Atmospheric Research Chamber Projects
CALSPAN
Atmospheric Research Testing Chamber Port Details and Ventilation Layout
Created by: Mark Struzinsky
For: Dr. Keri Hornbuckle
Completion Date: May 1998
Table of Contents
Introduction and Overview
Overview of the Computer Aided Design (CAD)
Interior Locations
Port Details: Level A
Port Details: Level B
Port Details: Level C
Calspan's Atmospheric Research Testing Chamber at
Ashford, New York, is currently being used to simulate atmospheric conditions for the study of a wide range of atmospheric reactions. Investigators from the University at Buffalo, the University of Iowa, the Naval Research Laboratories, and the University of Washington plan activities in the chamber starting in the spring of 1998.This report, which summarizes the physical layout of the chamber ports and ventilation system, is designed to assist the various teams, as well as the Calspan staff, in planning physical adaptations to the chamber. It is hoped that this report, augmented by a web site maintained by Hornbuckle and coworkers at the University at Buffalo, will initiate a pattern of regular communication between investigators using the chamber.
The Ashford test chamber was originally designed as a part of a military ordnance test facility. Extensive modifications have been made over the past few years, converting it to a unique facility for atmospheric simulation, air pollution, cloud physics, and aerosol research studies. The heart of the test facility is a cylindrical
chamber of 9 m diameter and 9 m height. The total volume is 600 m3, making it one of the largest available test chambers in the United States. The chamber was designed to minimize wall effects and simulate actual atmospheric conditions. It is lined with a fluorinated epoxy-polyurethane copolymer, resurfaced in 1994, which coats the entire surface including a mixing fan but excluding the glass enclosures for UV lights. Absolute filters are incorporated to permit virtually complete removal of particles (<200 Aitken nuclei/cm3). Vapor phase contaminants can be removed using adsorbent resins to reduce chamber concentrations of POP to below detection limit (< .1 ng/m3 for PAHs). Humidity control is possible through cooling coils in the ductwork and a nebulizer nozzle in the chamber ceiling. The chamber is further equipped with a water (and detergent if required) flushing system for cleaning the walls. Ultraviolet lamps are located around the chamber wall to permit near uniform intensity distribution within the chamber. Twenty-four individual light fixtures, each containing two special Sylvania high intensity blacklight lamps, are arranged in three horizontal rows and eight vertical columns spaced equally along the chamber wall. Each of the light source combinations is encased in a gas-tight enclosure equipped with a 15" x 96" Pyrex glass form panel. Forced air cooling (separated from the chamber air) is used to minimize temperature increase at these light source fixtures. The resulting light intensity corresponds to approximately 50% of the average mid-day solar radiation at sea level in mid-latitudes. Pressure, temperature and humidity is monitored and recorded continually in the chamber using a data logger (Campbell Scientific CR10) with calibrated thermocouples and relative humidity probe. An infrared transmissometer is available for measuring liquid water content in fog.The chamber can be equipped for aerosol addition, growth and characterization. Fog conditions can be simulated in the chamber by wetting the walls using a rotating spray nozzle and then reducing the chamber pressure to about 30mb below ambient. This chamber has been used extensively for a variety of aerosol and fog related investigations requiring accurate simulation of atmospheric conditions. Dehumidifiers and a fine-control humidification system are an integral part of the chamber's support capabilities. Effects of relative humidity, particle type and concentration, and gaseous contaminants on aerosol growth rates can be reproducibly studied. Fogs can be formed on resultant aerosol to study effects of particle hydration on vapor-particle exchange of POPs.
Overview of the Computer Aided Design (CAD)
A design of the chamber has been created using MicroStation (version 05.05.01.65) software. This
CAD design includes all access ports, hatches, lighting, ventilation ducts and filters, animal chamber, sphere, and a labeling system for identifying ports and access levels.The design includes only the chamber itself and those structures immediately attached to the chamber. The design does not include the surrounding building or any adjacent facilities.
The primary purpose of constructing this CAD was to describe all the access ports (including size of the aperture, existing equipment, condition of the gaskets); to name each port so that each port may be referenced by a common name by various investigators; and to outline the direction of flow through the ventilation ducts and filters. The ports are described in detail in this document. The condition of the ports changes with experimental activity and is valid as of March 1998.
The access ports were assigned names according to their level above ground and radial distance from the main access hatch. Level A includes all hatches and ports accessible from the ground level. Level B includes those accessible on the 2nd floor walkabout. Level C includes those hatches and ports accessible by ladder from the 2nd floor walkabout. (See attached figures).
