Archive for February, 2010
Do fine chemical air filters actually work, and if so, by what mechanisms?
Sunday, February 28th, 2010
I live in an extraordinarily polluted environment, and right now, the cost of breaking my lease and problems associated w/ relocating now would exceed the cost of this very expensive air purifier.
http://www.airpurifiers.com/products/iqair/gc-chemisorber.htm
If it works, it’s worth the money (esp. since I have chem sensitivities & allergies, so I’d probably find use for it anywhere), but if it doesn’t, it’s a huge waste for a glorified hepa filter (which is what it’d amount to if the chemical filtration didn’t work).
So my question is, how exactly does it filter out
Sulfur dioxide
Formaldehyde
Carbon dioxide
etc.
I’d be particularly interested to know how it can seriously filter Carbon dioxide, since that’s so prevalent in the air, I’d think that any filter for it’d be worn out within a day. That one in particular makes me question the validity of the product.
The sulfur dioxide, formaldehyde, and particulates from deisel are all very important to me, since these are some of the worst problems in this place, wedged between a factory w/ high sulfur dioxide emissions and an expressway, in a building full of gas stoves and heat, aside from fireplace smoke wafting in from the neighbors on some days.
Can someone with some knowledge of how these advanced air purifiers work please explain this to me? Would I be throwing my money away? (Please note that this is not a small purchase for me, especially looking at the cost and frequency of replacing the filters)
Gases such as formaldehyde are removed from the air through adsorption (with a d). The most popular material used is the ubiquitous activate carbon ("activated charcoal"). The gas will cling to the material as it passes through. Activate alumina is another adsorption material that works better, but is more expensive. The other drawback is that these filters stop working quite quickly, especially in areas where they’re doing a lot of filtration, and may have to be replaced as often as every few days, which is obviously quite costly.
Sulfur dioxide is removed from the plumes of coal plants through chemical "scrubbers" which use limestone as the chemically reactive substance (there are two methods, wet and dry, but pretty much the same thing). The limestone is the adsorbant, with the SO2 reacting with the limestone and "sticking." However, this chemical system is coupled with a physical screen to actually complete the process. It’s not overly effective.
However, I don’t think that anything you’ll buy will remove CO2 — CO2 is often considered to be the "safe" end product of converting some other pollutant into something clean and breathable.
I’d move.
Replacement Activated Carbon Pre-Filter For Enviracaire Air Cleaners
Sunday, February 28th, 2010
Replacement activated carbon pre-filter for enviracaire air cleanersPre-filters should be replaced every three months. Some filters may require replacement sooner depending on particulate build-up, environment and conditions used. Use with HONEYWELL ENVIRONMENTAIRell® Air Purifier‘’s HWL-18150, HWL-50200, HWL-50250 and HWL-17000. For Quietcare & Enviracaire® Air Cleaners & Purifiers Filter Type(s): Activated carbon; Filtration For: N\A; Maximum Room Size (W x H): N\A; Width: N\A.
Platinum Air Hepa Air Purifier Replacement Filter
Sunday, February 28th, 2010
Platinum Air HEPA Air Purifier Replacement FilterHEPA filter is 99% effective at reducing airborne particles such as dust, pollen, tobacco smoke, pet dander and mold spores ProTec treated filter helps prevent mold growth on the filter For Platinum Air HEPA Air Purifier Filter Type(s): HEPA; Filtration For: Dust; Maximum Room Size (W x H): N\A; Width: N\A.
Whole System Media Air Purifier – 2100 Cfm – Merv 7 Rated Filter – Black
Sunday, February 28th, 2010
Whole System Media Air Purifier – 2100 CFM – MERV 7 Rated Filter – Black Prevent the build-up of pollutants in your duct system that can harbor bacterial growth and provide clean air for your home or small business, keeping your forced air system running efficiently with this in duct filtration system. The capacity for this unit is 800-2100 cubic feet per minute and can be mounted in most positions required by flipping the Media Filter into the desired position to compensate for the direction of the air flow. The distinct design allows it to be used in various other HVAC air purifying applications. The air is filtered through a replaceable MERV 7 rated Media Filter. This filter is electrostatically charged and engineered for maximum dust holding capability, providing significant higher particulate efficiency than regular poly cotton media filters. The Media Filter is moisture resistant, does not support microbial growth and has an efficiency rating up to 98% of particulate as small as 5 microns. This includes allergy triggers such as pollens, animal dander, cigarette and cooking smoke, dust, fly ash and bacteria. By reducing the amount of dirt in your air, you’ll cut back on the need to dust and help maintain your electronic equipment. This is a filter housing only, no electricity is required. When mounted standard on a forced air system, install the supplied foam strip per instructions and use the easy bend over crimping tabs which match up to the openings in the air system and duct work. No fasteners are required. A maintenance background is required for proper installation. No assembly is required. Always read the manual before installation and operating for best results. Unit is manufactured in the U.S.A. Black finish. 4-1/4″Wx20-1/2″Dx25″H overall. 25.00 L. 16.00 W. 4.25 H.
Air Flow Switch W/ Whole System Electronic Air Purifier – 2100 Cfm – 120v Silver
Sunday, February 28th, 2010
Air Flow Switch w/ Whole System Electronic Air Purifier – 2100 CFM – 120V Silver Prevent the build-up of pollutants in your duct system that can harbor bacterial growth and provide clean air for your home or small business, keeping your forced air system running efficiently with this in duct filtration system. Air Flow Switch Equipped, the power to the unit is shut down when the forced air system is off for even greater efficiency. The capacity for this unit is 800-2100 cubic feet per minute and can be mounted in most positions required by flipping the Electrostatic Filter into the desired position to compensate for the direction of the air flow. The distinct design allows it to be used in various other HVAC air purifying applications. The low pressure drop through the electrostatic filter means less airflow reduction and higher efficiency. And with only one Electrostatic Filter used in this unit, special alignment of filters is not required, so no second guessing as to if the filters were installed correctly for proper operation. The air is first filtered through a washable pre-filter, then through a permanent and washable Electronic Filter and a disposable odor absorbing Carbon After Filter. When cleaning the Electronic Filter, use a cell cleaning solution for best results. No Media filters to throw away, helping to eliminate the size of our landfills. The Electronic Filter has an efficiency rating up to 97% of particulate as small as 0.01 microns which includes allergy triggers such as pollens, animal dander, cigarette and cooking smoke, dust, fly ash, bacteria and many viruses. By reducing the amount of dirt in your air, you’ll cut back on the need to dust and help maintain your electronic equipment. This unit is supplied with three 4″ wire leads for hard wiring to 120 volt service. When mounted standard on a forced air system, install the supplied foam strip per instructions and use the easy bend over crimping tabs which match up to the openings in the air