Commercial HVAC Cleanroom Environments Aren’t Exclusive to Medical Use-Cases
Cleanrooms are often associated with operating rooms, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and other medical environments that require a space that is free from contaminants. It is easy to imagine why these particular environments need to be contaminant-free. While cleanrooms are certainly essential for these spaces, there are many other environments where a cleanroom is required.
AJ Manufacturing is proud to have contributed commercial HVAC systems and components as well as critical environment solutions for some unique use-cases which we will highlight below.
The Johns Hopkins Space Telescope Science Institute
The Johns Hopkins Space Telescope Science Institute may be most well-known for the famous machinery it supports: the Hubble Space Telescope, responsible for expanding our understanding of the universe’s behaviors and properties, including identifying black holes, which were largely theoretical before Hubble’s research.
What is less well-known, but equally formidable, is the Johns Hopkins Space Telescope Science Institute’s responsibility to engage in cutting-edge scientific research, space mission software development, and the facilitation of data drawn from their telescope’s observations.
This is where AJ Manufacturing stepped in. As in operating rooms and laboratory environments, cleanroom facilities are required for research spaces where computing equipment is used. AJ Manufacturing partnered with STScI to build air distribution system components that were essential to the functioning of their specialized research. The contribution of a cleanroom can ensure that this institute’s advancements are uninterrupted by air contaminants.
Commercial HVAC has contributed – in our way – to scientific developments in the understanding of space.
Houston Police Department Gun Range
One might not think of a gun range as a space that requires particular engineering from a commercial HVAC company. However, vaporized lead and carbon monoxide are emitted during the discharge of a firearm. Range-users need to be protected from hazards like lead as in any environment. Furthermore, the smoke that is created when shooters are firing limits visibility. An air distribution system can clear away smoke so that law enforcement can focus on the training at hand. A gun range must also be kept well-ventilated for the safety of those who are not on the range, as it is important that contaminants produced by firearm discharge do not spread to other parts of the building.
AJ Manufacturing designed cleanroom facilities for The Houston Police Department gun range. Because government agencies, the EPA, OSHA, and NIOSH have specific requirements and standards of design for gun ranges, precise implementation was imperative for our critical environment solution.
Art Preservation as a Critical Environment Solution
The Laie Hawaii Temple, a historic and culturally-significant temple of the Church of Latter Day Saints, has also required cleanroom surfaces. A commercial HVAC system is not only meant to protect people, but also preserves architecture and art, especially when its preservation also represents the conservation of a culture’s beliefs, as communicated through its design.
In this case, AJ Manufacturing created commercial HVAC solutions that would preserve the internal murals of one of LDS’ foremost artists, LeConte Stewart, among other key innovations. As visitors make their visits to this temple, one of two that was built outside of Utah after the Mormon’s expansion, they can experience this meaningful art in a climate-controlled environment that preserves the murals from factors that would damage the art, including excess moisture. In fact, most art museums require critical environment solutions because of art’s fragile materials.
More “Traditional” Environments that Require Commercial HVAC Cleanrooms Provide Continually Surprising Demonstrations of Human Ingenuity
In spite of our exploration of these less expected environments that require cleanrooms, our contributions to medical environments should not go overlooked.
As we continue to partner with innovators in the medical field, we are proud of the work that facilities such as our hometown’s University of Kansas Hospital/KU Med are doing to provide treatment for vulnerable cancer patients. KU Med recently aspired to reimagine a floor of their hospital as a treatment ward that includes a special air distribution system to protect patients. The scientifically advanced design of this ward allows the immunocompromised maximum protection from contaminants so that they can be treated effectively by a highly specialized group of practitioners.
Where Will Commercial HVAC Cleanrooms Be Needed Next?
AJ Manufacturing, in business for nearly 100 years, proudly provides commercial HVAC solutions for a variety of environments, some more common, and others, like the Houston Police Department gun range, that are unexpected.
As our motto suggests, critical thinking is continually required as a commercial HVAC company designs state-of-the-art materials to enhance the safety and protection of people and their livelihoods. As industries continue to evolve – as in the biopharma industry – new use-cases will emerge that require innovative solutions for commercial HVAC systems.
We want to ensure that human impulses such as scientific research, innovation, and preservation are protected and carried on into the future, and a forward-thinking approach – with the right technologies, equipment, and critical thinking – can help lead us there.
Ordering from AJ Manufacturing for Commercial HVAC Products
If you are interested in what AJ Manufacturing can do for the future of your business, you can contact us online to inquire about our services, or give us a call at 816-231-5522. We can help you determine a commercial HVAC solution that meets your needs.