Our
work on the campus of Roswell Park Cancer Institute
included MEP/FP engineering for a new high-technology
laboratory building for cancer research, a diagnostic
and treatment center for radiation therapy, diagnostic
imaging, nuclear medicine, surgery and related spaces,
as well as a new central vivarium building with BL-3
level laboratories.
Energy conservation during off-peak operations and overall
environmental safety determined the design of the mechanical
air systems that serve Roswell ’s laboratories.
These systems operate under an occupied/unoccupied mode
with the mode selection tied to a wall switch and/or
sash position of the laboratory fume hood. Separate
exhaust risers are provided for each laboratory unit
with the capability of connecting a future fume hood
per lab. All exhaust risers are manifolded at
the top of the building with outside air provided to
the plenum for dilution and exhausted to the atmosphere
by exhaust fans with variable frequency drives. To control
the exhaust flow in the system, a static pressure sensor
in the duct system varies the fan motor speed to maintain
set points and a constant discharge velocity of 3,000-4,000
fpm. Dedicated exhaust systems with welded 316
stainless steel ductwork, HEPA and carbon filters are
provided for Radioisotope fume hoods. Air systems
serving the animal facilities can be adjusted individually,
allowing for optimal control of temperature and humidity
depending on the type of animal occupancy. A minimum
of 15-18 air changes per hour is maintained with 100%
exhaust. The systems also provide the capability of
maintaining the rooms at various pressurizations depending
on the room usage and biological hazard level. Dedicated
exhaust systems with redundant fans are provided for
the various areas to maintain continuous and uninterrupted
service. Space was provided in the exhaust systems to
accommodate future installation of bag-in/bag-out HEPA
filtration systems. Two central PH neutralization
systems monitor and treat the waste from the laboratories
prior to discharge to the public utilities. Multiple
mini-reverse osmosis distribution systems generate and
deliver Type III reagent grade water throughout the
building. Local laboratory polishing units are
used to increase the quality of reagent grade water
to Type I.
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