PM1 most harmful to our health

NO. 1 2 0 1 6 PM1 – most harmful to our health CLEAN INDOOR AIR FOR THE 2016 OLYMPICS REDUCING THE CARCINOGENICITY OF URBAN AIR CONTROLLING CORROSIO...
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NO. 1 2 0 1 6

PM1

– most harmful to our health CLEAN INDOOR AIR FOR THE 2016 OLYMPICS REDUCING THE CARCINOGENICITY OF URBAN AIR CONTROLLING CORROSION WITH MOLECULAR FILTERS

CAMFIL – Clean Air Solutions

E D ITO R I A L – M AG N US YN G EN EXHIBITIONS JUNE-NOVEMBER 2016 June

PM1

21-23

Power-Gen, Milan, Italy

21-23

FM show, Camfil Roadshow, Excel, London, United Kingdom

28-30

World Nuclear Exhibition, Le Bourget, Paris, France

August 23-25

Power-Gen Natural Gas, Columbus, Ohio, USA

September 5-6

R3 Nordic Symposium, Copenhagen, Denmark

11-15

The CTOTF 41st Annual Fall 2016 Conference & Trade Show, Rancho Mirage, California, USA

12-15

Turbomachinery & Pump Symposia, Houston, Texas, USA

20

Rakennusten energiaseminaari, Helsinki, Finland

27-30

Eurovent Summit, Krakow, Poland

was extremely dangerous or damaging to society. An example is a notorious ­criminal

30 Sept- 5 Oct

ABSA Conference, Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, Grapevine, Texas, USA

or deadly disease threatening the public’s safety. In the eyes of international health

October

agencies, there is ­another public enemy today, at least on the list of air pollutants.

2-5

– a new public enemy The term “public enemy” was coined decades ago to ­describe a person or thing that

It’s called PM1 – standing for particulate matter less than 1 micron in size. The air filtration industry will have to pay more attention to PM1 because these tiny airborne particles are the most dangerous to ­human health – in fact, significantly more harmful than PM2.5 and PM10 in the particle spectrum. PM1 particles are so tiny that they penetrate into the very finest structure of our lungs, where a large part can pass into the bloodstream and potentially impact major organs like the heart, brain and liver. The sharper focus on the negative health ­effects of PM1 will call for more effective filtration to remove these submicron particles in ventilation air, especially in buildings in urban landscapes with severe air pollution. In addition to the PM1 debate, there are other developments on the horizon that will have implications for filter manufacturers. An example is ISO 16890, which will set a common global test standard for comfort ventilation filters. After it is adopted – most likely in early 2017 – it will eventually have a major impact on the classification of these filters and their energy ratings. Camfil is well prepared

All of the above will affect customer choices and Camfil is naturally well prepared – we already offer a range of PM1-capable filters for excellence in indoor air quality (IAQ). With our ­diverse product portfolio, we can ensure that our customers will meet future IAQ needs and the health requirements of authorities. Filters with the highest efficiencies and lowest energy consumption will be needed and Camfil is in the pole position. Let me finish by noting that you can read ­several other interesting articles inside: one summarizes a pioneering Stockholm study on the capacity of filters to remove PAHs and ­reduce the carcinogenic potential of city air. We also tell you about Camfil’s upcoming role

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GMRC Gas Machinery Conference 2016, Denver, Colorado, USA

4 IAMFA Molecular, Hospitality Suite, Boston, Massachusetts, USA 12-14

Finnbuild, Helsinki, Finland

12-14

FSTA, Kolding, Denmark

15-16

Interphex Puerto Rico, Hospitality Suite 2016

16

Nobel Week, New Delhi, India

20-21

World Workplace Asia Conference & Expo, IAQ segment, Shanghai, China

November 1-3

7EA Users Group Annual Conference, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA

5-8

52nd CIPM – China National Pharmaceutical Machinery Exposition, Pharma segment, Fuzhou, China

7-10

ADIPEC Exhibition, Abu Dhabi, UAE, Middle East

14-15

Biomanufacturing World Summit 2016, Carlsbad, California, USA

24-25

Ajour, Odense, Denmark

CAMFIL AIRMAIL is a worldwide p ­ ublication for Camfil customers. Available in nine languages.

in the 2016 Olympics in Rio. In our portrait feature, you can meet Stefan Lindeberg, Honorary ­President of the Swedish Olympic Committee and a true champion of clean air. Last but not least, learn about our molecular filters for corrosion control and some interesting customer solutions for IAQ, mist control, biosafety cabinets and gas turbines. Best regards,

Published by: Camfil AB, Sveavägen 56E SE-111 34 STOCKHOLM, Sweden Tel +46 8 545 12 500. Fax +46 8 24 96 50 E-mail: [email protected] www.camfil.com Publisher: Alain Bérard, Executive Vice President Marketing & Products Editor: Liza Braaw Tel +46 8 545 12 513. Fax +46 8 24 96 50 Text/Artwork: Camfil and Thorn PR Sweden AB/YMR Kommunikation AB

Magnus Yngen CEO

Head Office: Camfil AB, Sveavägen 56E, SE-111 34 STOCKHOLM, Sweden. Tel +46 8 545 12 500. Fax +46 8 24 96 50 Want to know more: www.camfil.com

Stockholm study proves that filtration removes PAHs and genotoxic compounds in urban air Air filters are well known for their capacity to collect particles. But their ability to eliminate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and reduce genotoxic effects has never been evaluated until this year. In the spring of 2016, experts at two departments of Stockholm University and Camfil published the findings of a ­pioneering study*. The results confirmed that filtration removes PAHs and other mutagenic compounds in polluted city air.

