Alan Corley is a seasoned Mechanical Practice Area Leader and Healthcare Market Leader at DBR with over 25 years of experience delivering innovative and efficient mechanical system solutions. Specializing in healthcare, educational, and commercial projects, Alan has successfully guided the design and project management of complex mechanical systems for clients across Texas and nationwide. His expertise in high-stakes environments, including healthcare, research facilities, and universities enables him to lead teams to create impactful, client-centered designs tailored to meet unique project requirements.
Alan obtained his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Texas Tech University and is affiliated with The Society for College and University Planning (SCUP) and The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).
In his free time, Alan enjoys watching Star Wars movies, hunting for and drinking good bourbon, riding motorcycles, and spending time with his grandkids.
Q&A with Alan:
Q: What are the biggest challenges in designing HVAC systems for healthcare facilities, particularly regarding infection control and air quality?
A: HVAC systems must be designed to minimize the spread of infections through air handling and circulation. This requires careful design of airflows, pressure differentials, and filtration methods to isolate contaminated zones (such as isolation rooms, operating rooms, and ICU areas) from other parts of the facility. The return air system in hospitals is often a point of concern because it can spread pathogens if not properly filtered or managed. Hospital HVAC systems need advanced filtration and UV-C sterilization systems to ensure that air recirculated within the facility is safe.
Q: Can you describe any unique HVAC solutions you’ve implemented to manage air changes and pressure differentials in sensitive areas like operating rooms or isolation rooms?
A: One of the primary concerns in operating rooms is minimizing the risk of airborne contaminants reaching the sterile surgical field. Surgical procedures can generate aerosols and droplets that could carry bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens. Laminar flow systems combined with HEPA filters are used in operating rooms to create a uniform and consistent airflow pattern that minimizes turbulence and the potential for contamination. Laminar flow involves the supply of clean air through filters mounted in the ceiling, and it moves in a unidirectional pattern, typically from the ceiling to the floor. Any airborne particles or pathogens are effectively removed by the HEPA filters before they can reach the patient, and the airflow pattern ensures that airborne contaminants are not recirculated into the surgical field.
Q: How do you design MEP systems in healthcare facilities to accommodate future expansions or technology upgrades? What factors do you consider to ensure these systems are adaptable to evolving healthcare needs over time?
A: The MEP systems should be designed in a modular fashion, allowing for easy expansion or reconfiguration as the healthcare facility grows. For example, modular air handling units (AHUs), boiler systems, and chillers can be added or upgraded to meet increasing demands without requiring complete overhauls of existing infrastructure.
Q: Can you share an example of a particularly challenging problem you encountered in a project and how you resolved it?
A: Some of my most challenging projects have been in higher education research laboratories, where design demands often exceed those of typical healthcare facilities, particularly in biological and animal research laboratories. These spaces must comply with stringent NIH standards, which guide facility design to meet functional and regulatory needs, especially in air quality and airflow.
In vivariums, HVAC systems must supply 100% outside air with no recirculation to maintain sterile conditions. Each animal housing room has unique air change requirements, ensuring both animal health and research integrity. Additionally, precise pressure control is essential, with positive pressure used to protect animals and negative pressure for containment. This is achieved using venturi air valves, which provide precise control of airflow rates.
To minimize animal stress, laminar flow systems create low-exhaust, unidirectional airflow for uniform air distribution. These meticulous airflow and pressure controls are essential to meet NIH standards, supporting animal well-being and research success in these complex environments.
