MECHANICAL SYSTEMS

DESIGN CRITERIA FOR LABS

April, 2018
Rev: 00
 Mechanical Systems Design Criteria

Contents
A. HVAC SYSTEM.........................................................................................................................................................1
1. General...............................................................................................................................................................1
2. Method of calculation........................................................................................................................................1
3. Geographical location of the project site..........................................................................................................1
4. Ambient design conditions................................................................................................................................1
5. Codes and Standards.........................................................................................................................................1
6. Indoor Design Conditions..................................................................................................................................2
7. Indoor heat generation......................................................................................................................................2
8. People Density...................................................................................................................................................2
9. Room Pressurization Requirement....................................................................................................................2
10. Noise Control.................................................................................................................................................3
11. System description........................................................................................................................................3
12. Room pressure control..................................................................................................................................5
13. Fire and smoke control..................................................................................................................................6
14. Chilled water system.....................................................................................................................................6
15. Materials of construction..............................................................................................................................6
B. PLUMBING..............................................................................................................................................................7
1. General...............................................................................................................................................................7
2. Codes and Standards.........................................................................................................................................7
3. Incoming Connections.......................................................................................................................................7
4. Labs Cold and Hot Water Distribution:..............................................................................................................7
5. Water Supply Sizing Criteria...............................................................................................................................8
6. Piping Material...................................................................................................................................................8
7. Drainage System................................................................................................................................................8
C. FIRE FIGHTING........................................................................................................................................................9
1. Codes and Standards.........................................................................................................................................9
2. Incoming Connections.......................................................................................................................................9
3. Fire System for Labs...........................................................................................................................................9
4. Fire Piping Material............................................................................................................................................9
B. Piped Gas services................................................................................................................................................10
1. Codes and Standards.......................................................................................................................................10
2. Medical Gas system for Labs............................................................................................................................10
3. Medical Gas Piping material and sizing:..........................................................................................................10

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 Mechanical Systems Design Criteria

A. HVAC SYSTEM

1. General

This section outlines the design fundamentals to be used in the calculation

of air conditioning loads and describes the methodology to be followed for
design of HVAC system for the Microbiological, Epidemiological and Nutrition
Lab (BSL 2).

2. Method of calculation

The cooling load of the building will be calculated based on Carrier E20-II
Hourly Analysis Program (HAP). A 10% safety factor will be applied to all
room sensible and 5% latent heat gains. Similarly, a 3% safety factor will be
applied for duct heat gain and 5% for duct air leakage.

3. Geographical location of the project site

City: Karachi
North latitude 25°
East longitude 67°
Altitude/Elevation 13 ft

4. Ambient design conditions

Summer

Dry bulb temperature 104°F (40°C)

Wet bulb temperature 83°F (28.3°C)
Daily range 20°F (11.1°C)

Winter

Dry bulb temperature 44.1°F (6.7°C)

5. Codes and Standards

The design and construction of HVAC system will be based on the following
Codes and Standards:

ASHRAE - American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-

Conditioning engineers, USA

NFPA - National Fire Protection Association Standards. USA

SMACNA - Sheet Metal and Air-Conditioning Contractors National

Association, Inc., USA

ASTM - American Society for Testing and Materials, USA

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 Mechanical Systems Design Criteria

IEEE - Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineer, USA

NEMA - National Electrical Manufacturers Association, USA
UL - Underwriters’ Laboratories, Inc. USA

6. Indoor Design Conditions

The User’s data provided for Microbiology, Epidemiology & Nutrition research lab
gives key equipment operating requirements as under:

Operating temperature range : 50°F to 95°F (10°C to 35°C)

Operating humidity range : 20% to 80% (non condensing)

No specific requirements have been given by the User for BSL 2 lab.
ASHRAE recommends indoor design conditions as under:

Laboratories

Dry bulb temperature : 70°F to 75°F (21°C to 24°C)

Relative humidity : 30% to 60%
Air change per hour : 6 minimum
Fresh Air change per hour : 2 minimum

Glass wash area

Dry bulb temperature : Not specified

Relative humidity : Not specified
Air change per hour : 10 minimum

Following design conditions for various spaces are considered in HAP (Hourly
Analysis Program) calculations:

• Central Cooling- Supply Air Temperature: 52°F

• Cooling T-stat Set points: 72°F
• Heating in winter is not required in Karachi.

7. Indoor heat generation

The heat dissipation from laboratory equipment to be provided by biomedical

engineering department.

8. People Density

The occupancy for labs and other areas is taken from furniture layouts shown in
the architectural plans. For the areas where furniture layout is not shown,
occupancy is calculated from ASHRAE std. 62.1-2013

9. Room Pressurization Requirement

In general, the Microbiology lab, Epidemiology lab and other BSL 2 labs on third
floor will be designed to be at negative pressure. The Nutrition Research Lab
(NRL) shall be positively pressurized.

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10. Noise Control

The air-conditioning systems will be designed to provide low noise levels in all
areas as recommended in ASHRAE handbooks, Code #.

The sound levels will be as under:

SPACE NAME NC LEVEL

Microbiology Lab 40-45
Epidemiology Lab 40-45
Nutrition Lab 40-45
Glass wash area 45-55

11. System description

The air-conditioning system shall be designed keeping in mind the energy

conservation techniques to benefit both the client and environment. The
following energy conservation measure shall be considered.

 VFD booster Chilled Water Pumps

 AHU’s with VSD’s to vary AHU air flow as per Load requirements
 Variable Air Volume (VAV boxes)

As required by the User, independent AHUs will be provided for Microbiology

lab, epidemiology lab, nutrition research lab and Clean Corridor. Ambient
outdoor air shall be mixed with return air in the mixing box of air-handling
units. Tempered fresh air may also be provided to the air handling units but
decision to be finalized by AKU. The labs and other critical areas where
interruption in air-conditioning is unaffordable, dual coil AHUs are proposed
i.e. in case of chilled water supply failure, the DX-coil of AHU with matching
condensing unit will serve during unexpected failures and unforeseen
shutdown.
The AHU will comprise of the following components in sequence:

o Pre filters (G 4 type)

o Bag filters (95% efficiency)
o Chilled water coil
o DX-coil (only for labs as a standby) + Condensing unit
o Supply air fan

The supply and exhaust fans will be interlocked and their speed will be
regulated by VFDs.

The supply air will be provided in the lab through diffusers maintaining low
velocity and sound level.

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 Mechanical Systems Design Criteria

In general, the exhaust air from labs will be exhausted into atmosphere by
the exhaust fans located at roof. For specific cases, e.g. contaminated or
hazardous fumes, the exhaust duct from lab to HEPA filters will be of
shortest run for safety of operating personnel. The air after passing through
HEPA filters will be exhausted into atmosphere.
Microbiological, Epidemiological & NRL Labs

Keeping in view the functionality of microbiological lab, epidemiological lab

and nutrition research labs each lab shall be provided with dedicated AHUs
which will cater for its respective areas.

AHUs will be re-circulation type and ambient fresh air will be mixed with
return air in the mixing box.

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 Mechanical Systems Design Criteria

Some specific exhaust requirements of particular rooms are as follows:

S.# Room Name Requirements

1 Atomic absorption  General room exhaust
closed cubicle room  Hood exhaust for fumes of acid base
cabinet (without HEPA)
 Hood exhaust for graphite furnace
2 Sample receiving room  Bio Safety Cabinet (BSC) – A2 Type II hood
(ductless exhaust) with built-in HEPA filters
for supply and exhaust
3 Cryo room liquid  General room exhaust
nitrogen
4 Media room  General exhaust required for water bath
5 Sample processing  Bio Safety Cabinet (BSC) – B2 Type hood
room (ducted exhaust) with HEPA filter in exhaust
duct
 Hood exhaust for fumes of acid base
cabinet (without HEPA)

6 ELISA Room  Bio Safety Cabinet (BSC) – A2 Type II hood

7 Nucleic Acid extraction
(DNA)
8 Nucleic Acid extraction
(RNA)
9 PCR Clean area
(ductless exhaust) with built-in HEPA filters
for supply and exhaust
 Bio Safety Cabinet (BSC) – A2 Type II hood
(ductless exhaust) with built-in HEPA filters
for supply and exhaust
 Bio Safety Cabinet (BSC) – A2 Type II hood
(ductless exhaust) with built-in HEPA filters
for supply and exhaust
 Hood exhaust for fumes of acid base
cabinet (without HEPA)

Dish wash area

Exhaust air will be taken from above the washing sinks and autoclave to control
spread of foul smell.

