Minneapolis Bl Ower Doorâ¢
Diagnostic Tools to Measur e Building Performance
Minneapolis Bl ow
Minneapolis Blo e
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Testing System s
Testing Systems
Blower Door
M i n n e a p o l i s B l o w e r D o o r ™
Blower Door tests are used to measure the airtightness level of building envelopes, diagnose and demonstrate air
leakage problems, estimate natural infiltration rates, estimate efficiency losses from building air leakage, and certify
construction integrity.
For more than 20 years, the Minneapolis Blower DoorTM has been recognized as
the best designed and supported building airtightness testing system in the world.
Combined with specialized accessories and complete testing procedures developed
by The Energy Conservatory, The Minneapolis Blower Door is the system of choice
for utility programs, energy raters, HVAC contractors, builders, insulation contractors
and weatherization professionals.
Minneapolis Blower Door Features
Precision Engineered, Calibrated Fan
Lightweight and rugged injection molded fan housing.
Quick and accurate flow measurements from 300 to 6,300 CFM (141 to 2,973 l/s,
510 to 10,700 m3/h). Optional rings C, D and E will measure down to 11 CFM (5 l/s,
19 m3/h).
Solid state variable speed fan control.
Compatible with both pressurization and depressurization testing.
Fan flow is reversible for diagnostic testing.
Both 110V and 220V models available.
Accurate, Powerful Digital Gauge
DG-700 Pressure and Flow Gauge contains 2 precision pressure sensors to provide
simultaneous display of both building pressure and Blower Door fan flow readings.
Auto-zeroing of both channels eliminates sensitivity to orientation and temperature.
Specialized @50 and @25 test modes make it simple to conduct one-point airtightness tests of
buildings and duct systems. Test results can be displayed in CFM or square inches of leakage
area.
NEW! Cruise 50, 25 and 0 Pa building pressure without connection to a computer. The
New Cruise Control feature automatically adjusts the speed of the Blower Door fan to
maintain a constant building pressure while you perform additional diagnostics or air-sealing
procedures.
Four separate time-averaging modes (1, 5, 10 second & long-term) allow you to accurately
measure fluctuating pressures.
“Baseline” feature allows the user to measure and record a baseline pressure reading, and
then display the baseline adjusted reading.
The DG-700 can be used along with a computer and specialized TEC software (TECTITE) to
conduct automated Blower Door tests, and for data logging of pressure measurements from
DG-700 Pressure and
Flow Gauge with
both channels (TECLOG).
New Cruise feature
Automated Testing Options
Automated testing provides computerized control of the Blower Door fan and automated capture
of the building pressure and fan flow measurements. This feature reduces operator error, ensures
that tests are conducted the same way every time, and improves test accuracy in windy weather.
Automated testing even includes a “Cruise Control” feature for maintaining a constant building
pressure during diagnostics or airsealing. In addition to a user supplied laptop computer, automated
testing requires:
DG-700 Gauge (standard equipment) or an APT Data Acquisition Box
TECTITE Software
Cabling to connect the Blower Door system to your laptop computer.
APT Option: The APT Data Acquisition Box (DAB) can be purchased with 3 to 8 pressure channels
which allows you to monitor and record up to six building zones (e.g. attics, crawlspaces) during a
Blower Door Test. The APT DAB can only be used for automated testing (no manual test option).
© 2008 The Energy Conservatory
Anatomy of the Minneapolis Blower Door
Lightweight, Durable Door Frame
and Panel
This innovative design is the result of years
of refinements based on the experience
of thousands of users. There is no easier
way to seal a Blower Door fan into a door
opening.
Snap-together aluminum frame comes in
a compact case and sets up in seconds.
Precision cam lever mechanism securely
clamps the nylon panel into the door
opening.
Fits an 8 foot door without special parts.
DG-700 Pressure and Flow Gauge
Specifically designed for airtightness testing
with specialized measurement functions.
One of the best all around pressure
measuring gauges on the market.
Channel A measures the change in
building pressure.
Channel B measures air flow from the
Blower Door fan.
DG-700 can be connected to a laptop
computer for automated testing -
computer ready.
Fan Speed Controller
Precision control of fan speed throughout
the entire range.
Compatible with Cruise Control feature and
automated testing - computer ready.
Fan cooled controller is easy to handle and
improves the life of the controller.
Powerful, Calibrated Fan
The Minneapolis Blower Door comes with
Rings A and B to measure a wide range of
airtightness conditions. Optional Rings C, D
and E extend the low range of the Blower
Door fan.
Flow Sensor at the entrance to the fan
assures precision readings from 11 CFM to
6300 CFM.
Multi-fan Blower Door Systems
Airtightness testing of larger buildings requires more fan flow. The Minneapolis Blower Door can be
configured to install 2 or 3 fans in a single doorway, making it possible to measure the airtightness of almost
any size room or building.
The Energy Conservatory
All of our products come with a full two year warranty on parts and labor, and access to the most
knowledgeable customer service staff in the industry. When your personnel have questions on the use of
our products or how to handle unusual situations they encounter, you can count on us to give dependable
answers. We always stock a complete line of replacement parts and can respond quickly to any service or
equipment problem.
Our expertise goes beyond simply knowing our equipment. The Energy Conservatory’s on-going research,
active participation with technical associations, and close working relationship with the world’s leading
building scientists has kept us actively involved in the development and field testing of many of the techniques
currently being used in the performance testing industry. This experience ensures that our customers always
have the most up to date information and testing procedures.