Particle sampling

Particles were sampled at two

l­ ocations in Stockholm with heavy ­vehicle traf fic. Two parallel test rigs allowed simultaneous tests with and without filters and the sampling of particles in both filtered and unfiltered air streams. One sampling ­location was the busy downtown street of Hornsgatan, known for poor quality air (see AirMail No. 2, 2014). The other sampling site was at a suburban high school located by one of Stockholm’s major arterial routes, the E4 highway. After extracting the sampled particles, two methods were used to analyze the particles for PAHs and genotoxicity (their destructive effects on the genetic material of cells). Each filter’s performance on the removal of PAHs was established by comparing filtered and unfiltered air samples. Similarly, the Ames mutagenicity test – a method using bacteria to determine if a chemical or a mixture can cause mutations in DNA – was used to determine the reduction of genotoxicity. Four materials tested

Camfil provided four different air filter materials for the test, CM265 (filter class M6), City-Flo F7, CM285 (filter class F7) and CM295 (filter class F9), which ref lect the type of bag filters generally used in ventilation systems for of fices, hospitals, public buildings and dwellings. All use glass-fiber media with a higher density of fine fibers for a higher ­collection ef ficiency, while the CityFlo F7 also has an adsorption layer of

100% FILTER CLASS F9

80% Reduction Efficiency

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are a group of more than 100 different chemicals that are formed from burning coal, oil, diesel and gasoline fuel, trash, tobacco, wood or other organic substances. Widespread in urban environments, PAHs are well known for their mutagenicity – their capacity to cause mutations and damage DNA – and their carcinogenicity – their ability to cause cancer. PAHs can exist condensed on particles, or in gaseous form. However, many of the highly carcinogenic PAHs are present as condensed to PM1 particles under ambient conditions. Exhaust emissions from cars and trucks are one of the major outdoor sources and PAHs can infiltrate the indoor air environment through ventilation systems to mix with other PAHs from indoor activities like cooking, heating, smoking and ­candle burning. To control and reduce the number of airborne pollutants entering the interior from outdoors, high-efficiency air filters in air handling units can significantly reduce indoor levels of harmful particles, including fine particulate matter like PM1, to offer health benefits for occupants. The objective of the study in Stockholm was to test four different air filter materials to verify if they could also remove particle-bound PAHs and other genotoxic compounds from a real urban aerosol.

FILTER CLASS F7

60%

∑PA

CITY-FLO F7

H18

40% FILTER CLASS M6

20%

0% 20%

40%

60%

80%

Particle collection effiency 0,4 µm

Comparative removal efficiency for a group of 18 different PAHs from urban air using four different filter media.

activated carbon to remove gaseous contaminants. The particle collection ef ficiency of the filter materials was in the range of 20%-80% on 0.4 μm particles, ­correlating approximately with the collection ef ficiency of PM1 according to ISO/DIS 16890-1. The filter ­materials were initially tested for particle collection ef ficiency and pressure drop at the rated velocity using EN 779:2012 test methodology for fractional collection ef ficiency. Conclusion

Based on past studies of filters and their ability to reduce indoor particle concentrations, the results from the Stockholm study indicated that: • The concentration of 18 common

PAHs in urban air, and the mutagenicity of urban air, was progressively reduced by passing the air through filter media of increasing ef ficiency between M6, F7 and F9. • There is a direct relationship ­between the removal of 18 common PAHs and the reduction of mutagenicity of urban air. • The observed results support the theory that a significant proportion of airborne PAHs are bound to very small particles, PM1, and highly ef ficient filters are required to effectively reduce their concentration in air. For a complete description of the project and research data, please refer to the ­entire research article.

*

“Removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and genotoxic compounds in urban air using air filter materials for mechanical ventilation in buildings” by Ioannis Sadiktsis 1 , Gertrud Nilsson 2,3 , Ulf Johansson 2 , Ulf Rannug 3 and Roger Westerholm 1 . Published in ASHRAE’s research publication Science and Technology for the Built Environment, February 2016. 1 Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry at Stockholm University; 2 Camfil’s R&D Department in Sweden; 3 Department of Molecular Biosciences, Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University. The entire technical report is available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/23744731.2016.1152155.

AirMail No. 1 2016  3

PO RTR A IT – STEFA N LI N D EB ER G

Fascinated by filters Meet Stefan Lindeberg, Honorary President of the Swedish Olympic Committee (SOC), whose curiosity, drive and search for sports excellence led to a pioneering collaborative study to investigate the benefits of clean indoor air for the recovery process of athletes.

SOC is the first Olympic organization to investigate if high IAQ can benefit athletes after sports.

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The offices of the Swedish Olympic Committee (SOC) in Stockholm are located in the venerable brick stadium that was once built as a venue for the 1912 Olympics. Decorated with posters, mascots and other memorabilia from many Olympic Games, the walls radiate a special athletic spirit and heritage. So does our host, Stefan Lindeberg. As team manager (Chef de Mission) for the Swedish Olympic delegation from 1994 to 2012, Stefan Lindeberg has extensive experience from ten consecutive Olympic Games. He was SOC’s President from 2000 until mid-April this year, when he was succeeded by Hans Vestberg, CEO of the Ericsson telecom group and President of the Swedish Handball Federation. Sports have been Stefan Lindeberg’s life. He is a former elite kayaker who competed in national and world cham­ pionships until 1974. He was head coach for the Swedish ­kayaking team at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 1984. Believing in new ideas and concepts to improve sports performance, he and another Swedish kayaker invented the wing paddle in the beginning of the 1980s – an innovation that has helped propel the Swedish team to more international victories. His passion for sports is matched by his love for Sweden’s nature: SL: “As a kayaker, my arena is clean air and water and everything that Sweden’s unspoiled environment can ­offer me. The cleanliness of the outdoors is in my blood. So I reacted when the 2004 Olympics were going to be held in Athens. I was concerned about the city’s polluted air and how it might negatively impact the performance of our Swedish athletes. We couldn’t do anything about outdoor air pollution, but I wondered if improving the air quality in Olympic accommodations would be beneficial to the recovery process after events. This thought led to SOC’s first discussions with Camfil.” Stefan Lindeberg knew of Camfil long before 2004. He is from Nyköping, a town 100 km south of Stockholm and 45 km from Trosa, where Camfil was founded and has a production plant and its main R&D center today. In the mid-1980s, he was deeply involved in regional development as deputy governor for the county, which involved contacts with Camfil as a member of the business community. SL: “I was well acquainted with Camfil’s leading position in the global air filtration industry. This made the company a natural partner for talking indoor air quality (IAQ) for our athletes.”

