Luchtafvoervolumes

Luchtafvoervolumes are the volumetric flow rates at which air is removed from a space by ventilation systems. They are used in building services engineering to quantify exhaust air for rooms, laboratories, kitchens, or industrial processes, and are often considered together with supply air volumes to maintain indoor air quality and proper pressure balance.

Measurement and units: Luchtafvoervolumes are typically expressed in cubic meters per hour (m³/h) or liters per second (L/s). In design practice, exhaust rates are specified for different spaces and tasks—such as general exhaust, fume hoods, toilet exhaust, or cooking hoods—and are balanced with supply rates to avoid unwanted negative pressure or back-drafting.

Applications: In offices, exhaust volumes are usually modest and serve general air removal. In kitchens or laboratories, higher exhaust rates are required to remove heat, odors, or hazardous contaminants. Industrial facilities may employ substantial exhaust to control fumes or particulate emissions. Properly designed exhaust volumes contribute to occupant comfort, safety, and process integrity.

Design and standards: Standards and guidelines from organizations such as ASHRAE (for example ASHRAE 62.1) and European norms (EN 16798) provide methods to determine appropriate exhaust rates based on space type, occupancy, and contaminant sources. Ventilation systems include components such as exhaust fans, ducts, dampers, and air treatment devices, and require monitoring and control to adapt to changing conditions and maintain energy efficiency.

In summary, luchtafvoervolumes are a key parameter in ventilated spaces, balancing safety, air quality, and energy use.