12. Room pressure control

In general, microbiological lab and epidemiological labs shall be maintained

under negative pressure and nutrition research lab shall be maintained at
positive pressure.

13. Fire and smoke control

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All central air handling units (AHUs) shall be interlocked with fire and smoke
sensors mounted in supply and exhaust air ducts to shut down the AHU on
sensing of smoke/fire and give audio alarm in the control room and
indication on fire panel.

Fire dampers with fusible links as per NFPA will be provided in supply duct
crossing MER floor.

14. Chilled water system

The WCH-COE building is located near the NazerAli Walji building of AKUH.
The chilled water for air conditioning shall be drawn from the central chiller
plant, located in the service building. The chilled water will be tapped from
existing chilled water pipes passing through the services tunnel of NazerAli
Walji building. As the anticipated incoming Chilled Water pressure will be low
therefore, booster Chilled water pumps (1-Duty & 1-Stand By) are proposed
in basement-1 Plant room to distribute chilled water throughout the building.

The pumps shall be provided with Variable frequency drive (VFD) to adjust
as per building chilled water demand and to conserve power. The VFD
pumping system shall operate using the principal of speed control based on
constant pressure. The Pumps shall be interlinked with AKU central BMS
system.

15. Materials of construction

Ducting for laboratories : Galvanized steel

Duct insulation : Fiberglass
Chilled water piping : Black steel

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 Mechanical Systems Design Criteria

B. PLUMBING

1. General

This section outlines the design fundamentals to be used in the calculation

of Plumbing system and describes the methodology to be followed for
design of systems for Molecular (BSL 2) labs in WCH.

This report is intended only for the Labs and have to be read in conjunction
with “MEP Basis of Design report Rev-01”

2. Codes and Standards

The Plumbing systems for Labs shall be designed to comply with the
following codes.

i. ASPE handbooks Vol-3 (Ch-2 for healthcare facilities and labs)

ii. NFPA-99 for Healthcare facilities
iii. HTM Guidelines for Healthcare system Design

3. Incoming Connections.

As confirmed by AKU, the incoming cold and hot water shall be tapped from
hospital existing network running inside the AKU utility tunnel. All incoming
water connection shall be provided with water meters interlinked with BMS
system.

NO underground or overhead water reservoir is proposed for the building.

4. Labs Cold and Hot Water Distribution:

Up-feed water supply system shall be designed for the building. Both cold and
hot water supply networks shall be provided with a dedicated boosters which
shall be used to boost water to all Labs, Wet areas, Pantries and the rest of
facility.

Both Booster pump sets shall be located in Basement-1 Pump room.

The booster pump shall be provided with Variable Frequency drive to adjust as
per building Water demand in Peak and Off Peak hours and to conserve power.

Isolating valves will be provided for isolation of service to each lab. Back flow
preventers will be provided as required for hazard areas to prevent backward
flow of contaminated water.

A hot water circulation system shall also be designed to ensure the availability of
hot water at all times. Hot water circulation pump shall also be located in
Basement-1 plant room

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5. Water Supply Sizing Criteria

Water supply piping shall be sized on hospital plumbing fixtures as per ASPE
-3 Handbook Table 2-2. All laboratory sinks shall be 316 S.Steel and shall be
provided with both Cold and hot water supply.

The booster pump shall be sized to ensure that a minimum pressure of 20 psi is
maintained at the most remote outlet as per final fixture selection.

Hot water shall be distributed at 55-60 Deg. C

ASPE -3 Chapter -2 Table 2-2 Fixture Unit Method for

labs
Source External Water Supply Network
Pmin 20 Psi @ Remote Outlet
Design Basis
Pmax 60 Psi without PRV
Temp 60 Deg. C
Water supply Up feed Water System
method
Booster Pump-1 Triplex VFD driven pump in basement-1 for Cold
Equipment
water Supply
Booster Pump-2 Triplex VFD driven pump in basement-1 for Hot
water Supply
RP-01 Hot water recirculation pumps.

