How Does an Air Scrubber Work?

How Does an Air Scrubber Work?

Importance of clean air

In today's pollution-filled environment, breathing fresh air is essential for maintaining good health. Air scrubbers, as an advanced technology, offer a reliable solution for improving indoor air quality.

Like most filtration systems, air scrubbers use purification filters to help remove contaminants from the air in space as it circulates through the system. It utilizes a high-rpm motor, high-efficiency centrifugal fan and upright cabinet design. While each air scrubber unit is different, all units follow a similar process. Several times per hour, the air scrubber pulls contaminated air out of the space while pumping in fresh, chemical-free air.

The Role of the Air Scrubber

Air scrubbers remove chemicals, gases, fungal spores, dust particles, pet dander, pollen, smoke, bacteria, viruses, and other air contaminants. Depending on their capabilities and capacities, they can serve different purposes. Industrial-strength air scrubbers are typically used to remove air emissions such as fumes, chemicals and gases from commercial or industrial spaces. Portable air scrubbers serve a variety of functions. They are often designed for use in homes or small offices; some are designed to accompany you on public transportation or sit at your desk.

Components of an air scrubber

1. Air Inlet

The air inlet of an air scrubber is located at the front of the air scrubber and is responsible for bringing in outside air for treatment. It is generally larger in diameter in order to draw in a wider range of contaminants.

2. Filters

Air scrubbers have multiple filters that can be used for a variety of purposes for different sizes and types of contaminants. At the very least, most of them will consist of pre-filters and HEPA filters. Notably, the Hepa Pro UVIG Air Scrubber utilizes an advanced four-stage filtration system:

The pre-filter is usually a Merv-8. it is responsible for capturing pollen, dust and larger particles.

An activated carbon filter, which traps fumes and odors.

HEPA filter to capture PM 2.5 and 99.97% of fine particles.

3. Fan System-Variable Speed Setting

The fan system is one of the crucial components in an air scrubber that primarily drives the airflow. The contaminated air is drawn in for circulation, thus effectively removing contaminants from the air.

Many modern air scrubbers come with adjustable fan speeds that allow the user to set them as needed. Low speeds are usually quiet and are used at night or in situations where a low noise level is required. High speeds are used when air circulation and more powerful filtration is required.

4. Treatment of Purified Air

Some air scrubbers are also equipped with UV-C germicidal technology, a strong ultraviolet light that illuminates standing water and helps prevent mold growth. The Hepa Pro UVIG air scrubber is equipped with a UV germicidal light and a negative ion generator. UV light is used to disinfect and destroy viruses. For UV-C germicidal indoor air scrubbers, the UV bulbs are more in the 5-9 watt range.

Negative ion air generators release a charge of negative ions that attach to airborne particles. The idea is that once airborne particles such as dust, pollen, or mold spores take on a charge, they are more likely to stick to surfaces and settle.

Contaminant removal process

A. Mechanical filtration - By setting up a physical barrier, mechanical filtration retains suspended particulate matter.

B. Adsorption- Gas molecules in the air are captured by adsorption on the surface of the material.

C. Chemical Reaction-Chemical reaction that converts pollutants into harmless substances.

D. UV-C technology - Ultraviolet light is used to sterilize microorganisms in the air.

Air scrubber applications

1. Residential Use

Air scrubbers placed in the kitchen can reduce cooking odors and smoke. In the living room through a mechanical filtration system such as a HEPA filter, which removes common particles in the home such as dust, pollen, pet hair, etc. That can cause allergic reactions or respiratory problems. UV-C technology inactivates airborne microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and mold, which can help reduce the risk of spreading infectious diseases indoors. Improve the indoor air quality in your home and protect the health of your family.

2. In Office Spaces

air scrubber in office

Offices or lobbies, crowded staff, running equipment and other factors may lead to indoor air pollution. Air Scrubber can provide fresh indoor air to improve the health and well-being of employees. Reducing pollutants in the air, especially during seasonal allergy season, can alleviate employee discomfort and improve work efficiency.

3. Healthcare

Air scrubbers with UV light filter and inactivate airborne viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms, preventing the spread of pathogens and maintaining a clean environment in healthcare settings. In hospitals, clinics and other healthcare settings, reducing airborne pathogens is critical to the health of patients and healthcare workers.

4. Construction Sites

Dust and chemicals from the construction process such as paints and adhesives are hazardous to workers. Air scrubbers capture and remove airborne dust and particulate matter through a highly efficient filtration system; air scrubbers equipped with activated carbon filters adsorb and remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) left behind by renovations. This helps protect workers' respiratory systems and reduces the risk of respiratory illnesses and other health problems.

5. Disaster Restoration

air scrubber used for disaster restoration

Natural disasters such as hurricanes and floods can cause flooding and humid conditions that promote the growth of mold and bacteria. An air scrubber not only speeds up drying, but also has a germicidal function that effectively removes microorganisms in the air and prevents the spread of disease. Provide fresh, purified air in a post-disaster environment.

Benefits of using air scrubbers

Improve air quality: The air scrubber removes airborne contaminants, dust, pollen, mold and other pollutants via the filtration system and thus improves the quality of the indoor air.

Purifies harmful gasses: Air scrubbers equipped with activated carbon filters can adsorb and remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs), smoke, odors and other harmful gasses to keep the air fresh.

Prevention of respiratory diseases and allergic reactions: The air scrubber's filtration system reduces airborne allergens and lowers the risk of spreading respiratory illnesses and infections, especially during peak flu season.

Creates a pleasant working environment: The use of air scrubbers in the workplace ensures fresh, clean air and increases employee comfort and productivity.

Compliance with regulations and standards: Some states and regions have regulations and standards for indoor air quality, and the use of air scrubbers ensures that the business complies with the law.

Conclusion

Air scrubbers improve indoor air quality and protect the health of residents and office workers through advanced technology and multiple filtration stages. Starting with the supply of ambient air from the air inlet, the air scrubber uses different types of filters such as merv-10, HEPA filters and UV-C technology to effectively filter and purify airborne particles, harmful gasses and microorganisms. The fan system ensures air circulation and adapts to different needs by adjusting the speed. Ultimately, pure air is released into the room through the air outlets, creating a fresh, comfortable and healthy living and working environment. The use of air washers helps to reduce allergic reactions, prevent respiratory illnesses, reduce the effects of harmful gasses and provide users with a better quality of life indoors.

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.