Excellence is the goal

SOC’s main mission is to ensure that Swedish Olympic teams are in tip-top shape for the Olympics by giving them the best possible training and conditions to excel. For years, SOC has focused on improving the quality of its technical preparations and services in advance of each Olympics. SL: “At SOC, I’ve been fortunate to have the role to explore new development areas and forms of collaboration with leading partners. I studied to be an architect and like to know how things fit together, so I applied my curiosity to finding ways to improve the performance of our Swedish teams. When I was a trainer, I worked with engineering schools to fine-tune the design of equipment and cooperated with medical institutions to chart biological factors affecting sports performance.” The first contacts with Camfil in 2004 were only exploratory but paved the way to further discussions about the 2008 Olympics in Beijing – a city with severe air pollution. The idea remained to provide clean indoor air to aid recovery after physically demanding events, but Beijing proved to be logistically difficult. At the time, Camfil only had large heavy-duty air cleaners for industry that would have to be shipped to China and built into the infrastructure of the Olympic Village. This was too complicated to implement. But Camfil was developing a new line of compact, advanced room air purifiers. They were not ready for the London Olympics in 2012, so SOC decided to wait for the next opportunity. City M and S for Rio

Today, Camfil offers a number of advanced mobile air purifiers that are compact, lightweight and easy to place in rooms. With the technology platform now in place, SOC joined forces with Camfil and Karolinska Institutet – one of the world’s foremost medical universities – in late 2015 to launch a collaborative project to develop a complete IAQ Program for Swedish athletes ahead of the Rio Olympics in August 2016 (see page 16). Around 300 people will be involved in the the Swedish Olympic Team for the Rio Games this summer: 150 will be athletes participating in events, while the rest are support staff working with training, physical therapy, medical ­services, equipment and logistics. They will all be housed in the Olympic Village. As an Official Supplier to SOC, Camfil is providing 75 compact City S air purifiers for the rooms of Swedish athletes in the Village. A number of slightly larger City Ms will be used in common areas like conference rooms and facilities for medical support and other services. Both air purifier models are state-of-the-art and equipped with particulate and molecular filters to remove the type of harmful airborne particles found in polluted urban air. They also ­remove odors, volatile organic compounds and ozone. SOC employees are already testing the technology on the

PO RTR A IT – STEFA N LI N D EB ER G

home front. Camfil has installed several City air purifiers in SOC’s Stockholm office. A City M silently filters the air in the conference room where we are talking with Stefan Lindeberg. SOC employees who are sensitive to air pollutants and allergens are appreciating the air purifiers and have noticed a difference in the air quality on the premises. Trailblazing project

Even though he has stepped down as President, Stefan Lindeberg will stay on at SOC to complete the IAQ study and other projects together with Peter Reinebo, current Chef de Mission, who manages the primary collaboration with Camfil and Karolinska. To their knowledge, no organization in the Olympics movement has ever thoroughly investigated if high IAQ can benefit the human body after sports or hard training. SL: “We are convinced that breathing indoor air of high quality will have a positive effect on the recovery process for our athletes after they compete in venues with unhealthy air. The Rio study will allow us to document the benefits scientifically and gain important knowledge for SOC, ­Camfil and Karolinska. It’s a research project in many ways and it will deliver real results from an actual ‘live’ situation. The study is unique in the Olympic world.” SOC has always had the reputation of being a forerunner and driver in areas like training and the systematic development of athletes through studies of performance-related factors and individualized training programs. The committee is frequently asked to share its experience internationally. SL: “The IAQ study with Camfil and Karolinska is another illustration of this pioneering spirit and I’m sure several other countries will start to follow our lead after we publish the results on Rio. Several parties in our collaborative network have already expressed an interest in knowing more. “With the Olympics being the most famed sporting competition on the planet, let’s hope that the benefits of breathing purified indoor air will also be a winner in Rio.” STEFAN LINDEBERG AGE: 66 POSITION: President of SOC for 16 years (2000-April 2016); currently Honorary President. Team manager for the Swedish delegation for 10 consecutive Olympics. Former Swedish national champion and Olympic trainer in kayaking. Inventor of the wing paddle for kayaks. LIVES IN: Nyköping, Sweden. Built his summer home in the archipelago. “That’s my sanctuary”. FAMILY: Wife Marianne, 4 children (3 boys, 1 girl) and 10 grandchildren. All four children continued in his kayaking wake on the Swedish national team for juniors and seniors and one of them competed in the Sydney Olympics in 2000. HOBBIES: Kayaking! ON SOC: “My career has been nothing but rewarding. There’s nothing better than working with athletes who invest their passion to excel.” ON CAMFIL: “I’m fascinated by filters. SOC strives to reach further and improve the conditions for every elite athlete. Camfil mirrors SOC’s curiosity and search for excellence. We both want to learn from our joint IAQ project to drive development in the Olympic arena further. This dimension has been of strategic importance to SOC.”

AirMail No. 1 2016  5

FI LTR ATI O N FEATU R E

PM1 – The new focus to protect human health Ambient air quality has improved considerably in the last few decades by a range of measures to reduce harmful air emissions. However, there is convincing evidence that current levels of air pollution still pose a considerable risk to human health. Among other specialized agencies, the World Health ­Organization (WHO) – in its role as the watchdog of international public health – has been particularly articulate about the dangers of particulate matter (PM) in reports and statements. WHO’s efforts have also been bolstered by frequently published newspaper reports, scientific studies, scholarly articles and government warnings about the negative health effects of poor quality air, and the diseases air pollution can cause or ac-

celerate. Proof is online: try googling “air pollution and health effects” and you will get several million hits in half a second. So the health impact of breathing bad air, especially in the most polluted cities of the world, is being well documented today. Air pollution is now estimated to be responsible for several million premature deaths each year. It is also considered to be one of the highest risk factors for death globally and a leading environmental risk factor for ­disease.

1

Cast of particles

The most typical particulates in the air, from large to small, are coarse dust, PM10, PM2.5 and PM1: 1 2 3 4



Coarse – visible coarse dust, sand, leaves, hairs and other large organic particles 2 PM10 – coarser fine dust and organic particles, < 10 µm in size

3

PM2.5 – pollen, spores and other organic particles, < 2.5 µm in size PM1 – fine dust, combustion particles*, bacteria and viruses, < 1 µm in size

PM is a mixture with physical and chemical characteristics that vary by location. Its sources are man-made or natural. Air pollution therefore varies from place to place. Spending a day on the streets of Beijing, for example, will have the same negative effect on your respiratory tract as staying 30 days in Paris. It should be noted, however, that people will react differently to poor quality air, depending on their sensitivity. When inhaled, PM10, PM2.5 and PM1 impact the body in different ways. Their ability to be trapped in the body, where they may form deposits, will depend on their size and whether they can pass through the walls of our airways.

