SECTION 15990

TESTING, ADJUSTING, AND BALANCING

PART 1 GENERAL

SECTION INCLUDES

Testing, adjustment, and balancing of air systems.

Testing, adjustment, and balancing of hydronic [and steam] systems.

Measurement of final operating condition of HVAC systems.

Sound measurement of equipment operating conditions.

Vibration measurement of equipment operating conditions.

RELATED SECTIONS

Section [01005 - Administrative Provisions: Inspection and testing allowances.] [01022 - Inspection and Testing Allowances.]

Section [01400 - Quality Control: Testing laboratory services:] [01410 - Testing Laboratory Services:] Employment of testing agency and payment for services.

Section 01650 - Starting of Systems.

Section 01660 - Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing of Systems.

Section 15242 - Vibration Isolation.

Section 15330 - Wet-Pipe Sprinkler Systems: Fire pumps.

Section 15340 - Pre-Action Sprinkler Systems: Air compressors.

Section 15450 - Plumbing Equipment: Pumps.

Section 15515 - Hydronic Specialties.

Section 15525 - Steam and Steam Condensate Specialties: Condensate pumps.

Section 15540 - HVAC Pumps.

Section 15545 - Chemical (Water) Treatment.

Section 15558 - Finned Water Tube Boilers.

Section 15559 - Steel Water Tube Boilers.

Section 15561 - Fire Tube Boilers.

Section 15623 - Forced Air Furnaces.

Section 15624 - Direct Fired Furnaces

Section 15658 - Reciprocating Compressor.

Section 15671 - Air Cooled Condensing Units.

Section 15681 - Reciprocating Water Chillers.

Section 15682 - Air Cooled Water Chillers

Section 15684 - Centrifugal Water Chillers

Section 15686 - Absorption Water Chillers.

Section 15712 - Induced Draft Cooling Tower.

Section 15714 - Blow Thru Cooling Tower.

Section 15742 - Air Cooled Refrigerant Condensers.

AA. Section 15781 - Packaged Roof Top Air Conditioning Units.

BB. Section 15782 - Packaged Terminal Air Conditioning Units.

CC. Section 15784 - Unit Air Conditioners.

DD. Section 15785 - Computer Room Air Conditioning Units.

EE. Section 15790 - Air Coils.

FF. Section 15811 - Evaporative Humidifier.

GG. Section 15812 - Evaporative Pan Humidifier.

HH. Section 15813 - Steam Grid Humidifier.

II. Section 15821 - Sprayed Coil Dehumidifier.

JJ. Section 15835 - Terminal Heat Transfer Units.

KK. Section 15840 - Induction Units.

LL. Section 15855 - Air Handling Units with Coils.

MM. Section 15860 - Centrifugal Fans.

NN. Section 15865 - Axial Fans

OO. Section 15885 - Air Cleaning.

PP. Section 15890 - Ductwork.

QQ. Section 15910 - Ductwork Accessories.

RR. Section 15930 - Air Terminal Units.

SS. Section 15936 - Air Outlets and Inlets.

TT. Section 15952 - Controls and Instrumentation: Controls,

compressors, and sequence of operation.

ALLOWANCES

Refer to Section [01022 - Inspection and Testing Allowances] [01005 - Administrative Provisions] for the Cash Allowance Sum applicable to this Section of the Work.

This allowance includes adjusting and balancing of systems. Installation is included in this Section and is part of the Contract Sum.

REFERENCES

AABC - National Standards for Field Measurement and Instrumentation, Total System Balance.

ASHRAE - 1984 Systems Handbook: Chapter 37, Testing, Adjusting and Balancing.

NEBB - Procedural Standards for Testing, Balancing and Adjusting of Environmental Systems.

SUBMITTALS

Submit name of adjusting and balancing agency for approval within [30] [_____] days after award of Contract.

Submit test reports as a submittal under provisions of Section [01300.] [01340.]

Submit test reports under provisions of Section [01400.] [01405.]

Prior to commencing work, submit draft reports indicating adjusting, balancing, and equipment data required.

Submit draft copies of report for review prior to final acceptance of Project. Provide final copies for Architect/Engineer and for inclusion in operating and maintenance manuals.

Provide reports in soft cover, letter size, 3-ring binder manuals, complete with index page and indexing tabs, with cover identification at front and side. Include set of reduced drawings with air outlets and equipment identified to correspond with data sheets, and indicating thermostat locations.

Include detailed procedures, agenda, sample report forms[,] [and copy of AABC National Project Performance Guaranty] [___________________] prior to commencing system balance.

