IAQ Damper/Monitor: Your Guide To Understanding Indoor Air Quality and The Application of Ruskin's IAQ Damper/Monitor
IAQ Damper/Monitor: Your Guide To Understanding Indoor Air Quality and The Application of Ruskin's IAQ Damper/Monitor
IAQ Damper/Monitor: Your Guide To Understanding Indoor Air Quality and The Application of Ruskin's IAQ Damper/Monitor
IAQ Damper/Monitor
· Remote monitoring 12
· Documented compliance 12
· Changing ventiletion needs
Other Benefits Revealed
13
DEFINITIONS
1.1 What is IAQ?
The term IAQ is a popular acronym for ‘indoor air quality’. One must
understand how air has a ‘quality’ to understand fully what IAQ means.
Determining the ‘quality’ of anything can be very subjective often relying on
individual tastes and preferences combining to form a consensus. In some ways, the
term indoor air quality is also a relative term. Any consideration of indoor air leads
to an association with outside ambient air. A noticeable difference between the two
is a varying level of contaminants that can be attributed to the concentration of
human activity and manufactured goods within a closed, indoor space. The closed,
indoor space of a building allows gaseous fumes, odors, germs, and even fungi to
grow in concentration to the point that the indoor air is qualitatively different from
the ambient air. It is at this point that it can even affect the health and comfort of a
building’s occupants.
The American Society for Heating and Refrigeration Engineers (ASHRAE) provides
the following definition of ‘acceptable indoor air quality’: “air in an occupied space
toward which a substantial majority of occupants express no dissatisfaction and
in which there are not likely to be known contaminants at concentrations
leading to exposures that pose a significant health risk. ”
IAQ is important because the health and the comfort of people working
indoors are important. Building owners interested in IAQ make this a top priority
today because a work environment that causes discomfort or health problems
(often leading to absenteeism) results in a loss of productivity. Also, poor IAQ may
cause tenants to look for building space elsewhere with a better indoor
environment.
In order to understand how poor IAQ can happen, let us look at a building
with little or no outside air ventilation. As air is recirculated within a building,
not only does carbon dioxide grow in concentration from human occupancy, but
so do odors, bacteria, viruses and germs both dependent and independent of
human activity. Such a rise in indoor contaminants within a closed system can
inspire acute effects, usually in the form of subjective symptoms such as
respiratory system irritations or drowsiness. People will complain of fatigue,
headaches and stuffiness. These signs of discomfort are difficult to confirm and
generally disappear when the suffering occupant leaves the building. Referred to
as ‘Sick Building Syndrome’, this situation is reliant on occupant perceptions.
‘Building Related Illness’ is a different term used to describe diagnosed
conditions of illness caused by a chronic exposure to poor IAQ. However, many
people confuse these terms and freely interchange them. What is important to
remember is that in either scenario the health and comfort of a building’s
occupants are compromised.
After investigating over 500 complaints of poor IAQ, NIOSH concluded that
overwhelmingly the main cause was insufficient ventilation, often the result of
improper operation and application of the HVAC system.
This reveals that the practices of HVAC equipment and controls contractors,
as well as those of building managers, need to prioritize the minimum ventilation
rates specified by design engineers to achieve good air quality. Look to the
following issues as prevalent within the industry:
♦ Improper air system balancing: The initial air balancing test performed
at the commissioning phase of the HVAC system installation is extremely
important. It is at this time that a system balancing contractor is to
correctly calibrate the ventilation equipment so it can meet minimum
fresh air requirements. This task is more difficult when the HVAC system
design incorporates air handling units with only one main outside air
damper that functions to provide fresh air not only for cooling but also for
ventilation. Project specifications in this situation call for the main
outside air damper to modulate open to a minimum position during
normal operation in order to bring in the right amount of outside air.
The difficulties encountered here are locating this ‘minimum position’
and setting the controls to maintain it. Thus, there is a reliance on
coordination between different contractors that have different
responsibilities.
♦ VAV unit volume changes: Even with a dedicated minimum outside air
damper, sized to provide the right amount of fresh air per ASHRAE 62-
1989, there is an additional complication--the reduction of air volume fan
output in VAV systems as a part of normal operation, a configuration that
generates energy savings . In a VAV system, as the interior spaces need
less cooling and the VAV boxes correspondingly close off to the main
unit’s cool air supply, the main unit controls respond to the increase in
duct static pressure by reducing the fan speed and thus the air volume.
There is a corresponding drop in the pressure difference between the
outside air and the mixed air plenum. The minimum outside air damper
is sized according to the expected pressures at full flow. Thus, at lower
speeds, the fan pulls less fresh air ventilation through the outside air
damper. Because the damper in this situation does not respond to the
fan speeds, the end result is that the actual fresh air ventilation rate
could be anything. Again, the ASHRAE standard may not be met.
1.5 What is available to assure compliance with the ASHRAE standard?
In addition, combining these products in the field and not in the factory has
meant that a project-specific laboratory calibration, which guarantees
performance, could not be achieved. Often, the use of three separate devices to
measure and monitor the outside air results in custom air handling design which
also adds to the overall project costs and schedule delays.
