M&E Services Commissioning Network

Hi Andrew

For a normal construction programme the commissioning section need not be too detailed.

This is a typical list of tasks and milestones.

1. Plant run up and test - about 10 work days.
1.1 Lead in Milestone:
All services connected
All systems complete to 2nd fix
All plant installed and linked to risers.
All service risers closed and locked
2. Static tests for each level or fire break zone - about 5-10 days per level
2.1 Lead in milestones
Each level systems finals completed
Plant run up completed
3. Final Completion test & commission - allow at least 30 days
3.1 Lead in milestones
All static lests complete
All other trades - including snagging and clean and clear - complete - in other words no one else in the building.

The M&E specialists will of course have their own commissioning protocols and sequences but this level of detail is not needed provided you allow them enough time and exclusive access.

I hope that helps.

Best regards

Mike Testro

Dear Andrew,

You might want to list the systems that you have. Sometimes up to 17 EM systems depending on the client.

You also need to know the standards and the specifications that you are working with. Some buildings have "Fundamental Commissioning" and others require "Enhanced Commissioing". These terms are associated with the new Green Buildings Requirements.

If you are working on certifying you building, then you might want to consider working with Energy Management Companies who have indepth experience about commissioning of buildings.

With kind regards,

Samer

Dear Andrew,

You can visit www.usgbc.org and check the LEED documents;

"
LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations:

Commissioned Systems
Commissioning process activities must be completed for the following energy-related systems, at a minimum:
Heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems (mechanical and passive) and
associated controls
Lighting and daylighting controls
Domestic hot water systems
Renewable energy systems (e.g., wind, solar)
"

With kind regards,

Samer

For a typical mechanical system (usually LTHW or CHW), the requirements, water treatment and commissioning activities should be:

Requirements:

1) Power available to the system pumps (temporary or permanent)
2) Drainage system available (temporary or permanent)
3) Water supply available
4) Pipework completed, pressured tested & signed off

Water Treatment & Commissioning activities:

1) System Flush (static and dynamic) - approximately 20 days
2) System Chemical Cleaning - approximately 10 days
3) Fill & Vent System - approximately 2 days
4) System Proportional Balance - approximately 10 days
5) Regulate & Balance Equipment - approximately 5 days
6) System witness & sign off

For a bit more detailed programme:

1) Static Flush
2) 1st Dynamic Flush
3) Dose & circulate bioside
4) 2nd Dynamic Flush
5) Add & circulate cleaner
6) 3rd Dynamic Flush
7) Dose passivator & bioside
8) Backflush & forward flush main plant & equipment
9) Backflush & forward flush terminal units (eg.g FCUs, depending on the system)
10) Dose final inhibitor & bioside
11) Final tamples taken (7 days from the last activity; this is a milestone)
12) Laboratory analysis of final samples
13) System witness & sign off

Of course, this depends on the scope of works and the contract requirements. Also, I have found it useful to list all your systems; you can use the consultant’s schematics for that.

Konstantinos

Thankyou for your input. Can I assume that the detailed programme are all finish start? Very useful thankyou again.

Andrew

Hi Andrew

All programmes should be FS logic.

Best regards

Mike Testro

Mike

I know that, You are preaching to the converted. what I meant is - are all the activities listed in the detailed programme section on a finish start to each other, or are any of them carried out at the same time.

Regards

Andrew

Hi Andrew,

Yes, all links are FS; however, the "3rd dynamic flush" and the "dose passivator & bioside" can take place at the same tiem, i.e. there are FS to "add & circulate cleaner" and then lead to "backflush & forward flush main plant & equipment"

I hope this helps.

Konstantinos

Great - thanks for the information

Regards

Andrew

Hi Andrew

One furthe point - if there are periods in the comissioning programme that relate to time - not work - such as a static presuure test over 24 hours - make sure you allocate a 24hr/7day calendar to the bar and set the duration in calendar hours/days.

Best regards

Mike Testro