According to Purafil, the design tool helps companies incorporate air-cleaning technologies into new and existing HVAC systems using current ventilation codes and standards. In order to give NIST results and suggestions about using the software, Purafil incorporates IAQDT into Enersave, an energy-savings program that the manufacturer says reduced outside air intake rates in commercial facilities by 75 percent. Based on recent interpretation of ASHRAE Standard 62-2001, Enersave uses the standard’s IAQ procedure, which “allows the use of any amount of outdoor air deemed necessary” if the designer can show that the indoor air quality is acceptable to human occupants.

Per Purafil’s recommendations, NIST has added ASHRAE 62 formulas to IAQDT that calculates contaminant concentrations in commercial facilities. Purafil will collaborate with NIST on future IAQDT improvements.

Publication date: 08/18/2003