Gas
The design of Gas Services is to be in accordance with the MQP Laboratory Gas Services Design Standards and the MQP Hydraulic Design Standards and all relevant Australian Standards.
The following components are to be assessed by the designer with consideration to individual space types.
Natural Gas
Where natural gas is required in the project brief to laboratory or other areas, all pipework is to be fully labeled and installed in a concealed fashion.
Where required, emergency shut-off buttons are to be included, coordinated with electrical emergency shut off buttons and with relevant interfaces. Gas shut of button shall operate solenoid type isolation valve station such as Gas Guard or similar.
Natural Gas Point to Workbench
Natural gas to the workbench shall be reticulated within joinery and into workbench bollards, with outlets mounted at a minimum of 300mm above bench height. Type, quantity and location of outlets are to be coordinated with occupants of the space and MQ property.
Natural Gas Other
Natural gas for all hydraulics services shall be designed and installed in accordance with AS5601 and any other relevant standards. Design to allow for adequate isolation and access for servicing.
Laboratory Gases
Laboratory Gas requirements are dependent on the type, nature and use of laboratory – detailed requirements should be provided in the project brief and in consultation with users.
The design of Gas Services is to be in accordance with the MQP Laboratory Gas Services Design Standards and the MQP Hydraulic Design Standards and all relevant Australian Standards.
LINK TO LAB SERVICES DESIGN STANDARD
LINK TO HYDRAULIC DESIGN STANDARD
Storage of gases needs to be considered at the design phase to allow for correct separation and building construction (fire rating etc.).
Oxygen Point to Workbench
Oxygen to the workbench shall be reticulated within joinery and into workbench bollards, with outlets mounted at a minimum of 300mm above bench height. Type, quantity and location of outlets are to be coordinated with occupants of the space and MQ property.
An Isolation valve shall be provided for each laboratory – easily accessible and clearly labelled indicating service type and area served.
Nitrogen Point to Workbench
Nitrogen to the workbench shall be reticulated within joinery and into workbench bollards, with outlets mounted at a minimum of 300mm above bench height. Type, quantity and location of outlets are to be coordinated with occupants of the space and MQ property.
An Isolation valve shall be provided for each laboratory – easily accessible and clearly labelled indicating service type and area served.
Hydrogen Point to Workbench
Hydrogen to the workbench shall be reticulated within joinery and into workbench bollards, with outlets mounted at a minimum of 300mm above bench height. Type, quantity and location of outlets are to be coordinated with occupants of the space and MQ property.
An Isolation valve shall be provided for each laboratory – easily accessible and clearly labelled indicating service type and area served.
Vacuum Point to Workbench
Vacuum to the workbench shall be reticulated within joinery and into workbench bollards, with outlets mounted at a minimum of 300mm above bench height. Type, quantity and location of outlets are to be coordinated with occupants of the space and MQ property.
Vacuum catch pots shall be integrated into the pipework system to collect condensate and solids. Catch pots shall be installed per laboratory if possible, and shall be visible and easily removable for emptying. Isolation valves shall be provided on each side of the catch pot.
Catch pot/isolation assembly shall be clearly labeled with service type and area served.
Medium Pressure Compressed Air Point to Workbench
Medium Pressure Compressed Air to the workbench shall be reticulated within joinery and into workbench bollards, with outlets mounted at a minimum of 300mm above bench height. Type, quantity and location of outlets are to be coordinated with occupants of the space and MQ property.
An Isolation valve including pressure gauge shall be provided for each laboratory – easily accessible and clearly labelled indicating service type and area served.
High Pressure Compressed Air Point to Workbench
High Pressure Compressed Air to the workbench shall be reticulated within joinery and into workbench bollards, with outlets mounted at a minimum of 300mm above bench height. Type, quantity and location of outlets are to be coordinated with occupants of the space and MQ property.
An Isolation valve including pressure gauge shall be provided for each laboratory – easily accessible and clearly labelled indicating service type and area served.
Helium Point to Workbench
Helium to the workbench shall be reticulated within joinery and into workbench bollards, with outlets mounted at a minimum of 300mm above bench height. Type, quantity and location of outlets are to be coordinated with occupants of the space and MQ property.
An Isolation valve shall be provided for each laboratory – easily accessible and clearly labelled indicating service type and area served.
Expected use of helium is to be reviewed, and the use of helium recovery is to be considered in the design stage.
Gas Detection and Controls
Gas detection systems may be required depending on the type and volume of gases installed and the area(s) served.
Gas Detection
Where a health risk to users due to the installation of gases is present, a gas detection and associated alarm or control system may be required. All designs are to be in accordance with all relevant Australian Standards.
An assessment of type and connected volume of gas, relevant to the space served shall be undertaken for all projects to determine the risk and the mitigation requirements.
Sensors and any air intakes need to be designed to account for the temperature and weight of the gas. Low level intakes/sensors shall be nominally 300mm above floor level
Control panels and visible and audible alarms, where required, shall be installed in a prominent location in consultation with laboratory manager and MQ staff.
Emergency Stop Facility
Emergency stop facility is required for Natural Gas services to laboratories.
Installation of other gases may warrant the use of emergency gas isolation depending on the type and use of the gas.
Consider interface of gas emergency stop with electrical emergency isolation for all designs.