RobsVette
Mechanical
- Apr 15, 2009
- 94
Hi Everyone,
So the Manhattan HVAC industry is really amazing and you definitely get to hear some wild stuff. Here are 2 of recent that, i argued and was told neither of of these items are needed.
- Cooling Tower Equalization Line - I was told this is not needed because the supply line has suction on both ends and is over sized. I have always found that over sized supply lines cannot be substituted for equalization lines because no matter how big the supply line there is always some slight imbalance in flow and eventually one cell runs dry. Granted there are some work around but best practice would be install an equalizing line to prevent water level imbalances.
- Emergency Refrigerant Ventilation - I was also told that it is not necessary to have exhaust duct work at 18" off the floor for refrigerant ventilation because it is not explicitly required by any ASHRAE code. My argument to this, was even if it is not required, it is considered best practice because high pressure refrigerants (specifically 134a) are heavier than air. Can anyone clarify if this is code required and state the specific ASHRAE code that has the exhaust ventilation duct work requirement in there? I thought it was ASHRAE 15 but perhaps I am mistaken.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Rob
So the Manhattan HVAC industry is really amazing and you definitely get to hear some wild stuff. Here are 2 of recent that, i argued and was told neither of of these items are needed.
- Cooling Tower Equalization Line - I was told this is not needed because the supply line has suction on both ends and is over sized. I have always found that over sized supply lines cannot be substituted for equalization lines because no matter how big the supply line there is always some slight imbalance in flow and eventually one cell runs dry. Granted there are some work around but best practice would be install an equalizing line to prevent water level imbalances.
- Emergency Refrigerant Ventilation - I was also told that it is not necessary to have exhaust duct work at 18" off the floor for refrigerant ventilation because it is not explicitly required by any ASHRAE code. My argument to this, was even if it is not required, it is considered best practice because high pressure refrigerants (specifically 134a) are heavier than air. Can anyone clarify if this is code required and state the specific ASHRAE code that has the exhaust ventilation duct work requirement in there? I thought it was ASHRAE 15 but perhaps I am mistaken.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Rob