Interest in the use of CO2 sensors to measure and control indoor air quality
has increased dramatically in the past couple years. Although the information
provided by CO2 monitoring is valuable, merely controlling the level of CO2 below
some maximum threshold does not construe compliance with ASHRAE Standard
62. The reasons why are somewhat complicated because of confusion over the
link between CO2 and indoor air quality. Although ASHRAE has recognized CO2
as a surrogate indicator of body odors and other bioeffluents affecting indoor air
quality, the standard does not state that if CO2 concentrations are maintained at
acceptable levels then indoor air quality shall be considered acceptable. Rather,
the standard declares that “indoor air quality shall be considered acceptable if the
required rates of outdoor air...are provided for the occupied space.” Advocates of
CO2 as an indicator of a ventilation rate argue that if one knows both the CO2
concentration of outdoor air and the CO2 consumption level of occupants, one can
measure indoor CO2 and derive the ventilation rate. This might be true if outdoor
CO2 and human consumption were constant. However, it is not possible to
anticipate the various activity levels and breathing capacities of occupants. Thus,
any measured indoor CO2 reading can not as accurately determine ventilation
rates as an actual airflow measurement.
These same advocates also argue for CO2 as an actual measure of IAQ. The
assumption here is that if CO2 levels are low, then whatever ventilation that is
present is probably enough to remove all contaminants. The problem here is that
CO2 is an indicator of human activity and thus measures the human load, not the
actual air quality. It does not account for chemicals and various bacteria, molds,
and fungi that exist and propagate independently of human activity. Yet CO2
monitoring does provide some valuable benefits. For example, one could use the
sensors to trigger increased ventilation above minimum requirements at air
monitoring stations due to poor mixing and/or extra capacity. We quickly see
that the main bulwark of defense for building owners against “sick building
syndrome” is continued compliance with the ASHRAE ventilation standard via the
Ventilation Rate Procedure.
RUSKIN
2.1 Introduction
The IAQ50 integral air monitor/damper is the latest model in the new IAQ
damper series from Ruskin and is designed to meet the current engineering
demands for indoor air quality. The IAQ50 damper is an innovative combination
of three different functions into one product: an airfoil control damper that
regulates airflow, an airflow monitoring station, and a programmable controller. It
is designed to provide HVAC system compliance with the ventilation standard as
stated in ASHRAE Standard 62-1989. What is most unique about the IAQ50 is
that the airflow monitor is built into the damper. Thus, this patented assembly is
both narrow and compact and affords unmatched versatility. With a wide
operating range and adjustable setpoints, the IAQ50 damper is poised to respond
to future ventilation needs.
The unique design of the IAQ50 incorporates air monitoring into the
assembly of a high performance, aluminum airfoil blade control damper. A typical
control damper consists of multiple blades which modulate in unison to regulate
air flow for various applications. Ruskin has combined modulating blades with
strategically placed airflow sensing blades of special construction. The special
sensing blades designed by Ruskin possess pressure sensing ports located on the
blade edge on both the air entering and leaving sides. The multiple pressure
ports are connected to respective pressure chambers inside the body of the
sensing blade for entering and leaving air. The difference between these two
pressures corresponds to a velocity pressure of the airstream, and Ruskin’s IAQ50
controller (located inside a control panel provided as part of the IAQ50 damper)
converts the measurement of this pressure differential into a CFM value.
A differential pressure transducer is mounted inside the IAQ50 control
panel. Tubing/ piping connections are made between the control panel and the
monitor/damper frame (see control panel technical diagram for all wiring
information) for this device. The transducer converts the pressure signals from the
tubing to a low-voltage analog 2-10VDC signal that connects with the controller
analog input terminals. The calibration process readies the IAQ50 for the effects
of the position of the modulating blades and the pressure characteristics of each
unique damper as it monitors this signal. The IAQ50 controller monitors blade
position via a wiring connection to the feedback signal feature of the damper
actuator.
Once the controller has computed a value for the CFM, it compares this
value within its control logic programming to the CFM setpoint as determined by
the particular mode of operation of the HVAC system. In normal operation, this
setpoint will correspond to the minimum outside air ventilation required by the
system design to meet ASHRAE Standard 62. Based on the difference between
the actual CFM reading and the desired CFM setpoint along with other
programmed control parameters, the controller will position the modulating
damper blades as necessary to ensure that the actual outside air meets the
desired level. Wiring connects a modulating 2-10VDC signal from analog output
terminals on the IAQ50 controller to the damper actuator.
Finally, and most importantly, Ruskin calibrates and tests every IAQ50
damper at its factory prior to shipment. This ensures an easy and reliable start-
up, and accurate performance.
Ruskin offers two configurations in the IAQ50 damper family to meet your
particular application needs:
The first design is the minimum outside air damper model IAQ50 for those
units that have separate maximum outside air and minimum outside air dampers,
with the minimum outside air damper designed to provide the minimum
ventilation to the space as determined by ASHRAE Standard 62. (See Figure 2-1)
Here the IAQ50 takes the place of the typically two-position minimum outside air
control damper and modulates to maintain the actual CFM requirements. If the
sequence of operation for the air handling unit calls for the use of outside air in
cooling the space (referred to as air-side economizer), please note that under “free
cooling” conditions, when the outside air temperature or enthalpy is low enough
to be suitable for cooling the space, the AHU controls will modulate open the
maximum outside air damper. As this happens, the IAQ50 damper is no longer
involved in maintaining setpoint because the maximum outside air damper is now
providing outside air ventilation which exceeds the ASHRAE standard
requirements. The IAQ50 controller monitors a status switch (recommended, but
not required) which signals that the main outside air damper is open. If the main
damper is open, the IAQ50 overrides to 100% open and suspends minimum
outside air control.
