pumps, piping/ valves, controls and instrumentation.
Chillers vary greatly in size, too, and are dependent upon the size of the building and how much humidity control is needed. Data Centers are one example. These buildings have equipment that generates vast amounts of heat and therefore require larger chiller systems, very strict humidity controls and an extensive backup system. On the other hand, standard office buildings or schools vary as to the time of day they are occupied, and will require a system that can more efficiently meet these fluctuations in occupancy.
Air Handling Units (AHU)
There are many types of AHU’s, some which incorporate a boiler or chiller and others which will operate independently. These systems involve moving air within a building. Fan coil units ( FCU’s) usually have hot and cold water piping entering the unit and piping to drain excess condensate. These systems are connected to a network of air ducts that are controlled by dampers and instruments that allow the system to offer both warm and cold air to the required space. Variable Air Volume ( VAV’s) and Constant Air Volume ( CAV’s ) are another type of system often used and are connected to the ductwork as well. Variable Refrigerant Flow ( VRF ) is a type of fan coil system that uses refrigerant rather than cold or chilled water piping.
Cooling Towers
These are critical components to a commercial system. They typically transfer heat coming from piping through a network of fans, louvers, or spray nozzles and return the cooler fluid back into the system. Different fluids are used in these systems but the most common ones are water, brine and glycol. Large cooling towers will have a substantial structural support framework, which can deteriorate over time. Waco has an experienced team to replace both the structural steel and cooling tower.
Reference job: Richmond City Hall.
Ductwork and Piping
Properly sealed and sized ductwork is a critical component to ensuring proper air flow and ventilation in a HVAC system. Efficiently bringing in conditioned outside air and reducing pollutants entering the system is an important aspect of providing the occupants with a healthy environment. Properly engineered ductwork (including transitions in duct size and other airflow design) will further increase the efficiency of the system. Waco has invested in sheet metal equipment, plasma cutters and other technologies to ensure that airtight sealing of all connections of the ductwork and equipment will be done correctly and in accordance with engineered specifications. Determining the right piping materials (PVC, Copper, Black Iron or Stainless Steel) are critical for maintaining an efficient system and one that will require the least amount of maintenance in the future. Waco has many years of experience properly installing pipe systems as designed for differing systems.
Controls and Instrumentation
No area of the HVAC system has seen more innovation and technical improvements than controls and instrumentation equipment and software. The ability to easily regulate the HVAC components that control temperature, humidity, airflow and ventilation is critical for a building owner. The BAS ( Building Automation System ) of today, involves a system of sensors and controllers which submit or receive data and electronically send messages to the devices that operate the pumps, dampers, actuators, flow meters and other HVAC equipment. Most HVAC BAS systems utilize either BACnet (an ASHRAE designed system) or another designed system, and can be controlled through the internet. These systems can be operated on site or remotely, allowing the building facility manager greater flexibility when changes are needed. Waco uses the services of several well known building control specialists when installing these systems on HVAC equipment.
Contact Waco for Your HVAC System Needs!
Waco is one of the leading commercial HVAC contractors in the industry. Our company has been in business for over 60 years.
Partner with us today to learn more about our HVAC system capabilities!
Asbestos is widely used in many building materials due to its exceptional heat resistance and binding properties. It is also considered a practical component for floor tile, roofing and flashing, bricks, pipes, insulation, and asbestos concrete.
However, the process of removing asbestos exposes people to asbestos fibers that pose significant health hazards. These fibers can cause asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Thus, understanding careful and proper asbestos removal steps is critical to avoid asbestos-related diseases.
This article will walk you through the asbestos abatement process and explain why hiring asbestos professionals is essential.
What Is the Asbestos Abatement Process?
Asbestos abatement removes or reduces the harmful effects of asbestos. It usually starts with inspecting materials for the presence of asbestos before assessing the associated danger level. This process does not always require removal when the asbestos is untouched and intact. However, it is crucial to properly abate the material if there is a significant risk present.
