MEDICAL DEVICES CLEAN ROOM
MASSACHUSETTS
CHALLENGE
This leading endoscope manufacturer’s facility creates glass fibers, fiber optic camera scopes, and other technical instruments, the sensitive nature of which requires assembly to be done in four clean rooms varying from Class 1,000 to Class 100,000. Significantly oversized AHUs provided air change rates and velocities equivalent to two classifications lower than required. In-room Liebert cooling units failed to consistently maintain temperature and humidity requirements.
OPPORTUNITY
B2Q’s multi-phase analysis of energy and operating performance enhancement opportunities began with clean room optimization screening (Phase I), which led to a detailed engineering analysis and conceptual design (Phase II), including removing Lieberts and installing dedicated make-up air and cooling units. Recirculation fans were replaced, allowing a high-efficiency with VSD control to optimize airflows and velocities. Data loggers and power metering equipment helped us establish baseline cooling and fan load and energy profiles, conduct airflow and pressure cascade measurements, and perform computational fluid dynamics models to determine allowable airflow reduction levels.
RESULT
All identified measures were implemented, resulting in an annual energy savings of over 2M kWh and utility cost savings of more than $225,000 annually. The initial project cost was reduced by obtaining a very significant utility rebate resulting in a return on investment of 25%. Measurements and CFD modeling provided confidence in implementation to increase system performance and reduce energy use while maintaining clean room and productivity standards. B2Q further provided construction management, scheduling, and commissioning. Under B2Q’s guidance, the project came in on budget and met the company’s strict ten-day downtime schedule.
Market:
Industrial
Services:
Energy Efficiency and Analysis
Building Systems
Implementation Services