Many air handling units have only one main outside air damper, not two. In
this application, the IAQ50 damper takes the place of the entire outside air intake
section (see figure 2-2). This is applicable to many AHU configurations in which
the minimum fresh air ventilation is not conducted into the space by a single
dedicated damper, but by controlling the outside air to open a fixed minimum
percentage during unit operation. Here the IAQ50 will maintain its CFM setpoint
at all times. If the AHU controls signal for free cooling during the economizer
operation, the IAQ50 controller accepts this signal to open the damper further
than necessary for minimum ventilation in order to satisfy cooling demands.
During non-economizer unit operation, the IAQ50 will open to a position that
provides the minimum outside air as required by system design. Finally, during
unoccupied hours, the IAQ50 damper will shut down to fully closed.
2.4 IAQ50 Sequence Switches
Because Ruskin has designed the IAQ50 with aluminum airfoil blades and
a special frame allowing for maximum free area, the pressure drop performance of
the damper is superb (see figure 2-5). Unlike other air measuring damper
arrangements which have such a high pressure drop that designers must account
for it within the design of the HVAC system, the performance of the IAQ50 allows
system design to proceed without special considerations. Thus, the IAQ50 is
designed around the HVAC system, not vice versa. The low pressure drop also
means that the required airflow can be accomplished with less fan power and
consequently less energy consumption.
IAQ50 Pressure Drop Performance
figure 2-5
1.0
1000
Pressure Drop
inches w.g. 0.1
0.01
100 1000 10000
Velocity - FPM
A lack of control of the outside air stream means more than just the
possibility of inadequate ventilation and non-compliance with the ASHRAE
standard. Like any portion of the HVAC system that is not under control, the
outside airflow can deviate above what is required. While this may not threaten
indoor air quality, this extra ventilation results in extra energy consumption, as
the extra outside air must be either heated or cooled to suit building temperature
requirements. Sources of excess outside air ventilation range from the human
element, like improper system balancing, to climatic influence, such as strong
winds.
One cannot overstate the value of the individual factory calibration afforded
each IAQ50 damper. Besides symbolizing Ruskin’s close attention and
commitment to quality products on which customers have come to rely, the
factory calibration also serves to save time and money. Not understood or detailed
is the high cost of any field calibration of HVAC system components. The cold
construction site or the cramped mechanical room are not ideal environments for
the attention to detail and precision available in Ruskin’s AMCA registered
laboratory. Furthermore, field calibration takes longer because of coordination
costs and the uncertainties of field circumstances. In sum, individual factory
calibration means that the IAQ50 is ready to go upon arrival for the specific
application for which it was designed.
One final, remarkable benefit of the IAQ50 is that the combination of its
innovative design and its individual factory calibration precludes the necessity of
any straight duct section requirements commonly found with conventional airflow
stations. In new construction projects this means once again that the HVAC
system design can proceed unhindered by the special considerations of a single
component. As indicated above, the IAQ50 is designed around the HVAC system,
and not vice versa, and this results in lowered costs as compared to convention
methods. For example, standard AHU construction can be utilized in lieu of
much more expensive custom designs. This feature has important ramifications
for retrofit applications as well. Because an existing building’s HVAC system may
have structural constraints that preclude the use of conventional airflow stations,
the IAQ50 serves as an ideal solution in that its narrow depth and damper design
allows it to fit in tight spaces.
3. IAQ Opportunities/Case Studies
♦ Schools: Good indoor air quality creates a healthy, comfortable, and productive
learning environment. High-density indoor spaces are often the most at risk
and warrant the close IAQ scrutiny that the IAQ50 affords.
♦ Medical Facilities: Engineers and building owners are committed to the health
and safety of employees and patients in any medical facility. ASHRAE
Standard 62 identifies good indoor air quality methods as critical in abating
microbial contaminants.
♦ Clean Rooms: Applications such as these beg for the precise control and
monitoring capabilities that the IAQ50 provides.
♦ Building Pressurization: When a building has its inflows and outflows under
stable control, true system balancing can easily be achieved and building
pressurization difficulties can be addressed. Good indoor air quality is the
beneficial result.
These are some suggested strategic action steps:
2. Work with building owners and those companies in consultation with building
owners in order for them to realize that they are the caretakers of indoor air
quality.
4. When a potential customer is identified, show how the great long-term benefits
of the many features of the IAQ50 far outweigh the initial cost of installing the
unit.
5. Follow through with an investigation of the particular HVAC system needs and
characteristics in order to provide an IAQ50 specially suited for the building in
which it is to be installed.
This IAQ package by Ruskin included both the minimum IAQ damper as well as
the maximum fresh air damper as detailed in section 2. The IAQ damper/monitor
was calibrated at Ruskin for accuracy and then shipped as a complete assembly
to the York facility for installation in the air handling unit.
