Overview

DS Smith is a leading international provider of sustainable packaging solutions, paper products, and recycling services. Their testing laboratory in Reading, Pennsylvania was experiencing humidity and temperature control deficiencies that compromised their ability to meet certified testing lab requirements. The existing split-system unit maintained adequate temperature control but failed to provide proper humidification, with relative humidity measuring only 18% RH compared to the required 50% RH +/- 2% standard. We were engaged by DS Smith to provide a comprehensive study and design and turn-key implementation of humidification and temperature control solutions for the testing laboratory. Following the initial assessment, we were positioned to provide complete engineering services from design development through construction management for the recommended laboratory improvements.

We provided professional engineering and construction management services for the design and implementation of a custom HVAC system with precision temperature and humidity controls, along with building envelope improvements to achieve the required testing laboratory standards.

The laboratory is required to maintain precise environmental conditions with a temperature range of 23°C +/- 1°C (72 to 75°F) and a humidity range of 50% RH +/- 2% RH. These ambient temperature and humidity levels must be continuously logged and reported with quality assurance test results to maintain certification compliance. The prior split-system unit adequately maintained space temperature under both summer and winter conditions, but the humidity control consistently failed throughout the year. Commonly applied maintenance troubleshooting approaches and attempted system modifications by mechanical contractors proved ineffective in resolving the humidity issue.

Rather, the solution included development of a specialized HVAC unit designed specifically for laboratory applications, incorporating advanced humidity control equipment and programming along with integrated temperature control algorithms. The solution also encompassed comprehensive building envelope sealing, including gasketed clean-room style ceilings and insulated panels to replace larger spans of glass, to ensure the testing laboratory room maintained the consistent environmental conditions required for accurate testing procedures.

Our engineering services included system design, preparation of bidding and permitting documents suitable for contractor procurement, and comprehensive construction administration and management services to ensure proper implementation of the environmental control systems. The final product is a system that both humidifies and dehumidifies to maintain the tight humidity tolerances required for testing protocols.