Canaries Air Purifier and Ionizer

Within a room, the pollutants are many different sizes. Air purifiers are designed to reduce exposure to these pollutants, they correspond to chemicals or allergens. These devices can be classified into two groups according to the method of filtration, mechanical or electrical. To remove toxic gases and odors, it is necessary to use other techniques, particularly absorption on activated carbon or some crystals (commonly used for water filters).

Air purifiers have filters mechanical performance vary widely. The decision of the particles can be made by sedimentation (deposition on a filter based on weight) by impaction (meeting of a fiber filter) or by diffusion (deposition of small particles due to random movements). Some devices called "ionizers" have electrodes that produce negative ions. The particles that are suspended in the air are charged with negative ions and are thus attracted to all surfaces positively charged. These devices must have collection plates of sufficient size, if the particles are deposited on the walls or on different objects in the room. Some devices combine the two systems.

• Choosing an air purifier unit must consider several factors
•     The volume of the room where the purifier will be used
•     The airflow of the unit
• It must be sufficiently high, above 200 m3/hr. Most devices have different filtration rates.
•     The noise level of the device
• The noise level is proportional to air flow. It is about 50 decibels for the filtration rate is higher.
•     The type of filter

To be effective against allergens, studies have shown that it is necessary to use a device with a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air), made out of fiberglass. This type of HEPA filter has a filtering capability of 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns. The air purifier is often equipped with pre-filters that extend the life of the HEPA filter by stopping the larger particles. The air cleaners fitted with charcoal filter will act on odors (tobacco for example). The électroprécipitateurs also demonstrated efficacy of treatment with cat allergen.

    The size and weight of the unit

Apart from a professional, it is best to choose a device not too large, easily transportable from one room to another.

    Ease of maintenance

The presence of a filter change indicator is desirable. Progressive obstruction of filters causes a drop in the flow of filtered air and appearance of unfiltered air leak on the sides of the filter. Some devices include washable pre-filter, a source of economy. HEPA filter replacement is expensive, but its lifetime is greater than one year. Regarding the électroprécipitateurs, maintenance of collection plates must be guided by a charge indicator. The collection cup should be cleaned regularly, otherwise the charged particles will bind to the different objects in the room, then back into the dust. The ionizers are more fragile than filter devices, especially at the electrodes emitting negative ions.

A number of scientific studies confirmed the effectiveness of air purifiers for exposure to allergens in the workplace. In terms of habitat, these devices are only effective when combined with other means of environmental control. When used, it is also important that the various issues (doors or windows) are closed.

The choice of ionizer will depend on the room volume (area in m2 multiplied by height). It will also depend on the place where it will be possible to place the ionizer. Indeed, if the ionizer can be placed in the center of the room (such as a desk in the center of the room), it should take the ionizer corresponding to the volume to be processed. By cons, if the ionizer can not be placed in the center of the room (for aesthetics), it is better to have 2 or 3 less powerful ionizers. The idea would be to retain a kind of sphere of action ... if the sphere is close to the wall, there is only a half-sphere ...

We will also select the ionizer according to what is expected of him. It goes without saying that the choice of ionizer will not be the same if a room or high-traffic and smoke and a bedroom ...

Indeed, the ions will travel a shorter distance in the first terms as they will encounter more positive ions ... It will then often better to install 2.3 to see some 4 ionizers arranged harmoniously into the room for the optimal result.

Metal parts also reduce the effectiveness such as metal cabinets sometimes present, or a metal table.

If it is not possible to have the ionizer in the center (approximate) of the room, two less powerful ionizers are preferred.

From the website: Association Asthma and Psychologist

Posted in: Canaries