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IAQ, FILTRATION AND THE CONSUMER

MARKET

Matthew Klein, PE-ME, MBAIndoor Air Quality Solutions, Inc.

IAQ IMPROVEMENT

Ventilation, Filtration and Source Control

• The top three methods for controlling

indoor air contaminants• Control air contaminants

>>> improve IAQ

IAQ AND VENTILATION

Ventilation

• ASHRAE Standard 62• Basically contaminant dilution• Even diluted, some contaminants are

still problems• Has an energy penalty• Air usually must be cleaned

IAQ AND SOURCES

Source Control

• Source elimination, attenuation or

substitution• Requires knowledge of source• Usually complicated/impossible• Usually involves change for occupants >

> >difficult

IAQ AND FILTRATION

Filtration

Will Always Be

• Needed For Contaminants– Originating in the Building– Originating Outside of and

entering the building

IAQ AND FILTRATION

Filtration

Will Always Be • One of the most energy efficient options

for improving IAQ• One of the most doable options for

improving IAQ• One of the lowest capital cost options

for improving IAQ

IAQ AND FILTRATION

Filtration

• Also has an energy penalty• But, provides energy return by

preventing decline in other HVAC component performance

• And, provides other cost benefits, e.g. less maintenance

The Paradox

Since Filtration Is So Important& Advantageous to IAQ

Why Are There So Many Bad and Problematic Filtration

Systems?

A POSSIBLE REASON?

• At the consumer level, filtration systems are still considered dust control systems

• Filtration systems are not considered contaminant control systems

• Essentially: the arrestance vs. efficiency by size range mindset

DUST VS. CONTAMINANT

DUST• Focus is on

objects: – Coils– Fans– Building

surfaces

CONTAMINANT• Focus is on

occupants:– Health– Well-being– Productivity


DUST• Goals:

dust buildup soiling maintenance equipment

protection

CONTAMINANT• Goals:

illness irritation absenteeism productivity


DUST• Properties of

concern:– physical

composition– larger (visible)

particles– amount to load

filter

CONTAMINANT• Properties of

concern:– physiological

effectors– 0.3 to 10.0 m

particles– airborne

concentration


DUST• Filter selection:

– what is cheapest

– arrestance– bypass and

leakage less important

CONTAMINANT• Filter selection:

– what is to be controlled

– MERV– bypass and

leakage more important

BUT

Nowadays

BOTHare important considerations, depending

on the conditionsAND

they are not mutually exclusive—control for contaminants, control for dust

IAQ and Effective Filtration Systems

Filtration system selection—the contaminant control model

1. Determine what is to be controlled

2. Determine the level of control

3. Select the best filtration system

IAQ and Effective Filtration SystemsFiltration system installation—the contaminant control model

1. Correctly install the filtration system

2. Commission the filtration system

3. Educate and train the customer on operation and maintenance

FILTRATION SYSTEM SELECTION

Determine what is to be controlled• Determine what the customer’s control

needs are—allergies, asthma, dust, etc.

• Don’t assume you know—ask

• Determine the important contaminants in the building based on the customer’s concerns


Determine what is to be controlled• Determine the physical properties of the

important contaminants

• Consult knowledgeable IAQ professionals (and maybe docs) when needed

• Sample when necessary


Determine the level of control• People factor:

– varying reactions to contaminants (medical and personal)

– varying degrees of potential exposure in the same building

– psychosocial influences


Determine the level of control• Contaminant factor:

– many different types (e.g. biological vs. inert)

– many different variations (e.g. 100,000 mold species)

– many different forms (e.g. particle vs. fiber)

– environmental influence– synergism


Determine the level of control• No exact criteria are available for most

contaminants—huge gap in research

• Building properties and air handling system design will impact contaminant concentrations—try to account for variables


Determine the level of control needed• Sampling might help determine

approximate contaminant concentrations

• Most times, experienced WAG is going to be good enough, but seek help when needed

• Customer’s needs should have major impact on level of control needed


Select the best filtration system• Best system provides control of

important contaminants to the desired concentrations

• Focus on the customer’s needs—not the products available for sale


Select the best filtration system • MERV 10 minimum—based on mold

(about 3.0-10.0 m particle size range)—but, system should have most efficient filtration in particle size ranges of contaminant of interest

• Filters should not exceed allowable fan pressure drop when loaded to factory specification


Select the best filtration system • Filters should not load up too rapidly

• System should have minimal bypass and leakage

• Gaskets should be reliable, effective, durable and easy to replace


Select the best filtration system • Filters should be easy to changeout and

have minimal gizmo hardware (KISS)

• System should be adaptable for future modifications

• Etc.

FILTRATION SYSTEM INSTALLATION

Correctly install the filtration system• Make sure system is installed so filters

can be easily changed and hardware can be easily maintained

• Seal all seams between filter and fan—Caulk non-removable panel seams; gaskets on removable panels or doors; tape if not gasketed


Correctly install the filtration system

FOLLOWNAFA

RECOMMENDATIONS

Training, continuing education, professional input, trade shows


Commission the filtration system• Thoroughly inspect each filtration

system to make sure it was installed according to spec and works as planned

• Dry-run filter changeout to anticipate problems


Commission the filtration system

FOLLOWNAFA, ASHRAE, SMACNA, Etc.

RECOMMENDATIONS AND GUIDELINES

Document, document, document


Educate and train the customer on operation and maintenance

• Make sure the customer understands how filtration works in general

• Make sure the customer knows how the filtration system works in particular—don’t trust the customer to read the manual


Educate and train the customer on operation and maintenance

• Dry-run filter changeout with customer

• Make sure the customer knows specifically which filters to purchase

• Provide the customer with all manuals and specifications for system

Documents

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