We worked with a design-build contractor to provide the ventilation requirements for Urban Tactical, a firing range in Brantford. Ventilation in firing ranges is critical to ensure that the lead discharged from guns is not inhaled by users.
Challenges
To ensure that gunshot residue moves away from the shooter, it is recommended that airflow travels in a laminar fashion at a velocity of 50 to 100 feet per minute (fpm) across the firing range.
The Solution
To accomplish this, ventilation air was delivered by a pair of vertical direct-fired make-up air units from ICE Manufacturing. The air was distributed from the back of the range, behind the shooter, via a semi-circular fabric duct supplied by Prihoda. Using fabric duct in this application provided great flexibility in design and complete customization of the distribution pattern, optimizing indoor air quality and airflow distribution. The fabric duct was designed and modeled by Prihoda using computational flow dynamics (CFD) software to achieve the desired air pattern and air velocity at the firing line.
The exhaust for the range was provided by a pair of mixed-flow efficient silent inline fans (ESI) from PennBarry. These fans intake approximately 30% of their total volume 15 feet downrange of the shooter and the remaining 70% volume above the bullet trap. The exhaust air passes through a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration system before being discharged outdoors to reduce the concentration of airborne contaminants prior to release. While not required by code, this feature was provided upon recommendation by the engineering firm, who deemed it good engineering practice.
Our Approach
Our approach focused on leveraging innovative ventilation technologies to ensure optimal air quality in the firing range. Collaborating closely with our design-build contractor and utilizing advanced modeling techniques allowed us to tailor the ventilation system precisely to the unique requirements of the facility.
Conclusion
The successful implementation of the ventilation system at Urban Tactical has created a safer environment for users, significantly reducing the risk of lead exposure and enhancing overall air quality. Through our commitment to engineering excellence, we helped establish a firing range that prioritizes user safety and comfort while adhering to industry best practices.
