Embalming Room HVAC for Funeral Home

[232gulfstream]

Can anyone share they approach for a room of this type. ASHRAE requires 10-15 ACs per hour so I am looking at 600 cfm. I'm thinking 100% OA with all of the Covid concerns but not sure how to handle unoccupied situations. Are ERVs a safe approach without cross contamination to the OA? Do I go with 100% MUA and put a ductless split on the wall for unoccupied room conditioning?

Thanks!

 

[Toastie]

Per IMC you will need to exhaust that at 2 cfm/sqft.
Last time I did an embalming room was 2009, when I just had started out. I want to say we had a high exhaust and low exhaust, and was just using a one pass system.
If you are using energy recovery, it will need to be one where the air streams can not cross
What is the min temperature you need to keep the room at

 

[232gulfstream]

Thanks. The client wants the room a tad cooler than normal so I am thinking 65-68 degrees. I can do a fan for 700 cfm and a make-up air unit to discharge into the space at 65 degrees and only run this system when they are embalming and then install a ductless unit on the wall for unoccupied situations and additional cooling. Probably need the heat in the reheat position to be able to handle dehumidification as well.

 

[chicopee]

About visiting funeral homes. Two things will happen. First the funeral director will look at you as a prospective client; secondly he'll be more willing to share his knowledge once he or she is convinced of the first part.

 

[GT-EGR]

I’m not too familiar with embalming, but if you can understand their process, what chemicals are used during, what the duration of embalming is, and what temp/humidity is preferred you would have your criteria for your makeup air unit at those air changes. I would assume there can be a low air change mode of operation when chemicals are not present or sealed properly - and at that point it would make sense to switch to a secondary system.

As far as energy recovery, slight cross contamination can be acceptable with a simple evaluation - if they provide the leakage rate, hopefully a very low percentage, and if you dilute that into 100% outdoor air, do you come anywhere near toxicity or flammable concentration concerns? Keep in mind your exhaust airstream is nowhere near 100% saturated with chemicals, but this is a simple evaluation that can help remove that cross contamination concern that impedes designers from meeting energy code.