Beacon News

Beacon Consulting Group, Inc. was retained to monitor and witness the testing of a prototype Jet Fan (and the production of a series of fans) for The Ville-Marie Tunnel of Highway 720 in Montreal, Canada. The Ville-Marie Tunnel, used by more than 115,000 vehicles every day (on average), is a vital part of the city’s highway network. Our team has been consulting on and monitoring a critical component of the refurbishment project: the performance testing and delivery of advanced jet air fans. These high-powered fans will be strategically installed along the tunnel to ensure proper airflow and exhaust gas removal.

Due to space limitations in the tunnels and the requirements set by the Ministry of Transportation in Quebec, the Jet Fan supplier had to design and build a unique prototype that would meet the project’s specific requirements. Because the fans needed to pass strict performance, vibration, acoustic, and thermal resistance tests, the American supplier is using its international team for the design, with assembly and testing in the U.S. (Connecticut & Ohio), parts from around the world, and eventual installation in Canada. The performance requirements have presented multiple challenges. Beacon was engaged to help work through the project's unique challenges while coordinating with the engineering and manufacturing teams.

It is critically important that the fans meet strict performance requirements and are capable of enduring severe environmental conditions. Thus, several tests are necessary to prove the durability and longevity of the design. The prototype unit has passed all of the tests thus far. As of this writing, the final “Burn” (Thermal) test was still to be performed (which will measure the fan's performance under thermal conditions simulating a tunnel fire).

Beacon Consulting Group, Inc., originally hired as a representative for the Surety, is now consulting for the HVAC installation subcontractor. Beacon’s team is assisting both entities in completing the project by regularly visiting the jet fan manufacturer’s assembly and testing facility in Connecticut, monitoring and facilitating test approval, installation, and commissioning. As of this writing, production of the series of fans for installation has begun. Each fan will pass the same testing standards before final installation in the tunnel in Montreal.

John Richmond has been playing a lead role on the project for Beacon, supported by other members of our construction consulting team.