Air Handler Units (s)

The EPA and NADCA standards require that all internal components be remediated.  Air -handlers have been identified by the EPA as a microbiological growth site.  Strict protocol is followed when remediation this component to prevent cross contamination.

Remediation of Components

System is shut down and locked out during the remediation process.  All internal components including the evaporator coil, drain pan, blower wheel and housing, heating components and fiberglass liner are HEPA vacuumed with contact vacuums rated at 99.97% arrestance to .3 microns.  Hydro-remediation is employed for evaporator coils, blower components and drain pan utilizing an alkali foaming coil remediater.  EPA recommendations are followed for unit remediation.  A minimum of three complete applications of foaming coil remediater is used to loosen impacted particulate.  Note:  Not all evaporator coils can be completely remediated.  However, DUCTZ uses best effort practices.

Fan Coil Unit Large
Fan coil units (FCU’s) contain a heat exchange coil, blower housing and wheel, drain pan, electrical components and internal fiberglass liner. They are typically located in close proximity to the area they are serving. They receive chilled or heated water through a network of piping from a centralized location. The EPA and NADCA standards require that all internal components be cleaned. Fan coil units have been identified by the EPA as a microbiological growth site. Strict protocol is followed when cleaning this component to prevent cross contamination.

Cleaning Of Components
System is shut down and locked out during the cleaning process. All internal components including the evaporator/heating coil, drain pan, blower wheel and housing, electrical components and fiberglass liner are HEPA vacuumed with contact vacuums rated at 99.97% arrestance to .3 microns. Hydro-remediation is employed for evaporator coils, blower components and drain pans utilizing an alkali foaming coil cleaner. EPA recommendations are followed for unit cleaning. A minimum of three complete applications of foaming coil cleaner is used to loosen impacted particulate. Note: Not all evaporator coils can be completely cleaned. However, DUCTZ® uses best-effort practices.

Supply and Return Diffuser

A diffuser is the register or grill-like facing attached to the branch run through a connector called the duct system boot.  All diffusers, grills and registers are first-line indicators of either dirty mechanical systems or free-floating debris in the room air.  Many employee complaints originate from this condition.

Remediation of Components

The diffuser grill is removed from the boot attachment.  The exposed boot is contact HEPA vacuumed, and then prepared to control cross contamination.  The remediation is conducted with high-efficiency negative air machines that filter 99.97% of particles down to .3 microns to prevent cross-contamination and capture particulate.  Diffusers are transported to central remediation stations.  A mild mixture of alkali remediation solution is applied to diffusers followed by hand brushing and rinsing thoroughly with water.

Lay in Type Diffuser
A lay-in diffuser is the register or grille-like facing which is designed specifically to be suspended by drop-ceiling grid work and then attached to the branch run or main duct through a flexible duct. These diffusers have the boot attachment for the ductwork connection and the register facing all as one unit requiring unique cleaning. All diffusers, grilles and registers are first-line indicators of either dirty mechanical systems or free-floating debris in the room air. Many employee complaints originate from this condition.

Cleaning Of Components
The diffuser grille is removed from the flexible attachment. The open flexible ductwork is prepared to control cross contamination. The cleaning is conducted with high-efficiency negative air machines that filter 99.97% of particles down to .3 microns to prevent cross-contamination and capture particulate. Diffusers are transported to central cleaning stations. When design allows, the lay-in diffuser will then have the front perforated facing removed to allow contact HEPA vacuuming of the molded fiberglass boot. A mild mixture of alkali cleaning solution is applied to the diffuser’s metallic components followed by hand brushing and rinsing thoroughly with water.

Flexible Ductwork

Flexible ducts are composed of a spiral-wound wire wrapped with a Mylar or vinyl coating.  Small ducts range in size form 4” to 12” diameter.  All flex ducts in this range can be remediated using the same method, but require specific remediation procedure.

Remediation of Components

Access to the flexible duct is made through the boot connection or trunk line connection point.  Rotation cable-driven brushes initially dislodge debris adhering to the inner wall of the flex duct.  Self-propelling air sweeping tools are used to move the dislodged debris toward the high-efficiency negative air machines that filter 99.97% of particles down to .3 microns.  Note:  Flex ductwork is never cut by DUCTZ to gain access.

Interior Lined Metal Duct

This type of duct is defined by its utilization of a fiberglass duct liner, which is installed on the inside of the duct system.  The internal liner must be remediated using industry accepted “non-aggressive” techniques so as to not dislodge or erode the fibers.

Remediation of Components

Ducts are accessed through existing service openings or fabricated openings created by DUCTZ.  These openings allow maximum closure strength and preserve the structural integrity of the duct system.  HEPA-filtered contact vacuuming is used extensively to insure that the compressed fiberglass matrix has been remediated to the deepest level possible.  The remediation is conducted with high-efficiency negative air machines that filter 99.97% of particles down to .3 microns to prevent cross-contamination and capture particulate.  National standards are strictly adhered to.  Ductwork is resealed using a proprietary method that exceeds all standards.

Installation of Access Plates

Closures are made using metal galvanized insulated or non-insulated plates.  The plates are fabricated of a gauge (thickness) metal, which is equal to or greater than the gauge it is applied to.  Plates are sized 1” larger than the access opening and secured with self-tapping screws.  Foil mastic tape (not duct tape) is then applied over the seam.  These closures are designed to be permanent.  This procedure allows the system to be re-energized at the end of the work cycle without air leakage occurring.  This closure method requires additional labor and materials.  Therefore, bid differences may be reflected here.

Metal Duct - Uninsulated
This type of duct is constructed of galvanized metal with no inner or outer vapor barrier. They are generally found on cooling/heating systems that utilize a ceiling or free draw return. Metal duct surfaces allow the most aggressive tools to be employed during remediation.