This damper measures and monitors the amount of fresh air entering the
building based on the ventilation rates established in ASHRAE Standard 62-89.
Because the Ruskin IAQ damper automatically adjusts to maintain the desired
CFM setpoint, energy consumption is saved in the process.
In order to build a new way to access the casino, the 4 Queens Hotel and Casino
needed a 48-foot air curtain. However, this curtain had to be designed around
existing structural supports, providing a unique and challenging problem of air
control. The air curtain not only had to prevent conditioned air from leaving the
building, but it also had to provide comfort and not consume too much energy.
Working together with Long and Associates and Harris Consulting Engineers,
Ruskin combined their IAQ50 dampers with the air curtain, providing a custom
designed job that maintained consistent airflow around the structural supports.
This solution enabled the 4 Queens to open a new accessway, and caused them to
exceed revenue projections.
When the Money Store built a new headquarters, their architects employed a
unique tiered design. Several Ruskin products were employed in the new
building. The IAQ50 was installed in the outside air plenums in order to control
the minimum outside air and report the information to the Building Automation
System. They work in conjunction with Ruskin's CD36 low leakage damper,
which were installed in the outside air openings of the plenums. This enables
the building to precisely monitor and control outside air flow.
CASE STUDY
RUSKIN
The IAQ Damper Series
Compliance with ventilation standards should not be costly. The ability of Ruskin’s IAQ40
damper to fit into a standard AHU design saved in cost and delivery lead time.
R
Money Store
Expansion
Includes
Several Ruskin
HVAC Products
The Money Store building expansion
The Money Store Administrative Building, West Sacramento, CA project incorporates several Ruskin
products that control the ventilation
system and provide HVAC life/safety
Headquartered in West Sacramento, California, The Money
protection. These include:
Store’s existing facilities were inadequate for its growing staff.
To help with its consolidation and expansion, The Money Store ■ IAQ50 Air Flow Measuring
contracted with E.M. Kado and Associates to design a new facility Control Dampers
to meet their needs. Wanting to complement and enhance the ■ CD36 Control Dampers
West Sacramento skyline, E.M. Kado and Associates designed
■ CBS7 Fan Discharge
the new building with a distinctive tiered appearance. Backdraft Dampers
The mechanical systems in this unique building were designed
■ CD80VG2 Fan Discharge Dampers
and installed by Airco Mechanical, Inc. They selected several
Ruskin products to control the ventilation system and provide ■ FSD36 Fire/Smoke Dampers
the HVAC life/safety protection. Norman Wright Mechanical
■ FSD36C Corridor
Equipment, Co., Ruskin’s Sacramento representative, provided Fire/Smoke Dampers
expert support to complete the design, installation and
■ IBD40 Integral Sleeve
commissioning of the system. Fire Dampers
The HVAC system includes chillers installed in the basement
level. With two 74,000 CFM centrifugal fans, outside air and
return air are directed to a large acoustical plenum. The system
is designed with efficiency in mind and to meet ASHRAE 62-89
recommendations. The HVAC system also includes life safety pro-
tection which, in case of a fire, helps prevent flame spread and
smoke migration within the building, including the four-story atrium.
Case Study
THE MONEY STORE
CS Money -898
Case Study
FOUR QUEENS HOTEL
AND CASINO
Ruskin’s IAQ50
Air Flow Measuring
Control Damper
Solves Las Vegas Air
Curtain Challenge
To improve access into the Four
Queens Hotel and Casino in Las
Vegas, Four Queens recently added
Four Queens Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, NV a 48 foot air curtain. Built using
Downtown Las Vegas hasn’t been the same since the Ruskin’s IAQ50 air flow measuring
completion of the Fremont Street Experience revived this popular and control dampers, the new air
gambling and tourist destination. This four-block project has
successfully turned a city street into a large canopy-covered walkway curtain efficiently and economically
that has substantially increased the tourist and gambling business maintains the pressure in the building.
in the downtown area.
The Fremont Street Experience which includes a mist Designed to satisfy the needs
evaporation system to protect the tourists from the sun and heat, of a variety of applications, the
and a laser light show presented several times nightly, created
problems for the Four Queens Hotel and Casino. IAQ50 air flow measuring and
Business at the Four Queens Hotel and Casino, located on control damper provides the perfect
Fremont Street, was suffering because the two existing air curtains
on each end of the casino were limiting access into the hotel and solution to difficult challenges.
casino from the sidewalk where the crowds stroll and gather
to watch the light shows.
In order to share in the success of The Fremont Street
Experience, the Four Queens Hotel and Casino contracted with
Harris Consulting Engineers in Las Vegas to design an additional
access opening. This new, 48 foot opening would be located
between the existing entrances.
The hotel wanted the new entrance to open without doors.
