Advanced CAP Technology Removes Airborne Particles, Gases & Kills Microorganisms

Depending on the type of airborne pollutants targeted, Abatement Central Air
Purification units incorporate one or more of the following leading technologies:

Particulate Filtration for removal of airborne particles
Carbon Adsorption to capture airborne gases
Ultraviolet Germicidal irradiation (UV-C) to kill microorganisms
Photolysis Oxidation to eliminate molds and fungi

Particulate Filtration for Removal of Airborne Particles

Various types of mechanical filters are utilized for trapping airborne particles of certain sizes. The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) measure filters with low, medium or high-efficiency ratings.

Under the ASHRAE standard #ASHRAE 52.2, filters are assigned a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating between 1 and 16. The higher the rating, the better the filter is at removing particles from the air. A standard low-efficiency throwaway furnace filter might be rated at MERV 1 or MERV 2, while hospital filters are typically MERV 8 to MERV 14 in all but the most critical areas of the hospital.

Fiber-Trapper® filters are used as first-stage prefilters in a number of CAP models. This MERV 4-rated prefilter captures large, visible particles 100 microns in size or larger and extends the life of subsequent filters in the unit. These particles are too large to be respirable (breathed into the lungs), and are more of a housekeeping problem than a health threat, as they tend to drop out of the air and accumulate on surfaces.

MERV 8 to MERV 11 pleated particulate prefilters are used in selected CAP models to capture particles from 5 to 10 up to 100 microns in size. These particles can pass right through most throwaway furnace filters. Particles in this size range include soot, very fine dust, dust mite and insect remains, pet dander and many types of pollen.

The highest efficiency particulate filters are true HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, which are designed to effectively capture microscopic particles and bioaerosols that pass easily through even a MERV 16 filter. A true HEPA filter must be individually tested and certified to a minimum efficiency of 99.97% against particles 0.3-microns in size, in accordance with Institute of Environmental Sciences and Technology standard IEST-RP-CC001.3. Particles and biological pollutants in this size range might include tobacco smoke, bacteria, and mold and fungal spores. Each CAP600 series and CAP1200 series model is equipped with a true, certified HEPA filter, similar to the filter used in the products that Abatement Technologies sells to hospitals for TB isolation rooms.

Learn more about the advantages of HEPA filters compared to electronic filters.

Carbon Adsorption to Capture Airborne Gases

Vapor-Lock® activated carbon filters are utilized in CAP600 series and CAP1200 series models to capture airborne gases, VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and odors. VOCs are often generated by offgassing from carpets, composite wood furniture and other materials in the home. Vapor-Lock filters capture gasses and odors via a process known as adsorption, whereby the gaseous molecules of the contaminants are attracted to and chemically bond to the surface of the carbon. The effectiveness and the life of the Vapor-Lock carbon filter are determined by the concentration of gases and odors in the home.

CAP600 series models are equipped with a standard-duty Vapor-Lock filter media that is typically sufficient for the light or moderate odor levels found in most homes. The larger CAP1200 series models are equipped with a heavier-duty Vapor-Lock filter. In homes with particular odor problems from cooking, pets, smokers, microbial VOC or other sources, a second Vapor-Lock filter can be purchased in place of the pleated particulate filter. Customized filter blends are also available by special order for removing certain gases and odors that are less effectively adsorbed by carbon. Learn how activated carbon filters can improve indoor air quality by removing gases and vapors.

Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation to Kill Microorganisms

Ultraviolet energy is a part of the spectrum of electromagnetic energy generated by the sun. There are three frequency bands within the UV spectrum, none of which are visible to humans. UV-A, also known as “black light.” is harmless. UV-B rays can cause sunburn. UV-C, which is generated in wavelengths between about 180 and 280 nanometers, is also known as germicidal UV or UVGI. The most effective germicidal wavelength is 254 nanometers, which in sufficient dosage can create a chemical reaction that alters the structure of microorganisms and “kills” them by destroying their ability to reproduce and colonize.

CAP300 UVP installed in ductwork kills microorganisms

Outdoors, direct exposure to the UV-C energy of the sun helps keep microorganism propagation under control. This phenomenon can be artificially replicated indoors by utilization of specially designed UV-C lamps. These germicidal lamps have been used for more than 40 years to disinfect air in hospitals, and to reduce bacterial contamination in food storage and pharmaceutical facilities. UV-C is most effective against bacteria and viruses, and higher concentrations can kill some molds.

All CAP product series include a model equipped with germicidal UV-C lamps designed to irradiate microorganisms as they pass the lamp. These microorganisms may be repeatedly irradiated each time they pass through the HVAC return. Some models also utilize the germicidal UV-C lamp to continually irradiate microorganisms that are trapped on the upstream surface of a filter. All CAP UV-C models are ozone-free.

Photolysis Oxidation to Eliminate Molds and Fungi

Molds and fungi thrive in HVAC systems

Molds and other fungi often thrive in the damp, dark and dirty recesses of an HVAC system. They have a much more complex cell structure than bacteria and viruses, and are typically much more resistant to germicidal UV-C, often requiring up to 100 times more exposure for an effective "kill" rate. Some homes also have higher levels of odors from ill family members, cooking, smoking, pets, fireplaces, wood stoves and other sources.

For these reasons, each series of CAP products includes a model equipped with our unique UV Plus lamp technology. UV Plus lamps generate 254 nanometers UV-C, and also generate a second frequency of UV at 180 to 200 nanometers. This UV-C wavelength causes an oxidation reaction known as photolysis, which in turn generates a controlled amount of trivalent oxygen, or ozone. Ozone is used throughout the world for air and water purification and deodorization applications, such as purifying the bottled water we drink. This powerful oxidizer breaks down unpleasant odors, and provides increased effectiveness against molds and mold products.

The return duct installation of CAP products enables ozone to safely break down odors in the HVAC system without elevating ozone levels within the occupied living space. By utilizing the HVAC system as the "oxidation chamber", ozone gas can penetrate into the coil, drain pan and other downstream system components that are particularly susceptible to mold and fungal growth and odors, but dissipates before it reaches the occupied living space.

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