230593 - TESTING ADJUSTING AND BALANCING FOR HVAC.pdf

Renovation of Historical Building 4

Project #565 20 101

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SECTION 23 05 93

TESTING, ADJUSTING, AND BALANCING FOR HVAC

PART 1 - GENERAL

1.1 DESCRIPTION

A. Testing, adjusting, and balancing (TAB) of heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. TAB includes the following:

1. Planning systematic TAB procedures.

2. Design Review Report.

3. Systems Inspection report.

4. Duct Air Leakage test report.

5. Systems Readiness Report.

6. Balancing air distribution systems; adjustment of total system to provide design performance; and testing performance of equipment and automatic controls.

7. Vibration and sound measurements.

8. Recording and reporting results.

9.Document critical paths of flow on reports.

B. Definitions:

1. Basic TAB used in this Section: Chapter 39, "Testing, Adjusting and

Balancing" of 2019 ASHRAE Handbook, "HVAC Applications".

2. TAB: Testing, Adjusting and Balancing; the process of checking and adjusting HVAC systems to meet design objectives.

3. AABC: Associated Air Balance Council.

4. NEBB: National Environmental Balancing Bureau.

5. TABB: Testing Adjusting and Balancing Bureau

6. SMACNA: Sheet Metal Contractors National Association

7. Air Systems: Includes all outside air, supply air, return air, exhaust air and relief air systems.

9. Flow rate tolerance: The allowable percentage variation, minus to plus, of actual flow rate from values (design) in the contract documents.

1.2 RELATED WORK

A. Section 01 33 23, SHOP DRAWINGS, PRODUCT DATA, and SAMPLES.

B. Section 23 05 11, COMMON WORK RESULTS FOR HVAC.

C. Section 23 05 41, NOISE AND VIBRATION CONTROL FOR HVAC PIPING AND

EQUIPMENT.

D. Section 23 07 11, HVAC, AND BOILER PLANT INSULATION.

E. Section 23 08 00, COMMISSIONING OF HVAC SYSTEMS.

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F. Section 23 09 23, DIRECT-DIGITAL CONTROL SYSTEM FOR HVAC.

G. Section 23 31 00, HVAC DUCTS AND CASINGS.

H. Section 23 73 00, Indoor Central-Station Air-Handling Units.

1.3 QUALITY ASSURANCE

A. Refer to Articles, Quality Assurance and Submittals, in Section

23 05 11, COMMON WORK RESULTS FOR HVAC and Section 23 08 00, COMMISSIONING OF HVAC SYSTEMS.

B. Qualifications:

1. TAB Agency: The TAB agency shall be a subcontractor of the General

Contractor and shall report to and be paid by the General

Contractor.

2. The TAB agency shall be either a certified member of AABC, NEEB, TABB or NEBB to perform TAB service for HVAC, water balancing and vibrations and sound testing of equipment. The certification shall be maintained for the entire duration of duties specified herein.

If, for any reason, the agency loses subject certification during this period, the General Contractor shall immediately notify the COR and submit another qualified TAB firm for approval. Any agency that has been the subject of disciplinary action by either the AABC, TABB or NEBB within the five years preceding Contract Award shall not be eligible to perform any work related to the TAB. All work performed in this Section and in other related Sections by the TAB agency shall be considered invalid if the TAB agency loses its certification prior to Contract completion, and the successor agency’s review shows unsatisfactory work performed by the predecessor agency.

3. TAB Specialist: The TAB specialist shall be either a member of AABC or TABB or an experienced technician of the Agency certified by

NEBB. The certification shall be maintained for the entire duration of duties specified herein. If, for any reason, the Specialist loses subject certification during this period, the General Contractor shall immediately notify the COR and submit another TAB Specialist for approval. Any individual that has been the subject of disciplinary action by either the AABC or the NEBB within the five years preceding Contract Award shall not be eligible to perform any duties related to the HVAC systems, including TAB. All work specified in this Section and in other related Sections performed by the TAB specialist shall be considered invalid if the TAB Specialist

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4. TAB Specialist shall be identified by the General Contractor within

30 calendar days after the notice to proceed. The TAB specialist will be coordinating, scheduling and reporting all TAB work and related activities and will provide necessary information as required by the COR. The responsibilities would specifically include:

a. Shall directly supervise all TAB work.

b. Shall sign the TAB reports that bear the seal of the TAB standard. The reports shall be accompanied by report forms and schematic drawings required by the TAB standard, AABC, TABB or

NEBB.

c. Would follow all TAB work through its satisfactory completion.

d. Shall provide final markings of settings of all HVAC adjustment devices.

e. Permanently mark location of duct test ports.

f. Shall document critical paths from the fan or pump. These critical paths are ones in which are 100% open from the fan or pump to the terminal device. This will show the least amount of restriction is being imposed on the system by the TAB firm.