Each port is described in detail in the following document. Photographs of complicated attachments to the ports are included for clarity.
This document and CAD design will be updated throughout the project period, on at least an annual basis. In addition, a web site is currently being constructed to assist investigators in communicating to one another about the physical status of the chamber and the schedule of planned activities in the chamber.
The following locations are based on an angular format. 'Zero degrees' is located at the center of the air lock; successive locations are generated in a counterclockwise fashion.
|
Location |
Level A |
Level B |
Level C |
|
20.69 |
Port 7 |
- |
- |
Port Details: Level A
Port 1A
Figure 1:
Interior view of Port 1AThis picture shows Hatch A and Port 1A, left to right.
Description:
A 36" metal pipe extends into the chamber from Port 1A. The pipe is 1/2" diameter (3/8" interior diameter).Access:
There is clear access from the interior.The exterior is contained within a sealed glove box, possibly accessible by removing the clear viewing panels (secured with wing nuts) or by removing the gloves. *Bolt Cap.
Location:
307.48 degrees counterclockwise from airlock, center height @ 47" from floor.
Port 2A
Description:
A 1/4" plastic tube extends 13" into the chamber. This tube may be removed.Access:
There is clear access from the interior.The exterior is located in the mechanical (ventilation/duct works) area. The area is accessible via a ladder from the second level and by a door located on the building's exterior. Much debris and equipment litter the area. The port appears welded shut and no modification is possible without cutting steel. *Bolt Cap.
Location:
223.45 degrees counterclockwise from airlock, center height @ 47" from floor.Port 3A
Description:
A2" X 2" plexi-glass plate is held on by 2 removable screws. Removal of this plate, except the screen housed within the port, will provide a 1" diameter straight-through access hole into the chamber.Access:
There is clear access from the interior.The exterior is the same as Port 2A. *Bolt Cap.
Location:
177.9 degrees counterclockwise from airlock, center height @ 47" from floor.Port 4A
Figure 2:
Interior View of Port 4AThis picture shows a bank of lights, Pipe 2A, Port 4A and Port 5A.
Description:
A Teflon painted surface covers the path into the chamber.Access:
There is clear access from the interior.The exterior, located in the operations room, provides a 7" diameter hole with clear access.
Location:
141.33 degrees counterclockwise from airlock, center height @ 47" from floor.
Port 5A
Access:
There is clear access from the interior.The exterior is located in the operations room with no obstructions. The glass port is held on with a *Bolt Cap.
Location:
133.69 degrees counterclockwise from airlock, center height @ 47" from floor.Port 6A
Figure 3:
Interior View of Port 6AThis picture shows Hatch C, Port 6A, and light banks.
Description:
The interior houses an AC cable lead to the AC box in the chamber's interior. The provided power supply appears to be in working order (no testing done to confirm power). Unusable.Access:
The interior access is restricted.The exterior is contained within a sealed glove box, possibly accessible by removing the clear viewing panels (secured with wing nuts), or by removing the rubber gloves provided for sampling. *Bolt Cap
Location:
37.56 degrees counterclockwise from airlock, center height @ 47" from floor.
Port 7A
Description:
There is an ~18" passageway into the sphere. A swing gate located approximately 1' from the chamber's interior surface provides ability to seal the passage.Access:
There is clear access from the interior.The exterior leads to the sphere.
Location:
20.69 degrees counterclockwise from airlock, center height @ 47" from floor.
Port 1B
Description:
A small (6"X24") platform is attached to the port on the inside of the chamber.
Figure 4:
Exterior view of Port 1B 1. Three tubes are sealed here with a putty-like substance:2. The following protrude from a 2" diameter pipe that extends past the Bolt Cap: (This pipe is appears to be held on with 12 hex-bolts. The unit may be removable.)
a) A 2" long metal tube extends from the 2" diameter pipe. Clamped to this extension, a 1/2" diameter plastic tube (1/4" interior diameter) extends 36".
b) A 1" long metal tube, 3/16" in diameter is capped shut with a yellow plug. This plug is possibly removable with force.
c) A 2" long metal tube, 1/2" in diameter (3/8" interior diameter) is capped with a red plug. This plug, when removed, provides a clear access into the chamber's interior.
d) Same as C, but there is no cap present.
e) Same as B, but the cap is blue.
