Project PEARL

HL-X-VENT™ is an advanced ventilation solution designed for laboratory and industrial environments, forming a core component of the HL-X-LAB™ modular infrastructure system. It focuses on draft-free air semi-laminar airflow distribution, energy efficiency, and high safety standards for critical spaces and environments like BSL labs and cleanrooms.

Laminar Air Diffusers are widely used in critical laboratories and cleanroom environments. It delivers smooth, directed airflow, for example, directly above the workbenches, to maintain steady conditions, minimize turbulence, and reduce contamination risks. Designed for cleanrooms and biosafety labs, it ensures precise environmental control and compliance with stringent safety standards.

Vortex Diffusers use swirling air patterns to distribute and mix the air supply throughout the room. This design supports temperature control and dilution of contaminants but can create turbulence that reduces comfort and productivity, making it less ideal, especially in environments requiring strict laminar conditions. Commonly applied in educational lab environments, they offer a practical and cost-effective solution.

How effectively does the ventilation system maintain a stable and safe laboratory environment? We looked at areas like temperature stratification and air distribution, so the profile of temperatures and air velocities was recorded over the entire room.

How much energy does the ventilation system consume, and how can efficiency be maximized? We focused on heat load dissipation, cooling capacity and setpoint stability.

How quickly and efficiently does it remove airborne contaminants in the laboratory? We used the recovery time method whereby the lab space is filled with large aerosol gas particles until it reaches a maximum concentration, then monitoring the time taken to return to normal levels.

Can the system be easily integrated into modern, modular lab infrastructures, and can it adapt to different usage purposes? The test was conducted at the Pilot Lab in Zug, in a fully functional laboratory environment. The Siemens Smart Lab Ecosystems and our critical room automation were thus tested for their flexibility and adaptability.

Does the airflow enhance or disrupt the work environment for lab users? Comfort is measured according to ISO 7730 (Ergonomics of the thermal environment) at two locations in the test room where we simulate two workers, one standing while working at the fume hood, and the other while sitting at a lab bench.

How does airflow in a lab environment interact with surfaces to influence air patterns? The tests examined how airflow patterns adhere to ceilings, equipment or walls under changing conditions. Using a fog machine and laser visualization, we made the Coanda effect visible to assess its role in maintaining safe and comfortable conditions.