505.9 Minimum Velocities and Circulation — 2025 California Mechanical Code

The velocity and circulation of air in work areas shall be such that contaminant’s are captured by an airstream at the area where the emissions are generated and conveyed into a product-conveying duct system. Mixtures within work areas where contaminants are generated shall be diluted to be accordance with Section 505.3 with air that does not contain other contaminants. The velocity of air within the duct shall be not less than set forth in Table 505.9.

Systems conveying particulate matter shall be designed by employing the constant velocity method. Systems conveying explosive or radioactive materials shall be pre-balanced through duct sizing. Other systems shall be permitted to be designed with balancing devices such as dampers. Dampers provided to balance airflow shall be provided with securely fixed minimum-position blocking devices to prevent restricting flow below the required volume or velocity.