Material emissions testing facilities

The 55 m³ full-scale test chamber (internal dimensions: 5 x 4 x 2.75m) was developed to measure the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from room-size building materials, material assemblies, furnishings, or complete office workstations. It can also be used to determine the efficiency of air cleaning devices intended for installation in either rooms or ventilation ductwork. The stainless steel chamber has a dedicated heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system including charcoal and HEPA filters as well as a separate filter test assembly.

The chamber's supply air can be fully adjusted to conditions ranging from 100% outdoor air to 100% recirculation air. The data acquisitions and control system records complete test conditions including temperature, humidity, air flow rate and pressure at various locations in and around the chamber.

The Material Emissions Facility operates eight "small" chambers with internal volumes of 50L. Each is made from electropolished stainless steel, and all fittings and connections are designed to minimize possible "sink" effects of organic compounds. The chambers are operated in a variety of configurations, including simple headspace (sealed chamber, no airflow); "dynamic" chambers (precisely controlled air change rate, temperature and humidity); and multi-chamber configurations examining the transport of organic chemicals through material specimens. Custom designed specimen holders are available.

The velocity-controlled chamber system (1 x 0.8 x 0.5 m³) was developed mainly to tes the effect of local airflow conditions on the emissions rates of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from building materials and consumer products. The chamber can provide controlled mean air velocity and turbulence level over the surface of the tested specimen in addition to air temperature, relative humidity, air change rate, and material loading. Air concentration changes in the chamber can be obtained through a total hydrocarbon analyzer attached to the system. Weight loss data of the specimen can be recorded through an electronic balance housed inside the chamber.

NRC Construction is home to world-class testing facilities that are available to the construction industry on a fee-for-service basis. For further information:

Contact

Dino Zuppa
Telephone: 613-949-0073
Email: Dino.Zuppa@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

General Information: construction@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca