Understanding the five industrial air filters will help you choose the right kind for your office. These filters include Pleated, Carbon, Ionizer, UV, and HEPA. These filters are designed to clean the air in your office by removing dust, pollen, and other particles that can potentially cause health problems.
Carbon
Activated carbon air filters are a great way to remove odors and gases from the air. They work through chemical adsorption. They can help remove VOCs and other airborne organic chemicals. They are also used to combat cigarette smoke.
Activated carbon is an incredibly porous material. Using high pressure to heat the carbon makes it highly absorbent. The surface area of one gram of activated carbon is equal to 500 square meters. This massive surface area allows the filter to absorb a lot of contaminants.
Activated carbon filters are most commonly used to remove hazardous compounds in-home air purification systems. However, they can also remove VOCs from building materials and water.
Activated carbon is usually manufactured by steaming material at 1600 degrees. It is then impregnated with chemicals such as potassium permanganate to improve its performance on specific gases.
Ionizer
An air ionizer is an electrostatic device that emits negative ions that attract and bind to airborne particles. These ions help remove harmful bacteria, viruses, and volatile compounds. However, they are also known to release certain chemicals.
In the late 1990s, Sharper Image infomercials were airing late at night, promoting its ionizers. Unfortunately, the company eventually went bankrupt, and Consumer Reports reported that its ionizing air cleaners were emitting ozone.
Ozone is a highly reactive oxidant that can irritate the nose, eyes, and airways. The EPA has published literature stating that exposure to indoor ozone is dangerous to humans. In addition, it is hazardous to asthmatics.
In addition to producing ozone, ionizing air cleaners also have negative ions. These ions can irritate the nose and cause coughing. They can also build up to harmful levels inside a room.
While air ionizers can improve indoor air quality, they have been controversial because of their harmful effects on human health. Some studies have shown that negative ions increase systemic oxidative stress. These ions are also believed to promote the formation of new ultrafine particles. These particles can lead to cancer in animals.
Pleated
The air quality in your home can be improved by using pleated industrial air filters Richmond Va. These filters provide more surface area for air filtration and are designed for all HVAC systems. In addition, they can filter out dust, pollen, and mold.
Pleated filters can also contain active carbon materials to reduce odors in your home. Using these filters will help your airflow work more efficiently and prevent leaks.
Pleated filters can also be customized to fit your needs. There are different sizes and MERV ratings available. They can be purchased in disposable or reusable designs.
Pleated filters are constructed from polyester, 304 or 316 stainless steel, or polypropylene. The synthetic material is wound to optimize airflow.
Pleated filters are also designed to last longer than non-pleated air filters. Non-pleated filters are typically made of blown fiberglass or a less common synthetic material. They can be a cheaper alternative, but they are not recommended for patients with respiratory illnesses.
UV
UV industrial air filters are gaining popularity in improving indoor air quality, whether for industrial or home use. These devices use ultraviolet light to kill airborne viruses and bacteria, disinfect the air and sterilize it.
UV air filters are relatively new, but they effectively eliminate harmful particles. The effectiveness of these devices depends on how much light they can deliver. UV light filters are often paired with HEPA filters to improve efficiency.
Air pollution has many health effects, such as allergies, coughing, and respiratory disorders. UV filters do not eliminate all allergens but can prevent pneumonia and influenza. These devices are also effective against COVID-19, an airborne virus.
Although UV air filters are not effective at removing dust, they are very effective at eliminating microorganisms and airborne viruses. In addition, they do not accumulate dust and are silent, so they can be placed in areas where people spend a lot of time.