Kele Blog

Kele Solutions for Gas Detection in Mechanical Rooms

Posted on by Kele Inc

Why is it important to have gas detection products in place? Well, between monitoring oxygen levels for people and animals, gas detection sensors and products can also be used to warn against unsafe levels of combustible, flammable, and toxic gases.

Typically, most sensors are programmed to detect oxygen (O2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbon monoxide (CO), and flammable gases or vapors (LEL). These sensors work by producing an electric current that can be measured when it detects a chemical reaction caused by the gas.

Just like us, sensors can be poisoned by the very gases they are tasked with detecting. It is important to regularly test them using calibration and bump-testing to ensure optimal performance. Because these sensors are so sensitive, it is important to maintain and replace them as needed.

Sensors and controllers are installed and utilized in various places. One critical application is in mechanical rooms. This is due to the variety of gasses that can be present in those locations. The 301-EM-US3-K — part of the Kele-branded 301EM-K Series gas detection system—is just one of the many Kele products that are perfect to help get the job done.

The301-EM-US3-K is a controller for up to twenty sensors. These sensors are in place to detect refrigerant, toxic gases, and combustible gases. The refrigerants displace oxygen and are deadly, so they are monitored for safety’s sake.

Typically, the main product it competes against is a sample/draw system (which pumps air from the space). Several advantages of the301-EM-US3-K system over a sample/draw include:

  1. Real-time readings (sample/draw systems have a delay in this regard)
  2. No pump to possibly fail
  3. Sensors can be replaced (whereas you have to replace a whole sample/draw system if it fails)
  4. Instantaneous knowledge of a possible failed sensor

Kele offers a variety of gas sensors, detectors, and controllers. The301-EM-US3-K along with any Kele sensor and gas detection products are excellent choices to keep all your bases covered and help keep the guesswork out of the equation. Contact your sales representative today to order the Kele products you need to keep your job moving.

With COVID-19 in attendance, when and where do you begin your school project?

Posted on by Kele Inc

Q&A with Kele Tech Service

With everything still up in the air due to COVID-19 cases continuing to climb in certain states, one question on a lot of minds is: “When will school start back up?” School administrators are working closely with state government and public health officials to make sure the correct steps are being taken to safely bring students and faculty back into buildings.

We checked in with one of Kele’s technical support representatives to get an expert perspective on how school jobs/projects have changed and will continue to change, as circumstances continue to evolve. Tech expert Steve Brown answered some questions that will impact contractors for the next few months: 1) What could be the pandemic’s effect on school projects?, 2) What are the “best” retrofit items contractors should be considering?, and 3) Are there any new guidelines that have been announced by ASHRAE specific to COVID-19?

 

What could be the pandemic’s effect on school projects?

That’s a really difficult question to answer. With everything going on currently there is no one answer. On one hand, contractors normally only have a few months here and there to get these jobs done, but with the slowing of the new school year, time may not be the motivator it once was. On the other hand, if the school year jumps ahead of projections, customers and contractors alike will be scrambling to keep project schedules moving at rapid rates of speed to keep up with demand. So, all of that to say, there’s really no way to tell what the effect will be one way or another. Depending on when and how these schools open up, there may be a few key parts/products to focus the retrofit around rather than doing a traditional overhaul.

 

What are the “best” retrofit items contractors should be considering?

Well, contractors should be considering retrofitting outside air intakes to ensure that they are fully functional and ready to work at an increased pace to accommodate increased use times as schools’ HVAC systems battle the spread of germs. This can be accomplished via new dampers/actuators and new CO2 sensors. By targeting these products, school HVAC systems will have a longer life and a stronger effect on air quality within the school building.

 

Are there any new guidelines that have been announced by ASHRAE specific to COVID-19?

