We carry out our own product testing.  It’s an important part of readying ventilation products for the market.  But we don’t consider a product to be market-ready unless it has been subjected to fully independent, third-party testing.  The reason for this is simple: we know products succeed or fail based on their performance, so we leave nothing to chance.  The consequences are too important and they impact not just our reputation, but those of architects and others too.  So we really do leave nothing to chance and believe you shouldn’t either.  We believe you should always seek products with third-party certification and should be able to access performance data easily.  

The Importance of Independence in Testing

The prevalence of unconscious bias in product testing and subsequent marketing of those products is an inherent danger for any company.  Every company wants their team to believe in their products - that’s natural.  The issue is it can have unintended consequences where weak points or disadvantages are glossed over, or even ignored, in the belief the product and company behind them are better than the competition.  To put it simply, product testing suffers from subjectivity.  

An independent, third party is always objective.  There is no unconscious bias and there is no pressure to prove a product works.  There is only the pressure to carry out testing as rigorously as possible, knowing the reputation of the testing centre depends on it.  Which probably means that if anything - the testers will try to find fault with a product.  

The Difference Between CFD Modelling & Real-World Performance

When third party testing is lacking, some manufacturers will use CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) modelling to support performance claims.  This certainly has its place and we use it ourselves.  However, we don’t rely on it solely because we know CFD modeling has limitations.  

For example, CFD modelling lacks real-world variability (opening and closing of doors, occupant movement, equipment operation etc) and often oversimplifies boundary conditions.  There is also the need for accurate input parameters as modelling is highly dependent on the use of quality data. 

What it really comes down to is a misuse of CFD Modelling.  CFD is a predictive tool used to help further understanding and refine products, and is no substitute for experimental testing.  Any CFD simulations need real-world test data to ensure they reflect reality.  This means if a ventilation product is being sold based on performance data from CFD then the testing should be considered incomplete and there should be doubts as to the validity of the findings or claims made.  

Complications in Product Selection and Code Compliance

Where there is neither third party verification available, nor CFD modelling, products are often sold based on their ability to satisfy traditional methods of product selection. 

It is not uncommon for window joinery companies to provide ventilation products for projects.  This typically means product selection is based on their understanding of ventilation and assumptions that might work for residential buildings but not for large, complex spaces.  For example, using free open area to select a louvre.  

The assumption here is that a larger free open area results in a decrease in pressure drop.  However, the reality is there are a number of factors impacting the pressure drop, including the shape of the louvres, presence of insect meshing, and more.  

If the free open area is used to make a judgement on the amount of air getting through louvres, the risks can be grave, and we mean that with all sincerity and no sensationalism.  If used to choose a louvre as part of the fire safety of a building, then the consequences of that choice might result in a pressure drop that’s too high, where smoke and heat is contained in the building, which can be fatal. 

How Ventuer Tests Ventilation Products

As stated at the beginning, we test our products in-house and at independent testing laboratories.

For example, we’ll call on the experts at the Building Services Research and Intelligence Association (BSRIA) in England to test ventilation louvres.  A science-driven independent organisation that exists to promote knowledge and provide specialist services in construction, BSRIA is a world-leading authority and highly respected test centre.  

We use their service for testing the rain defense and pressure drop of louvres to BS/EN: 13030.  This involves having water blown at the face of the louvre panel, simulating 75mm/hour rainfall with 13m/second wind. The chamber behind the louvre panel is fitted with a fan, drawing air inwards to simulate the action of an air intake of a mechanical ventilation plant. The intake flow is varied, from 0.0m3/s to 3.5m3/s, and readings are taken to establish what level of water ingress occurs at each intake rate.

We should note here too - we choose to test to BS/EN: 13030 as opposed to the American standard AMCA 500-L because it’s more difficult.  Yes, there are standards and there are standards.  

Ventuer Acoustic Louvres are tested to ISO:10140-2 and we have performance data showing how they successfully manage acoustic attenuation and wind-induced vibrations, making them suitable for environment where noise control is critical 

Finally, all products comply with AS/NZS 1170 and have been tested for structural integrity so they maintain stability and safety under demanding loads, such as the dynamic forces of high winds and earthquakes.  

The Testing/Risk Matrix

Testing is all about mitigating risk.  Select the wrong products and the consequences may manifest themselves in the form of water ingress, poor airflow, noise pollution, and structural failures.  All can be costly in terms of dollars out, delays in, reputations ruined.  

Our approach is simple; we test, certify, and publish performance data so you can trust our products completely.  It follows a closely held belief in testing and transparency that drives product development and testing, with the aim being to increase confidence and reduce risk.  We need all Ventuer products to be at the far right of the risk matrix

What we’re really saying here is when it comes to Ventilation products, don’t take our word for it.  Take the word of independent scientific experts who have produced detailed performance reports that you can access and download. 

If those reports don’t exist, then doubt should.  And where there is doubt, there is risk. 

If you’re worried about making the right choice for ventilation products, then please contact us.  We’d be glad to help and provide you with all the independent data you might need.