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Di Ann Hassloch, CSI, CCS, CCCA, LEED AP
Senior Member
Username: dhassloch

Post Number: 12
Registered: 07-2005
Posted on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 - 12:23 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

We are preparing outline specifications for a project in Kuwait. I've been charged with considering the effects of the extreme temperatures and sandstorms on the products and systems we specify. Could anyone point me to resources to aid in this research?
Thanks!
Ronald L. Geren, AIA, CSI, CCS, CCCA, SCIP
Senior Member
Username: specman

Post Number: 751
Registered: 03-2003


Posted on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 - 03:06 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Speaking from six months' experience being deployed to the location, the temperatures really aren't that much different than what is experienced here in Phoenix (maybe by about 3 or 4 degrees higher). Phoenix's highest recorded temperature is 122 degrees F; Kuwait has a record high of 126 degrees F (52 degrees C).

So, if it works in Phoenix, it should work in Kuwait.

Sandstorms didn't seem to be as much a problem as Iraq experiences, but they do occur. As to how it affects products and systems, well, that depends on what types of products and systems and where they're located. Inside a building, the sand isn't much of a problem except when it gets tracked in and custodial services don't clean regularly (We had somebody clean every other day). If outside, the sand can be very abrasive, so if the product or system is exposed, that should be a consideration. For mechanical equipment, filters and protection are a must; otherwise, sand will be brought into the building through the outside air intake and also work its way into mechanical components.
Ronald L. Geren, AIA, CSI, CCS, CCCA, SCIP
RLGA Technical Services
www.specsandcodes.com
Di Ann Hassloch, CSI, CCS, CCCA, LEED AP
Senior Member
Username: dhassloch

Post Number: 13
Registered: 07-2005
Posted on Monday, March 30, 2009 - 05:36 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Thank you, Ronald. I've also been told to use a Kynar system with a clear coat to protect the aluminum from the sand.
Dave Metzger
Senior Member
Username: davemetzger

Post Number: 313
Registered: 07-2001
Posted on Monday, March 30, 2009 - 06:14 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Probably will need sand trap louvers; these are installed behind the exterior architectural louvers. They consist of vertical overlapping channels, within a perimeter frame, that trap most sand and allow it to be funneled or drained out at the bottom of the louver.
Wayne Yancey
Senior Member
Username: wayne_yancey

Post Number: 179
Registered: 01-2008
Posted on Monday, March 30, 2009 - 06:23 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Dave,

Please name names. Is there a manufacturer of sand trap louvers?

Di,

Please post DFT for the color coat and clear coat or other unit of measurement. I have a project an Abu Dhabi.

Thanks
Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP
Senior Member
Username: lazarcitec

Post Number: 665
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Monday, March 30, 2009 - 07:17 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Wayne, we are also preparing specs for a project in Abu Dhabi and have been told to follow the Fluoropolymer spec that we typically use in South Florida and has been tested for 20 years: "Fluoropolymer Three-Coat System: Manufacturer's standard three-coat, thermocured system consisting of specially formulated inhibitive primer, fluoropolymer color coat, and a clear fuoropolymer top coat, with both the color and clear coats containing not less than 70 percent polyvinylidene fluoride resin by weight. Prepare, pretreat, and apply coating to exposed metal surfaces to comply with AAMA 2605 and with coating and resin manufacturers' written instructions. Provide coating which has been field tested under normal range of weathering conditions for a minium of 20 years without significant peel, blister, flake, chip, crack, or check in the finish, and without chalking in excess of 8 (ASTM D 4214) and without fading in excess of 5 NBS units. Paint system shall provide 1.60 mil dry film thickness consisting of 0.25 (+/- .05) mil primer, minimum 1.0 mil colorcoat, 0.40 (+/- .20) mil clear top coat."
Dave Metzger
Senior Member
Username: davemetzger

Post Number: 314
Registered: 07-2001
Posted on Monday, March 30, 2009 - 10:35 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Wayne:

Google "sand trap louvers". Mostly British and Middle Eastern manufacturers, not the usual US louver manufacturers
Wayne Yancey
Senior Member
Username: wayne_yancey

Post Number: 180
Registered: 01-2008
Posted on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 - 11:16 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Thank you Jerome and Dave.

Jerome,

In South Florida, do you ever use clear anodized or do you stick with the Fluoropolymer 3-coat system to look like clear anodized?

Dave,
This is my first encounter with a sand trap louver. Details are sketchy from the middle east manufacturers. The majority appear to be surface mounted to the face of the exterior enclosure. The example projects shown are vague at best. Can you explain how these louvers interface with the exterior wall assemblies?

Wayne
Dave Metzger
Senior Member
Username: davemetzger

Post Number: 315
Registered: 07-2001
Posted on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 - 11:36 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

This is my first project with them too, Wayne. I had included them in the DD specification, but for CD they will be specified by the mechanical engineer so I have not been involved with further details.

My understanding is that they typically are mounted behind the exterior (architectural) louver, though if appearance is not an issue, they could be exposed to view and serve as the sole louver. Because of the arrangement of the channel "baffles" they will have an influence on free area and that needs to be taken into account in sizing the louvers.
Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP
Senior Member
Username: lazarcitec

Post Number: 666
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 - 11:43 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Some architects still specify Anodize Class 1, the anodized surfaces usually start pitting after a year, but for some that is not an issue. We also see polyester and even acrylic coatings specified, I won't spec those without a hold harmless from a client for South Florida work; we have specified anodize for work in Orlando, less salt in air in Orlando.
We have had success specifying PPG's Duranar Sunstorm Arcadia Silver in lieu of anodize, you should ask your local PPG rep for a color sample on aluminum and compare it to clear anodize.
Mark Gilligan SE, CSI
Senior Member
Username: mark_gilligan

Post Number: 152
Registered: 10-2007
Posted on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 - 01:02 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Dave,
It has been my experience that many mechanical engineers do not specify louvers

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