SECTION 15951

PIPING SYSTEMS TESTING, ADJUSTING, AND BALANCING

PART 1 -- GENERAL

1.1 WORK INCLUDED

A. This Section specifies the requirements for a testing and balancing agency,
hereinafter referred to as the testing, adjusting, and balancing contractor (TABC), to
test, measure, adjust, balance, and record performance of the general facility and
cleanroom support piping systems listed below to comply with the specified
performance requirements.
1. Primary, secondary, and tertiary chilled water systems.
2. Primary and secondary glycol systems.
3. Cooling tower water systems.
4. Primary, secondary, and tertiary heating water systems.
5. Heat recovery systems.
6. Steam and condensate systems.
7. Humidification systems.
8. Air scrubber spray systems.
9. Process cooling water systems.
10. Domestic hot, cold, recirculation, industrial, and safety shower water systems.

B. Include work required to retest, readjust, rebalance, and revise reports in order to
comply with the specified system performance.

C. Assist the cleanroom certification contractor (CCC) to achieve final cleanroom

certification, including:
1. Test, adjust, and balance the piping systems listed above as they pertain to the
cleanroom systems.
2. Retest, readjust, rebalance, or correct deficiencies noted by the CCC with
consultant as the sole judge for resolution of disputes between TABC and
CCC.

D. Act in the Owner's behalf to resolve deficiencies, repairs, and/or corrections that may
occur during the execution of the project.

1.2 WORK REQUIRED BUT NOT INCLUDED IN THIS SECTION

A. The installing Contractor shall complete changes or repairs to installed systems

required to comply with the specified performance.

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1.3 RELATED WORK

A. Use this Section in conjunction with the following other specifications and related
Contract Documents to establish the total requirements for piping systems testing,
adjusting and balancing.

1. Section 01355 - Clean Zone General Requirements.

2. Section 13009 - Cleanroom Certification.
3. Section 15050 - Basic Mechanical Requirements.

B. CAUTION: Use of this Section without including the above-listed items results in
omission of basic requirements.

C. In the event of conflict regarding piping systems testing, adjusting, and balancing
requirements between this Section and another section, the provisions of this Section
govern.

1.4 CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS

A. Follow current editions of practices, methods, or standards as prepared by the

following technical societies and associations. Comply with more stringent
requirements where conflicts exist between standards.

B. Comply with the latest editions of the following standards and references:
1. AABC: National Standards for Total System Balance.
2. ASHRAE 111: Practices for Measurement, Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing
of Building Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Systems.
3. ASHRAE HVAC Applications Handbook, Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing.
4. ASHRAE 41.3: Standard Method for Pressure Measurement.
5. ASHRAE 41.1: Standard Method for Temperature Measurement.
6. ASHRAE 41.8: Standard Methods of Measurement of Flow of Liquids in
Pipes Using Orifice Flowmeters.
7. ASME PTC 19.2, Part 2 - Pressure Measurement Instruments and Apparatus.
8. ASME PTC 19.3, Part 3 - Temperature Measurement Instruments and
Apparatus.
9. NEBB: Procedural Standards for Measurement and Assessment of Sound and
Vibration.
10. SMACNA, HVAC Systems: Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing.
11. UBC: Uniform Building Code, Chapter 23.

C. Comply with the following reference standards for all field tests and project record
documents:
1. AABC: National Standards for Total Systems Balance.
2. NEBB: Procedural Standards for Certified Testing of Cleanrooms.

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1.5 DEFINITIONS

A. General: Refer to Section 01355, Clean Zone General Requirements, for additional
definition of terms.

B. Test: to determine quantitative performance of equipment.

C. Adjust: to regulate for specified flow rates at terminal equipment.

D. Balance: to proportion within distribution mains, submains, branches, and terminal

systems for specified design flow quantities.

1.6 QUALITY ASSURANCE

A. Certificate of Conformance: NEBB or AABC certification that the TABC has

performed the contracted services in accordance with the applicable standards and
procedures of the NEBB or AABC National Office.

B. Archive Final Report: Retain final report for minimum 7 years and available for
examination, reproduction, discussion, or clarification.

1.7 QUALIFICATIONS

A. Certification Requirements: Submit TABC's current NEBB or AABC certification

for piping systems.

