Author(s)

S. Rastan, T. Nowak, J. Kozinski, F. Haghighat, E. Morofsky, S. Foo, S. Voinea & J. Rous

Abstract

This paper describes the design, development and demonstration of an HVAC-based early warning and response (eWAR) system for buildings-at-risk to Toxic Airborne Materials (TAMs). The performance of the system was evaluated under laboratory conditions. With a computerized search, match and seek (SMS) algorithm, the eWAR identifies \“out-of-norm” in-duct air signals and triggers a set of filtration, in-duct neutralization and decontamination (FIND) responses. These responses are just-in-case (JIC) with risk-free consequences in case of false positive events. Developing an effective monitoring and response system with an adaptive learning capability was the main objective of this initiative. An in-lab release scenario was generated and the reaction of the newly developed eWAR system was tested. Time-of-release, time-to-respond and timeto- neutralize were estimated for two different FIND responses. Keywords: high efficiency gas air filtration (HEGA), high efficiency particulate air filtration (HEPA), photo ionization detector, just-in-case filtration, in-duct neutralization and decontamination, building security, HVAC. 1 Introduction Existing buildings have emergency plans to address fire and smoke emergencies. For buildings-at-risk, these plans need to be extended to include other out-ofnorm events such as release scenarios of chemical and biological (CB) agents. Emergency procedures specific to indoor dispersion of toxic airborne materials (TAMs) should be considered.

Keywords

high efficiency gas air filtration (HEGA), high efficiency particulate air filtration (HEPA), photo ionization detector, just-in-case filtration, in-duct neutralization and decontamination, building security, HVAC.