ContamLink

Abstract

In order to estimate building contaminant concentrations and associated occupant exposures, indoor air quality (IAQ) model users require data related to source strengths and other contaminant transport mechanisms (e.g. sinks, filters). Much of this information exists in the literature; however, it is not readily accessible, thereby requiring users to expend significant efforts in searching for this information. To support the modeling process, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has created a series of model input databases for use in its multizone IAQ and ventilation model CONTAM. As part of this effort, a standard data entry format was developed, as well as a computer program to search the database for specific records and build a CONTAM input library. These databases and tools can serve as a basis for building an extensive collection of model input parameters, assessing the quality and completeness of existing data sets, and allow for identification of significant data gaps.

NISTIR 7364 - Database Tools for Modeling Emissions and Control of Air Pollutants from Consumer Products, Cooking, and Combustion [PDF: 1.64 MB]

ContamLink is compatible with CONTAM 3.0a. 

Download ContamLink

Prerequisites

ContamLink 3.0 requires the .Net framework 4. The client profile or the full framework are acceptable.

ContamLink also requires the Microsoft Access Database Engine 2010 (MADE). There are 32-bit and 64-bit versions available. If you have Microsoft Office 2010 then the version of MADE must match the version of Office installed. Otherwise you can pick a version of MADE that your CPU supports.

ContamLink requires Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista, or Windows 7.

Download

There is both a 32-bit and 64-bit version of ContamLink. The version needs to match the version of MADE that is installed.

Download ContamLink 32-bit: [ContamLink_Setup x86.msi] (approximately - 3 MB) This program is for the Windows Operating System.

Download ContamLink 64-bit: [ContamLink_Setup x64.msi] (approximately - 3 MB) This program is for the Windows Operating System.

Databases

These databases are for use in ContamLink.  The databases are in Microsoft Access format. They are available for download in Zip compressed files.

EPA - Sources of Indoor Air Emissions - Download Zip File 241 KB

NRC - Material Emission Database - Download Zip File 334 KB

Combustion Source Strength - Download Zip File 278 KB

Particle Deposition - Download Zip File 260 KB

Partition Coefficient - Download Zip File 85 KB

Download all of the databases together - Download Zip File 1.16 MB

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as developed database structures for compiling and organizing model input data that can be used in ContamLink. The databases are in Microsoft Access format and are available for download as Zip compressed files. The model input data contained in these databases are not intended to be all-inclusive, but rather representative of the information found in the literature at the time of development and to serve as examples for populating the databases. Users are encouraged to append the model input databases with their own data. NISTIR 7364 provides details about the databases and the ContamLink program.

***DISCLAIMER***
In an effort to enhance the scientific study of indoor air quality, published model input data are accessible on this site. However, care must be taken when using these data as they are intended for research use. Users of these data assume sole responsibility for determining the appropriateness of their use in any particular application and for any conclusions drawn from results of their use. NIST used its best efforts to deliver a high quality copy of the Database and to verify that the data contained therein have been selected on the basis of sound scientific judgment. However, NIST makes no warranties to that effect, and NIST shall not be liable for any damage that may result from errors or omissions in the Database.

Certain trade names and company products are mentioned in the text to specify adequately the products and equipment used in the test and those needed to use this software. In no case does such identification imply endorsement by the National Institute of Standards and Technology of these products and equipment, nor does it imply that the products are necessarily the best available for the purpose.