PROJECTS

Carnegie Mellon University,
Oakland, PA
The Warner Hall Administration Building. A complete replacement of the HVAC systems of five floors of office space, a new hot-water reheat piping system, new heat exchangers, pumping systems and steam upgrades to the existing air handling unit. HVAC upgrades at the Cyert Hall Computer Center included the installation of a 100-ton, air-cooled chiller, two new rooftop air handling units and a new variable speed pumping system that included a complete replacement of all the chilled water piping mains. All of these improvements were successfully performed without interruption to the 24-hour operations of the university's computer center.

The College of Fine Arts project consisted of yet another phase of improvements to the facilities' Fire Protection System while successfully maintaining its unique and timeless architecture. Also included in this project was the installation of two new Public Restrooms and a new ventilation air system for the upper levels. The Hunt Library project involved the installation of approximately 300' of underground high-pressure steam and condensate piping that connected this facility with the campus steam distribution system.

The Mellon Institute Chiller Plant Upgrades included the installation of two new 1000-ton chillers, thirteen new chilled water and condenser water pumps, a new 1500-ton cooling tower and the majority of the plant's piping mains. The project also involved significant electrical upgrades that included the replacement of much of the switchgear and transformer vaults. All of this work was completed without interruption to the many scientists and students that occupy the facility on a daily basis. The Intelligent Workspace Facility, located in Margaret Morrison Hall, was a research project that combined the "cutting edge" technology of Carnegie Mellon's faculty and students with the industry's latest developments in energy production and managemernt. The installation of a high-pressure steam boiler system and the latest technologies in a high efficiency, steam-absorption chiller combined to create a system that will utilize less energy while maximizing its production of chilled water.

Other Carnegie Mellon projects of interest:

• University Center Post Office & Career Center
• University Technology & Development Center
• Wean Hall Cooling Tower Upgrades
• Mellon Institute Biology Lab
• McCartney / Swartz Labs
• Henderson House Freshman Dorms

Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall, Oakland, PA
A turnkey design/build project that included demolition of the vintage 100-year-old mechanical ventilation and heating systems, installation of a central chilled water plant, new air handling systems and a new steam boiler system. This project included major electrical upgrades and installation of a state of the art DDC system.

Seagate Technology, Waterfront - Pittsburgh, PA
A new 200,000 sq. ft. research facility that houses state-of-the-art offices, laboratories and conference facilities that support research in digital storage, and provide scientists with a dynamic work environment. The building features 30,000 sq. ft. of Class 100 / Class 10 cleanrooms, and 24,000 sq. ft. of laboratories. The building's mechanical systems were designed by IDC Corporation and installed by Ruthrauff | Sauer. These sophisticated systems consist of a central chiller plant, hot water boilers and a variety of air handling equipment. The design allows for re-circulation of over one million cfm of air for the cleanrooms. Humidity, temperature, and building pressurization are tightly controlled in order to maintain the extremely critical environment.

The installation also included relocation of an entire operating research facility from the Southside location to the new Waterfront Place research center, including highly sensitive research tools. Ruthrauff | Sauer also installed all the orbital-welded, ultra-pure process piping systems along with the wastewater treatment facility. The project includes a complicated DDC control system that not only sustains interior environments but also controls and monitors the process systems that are used by the researchers.

GAI Corporate Office, Waterfront, Homestead PA
New 90,000 sq. ft. 3-story office building for GAI Corporate Headquarters.

Two air handling units and one 250-ton chiller provide cooling through VAV units. Two boilers provide heating to radiant panels around perimeter of building.

System is unique in that two energy recovery systems provide make-up air independent of VAV system through specially designed diffusers allowing VAV boxes to close 100% and still provide ventilation air.

Controls consist of a DDC Johnson Metasys System installed by Ruthrauff | Sauer.

The Petersen Events Center, University of Pittsburgh, Oakland PA
A state of the art Convocation Center and Basketball Arena located at the peak of the upper campus of the University of Pittsburgh. The new center includes a Chilled Water Plant that serves multiple buildings on the upper campus as well as this new facility. The new chiller plant includes four (4) new 1000 Ton chillers and cooling towers, chilled water and condenser water pumping packages, and an integrated temperature controls package connected to the Campus Energy Management System. The new facilities HVAC system includes nine (9) mechanical equipment rooms, thirty-eight (38) air handling units, a three-stage high pressure steam station, and more than one hundred pieces of terminal heat equipment.

Giant Eagle Supermarket, Penn Hills - Renovation, under construction (4/00)
New hooded exhaust systems serve various cooking operations. New air conditioning systems serve office areas and new vestibule. Energy-recovery system captures and utilizes exhaust air to precondition outdoor air for locker rooms and toilet facilities.

Pittsburgh Technical Institute, Fayette Township - a design/build HVAC and Fire Protection system for a new school and technical support areas. Highlights: Individual water source heat pumps serve each classroom or zone. Gas-fired hot water boilers provide heat to the closed water loop and heat is rejected via a closed circuit evaporative cooler. Ventilation air is provided by two roof-mounted energy recovery units. Installation of automatic sprinkler and standpipe systems throughout entire building and a preaction sprinkler system was installed in the main computer room.

Westpointe II, Moon Township, PA - 150,000 sq. ft. 5-story premium office space to house Nova Chemicals Corporate Headquarters; Design/Build shell package with rooftop VAV units and DDC controls - Packaged rooftop air conditioning units provide cooling and ventilation. Air is delivered to each space via a variable air volume system. Heat is provided at the space level by hot water reheat coils. Direct digital controls monitor and adjust system for optimal performance.

IBEW, New office building, training center and auditorium. Separate hot water heating and air conditioning systems were furnished and installed for each building. Snow melt system for walkways and entrance. Enclosed garage in office buildlng with hot water heat and exhaust system

Carnegie Science Center - Northside, Pgh. PA -Project consists of an exhibition hall, planetarium and Omni Max Theatre. Ruthrauff | Sauer provided design and installation of the HVAC, Plumbing and Fire Protection systems.

The air handling systems were unique for this project. The Omni Max Theatre included very stringent vibration and noise criteria. The exhibition halls and office spaces were done with VAV systems, while the planetarium was a low velocity, constant volume system. Automatic sprinkler and standpipe systems were installed throughout the entire building in addition to a 1500 GPM electric fire pump.

In addition, the following is a sampling of some of the other prestigious organizations that Ruthrauff | Sauer services: