CDS: Division 15-10

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Division 15 Mechanical

15-10

Testing, Adjusting, And Balancing

A.	Piping Tests

Piping Tests

Type of Piping	Gauge Pressures	Test Medium
Gauge pressures in lbs/in²or vacuum in inches. See Note No. 1
Soil, Waste, Vent, Rainwater Leader and Storm Drainage Piping Within Buildings	Minimum of 10' head on each joint for duration of check or one hour minimum, with noloss in head	Water
Water 1. Pressure regulated to 80 psi and less 2. Non-regulated above 80 psi	150 Twice normal static pressure at the service point	Water Water
Fuel Gas	25	Air
Compressed Air: 1. High pressure 2. Reduce pressure 3. Pneumatic Air Lines	150% of receiver pressure Twice the reduced pressure but not less than 50 psi 35 psi	Air Air Air
Vacuum Distribution	25	Air
Vacuum Pump Dishcharge	1st - 25 2nd - 27 or normal operating vacuum	Air
Steam	1st - 150 2nd - steam at operating pressure. See note no. 4.	Water Steam
Return	1st - 150 2nd - condensate at supply pressure. See note no. 4.	Water Condensate
Distilled Water	Twice normal static pressure at lowest point. See not No. 6.	Air or Water
Fire Protection: 1. Wet Standpipe 2. Dry Standpipe 3. Sprinkler	200 200 200. See note No. 2.	Water Water Water
Refrigeration Suction	1st - 150 2nd - 25" vacuum	Nitrogen See note No. 3
Refrigeration Liquid and Hot Gas	1st - 300 2nd - 25" vacuum	Nitrogen See note No. 3
Oxygen	150	Nitrogen See note No. 3
Nitrogen	150	Air
Hydrogen Sulfide	150	Air

Footnotes (see table overleaf for application)

	1.	Test pressure in lbs. per square inch, or inches of vacuum, are given asan initial pressure to be applied to lines being tested, together with test medium. Final pressuresat the end of test period shall be no more nor less than that caused by expansion or contraction ofthe test medium and piping due to temperature changes. Specify permissible pressure drops, other thandescribed above, based on size of system being tested and medium used for test.

	2.	Apply general piping tests for a minimum period of four hours at 250 psi,or until tests are complete. Test fire protection piping for a minimum period of two hours.

	3.	Include a visual check of systems during application of test pressuresfor water medium leakage, soap bubble or similar for air and nitrogen medium, and halide torch forrefrigerant medium after charging.

	4.	Piping tests shall be applied before and after insulating. Check linear expansion at all elbows, U-bends, expansion joints, etc., for proper clearance during heating andcooling cycles.

	5.	If water is used for test medium, the lines shall be evacuated anddehydrated by a company engaged in such work and certified by them at completion as being dry.

	6.	Flush all piping and valves with domestic water until clear. Drain andflush with distilled water until a purity of 500,000 ohms conductivity is reached in all parts ofsystem.

	7..	Code requirements control unless requirements in table are morestringent.

B.	Plumbing Tests

Provide a record of all flow measurements obtained. The flow meter used during balancing and checking of the various systems shall be delivered to the University at acceptance of job.

C.	Adjusting And Balancing

1.	Before completion and acceptance of the work, the contractor shall put the heating and ventilating system into operation and adjust all controls and equipment to obtain design operating conditions. Where special systems have a range of operating conditions, put them through all cycles of operation within the design range. A complete record of all operating conditions shall be submitted for review.

2.	The contractor shall instruct the University's designated personnel in the operation of all systems and equipment.

3.	The balancing subcontractor must be approved by the University and must use personnel who specialize in testing, analysis and balancing of heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems. Do not specify any organization or membership requirements. The balancing subcontractor shall be a direct subcontractor to the general contractor and will not be a subcontractor to the mechanical contractor.

4.	The following are minimum balancing requirements:

a.	Provide all air flow, water flow and other measuring instruments. Certify instruments to be accurate within 5% of full scale range. Calibration data shall be certified by the balancing subcontractor.

b.	Balancing shall be performed after completion of the ventilating and heating systems installation and after completion of general operating tests.

c.	All new instrument holes made for test or balance in an existing duct system shall be drilled, not hammer-punched. This is particularly important in old ducts that have large accumulations of dirt on the inner surfaces that would be loosened and carried into the occupied spaces. Seal all holes with snap-in closures after tests are completed. Conspicuously mark locations for future use.

d.	Associated Air Balance Council standard report forms or equivalent shall be used.

e.	All dampers and heating and ventilating controls shall be permanently marked to indicate final settings after completion of air balancing and setting of controls.

f.	Five copies of the completed report shall be submitted for review.

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