- How It Works
- Featured Project
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How It Works
About Ventilation Validation
At ARM Environments, we deliver expert ventilation validation services tailored to non-residential buildings across the UK.
Our process begins with a detailed assessment of your ventilation system to verify it meets both design intent and current regulations. Using precision instruments, our certified engineers carry out airflow testing, pressure measurements, and system balancing to confirm that performance is aligned with operational requirements.
We also conduct air quality checks to ensure your system effectively removes contaminants and supports occupant wellbeing.
All findings are compiled into a clear, actionable report – complete with performance data and tailored recommendations for improvements or maintenance, helping you stay compliant and optimise indoor air quality.
Service Benefits
- Enhanced energy efficiency
- Improved indoor air quality
- Regulatory compliance
- Optimised system performance
Featured Project
Maintaining Clean Air post-COVID for a Science Centre
Objectives
The South Downs Planetarium and Science Centre is an education facility in Chichester run by a team of volunteers and astronomy enthusiasts. This site, located just off the Chichester Bypass, boasts a 96-seater dome and hosts amazing experiences within it for families.
In 2021 we were contacted by the Science Centre to upgrade the effectiveness of their air filtration and ventilation systems within the dome, due to COVID-19 temporarily shutting down the business. Our client decided it would be a good idea to ensure the air quality within the dome is checked and enhanced while they had some spare time during the pandemic.
Conducting some preliminary tests, we soon discovered that the air within the dome was not circulating much at all, despite the dome's unique ventilation system which should have supplied air from the perforated metal sheets lining the ceiling. Investigating this lack of ventilation further, we discovered a closed fire damper which was blocking the airflow.
Solutions
With COVID-19 at the forefront of everyone's minds at this time, our client wanted an air purification system which would effectively kill bacteria and viruses to keep people safe.
We decided to implement bipolar ionisation technology within their air handling unit (AHU) to keep the air clean. Bipolar ionisation works by creating and releasing oxygen ions which 'attack' pollutants in the air. This is an effective method to increase air quality by reducing the levels of particulate matter, bacteria, virus cells, odorous gases and aerosols, and volatile organic compounds.
Results
Fixing the closed fire damper and upgrading the AHU with bipolar ionisation means that our client has the peace of mind that they are doing everything possible to keep air quality clean. Where children are commonly walking into this dome, it's important to keep indoor air quality high, particularly when COVID-19 was a more considerable health concern. This newly refurbished air ventilation and cleaning system ensures the COVID risk and the pollution from the nearby Chichester Bypass are mitigated as much as possible and so the air becomes safe for everyone.
Challenges
- Large groups of families use this space
- Poor outdoor air quality
- Existing methods ineffective at removing microbial matter
"This venue is incredibly fascinating to work at on account of its unique structure. Contrary to how some spaces circulate air, this space has floor grilles under the chairs which help to extract VOCs from the carpet and keeps pollutants, primarily CO2, to a minimum. The domed ceiling consists of perforated panels which let clean air through whilst also allowing for the night sky to be projected seamlessly onto the inside of the dome. It's a great demonstration of how we can introduce clean air into unconventional spaces via rather unique and novel methods, and it goes to show that if we can have clean air even within this tricky space, we can have clean air anywhere."
Adam Taylor, CEO of ARM Environments
Compliance
Wellbeing
Safety
Insights
Related Insights
Why Choose ARM?
ARM Environments stands out due to our exclusive focus on indoor air quality in non-residential buildings.
Our team holds esteemed certifications, including SafeContractor and BESA. Our CEO, Adam Taylor, chairs the IAQ Group at BESA, underscoring our leadership in the field.
By choosing ARM, you're partnering with specialists dedicated to creating healthier environments for your occupants.