* Diesel engine emissions are considered the primary source and WHO classified them as carcinogenic in 2012.

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FI LTR ATI O N FEATU R E

Importance of good IAQ

How can we stop PM from invading our indoor spaces, where people spend around 90% of their lives? Unfortunately, we cannot fully escape outdoor air pollution by staying indoors because the function of ventilation systems is to mix outdoor air with indoor air. If outdoor air is not effectively filtered and cleaned, there is a risk that the indoor air will contain a very large quantity of the harmful particulates that find their way into people’s respiratory tracts and circulation systems. These particles and other substances can combine with those already present inside buildings and become more aggressive and harmful, making indoor air pollution many more times as hazardous as the outdoor variety. But with quality air filters in air handling units, a significant proportion of these harmful outdoor particles can be stopped before they are spread through the ventilation system. This means that in polluted cities like

London, Paris, Los Angeles, Beijing and New Delhi, it is possible to improve the quality of the poor indoor air until it reaches an acceptable level, using the ventilation system alone. If a mobile air purifier is installed in rooms as an extra measure, a consistently high level of air quality can be achieved, even if the amount of particulates and other substances in the outdoor air varies significantly. PM1 is most harmful

Today, WHO and the EU are monitoring PM2.5 and PM10 and reporting on the negative health effects of these particles and their ability to penetrate our lungs and cause respiratory and cardiovascular morbidity and disease. But to provide a truly healthy and productive indoor air environment in areas with bad air pollution, ventilation systems need filters that are also capable of removing PM1 particles – the smallest fraction and the most harmful. Our lungs are prey to PM1. When inhaled, PM1 particles travel to the deepest area of the lungs, where a significant part of them passes through the cell membranes of the alveoli (the millions of tiny sacs in our lungs where O2 and CO2 are exchanged), enter the bloodstream, damage the inner walls of arteries, penetrate ­tissue in the car-

diovascular system and potentially spread to organs. At worst, PM1 can contribute to deadly diseases like heart attacks, lung cancer, dementia, emphysema, edema and other serious disease, leading to premature death.

filters like Camfil’s for high IAQ, they also benefit by getting the lowest total cost of ownership for their filtration solution. Your nearest Camfil company or representative will be glad to advise you on the right filters for your building and location. For added indoor air filtration in polluted urban environments, Camfil also offers advanced room-air purifiers for both particle and molecular filtration. The latter are being increasingly used in offices and retail stores in large international cities with air pollution issues.

PM1 filtration today

Filters are like workhorses in ventilation systems and current F7 filters have varying efficiencies to capture PM1 (typically 50-75%). With filters significantly influencing indoor air quality (IAQ), it will be increasingly important to choose the right filter and efficiency for the targeted particulate matter. This is not easy today because current regional standards apply different filter testing and classification methods, preventing proper product comparisons. Current standards are also known to have limitations and generate results that are sometimes far from filter performance in service. In addition to selecting the right particle efficiency, there are other important product features to consider, such as long life, low pressure drop and low energy consumption. In addition to their high efficiency, Camfil filters are recognized “energy heroes” because they save many kilowatt hours of electricity, as documented in thousands of customer cases. When building owners purchase quality

For more information visit Camfil’s website (www.camfil.com), where you can learn more about our filters and download the brochure “PM1 – Fine Dust Hazard to Health”.

Particle sizes of most common contaminants measured in µm 0.0001

0.001

0.01

0.1

1

10

100

Mold Spores House Dust Mite Allergens Bacteria Pollen Cat Allergens

Viruses

Suspended Atmospheric Dust

Setting Dust

Smog

Heavy Dust

Cement Dust

Combustion Particles

Fly Ash

Tobacco Smoke Soot

Oil Smoke

Gaseous Contaminants

AirMail No. 1 2016  7

C O R R O S I O N CO NTR O L R A N G E

Controlling corrosion with molecular filters Molecular filtration using adsorption techniques is the industry-accepted standard to remove ­corrosive agents from air. With automation used in manufacturing businesses around the world, many industries are completely reliant on electronic and electrical control equipment for safe and efficient operation of complex and valuable production processes. In certain heavy industries, the external air around the ­facility is likely to be contaminated with acidic gases originating from the raw materials used in the process, or the chemicals that are added to it. The industries where these gases are the most prevalent include oil and gas, where acidic gases arise from sulfur impurities present in crude oil, and pulp and paper mills, where chemicals used to digest and bleach wood for pulpmaking will produce contaminants. Mining, metal refining and wastewater treatment are other industries that experience problems with gases. Data centers may also suffer corrosion issues if they happen to be located in an area with highly polluted air. Corrosive gases

Hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide and trioxide, chlorine, nitrogen dioxide and hydrogen fluoride are all corrosive ­towards electronic and electrical control equipment, causing them to degrade or fail, which can result in unscheduled breakdowns and expensive process downtime. Furthermore, virtually all manufacturers of electrical equipment specify the required environmental conditions as part of warranty conditions and set limits for temperature, humidity and chemical contaminants that influence the rate of corrosion. Electronic components encapsulated in an airtight plastic or resin body will be protected somewhat from corrosive

agents, but those most susceptible to damage are printed circuit boards (PCBs), exposed contacts and conductors. Molecular filtration

The most commonly referenced standards for corrosion control today are ANSI/ISA-71.04-2013 and IEC 607213-3. The former focuses on airborne contaminants and ­observed corrosion rates for copper and silver metals. The latter categorizes environmental conditions based on ­climatic conditions, biological and chemical contaminants and mechanical effects. The supply or make-up air is taken from an external location and may be heavily contaminated with harmful corrosive agents like acidic gases. If these gases are not removed before the air enters the room, control equipment will be susceptible to damage, corrode and ultimately fail. Molecular filtration is the established solution for removing gases in the supply air or inside rooms. The filters operate at a very high efficiency level based on one-pass filtration. Camfil provides a complete set of filters for this purpose, such as Vertical Deep-Bed filters (VDB), in which the cleaned supply air is used to positively pressurize the control room and prevent fugitive gases from entering. However, unnecessary opening of doors and windows, and poor room construction, may compromise the level of pressurization. To ensure additional protection against fugitive gases, molecular filtration on a multi-pass basis

MULTI-PASS OPERATION

RETURN AIR

HIGH EXTERNAL GAS CONCENTRATIONS VERY LOW INTERNAL GAS CONCENTRATIONS SUPPLY AIR (up to 40% of total)

ONE-PASS OPERATION

Typical system for control room ventilation and filtration.