The process of asbestos abatement includes the following steps:
1. Preparing the Work Area
The affected area must be closed off with barricades to keep people away, and the workers must implement warning signs. In addition, specialists must seal all air ducts, turn off HVAC systems, and install airtight plastic barriers and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration blowers. These procedures will keep asbestos fibers from contaminating the environment outside the affected area while creating negative pressure within the compartment. Also, air monitors must be installed to determine the concentration of fibers in the air during the process of removing asbestos.
2. Removing the Asbestos Material
The experts will remove the asbestos-containing materials with a hand tool or wet methods before being bagged and prepared for proper disposal. Alternative approaches, such as encapsulating and containing asbestos fibers in an impenetrable jacket or wrap, may also be used. However, a complete removal is strongly advised to reduce the likelihood of future complications.
3. Cleanup and Air Testing
After removing a significant portion of the contamination, the work area will undergo a fine cleaning process. First, an encapsulant will be applied to surfaces to trap microscopic particles or fibers that might remain in the air. Asbestos removal experts will then use HEPA vacuums to re-clean the space before testing the surrounding air for asbestos residue.
HEPA vacuuming is used in asbestos removal steps to reduce fiber dispersal and clean surfaces.
4. Disposal
Once asbestos residue presence is ruled out, abatement contractors will take the contaminated material to a designated disposal site while following the region’s protocols for properly removing asbestos waste.
5. Post-Cleanup
When the work area is cleared, the workers will remove the barriers and prepare the site for re-occupation. Finally, the abatement contractor will provide waste shipment records, permits, licensing copies, inspection results, and laboratory analysis reports to ensure compliance with environmental standards.
Why Is It Important To Hire Asbestos Professionals?
Improper asbestos handling can result in health-threatening exposure. This is one of the main reasons only asbestos abatement professionals must manage, remove, and dispose of asbestos-contaminated materials. Professionals and experts should properly close off affected areas, clean up equipment, test the air, and dispose of the material to minimize the risk of exposure to harmful substances.
Another reason is that different laws and government agencies regulate the handling of asbestos. These include the following:
Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)
The AHERA is an Environmental Protection Agency regulation requiring institutions such as schools to inspect facilities and establishments for the presence of asbestos-containing material. It also aims to establish plans to minimize health risks posed by the material.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Regulations
OSHA regulations protect workers from asbestos exposure above a specific limit. The Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for asbestos is 0.1 fiber per cc. This limit means that workers’ exposure to asbestos must not exceed 0.1 f/cc of air in an average of over 8-hour work shifts.
Asbestos National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP)
The asbestos NESHAP regulations require work practices to be observed during demolitions and renovations of all structures, installations, and buildings. These buildings exclude residential ones that have four or fewer dwelling units. The regulation also requires the building owner or operator to alert the appropriate state agency before demolishing or renovating buildings that may contain a certain amount of asbestos.
Furthermore, certain manufacturing and fabrication operations are either prohibited from emitting visible emissions into the outside air or must adhere to air cleaning procedures. This regulation also includes specific requirements for asbestos-containing waste removal.
Waco’s Safe and Effective Asbestos Abatement Services
As certified asbestos abatement contractors, Waco is dedicated to meeting our customer’s needs securely and effectively. We guarantee that all processes follow all local, state, and federal regulations and guidelines.
Our company currently provides asbestos removal services in Virginia, including Richmond, Northern Virginia, Norfolk, Hampton, Roanoke, Virginia Beach, and Harrisonburg. We also cater to abatement needs in Washington, DC and a wide range of locations in the Mid-Atlantic region.
We are dedicated to providing exceptional customer service at every process stage. Contact us today to learn more about our asbestos removal services, or request a quote now!
Waco Inc. offers complete HVAC systems that include: fabrication, installation, renovation, and replacement services. With over 50 years of experience, our highly qualified technicians have what it takes to handle large commercial buildings and industrial facilities , from replacing a single chiller to renovating an entire HVAC system.
The term “industrial HVAC” can refer to an HVAC system used in an industrial facility, or a more general term for an HVAC system used in a large building like a hospital or large business. At Waco, Inc, our specialty lies with HVAC services for industrial facilities, and we’ve put together this guide for existing and potential customers. It outlines the types of equipment used and how they differ from residential units.
