Experts examined reduced pathogen transmission using a building’s original mechanical design, original installation, design intent, and proper maintenance in a new white paper.
Return Ductwork Requirement for Airborne Pathogens Through the Airstream, discusses two approaches: pressure barriers and airflow distribution. The paper looks at the pros and cons of using the cavity above a finished ceiling as a return air plenum combined with supply air to the air handler as a proper ventilation technique.
Considerations include how ventilation systems affect the health and well-being of building occupants. A ceiling plenum provides some fan-specific energy efficiency and reduced material and labor costs, but it could put occupants and workers at risk and result in unintended energy losses. An open ceiling plenum is difficult to clean and disinfect, while ductwork can be easily cleaned.
A ducted return system allows a testing, adjusting, and balancing professional to adjust room pressures and airflow patterns to accommodate a change in use or mitigate pathogen transmission during a pandemic. Authors of the white paper include members of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Technical Committee 5.2 Duct Design.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Sep 13, 2017
OSHA issues extension for compliance with crane operator certification requirements
Comments on proposed rule sought through Sept. 29.
Codes and Standards | Sep 12, 2017
Washington, D.C. is first LEED Platinum city in the world
All city government buildings are powered by renewables.
Codes and Standards | Sep 11, 2017
Natural solutions would be most effective flood resilience policies for Houston
New green infrastructure should be part of rebuild.
Codes and Standards | Sep 8, 2017
Los Angeles luxury high-rise is first U.S. apartment building to achieve WELL Multifamily certification
Hollywood Proper Residences have verified indoor air and water quality features.
Codes and Standards | Sep 7, 2017
More than half of Houston properties at high or moderate risk of flooding are not in FEMA flood zone
Properties outside of these zones are not required to carry flood insurance.
Codes and Standards | Sep 6, 2017
Seventy percent of contractors have trouble finding workers
AGC survey indicates that fewer companies may be able to bid on projects.
Codes and Standards | Sep 5, 2017
New CTBUH initiatives to investigate link between fire and façades
In wake of Grenfell tragedy, Council forms new workgroup.
Codes and Standards | Sep 1, 2017
U.S. markets with the largest hotel construction pipeline
New York has the largest hotel construction pipeline of any U.S. market.
Codes and Standards | Aug 30, 2017
Trump rescinds elevation requirements for federally funded buildings and infrastructure
Flood protection on subsidized housing, hospitals, and other public buildings rolled back.
Codes and Standards | Aug 30, 2017
Stormwater runoff mitigation pays off for some building owners
Rain gardens, green roofs, cisterns, and rainwater recycling add value.