While no new safety protocols have been put into place, be on the lookout for any and all that may impact the life and viability of your project cycle as time continues. Some guidance has been announced but there’s been nothing set in stone as of yet. One key tip that has been circulating however is to keep outside air ventilation running full speed up to two hours after students have left the school grounds. The thought process behind this is to fully flush out any and all “old” air that may still be circulating through the system. This allows for fresher therefore safer air to clear out any air compromised by COVID-19 particles.

Kele offers a wide variety of parts and products that will help you through any retrofit project, no matter the size or schedule. We can help you plan an entire project or ship you a part the same day.  Contact a Kele tech expert today or go to kele.com to see how we can help you with all your school project needs.

Back to Basics: Demand Control Ventilation

Posted on by Kele Inc

Kele knows that our contractor customers work tirelessly on retrofits for numerous reasons: precise temperature control, reduced chiller compressor wear, lower energy consumption, less noise pollution, and to extend the equipment’s life cycle. We also know it takes some pretty important parts to achieve this. Recently, we’ve seen increased demand for components related to Demand Control Ventilation (DCV). The Kele technical service team has also answered a few questions on the topic.

What is DCV? Well, DCV is a system that controls a building’s ventilation based on carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration. Sensors monitor the CO2 levels and send a signal to the HVAC system which then brings in only the outside air necessary for the actual occupancy. This is best for businesses with long operating hours, where occupancy varies greatly and is unpredictable like stores, supermarkets, theaters, schools, healthcare facilities, and places of worship. Plus, there is a multitude of benefits to DCV: easily added to existing HVAC systems, reduces A/C costs by up to 10 percent (sometimes more) annually, helps HVAC equipment operate more efficiently and last longer, and maintains indoor air quality/comfort more efficiently.

Shop for what you need now or Live Chat with a tech service rep for answers to DVC or other questions.

Kele serves customers across numerous markets with products, custom panels, project services, and technical support. Learn more about how Kele can help you in these featured vertical markets.

Healthcare HVAC Systems and Disease Mitigation

Posted on by Kele Inc

Isolation Room Preparedness for COVID-19 Patients

According to the CDC and ASHRAE, hospital HVAC systems play a critical role in mitigating the spread of diseases like COVID-19, MERS, SARS, and tuberculosis. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, respiratory droplets can travel through the air and be inhaled by people nearby.  Room pressurization, air change rates, humidity, and temperature all play an integral role in mitigating airborne contaminants to provide a healing space for patients while protecting healthcare providers.

It is recommended by the ANSI/ASHRAE/ASHE Standard 170-2017  and the CDC to place patients with a suspected or known COVID-19 diagnosis in an airborne isolation infection room (AIIR). AIIRs are negative pressure single-patient rooms with a minimum of 6 air changes per hour (12 are recommended for new construction).

AIIRs constantly provide clean air to patients and help protect staff from infection. AIIRs contain, dilute, and exhaust contaminated air through a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, and then vent it outdoors.

The negative pressure prevents contaminated droplets from traveling to other areas of the hospital when the doors are opened. Room doors should be kept closed except when personnel are entering and exiting. Entry and exits should be minimized as air currents from personnel traffic can disrupt proper airflow, so AIIR HVAC equipment must be fast-acting, adjusting immediately to changing conditions. Facilities should monitor and document AIIR negative pressure function, and there should be a constant visual indication from the room pressure controller or monitor.

Airborne Infection Isolation Room (AIIR) Checklist

Utilize this checklist to help ensure your AIIRs are ready to receive patients with suspected or confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). For more details, refer to the ANSI/ASHRAE/ASHE Standard 170-2017 Ventilation of Health Care Facilities.

  • Verify the room sensors are calibrated and working properly
  • Verify room controllers and monitors are working and communicating with airflow valves
  • Verify the room is operating at a negative pressure relative to surrounding areas
  • Verify room pressure is being properly documented
  • Verify correct air changes per hour are taking place per CDC/ASHRAE standards
  • Verify temperature and humidity ranges are in place per CDC/ASHRAE standards
  • Verify room air is being exhausted directly outside through a HEPA filter
  • Verify doors are being kept closed except during healthcare personnel entry/exit
  • Confirm patient rooms are visible on your BAS, for prompt notification of any issues
  • Consider updating older VAV boxes to a fast-acting Venturi air valve or measured airflow valve
  • Plan for an influx of patients and how to address isolation requirements in your facility

Check out our room pressure controllers here.

Considerations for Converted Hospital Space

Posted on by Kele Inc

Between high cost and low capacity, the healthcare industry has taken blow after blow while combatting the current pandemic. Global news has focused on the numerous obstacles healthcare professionals have had to overcome (and continue to) in their fight against the virus.

The spotlight has also shone on what goes into creating hospital-like environments and how ships, tents, hotels, and vacant malls and office buildings undergo a transformation. Contractors work feverishly behind the scenes to equip all these structures with the proper health and safety measures, including HVAC systems. Fortunately, to date, much of this converted space has been minimally occupied and remains a precautionary option.

However, when more hospital space is needed, it’s important to get the required components you need to make sure your job and system stay up and running. Kele carries a variety of parts and accessories that aid in HVAC retrofit and building to help keep facilities safe. For example, think economizers. An economizer system is comprised of a duct and damper arrangement and automatic control system typically found in rooftop unit applications. The economizer solution allows a cooling system to supply outdoor air to reduce or eliminate the need for mechanical cooling during ideal conditions. Depending on the control method selected, CO2, temperature, humidity, and other air characteristics are collected. The economizer controller then determines whether the air should be allowed to enter the building or not, and controls the damper actuator accordingly

Ensuring proper airflow in these converted structures will require either the installation of HVAC systems or the retrofit of systems already in place. The damper and actuator system will need evaluation, as well as taking into consideration retrofit solutions such as economizers, mentioned above. These systems allow for negative and positive pressure rooms to be set up to help slow and ultimately stop the spread of COVID-19. Without proper ventilation and pressure, healthcare workers and patients are at a higher risk to contract and spread the virus.

The Kele team is ready to help get you what you need when you need it. Our technical service staff is also able to provide project support in the field and help you troubleshoot from beginning to end. Click here to visit our focused content and featured products for the healthcare market. And shop Kele’s lines of economizers and dampers and actuators.

Remember Standards on Rush School Projects

Posted on by Kele Inc

With schools out for the year in most parts of the country as a measure to prevent the pandemic spread—and soon everywhere for summer break, retrofitting and maintenance work on HVAC systems are on schedule to happen soon if they are not already underway. Among other needs, schools retrofit in order to reduce energy consumption, minimize noise pollution, and upgrade air filtration systems to maximize student and faculty health. And with each retrofit, contractors are tasked with following multiple standards and requirements to ensure the health and safety of all who enter the facility.

ASHRAE standard 62.1-1999, for example, recommends that each person in a classroom receive 15 cu. ft. per minute (cfm) of fresh air and a classroom with 30 people requires a ventilation rate of about 450 cfm. Once you’ve factored in how a school or university is constructed, it is easy to see why HVAC systems present a unique challenge in meeting standards. There are also zone requirements that must be kept up to standard as well.

For most retrofits, there are two generalized groups that are addressed: centralized and decentralized systems. Each system operates and controls specific zones within the facility. Centralized systems include air handling units, chillers, applied rooftop systems, and indoor vertical self-contained systems. Decentralized systems include outdoor air ventilation systems, water-source heat pumps, fan coils, and unit ventilators.

In order to stay under budget and on schedule, easy access to parts is a must. That’s where Kele comes in. We know that with so many systems to retrofit within just one facility, finding parts that meet your budget can be tough. Our technical service team also understand different standards in place and can make product recommendations accordingly. With our 1.8 million in-stock parts from over 300 suppliers, we’ve got you covered. Visit kele.com today and let us give you the project support you need.

Read more about school projects here.

