1. Scope

1.1 This test method describes techniques using tracer gas dilution for determining a single zone's air change with the outdoors, as induced by weather conditions and by mechanical ventilation. These techniques are: (1) concentration decay, (2) constant injection, and (3) constant concentration.

1.2 This test method is restricted to any single tracer gas. The associated data analysis assumes that one can characterize the tracer gas concentration within the zone with a single value. The zone shall be a building, vehicle, test cell, or any conforming enclosure.

1.3 Use of this test method requires a knowledge of the principles of gas analysis and instrumentation. Correct use of the formulas presented here requires consistent use of units, especially those of time.

1.4 Determination of the contribution to air change by individual components of the zone enclosure is beyond the scope of this test method.

1.5 The results from this test method pertain only to those conditions of weather and zonal operation that prevailed during the measurement. The use of the results from this test to predict air change under other conditions is beyond the scope of this test method.

1.6 The text of this test method references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered requirements of this test method.

1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

D4480 Test Method for Measuring Surface Wind by Means of Wind Vanes and Rotating Anemometers

E260 Practice for Packed Column Gas Chromatography

E631 Terminology of Building Constructions

E779 Test Method for Determining Air Leakage Rate by Fan Pressurization

E1186 Practices for Air Leakage Site Detection in Building Envelopes and Air Barrier Systems

ASHRAE Documents

Keywords

air change; air change flow; air change rate; air changes per hour; air exchange; air leakage; air leakage rate; concentration; tracer gas; concentration decay; constant concentration; constant injection; envelope; building; exfiltration; infiltration; tracer gas; ventilation; ventilation rate; zone: Air leakage testing--building materials/constructions; Building envelopes; Leak testing; Leak testing--building constructions/materials; Meteorological conditions/tests; Tracer dilution method;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 13.040.01 (Air quality in general)

DOI: 10.1520/E0741-00

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