Air Intakes and Outlets

Ventilation systems - air intakes and outlets and rules of thumbs

Intakes

• Intakes should be at least 0.15 m (0.5 ft) above the terrain. In areas with traffic the intake should be at least 5 m (16 ft) above the terrain.
• The distance between intake, firewalls, and surrounding buildings must be according the rules of the local authorities.
• Short cutting intake air with used outlet air must be avoided.
• An air intake should be located in a position where the wind influence on the pressure conditions within the system is limited.
• Air velocities in the intake openings should not exceed 2.5 m/s (~ 500 ft/min)

Outlets

• Outlets should go direct out in unrestricted area.
• Short cuts with intake air, window openings and residence areas must be avoided.
• The distance between outlet, firewalls and surrounding buildings must be according the rules of the local authorities.
• An air outlet should be located in a position where the wind influence on the pressure conditions within the system is limited.
• The air velocity through the outlet should not exceed 3 - 15 m/s (~ 500 - 3000 ft/min).

Published for:APC Belgium