Case Studies

Fume cupboards, robotic enclosures, fume extract systems and VAV room controls

LCM

Overview

Project details: Multiple fume cupboards, robotic enclosures, fume extract systems and VAV room controls.
Client: LCM.
End user: Oxford-based research company.
Location: Oxford

Overview

A leading technology-driven design and development company embarked on a project to establish a state-of-the-art laboratory facility. This facility was designed to house various high-end equipment and materials that necessitated strict environmental control, including handling hazardous chemicals. The new chemistry labs featured the installation of multiple fume cupboards, robotic enclosures, an advanced extract system, and integrated room controls to ensure the safety and efficiency of the lab environment.

Challenges

The client required a turnkey solution, from a reputable, single-source equipment supplier including a range of fume cupboards and enclosures with a combined fume extract system and VAV controls. The existing building framework included vertical steel support beams located in the centre of the new chemistry labs directly where the robotic enclosers were to be positioned.

Solutions

Our team collaborated with the end users and design consultant at an early stage to determine the exact specification, functionality and to develop purpose-built solutions and extract system functionality to suit the user’s needs including future-readiness. Following a detailed survey of the existing steelwork, a unique construction method was designed to encase the vertical beams while still providing full access, lines of sight and sash openings for the central robotics enclosures. A VAV controls system was designed and installed including all interconnecting field wiring, individual room controls, night set back functionality and constant monitoring and display of the supply and extract volumes at any time.

Results

The successful execution of this project not only provided a state-of-the-art laboratory environment making full use of the available space but also demonstrated the effectiveness of early-stage planning and cooperation, including energy-efficient VAV systems with optimal control and adjustability.

One of the clients’ participants commented “The new Chemistry Labs turned out so nice, I enjoyed the collaboration with Mach Aire!".