Cleaning Of Components
Ducts will be accessed through existing service openings or fabricated openings created by DUCTZ®. These openings allow maximum closure strength and preserve structural integrity of the duct system. HEPA-filtered contact vacuuming is combined with aggressive cleaning methods using air whips, air sweeps, pneumatic driven brushes, cable driven brushes and robotics. The cleaning is conducted with high-efficiency negative air machines that filter 99.97% of particles down to .3 microns to prevent cross-contamination and capture particulate. The remediation process begins with mechanically dislodging debris from the duct walls. Air velocity is maintained within the duct to transport particles to the collection device. Various pneumatic sweeping tools assist in particle movement. This cleaning method is repeated section by section until national standards have been met.

Installation of the Access Plates

Closures are made using metal galvanized insulated or non-insulated plates. The plates are fabricated of a gauge (thickness) metal that is equal to or greater than the gauge it is applied to. Plates are sized 1" larger than the access opening and secured with self-tapping screws. Foil metallic tape (not duct tape) is then applied over the seam. Mastic is applied to the tape, plate and duct, further strengthening the closure. These closures are designed to be permanent. This procedure allows the system to be re-energized at the end of the work cycle without air leakage occurring. This closure method requires additional labor and materials. Therefore, bid differences may be reflected here.

Exterior Lined Metal Ducts

This type of duct is defined by its utilization of a fiberglass wrap, which is installed on the outside of the duct system.  The metal ductwork remediation uses industry accepted “aggressive” techniques.

Remediation of Components

Ducts are accessed through existing service openings or fabricated openings created by DUCTZ.  These openings allow maximum closure strength and preserve the structural integrity of the duct system.   Rotary brushes are used on the unlined metal walls of the ducts.   The remediation is conducted with high-efficiency negative air machines that filter 99.97% of particles down to .3 microns to prevent cross-contamination and capture particulate.  National standards are strictly adhered to.  Ductwork is resealed using a proprietary method that exceeds all standards.

Installation of Access Plates

Closures are made using metal galvanized insulated or non-insulated plates.  The plates are fabricated of a gauge (thickness) metal, which is equal to or greater than the gauge it is applied to.  Plates are sized 1” larger than the access opening and secured with self-tapping screws.  Foil mastic tape (not duct tape) is then applied over the seam.  These closures are designed to be permanent.  This procedure allows the system to be re-energized at the end of the work cycle without air leakage occurring.  This closure method requires additional labor and materials.  Therefore, bid differences may be reflected here.

Ductboard

This type of duct is defined by its utilization of a fiberglass duct with a foil lining on the outside.  The internal ductboard must be remediated using industry accepted “non-aggressive” techniques so as to not dislodge or erode the fibers.

Remediation of Components

Ducts are accessed through existing service openings or fabricated openings created by DUCTZ.  These openings allow maximum closure strength and preserve the structural integrity of the duct system.  HEPA-filtered contact vacuuming is used extensively to insure that the compressed fiberglass matrix has been remediated to the deepest level possible.  The remediation is conducted with high-efficiency negative air machines that filter 99.97% of particles down to .3 microns to prevent cross-contamination and capture particulate.  National standards are strictly adhered to.  Ductwork is resealed using a proprietary method that exceeds all standards.

Mixing Box Large Dual Duct
The main purpose of the mixing box is to blend warm and cool air from two separate ducts to satisfy the conditioned space. Historically, these devices are difficult to access and clean and are a prolific growth site for microbial contamination. They require specific attention with regard to the internal surfaces and the prevention of cross contamination.

Cleaning Of Components
Internal components including the dampers, actuators and fiberglass liner are HEPA vacuumed with contact vacuums rated at 99.97% arrestance to .3 microns. Components may be removed from the box depending on the manufacturer and accessibility.

Turning Vanes Composed of Metal
Metal turning vanes direct airflow and minimize the turbulence of air transported through the duct system. Turning vanes are collectors of debris and commonly collect larger amounts of particulate than is represented within the rest of the duct system.  Vanes are located at 90-degree turns within the duct system and are also located at strategic points where airflow changes direction. It is not uncommon to find some vanes completely blocked during the cleaning process.

Cleaning Of Components
Access is made on both sides of the vanes. High-pressure air is utilized to initially dislodge particulate and debris from within the crevices of the turning vanes. Vanes will also be contact HEPA vacuumed. Each vane is cleaned individually during this process.

Installation of Access Plates
The closures are made using metal galvanized insulated or non-insulated plates. The plates are fabricated of a gauge (thickness) metal, which is equal to or greater than the gauge it is applied to. Plates are sized 1" larger than the access opening and secured with self-tapping screws. Foil metallic tape (not duct tape) is then applied over the seam. Mastic is applied to the tape, plate and duct, further strengthening the closure. These closures are designed to be permanent. This procedure allows the system to be re-energized at the end of the work cycle without air leakage occurring. This closure method requires additional labor and materials. Therefore, bid differences may be reflected here.

VAV Boxes Large
Large Variable Air Volume (VAV) boxes are located above the ceiling space and provide a throttling effect that regulates airflow to specific rooms and spaces. Dampers and automated devices are located within the box and receive control orders through a sensing device such as a thermostat. Internal insulation and components require special attention as microbiological contamination regularly develops within these components. Since VAV boxes are welded construction and lack planned access points, disassembly of internal components is required for access. A large box can require several hours for proper remediation.

Cleaning Of Components
Internal components including the dampers, actuators and fiberglass liner are HEPA vacuumed with contact vacuums rated at 99.97% arrestance to .3 microns. Components may be removed from the box depending on the manufacturer and accessibility.