Blower Door Accessories
TECTITE Airtightness Test Analysis Software
Fan Cases (additional protection for your
Calculates building airtightness test results including
Blower Door fan)
leakage areas, ACH50, CFM50, building leakage curve,
Our lightweight, heavy
estimated natural and design infiltration rates, and the
duty, water resistant
cost of air leakage.
nylon case provides
On-line help screens make TECTITE extremely user
excellent protection from
friendly.
dirt and scratches.
Compatible with both manual Blower Door tests and
The Padded nylon case
automated tests using a DG-700 or APT System.
is made of the same
Calculation procedures and reports are done in
tough material as our
accordance with CGSB-149.10-M86.
lightweight fan case, but
Calculates mechanical ventilation requirements in
also includes plenty of high density foam to protect
accordance with ASHRAE 62.2.
your Blower Door fan from the bumps and bangs
Easy to use data entry screens, file storage, and file
of everyday use.
retrieval features.
The Padded case is
Choice of report formats including an easy to read
perfect for anyone
homeowner report or a detailed technical report.
who keeps their
A 30 day demo version is available from our website.
Blower Door in the
back of a truck.
Laptop Computer Stand
Using a computer stand
increases the stability of your
laptop while conducting
a Blower Door test. This
Pressure Pans
collapsible laptop stand can
The pressure pan is a duct leakage diagnostic tool
be taken anywhere.
which is used along with the Blower Door and
Minimum height is 15
digital pressure gauge to identify exterior air leakage
inches and extends to a
in duct systems. The
maximum height of 27
pattern of pressure
inches.
pan readings
The detachable top is 11
allows for quick
x 13 and has a non-skid
identification of major
surface that helps keep the
exterior leakage sites,
laptop computer in place.
and can be used
to tell technicians if
they have sufficiently
air sealed the duct
Smoke Puffer
system. Because the
A convenient source of a dense and persistent
pressure pan does
white smoke for
not require taping off registers and grills, it is an
diagnosing air
extremely quick diagnostic procedure.
leakage sites. The
Two size pressure pans are
smoke puffer
available: 12 1/2 in. x 14 1/2
consists of a small 3
in. x 4 in. (32 cm x 37 cm x 10
inch (7.6 cm) high
cm) and 22 in. x 22 in. x 2 in.
Teflon bottle and
(56 cm x 56 cm x 5 cm).
2 vials of chemical
Includes 6 foot (1.8 m)
smoke.
extension pole for high
The smoke puffer will last for several months and can
registers.
be easily refilled.
Blower Door Specifications
Component
Specifications
Model 3 Blower Door Fan
Maximum Flow:
6,300 CFM at free air (2,973 l/s, 10,700 m3/h) .
5,350 CFM at 50 Pa (2,524 l/s, 9,090 m3/h).
Minimum Flow:
300 CFM with Ring B (141 l/s, 510 m3/h).
85 CFM with Ring C (40 l/s, 144m3/h).
30 CFM with Rings D (14 l/s, 51 m3/h).
11 CFM with Rings E (5 l/s, 18 m3/h).
Dimensions:
20 in. (50 cm) inlet diameter, 10.25 in (26 cm) length.
Weight:
33 lbs. (15 kg) with Flow Rings A & B.
Flow Accuracy:
+/- 3% using DG-700 or APT system, Rings D & E +/- 4% or 1 CFM.
Calibration:
Meets ASTM Standard E779-03, E1554-07, CGSB-149.10-M86, EN 13829,
ATTMA Technical Standard 1 and NFPA 2001.
Power
110V or 220V.
Adjustable Frame and
Frame Material:
Extruded Aluminum.
Frame Material
Width:
28 in. to 40 in. (71 cm to 101 cm).
Heignt:
52 in. to 96 in. (132 cm to 244 cm).
Seal:
EPDM flexible gasket.
Panel Material:
Nylon w/built-in vinyl window.
Specifications subject to change without notice.
Minneapolis Blower Door™ and TECTITE™ are trademarks of The Energy Conservatory. Duct Blaster® and TrueFlow® are registered trademarks of The Energy
Conservatory.
Standard Minneapolis Blower Door Kit includes:
Fabric door panel with viewing window.
Fan with variable speed controller with fan control cable.
Two Flow Rings (A and B) and No Flow Plate.
DG-700 Pressure and Flow Gauge
Padded attache case to hold gauge, manuals, tubing,
Five piece adjustable aluminum door frame and frame
speed controller, and fabric panel, with room for a laptop
case.
computer and other documents.
Other building diagnostic products available from The Energy Conservatory
The Minneapolis Duct Blaster® is
The “b” Series Infrared Camera helps
The TrueFlow® Air Handler Flow Meter, shown
used to measure the airtightness of
speed up diagnostic work, especially
with DG-700, is used to measure the total
duct work.
when used with a Blower Door.
amount of air moving through an air handler.
To Order, or for more information contact: The Energy Conservatory
2801 21st Avenue South, Suite 160
The ENERGY
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55407
phone: (612) 827-1117
fax: (612) 827-1051
CONSERVATORY
e-mail: info@energyconservatory.com
website: www.energyconservatory.com
DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS TO MEASURE BUILDING PERFORMANCE
