Case Study: Data-Driven Exhaust Optimization at a Global Pharmaceutical Leader
Background
At one of its flagship research and development campuses in New Jersey, a global pharmaceutical leader was looking to optimize energy use while maintaining strict safety and regulatory standards. The site includes chemistry and biology labs, pilot manufacturing spaces, and specialized exhaust systems engineered to mitigate risk from volatile or hazardous compounds.
Challenge
Exhaust fan stacks were designed to operate at high velocities 24/7 to ensure adequate dilution and dispersion of airborne contaminants. While critical during occupied hours, this approach consumed significant energy—especially at night and on weekends when lab activity was minimal.
The facility's EHS and energy engineering teams wanted to explore reducing exhaust fan stack velocities during unoccupied periods—but only if it could be done safely and with data to back it up.
Solution
The company deployed the AntrumX® air monitoring platform, integrating it directly into the lab exhaust system. Sensors were strategically placed to monitor for a range of airborne contaminants, where data could be used to confirm the absence of hazardous buildup in real time.
Paired with AntrumEYE®, Antrum’s ventilation data platform, the facility team gained:
Real-time monitoring of chemical indicators in exhaust air
Alerts for readings outside acceptable safety thresholds
BAS integration to automate fan speed adjustments during unoccupied mode
A secure, auditable data stream to support EHS protocols and regulatory confidence
Energy and Sustainability reporting, including kWh reduced and total metric tons of CO2 avoided
Results
Enabled Stack Velocity Reduction
Real-time monitoring confirmed the absence of harmful compounds in exhaust air during unoccupied hours, allowing safe reduction in fan speeds, lowering energy use without increasing risk.
Energy Savings
Reduced exhaust velocity delivered annual energy savings while also lowering mechanical wear on the lab exhaust fans.
Improved Risk Management
The facility gained visibility into what was actually leaving the building—enhancing both safety assurance and response readiness.
Scalable Framework
The successful pilot positioned the site to replicate the strategy across other research and manufacturing buildings, with confidence rooted in data.
Impact
By integrating Antrum’s air monitoring platform into its exhaust system, this leading pharmaceutical company was able to balance energy efficiency with safety in a highly regulated environment. What began as a pilot has now become a blueprint for responsible, data-driven airflow optimization across its global portfolio.
