Industrial ventilation is used to reduce employee exposure to airborne toxins or flammable vapors. There are two types: dilution and local exhaust ventilation. Dilution is easy to install but can’t handle large quantities of toxic chemicals. Local exhaust is effective but expensive to install and maintain. Ventilation systems are crucial for monitoring indoor air quality and removing common pollutants. Professionals use air samples and computer models to ensure proper airflow.
Industrial ventilation can be found in many workplaces, especially those with a myriad of airborne contaminants. It is usually considered one of the main methods used to reduce employee exposure to airborne toxins or flammable vapors and works by replacing contaminated air with a cleaner atmosphere. There are two main types of industrial ventilation systems and they include dilution and local exhaust ventilation.
Dilution ventilation can include a few methods, from getting fresh air by opening doors and windows to using large fans. The point of such industrial ventilation systems is to direct the air away from the employees so they don’t have to breathe contaminated air while working. Some of the benefits of this type include easy installation in most cases, typically little maintenance, and efficiency in controlling small sources of contaminants. The disadvantages of this type of industrial ventilation are mainly related to the fact that it is generally unable to handle large quantities of toxic chemicals or vapors that can pollute the air. A common example of dilution ventilation includes large commercial fans.
Local exhaust ventilation is a kind of industrial ventilation system that aims to stop contaminants before they spread. Unlike dilution ventilation, this type does not rely on fans to disperse the air. Rather, it works in a similar way to a vacuum, usually resulting in a low concentration of pollutants. It is often best suited for very toxic chemicals or a high amount of dust or fumes. While local exhaust ventilation is usually quite effective and energy efficient, it typically costs more to install than dilution ventilation and is known by many to be a high maintenance system.
Unlike HVAC systems, the primary goal of industrial ventilation systems is to push the air outside without recirculating it. Regardless of the solution chosen, it is often considered important that most buildings have at least one system that contains air contaminants. Common pollutants that are removed from ventilation systems often include flammable vapors, welding fumes, dust, mold, asbestos fibers, oil mists and toxic chemicals.
Ventilation systems are often considered crucial for monitoring indoor air quality. In the presence of certain pollutants, not only the health of employees is at stake, but also their comfort. In fact, some of the indoor air in some industrial buildings can be worse for health than the outdoor air. To perform air quality control and ensure that ventilation systems are working, professionals typically collect air samples and model the airflow using a computer.
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