Design for smoking areas: Part 2 - applications.

Recent ASHRAE forums have revealed an increased interest in information and guidance relative to designing and applying ventilation systems for areas where smoking is permitted. There are few data currently available through ASHRAE for the engineer challenged with designing a cigar bar, a smoking lounge, or a bar or restaurant with smoking permitted. This paper applies laboratory data about the acceptance of environmental tobacco smoke to real-world applications. This approach addresses removal effectiveness and ventilation effectiveness associated with airflow patterns that can be established in areas where smoking is allowed. An equation is also presented for calculating ventilation rates for locations where smoking is permitted. Guidance for the application of the calculated ventilation rates is presented, addressing the location of the smoking area, air distribution device location, use of air-to-air heat exchangers, particle filtration, gas-phase filtration, and use of transfer air. This guidance is based upon literature and data from studies performed in areas where smoking is allowed.