For over 30 years, Price has been generating accurate, reliable performance data using
our extensive in-house test facilities. Recently expanded and upgraded, the Price
Air Distribution Laboratories in Winnipeg reinforce our commitment to world-class
research and development using state-of-the-art test equipment. Price Air Distribution
Laboratories are excellent for contractors, engineers and owners to view Price products
operating under a variety of installation and operating conditions.
REVERBERANT SOUND ROOM
A key element in our test facilities is the reverberant sound room,
constructed and qualified in accordance with ASHRAE and ANSI test
standards. The sound room is used to generate all catalog performance
data, including ARI certified ratings for Price terminal units. Using
Bruel and Kjaer Dual Channel Real Time Frequency Analyzers ensures the
highest accuracy of sound measurement available, while a networked
graphical data acquisition system precisely monitors and controls test
parameters and conditions. Air flow and pressure measurements are
recorded in accordance with industry standards. Mock-up witness tests
are often conducted to fulfill specific project requirements.
THROW ROOM
The specially designed throw rooms allow all types of air outlets to be
tested in a variety of conditions. Room layout and diffuser placement
can be customized for specialized applications, allowing products to
be tested prior to delivery. Rooms can be divided into sections to
create smaller areas or expanded to one large area. Large viewing
windows allow visitors and laboratory staff to observe air pattern
smoke tests from outside the room.
AIR DISTRIBUTION MOCK-UP ROOM
Price Air Distribution mock-up rooms feature a raised floor plenum-supply
system with Price Underfloor outlets, and a complete HORD Hospital
Operating Room ceiling system. A cold wall with an environmental
chamber capable of temperatures down to -30°F can be used to determine
the effectiveness of overhead heating systems and underfloor outlets
in perimeter locations. Air patterns can be analyzed through smoke
tests or detailed temperature and velocity plots using state-of-the-art
graphing equipment. Price mock-up rooms were designed with the customer
in mind and can be configured to meet any job specific requirements.
TRAINING ROOM
Training is an important part of the laboratory facilities. Training
capabilities have been added to the Price Air Distribution Laboratories,
allowing for effective, focused presentations on specific products and
air distribution topics. A large selection of product samples allow for
hands-on training, with Power Point presentations, videos, and
multimedia software available to enhance the learning experience.
ELECTRICAL TEST AREA
Price conducts a variety of electrical tests to develop performance
ratings for fan-powered terminal units and electric duct heaters.
Testing is performed in our laboratories to ensure products meet the
appropriate safety standards required by UL/ULC, CSA, and ETL
organizations. The Price Air Distribution Laboratories have been
certified to conduct electric duct heater testing, using a wide
range of power supplies and testing equipment. This certification
allows us to test power supplies of various voltages, in single and
three phase, as well as variable voltage transformers and variable
frequency power supplies.
ACOUSTIC MOCK-UP ROOM
Price has constructed an Acoustic Mock-up Room to test terminal unit
sound generation conditions in an actual office environment. Designed
and finished in accordance with the Acoustical Consultants’ guidelines
for simulating actual office acoustics, the Acoustic Mock-Up Room
allows NC levels to be verified. Mock-ups can also be created for a
variety of project specifications. Visitors can listen to the system
in operation and receive detailed room sound measurements and analysis.
FAN COIL TEST CHAMBER
The Fan Coil Test Chamber tests fan coils in accordance with ASHRAE
and ARI test standards. The chamber has humidity and temperature
control so that all measurements are taken in the same conditions.
It has a dedicated cold and hot water system and variable voltage
transformers to test units for capacity and ARI ratings.
TERMINAL TEST AREA
Price Air Distribution Laboratories have dedicated areas for terminal
unit testing and product development. These areas include supply air
drops capable of delivering up to 10,000 CFM through NIST traceable
Flow meters. Ethernet based Data acquisition systems allow the
collection of data for a variety of tests including temperature
mixing, fan curves, and flow sensor regulation accuracy.
PRICE SOUND LABORATORY
To support Price’s commitment to provide accurate, reliable performance
data for Noise Control Products we have dedicated 6500 sq.ft. to the
Price Sound Laboratory. The Price Sound Laboratory includes a
21,000 ft³ Reverberant Sound Chamber designed specifically for testing
commercial and industrial noise control products. This room can be
supplied with up to 30,000 cfm from a dedicated fan and measuring
system. Variable speed drives and NIST traceable flow meters ensure
the most accurate flow control and measurement. The entire noise
control test facility was designed and constructed utilizing the most
up-to-date test standards and procedures available and meets the
requirements for ASTM, ARI and AMCA product testing. All measurements
and control are monitored and recorded with a state-of-the-art
frequency analyzer and data acquisition system. This industry leading
facility also gives Price the ability to perform in-house testing on
custom products to the appropriate testing standard.
MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT
Price testing facilities have mechanical equipment designed to suit the
capacity and control requirements of our products.
Items include:
- Several high-capacity fan systems for supply and exhaust application up to 30,000 cfm
- Variable speed drives for infinite fan flow control
- Chilled water coils for high-capacity cooling applications
- DX cooling system capable of supplying low temperature air to 31°F
- 35 ton Chilled Water Cooling System
- NIST Traceable Flow Meters