All images supplied by SAIRAC Cape Town Centre . www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I March 2025 41
Technical
SAIRAC CAPE TOWN TECH TALK ILLUMINATES AIR QUALITY AND FILTRATION
Edited by Eamonn Ryan from the transcript
SAIRAC Cape Town Centre hosted a technical talk on air quality and filtration last year , featuring Kritika Lalloo , a mechanical engineer and Theo van Der Linde , head of department : projects from LEEP Solution . Her speciality is energy efficiency and sustainability within the built environment .
The talk centred around the importance of monitoring and managing air quality in various settings , including offices , hospitals , and casinos . LEEP discussed the need to reduce particulate matter and incorporate advanced technologies like IoT devices , electrostatic filter screens , UV lamps , and activated carbon infused filters to improve air quality and remove viruses . They also highlighted the importance of proper installation and maintenance of these technologies for effective disinfection and air quality enhancement .
In the presentation explored advanced air purification solutions such as filtration systems , electrostatic filters , ultraviolet germicidal irradiation , and photocatalytic oxidation . Additionally , they touched on odour control technologies used in restrooms and other spaces .
A significant portion of the talk was dedicated to understanding the Air Quality Index ( AQI ), which measures particulate matter , ozone , nitrogen dioxide , and carbon monoxide levels . For instance , Cape Town ’ s AQI was rated at 26 on July 16 , indicating good air quality . They compared this with Johannesburg , which often experiences higher pollution levels .
The presentation also covered the importance of monitoring and measuring air quality using modern technologies , including Internet of Things ( IoT ) sensors placed around the room . Attendees had the opportunity to interact with these sensors and observe their readings during the event .
The session delved into the impact of particulate matter on health , referencing World Health Organization guidelines that suggest reducing particulate matter ( PM ) can significantly lower mortality rates . The speakers emphasised the role of HVAC systems in managing indoor air quality by addressing factors like temperature , humidity , and carbon dioxide levels .
For those interested in further reading , the SAIRAC Cape Town Centre is offering the book Heat and Energy by Jeff Albert , available for purchase .
The session continued with an interactive poll , aimed at assessing the audience ’ s understanding of particulate matter .
Participants were asked which category of PM is most harmful when it enters the lungs ' alveoli . The results highlighted a majority opinion favouring PM10 , but the correct answer , as revealed by LEEP , was PM1 . This finer particulate matter poses the greatest health risks as it can penetrate deeper into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream , potentially leading to severe health issues such as cardiovascular diseases and dementia . They emphasised the importance of understanding particulate sizes . PM10 , being the largest of the particles discussed , can reach the respiratory ducts and cause decreased lung function . PM2.5 , smaller than PM10 , can lead to skin and eye problems , while PM1 , the smallest , can enter the bloodstream and cause more severe health consequences .
The presentation also highlighted historical trends in influenza cases from 1959 to 2017 , noting a peak in 2017 before the introduction of the coronavirus pandemic . This data underscores the importance of monitoring and improving indoor air quality to mitigate health risks .
Focusing on indoor air quality , the talk covered the ASHRAE guidelines on Indoor Environmental Quality ( IEQ ), which link productivity , learning , and overall health to factors such as air quality , thermal comfort , lighting , and acoustics . Poor air quality
Kritika Lalloo , a mechanical engineer and Theo Van Der Linde , head of department : projects from LEEP Solution , making their presentation .
All images supplied by SAIRAC Cape Town Centre . www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I March 2025 41