This required the design and building of an air curtain to separate
the casino from the outside elements. Here’s where the hotel
encountered a problem. Because of the hotel’s design, the air
curtain would be obstructed by existing structural supports. And,
in order to maintain proper building pressure, the air curtain had
to provide precise control of the airflow around the obstructions
(8) RUSKIN IAQ50 DAMPER ASSEMBLIES
ROOF
PLENUM
UPPER LEVEL
AIR CURTAIN
FILTER FILTER
FAN FAN
BASEMENT
and down to the return air grate which is also custom air curtain,” says Floyd Harris, principal
the walkway into the casino. of Harris Consulting Engineers. “Without the
In addition to maintaining the pressure in precision control of the air velocity around the
the building to prevent the loss of conditioned structural obstructions, it would result in uneven
air from the casino, energy consumption and flow through the supply grille and loss of the air
comfort were significant design criteria. barrier. That means conditioned air would have
With the assistance of Long & Associates, escaped into Fremont Street. The support given
Inc., Ruskin’s Las Vegas representative, the Harris by Ruskin and Long & Associates throughout
team responded to the challenge by designing the design, installation and commissioning
a custom air curtain that provides precision air of this system was outstanding.”
flow around the existing structural supports. The IAQ50 air flow measuring control
Built using Ruskin’s IAQ50 air flow measuring damper is designed to fit the needs of a variety
and control dampers, the new air curtain successfully of applications. It is this type of versatility that
provides consistent airflow. The system includes helped the project succeed.
two 65,000 cfm centrifugal fans installed in the Harris Consulting Engineers once again
space below the return air walkway grate. The air demonstrated their commitment to providing
returns through the grate into the basement plenum engineered solutions for their customers by
and passes through two 144 square foot filter incorporating this unique product into their
and coil banks. It is then ducted up from the fans custom air curtain design.
into the plenum space above the air curtain supply The Ruskin IAQ50 air flow measuring and
opening. The air then passes through the IAQ50 control damper is one of many products avail-
air flow measuring/control dampers and is direct- able through Ruskin’s network of representatives.
ed through an adjustable deflection type grille. To learn more about Ruskin’s complete line of
The individual IAQ50 dampers measure and dampers and louvers, or to find the nearest
control the airflow between the existing structural Ruskin representative, visit our website at
supports. This helps guarantee the air curtain www.ruskin.com or call us at (816) 761-7476.
maintains the required velocity and prevents
conditioned air from escaping through the opening. R
CS FourQ -898
3.3 Reassured customers: A Sampling of IAQ Damper Installations
DESERET NEWS BLDG. SALT LAKE CITY HIGH RISE OFFICE NEW
COTTON WOOD CTR. SALT LAKE CITY HIGH RISE OFFICE NEW
NOTRE DAME SPORTS REC. FACILITY NOTRE DAME, IN SPORTS COMPLEX NEW
3900 Dr. Greaves Rd. • Kansas City, MO 64030 • (816) 761-7476 • FAX (816) 765-8955
Spec IAQ50-796/Replaces IAQ50-0496 ALL STATED SPECIFICATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE OR OBLIGATION. © Ruskin Manufacturing 1996
OPERATION
The unique design of the IAQ50 incorporates an air monitor into the value to the CFM setpoint as determined by the particular mode of
assembly of a high performance, aluminum airfoil blade control operation of the HVAC system. In normal operation, this setpoint will
damper. Ruskin has combined modulating airfoil blades with correspond to the minimum outside air ventilation required by the
strategically placed airflow sensing blades to measure the airstream system design to meet ASHRAE Standard 62. Based on the
velocity pressure. Air tubing/piping connections connect the difference between the actual CFM reading and the desired CFM
damper/monitor frame to a differential pressure transducer located in setpoint, the controller will position the modulating damper blades as
the IAQ50 control panel (provided as part of the IAQ50 damper). The necessary to ensure that the actual outside air flow meets the
IAQ50 controller also monitors the control blade position using the desired level.
feedback signal feature of the damper actuator. With the signal from
the pressure transducer and the blade position signal, the IAQ50 The IAQ50 provides a scaled 0-10VDC signal for remote monitoring
controller converts the pressure differential into an accurate CFM of the actual ventilation rate in CFM. Additionally, the IAQ50 can
value. receive a 0-10VDC setpoint adjustment signal if a ventilation range is
After computing a value for the CFM, the controller compares this desired.
Minimum Outside
Air Damper
(provides minimum Outside Air
ventilation) Intake
IAQ50
ECONOMIZER
DAMPER
The IAQ50 integral air monitor/damper is available in two different • Non-flanged Style (NF): The IAQ50 can be designed to fit your
mounting styles to suit your particular installation: outside air opening as shown in figure 3. The flange of the
• Flanged Style (FL): The IAQ50 can be designed to fit your IAQ50 frame is included within the dimensions of the intake
outside air opening with a standard flange on the air straightener opening. This is ideal for ducted and sleeved installations where
section as shown in figure 2. The flange width of the IAQ50 mounting flanges are not required. Minimum face velocity for this
frame is not included within the dimensions of the intake style is 300 fpm.
opening. This is ideal for most wall and AHU mountings, and
maximizes the IAQ50's free area. The minimum face velocity
for this style is 400 fpm.
