Method Statement

MS-05, Rev. 0

VENTILATION SYSTEM BALANCING

A. Static Checks

1. Open all grille opposed blade dampers, (by contractor).

2. Open all duct volume control dampers, (by contractor).

3. Mechanically disconnect motorised dampers and ensure dampers

move freely, (by contractor).

4. Check all fire dampers are open, (by contractor).

5. Open all access panels and inspect system for debris.

6. Visually inspect ductwork where possible.

7. Ensure all flexible connections are air-tight.

8. Open all AHU access panels and inspect the unit for debris or damage,
(by contractor).

*9. Remove any transit bolts from the motor or fan, (by contractor).

10. Ensure the fan turns freely and check motor and fan bearings.

11. Check pulley alignment and belt tension.

12. Check filters and coils for damage.

13. Check motor name plate and compare with specification.

14. Set motor overload protection relay to full load current as stated on the
name plate.

15. Check wiring connections at the motor and control panel.

16. Check power is available on all phases and voltage supplied (415 v or
240 v).

17. Check the Controls Engineer has completed his commissioning of the
controls systems.

18. Isolate any secondary system linked to this system start-up sequence.

1
 Method Statement
MS-05, Rev. 0

B. Motor No Load Checks

1. Disconnect the belts from the motor and fan.

2. Attach a clip on Amp Meter in the control panel ready to measure the
running current.

3. If the control panel is remote from the air handling unit, position
someone at the local isolator for the unit.

4. Keep an eye on the Amp Meter, start the unit.

5. Switch the unit off immediately if:-

a. The running current is higher than the F.L.C. (after starting

current has dropped).

b. The starter contactor starts to chatter.

c. The air handling unit is making excessive or unusual noise.

d. The motor rotation is not correct.

6. If the system is performing normally then let the system run for 15-20
minutes while checking the running current for any fluctuations.

7. Check the motor speed and compare this with the motor name plate.

C Starting the Unit

1. Close the main volume control damper fully.

2. Attach a clip on Amp Meter in the control panel ready to measure the
running current.

3. If the control panel is remote from the air handling unit, position
someone at the local isolator for the unit.

4. Keep an eye on the Amp Meter, start the unit.

5. Switch the unit off immediately if:-

a. The running current is higher than the F.L.C. (after starting

current has dropped).

b. The started contactor starts to chatter.

c. The air handling unit is making excessive or unusual noise.

2
 Method Statement
MS-05, Rev. 0
d. The motor rotation is not correct.

6. If the system is performing normally then let the system run for 15-20
minutes while checking the running current for any fluctuations.

7. If after 10-15 minutes the system still performs normally, open up the
main volume control damper slowly. Check the running amps
constantly while the V.C.D. is being opened. Open the V.C.D. until full
load current is reached or the damper is fully open.

If full load current is reached before the damper is fully open, fix the
damper in this position and under no circumstances open further.

D Balancing the Air System

1. Measure the system total volume. This should be 100-120% prior to

balancing, depending on system size. If the total volume is below
100%, inform the Engineer as soon as possible.

2. Complete an initial scan of all grille velocities/volumes and all branch

pitot traverses.

3. Calculate hood/anemometer factors for each grille type.

4. Calculate the index grille on each branch.

5. Starting with the lowest volume first, regulate all grilles on each branch
in relation to the index grille for that branch, to bring the grille volumes
to within +/- 10%.

6. Re-check all branch volumes by pitot traverses and select the index
branch.

7. Starting with the lowest volumes first, regulate the branch V.C.D. on
each branch in relation to the index branch, to bring the branch
volumes to within +/- 10%.

8. Check the main A.H.U. total supply volume, if this is over 110%, reduce
it to approximately 100-110%.

9. Complete a final scan of all pitot traverse volumes and grille volumes.
These should be within +/- 10%.

10. Complete all function checks on the A.H.U. and compile a full set of
test sheets for this system.