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Figure 8. Flow Analysis of Hazardous Materials

Figure 9. Very small changes in spatial flow can radically change the utilization and experience of a building

Linear Dendritic or vascular Ring-like feedback Linear Dendritic or vascular Ring-like feedback

activities. In building occupancy facility. Flow from a central receiving a building, where the red sphere
codes, hazardous materials are truck dock to a single flow corridor represents a starting point, the black
limited by volume and by type. allows HPM movement and is not spheres represent spaces or rooms,
Volume control limits for flammables, available as a safety egress corridor. and the lines as connecting pathways.
corrosives, explosives, toxics and Flow into laboratory and cleanroom
These diagrams represent radically
oxidizers are just a few of the material a reas occurs v ia pass-t h roug h different movement patterns (linear
classifications that affect the design openings, material clean lifts or pattern versus a branching tree-like
of research facilities. How these various dumb waiter elevators, thus
pattern, versus a looped or ring-like
materials are handled and stored limiting hazardous material handling pattern); but in fact, they can all be
greatly affects the cost of the facilities flow throughout the facility. achieved with essentially the same
and their operational costs and
The analysis of flow and movement building configuration with only
management when in operation.
can be quite subtle, and minor minor changes. This demonstrates
Figure 8 demonstrates the effective changes made during detailed design why it is critical that the basic
layout a nd f low con f ig urat ion and construction can completely concepts of flow and separation
f o r h a z a r d o us g a s s e s a n d subvert the original concepts as developed during Basis of Design be
chemicals. The Hazardous Process developed during the Basis of Design understood completely during later
Materials (HPM) storage rooms effort. As a simple example, here phases of design and construction.
are rated by materials class and are some diagrams demonstrating a Figure 9
positioned on the exterior of the basic concept of movement through

NEW FAB ENGINEERING JOURNAL MARCH 2015 11