Access:
There is clear access from the interior.The exterior has a *Bolt Cap.
Location:
0, 360 degrees counterclockwise from airlock, center height @ 174" from floor.Port 2B
Description:
In the interior a 1/2" diameter PVC pipe protrudes approximately 5' into the chamber for the port's center. Additionally, two 1/4" clear plastic tubes protrude 3.6' into the chamber.
Figure 5:
Exterior View of Port 2B1) A 1/4" plastic tube protrudes 10" beyond the 10" bolt cap and is easily movable by hand. It dons a 3/8" metal, female threaded end.
2) A 1/4" plastic tube protrudes 24" beyond the 10" bolt cap and is easily movable by hand. The 1/4' tube fits tightly into a threaded plastic sleeve housed in the bolt cap.
3) A 1/4" plastic tube protrudes from the 10" bolt cap and is not movable. The 1/4' tube fits tightly into a threaded plastic sleeve housed in the bolt cap. A metal female-male-female link is located 12" from the cap. The plastic tube continues another 36" past the link and discontinues with a 3/8" threaded end.
4) A 1/4" plastic tube protrudes from the 10" bolt cap. The 1/4' tube fits tightly into a threaded plastic sleeve housed in the bolt cap. A metal female-male-female link is located 12" from the cap. The plastic tube continues another 36" past the link and discontinues with a 3/8" metal, threaded end.
Access:
There is clear access from the interior.The exterior has a **Bolt Cap. An additional 10" diameter, 8-bolt cap is located directly on the 15" cap.
Location:
307.48 degrees counterclockwise from airlock, center height @ 174" from floor.Port 3B
Description:
There is a glass port viewing window.Access:
There is clear access from the interior.The exterior has a *Bolt Cap.
Location:
270 degrees counterclockwise from airlock, center height @ 174" from floor.Port 4B
Description:
The port is sealed.Access:
There is clear access from the interior.The exterior has a *Bolt Cap.
Location:
223.45 degrees counterclockwise from airlock, center height @ 174" from floor.Port 5B
Description:
The port is sealed.Access:
There is clear access from the interior.The exterior has a *Bolt Cap.
Location:
177.9 degrees counterclockwise from airlock, center height @ 174" from floor.Port 6B
Description:
There is a 1-1/2" clear-pass hole located @ center.Access:
There is clear access from the interior.The exterior has a *Bolt Cap.
Location:
133.69 degrees counterclockwise from airlock, center height @ 174" from floor.Port 7B
Description:
There is a glass port viewing window.Access:
There is clear access from the interior.The exterior has a *Bolt Cap.
Location:
90 degrees counterclockwise from airlock, center height @ 174" from floor.Description:
What appears to be an air pump completes a loop with the chamber's interior. Two thermometers are located on the intake hose. They are labeled as "wet" and "dry". Additionally, a 10" long 1/4" plastic tube protrudes from the intake hose at its beginning. The tube has a 3/8" metal, female threaded end. A 1/2" open hole is present just below the 1/4" tube.Access:
There is clear access from the interior.The exterior port leads to the base of the animal chamber but it is not connected. The animal chamber is unusable without serious modification and repair. There is a *Bolt Cap.
Location:
45 degrees counterclockwise from airlock, center height @ 174" from floor.
|
Figure 6: Exterior View of Port 8B and base of animal chamber |
Figure 7: Animal Chamber |
Ports 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 & 7C:
Description:
The ports are sealed. Any modification for access may be possible with the Bolt Cap.Access:
There is clear access from the interior.The exterior has a *Bolt Cap.
Location:
Various degrees counterclockwise from airlock, center height @ 288" from floor.Port 3C
Description:
The port is sealed with no possible access.Access:
NAThere is no access from the exterior.
Location:
270 degrees counterclockwise from airlock, center height @ 288" from floor.Port 8C
Description:
The port leads to the animal chamber. A mechanical seal is located in the pipe. (See Figure 7)Access:
NAThere is no access from the exterior.
Location:
90 degrees counterclockwise from airlock, center height @ 288" from floor.____________________________________________________________________________________________
*Bolt Cap- 13.5" cap bolted on exterior. The cap consists of an 8-bolt array. The cap is possibly removable giving leeway for port modification.
**Bolt Cap- 15" cap bolted on exterior. The cap consists of a 12-bolt array. The cap is possibly removable giving leeway for port modification.
Click Here to see Plan Views (Levels A, B, and C)
Click Here to see Ventilation System Layout
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