Method to the measurement of air leakage: introducing PULSE

On 27 April, building industry stakeholders gathered at the Energy Technology Centre of Nottingham University where the long-awaited new air tightness testing (also known as air pressure testing) technology, the PULSE unit, made its first appearance.

Build Test Solutions (BTS) is an exciting new tech start-up business which seeks to harness innovation to help change how we test and verify the performance of buildings post completion. The business is co-launched by National Energy Foundation, Elmhurst Energy and Absolute Air & Gas; who have been working to develop the scientifically proven technology into a slick product that’s practical to use and an asset to the industry.

Recent government funding has provided a vital opportunity to extend and accelerate this development, with a ready-for-use product expected by October 2017.

Background information on air leakage

Buildings need an adequate level of ventilation in order to protect the fabric of a building from moisture problems and to maintain the health, comfort and well-being of the occupants. However, uncontrolled ventilation, also known as air infiltration or air leakage can occur due to the gaps and cracks.

Such air leakage can lead to discomfort caused by draughts and a significant reduction in energy efficiency. Losses can contribute up to 20% of the total heat losses in existing buildings, and by up to one third in well insulated properties. 

High infiltration can also lead to a reduction in the effectiveness of mechanical ventilation systems and the possibility of increased risk of condensation and moisture accumulation.

It’s an extremely important topic and whilst the existing blower door fan method serves as a useful stress test of the building fabric, complete with the ability to undertake leakage diagnostics, the testing tends only to be conducted on a sample basis for new build homes and in only a very small number of non-domestic projects.

What is PULSE?

BTS has worked alongside Nottingham University to develop the PULSE air test as a quick, easy-to-use alternative which will help to make fabric infiltration testing more accessible, at lower cost and ultimately more widely adopted throughout both new build and retrofit markets.

The PULSE technology is a pioneering approach which releases a low-pressure air pulse within a building space for realistic and accurate measurement of fabric infiltration in a matter of minutes. The test is conducted at a push of a button and the low pressure operation means that the test results are directly representative of the true infiltration characteristics of the building.

The test is also non-disruptive, enabling the equipment to be used in occupied homes as well as in more sensitive environments such as cleanrooms and laboratories.

The target audience for such performance measurement will range from building surveyors, energy assessors, building control officers, existing airtightness and acoustic testers, through to manufacturers, product suppliers, contractors or developers.

Work continues with its UKAS accreditation for the system and we’ll bring you more news as this develops.

Further information

Visit Build Test Solutions Ltd or request an air pressure test from LABC Consult.