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C O R R O S I O N CO NTR O L R A N G E

can also be installed in the return or recirculation air system. This solution uses Camfil’s PSSA housing fitted with ­CamCarb VG filter modules. An alternative solution consists of PSSA housings and CamCarb VG filters in both the supply and return air systems when the external gas concentration is considered to be low to moderate, or intermittent in nature. ProCarb family

The Camfil ProCarb family of molecular filters for industrial applications provides the very highest levels of performance for plant reliability and the elimination of corrosive gases, toxic gases and odors for operational security and regulatory compliance. ProCarb VDBs The vertical deep bed filter, ProCarb VDBs, is a robust ­solution for removing corrosive gases from supply air on a single-pass basis. It has a long contact time to ensure ­optimum media usage and an inherently leak-free design. It comes in a range of standard sizes and can be configured with up to three separate media beds in series to handle complex contaminant mixtures cost effectively. Pre-filters and filters are easily incorporated in the corrosionre­sistant housing for a single-unit construction and a ­compact footprint. Customers get the lowest possible life cycle cost (LCC) and the highest protection of their production equipment, as well as an extremely high removal efficiency and the ­possibility to target multiple gases. ProCarb HDB The horizontal deep bed filter, ProCarb HDB, removes ­corrosive gases on a single-pass basis with filters containing horizontal beds of molecular filtration media on top of a horizontal perforated screen. The HDB is completely passive in operation and requires little or no routine maintenance. There is no requirement for expensive vacuum equipment to change media. It also has a very long contact time to optimize media usage and life-

time. The HDB allows the targeting of specific gas types and ­delivers high-level protection for downstream equipment.

MOLECULAR FILTRATION ON WHEELS FOR A PULP MILL

CamCarb

CamCarb VG is a plastic filter module used in make-up air applications to protect sensitive control equipment from acidic gases. Depending on the contaminant, virtually any molecular filtration media can be used in VG modules. ­Internal leaks are eliminated with a clamping mechanism. The cylindrical, plastic CamCarb CG is Camfil’s flagship molecular filter for moderate duty applications in process and industrial environments. It is mounted in a dedicated holding frame with no leakage. CamCarb CG is extremely corrosion-resistant. Each cylinder is filled using a vibratory technique to ensure perfect packing of the media. PSSA housing

To ensure the highest efficiency and longest possible ­lifetime, CamCarb VG modules are mounted in Camfil’s Positive Seal Side Access Housing, or PSSA, to provide a high-integrity installation with minimum leakage. The PSSA housing is the first in the corrosion control ­industry to include a unique positive clamping mechanism to eliminate leakage between the modules and the internal sealing frame. It offers robust protection against environmental conditions and allows targeting of multiple gases with different media types. Monitoring and other services

In addition to filters and housings, Camfil offers on-site services to monitor the impact of the air quality in the ­enclosed space, or the condition of the filter media. Proprietary Carbon Lifetime Determination (CLD) software is used to estimate the lifetime of molecular filters. Camfil’s real-time corrosion sensor, the ISA-Check II, is also a valu­ able tool for determining the air classification standard and allows rapid interpretation of the corrosion depth and rate.

Unwanted emissions of hydrogen sulfide (H 2S) gas is a major problem in the paper industry because H 2S degrades control equipment, causing unscheduled downtime that erodes profit and consumes maintenance budgets. At a large French pulp mill producing 30,000 metric tons of bleached pulp per year, fugitive H 2S gas in the ventilation air ­c orroded equipment and machinery in the control rooms that are partly located in the same building as the production process. An evaluation with Camfil’s GigaCheck kit showed a high ­c orrosion rate and an H 2S concentration as high as 87.6 μg/m 3 (Gx according to the ISA-71.04 2013 standard). The ventilation system was audited but a molecular stage could not be added to existing air handling units and there was no room in the customer’s budget to install new ones. Mobile solution

If you would like more information about Camfil’s corrosion ­control range, ask for a copy of the brochure “Corrosion Control”, or download it from www.camfil.com. Data sheets for individual filters are also available online, or from your local Camfil company or representative.

Installing Camfil’s CC 6000 in each control room was a quick and effective solution. These mobile air cleaners on wheels can be equipped with extended frames for molecular filters containing Camfil’s CamCarb cylinders with Campure media. No separate ducting or additional installation work was required, saving the customer costs and avoiding expensive production stops. Four months later, a new measure­ ment campaign was carried out and H 2S concentrations were reduced to < 3.2 g/m 3 (G1 according to ISA-71.04 2013).

AirMail No. 1 2016  9

C U STO M E R S O LUTI O N S

GTC upgrade is a winner for Union Gas In Canada, Union Gas is a major natural gas storage, transmission and distribution company based in Ontario. The company’s compression facilities are essential to the movement of natural gas through pipeline systems to supply homes and businesses across the province. One of these facilities is the Bright Compressor Station in Blandford-Blenhein, a very clean rural area of Ontario where two RB211 gas turbines were installed over 25 years ago with Tenkay-style pulse filters to clean their inlet air. The PM2.5 dust concentration at the site averages 6 micro­ grams per cubic meter of air (6 μg/m3), which is around 50% cleaner than in the U.S., where it averages around 9 μg/m3. The turbines run only during the winter when the ground is typically covered in snow and traps ground ­particles. Maintenance staff usually had to wash the turbines off­ line with water every 1,000 hours because power would typically degrade around 2.5 MW, equal to 6% of the total output. Wanting to optimize their washing schedule and look at potential filtration upgrades, Bright’s maintenance staff turned to Camfil Power Systems (CPS) to find out about the latest filter media developments. CPS was also asked to investigate if was possible to improve Bright’s operations. The ultimate goal was to run the turbines through the winter season without stops and downtime. Side-by-side test

Water washing fluid from M6 blended media (left), compared to the same from GTC media after 1,000 hours of turbine operation. 10  AirMail No. 1 2016

To fully understand the performance of the filters and their impact on the turbines, CPS conducted a side-by-side performance comparison test between Bright’s existing filter, an M6 blended filter, and a Camfil GTC F9 synthetic filter. The GTC has an average efficiency of 95% on 0.4 μm particles and 70% minimal efficiency according to EN 799.

