Why Wall Vents Are Essential for Effective Industrial Ventilation
Industrial natural ventilation is more complicated than just opening the roof to allow hot air to escape. It is a highly sophisticated system that is engineered to take advantage of thermodynamics and aerodynamics. In addition to roof vents that allow hot air to escape, wall vents that supply fresh air are also vital. With costs climbing as quickly as the mercury on a thermometer, ensuring cost-effective industrial ventilation is becoming increasingly important for ensuring the safety of your workers and for the safety of your bottom line.
Roof and Wall Vents Work Best Together
As we previously discussed in a recent post, roof vents are a vital component of industrial ventilation because they prevent heat and moisture from accumulating within the facility. However, roof vents alone are ineffective without a supply of cooler air to help drive the heat up and out. Without adequate air supply, hot air will linger in the rafters and accumulate in unvented spaces. Even powered exhaust systems, such as up-blast fans, cannot operate as effectively without wall vents providing fresh air.
Operating powered exhaust without also creating a way for fresh air to replace the discharged air will create pressure differences throughout the facility, causing doors to slam shut or become more difficult to open. This can negatively influence highly sensitive processes, such as tight-tolerance coordinate measuring machine (CMM) inspections or finely tuned production timing. Wall vents, also known as louvers, are specially designed to work with roof vents and other forms of industrial exhaust systems to facilitate air turnover and improve working conditions.
A Wall Vent’s Role in Temperature Regulation
Industrial processes generate a lot of heat to begin with. Add heat-producing processes, such as forges, lehrs, or fourdrinier, internal temperatures can reach dangerous levels. Strategically placed wall vents, however, will allow cooler fresh air to be drawn into and through the facility. As cooler air is pulled into the building, hot air gets pushed out. This in turn increases the flow of fresh air. This can reduce internal temperatures by up to 30 degrees. Without this added airflow, roof vents wouldn’t be nearly as effective at preventing hot air and moisture accumulation. You can configure industrial wall vents to exhaust hot air out to boost air changeover in high-temperature environments.
Louvers Breathe Fresh Air into Lackluster Productivity
Stale, stagnant, and overheated environments can take a toll on workers, especially if they have to work around high-temperature applications. Uncomfortable working conditions will result in reduced productivity as workers struggle to perform at their best while their bodies battle heat, humidity, and uncirculated air. In extreme heat environments, this can quickly cause heat-related illnesses and, eventually, indoor heat related OSHA violations. Industrial louvers encourage air exchange and can drastically improve working conditions and boost productivity.
Natural Solutions for Cost-Effective Results
Industrial ventilation doesn’t have to be high-tech to be effective. In fact, expertly designed natural ventilation systems can dramatically improve working conditions in heat-producing environments without the added operating costs of powered cooling systems. Creativity, experience, and an expert understanding of thermodynamics and aerodynamics are required when designing custom ventilation systems for cost-conscious customers that will cool their facilities without burning through the budget. Thankfully, Moffitt has all three. Contact us today to set up your free on-site consultation and let our experts help improve your industrial ventilation.