5. All TAB technicians performing actual TAB work shall be experienced and must have done satisfactory work on a minimum of 3 projects comparable in size and complexity to this project. Qualifications must be certified by the TAB agency in writing. The lead technician shall be certified by AABC, TABB or NEBB

C. Test Equipment Criteria: The instrumentation shall meet the accuracy/calibration requirements established by AABC National

Standards, TABB/SMACNA International Standards, or by NEBB Procedural

Standards for Testing, Adjusting and Balancing of Environmental Systems and instrument manufacturer. Provide calibration history of the instruments to be used for test and balance purpose.

D. TAB Criteria:

1. One or more of the applicable AABC, NEBB, TABB, or SMACNA publications, supplemented by ASHRAE Handbook "2019 HVAC

Applications" Chapter 39, and requirements stated herein shall be the basis for planning, procedures, and reports.

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2. Flow rate tolerance: Following tolerances are allowed. For tolerances not mentioned herein follow 2011 ASHRAE Handbook "2019

HVAC Applications", Chapter 39, as a guideline. Air Filter resistance during tests, artificially imposed if necessary, shall be at least 100 percent of manufacturer recommended change over pressure drop values for pre-filters and after-filters.

a. Air handling unit and all other fans, cubic meters/min (cubic feet per minute): Minus 0 percent to plus l0 percent.

b. Minimum outside air: 0 percent to plus 10 percent.

c. Individual room air outlets and inlets, and air flow rates not mentioned above: Minus 5 percent to plus l0 percent except if the air to a space is, 100 CFM or less, the tolerance would be minus

5 to plus 5 percent.

3. Systems shall be adjusted for energy efficient operation as described in PART 3.

4. Typical TAB procedures and critical path results shall be demonstrated to the COR for one air distribution system (including all fans, three terminal units, three rooms randomly selected by the

COR one of which shall be a critical path) and one hydronic system

(pumps and three coils) as follows:

a. When field TAB work begins.

b. During each partial final inspection and the final inspection for the project if requested by VA.

1.4 SUBMITTALS

A. Submit in accordance with Section 01 33 23, SHOP DRAWINGS, PRODUCT

DATA, and SAMPLES.

B. Submit names and qualifications of TAB agency and TAB specialists within 30 calendar days after the notice to proceed. Submit information on three recently completed projects and a list of proposed test equipment.

C. For use by the COR staff, submit one complete set of applicable AABC, NEBB or TABB publications that will be the basis of TAB work.

D. Submit Following for Review and Approval:

1. Design Review Report within 90 days for conventional design projects after the system layout on air and water side is completed by the

Contractor.

2. Systems inspection report on equipment and installation for conformance with design.

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3. Duct Air Leakage Test Report.

4. Systems Readiness Report.

5. Intermediate and Final TAB reports covering flow balance and adjustments, performance tests, vibration tests and sound tests.

6. Include in final reports uncorrected installation deficiencies noted during TAB and applicable explanatory comments on test results that differ from design requirements.

7. Include in each report the critical path for each balanced branch.

Every branch shall have at least one terminal device damper 100% open.

E. Prior to request for Final or Partial Final inspection, submit completed Test and Balance report for the area with noted critical paths.

1.5 APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS

A. The following publications form a part of this specification to the extent indicated by the reference thereto. In text the publications are referenced to by the acronym of the organization.

B. American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning

Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE):

Handbook 2019...........HVAC Applications ASHRAE Handbook, Chapter 39, Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing and Chapter

49, Sound and Vibration Control

C. Associated Air Balance Council (AABC):

7th Edition 2016 ........AABC National Standards for Total System

Balance

D. National Environmental Balancing Bureau (NEBB):

9th Edition 2019 ........Procedural Standards for Testing, Adjusting, Balancing of Environmental Systems

3rd Edition 2015 .......Procedural Standards for the Measurement of

Sound and Vibration

2rd Edition 2019 ... Standard for Whole Building Technical Commissioning of New Construction

E. Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association

(SMACNA):

3rd Edition 2005 ........HVAC SYSTEMS Testing, Adjusting and Balancing

TABB- TAB Procedural Guide

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PART 2 - PRODUCTS

2.1 PLUGS

Provide plastic plugs to seal holes drilled in ductwork for test purposes.

