CLEANLINESS CLASSIFICATION OF AIR HANDLING COMPONENTS IN FINLAND
The aim of cleanliness classification of air-handling components is to improve the quality of the supply air flowing through a new air-handling system. Supply air shall not contain impurities detrimental to health, odours reducing comfort or particulate pollutants.
The cleanliness classification of air handling components is a part of Classification of Indoor Climate 2000, which is intended to be used in the design and construction of healthier and more comfortable buildings and their mechanical systems.
The publication can be ordered from Sisäilmatieto
( aila.laine-sarkkinen@sisailmatieto.com ).
Cleanliness requirements
The Classification of Indoor Climate 2000 presents the following general requirements for the cleanliness:
1. A labelled component shall not increase the concentration of pollutants harmful to health or comfort in the air handling system
2. A labelled component shall not produce odours, or gaseous or particulate pollutants that deteriorate the quality of supply air
3. A labelled component shall be easy to clean
From these general requirements component group specific requirements have been derived. The specific cleanliness criteria of metal ducts and accessories are available from Building Information Foundation RTS web site (http://www.rts.fi.
The Classifications are granted by the Building Information Foundation RTS.
The Building Information Foundation RTS is Finland's leading information service for the building and construction sector. RTS is a private foundation with representatives from 43 Finnish building organisations.
Cleanliness label requirements
In order to receive a cleanliness label, each product must fullfil both the general requirements and specific requirements for the component group presented in the testing protocol. Up till now, these specific requirements have been specified for ducts, fittings, air and fire dampers and filters.
When a new component is to be tested for labelling, it is first necessary to carefully study the manufacturing process in cooperation with the manufacturer in order to identify all potential pollution sources. Typically the materials are not the problem, but the contamination control during the manufacturing process is the main focus. When the problems have been identified, the manufacturing process will be modified accordingly either by changing the processing methods or additives used in the process. Finally, the level of cleanliness is tested according to the testing protocol by an approved laboratory.
The M1-label (shown below) is valid for three years provided that no significant changes are made in the manufacturing process.
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