Challenge
Northeastern University required the expansion of its Quantum Materials and Sensing Institute (QMSI) at the Innovation Campus in Burlington, MA, to accommodate new principal investigators (PIs) and their research programs. This effort included the fit-out of approximately 9,500 square feet of lab space in Building 5 and renovations to neighboring office spaces in Elliott Hall.
Page contacted Hallam-ICS to provide mechanical, electrical, process, and TGMS system design for the university to support these research programs. The QMSI space consisted of open lab space, dark enclosure rooms (for sensitive environments such as laser labs), and custom quantum globe area.
Solution
Mechanical systems included modification to existing house supply, return, and exhaust systems, new humidification systems, and new controls systems integrated with existing building wide management systems. Mechanical systems designed for 5% relative humidity and 2 degree C temperature stability for dark enclosure spaces.
Process systems included bulk nitrogen supplies with a new vaporizer and distribution systems for argon, nitrogen, oxygen, helium, methane, and hydrogen gases were installed to enable advanced research capabilities. Hydrogen and methane were securely housed in gas cabinets, supported by a toxic gas monitoring system integrated with the fire alarm for safety. Process chilled water loops via heat exchangers were installed to support laboratory grade water-cooled equipment.
Electrical upgrades included improvements to normal and standby power systems, lighting, fire alarm systems, and data network. Modern laser safety systems were installed for class IV laser installations to meet the universities laser safety requirements. Building AC electrical power distribution and equipment electromagnetic interference mitigation strategies included specific routing of AC power conductors in rigid metal conduit, grounding, and select placement of magnets within the space.
