Introduction

Safety Precautions

1. Read all instructions: Review this manual in its entirety before starting work.
   
2. Qualified personnel: Installation and maintenance must be performed by trained professionals.
   
3. Lockout/Tagout: De-energize all power sources before handling electrical components.
   
4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Use safety glasses, gloves, safety toe boots, fall protections, and any other required PPE.
   
5. Lifting precautions: Use proper lifting techniques. Use caution when working at height and ensure area below is clear of personnel during lifts.
   
6. Lifting equipment ratings: Ensure equipment used to lift and/or move products are rated for the weight of the product.
7. Environment: Ensure the installation area is free of moisture, dust, and debris.

System Description

1. AirFRAME (AF) airflow modules
2. Outboard (OB) equipment mounting modules
3. Rail Channel (RC) rail mounting modules
   
4. Hinged Damper-Diffuser (DD) assemblies
   

Installation Contractor Training

AirFRAME installations should only be completed by contractors who have been trained by SLD Technology, Inc. Since some installation characteristics can change with custom systems, it is recommended that a contractor training session be booked for each job prior to the job shipping from SLD.

Click Here for Training Information

Supply, Install, and Connect (SIC) Responsibility Matrix

Table 1: SIC Matrix

*This matrix represents a typical flow for jobs.  The actual flow may vary based on the region, requirements of the job, or other factors.

General Information

Installing and servicing the AirFRAME modular fully-integrated OR ceiling system can present lifting, system pressure, and electrical hazards. Only trained and qualified personnel experienced in the installation of similar systems should install or service AirFRAME equipment. Click Here for Training Information.

Before connecting an AirFRAME system to power or performing any service on electrical components, always turn off the main power to the system. There may be more than one disconnect switch. Electrical shock can cause personal injury or death.

AirFRAME systems should be carefully installed in accordance with the standards of the National Fire Protection Association, National Electrical Code, and/or any applicable local electrical codes. Authorities having jurisdiction should be consulted before installations are made to verify local codes and installation procedures.

The hinged Damper-Diffuser (DD) assemblies and HEPA filters are expensive long-lead items and should be stored and handled with care. Make sure to keep them safe until installation.

Needed for Offloading Truck

1. Forklift or Telehandler with long forks or fork extensions (≥6-foot)
   

See Receiving, Inspection, and Storage section for more information.

Needed for Moving Modules

1. Forklift or Telehandler to move Modules off of shipping pallet to Staging Blocks or Moving/Furniture dollies (heavy duty recommended).
   
1. Standard Furniture Dollies are sufficient for one-time or minimal use; however, AirFRAME modules can weigh anywhere from 300-1800lbs. Wheel bearings on this type of dolly tend to wear out quickly.
   

Figure 1: Standard Moving Dolly

1. Heavy Duty Dollies are recommended (These are what we use in our factory: https://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/H-1811/Dollies/Plastic-Dolly?pricode=WA9281
   )

Figure 2: Heavy Duty Moving Dolly

1. Low Profile Heavy Duty Dollies are highly recommended for larger projects if you plan on continuing to install AirFRAME (https://www.homedepot.com/p/Vestil-840-lb-Low-Profile-Floor-Hugger-Dolly-LFH-55/205722876
   )

Figure 3: Low Profile Heavy Duty Moving Dolly

Figure 4: AirFRAME® module on Low Profile Heavy Duty Moving Dolly

1. 2x4 and 4x4 wood blocks (can use blocks off shipping pallets)
   

Figure 5: AirFRAME® modules on shipping pallet

Figure 6: AirFRAME® modules on blocks

1. Pallet Jack
   

Figure 7: Shipping pallet on pallet jack

Needed for Installation

1. Material Lifts (minimum of 2. Modules weigh 300-1800lbs each)
   

Figure 8: Material Lifts

2. Chain Fall [aka: Chain Hoist / Chain Block] (2 recommended, 1 minimum)
   
3. Ladders 8 and/or 10' (4 recommended, 2 minimum, at least 1x 10' recommended)
   
4. Plastic Sheeting and vinal tape (for protecting unit once initial install is complete)
   
5. Self-leveling Laser Level (for verifying hanging height)
   
6. Hand Tools:
   
1. Spirit or Digital Level (>3ft recommended)
   
2. Sockets and Wrenches (SLD Ship Loose Hardware is Imperial)
   
3. Wrench 15/16" for 5/8" suspension hardware (ratcheting/speed wrench recommended)
   
4. Impact Gun with 3/4" socket for 1/2" module-to-module hardware
   
5. Wrench 3/4" for 1/2" module-to-module hardware
6. Tape Measure (calibrated)
   
7. Drift Pin (for module-to-module alignment)
   
8. Utility Knife
   
9. Pry Bar
   
10. Rubber Mallet
    
11. Rivet Gun
    
12. Caulking Gun
    
13. Wire cutters/stripers
    
14. Torque Wrench with lower limit of at least 23ft-lbs [31.18 newton-meters] (for rooms with Imbedded Unistrut only)
    

Figure 9: Tools needed

Helpful tools:

3-in-1, hammer, spud wrench, and drift pin in one:

 

Ratcheting/speed Wrench 15/16" for 5/8" hardware

Site Survey and Environmental Conditions

Move-in path

Walk and measure the minimum height clearance of the move-in path. Keep in mind that in addition to the tallest AirFRAME module, there may be a 4-inch deep electrical enclosure attached to the module as well as any of the the following site constraints to consider:

1. Furniture Dolly height (largest module PLUS dolly height) - Low-profile dolly recommended. See Tool section.
   
2. Floor Trim
   
3. Door trim
   
4. Automatic door closing arms
   
5. Access Control locks
   

Suspension Point Locations

It is important to verify that the suspension point hangers, typically All-Thread Rod (ATR), are placed correctly in the room. Keep in mind that "plan North" does not always match "true North" on a compass. The number of rods should match the number of suspension points of each module. Refer to the Structural Calculations as well as the suspension point page of the ship loose drawings. Rods should be prepared with a top nut pre-threaded up the rod for installation.

Ceiling Height

The elevation in which the AirFRAME is suspended, ceiling height, is CRITICAL especially so in rooms with ceiling-mounted imaging equipment. Imaging equipment manufacturers (Phillips, Siemens, Cannon, etc.) typically have less than a 4-6mm of tolerance; therefore, it is extremely important to have a verified (by GC, Architect, Engineer, etc.) ceiling height point scribed in the room to measure from (by others, not within SLD scope).

Measuring from the concrete floor at installation can lead to issues with ceiling height in the future. Concrete floors during construction are usually not level and the finished floor can add inches in height. Remember to take into account the finished floor thickness.

General ORs

Typically, General Operating Rooms (those without ceiling-mounted imagine equipment), the ceiling height is the line between where the aluminum lighting grid meets the lighting lens:

Hybrid ORs

In Hybrid Operating Rooms (those with ceiling-mounted imaging equipment), the ceiling height is the bottom of the Unistrut Embeds. With most imaging equipment manufacturers, the distance between the top of the table floorplate and the bottom of the Unistrut Embeds is CRITICAL. Take extra care to ensure proper height during installation. Once the imaging equipment manufacturer's representative comes to verify Unistrut height, the hard-lid ceiling and flooring is typically installed so it can be VERY expensive to raise the whole AirFRAME system or grind the floor and re-install the table plate at that point.

AirFRAME Unistrut Embeds are adjustable in height for small adjustments. Systems ship with a 1mm shim pre-installed and extra shims are sent loose for field adjustments. Unistrut Embeds can be shimmed downwards by inserting shims but can only be adjusted upwards 1mm by removing a single shim. Therefore, it is better to error on hanging too high rather than too low.

Please read the following article on Unistrut Embeds by clicking here.

Use extreme caution when cutting the wrapping of AirFRAME modules to avoid personal injury and/or scratching the powder coat finish and compromising the integrity of the paint.

Protect Material Lift Forks

Leaving material lift forks unprotected WILL scratch and gouge the finished face of the AirFRAME. Protect the forks with foam, carpet, pallet, or other method. AirFRAME units ship with foam between units. That foam can be used for fork protection.

Beware of protrusions on lifting equipment:

Chain Falls

Within the room and in an area out of the way or off to the side of the room so as not to be in the way of raising modules into place, attach two chain falls to the ceiling that are spaced apart the widest module length. Wider is better but slightly narrower is okay.

  

Rotating Modules

There are multiple methods to reposition AirFRAME modules from their shipping orientation (knife edge on dollies or a pallet jack), to their installation orientation (flat on material lift). SLD ships loose 5/8" eyebolts and/or a manufactured lifting lugs to help with rigging for this manipulation. Eyebolts are most common but a manufactured lifting lug will be provided for modules that are heavier than the compacity of eyebolts which is rare.

      Recommended Method

1. Install eyebolts or lifting lugs into the suspension points on opposite corners from each other on the module being installed.
   

3. Attach chain fall to each eyebolt or lifting lug.
   
4. Raise chain falls, raising the lower one faster, while one person guides the module into the flat position.
   

5. Once flat, place material lifts under the unit and crank them up into place taking the weight off the chain falls.
   
6. Remove chain falls from unit.
   
7. Move unit while on material lifts into the correct position under the install location.
   

Alternate Methods

Lift Into Place

1. Raise material lifts evenly, raising the unit into place.
   
2. Ensure a top nut is threaded onto all rods above the point where the top of the AirFRAME will land.
   
3. Guide hanging rod through a fender washer and into suspension holes as the unit is raised. (this washer can be taped to the top nut and lowered later)
   

1. Once the rod is through the suspension hole, install the SLD-supplied plate washer, a fender washer and a nut to secure the AirFRAME to the rod.
   