13/8"
(35)
Intake
Intake "H" Dim
"H" Dim
Customer
Specified
Flange
Dimension
(13/8"
flange
provided
as
standard)
Figure 2: IAQ50 FLANGED STYLE Figure 3: IAQ50 NON-FLANGED STYLE
WITH OPTIONAL
FILTER SECTION
TYPICAL IAQ50 WIRING AND PIPING SCHEMATIC
A
I
R
F
L
O
W
C
IAQ50 Frame F
Side View M
0V 2V 4V 6V 8V 10V
Panel Output
Optional connections to
IAQ50 CONTROL PANEL remote systems/devices (by others)
120VAC
Power
CFM Setpoint Adjustment
(typical)
A
Pos Signal
24V Power I
Pos Feedback
R
F
Motor L
Actuator O
W
C
F
M
0V 2V 4V 6V 8V 10V
Panel Input
SUGGESTED SPECIFICATION
Furnish and install at locations shown on the plans, or as in section to ensure proper airflow readings. The air straightener
accordance with schedules, an air monitor station integral to the section shall be flanged as required by the application.
minimum outside air damper. The integral air monitor/damper shall
incorporate measuring ports built into the damper blades and shall Each air monitor/damper shall include 24VAC electric modulating
control the minimum amount of outside air as recommended by motor and an application specific controller designed for this
ASHRAE Standard 62. The construction of the air monitor/damper application furnished by the damper manufacturer. Each integral air
shall be 6" x 1.375" x .125" (152 x 35 x 3.18) aluminum frame. The monitor/damper shall be calibrated in an AMCA registered
IAQ50 frame shall be designed for 4 bolt and flange cleat laboratory and a certification chart shall accompany the air monitor/
installation and shall provide maximum free area for lowest damper. The integral air monitor/damper shall be Ruskin's model
pressure drop performance. The damper blades shall be heavy IAQ50.
gage aluminum airfoil type with Ruskiprene blade edge seals.
Jamb seals shall be flexible metal compression type, and the SPECIFIER SELECT OPTIONS
linkage shall be concealed out of the airstream and located within
the damper frame to reduce pressure drop and noise. The integral Where required or requested, the integral air damper/monitor shall
damper/monitor assembly shall incorporate an air straightener be used in conjunction with Ruskin's 4" (102) wide louver.
Ruskin IAQ40
Maintains
Minimum
Outside Air
Requirements
Ruskin CD60
Outside Air
Damper
IAQCS1-196
VISION BY RUSKIN
We Make it Happen!
R
3900 Dr. Greaves Rd., Kansas City, MO 64030 • (816) 761-7476 Fax (816) 765-8955
4.3 Frequently Asked Questions - IAQ50
1. Can I put the IAQ damper before or after an elbow or any other transition in
the ductwork? If so, what are the requirements?
2. What is the pressure drop through a fully open IAQ and straightener?
• The straightener section also acts to reduce the pressure drop. See the
pressure drop curve in section 2.8.
3. If the IAQ sensing blades become plugged, the controller will open the
damper, thus allowing more fresh air than necessary to enter the building.
Does the IAQ controller send a signal telling of the plugged blade condition?
• The IAQ50 incorporates a 0-10 vdc output for CFM indication. If plugging
were to occur, the building’s FMS could be pre-programmed to an alarm
condition if CFM indication goes out of the user specified range. Trend
logging these values on a daily or monthly basis is an excellent method to
prevent plugging.
• First identify the outside airflow range that the IAQ50 damper will monitor and
control. This information, along with design velocity of the standard
economizer air dampers, serves as a guide in sizing an IAQ50. The IAQ50
should be sized so that the airflow velocities over the desired airflow
monitoring range are within the published limits and correspond to the design
velocity of a standard outside air damper. This will help to ensure a similar
pressure drop across each bank of dampers.
• Ruskin’s IAQ50 design has 3 integral parts: the air measuring damper, the
feedback actuator and Ruskin’s exclusive DDC controller. Each component is
necessary for a properly functioning factory calibrated product backed by
Ruskin. Consult Ruskin for other air measuring devices if your job
requirements differ.
• We offer stainless steel straightener and frame. This section is also completely
removable for cleaning or replacing. We can also provide anodizing and
other special finishes for the aluminum components at our factory.
• No and here’s why. Electronics are the key to the accurate measurement of
the airflow. The inclusion of pneumatic actuators would not only be a design
constraint, but a major cost increase would occur.
• Not at this time. Please refer back to question 5. The IAQ50 has been
developed using this highly reliable and accurate actuator. Other direct-
coupled motors may be available in the future.
10. What is the maximum pressure(psi) when cleaning the sensing holes?
• 20-40 psi. Please disconnect the static pressure sensor (refer to maintenance
instructions, section 5.6 in this manual).
11. What are the minimum and maximum face velocities for the IAQ50?
• Between 300 and 2000 fpm, we will guarantee an accuracy to +/- 5%. The
IAQ50 is operational from 150 to 3000 fpm..
13. Can you give me a 4-20ma signal rather than the 0-10v reading?
14. What happens if I remove and reinstall the actuator in the field?
• Every IAQ50 control shaft and actuator clamp is permanently marked during
calibration. Returning them to this exact location will ensure reliable readings
if actuator is removed.
15. How can I tell if my IAQ50 is working correctly?
• Comparing the data from the Setpoint Adjustment and the CFM Indication
signals is a simple way to determine proper operation.
16. Can I use your output to directly control my return air damper?
• Not directly. Depending on the IAQ50 configuration, full or minimum, the IAQ
damper can interface with the economizer temperature or enthalpy control
system and therefore dictate the return air damper action. See section 2.3 for
more details.
