UI Biological Safety Level 3 Facilites

University of Iowa Medical Laboratories

Design Engineers has designed and implemented over 23 renovation projects through out the University of Iowa’s Biological Safety Level 3 Facilities.

In general, new HVAC, plumbing and electrical distribution systems were installed in support of the renovated project areas and reconnected to the existing central building systems.  Specific systems installed included new supply and exhaust ductwork, terminal units and diffusers, fume hood exhaust, plumbing piping, including acid resistant waste and vent, DI water, natural gas, and domestic water piping, fire protection piping, normal and emergency power, lighting, fire alarm and telecommunications.

In several projects, both supply and exhaust variable terminal units were utilized to maintain required pressure relationships, as well as minimum airflows. Specific laboratory projects involved the installation of temperature control systems as required to maintain both temperature control and required pressure relationships.

Three projects involved providing the electrical design in support of the phased building HVAC upgrade that has installed or is installing three new built up air handling units in the courtyard.  These units will comprise the new central make up air system that serves the facility.

One of these projects provided commissioning services in support of the mechanical design provided by DCS for the second phase of this process.  Another involved the upgrade of the existing electrical service to the facility.  Design Engineers has also provided the electrical support for a fire safety upgrade to this facility.

One of the most challenging aspects of all of these types of projects is the amount of site investigation required to establish specific connection points for and to identify potential issues at the interface with the existing MEP systems.

Download the Project Case Study:   Labs – BSL 3