New approach for measuring airflows in buildings using a perfluorocarbon tracer

Abstract

This paper describes a new approach for measuring airflows in buildings based on a perfluorocarbon tracer (PFT) technique. Ventilation measurements were carried out in a test room to examine the accuracy of the PFT technique. The PFT, which is a liquid at room temperature, was injected into the room at a constant rate using a thermostatically controlled heating unit. Tracer gas samples were collected using the active (pumped) sampling method, in which stainless-steel tubes packed with adsorbent were employed. The samples were stored for subsequent analysis in the laboratory using a thermal desorber and gas monitor. The experimental results from the new PFT approach were compared with the conventional method using SF 6 and PFT tracer gases.