To measure filter efficiency, a particle counter measured the concentration before the filters while a probe was installed after the filters through an access hatch to take the downstream particle count. The compressor cleanliness was then evaluated with the particle concentration in the water-wash fluid. The impact on compressor performance and the fuel consumption of the turbines were tracked for over a year. Bright performance

The GTC cartridge filter in the test has three-dimensional media with depth-loading properties and constant high F9 efficiency. The synthetic fibers offer more strength and ­better performance under high humidity conditions, as well as low impedance to airflow, resulting in lower pressure drop. The HemiPleat™ open pleating technology in the cartridges has wider spacing, exposing more surface media to the air stream. This media design results in lower overall pressure drop, minimal pressure drop increases in high humidity, ­improved dust release during pulse cleaning, and longer element life. For the team at Bright station, the higher efficiency and stable pressure drop of the GTC reduced turbine fouling and increased compressor efficiency. Other benefits were cleaner turbines, a higher and more consistent power ­output between washes, no stops for offline water washes during the winter season, and greater fuel savings. Last but not least, the side-by-side comparison tests proved the advantages of higher grade filtration in very clean rural areas and the importance of verifying pulse ­filter efficiency even in low-dust environments.

When mist cannot exist in manufacturing Mist control and collection in production operations is essential to provide a safe work environment and protect equipment on the premises, as illustrated by a recent Camfil APC solution in the U.K. The customer, a manufacturer of process equipment, had invested in a new turning center using high-pressure coolant but started to experience mist buildup within the machining enclosure. When the door of the center was opened to check components mid-cycle, or at the end of the machining cycle, a visible plume of warm mist escaped into the factory environment that rose and impinged on the overhead crane rail and the associated electrics. When the mist cooled and descended, cooling fans drew it into the electrical cabinets of neighboring machines, causing damage to computers, switchgear and other equipment. The mist was also a respiratory hazard for the operators.

Solution: Handte EM Profi

Camfil APC (Heywood, U.K.) was contacted and ­recommended the Handte EM Profi model 1.8 with a capacity of 1800 m3/h. The Handte EM Profi is a highly effective mist control system utilizing three-stage filtration: • Stages 1 and 2, known as Demisters, are inserted at an angle to facilitate drainage of the collected coolant. The first Demister is a pre-filtration stage manufactured from stainless steel mesh and the second is a combination of stainless steel mesh and synthetic media for very high efficiency. • The final post filter is either an F9 or HEPA, ­depending on the application. Low maintenance

To meet the customer’s low maintenance requirement, the Handte EM Profi 1.8 for the turning center was fitted with a unique, patented and automatic Demister cleaning system using clean coolant or water. This arrangement eliminates the downtime normally associated with manual filter cleaning methods. Collected coolant and cleaning medium can be returned to the machine tool sump for reuse, or to a container for disposal. With a filter life of up to five years for the Demister stages, and one year for the post filter, the Handte EM Profi operates virtually maintenance-free.

AirMail No. 1 2016  11

C U STO M E R S O LUTI O N S

Custom HEPA filters for new biosafety cabinet Camfil has developed partnerships with leading biosafety and laminar flow ­cabinet manufacturers for many years. An example is the Finnish company Kojair Tech Oy, specializing in micro­ biological safety cabinets and other clean air products for hospitals, laboratories and production facilities. Kojair is recognized internationally for developing high-safety laminar airflow (LAF) cabinets that are very silent and operator-friendly. In all of Kojair’s cabinet models, air is constantly filtered and exhausted through Camfil HEPA filters to prevent contaminated particles and hazardous substances from reaching the ­operator’s breathing zone when laboratory and research work is performed. Key Kojair products include the Class II Biowizard Microbiological Safety ­Cabinet and the Class III BW3 for maximum containment. All products are ­manufactured according to European and international standards for global distribution from Finland. Custom filters for new line

With a strong focus on innovation, Kojair continuously invests in product development and has collaborated with Camfil for decades for its filter needs. Filters supplied to Kojair are normally H14 with an efficiency of 99.995%. The two companies recently leveraged this long-term cooperation when Kojair developed a new generation of LAF cabinet, the Biowizard Platinum Line, featuring new safety properties, an ergonomic design and enhanced user friendliness. The HEPA filters for the inlet and outlet of this cabinet use media customized by Camfil for the Biowizard to satisfy Kojair’s requirements for a low pressure drop, comfortable noise level and low energy consumption.

12  AirMail No. 1 2016

C U STO M E R S O LUTI O N S

Air in a class by itself Studies have shown that people perform office tasks and schoolwork better when the quality of the indoor air is improved with filtration and a higher ventilation rate. To investigate this further, the reputable French engineering school EPF recently teamed up with Camfil France to test and verify if Camfil’s City M air purifier can create optimum classroom conditions for studying and learning. Third-year EPF students participated in the tests, which were conducted in three classrooms 40, 70, and 120 square meters in size at EPF’s Sceaux campus, south of Paris. The focus of this particular study was not based on PM1, the most harmful particles, but on the speed of the room air’s purification and the final concentration of PM2.5 particles, as measured in micrograms per cubic meter. The test team also investigated the impact of a room’s size and the speed and quality of the purification process. Better than WHO’s guidelines

The tests verified that City M reduced the concentration of PM2.5 particles considerably.* In a classroom with very polluted air (PM2.5 concentration of 25 μg/m3 and 35 μg/m3), City M purified 40 m2 rooms in 40 minutes and 70 m2 rooms in 85 minutes, achieving the target value recommended by the World Health