B. Previous Experience:
1. Minimum Years Certified: 5 years for piping systems.
2. Minimum Projects Completed: 5 similar in size and complexity.
3. Project List - Submit the following information for projects completed:
a. Project name.
b. Description of water systems balanced.
c. Range of services provided.
d. Name and phone number of design consultant.
e. Name and phone number of Owner's representative responsible for final
acceptance.
f. Name of TABC project manager.
g. Name of TABC field engineer.

C. TABC Personnel Requirements:

1. Project Manager:
a. Qualifications:
1) Management position within firm.
2) Minimum of 5 years' combined education and experience as field
engineer on piping systems.

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 3) Licensed professional engineer in project state.
4) Demonstrated knowledge of theoretical and practical aspects of
fluid flow to correct system performance deficiencies.
5) Managed previous similar projects.
b. Responsibilities:
1) Supervise all aspects of field testing, adjusting, and balancing.
2) Consult with Owner and IDC regarding technical requirements.
3) Coordinate work with all other responsible parties.
4) Certify final report.
2. Field Engineer:
a. Qualifications:
1) Minimum of 2 years' experience as field engineer or field
technician on piping systems.
2) Trained in knowledge of water system adjustment.
b. Responsibilities:
1) Supervise all aspects of field testing, adjusting, and balancing.
2) Report to and be directed by the Project Manager.
3) Witness or complete all field tests.
3. Field Technician:
a. Qualifications:
1) Minimum of 2 year's experience as field technician on piping
systems.
2) Trained in knowledge of water system measurement and
adjustment.
b. Responsibilities:
1) Assist the Field Engineer to complete testing, adjusting, and
balancing.
2) Report to and be directed by the Field Engineer.

1.8 ACCEPTABLE TESTING AND BALANCING CONTRACTORS

A. Proposal Requirements - Submit proposal in two separate sealed envelopes with the
project identification on the front and further identified as:
1. Technical requirements listed in this Section.
2. Price proposal for services specified in this Section.

B. Proposal Evaluation and Acceptance:

1. Consultant will evaluate proposals, select TABC, and contract for the required
services.
2. Owner retains the right of final approval for selection of TABC and to accept
appropriate alternative bids submitted as part of the proposal.

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1.9 COORDINATION

A. Project Manager Responsibilities:

1. Project Control - Schedule work activities and coordinate with the consultant
and allow for:
a. Critical tests to be completed to permit partial occupancy of cleanroom
per overall project schedule.
b. Coordination with all other contractors to ensure that test ports,
thermowells, and flow-measuring devices are installed to permit proper
testing, adjusting, and balancing.
2. Written Correspondence: Confirm site visits and balancing activities are
completed per Contract requirements.
3. Owner Coordination: Coordinate with Owner and facility manager to allow all
field tests to be observed.

B. Field Engineer Responsibilities:

1. Job Site Visits: minimum of 6 visits during construction phase prior to start of
testing activities to observe utility system layout and compliance with Contract
Documents.
2. Field Coordination: Coordinate with other contractors who adjust systems and
activate electrical and control systems that will affect TABC work included to
ensure that utility support systems comply with the specified acceptance
criteria.

1.10 SUBMITTALS

A. Provide the following with the Bid:

1. TABC Firm Qualifications:
a. Brief written description of firm history, staff, size, ownership, and
milestones in firm development.
b. Documentation of current status with NEBB or AABC as described in
this Specification.
c. Previous experience as described in this Specification.
2. TABC Personnel Qualifications:
a. Written description of assigned project manager, field engineers, and
field technicians indicating compliance with the requirements as
described in this Specification.
3. Technical Requirements:
a. Proposed adjustment and balancing procedures and sequence of activities
specific to this project.
b. Sample test report of a similar project indicating expertise in collecting,
interpreting, and recording data. Modify the report forms to maintain
confidentiality of previous project and client.

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 c. List of project instrumentation and test equipment proposed for use on
this project, including the following information:
1) Description.
2) Model number.
3) Serial number.
4) Date of purchase.
5) Last calibration date.
6) Use restrictions of each instrument.
4. Price Requirements: complete breakdown of price for each staff member for
each task described in this Specification.

