AHU Operational Qualification (OQ) Protocol: Testing Procedures, Formats & Limits

AHU Operational Qualification (OQ) Protocol Objective: The objective of this protocol is to verify that the AHU operates within defined parameters such as airflow, pressure, and filter integrity.

1.0	PROTOCOL APPROVAL:

Signing this approval page confirms that the qualification approach described in this protocol is accepted. If any change becomes necessary, it will be handled through an approved addendum. The protocol should not be used for execution until it is reviewed and signed by the responsible authorities.

This Operational Qualification (OQ) protocol for the Air Handling System has been reviewed and approved by the following personnel:

FUNCTION	NAME	DEPARTMENT	SIGNATURE	DATE
PREPARED BY		QUALITY ASSURANCE
REVIEWED BY		PROJECTS / ENGINEERING
REVIEWED BY		PRODUCTION
APPROVED BY		QUALITY ASSURANCE

Service Company Name:

Name	Designation	Signature	Date

2.0	OVERVIEW:
2.1	OBJECTIVE:
	The objective of the operational qualification is to prove that each operation proceeds as per design specification and the tolerances prescribed there in the document, are the same at utmost transparency.
2.2	PURPOSE:
	The purpose of this protocol is to establish documentary evidence to ensure that the installed Air handling system will operate reproducibly and consistently within its full dynamic range of operation according to manufacturer’s specifications.
2.3	SCOPE:
	This protocol shall define the test procedures, documentation, references, and acceptance criteria to establish that the air handling unit operates and performs as intended in accordance with the design qualification.
2.4	RESPONSIBILITY:
	Write Department name and its responsibility

2.5

EXECUTION TEAM:

The air handling system will be checked by carrying out the qualification studies defined in this protocol. Once all steps are completed successfully, it confirms that the air handling unit is operating as expected. The execution team is responsible for running the system during the study, and proper training should be given to all involved personnel. Everyone taking part in this protocol must sign in the format provided below.

DEPARTMENT	DESIGNATION	NAME	SIGNATURE	DATE
PROJECTS
PRODUCTION
QUALITY ASSURANCE

3.0	ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA:
1	The equipment shall be operational as per its specified operating instructions.
2	All SOPs for the equipment shall be verified and checked.

4.0	OPERATIONAL QUALIFICATION PROCEDURE:
4.1	INSTRUCTION FOR FILLING THE CHECKLIST
1	In case of the compliance of the test, use the word ‘Complies’; otherwise, use ‘Does not comply‘ to indicate non-compliance.
2	For identification of the components of the equipment and utilities, use the word ‘’yes’’ to show its presence and use ‘No’ to indicate the absence of the identity
3	Give the detailed information in the summary and conclusion part of the  Operational Qualification report.
4	Whichever column is blank or not used, ‘NA’ shall be used.

4.2 VERIFICATION OF FUNCTIONAL CHECKS:

NAME OF SYSTEM COMPONENT

SPECIFIED FUNCTION

MATCHES WITH THE SPECIFIED FUNCTION (YES / NO)

VERIFIED BY SIGN/DATE

A) Air handling unit:

1. Air mixing chamber	The return air from the room and the fresh air are mixed before entering prefilter.
2. Cooling Coil	To remove moisture content from return air and to reduce the temperature, RH.
3. Heating coil	To heat the air which is coming out from chill water coil up to required temperature and RH as per design parameters.
4. Supply air fan and motor	Motor to drive the DIDW fan with the help of variable frequency drive to control fan speed. DIDW fan to supply the air at desired air velocity at 125 mm. Static.
5. Variable frequency drive	To vary the speed of motor to achieve the design parameters
6. Terminal filter	NA
7. Supply air damper	To control the supply air as per the designed CFM
8. Return air riser	The room air to return back to AHU through 10 micron filters.

4.3	VERIFICATION OF KEY FUNCTIONALITY OF MAJOR COMPONENTS OF THE SYSTEM AND CONTROL PANEL SEQUENCE OF OPERATION:

NAME OF THE FUNCTIONAL COMPONENT		SPECIFIED FUNCTION		OBSERVATIONS		VERIFIED BY SIGN/DATE
1. ‘ON’ Main MCB		To switch on variable frequency drive to start the motor at set frequency.
2. ‘OFF’ Main MCB		To switch off power supply to Variable frequency drive.
3. System blowdown		To flush out the system by running the system for 2 days before fixing any filter.
4. Variable frequency drive (VFD)		To operate at set programme (Programme manual enclosed).
5. Motor		To drive the fan.
6. DIDW Fan		Supplies air at desired air velocity with respect to the designed static pressure.
4.4	VERIFICATION OF SAFETY FEATURES:
SAFETY FEATURES DESCRIPTION			FUNCTION		VERIFIED BY (SIGN)		DATE
1. Earthing of AHU motor			To avoid the accident due to the leakage current.
2. Insulation of hot water lines			To prevent energy losses.
3. Door limit switch			To avoid opening of door during operation

4.5	VERIFICATION OF STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE (SOP)

The following Standard Operating Procedures were verified as important for effective performance of Air handling system operation.

Sr. No.	SOP TITLE	SOP NUMBER	VERIFIED BY	DATE
1.	Operating procedure of AHU
2.	Filter cleaning procedure of AHU
3.	Preventive maintenance of AHU

4.6	Instrument used for calibration
Sr. No.	Inst. Name	Inst.ID. No.	Calibration valid up to	Checked by/Date

4.7	VERIFICATION OF COMPONENT (S) TO BE CALIBRATED

Verify that the drafted calibration procedures for different identified components in the air handling system are adequate and appropriate, covering the operating range(s). e.g. Pressure gauge, temperature gauge, temperature indicator cum controller etc (As applicable). 

COMPONENT / PART TO BE CALIBRATED	IDENTIFICATION NO.	EXTERNAL CALIBRATION (ATTACH CERTIFICATE)	VERIFIED BY (SIGN)	DATE
Temp. / RH sensor
Differential pressure transmitter

4.14	TRAINING RECORD OF PERSONNEL

Following Personnel are trained in operation and handling of AHU:

NAME OF PERSONNEL	DESIGNATION	SIGN & DATE	TRAINED BY (SIGN)	REMARKS

4.8	DEFICIENCY AND CORRECTIVE ACTION (S) REPORT (S)

Following deficiency was verified and corrective actions taken in consultation with the engineering department.

Description of deficiency:

Corrective action(s) taken:

Comments:

Reviewed By:

Date

5.0	OPERATIONAL QUALIFICATION FINAL REPORT:
	All the data sheets and discrepancy reports for this operational Qualification protocol shall be reviewed by execution team to prepare summary report. The summary of OQ shall be used to draw conclusion for the approval of operational qualification report.

5.1	SUMMARY
5.2	CONCLUSION

5.3 FINAL REPORT APPROVAL

It has been verified that all tests required by this AHU Operational Qualification (OQ) Protocol are completed, reconciled, and attached to this protocol or included in the qualification summary report.

Signing in the space below confirms that all items in this air handling unit qualification report have been reviewed and found acceptable. It also confirms that any variations or discrepancies have been addressed and properly resolved.

NAME	DESIGNATION	DEPARTMENT	SIGNATURE	DATE
		PROJECTS / ENGINEERING
		PRODUCTION
		QUALITY ASSURANCE