­ rganization (10 μg/m3 annual mean and 25 μg/m3 24-hour O mean). In the case of one large classroom, these thresholds were not completely met on days when pollution peaked. Overall, City M improved IAQ by 74%. Positive effects of IAQ

The school also investigated if high IAQ affected student performance positively. A class of engineers was asked to take some tests to do typing and math work in polluted air and in air purified by City M. The tests demonstrated that the students typed and calculated faster (about 5-10% faster on average), with slightly fewer mistakes. The students also said they felt less tired after the lessons, making EPF more aware of the importance of air quality, a message it intends to spread to other schools in France. EPF is a well-known graduate school of engineering with 1,900 students studying at three campuses in Sceaux, ­Troyes and Montpellier. * City M has an H13 filter tested according to EN 1822 with an efficiency of 99.95 % on the most penetrating particle size (MPPS) and a molecular filter tested according to ISO 10121-2.

AirMail No. 1 2016  13

C A M FI L FI LTE R S C H O O L: M O D U LE 7

It is vital that you select the right air filters and filter classes for an air handling system if you want ­ventilation air in a building to be filtered and cleaned as intended. Each type of indoor activity normally requires a specific air filtration solution and the choice of filter and class will vary between office, public and commercial facilities, different production environments, and even building locations. Camfil supplies air filters for all kinds of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to protect people, processes and the environment against air pollutants. The product range includes advanced clean air solutions requiring expert knowledge, experience and customization for facilities like cleanrooms and other clean production processes, as well as special safety and containment systems. However, this article only covers air filters for general-purpose ventilation and briefly describes ­standalone air cleaners, dust collectors for industrial processes, and air filtration for gas turbines. Do it right from the start

Knowing the type of building activity and installation is important when selecting filters and filter classes. You need to define the filtration requirements and avoid taking standard ­approaches. You also have to take into account the regulations and recommendations of local authorities and professional HVAC organizations. Work from a list of questions to guide your choice: • What is to be protected? • Any special requirements for ­people, processes and activities in the building?

• What are the airflow volumes, ­calculated pressure drops and available space for the filters? • Will the ventilation system be ­frequently started and stopped? • What are the operating temperatures and relative humidity? • Any risk of rain or moisture ­penetrating the ventilation system? • Will exhaust air contain any pollutants and what are the environmental factors outside the building? The more you know about the ventilation system, the better the installation. By doing your homework thoroughly, the filtration solution will work without problems for many years to come. Energy vs. filtration efficiency

We have noted this many times before and will do it again: the most important task of an air filter is to reduce the concentration of airborne particles in the ventilation system’s supply air, and in some cases, even molecular gases, to deliver high indoor air quality (IAQ). This is why you should never prioritize energy efficiency over filtration efficiency. The first step is therefore to establish the desired level of clean air. As soon as the filtration efficiency

THE FOLLOWING MODULES ARE BEING OFFERED IN AIRMAIL: Module 1: Airborne Pollutants – Why We Need Clean Air Module 2: How Air Filters Function Module 3: Test Methods and Standards Module 4: Fans, Airflows and Energy Calculations Module 5: Certification Systems Module 6: Environmental and Energy Aspects Module 7: Choosing the Right Filter and Filter Class Module 8: Filter Replacement and Service

14  AirMail No. 1 2016

requirements are specified, you can select the right filter solution. After that, it is important to ensure that the filtration requirements for air pollutants are satisfied over the lifetime of the entire ventilation system. Then you optimize the pressure drop and airflow to reduce energy use. Selecting the filter class

A fine filter, F7, is needed to effectively protect air handling units and all their components, including the heat exchanger, and to ensure that function and efficiency will not be compromised. For example, if the filters function incorrectly, heat exchangers in air handling units will become dust-laden, lose their temperature efficiency and use more energy, which can be expensive. Keep in mind that the quality of the outdoor air is one of the biggest reasons for poor IAQ and the choice of filter and filter class will completely determine the cleanliness of the indoor air. We have known for many years that combustion particles in outdoor air are capable of passing through medium filters (M5 and M6), which is why F7 fine filters are recommended for the supply air to protect people. However, in recent years severalstudies have pointed out that smaller particles, called PM1 (< 1 μm) or ultrafine particles(< 0.1 μm), can be more dangerous to human health than large, coarser particles (see page 6-7). The negative health effects of particulate matter have been established in epidemiological investigations and many reports confirm that combustion particles and exhaust gases from diesel-powered vehicles are especially harmful. The World Health Organization (WHO) has even classified them as carcinogenic. It is therefore reasonable to be-

lieve that the requirements for filtering and cleaning supply air will be ­sharpened. An F7 filter removes approximately 50% of the harmful exhaust and combustion particles in outdoor air, an F8 about 70%, and an F9 approximately 80%. But we must ask ourselves if we would be content with an F7 filter that lets in 50% of combustion particles indoors? Together with the customer, we have to decide on the efficiency that is relevant for the circumstances. For example, in cities with air pollution problems and streets with heavy traffic, it would be wise to also consider the content of gaseous pollutants like nitrogen dioxide, ground-level ozone, benzene and PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) and then supplement the particle filtration process with molecular filters. Standards like EN 13779 (mentioned in Module 3, “Test Methods and Standards”) are therefore being updated to meet the new requirements, especially those for air filtration in urban environments. Selecting the type of filter

When you have the answers to the questions noted above, you can proceed to size the right number of filters in relation to the airflow volume. Stick to the recommended airflows and air velocities. A compact filter is the best choice in more demanding indoor environments, such as those with high or turbulent airflows and limited space for filters, or where there is a risk for water penetration and high humidity. Otherwise, a bag filter is recommended. Bag filters are universal filters that are cost-effective and optimally designed for filtration. Protection for air intakes

Use effective weather protection on air intakes outside the building to

C A M FI L FI LTE R S C H O O L: M O D U LE 7

– Choosing the right filter and filter class prevent rain and snow from penetrating the ventilation system. Rain and moisture adversely affect the system and a filter’s function. Other problems can also develop in the ventilation system, such as corrosion damage and microbial growth. In addition, the average pressure drop over the filters can increase, resulting in higher energy use and operating costs. You should therefore always protect the ventilation system and its air filters from water and high humidity. Use effective weather protection with drainage. Air intake systems are available on the market today with specially designed vertical louvers that keep out water and snow. Dust collectors