REPORT FORMS

Submit reports on [AABC National Standards for Total System Balance] [NEBB] forms. [Submit data in S.I. Metric units.]

Forms shall include the following information:

Title Page:

Company name

Company address

Company telephone number

Project name

Project location

Project Architect

Project Engineer

Project Contractor

Project altitude

Instrument List:

Instrument

Manufacturer

Model

Serial number

Range

Calibration date

Air Moving Equipment:

Location

Manufacturer

Model

Air flow, specified and actual

Return air flow, specified and actual

Outside air flow, specified and actual

Total static pressure (total external), specified and actual

Inlet pressure

Discharge pressure

Fan RPM

Exhaust Fan Data:

Location

Manufacturer

Model

Air flow, specified and actual

Total static pressure (total external), specified and actual

Inlet pressure

Discharge pressure

Fan RPM

Return Air/Outside Air Data:

Identification/location

Design air flow

Actual air flow

Design return air flow

Actual return air flow

Design outside air flow

Actual outside air flow

Return air temperature

Outside air temperature

Required mixed air temperature

Actual mixed air temperature

Design outside/return air ratio

Actual outside/return air ratio

Electric Motors:

Manufacturer

HP/BHP

Phase, voltage, amperage; nameplate, actual, no load.

RPM

Service factor

Starter size, rating, heater elements

V-Belt Drive:

Identification/location

Required driven RPM

Driven sheave, diameter and RPM

Belt, size and quantity

Motor sheave, diameter and RPM

Center to center distance, maximum, minimum, and actual

Duct Traverse:

System zone/branch

Duct size

Area

Design velocity

Design air flow

Test velocity

Test air flow

Duct static pressure

Air temperature

Air correction factor

Air Monitoring Station Data:

Identification/location

System

Size

Area

Design velocity

Design air flow

Test velocity

Test air flow

Air Distribution Test Sheet:

Air terminal number

Room number/location

Terminal type

Terminal size

Area factor

Design velocity

Design air flow

Test (final) velocity

Test (final) air flow

Percent of design air flow

Terminal Unit Data:

Manufacturer

Type, constant, variable, single, dual duct

Identification/number

Location

Model

Size

Minimum static pressure

Minimum design air flow

Maximum design air flow

Maximum actual air flow

Inlet static pressure

Induction Unit Data:

Manufacturer

Identification/number

Location

Model

Size

Design air flow

Design nozzle pressure drop

Final nozzle pressure drop

Final air flow

Electric Duct Heater:

Manufacturer

Identification/number

Location

Model

Design kW

Number of stages

Phase, voltage, amperage

Test voltage (each phase)

Test amperage (each phase)

Air flow, specified and actual

Temperature rise, specified and actual

Pump Data:

Identification/number

Manufacturer

Size/model

Impeller

Service

Design flow rate, pressure drop, BHP

Actual flow rate, pressure drop, BHP

Discharge pressure

Suction pressure

Total operating head pressure

Shut off, discharge and suction pressures

Shut off, total head pressure

Cooling Tower:

Tower identification/number

Manufacturer

Model

Rated capacity

Entering air WB temperature, specified and actual

Leaving air WB temperature, specified and actual

Ambient air DB temperature

Condenser water entering temperature

Condenser water leaving temperature

Condenser water flow rate

Fan RPM

Chillers:

Identification/number

Manufacturer

Capacity

Model

Evaporator entering water temperature, design and actual

Evaporator leaving water temperature, design and actual

Evaporator pressure drop, design and actual

Evaporator water flow rate, design and actual

Condenser entering water temperature, design and actual

Condenser leaving water temperature, design and actual

Condenser pressure drop, design and actual

Condenser water flow rate, design and actual

Air Cooled Condenser:

Identification/number

Location

Manufacturer

Model

Entering DB air temperature, design and actual

Leaving DB air temperature, design and actual

Number of compressors

Heat Exchanger:

Identification/number

Location

Service

Manufacturer

Model

Steam pressure, design and actual

Primary water entering temperature, design and actual

Primary water leaving temperature, design and actual

Primary water flow, design and actual

Primary water pressure drop, design and actual

Secondary water entering temperature, design and actual

Secondary water leaving temperature, design and actual

Secondary water flow, design and actual

Secondary water pressure drop, design and actual

Cooling Coil Data:

Identification/number

Location

Service

Manufacturer

Air flow, design and actual

Entering air DB temperature, design and actual

Entering air WB temperature, design and actual

Leaving air DB temperature, design and actual

Leaving air WB temperature, design and actual

Water flow, design and actual

Water pressure drop, design and actual

Entering water temperature, design and actual

Leaving water temperature, design and actual

Air pressure drop, design and actual

Heating Coil Data:

Identification/number

Location

Service

Manufacturer

Air flow, design and actual

Water flow, design and actual

Water pressure drop, design and actual

Entering water temperature, design and actual

Leaving water temperature, design and actual

Entering air temperature, design and actual

Leaving air temperature, design and actual

Air pressure drop, design and actual

Flow Measuring Station:

Identification/station

Location

Size

Manufacturer

Model

Design flow rate

Design pressure drop

Actual/final pressure drop

Actual/final flow rate

Station calibrated setting

Sound Level Report:

Location

Octave bands - equipment off

Octave bands - equipment on

Vibration Test:

Location of points:

Fan bearing, drive end

Fan bearing, opposite end

Motor bearing, center (if applicable)

Motor bearing, drive end

Motor bearing, opposite end

Casing (bottom or top)

Casing (side)

Duct after flexible connection (discharge)

Duct after flexible connection (suction)

Test readings:

Horizontal, velocity and displacement

Vertical, velocity and displacement

Axial, velocity and displacement

Normally acceptable readings, velocity and acceleration

Unusual conditions at time of test

Vibration source (if non-complying)

Duct Leak Test:

Description of ductwork under test

Duct design operating pressure

Duct design test static pressure

Duct capacity, air flow

Maximum allowable leakage duct capacity times leak factor

Test apparatus

Blower

Orifice, tube size

Orifice size

Calibrated

Test static pressure

Test orifice differential pressure

Leakage

Combustion Test:

Boiler manufacturer

Model

Firing rate

Overfire draft

Gas meter timing dial size

Gas meter time per revolution

Gas pressure at meter outlet

Gas flow rate

Heat input

Burner manifold gas pressure

Percent carbon monoxide (CO)

Percent carbon dioxide (CO2)

Percent oxygen (O2)

Percent excess air

Flue gas temperature at outlet

Ambient temperature

Net stack temperature

Percent stack loss

Percent combustion efficiency

Heat output

PROJECT RECORD DOCUMENTS

Submit record documents under provisions of Section [01700.] [01720.]

Accurately record actual locations of [flow measuring stations.] [balancing valves and rough setting.]

QUALITY ASSURANCE

Agency shall be company specializing in the adjusting and balancing of systems specified in this Section with minimum [three] [_____] years [documented] experience[.] [certified by AABC.] Perform Work under supervision of [AABC Certified Test and Balance Engineer.] [NEBB Certified Testing, Balancing and Adjusting Supervisor.] [registered Professional Engineer.]

Total system balance shall be performed in accordance with [AABC National Standards for Field Measurement and Instrumentation, Total System Balance.] [ASHRAE - 1984 Systems Handbook.] [NEBB Procedural Standards for Testing, Balancing and Adjusting of Environmental Systems.]

SEQUENCING AND SCHEDULING

Sequence work under the provisions of Section [01005.] [_____.]

Schedule work under the provisions of Section [01310.] [_____.]

Sequence work to commence after completion of systems and schedule completion of work before Substantial Completion of Project.

Schedule and provide assistance in final adjustment and test of [life safety] [smoke evacuation] [smoke control] [_______________] system with Fire Authority.

PRE-INSTALLATION CONFERENCE

Convene a conference [one] [_____] week prior to commencing work of this Section, under provisions of Section [01200.] [01210.]

PART 2 PRODUCTS

AGENCIES

[___________________________________________.]

[___________________________________________.]

[___________________________________________.]

PART 3 EXECUTION

EXAMINATION

Before commencing work, verify that systems are complete and operable. Ensure the following:

Equipment is operable and in a safe and normal condition.

Temperature control systems are installed complete and operable.

Proper thermal overload protection is in place for electrical equipment.

Final filters are clean and in place. If required, install temporary media in addition to final filters.

Duct systems are clean of debris.

Correct fan rotation.

Fire and volume dampers are in place and open.

Coil fins have been cleaned and combed.

Access doors are closed and duct end caps are in place.

Air outlets are installed and connected.

Duct system leakage has been minimized.

Hydronic systems have been flushed, filled, and vented.

Correct pump rotation.

Proper strainer baskets are clean and in place.

Service and balance valves are open.

Report any defects or deficiencies noted during performance of services to Architect/Engineer.

Promptly report abnormal conditions in mechanical systems or conditions which prevent system balance.

If, for design reasons, system cannot be properly balanced, report as soon as observed.

Beginning of work means acceptance of existing conditions.

PREPARATION

Provide instruments required for testing, adjusting, and balancing operations. Make instruments available to Architect/Engineer to facilitate spot checks during testing.