 

1. If possible, leave the top nuts loose until the whole system is level and then tighten them down.
   

It is much easier to feed rods through the suspension holes if each of the all-thread rod drops are cut at a slightly different length, to prevent having to feed all of them through the suspension holes simultaneously.

Videos

Standard Rooms

1. Begin with one module to make sure it is level and on the plane described in the owner's specification drawings. If module is not level, adjust the module supports that are connected to the roof (or side) of the module. 
2. Monitor each module and overall SLD dimensions during the course of installation to verify that the overall dimensions match specifications.
3. When the system is fully level and dimensionally correct, tighten all bolts to secure each module into place so that they will not move. 
4. Trim all-thread rod if necessary.

Rooms with Embedded Unistrut

For leveling rooms with Embedded Unistrut, Click here

Standard LED Lighting Basics

Visible Light Disinfection (VLD) Basics

VLD Testing and Troubleshooting

For Perimeter Angle Installation instructions, Click Here

This step is CRITICAL. If missed/neglected, HEPA filters will not seat correctly and leakage can occur around the filters. 

Receive and Inspect

Prepare site to accept and adequately handle HEPA filters. Please note that, as filters purchased through SLD are drop shipped directly from the filter manufacturer, a 24-hour notice before arrival cannot and will not be given by SLD. Upon arrival, store filters indoors in a clean and dry space.

SLD Technology is not responsible for damage to filters caused by improper storage and/or handling.

Installation

1. Install HEPA filters either prior to the installation of the Damper-Diffuser (DD) doors or open the DD cam locks and lower both the diffuser and damper and let hang down.
   
2. Follow the original filter manufacturer’s handling instructions at all times. Do not rack or twist the filter frame or put pressure (even hand pressure) on the filter media at any time. It is recommended, but not necessary, for two people to handle each filter install.
   
3. Rotate the filter clips so that they are free and clear of the knife edge of the diffuser.
   
4. Rest one edge of the filter on the ledge created by the DD hinge and position yourself to lift the filter gel seal into the knife edge.
   
5. Push up on the FRAME of the filter to ensure a proper seal of the filter.
   
6. Rotate the filter clips perpendicular to the grid to support the filter.
   
7. Reverse these instructions for filter removal.
   

Keep DD doors safe and within their crate until installation. DD doors are long-lead and expensive to replace as a one-off.

1. Locate the DD rivets (#45BRAW) and hinged DD door assembly. 
2. On the hinge for each DD door, there is a set of rivet holes. Align these holes with the holes located on the DD frame around the vent opening space into which it will be installed (these holes are only located on one side, so the DD door can only be installed in one direction).
3. Using a pneumatic or electric rivet gun, rivet the DD door hinge into place with the DD rivets, checking that each rivet makes a solid connection, and that the hinge remains flush against the frame.
   

1. Once all rivets are installed, fully open the DD and allow it to hang downward. Bend the diffuser screen backwards slightly to put a slight backwards arc in its frame. The DD doors tend to settle during shipment and may sag slightly if this step is skipped. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as the DD screen can be easily damaged.
   
2. Close the DD door, making sure to use all the cam locks to lock it in place. Check that the DD screen finishes flush against the frame.
   
3. If there is a significant gap, repeat steps 4 and 5 until it is resolved.
   

All balancing components are downstream of the HEPA filter and can be adjusted without removing ceiling diffusers.

1. Using a hex key wrench, insert it though the center hole of the Damper-Diffuser screen.
2. Turn the hex key to adjust the guillotine slide plate to the desired position.
3. Remove the hex key.
   

AirFRAME should be balanced like a Cleanroom. Our Single Large Diffuser array is more similar to cleanrooms than the traditional Multi-diffuser array. A Velgrid with 4" standoffs is recommended. Flow hoods are not recommended and can lead to difficulty balancing the room. Measurements should be taken at least 2" from the corner slots and an average velocity should be taken across the full array to balance. For more information on balancing, contact our support team.

SLD Technology includes a limited standard warranty which is in effect for eighteen (18) months from date of shipment or twelve (12) months from date of installation, whichever occurs first. For more information, contact our support team.

Contacting Support

Support can be reached by:

1. Clicking: "Submit a Ticket" at the bottom of this article.
   
2. Emailing: support@sldus.com
   
3. Calling: +1 (503) 744-0002 and selecting option 2