Dynamic Monitoring and Analysis of Ammonia Concentration in Laboratory Animal Facilities Under Suspension of Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning System
10.12300/j.issn.1674-5817.2024.130
- VernacularTitle:暖通系统暂停送风下实验动物设施氨浓度的动态监测与分析
- Author:
Qingzhen JIAO
1
;
Guihua WU
1
;
Wen TANG
1
;
Fan FAN
1
;
Kai FENG
1
;
Chunxiang YANG
1
;
Jian QIAO
1
;
Sufang DENG
1
Author Information
1. Wuhan Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd., Wuhan 430207, China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Ammonia concentration;
Laboratory animal facility;
Air conditioning system shutdown;
Duration of air supply shutdown
- From:
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine
2025;45(4):490-495
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
ObjectiveTo monitor the real-time changes in ammonia concentration in the laboratory animal facility environment before, during, and after the air conditioning system stops supplying air, so as to provide a basis and reference for developing emergency plans for the shutdown of the air conditioning system. MethodsThe laboratory animal facilities of the Wuhan Institute of Biological Products were used as the research object. Ammonia concentration detectors were used to monitor ammonia concentration continuously in the environment of conventional rabbit production facility, SPF hamster production facility, and SPF guinea pig experimental facility before and after the passive shutdown due to repairs and active maintenance shutdown of the air conditioning system, as well as the time for the ammonia concentration to return to daily levels after resuming air supply. ResultsUnder both shutdown modes of the air conditioning system, the trend of ammonia concentration changes in different laboratory animal facilities was consistent, showing a rapid increase after shutdown and a rapid decrease after resuming air supply. Under active maintenance shutdown, the maximum ammonia concentrations in the conventional rabbit production facilities, SPF hamster production facilities, and SPF guinea pig experimental facilities were 9.81 mg/m³, 14.27 mg/m³, and 6.98 mg/m³, respectively. Within 12 minutes after resuming air supply, ammonia concentration could return to normal daily levels. Under passive long-term shutdown, ammonia concentration value was positively correlated with the duration of air supply suspension. As the shutdown duration increased, ammonia concentration continued to increase. The maximum ammonia concentration values in the three facilities occurred at 88 minutes (38.06 mg/m³), 40 minutes (18.43 mg/m³), and 34 minutes (15.61 mg/m³) after air supply suspension, respectively.Within 11 minutes after resuming air supply, ammonia concentration could return to normal daily levels. ConclusionShutdown of the air conditioning system causes a rapid increase in ammonia concentration in laboratory animal facilities, and the rise in ammonia concentration is positively correlated with the duration of air supply suspension. Therefore, when an emergency shutdown of the air-conditioning system is required due to maintenance or other reasons, backup fans should be provided in accordance with the requirements of GB 50447-2008 "Architectural and Technical Code for Laboratory Animal Facilities". Older facilities should make adequate preparations and develop a scientifically sound emergency plan.
