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Baseline Test and Periodic Tests for an Industrial Ventilation System

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Three sections in this blog post:

  1. The value of obtaining ventilation test data, 
  2. Baseline Test, 
  3. Periodic Tests. 
Periodic Test on an Industrial Ventilation System


When Airvate did air balancing, trouble-shooting, field survey, and whole system evaluation of an industrial ventilation and dust collection system, we always recommended customers to obtain baseline test results after any new system is installed and to do periodic system tests to any existing system.

The designer, installer, or their subcontractor should conduct the first, baseline, system test right after a system is installed. The system provider should provide evidence that the system is operating according to its design specifications.

Periodic tests should also be made throughout the life of the system to ensure continuing performance, detect problems in the system, and monitor the effects of any changes in ventilation or in production practices.

The value of obtaining ventilation test data is noted in the following applications:

  1. To record the initial performance of the system and determine if it is functioning in accordance with specifications.
  2. To determine the degree of compliance with applicable codes or trade association standards.
  3. To provide data on which to base any necessary changes to the system.
  4. To obtain data to assist in the design of future systems.
  5. To determine whether the system has sufficient capacity for additional ductwork or other alterations.
  6. To obtain data through periodic checks to determine when maintenance or repairs are necessary.

Baseline Test

Airvate follows the recommended procedure and suggestions by ACGIH to do a baseline test:
  1. Review the system specifications and drawings to determine the relative locations and sizes of ducts, fittings, and associated system components. Where possible, pertinent prints should be carried to the test site.
  2. Inspect the system to determine that its installation is in accordance with the specifications and drawings. Check such items as fan rotation, belt slippage and damper settings, etc.
  3. Measure: the velocity pressure, static pressure, temperature, and moisture content at each test point (necessary for the calculation of air volume); fan static pressure; motor rpm, amperes, and voltage.
  4. Also, determine pressure drops across all components such as fittings, and air cleaning equipment. For some tests, ambient barometric pressure should also be obtained.
  5. Record the test data and design specifications on the Test Data Sheet.
  6. Compare the test data with design specifications. Determine if alterations or adjustments of the system are necessary to meet specifications, codes or standards.
  7. If alterations or adjustments are made, retest the system and record the final test data on the sketch.
  8. Note any physical changes that were made in the system.
  9. Submit a comprehensive report including the test data sheets to the customer.

Periodic Test

The performance of a system should be tested periodically.
Airvate follows the recommended procedure and suggestions by ACGIH to do all periodic tests.
Whenever alterations have been made to the system, a new initial test is necessary following the procedures outlined under Initial Test.



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