B. Submit the following during the construction period at the time interval indicated:
1. Preliminary (draft) field reports completed from each step of test
measurements after each area or system is complete.
2. Working field logs at the end of each week, at the completion of tests on each
system, or when a specific area is finished.
3. Evaluation of problems which affect final test results or project schedule as
soon as identified.
4. Preliminary (draft) of final assembled (as-built) test report after all tests are
complete and before final report submittal. Quantity: one bound in three-ring
binder and one unbound copy.

C. Submit the final report when testing is complete and include the following
information:
1. General: typed or computer-generated field reports, charts, and forms
complete with measured data referenced to the test location.
2. Certificate of Conformance: as described in this Specification.
3. Operating Conditions: complete for piping systems tested.
4. Reduced Size Drawings: set of drawings, 11-inch by 17-inch finished size,
obtained from the Owner indicating test and sample locations referenced on the
field data sheets and test results of all field conditions.
5. Problem Descriptions: separate section describing operating problems that still
remain after balancing is complete and its affect on system performance.
6. Test Equipment List - Instrumentation and Test Equipment Used for Balancing
Procedures, Including:
a. Manufacturer.
b. Model number.
c. Serial number.
d. Most recent calibration date and next required calibration date.
7. Error Analysis: calculated for each representative system test procedure to
estimate combined instrument, system-induced, and random errors.
8. Test Descriptions - Complete for tests performed, including:
a. Purpose.

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 b. Instrumentation used.
c. Procedure.
d. Analysis of data.
e. Results.
f. Graphic diagrams to convey test understanding.
g. Date of test.
h. Personnel performing tests.
9. Nameplate Data - Provide for primary and accessory equipment serving the
piping systems, including:
a. Equipment tag number or identification.
b. Component data.
c. Operating data.
d. System conditions.
e. Temperature, pressure, and flow data.
10. Quantity and Format: Submit one copy bound in three-D-ring binders and one
unbound camera-ready original.

PART 2 -- PRODUCTS

2.1 MATERIALS

A. General: Provide materials, tools, test equipment, computers, and instrumentation

required to complete the work included.

B. Cleanroom Clothing:
1. Garments: Utilize cleanroom garments provided and laundered by Owner if
required for TABC work under cleanroom construction protocol.
2. Footwear: Provide personnel footwear per cleanroom construction protocol.

C. Office Requirements: Owner will provide suitable office space with telephone,
photocopy equipment, and secure/locked storage area for test equipment.

2.2 INSTRUMENTATION

A. General: Provide instrumentation required to complete work included.

B. Equipment Used: most current generation available.

C. Sampling Procedures: based on accepted industry standard sampling and statistical

procedures.

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 D. Instrument Calibration:
1. When Required: per manufacturer's requirements at the beginning of
balancing work.
2. National Balancing Agency Requirement: calibration required at National
Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) within previous 6 months.
3. Recalibration: prior to start of balance work if due date falls within project
work schedule.
4. Field Correlation: Calibrate field instruments used to test cleanroom systems
per Section 13009, Cleanroom Certification.

E. Minimum Instrumentation Required:

1. Airflow Measuring:
a. Inclined/vertical manometer.
b. Electronic (digital) manometer.
c. Pitot tube.
d. Pressure gauge (magnehelic).
2. Hydronic Measuring Instruments:
a. U-tube manometer.
b. Calibrated pressure gauge.
c. Differential pressure gauge.
3. Rotation Measuring Instruments:
a. Chronometric tachometer.
b. Contact tachometer (digital).
c. Electronic tachometer (stroboscope).
4. Temperature Measuring Instruments:
a. Glass tube thermometers.
b. Dial thermometers.
c. Electronic thermometers.
d. Psychrometers.
e. Electronic psychrometers.
5. Electrical Measuring Instruments: volt-ammeter.

PART 3 -- EXECUTION

3.1 REQUIRED SITE CONDITIONS

A. Facility Completion:
1. Building perimeter walls, roof, and accessories are installed and sealed.
2. Piping systems are cleaned and flushed.
3. Piping system pressure tests are complete.

B. Facility Utility Support Systems:

1. Piping systems are operating under automatic system controls.

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 2. Support systems have been in stable operation for at least 5 days.
3. Domestic plumbing fixtures are installed and operational.
4. Safety equipment is installed and operational.
5. The system is capable to artificially load.