17. How does the IAQ50’s performance stack up to an air monitoring station?
• By incorporating a damper into the air measuring design, the IAQ50 is able to
read at low velocities because the pressure signal (static and total) is
amplified. Additionally, the IAQ50 utilizes a high quality dead-end pressure
transducer that performs exceptionally well at these low velocities.
• Yes, so that our controller will know the actuator and damper blade position.
• Yes, via a 0-10v (dc) input. Setpoints can be changed at any time the
requirements change in the building.
• The response time of the IAQ50 control loop is tuned so as to prevent the
actuator from hunting continuously. Maintaining and documenting minimum
outside air does not require rapid response time. 5-10 minutes is typical.
21. I need to access the straightener for periodic cleaning, can you provide an
access door or slide-in tray?
• Yes. This may require a custom configuration. Please allow extra time to
consult with the Ruskin engineering department.
22. What effect does water carry over have on the IAQ50?
24. If it is a dead-end sensor, how often does one zero out the signal to correct
the read out?
• Anodized aluminum construction for the sensing blade, frame and damper
blade.
• -22°F to 140°F. With optional actuator heater, the low end temperature goes to
–40°.
• They shouldn’t because the temperature of the blades should be equal to the
mixed air temperature which is above freezing. But, in the unlikely event that
frosting occurs, and pressure readings are not possible, the damper will
respond to the open position thus satisfying the requirements for minimum air.
28. How far downstream should the IAQ be if installed on the supply side of the
fan?
• This is not designed for measuring air on the supply side of the fan.
29. What happens to the output signal when the outside air damper opens?
31. If the actuators are replaced in the field, how is the unit recalibrated?
• Recalibration is not necessary. There are two actuator clamps holding the
actuator to the control shaft. Removal of the outside clamps only is required to
remove the actuator. For other notes on the reinstallation, of the actuator, see
question 14.
IAQ50 Installation and Maintenance Instructions
(The IAQ50 Air Damper/Monitor unit and digital controller panel may ship in
separate containers. Please verify the receipt of both prior to installation.)
1. Remove the IAQ50 Air Damper/Monitor from its shipping container and
inspect for damage, rust or corrosion. Care must be taken in handling the
unit. Always handle the IAQ50 Air Damper/Monitor by its frame. Do not lift it
by the blade, linkage, axle, motor or jackshaft. Do not drop, drag, step on, or
apply excessive bending, twisting or racking loads to the IAQ50.
2. Inspect the ductwork and/or opening where the IAQ50 Air Damper/Monitor
assembly will be installed for any obstruction or irregularities that might
interfere with blade or linkage rotation, or actuator mounting. If it is to be
installed in ductwork, the ductwork should be supported in the area of the
IAQ50 to prevent sagging due to the unit’s weight.
3. The IAQ50 Air Damper/Monitor must be installed with the frames square and
without twisting or bending. Unless specifically designed for a vertical blade
application, the unit must be mounted with its blade axis horizontal. The
damper blades, axles, and linkage must be able to operate without binding.
4. The best location for the extended shaft or jackshaft must be determined
before installing the damper. The damper may be rotated to get the extended
shaft on the correct side of the ductwork. After the damper is installed the
shaft location cannot be changed without removing the damper. The jackshaft,
if installed, will always be in the leaving air stream. Unlike other control
dampers, which have no airflow orientation, the IAQ50 has a specified inlet
and outlet. The outside air (or other controlled air stream) enters the unit
through the air straightener section and exits the unit from the damper frame
side.
5. Use appropriate shims between damper frame and duct opening to prevent
distortion of the frame by fasteners holding it in place. If creating a multi-
section assembly, be sure that all of the sections are fastened together on both
sides.
6. The IAQ50 Air Damper/Monitor is factory calibrated and tested in order to
perform correctly in its application immediately following installation. The
electric actuator should not be moved, adjusted, or altered in any way to
facilitate installation. Such modifications affect the factory calibration of the
unit. If the actuator, linkage, or shafting present a problem for installation,
please consult your local Ruskin representative or the Ruskin factory. The
IAQ50 should be cycled after installation to assure proper operation.
5.3 IAQ50 Wiring and Piping Connections (refer to control panel wiring
diagram)
1. Connect the 115VAC power supply to IAQ50 control panel terminals L1 and
L2.
2. Connect the Belimo AF24-SR motor actuator 24VAC power wires 1 and 2 to
control panel terminals 5 and 6, respectively.
3. Connect the motor actuator 0-10V control signal wire 3 to panel terminal 7.
4. Connect the motor actuator 2-10V position feedback signal wire 5 to panel
terminal 8.
5. (Optional) Connect the 0-10VDC remote setpoint adjustment signal (by
others) to control panel terminals 3 and 4. Terminal 3 is the positive terminal.
6. (Optional) Connect the wires to receive 0-10VDC actual CFM signal from the
IAQ50 panel to terminals 1 and 2. Terminal 1 is the positive terminal.
7. (Recommended) Connect dry contact/switch to terminals 10 and 11 to activate
the occupied/unoccupied function. A closed contact connection (default with
jumper wire) places the IAQ50 digital controller into normal operation/day
mode. An open circuit is a shutdown command, and the IAQ50 damper fully
closes. Other applications for an open circuit command are night set-back and
morning warm-up sequences, or any time the outside air damper should be
closed.