HVAC Systems for Industrial vs Residential
Industrial HVAC systems provide heating, cooling, and ventilation to larger facilities, such as chemical processing, manufacturing, power generation, and water treatment plants. While they follow the same basic operating principles as residential HVAC units, they are greater in capacity and complexity. Additional concerns such as excessive heat generation from equipment or toxic fumes, require greater attention than one would expect from a residential or commercial building. That’s why it is essential to partner with an experienced industrial contractor when you want to upgrade or replace a system. They will have the knowledge and skills to ensure that the entire HVAC systems components function correctly as it pertains to the individual facility’s needs.
Types of Equipment Required for HVAC Systems in Industrial Facilities
Industrial HVAC systems consist of many components, which vary depending on the specific needs of the facility. The types of equipment commonly found in them include:
Compressors
In HVAC systems, compressors reduce the volume of refrigerant gas, which increases its pressure and temperature. The high-pressure, high-temperature gas then enters the HVAC system’s condenser, which removes the heat it absorbed.
Air Separators
Air separators separate and remove entrained air from fluids. This function helps keep HVAC systems running efficiently and safely.
Chillers
Chillers use water to transfer heat away from a space. They are available in two variations: water-cooled and air-cooled.
Control Systems
Control systems allow users to monitor and manage the operation of various elements within an HVAC system. Automated control systems enable any necessary HVAC system changes (e.g., increased or decreased temperature or airflow) to be made automatically.
Cooling Towers
Cooling towers are used in combination with chillers or condensers to remove heat from the facility. Their design and size vary depending on the cooling load of the facility.
HVAC Fans
Industrial facilities use fans for a variety of purposes. For example, they are used for exhaust, air intake, ventilation, and more.
Boilers/Furnaces
Hot water or steam must be produced and maintained at much greater volumes in industrial facilities. Sizing and piping to the boiler is critical.
Humidification/Dehumidification Systems
HVAC systems can be used to control humidity within an industrial facility. If the facility requires more moisture, the system may have a humidifier unit. If the facility requires less moisture, the system may have a dehumidifier unit.
Industrial Ventilation Systems
In addition to temperature and humidity, industrial HVAC systems are used to establish proper airflow within a facility. The ventilation components help purify and circulate air as needed.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps extract heat from the air, water, or ground. They can be used to heat or cool a facility.
Rooftop HVAC Units
Rooftop HVAC units are installed on the roof of facilities. They use ducts to circulate the air into various zones of the facility.
Split HVAC Units
HVAC systems can be categorized into single-split and multi-split units. Single-split units require each indoor unit to have a corresponding outdoor unit, while multi-split units allow multiple indoor units to connect to one outdoor unit.
How Do Residential and Industrial HVAC Systems Differ?
Industrial HVAC systems operate similarly to residential HVAC systems. The main differences between them are:
Capacity. HVAC systems components for industrial facilities are much larger. A home or business might use a 5-ton unit while an industrial facility might use a 50 ton unit. Note: 1 ton is equivalent to 12,000 btu of cooling.
Location. HVAC systems at industrial facilities are generally located on the rooftop of facilities or in a courtyard where both noise and heat can be reduced while in operation. Most residential HVAC systems are commonly located near the home on the ground floor.
Complexity. HVAC systems at industrial locations are more complex and modular in design than residential HVAC systems. This means that multiple HVAC units will have all of the electrical and automatic controls in one panel box. This is critical for proper climate control and any adjusting as required.
HVAC System Solutions at Waco, Inc.
The experts at Waco, Inc. are here to help with your industrial facility’s HVAC needs. Whether you require a new installation or replacement assistance, we’ve got you covered. To learn more about our HVAC system capabilities, contact us today. To discuss your project requirements with one of our representatives, request a quote.
Waco Inc. offers complete HVAC systems that include: fabrication, installation, renovation, and replacement services. With over 50 years of experience, our highly qualified technicians have what it takes to handle large commercial buildings and industrial facilities , from replacing a single chiller to renovating an entire HVAC system.