HDT Protects Mission Critical Facilities with ColPro Air Filtration Units

Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Department of Defense (DoD) sought to increase the protection of mission critical facilities against Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) threats as part of the Guardian Installation Protection Program (IPP).

HDT Global’s Engineering Services (formally New World) was invited to participate on the Guardian program because of its existing expertise in collective protection (ColPro) technologies and systems design. Because there were 200+ installations slated for protection, HDT-Engineering Services developed a design plan that could easily be revised for each installation according to DoD requirements.

Customer requirements included:

  • ColPro must be capable of protecting against CBRN events
  • ColPro must be capable of continuous operation in a contaminated environment until essential functions are restored
  • ColPro must be designed, manufactured, tested, and installed with minimal interruption to mission critical operations

Engineering methods applied:

  • Site surveys and analyses
  • 3D solid modeling
  • Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
  • Production engineering

Approach Each project began with HDT Global performing a feasibility survey to determine which facilities would best be served by ColPro. Once the facilities were chosen, HDT Global returned to conduct Technical Site Surveys (TSS) that evaluated walls, ceilings, HVAC systems, and current protection methods, if any. The TSS also included a blower door test to determine pressurization needs.

Following the TSS, HDT Global used the collected data to create a computerized model of both the site and planned filtration unit. Standardized processes and products allowed HDT Global to minimize design and fielding tasks resulting in cost and time savings.

After the CBR filter system was designed and analyzed using computer programs such as SolidWorks®, FEA, and CFD, it was manufactured in accordance with the specific needs of the site. HDT Global designed 16 versions of an enhanced filtration unit (EFU), known as AirePod™, which combined CBR air filtration and environmental conditioning into a single package for rapid deployment.

Since the AirePod™ system was completely self-contained and connected to existing building ventilation ducts, it caused minimal disruption to site operations. After installation, HDT Global conducted both gas and aerosol leak tests to ensure that the filtration system satisfied performance requirements. HDT Global developed technical documents including drawings, technical manuals, and training manuals, and performed on-site training and maintenance.

Results

  • Developed a systematic approach to the design and development of CBRN filtration systems that saved both time and money.
  • Standardized design practices and procedures according to DoD requirements.
  • Created new standards for HVAC/ColPro equipment, blower door testing, and filter system testing.
  • Designed a family of AirePod™ enhanced filtration units (EFUs) and wrote technical documentation for rapid future procurement and fielding.
  • Developed training manuals for operation and maintenance.
  • Provided installation and sustainment support 

More … For more information about how HDT Global can help you solve your engineering problems, please Contact Us.