CKV Laboratory Services

The CKV Laboratory is specially designed with state-of-the-art flow visualization equipment and control system to provide the optimal conditions for ventilation testing of various commercial cooking equipment under normal operating conditions.

Appliance/Hood Ventilation Optimization for the Food Service Industry

Our non-intrusive, Schlieren flow visualization system provides a technique to investigate how changes in appliance and hood design influence capture and containment of a cooking-effluvent. In most cases, minimizing exhaust rates and overall energy use is the goal of this process. Testing methodology and project reports can be based on ASTM 1704, Standard Test Method for Performance of Commercial Kitchen Ventilation Systems, or a subset of its test methods.

Three benefits from this unique service are as follows:

A marketing advantage in presenting visual test documentation to potential customers.
A service advantage in using the visual test documentation to gain approval of an installation from code officials.
A technical advantage in solving design problems, leading to shorter time required for bringing innovations to market and potentially reducing production costs.

Listing Agency Coordination Service

We have a working relationship with testing staff at Underwriters Laboratories responsible for UL Standard 710. As a third party test laboratory, we can offer objective guidance for both your staff and the UL staff to expedite the UL Listing process, including application procedure assistance. In particular, Richard Swierczyna, Laboratory Operations Manager, has previous exhaust hood UL Listing experience with McDonald's Corporation.

This service provides expertise in obtaining UL Listings as well as improved staff efficiency through eliminating communication barriers and reducing time required to achieve a Listing.

Appliance Energy Optimization & Design Assistance

We can assist your staff with improving your appliance's energy efficiency while maintaining your goals for food quality and safety. Our Schlieren flow visualization system, high accuracy temperature maps, and energy metering systems provide very fast results, allowing for the quick assessment of design changes. As an added benefit, a metal fabrication shop is in the same facility as our laboratory, providing prompt custom part fabrication when required.

Further, the CKV Laboratory coordinates closely with PG&E's Food Service Technology Center (FSTC), operated by Fisher-Nickel, Inc. The FSTC is a scientific testing facility for benchmarking equipment used in commercial kitchens and developing comprehensive performance test methods, which are reviewed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and ratified as official ASTM Standard Test Methods. Joint test programs may be conducted to evaluate cooking and ventilation equipment submitted by end users and manufacturers. This service provides:

A marketing advantage in presenting visual test documentation to potential customers.
A technical advantage in solving design problems, leading to shorter time required for bringing innovations to market, and potentially reducing production costs and appliance operating costs.

HVAC Supply and Exhaust Air Diffuser Performance Investigation

The Schlieren flow visualization system is especially suited for investigating the effects of HVAC system supply and return arrangements. Different configurations can be assembled and investigated, with real-time analysis of design changes. If necessary, air flow visualization can be further enhanced by seeding the air with a tracer gas. These services provide:

Marketing advantages in presenting visual test documentation to potential customers and in assisting mechanical system designers to understand product applications.
Marketing and technical advantages in assisting owners and designers to resolve building commissioning issues and thermal comfort callback problems.
A technical advantage in solving design problems, leading to shorter time required for bringing innovations to market and potentially reducing production costs.