Filtration and Purification
Proactive treatment of internal air
Filter and Clean
Air filters are effective at trapping a large proportion of particles, whilst purification systems proactively treat the space within the ventilated zone and provide effective elimination of bacteria, viruses and mould.
Particulate Filters
Particulate air filtration can be described as the first line of defense against airborne contaminants. Climate control and mechanical ventilation systems contain filters, which can range from standard filters that would filter sand, hair, coarse particles to specialized High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters, which can trap particulate matter as small as 0.3 microns. However, while filters may be effective at trapping a large proportion of particles, they do not remove odors, chemicals, or gases, treat contaminates on internal surfaces, and require air to pass through a filter in order to be cleaned. Filters must also be regularly cleaned or replaced and consideration should be given to the static pressure to ensure fan capacity is adequate to overcome the pressure drop created.
Carbon Filters
Activated carbon filters are small pieces of carbon, typically in granular or powdered block form, that have been treated to be extremely porous and are very effective at capturing chemical emissions including Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), smog, ozone, tobacco smoke, and fumes from cooking When installed before a HEPA filter, the activated carbon also captures larger particles like dust and lint enabling the HEPA filter to perform better and last longer.
Electrostatic Precipitators
Electrostatic Precipitators are devices that use a high voltage electric charge to remove solid particles or liquid droplets from the air. Whilst they are commonly used in industrial settings they are also available for residential use and have the advantage of drastically reducing fan power energy as unlike standard fibre filters they have a very low-pressure drop. In addition, the high voltage charge will neutralize a high level of bacteria and viruses within the air stream.
Ultraviolet Light
Ultraviolet Light has been used for a long time to purify water, surfaces and air and has been proven to be a reliable and safe method. Ultraviolet light has a shorter wavelength than visible light and a much higher energy level. When this energy is absorbed by a microorganism such as bacteria, viruses, and mould it damages the DNA of the cell which triggers a self-destruct mechanism rendering it harmless.
Bipolar Ionization
Bipolar Ionization is an air purification technology that can be used in ducted ventilation systems to generate positively and negatively charged ions. These ions magnetically attract small airborne particles such as pollen and dust, until the newly-formed particle is too heavy to remain in the air or is large enough to be removed by a filter. Some manufacturers claim removal of viruses and surface disinfection of surfaces within a treated area however as the ions exist for a relatively short time before returning to their natural state this technology is not as effective in systems that have a high airflow with long travel distances.
Hydro Ionization
Hydro ionization is a technology that neutralizes bacteria, viruses, mold spores, noxious gases and vapours, and odours that are found in the air and on surfaces inside buildings. They do this by producing an oxidizer from the Oxygen O₂ and Water humidity H₂O in the air. These hydrogen peroxides are safe and effective for the elimination of harmful organisms either by destroying them or rendering them harmless by damaging their cell structure. They have a long-lasting effect and proactivity treat every space within the ventilated zone.
Technology
Case Studies
Chelsea I
Discreet air conditioning for this terraced 4-bed mews house in a small courtyard just off Fulham Road
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