Industrial Ventilation: Air Exchange Standards in Georgia
Why Industrial Facilities Need Ventilation
In manufacturing, ventilation is about safety, not just comfort. Machinery generates heat, welding produces fumes and gases, paint booths release solvent vapors. Without proper ventilation, hazardous substance concentrations exceed permissible limits, violating regulations and endangering workers.
Regulatory Framework in Georgia
Georgia uses a combination of its own technical regulations and adapted international standards. Key references: European EN 16798 (indoor climate parameters), ISO 16890 (filter classification), and Ministry of Health occupational safety norms. ASHRAE 62.1 is also used as an international benchmark.
Air Exchange Calculation: Key Formulas
Air changes per hour (ACH) — how many times the air is completely replaced per hour. Mechanical workshops: 3–5 ACH. Welding areas: 8–12 ACH. Paint booths: 15–25 ACH. Warehouses: 1–2 ACH. Formula: L = V × n, where L = air volume (m³/h), V = room volume (m³), n = ACH.
Types of Industrial Ventilation
General ventilation removes air from the entire space and replaces it with fresh air. Local (spot) ventilation captures emissions directly at the source: exhaust hoods, side drafts, enclosures. The optimal solution combines both general and local ventilation.
Exhaust Air Filtration
Industrial ventilation not only supplies clean air but also cleans exhaust air to meet environmental regulations. Filter types: mechanical (dust, chips), carbon (gases, vapors), HEPA (fine particles). Selection depends on the manufacturing type.
Energy Efficiency: Heat Recovery
Industrial ventilation consumes a significant portion of a facility's energy. Heat recovery units return 60–80% of heat from exhaust air to supply air. For a 1,000 sq. m workshop, heating savings reach 5,000–10,000 GEL per year. Payback period: 2–3 years.
Design and Implementation
Industrial ventilation design starts with an audit: production type, pollution sources, layout, thermal loads. Then: calculation, equipment selection, drawings, installation, and commissioning. Vent Service handles industrial projects across Georgia.