2.2 INSULATION REPAIR MATERIAL

See Section 23 07 11, HVAC and BOILER PLANT INSULATION Provide for repair of insulation removed or damaged for TAB work.

PART 3 - EXECUTION

3.1 GENERAL

A. Refer to TAB Criteria in Article, Quality Assurance.

B. Obtain applicable contract documents and copies of approved submittals for HVAC equipment and automatic control systems.

3.2 DESIGN REVIEW REPORT

The TAB Specialist shall review the Contract Plans and specifications and advise the COR of any design deficiencies that would prevent the

HVAC systems from effectively operating in accordance with the sequence of operation specified or prevent the effective and accurate TAB of the system. The TAB Specialist shall provide a report individually listing each deficiency and the corresponding proposed corrective action necessary for proper system operation.

3.3 SYSTEMS INSPECTION REPORT

A. Inspect equipment and installation for conformance with design.

B. The inspection and report is to be done after air distribution equipment is on site and duct installation has begun, but well in advance of performance testing and balancing work. The purpose of the inspection is to identify and report deviations from design and ensure that systems will be ready for TAB at the appropriate time.

C. Reports: Follow check list format developed by AABC, NEBB or SMACNA

(TABB), supplemented by narrative comments, with emphasis on air handling units and fans. Check for conformance with submittals. Verify that diffuser and register sizes are correct. Check air terminal unit installation including their duct sizes and routing.

3.4 DUCT AIR LEAKAGE TEST REPORT

TAB Agency shall perform the leakage test as outlined in "Duct leakage

Tests and Repairs" in Section 23 31 00, HVAC DUCTS and CASINGS for TAB agency’s role and responsibilities in witnessing, recording and reporting of deficiencies.

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3.5 SYSTEM READINESS REPORT

A. Inspect each System to ensure that it is complete including installation and operation of controls. Submit report to COR in standard format and forms prepared and or approved by the Commissioning

Agent.

B. Verify that all items such as ductwork piping, dampers, valves, ports, terminals, connectors, etc., that is required for TAB are installed.

Provide a report to the COR.

3.6 TAB REPORTS

A. The TAB contractor shall provide raw data immediately in writing to the

COR if there is a problem in achieving intended results before submitting a formal report.

3.7 TAB PROCEDURES

A. TAB shall be performed in accordance with the requirement of the

Standard under which TAB agency is certified by either AABC, TABB or

NEBB. Balancing shall be done proportionally to all applicable systems.

1. At least one trunk damper shall be 100% open.

2. At least one branch damper shall be 100%open per trunk.

3. At least one terminal device duct be 100% open per branch.

B. General: During TAB all related system components shall be in full operation. Fan rotation, motor loads and equipment vibration shall be checked and corrected as necessary before proceeding with TAB. Set controls and/or block off parts of distribution systems to simulate design operation of variable volume air systems for test and balance work.

C. Allow sufficient time in construction schedule for TAB and submission of all reports for an organized and timely correction of deficiencies.

D. Air Balance and Equipment Test: Include air handling units, fans, fan coil units, and room diffusers/outlets/inlets.

1. Artificially load air filters by partial blanking to produce static air pressure drop of manufacturer’s recommended pressure drop.

2. Adjust fan speeds to provide design air flow. V-belt drives, including fixed pitch pulley requirements, are specified in Section

23 05 11, COMMON WORK RESULTS FOR HVAC.

3. Test and balance systems in all specified modes of operation, including variable volume, economizer, and fire emergency modes.

Verify that dampers and other HVAC controls function properly.

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3.8 VIBRATION TESTING

A. Furnish instruments and perform vibration measurements as specified in

Section 23 05 41, NOISE and VIBRATION CONTROL FOR HVAC PIPING and

EQUIPMENT. Field vibration balancing is specified in Section 23 05 11, COMMON WORK RESULTS FOR HVAC. Provide measurements for all rotating

HVAC equipment of 373 watts (1/2 horsepower) and larger, including fans and motors.

B. Record initial measurements for each unit of equipment on test forms and submit a report to the COR. Where vibration readings exceed the allowable tolerance Contractor shall be directed to correct the problem. The TAB agency shall verify that the corrections are done and submit a final report to the COR.

3.9 SOUND TESTING

A. Perform and record required sound measurements in accordance with

Paragraph, QUALITY ASSURANCE in Section 23 05 41, NOISE and VIBRATION

CONTROL FOR HVAC PIPING and EQUIPMENT.

1. Take readings in rooms, approximately three percent of all rooms.

The COR may designate the specific rooms to be tested.

B. Take measurements with a calibrated sound level meter and octave band analyzer of the accuracy required by AABC, TABB or NEBB.

C. Sound reference levels, formulas and coefficients shall be according to

2019 ASHRAE Handbook, "HVAC Applications", Chapter 49, SOUND AND

VIBRATION CONTROL.

D. Determine compliance with specifications as follows:

1. When sound pressure levels are specified, including the NC Criteria in Section 23 05 41, NOISE and VIBRATION CONTROL FOR HVAC PIPING and

EQUIPMENT:

a. Reduce the background noise as much as possible by shutting off unrelated audible equipment.

b. Measure octave band sound pressure levels with specified equipment "off."

c. Measure octave band sound pressure levels with specified equipment "on."

d. Use the DIFFERENCE in corresponding readings to determine the sound pressure due to equipment.

DIFFERENCE: 0 1 2 3 4 5 to 9 10 or More

FACTOR: 10 7 4 3 2 1 0

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Sound pressure level due to equipment equals sound pressure level with equipment "on" minus FACTOR.

e. Plot octave bands of sound pressure level due to equipment for typical rooms on a graph which also shows noise criteria (NC) curves.

2. When sound power levels are specified:

a. Perform steps 1.a. thru 1.d., as above.

b. For indoor equipment: Determine room attenuating effect, i.e., difference between sound power level and sound pressure level.

Determined sound power level will be the sum of sound pressure level due to equipment plus the room attenuating effect.

c. For outdoor equipment: Use directivity factor and distance from noise source to determine distance factor, i.e., difference between sound power level and sound pressure level. Measured sound power level will be the sum of sound pressure level due to equipment plus the distance factor. Use 10 meters (30 feet) for sound level location.

3. Where sound pressure levels are specified in terms of dB(A) measure sound levels using the "A" scale of meter. Single value readings will be used instead of octave band analysis.

E. Where measured sound levels exceed specified level, the installing contractor or equipment manufacturer shall take remedial action approved by the COR and the necessary sound tests shall be repeated.

F. Test readings for sound testing could go higher than 15 percent if determination is made by the COR based on the recorded sound data.

3.10 MARKING OF SETTINGS

Following approval of Tab final Report, the setting of all HVAC adjustment devices including valves, splitters and dampers shall be permanently marked by the TAB Specialist so that adjustment can be restored if disturbed at any time. Style and colors used for markings shall be coordinated with the COR.

3.11 IDENTIFICATION OF TEST PORTS

The TAB Specialist shall permanently and legibly identify the location points of duct test ports. If the ductwork has exterior insulation, the identification shall be made on the exterior side of the insulation.

All penetrations through ductwork and ductwork insulation shall be sealed to prevent air leaks and maintain integrity of vapor barrier.

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3.12 PHASING

A. Phased Projects: Testing and Balancing Work to follow project with areas shall be completed per the project phasing. Upon completion of the project all areas shall have been tested and balanced per the contract documents.

B. Existing Areas: Systems that serve areas outside of the project scope shall not be adversely affected. Measure existing parameters where shown to document system capacity.

3.13 COMMISSIONING

A. Provide commissioning documentation in accordance with the requirements of Section 23 08 00 – COMMISSIONING OF HVAC SYSTEMS for all inspection, start up, and contractor testing required above and required by the

System Readiness Checklist provided by the Commissioning Agent.

B. Components provided under this section of the specification will be tested as part of a larger system. Refer to Section 23 08 00 –

COMMISSIONING OF HVAC SYSTEMS and related sections for contractor responsibilities for system commissioning.

3.14 CRITICAL FLOW PATH

A. Provide a documented critical path for all fluid flows. There shall be at least one terminal device that can be traced back to the fan where there is no damper that is less than 100% open.

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