Computer-Assisted Ventilation Design and Evaluation

Abstract

Design and evaluation of industrial ventilation systems has evolved from a paper and calculator exercise to a high-speed, computer-assisted tool. Commercially available spreadsheets can be programmed using the data categories from the ACGIH Ventilation Worksheet (velocity pressure or equivalent-foot methods) to provide almost instantaneous evaluations. This paper is presented to assist industrial hygienists in preparing the spreadsheet to accept field and design data for evaluation. A working knowledge of the mechanics of spreadsheets is not necessary to input the data because of “user friendly” software and manuals (documentation) and self-paced tutorials. The flexibility of the spreadsheets encourages the industrial hygienist to tailor the program to the ventilation system instead of trying to fit the system into the program.