Tufts – Equine CT Scan Project

Field Erected Custom AHUs

The SLAM Collaborative and the Boston office of CMTA Engineers provided design services for renovations to the existing Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in Grafton, MA. The project included the repurposing of existing space to create a new CT Scanning facility which includes state-of-the-art CT scanning equipment specializing in producing high resolution images of large horse bodies. Along with the hospital’s new MRI, installation of this system would establish the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine as the leading equine (and small animal) diagnostic imaging center in the Northeast.

Dynamic Air (DA) worked closely with the CMTA Boston Office through multiple field visits, and existing conditions documentation, to assess the project challenges. DA then worked in tandem with the entire project design team to devise a custom air handling solution to meet the project challenges which included:

• Rigging restrictions through the existing mechanical mezzanine
• Spatial constraints around existing to remain roof supporting steel members and MEP/FP building utilities
• Repurposing of existing to remain unit support steel dunnage
• Incorporating new airflow energy recovery in a more compact footprint than previous design

The existing unit supporting the space was capable of heating and ventilation only and was removed as part of the project. When DA was initially contacted about the project the new design incorporated two (2) 100% outside air supply tunnel’s and a free standing (hanging) exhaust air energy recovery unit (EAHU). Through the design process DA was able to design, and successfully manufacturer, a fully field assembled (knock down construction) unit that met the rigging challenges while also utilizing the existing support dunnage. The final approved design included three (3) distinct air tunnels all sharing the same overall existing footprint.

• 100% OA air tunnel with a combined hot water pre-heat/energy recovery coil, steam humidification, chilled water cooling coil (lower air tunnel) to support new Horse CT suite.
• 100% OA Heating and Ventilation air tunnel with combined hot water heating/energy recovery coil to support existing animal circulation space. (upper air tunnel).
• Exhaust tunnel incorporating the energy recovery coil and warm weather bypass with remote exhaust fan (provided by others).

The innovative approach of combining the three units into one (1) “box” which was achieved through partnership early in the design process allowed the design team to minimize modifications to the existing ductwork, unit steel support modifications while also reducing the unit construction costs.