8. (Optional) Connect dry contact/switch to terminals 9 and 10 to activate
economizer override function. When operating in the normal/day mode, a
closed circuit activates minimum fresh air control. A jumper is factory
installed to set this default condition. If an open circuit is placed between the
terminals, this is an economizer signal asking for free cooling. The IAQ50
travels to and remains 100% open.
9. (Optional) Connect the 0-10VDC remote outside air cooling demand signal (by
others) to control panel terminals 12 and 13. Terminal 12 is the positive
terminal. If this signal calls for more outside air than the minimum ventilation
setpoint, the IAQ50 will modulate open beyond minimum position in response
to this signal (0-10VDC scaled to 0-100% damper open). At no time will the
IAQ50 digital controller allow airflow below the minimum CFM setpoint.
Switch S1 Switch S2 Result
CLOSED CLOSED NORMAL DAY MODE
OPEN OPEN IAQ50 DRIVES
CLOSED
OPEN CLOSED IAQ50 DRIVES
CLOSED
CLOSED OPEN IAQ50 DRIVES OPEN
1. Connect the total pressure signal tubing (from upstream side of damper)
labeled “H” to barbed fitting on the side of the IAQ50 control panel labeled “H”.
2. Connect the static pressure signal tubing (from downstream side of damper)
labeled “L” to barbed fitting on the side of the IAQ50 control panel labeled “L”.
5.5 IAQ50 Inspection and Troubleshooting Instructions
A signal isolation problem usually presents with a damper that is “stuck” in any
one position and does not move. Nothing seems to work as expected. Usually a
building automation interface is connected to the IAQ50 control panel.
The IAQ50 system shares a common neutral between its 24 VAC input and its 0-
10 VDC inputs and outputs. If the correct phasing (polarity on DC side) is not
observed, or if distant neutrals having different resistance in relation to the hot
side of the 24 VAC are connected to the inputs, then nothing will work.
Check the building automation system (BAS) outputs (in VDC) to the IAQ50
panel. If the VDC between + and - does not equal VDC between + and the IAQ
controller mounting plate, then a voltage potential between distant neutrals is
indicated. Both conditions and other group loop problems will require signal
isolators to correct. The simplest method to check for signal isolation problems is
to disconnect all inputs and outputs from the BAS to the IAQ50 panel and check
the its operation. One can now begin a process of elimination to identify what
signals require isolation. If the unit operates correctly now, reconnect the output
to the BAS and check operation. If the unit and BAS operate correctly, isolation
of output will not be required. Reconnect inputs to IAQ and check the operation.
If failure occurs here signal isolation will be required, etc.
One conducts this check if the IAQ50 presents a low CFM reading as compared to
setpoint, yet is not fully open.
1. Check and record the AC voltage between terminal 5 and the panel mounting
plate.
2. Check and record the AC voltage between terminal 6 and the panel mounting
plate.
3. The latter reading (terminal 6 to plate) should be greater than the former
(terminal 5 to plate). If not, reverse the 24 VAC transformer leads. If it is, go to
step 3.
3. Check and record the DC Voltage between terminals 5 and 7 (control voltage
to damper). This reading should relate to the actual damper position: 2 VDC or
less, damper closed; 10 VDC damper fully open. If not, check the wiring to the
damper and the Belimo actuator’s position switch. If it does correlate, go to step
4.
4. Check and record the DC voltage between terminals 5 and 8 (feedback from
the damper motor actuator). It should be approximately equal to the previous
reading (control voltage to motor, terminals 5 and 7). If it does not, check the
wiring to the damper and Belimo actuator’s direction switch. Otherwise, the
electrical connections are appropriate.
5.6 IAQ50 Maintenance Instructions
1. Semi-annually the tiebar linkage and the jackshaft or extended shaft bearings
should be lubricated with a silicone lubricant.
2. Blade axle bearings do not normally require lubrication.
3. When dampers are installed where they will be exposed to heavy dust-laden
air, frequent flushing of the axle bearings with water is recommended for
extended bearing life.
4. The air straightener section and the damper blades should be annually
inspected for particulate build-up. Use a damp cloth to wipe clean the damper
blades. One can use water to clean and flush the air straightener section and
the damper blades if deemed necessary. The air straightener section can be
unbolted from the damper for ease of cleaning. Ruskin recommends using
pressurized air to clear the sensing ports of water. See step 5.
5. Disconnect the piping connections between the IAQ50 Air Damper/Monitor
frame and the control panel. Apply a clean, pressurized air source to the air
piping connections on the IAQ50 damper frame in order to flush out the
sensing ports on the fixed monitoring blade(s) of the IAQ50. DO NOT connect
this air source to the control panel, as this will damage the IAQ
instrumentation.
6. If the IAQ50 assembly contains the optional filter section, please replace this
filter on a semi-annual basis or upon discretion. Excessive pressure drop
caused by a dirty filter may affect IAQ50 operation.
Contact Ruskin, Commercial Damper Sales, 3900 Dr. Greaves Road, Grandview, MO 64030 for information.
Telephone: 816-761-7476