www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I July 2023 23
Image by lifeforstock | Freepik
LIVE TO A HUNDRED WITH CLEAN AIR
By Eamonn Ryan
Feature
The collapse of some major utilities in South Africa has worsened outdoor air quality as businesses and individuals run diesel generators 16 hours a day for power and ever more freight uses roads instead of rail . Outdoor air quality soon affects indoor air quality .
Michael Jackson ( 1958-2009 ) had such confidence in highefficiency particulate air ( HEPA ) filters , he used to claim he would live 100 years because the air in his whole house was supplied through HEPA filters . His untimely death had nothing to do with the quality of air he breathed .
Since Covid-19 , many more companies and individuals are concerned about their indoor air quality .
There is a growing need for fans and filters that can improve air quality by removing airborne particles , such as viruses , bacteria and allergens . This has led to an increased demand for HEPA filters , ultraviolet germicidal irradiation ( UVGI ) systems and other air purification technologies .
At the same time , fans and filters can consume a significant amount of energy , which can impact the overall energy efficiency of HVAC systems . There is a growing need for fans and filters that are designed to operate at higher efficiencies , such as variablespeed fans and low-pressure-drop filters .
Many filters are made from materials that are not environmentally friendly . There is increasing demand for systems that are made from sustainable materials , such as recycled plastics or biodegradable materials , or where possible that can be easily recycled at the end of their lifespan . At a minimum , they need to not end up in landfill .
Fans and filters require regular maintenance and replacement to operate effectively . The biggest weakness is that this rarely occurs , and so the R & D drive is for filters designed for easy maintenance and replacement , such as filter cartridges that can be quickly replaced .
As design of HVAC and refrigeration systems becomes more complex , there is a need for filtration that can be integrated seamlessly into these systems . This includes design for specific applications , such as cleanrooms or hospitals , pharmaceutical manufacturers and storerooms .
ALPA
A portable welding / grinding dust collector .
KEEPING PEOPLE , PROCESSES AND PRODUCT SAFE The principle behind ventilation is to provide clean air inside a building by diluting harmful particles originating from the building while simultaneously removing harmful particles from within the building . Due to different types of combustion processes and diesel exhaust gases the outdoor air is alarmingly polluted . Therefore , various stages of filtration are imperative in order to ensure clean air quality . It goes without saying that if outdoor air quality is compromised and filtrated into a building , inside air quality will also be compromised and could result in health issues at a later stage .
Indoor Air Quality ( IAQ ) in commercial buildings is often overlooked , but this could reduce the number of sick days
www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I July 2023 23