6. Piping Material
Here under are the recommended piping materials for the project.

Pipe Description Type

High level Cold water supply, hot Composite PPR PN 20 with PN-25 fitting.
water supply, kitchen water, CPVC sch. 80 (only for Exposed piping )
Flushing
Underground Water Supply HDPE PN 16

7. Drainage System

Double stack system comprising of separate Gray and Black water pipes with
properly vented fixtures shall be adopted for building drainage.

All Labs shall have a dedicated Waste pipe which will only be used to collect Lab
drainage. Keeping in mind different PH values drained into the lab sinks,
Polypropylene (PP) pipe shall be used.

All lab drains stacks shall be connected to Acid Waste neutralization Pit which
will eventually be connected to Hospital Sewage system. The neutralization pit
shall be constructed of S.Steel or other acid resistant material and shall be filled
with lime stone or Marble Chip. The Neutralization tank shall be sized for the
dwell time of 2-3 hours as per ASPE guidelines. All labs sink shall be properly
vented with dedicated vent piping.
Traps for Eye wash shall either be provided with Seal trap primer or shall be
connected with nearest lab sink drainage to prevent them from drying out.

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C. FIRE FIGHTING

1. Codes and Standards

The Fire fighting system for Labs shall be designed to comply with the
following codes.

i. Standards of National Fire Protection Association for Sprinkler system,

NFPA-13
ii. Standards of National Fire Protection Association for Standpipe and Hose
System, NFPA-14
iii. Codes for installation of Fire Water Pumps, NFPA-20.
iv. NFPA-99 standard for healthcare facilities.

2. Incoming Connections.

As confirmed by AKU, fire water for WCH building shall be tapped form external
AKU fire network. Since the incoming pressure is only 50 Psi which is NOT
enough to accommodate the building needs, a Fire booster set shall be proposed
in the basement plant room.

3. Fire System for Labs.

The following system shall be considered for the buildings.

(a) Fire Sprinkler System

(b) Standpipe and Hose System
(c) Portable fire extinguishers
(d) Clean Agent fire suppression system in UPS room and IT Room

Labs shall be provided with Quick response, Canceled type Sprinklers

designed as per Ordinary hazard Classification. In addition to sprinklers
Class III stand pipe system shall also be provided throughout the facility as
maximum travelling of 30 meters.

A minimum of two Fire hose reels shall be provided on every floor.

As per NFPA-99 Section 11-5, portable fire extinguishers shall also be provided
in all labs including Storage areas. Fire will be provided in mechanical, Telecom
and small electrical rooms and in lower compartment of Fire hose cabinets.

4. Fire Piping Material.

All Fire piping shall be seamless black steel schedule 40 as per ASTM A53.

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 Mechanical Systems Design Criteria

D. Piped Gas services

1. Codes and Standards

The Medical Gas system for Labs shall be designed to comply with the
following codes.

i. NFPA-99 standard for healthcare facilities.

ii. HTM Guidelines

2. Medical Gas system for Labs

The following medical Gas systems shall be considered for labs based on the
input received from Lab End user.

 Medical Oxygen

 Medical Compressed Air System

 Medical Vacuum System

 CO2 Gas System

 NO Gas system

 N2 Gas system

Medical oxygen shall be tapped from hospital Central oxygen supply network
while Medical Air and Medical Vacuum shall be generated on site by Medical
grade Air compressors and Medical Vacuum Pumps.

Both Medical Compressors and Medical Vacuum Pump shall be located in MEP
plant room at roof level. Medical Compressor and Vacuum shall comply NFPA-
99.

Medical Gas shall be provided in Ultrasound rooms, Recovery Rooms be as per

HTM manual and NFPA-99. Medical Gas requirements for Labs shall be provided
as per end user requirements.

NO, N2 and CO2 gas shall only be considered for Labs as indicated by lab end
user. NO, N2 and Co2 shall be provided through gas cylinders manifolds located
in MEP on the roof in dedicated 2 hour fire rated compartments.

3. Medical Gas Piping material and sizing:

Medical gas piping shall be Type "K" Phosphorous Deoxidized, Non Arsenical,
washed and degreased, seamless copper tubing as per BS EN 13348 with end
free Capillary fittings as per BS EN 1254-1 with wrought copper, brass or bronze
fittings designed expressly for brazed silver solder connections.

All medical gas pipeline design shall be based on 5% Pressure drop from source
of supply to the terminal unit at the specified flows.

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