Describes the basic relation between pressure difference and air flow rate across an opening under steady state conditions. Taking the ventilation system into account, the pressure difference pattern across building enclosures andthe air leakage characteristics of exterior walls, interior separations and various service shafts must be understood, but at present little of this information has been available for actual buildings. Presents new data on the air leakage characteristics and natural ventilation rates for sound insulating houses.
Describes tests in Exeter University library of method of determining ventilation rate by measuring the amount that the atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration in an occupied space is raised above the outside ambient level. Compares rate obtained with that expected from the fan rating. Demonstrates that in addition to the ventilation rate, the average rate of production of carbon dioxide produced by the occupants could in principle have been estimated from the data.
Uses Turk's equation to obtain CO concentration v time curves in an office and a one-family house. Compares results with similar studies, current threshold limit values and ambient air quality standards for CO. Finds model is apparently valid for CO and probably for other gaseous contaminants not affected by absorption or deposition. Concludes that commercial environments should have at least 5 cfm fresh air per occupant and that a value of 50 cfmfresh air appears to be adequate for a one-family dwelling.
Describes a method for measuring the radon concentration of three litre samples of atmospheric air without pretreatment. Apparatus used consists of a 12 in. photomultiplier with 2ns (ag) phosphor and counting chamber. A measured efficiency of 38% when the phospor is negatively changed, is in good agreement with theory. The ultimate sensitivity is governed by the background which is equivalent to a concentration of 5 x 10|-4 c/l
Describes a model for calculating the energy losses caused by ventilation and uncontrolled leakage of air in buildings. Discusses leakage characteristics of building envelope and duct system, the effects of wind and stack effects. Gives general picture of the calculation model.
Describes in detail a multi-cell model for predicting ventilating airflows. Gives equations for flow through cracks, wind and stack effect. States that comparisons between prediction and measurements indicate that the method is capable of giving relatively high accuracy for a wide range of ventilation conditions. Discusses advantages and disadvantages of multi-cell and single-cell methods. Argues that multi-cell approach is potentially more accurate and more useful.
Describes investigation of the effects of five hour exposure of sixteen young people to different concentrations of formaldehyde. Physiological parameters, subjective discomfort and performance were monitored. Discusses setting of exposure standards for formaldehyde and suggests standard of 0.15 mg/m^3 for continuous exposure.< Discussion includes an account by R.Baars of developments in the Netherlands and measures taken to reduce formaldehyde concentrations in dwellings.
An air to air heat exchanger is only of value if one can control the movement of air into and out of the house. Suggests measures for reducing air leakage. describes construction of an air to air heat exchanger. Finds that heat exchanger can be used to control humidity in houses. Suggests use of a solar collector to preheat the cold outside air entering the heat exchanger.
Reviews literature on radioactivity in construction material. Finds that radioactivity in building materials used in the United States has received very little attention and that except for studies to find construction materials of very low background, there are no reports of radiological surveys of any U.S. building materials used for general construction purposes. Discusses surveys made outside the U.S.A. and summarized the gamma exposure rates found inside buildings (table 2). Gives bibliography of approximately 270 references.
Describes air infiltration measurements made in three apartment houses in the Chicago area using SF6 as a tracer gas. Two were in tenement districts and one was suburban. Data were collected in selected apartments in each building, and these data were used to estimate the infiltration rate for the entire building.
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