What should you do if AFM indicates air flow greater than 60 CFM?

What should you do if AFM indicates air flow greater than 60 CFM?

• A. Ignore and continue
• B. Inspect train for leakage and retest
• C. Increase system pressure
• D. Call supervisor

Answer: (B)

A reading showing airflow well above the expected limit usually means there’s an abnormal condition in the air path, most commonly leaks or bypasses in the ductwork or fittings. When air escapes or leaks around joints, seals, or damper areas, the system can register a higher flow than intended, or the measured flow may be driven by unintended paths. The correct action is to inspect the train for leakage and retest. Start by checking for loose or damaged duct joints, torn seals, gaps around penetrations, and dampers that aren’t sealing properly or are mispositioned. Repair any leaks you find, reseal joints, replace worn seals, and then run the AFM test again to verify the airflow is back within the specified range. If the retest still shows excessive airflow, document the issue and escalate to supervision for further investigation. Increasing system pressure won’t fix leaks and can worsen energy waste and potential damage. Ignoring the reading isn’t appropriate because it signals an imbalance that can affect performance and safety.

A reading showing airflow well above the expected limit usually means there’s an abnormal condition in the air path, most commonly leaks or bypasses in the ductwork or fittings. When air escapes or leaks around joints, seals, or damper areas, the system can register a higher flow than intended, or the measured flow may be driven by unintended paths.

The correct action is to inspect the train for leakage and retest. Start by checking for loose or damaged duct joints, torn seals, gaps around penetrations, and dampers that aren’t sealing properly or are mispositioned. Repair any leaks you find, reseal joints, replace worn seals, and then run the AFM test again to verify the airflow is back within the specified range. If the retest still shows excessive airflow, document the issue and escalate to supervision for further investigation.

Increasing system pressure won’t fix leaks and can worsen energy waste and potential damage. Ignoring the reading isn’t appropriate because it signals an imbalance that can affect performance and safety.