Provide additional balancing devices as required.

INSTALLATION TOLERANCES

Adjust air handling systems to plus or minus 5 percent for supply systems and plus or minus 10 percent for return and exhaust systems from figures indicated.

Adjust hydronic systems to plus or minus 10 percent of design conditions indicated.

ADJUSTING

Adjust work under provisions of Section [01650.] [01660.]

Recorded data shall represent actually measured, or observed condition.

Permanently mark settings of valves, dampers, and other adjustment devices allowing settings to be restored. Set and lock memory stops.

After adjustment, take measurements to verify balance has not been disrupted or that such disruption has been rectified.

Leave systems in proper working order, replacing belt guards, closing access doors, closing doors to electrical switch boxes, and restoring thermostats to specified settings.

At final inspection, recheck random selections of data recorded in report. Recheck points or areas as selected and witnessed by the Owner.

Check and adjust systems approximately six months after final acceptance and submit report.

AIR SYSTEM PROCEDURE

Adjust air handling and distribution systems to provide required or design supply, return, and exhaust air quantities[.] [at site altitude.]

Make air quantity measurements in ducts by Pitot tube traverse of entire cross sectional area of duct.

Measure air quantities at air inlets and outlets.

Adjust distribution system to obtain uniform space temperatures free from objectionable drafts and noise.

Use volume control devices to regulate air quantities only to extent that adjustments do not create objectionable air motion or sound levels. Effect volume control by duct internal devices such as dampers and splitters.

Vary total system air quantities by adjustment of fan speeds. Provide drive changes required. Vary branch air quantities by damper regulation.

Provide system schematic with required and actual air quantities recorded at each outlet or inlet.

Measure static air pressure conditions on air supply units, including filter and coil pressure drops, and total pressure across the fan. Make allowances for 50 percent loading of filters.

Adjust outside air automatic dampers, outside air, return air, and exhaust dampers for design conditions.

Measure temperature conditions across outside air, return air, and exhaust dampers to check leakage.

Where modulating dampers are provided, take measurements and balance at extreme conditions. [Balance variable volume systems at maximum air flow rate, full cooling, and at minimum air flow rate, full heating.]

Measure building static pressure and adjust supply, return, and exhaust air systems to provide required relationship between each to maintain approximately 0.05 inches (12.5 Pa) positive static pressure [near the building entries.] [in clean rooms.] [_______________.]

Check multi-zone units for motorized damper leakage. Adjust air quantities with mixing dampers set first for cooling, then heating, then modulating.

For variable air volume system powered units set volume controller to air flow setting indicated. Confirm connections properly made and confirm proper operation for automatic variable air volume temperature control.

On fan powered VAV boxes, adjust air flow switches for proper operation.

WATER SYSTEM PROCEDURE

Adjust water systems to provide required or design quantities.

Use calibrated [Venturi tubes, orifices, or other metered] fittings and pressure gages to determine flow rates for system balance. Where flow metering devices are not installed, base flow balance on temperature difference across various heat transfer elements in the system.

Adjust systems to provide specified pressure drops and flows through heat transfer elements prior to thermal testing. Perform balancing by measurement of temperature differential in conjunction with air balancing.

Effect system balance with automatic control valves fully open to heat transfer elements.

Effect adjustment of water distribution systems by means of balancing cocks, valves, and fittings. Do not use service or shut-off valves for balancing unless indexed for balance point.

Where available pump capacity is less than total flow requirements or individual system parts, full flow in one part may be simulated by temporary restriction of flow to other parts.

SCHEDULE

Air	Hydronic Sound Vibration

Equipment	Balance Balance Measurement Testing

Fire Pumps

Sprinkler Air Compressor

Electric Water Coolers

Plumbing Pumps

Steam Condensate Pumps

Boiler Feedwater Pumps

HVAC Pumps

Water Tube Boilers

Pkgd Stl Water Tube Boilers

Pkgd Stl Fire Tube Boilers

Forced Air Furnaces

Direct Fired Furnaces

Reciprocating Water Chillers

Air Cooled Water Chillers

Centrifugal Water Chillers

Absorption Water Chillers

Induced Draft Cooling Tower

Blow Thru Cooling Tower

Air Cooled Refrigerant Condensers

Pkgd Roof Top Htg/Clg Units

Pkgd Terminal A/C Units

Unit Air Conditioners

Computer Room A/C Units

Air Coils

Evaporative Humidifier

Sprayed Coil Dehumidifier

Terminal Heat Transfer Units

Induction Units

Air Handling Units

Fans

Air Filters

Air Terminal Units

Air Inlets and Outlets

Controls Compressor

END OF SECTION