Case Study

      One of KU Innovation Park’s missions is to house and strategically develop the region’s high-growth, innovation-focused bioscience and technology industries. ViroVax, LLC is a biotechnology company focused on research and development of vaccines, adjuvants, and therapeutics to protect and treat people from infectious diseases, including Zika, West Nile, Dengue, and SARS-CoV-2.

      Within an Innovation Park “shell space” McElroy’s installed highly specialized HVAC and plumbing systems to equip the Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) and other lab facilities that ViroVax requires for safe, successful completion of their work. Areas include an environmentally secure BSL-3 lab; chemistry, immunology and cell-culture labs; autoclave, lab support and gowning rooms; plus office, conference and break rooms.

      For atmospheric security, the BSL-3 lab required a dedicated rooftop heating/cooling unit and high-plume exhaust fan – all served with welded stainless-steel duct equipped with bubble-tight dampers designed for zero leakage as needed. Throughout the facility, McElroy’s also provided heating, cooling and exhaust systems; medical-quality copper piping for gas and compressed air; and all other plumbing.

Project Highlights

• Convert empty “shell space” into a biotech laboratory
• Provide negative-air-pressure, atmospheric security for BSL-3 lab, including dedicated heating/cooling system and high-plume exhaust fan
• Install leak-free, welded stainless-steel ducting as needed
• Install heavy duty, bubble-tight dampers for zero leakage as needed
• Provide medical-quality copper piping for gas and compressed air
• Tie in to existing mechanical systems as applicable
• HVAC system testing and balancing for lab areas