[labnetwork] HVAC damage and repair advice

[Kevin McPeak]

Dear Colleagues,

Recently several of the variable frequency drives and controls used to
drive the air handlers in the LSU cleanroom were damaged by a major
water leak in the adjoining synchrotron facility.  Luckily, LSU is
self-insured and willing to help us out to some degree on the repairs.
We have already replaced all the damaged filters and are now turning
to fix the VFDs and controls.

We had 14 VFDs which were all Toshiba Tosvert 130-H1 and H2 models (I
believe these are from the 90s). As for the controls, the manufacturer
is no longer in business nor does it appear to be supported by other
3rd parties, so we need to start over there. About 3 out of the 14
VFDs still work, but they are very old.

I initially contacted the company that installed the cleanroom 20
years ago. They are still in business but do not reply to any of my
messages. So that is a no go.

Per LSU risk management guidelines I need to put together an RFQ to
replace the entire system (e.g. VFDs and controller) and send it out
for bid to at least 5 companies. The cleanroom here is 2000 sqft and
in the past was Class 100 rated.

I welcome your advice on all aspects of this challenging project. To
start, I would greatly appreciate suggestions on companies to contact
for the bidding process. Thank you!

Regards,
Kevin

-- 
Kevin M. McPeak
Assistant Professor
Louisiana State University
Dept. of Chemical Engineering
3307 Patrick Taylor Hall
Baton Rouge, LA  70803
email: kmcpeak at lsu.edu
phone: 225-578-0058