3.2 BALANCING PREPARATION, SETUP, AND PROTOCOL

A. Preparation - Require onsite personnel to comply with the following:

1. Complete training and badging requirements as defined in Section 01355,
Clean Zone General Requirements.
2. Schedule and direct a prebalance conference to review the proposed testing and
balancing.

B. Inspection:
1. Review the facility accompanied by the consultant and identify existing
conditions that could affect the balancing results.
2. Do not proceed with balancing without written release and authorization from
the consultant.

3.3 BALANCING PROCEDURES AND FIELD TESTS

A. Equipment Data Collection:

1. Purpose:
a. Verify equipment nameplate data compared to submittals.
b. Provide complete list of equipment for maintenance records.
2. Procedures - Record nameplate data on all equipment tested, including the
following:
a. Equipment tag or identification number.
b. Motor data.
c. Drive data.
d. Motor starter and heater data.
3. Acceptance Criteria:
a. Record equipment nameplate data for all equipment tested.
b. Document equipment location on reduced-size facility plans.

B. Primary Heating and Cooling Systems Balancing:

1. Purpose:
a. Distribute flow required to portions of the distribution system as defined
on the process and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs).
b. Adjust water flow to each component.

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 2. Procedure:
a. Adjust glycol and/or water flow using the specified flow control devices
to the specified flow quantity at each individual system component,
including:
1) Pumps.
2) Boilers.
3) Chillers.
4) Coils.
5) Recirculation loop.
6) Cooling tower cell.
7) Heat transfer units.
8) Terminal units.
b. Measure and adjust flow through control valves and control valve bypass
lines. Adjust valves for full flow through the equipment prior to flow
adjustment.
c. Permanently mark the final position of adjustable balancing devices.
d. Verify and adjust, if necessary, final operating set points for primary
equipment, such as chillers, pumps, cooling towers, and coils.
3. Acceptance Criteria:
a. Adjust scheduled water flow rates within plus 10 minus zero percent of
specified values.
b. Confirm component pressure differentials are within plus or minus
20 percent of specified values.

C. Domestic Water and Safety System Balancing:

1. Purpose:
a. Achieve proper flow at each plumbing fixture.
b. Achieve proper flow at each safety shower and eyewash fixture.
2. Procedure:
a. Adjust water flow in all domestic water systems for reasonable water
flows at each plumbing fixture, terminal device, and recirculation loop.
b. Adjust flush valve fixtures for proper flush time and water quantity.
3. Acceptance Criteria:
a. Adjust to water flow rates recommended by the manufacturer within plus
or minus 20 percent.
b. Confirm component pressure differentials are within plus or minus
20 percent of specified values.

D. Support System Balancing:

1. Purpose:
a. Achieve proper flow to fume exhaust scrubber fluid beds.
b. Achieve proper flow to process support equipment cooled by process
cooling water as indicated on the system P&IDs.

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 c. Achieve proper flow for heat recovery devices.
d. Verify proper steam pressure at humidifiers and steam heating devices.
e. Verify proper steam trap operation.
2. Procedure:
a. Adjust water flow in fume exhaust acid and solvent scrubbers.
b. Adjust water flow to facility equipment served with process cooling
water for the required water flow in the entire system loop and
connection at each equipment item.
c. Adjust water flow to heat recovery devices.
d. Measure and record inlet steam pressures at each device.
e. Measure and record temperature differential across steam traps.
3. Acceptance Criteria: Adjust to scheduled water flow rates within plus or
minus 10 percent.

3.4 FIELD QUALITY CONTROL

A. Demonstrate balancing procedures to the Owner after submitting the preliminary

final report and before final report submission as indicated below:
1. Test a random 10 percent sample of the total water balance fittings with the
original test instruments as selected by the Owner.
2. Verify test results are within 10 percent of values in the preliminary final
report.
3. Rebalance those portions of the system where directed by the Owner where
test results fail.
4. Repeat Steps 1 and 2.
5. Rebalance the entire system if the retest values fail.
6. Repeat process until the demonstration is successful.

B. Include all system adjustments in the final report.

END OF SECTION

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