Smoke Purification Equipment
Smoke purification equipment uses a fan to push or pull air through a filter. These fans are known by many names: blowers, squirrel cages and impellers.
The EPA lists many types of smoke volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Hepa air filters are good at removing particulates, but VOCs need gas phase filters to get rid of them.
HEPA Filters
A HEPA filter is a type of air purifier that works to remove particulate matter from the air. Particulate matter can be anything from dust mites and allergens to smoke odours and harmful chemicals.
Basically, a HEPA filter is made of a mat of randomly arranged glass-fibre strands that trap particles by one of three mechanisms: direct impacting, interception, and diffusion. During the direct impacting process, large particles get smashed into the fibers and stuck to them. In the case of interception, smaller particles move erratically through the filter and end up colliding with the fibres as they pass by. Finally, if a particle is too small to be trapped by the direct impacting or interception methods, it may wander about randomly (via Brownian movement) until it lands on a fibre and sticks.
The best Hepa filters can capture particles up Smoke purification equipment to 0.3 microns in size. Particulate matter that is larger than this will escape the filter and reenter the room, so a carbon filter should be used in conjunction with Hepa filters.
Laboratories use Hepa filters to remove pathogens from the air, as well as volatile organic compounds and allergens. However, these filters don’t remove odours from the air, which are often caused by a variety of gases. In order to remove these gases, a carbon filter must be placed directly behind the Hepa filter.
MERV 15 Media Filters
MERV filters are a great choice for homes and offices looking to reduce airborne pollution. They provide improved indoor air quality and allergen control, while also reducing energy consumption and HVAC system stress. MERV ratings are based on the percentage chance of a filter catching dust particles based on their size, so they’re an excellent tool for comparing one air filter against another.
The higher the MERV rating, the finer the filtration. This means that a filter with a high MERV rating will catch more particles and may be more expensive than lower rated filters. However, a high MERV rating also means that it will be more effective at removing a wider variety of airborne contaminants.
Filters with a MERV value between 1 and 4 will start to trap particles that are 3.0-10.0 microns in size. This includes the airborne pollutants that are often found in a home, including mold spores, pet dander, tobacco smoke and bacteria. These filters Smoke purification equipment are also less restrictive than a HEPA or ULPA filter and won’t cause any significant increases in static pressure.
A MERV 13 filter will be able to remove 95% of pollution from the air in your home or office. This will significantly improve your health and the performance of your HVAC equipment. This LakeAir MERV 15 commercial dust collector can be used in your office, warehouse or factory to improve the air quality.
UV Lights
UV light sanitizing systems can help to reduce the amount of contaminants in your indoor air. When used alongside high-grade filters and a strong motor, UV lights sterilize bacteria, viruses and mold spores before they can spread. In addition, a UV system can reduce gaseous contaminants such as carbon monoxide and VOCs.
Researchers have known for decades that certain types of ultraviolet (UV) light rapidly kills microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses. But conventional germicidal UVC light presents a health risk to skin and eyes, so it can’t be used directly in occupied rooms. However, Columbia University scientists developed a special type of UVC light that’s safe to use. Called far-UVC light, it has a shorter wavelength than conventional germicidal UVC and can’t penetrate skin or eyes.
Using a photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) technology, far-UVC light destroys bacteria, mold and fungus. It also breaks down odor molecules into smaller fragments so that they can’t produce unpleasant smells.
A UV light system can be installed in your HVAC system to sanitize the coil and return air duct. It works by illuminating a photocatalyst, which then triggers the oxidation process that releases reactive oxygen species. These react with smoke particles to break them down into harmless water vapor and carbon dioxide. You can purchase a UV light that’s designed to mount in your return air duct or you can install a more complex system with lights mounted throughout your ductwork.
Carbon Filters
Carbon filters work to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odours. These gases include those from cigarette smoke and paint fumes, cleaning products, benzene and xylene. They can also eliminate chemicals like chlorine, formaldehyde and ammonia found in household cleaners. They do not filter fine particulate matter and are not the best solution for those with allergen sensitivities.
Activated carbon, which is also commonly known as charcoal, works through a process called adsorption. During this process, carbon molecules bond easily with certain chemicals and attract them at the molecular level to trap them on its surface. Using the same principle that causes water to stick together and form droplets, carbon absorbs unwanted gas pollutants from air passing through it, creating clean, breathable indoor spaces.
Different types of activated carbon have unique properties that make them effective at removing different chemicals from the air. For example, coconut shell carbon is particularly useful for removing trihalomethanes, which are harmful VOCs that can cause lung irritation. Other common carbon sources include coal, wood and nut shells.
The effectiveness of a carbon filter depends on the thickness of its pores and how much time the air spends in contact with it. The longer the residence time, the more likely a carbon filter is to capture the desired chemicals from the air. When a carbon filter becomes saturated, it will start to release its captured chemicals back into the air. This is a good indication that it is time to change the filter.