IMPLEMENTATION OF COMMISSIONING-BASED FACILITY ASSESSMENTS

When there is a requirement for an in-depth Facility Condition Assessment (FCA) that yields detailed information about the current condition of individual equipment or the entire system, BV extends our methodologies beyond conventional techniques. 

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While visual inspections, interviews with facility personnel, and reviews of historical maintenance records still play integral roles, Bureau Veritas also employs a commissioning-based approach to our Facility Condition Assessments. Employing the functional performance test in assessing the facility condition enhances our approach to garner a more comprehensive understanding of the system's status, further enhancing the value we deliver in our assessment reports. 

BV commences our assessment by systematically determining the priority hierarchy or the importance levels of each asset within the facility's inventory. This is done hand-in-hand with conducting a comprehensive risk analysis. By synergistically combining these methodologies, we ensure a robust and informed evaluation of the facility's assets. 

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This analysis takes into account several key factors. Firstly, we evaluate the criticality of a specific asset's function in maintaining the seamless operation of the entire system. Secondly, we assess whether there is a redundancy in place for a specific system or piece of equipment. Finally, we estimate the potential costs and time required for repairing or replacing a specific equipment or system. 

By integrating these factors, we can create a comprehensive and informed assessment, enabling effective asset management and risk mitigation strategies. 

Taking into account both the system/asset priorities and the specific needs of our clients, we offer our commissioning-based facility assessment service across three distinct levels. 

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CX-BASED FCA LEVEL 3: 

At this level, our primary focus is on generating detailed checklists for each significant piece of equipment across the facility. These checklists are crafted using key sources, such as manufacturer manuals and design documents when available, to ensure they're as accurate and thorough as possible; designed to gather essential data about specific equipment, these checklists encompass information on the general condition, mechanical, electrical, and control specifications, among other aspects. 

The valuable insights derived from these checklists offer substantial information about the remaining lifespan and current state of major equipment. When this data is combined with a review of historical maintenance records for each piece of equipment, it enables us to provide a comprehensive analysis of the facility's overall equipment health status. 

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CX-BASED FCA LEVEL 4: 

Building on the groundwork laid in Level 3, we broaden our assessment scope at this level by developing and conducting Functional Performance Tests (FPTs) for the diverse systems within the facility. 

These tests are formulated and implemented in accordance with the systems' importance and the level of effort required by the clients. An optimized Sequence of Operations serves as the guiding document for the development of these FPTs. 

By adopting this approach, we're able to gain a comprehensive understanding of how different system components interact and collaborate to achieve the system's overall operational goals. This method allows us to attain a more nuanced understanding of the system's current status and future needs. This, in turn, enables proactive planning for maintenance and upgrades, ensuring long-term facility efficiency. 

 

 

 

CX-BASED FCA LEVEL 5: 

Level five of our commissioning-based facility assessment method goes beyond the preceding levels by incorporating Integrated Systems Testing (IST). Alongside the data collected in levels 3 and 4, IST provides a functional performance test that specifically evaluates the interplay among various systems in response to a significant operational event. 

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For instance, the shutdown of power from the grid and subsequent responses of the emergency power system, HVAC system, fire suppression system, and others to such an event are studied in detail. 

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This comprehensive assessment methodology extends beyond evaluating the current status or future needs of a single piece of equipment or an individual system. Instead, it offers holistic insight into the current and future facility requirements, focusing particularly on resilience and sustainable operation. This approach ensures our clients are well-equipped to handle any eventuality and continue smooth operations, optimizing both the efficiency and longevity of the facility. 

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COMMISSIONING – IMPLEMENTATION OF CX-BASED FCA

PLAN & DESIGN PHASES

1. Review the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR), Basis of Design (BOD)

2. SD / DD / CD Design Reviews

3. Developing and implementing CX plan

4. Incorporate Cx Requirements into Project Documents

 

CONSTRUCTION & ACCEPTANCE PHASES

1. Project Meetings

2. Review Contractor Submittals

3. Develop Construction Checklists

4. Site Visits

5. Develop System Test Procedure(s)

6. Equipment Start-ups

7. Verify System Test Execution

8. Maintain Issues Log

 

OCCUPANCY PHASE

1. Systems Manual

2. Training Requirements

3. Final Commissioning Report

4. 10-Month Post-Occupancy Review

 

For over two centuries, BV has established itself as a trusted authority in testing, inspection, certification, and independent third-party verification. This legacy positions us as a trusted partner in evaluating your facilities, ensuring our clients consistently maximize the value of their investments.

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HOW BV HELPS YOU MAKE THE TRANSITION:

Since it is recommended that consumers purchase A2L-containing equipment when replacing old systems or making new installations because the EPA has proposed banning the use of R-410A in new condensing units/heat pumps by January 1, 2025. BV can help mitigate the time and cost of implementing these changes. In addition to inflation, these changes are increasing the cost of manufacturing and consequently the cost to the consumer significantly. Please reach out to BV to find out how we can help. 

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