Overview

West Chester University is the largest of the 14 universities in the PA State System of Higher Education. Located 25 miles west of Philadelphia on a 406-acre campus is the Borough of West Chester, the University emphasizes learning through small classes, hands-on laboratory experiences and faculty-student research.

The Equine Toxicology Laboratory offers a unique opportunity for students to participate in some of that hands-on laboratory and research work. The lab performs equine drug testing for Commonwealth racetracks. It continues to develop novel methods for screening, confirming and quantifying the presence of illegal drugs in race horses. The laboratory is operated by the University of Pennsylvania.
Entech has provided engineering study and design work for several projects at the facility.

Entech provided a study and design to correct power quality issues experienced in the building that houses the Equine Toxicology Lab. Work included analysis and design to address the power quality issues experienced by specific equipment in the laboratory, as well as issues that were building-wide in nature.

We completed the design of a renovation for the Toxicology Lab which created two larger laboratories, larger office space, and ADA upgrades to bathrooms.

The HVAC system in the equine lab was unable to provide adequate cooling during various times of the year, particularly during the winter months when the outside temperatures were unseasonably warm (above 50 degrees). Entech completed a study to determine the reasons for the system’s poor performance and to make recommendations and cost estimates for corrective actions. Options were provided where more than one approach was practical.

Following completion of the study, we provided design, bidding and construction administration services for chiller and air handling unit replacements at the Laboratory. To improve interior conditions, we designed for both new and modifications to existing equipment and configurations, including VAV boxes, thermostats, supply air diffusers, in-line fans, custom exhaust hoods, and exhaust systems. The project included mechanical, electrical, controls, and rebalancing of the entire main supply air system.