Nelson Irrigation

"People with a passion. Products with a purpose."

Walla Walla, WA

Project Overview

The L&S Team was responsible for the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical system design for Nelson Irrigation's new building 9, injection molding facility. This building is designed to produce high-quality plastic parts for irrigation systems using 35 state-of-the-art injection molding machines.

The high amount of heat produced in the molding process required a unique and efficient mechanical system. The system utilizes displacement ventilation to cool the building relying on residual heat from the injection molding machines for heat. The displacement ventilation system introduces cool air at a low velocity across the floor. Thermal plumes created by occupants and equipment rise as air is heated, creating low-pressure voids that are filled by a flood of cooler air. Natural stratification allows warm air to rise and fill the unoccupied high volume of the structure, which is then exhausted outside. This creates a comfortable and healthy environment for the workers and reduces energy consumption for the 24/7/365 operation. Excess heat from the molding equipment is captured at the source and exhausted to the exterior through ductwork. A challenge for the HVAC design was providing conditioned air at floor level while avoiding the path of several large overhead cranes that move heavy molding plates to and from each injection molding machine. A separate process cooling system for the internal cooling of equipment was provided by others.

General commercial plumbing services for the building were provided, including restrooms, emergency fixtures, and various water sources as needed throughout the facility. Fire protection coordination with the FP contractor was also provided.

The electrical design of this project required a robust and complex power system due to the colossal electrical load from the molding equipment.

The L&S Team is proud to be part of this innovative and sustainable project for a client like Nelson Irrigation which has people with a passion for creating products with a purpose.