The Importance of Negative Pressure in Healthcare

Posted on by Kele Inc

While medical staff is working non-stop to clear infections from patients, medical facilities’ HVAC systems are working non-stop to keep the air clean and contaminant free. Negative pressure in a medical facility, such as a hospital, is a must-have to prevent infection from spreading from one area to another, which will help prevent infection spreading from person to person while in said facility.

Negative pressure rooms are common in the fight against infection control. The science behind these rooms is that lower air pressure allows outside air into a controlled space. It holds the infected air particles and doesn’t allow them to escape from the room. Most hospitals utilize these solutions to keep negative pressure rooms up to standards:

  • Sealed floors, walls, windows, and ceilings
  • Entryways with self-closing technology that have adequate seals
  • HEPA filters to contain and control airborne contaminants
  • The correct ductwork, fans, and dampers to move air out of the building
  • Air pressure control and monitoring systems
  • Supply and exhaust rates

Hospitals use these solutions and more to keep infectious germs from running rampant throughout a hospital or healthcare facility. Most hospitals designate the following as negative pressure areas:

  • Bathrooms
  • Airborne Infection Isolation Rooms (AIIRs)
  • Triage areas (to include waiting rooms as well)
  • Decontamination rooms
  • Darkrooms
  • Autopsy

While this is not a complete list of negative pressure areas and rooms, loss of negative pressure in any of these places could be catastrophic. Not only would odors begin to trickle through the facility, but the spread of airborne contaminants would be unstoppable. Without HVAC systems in place that are up to date with OSHA and ASHRAE guidelines, patients, visitors, and staff would be exposed to any number of pathogens.

Monitoring and controlling room pressure are critical. Kele carries a variety of room pressure monitors and pressure accessories from trusted suppliers. The Kele team can help you find anything you need, and our tech service staff can help troubleshoot any issues in the field.

Shop Kele pressure products here.

Question from the Field: What Key Components Do I Need for an Isolation Room?

Posted on by Kele Inc

We have received numerous questions over the past few weeks about key components for an isolation room. This comes as no surprise since the world is currently battling the COVID-19 pandemic, which puts HVAC contractors close to the front line. Contractors are needed to help lead the charge in keeping hospitals safely up and running. This includes potentially converting unused dormitories and hotels into emergency hospitals for the overflow of patients that continues to grow every day.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends hospitals “prioritize AIIRs for patients undergoing aerosol-generating procedures.” AIIRs are, of course, Airborne Infection Isolation Rooms. The primary task for engineers and contractors is to create a negative pressure environment. (In the case of a converted space, there may be obstacles from the need to replace HVAC units entirely if they are not up to the task of maintaining safe ventilation.)

Negative pressure is required in isolation rooms because it prevents infected airborne particles from traveling outside the room. COVID-19 spreads through respiratory droplets. In this case, when doors to the isolation room are opened, the droplets will not spread beyond the room.

So, what components do you need? Room pressure will need to be monitored at all times.

  • Room pressure monitors – Kele carries a variety of room pressure monitors from Setra, Johnson Controls, and Kele-branded.
  • Pressure accessories – These may include pressure ports, probes, surge dampeners and more.
  • Differential pressure transmitters are also worth noting for pressurization of an entire building, wings, and ducts. We wrote about this delicate balance here.

Call, email, or chat with Kele Technical Service if you have more questions about negative pressure and pressure monitoring in isolation rooms or other areas of a healthcare facility. And thank you to our customers and all contractors working to maintain safe treatment environments and keep critical infrastructure viable. Kele is open and here to support you. Stay well!

A Study Guide for Spring School Projects

Posted on by Kele Inc

Just as school project bidding was coming to a close, schools and contractors alike were surprised to discover that retrofitting might be happening sooner rather than later. HVAC retrofitting is common for schools and typically accomplished over summer break. However, due to COVID-19-related closures this year, the task of retrofitting these institutions may be happening now for some contractors.

