Plymovent case study at Nortek Global HVAC

Effective extraction at the test stands

THE CHALLENGE

Nortek Global HVAC manufactures air heaters, air handling units, heating sections, air curtains and rooftop units under the brand name Reznor. These HVAC units are equipped with various types of heat exchangers and use robust, environmentally friendly burner technologies.

Prior to packaging and shipping, each unit is put on the test stand in the testing area for complete testing of the electrical and gas-related systems. All the values are carefully measured and recorded in a database to guarantee that the units meet the highest quality standards and efficiencies and to ensure full traceability of the unit throughout its service life.

During testing in the factory the unit is placed on the final test stand. These test stands are located under a large extraction hood. The hood is necessary to extract the smoke that develops as a result of burning off the residual oil that is still present in the heat exchanger. The oil is used as a lubricant during forming of the heat exchanger, which either involves pressing of sheet material or bending of tubes. This oil has completely burned off within a few minutes after the first firing of the unit begins.

To provide an impression of the dimensions of the units made at Nortek Global HVAC: their height varies from 30 cm to 3 m, and the length can vary from 70 cm tot 8 m.

THE SOLUTION

The extraction from the workplaces where testing is performed was inadequate, so Nortek Global HVAC went looking for a better solution. The new system captures the welding fumes in the Plymovent FlexHood extraction hoods. These are designed so the extraction hoods are fitted with strips over the entire length. Because the strips overlap, the HVAC units can nevertheless be moved in and out quickly. The Plymovent FlexHood extraction hood has been designed so the lower 2.5 m is transparent, to maintain a spacious feeling in the factory. This is naturally also beneficial to safety.

Nortek has a workplace where the standard units are tested, up to four at a time. This was created by compartmentalising each zone and equipping them with new roof fans. The roof fans have a five-position switch to allow gradual adjustment of the flow rate, and they are each equipped with a silencer.

There is also a workplace where the specials are tested. These are custom-made Nortek units, such as air handling units that are larger than the standard dimensions. Two new roof fans and a completely new guard were placed here. The guard for this workstation is equipped with a sliding rail to provide completely unobstructed passage.