Please know that Kele is open and has the in-stock inventory you need for these projects, and we ship same day.

We also want to offer some suggestions that will help keep labor costs down and things to consider when approaching three critical areas within the realm of school retrofitting: air quality, ventilation/air handling equipment, and pneumatics. When considering a school retrofit job, here are a few tips for value-engineering approaches that may save schools and contractors time and money:

Air Quality

  • ASHRAE Standard 62 recommends a minimum of 20 CFM per occupant of outside air. If the outside air intake is based on full occupancy, significant energy is wasted on temperature conditioning the extra outside air. ASHRAE 62 now allows the use of CO2 sensors to approximate the occupancy of an area, decreasing the energy load. An outside CO2 reading may be necessary as ventilation should start when the inside is 700ppm above the outside level.
  • Mold is a particular worry for schools because it builds up on coils, in condensate pans, or in walls. All of these should be checked and cleaned periodically. In addition, use a water detector in areas where water collects.

Ventilation and air handling/unitary equipment

  • Inspect and/or install new filters, but also check ductwork for split seams and ineffective or missing insulation. In addition, install a differential pressure gauge or transmitter across filters to help school maintenance know when (or when not) to chance or clean filters.
  • Dampers and linages are often out of adjustment or not working at all. Fix dampers and make a huge difference in comfort and energy savings.
  • Install or verify the occupied/unoccupied control and sequence of operation for all HVAC equipment. Programmable thermostats or time clocks, if applicable, are well worth the money and return a quick payback. Remember, wiring is no problem with wireless controls.

Pneumatics

  • There are many pneumatic controls out there; we know and love them. Check the compressor cycle rate and the filter/dryer assembly. Check for oil or water in the lines. Rebuilding and/or replacing the pneumatic controls is certainly doable, and you can find the parts at Kele if you need them.
  • Encourage conversion to electronic/electric DDC controls if the school needs better/tighter control via the building automation systems or get electric-to-pneumatic (and vice-versa) transducers to tie the pneumatics to the BAS.

Kele can supply key components that contractors need in order to successfully retrofit a school’s HVAC system. Kele is able to streamline the project process and give you the project support you need to get you from start to finish. Especially with the roll out of My Project Portal, getting your BOMs uploaded has never been easier. We want to help you make this early school project season efficient and cost effective.

Give Kele a call at 888.397.5353 or shop on kele.com today!

A Message to Kele Customers about COVID-19

Posted on by Kele Inc

Kele is open for business.

We know and share your concerns about the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Our primary focus is the safety of our employees, customers, and partners. Kele has taken a variety of measures internally to limit potential exposure at our facilities. We are closely monitoring the situation and will follow recommendations from credible authorities.

Kele remains open for business and will continue to serve customers. We have inventory and are shipping on our regular schedule. Should this change or if there is a disruption from any of our national carriers, we will post an update here.

Among other information and protocols, our internal action plan provides direction to our teams for practicing good personal hygiene and sanitizing workspaces frequently. This includes our shipping areas and City Sales counter. The World Health Organization advised that the likelihood of a shipped commercial good being infected or contracting the virus from a package that has been shipped is low. Read more here.

The Kele team is available and here to support you. Our operating hours have not changed (7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Central). If you need to order parts or need help thinking through your job schedule and logistics, there are multiple ways to contact us:

  1. Call 877-826-9045 for Kele customer service (7:00 a.m-6:00 p.m. Central).
  2. Email info@kele.com.
  3. You can order on kele.com 24/7, including My Project Portal for a full project list or BOM.
  4. Live Chat is also available on kele.com during standard business hours.

Customers in the Greater Memphis Area

You have two additional options to ensure social distancing.

  • Curbside service – Please call City Sales at 901-380-4740 (8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.) from your vehicle or prior to your visit. We will have your order ready and deliver it curbside.
  • Local delivery – To help you be efficient on your project site, we can arrange delivery of the material you need via courier/local delivery.