When the concentration of air pollutants reaches a certain level, leading to frequent filter replacements and high service and filter costs, it is time to consider an on-site dust collection system with filters that are self-cleaning. This is often the case in many industrial operations, production processes and work environments where dust, mist and fumes are produced. Dust collectors are typically used in the pharmaceutical industry, for example, and in welding and blasting applications, among others. In the Camfil Group, Camfil APC specializes in this field, offering a full range of dust, mist and fume collectors for industry. When collecting dust, it is always an advantage to capture the pollutants as close as possible to their source. In many applications, it is possible to encapsulate the source and connect a dust collector without having to modify the general ventilation system. In addition, some types of dust can ­ignite and explode and the dust collector has to be equipped with explosion protection. Camfil APC’s skilled and experienced specialists know how to dimension and choose the right dust, fume and mist collector for the application at hand.

cleaner than the general ventilation system can deliver, for example, in city locations with air pollution or in industrial plants. In such cases, a standalone air cleaner or air purifier can be a good option to supplement the existing ventilation system. Air cleaners are installed in industrial facilities and dusty environments like warehouses to provide a productive workspace that protects personnel, equipment and products from dust, dirt and other airborne pollutants. Smaller air purifier models can also be used in homes, schools and offices where higher IAQ is wanted. The size of the air cleaner or air purifier has to be selected in relation to the area of the premises or room. Here, it is important to choose an air cleaner or purifier using passive technology (a mechanical filtration mechanism like air filters) to remove particles and adsorb gases. Air purifiers like Camfil’s City M are equipped with both particle and molecular filters to cover a wide range of IAQ needs. Air purifiers using other types of technology, such as electrostatic, ionic and plasma cluster air purifiers,

are not recommended because they can produce ozone, charged particles and other secondary substances. Gas turbine filters

A combustion or compression engine uses air as a component along with fuel. A gas turbine is an example of a large model. Gas turbines are used ­either to drive a generator for producing electricity or some mechanical process. If the air filters in the inlet system are inefficient, particles and other pollutants entering the turbine can cause severe internal damage to the turbine, resulting in expensive downtime for repairs and main­tenance. This will also impact the turbine’s operating efficiency because the rotor will become unbalanced due to wear-and-tear. The reduced airflow to the turbine will also result in less power output and higher fuel consumption. Clean air requirements for modern gas turbines and turbo compressors are incredibly stringent today. Gas turbine filters have now stepped into the efficiency particulate filter (EPA) world with intake air being filtered in

several stages to remove particles and water droplets. A three-stage filtration system is typically used that consists of a droplet separator, a pre-filter of the bag ­filter type and a final stage in the form of an EPA compact filter. A common combination is F7/E10, but depending on the local environment, filtration efficiency as high as E12 or H13 may be needed. We are ­approaching cleanroom requirements for air gulped by turbines today. More information about filter selection, classes and products is available on­ www.camfil.com and in product literature on the website. Please also refer to Filter School Modules 1-6 in past editions of AirMail.

Supplementing with air cleaners

Sometimes the customer or building occupants want the indoor air even

AirMail No. 1 2016  15

O LY M P I A N S

T E S T

B E N E F I T S

Can athletes recover better and faster by breathing quality indoor air? To find out, Camfil has stepped into the sports arena to investigate the connection between air pollution, ­athletic performance and indoor air quality (IAQ). As noted on page 4-5, Camfil’s IAQ experts, the Swedish Olympic Committee and Karolinska ­Institutet are working together to map the benefits of IAQ in a unique project using Camfil’s clean air expertise and technology. Two air purifiers are being used in the study (see box to right): The City M is currently purifying the air in the homes of several Swedish Olympians who are training and preparing for the Rio Games in August 2016. IAQ is being monitored and measured with Camfil’s tools and equipment, while Karolinska is conducting tests with biomarkers to evaluate how the ­athlete’s recovery process benefits from clean air. To provide high IAQ before and after sports events in Rio, City S models will be placed in the living ­accommodations of all Swedish Olympic teams, while the larger model, the City M, will be used in conference rooms and other common facilities. New IAQ guide

As part of this trailblazing initiative, Camfil has prepared “A Brief Guide to Indoor Air for Elite Athletes” to help the sports community gain a better understanding of how poor quality air affects the ­human body. The guide explains outdoor and ­indoor air

pollution, the most harmful particles and how ­athletes can protect themselves better. Athletes need to know more about the health ­effects of air pollution because they inhale a larger volume of air during workouts and sports. If an athlete trains for 5 hours a day, sleeps for 8 hours and spends 11 hours doing ordinary everyday activities, he or she can take in approximately 73 m3 of air. If we assume that normal outdoor air contains around 20 million particles per m3, an athlete breathes in 1.4 billion particles 0.3 μm in size every day. By comparison, an ordinary person inhales around 13 m3 of air per day and some 260 million particles 0.3 μm in size. Athletes can therefore take in 1.14 billion more particles during a day. If they train and perform outdoors with air pollution, there is also a risk that they will inhale a larger number of harmful particles. It will be of major interest to athletes around the world to know if they can recover better and faster when breathing clean indoor air after competing ­intensively in events and inhaling a higher concentration of air pollutants under physical duress. The results of the study will be published later in a white paper.

O F

I A Q

CITY S AND CITY M FOR HEALTHIER IAQ Camfil’s City air purifiers for supplementary room air purification are equipped with the most efficient Absolute™ HEPA particulate and molecular filters on the market to deliver a healthier indoor environment by removing dust, contaminants and harmful particles. The HEPA filters are so efficient that air would have to pass through an average ventilation system three times to achieve the same level of purification. The filter package is up to 14 times heavier than in competitor models for much higher capacity to retain dust and particles. Two of the models feature both particle and molecular filtration for room air purification in urban areas with unhealthy air pollution. City M, designed for spaces up to 75 m 2, is typically used in offices, retail stores, schools, hospitals and homes. City S, City M’s “little brother”, is a smaller and more compact model for filtration in small rooms and spaces up to 45 m 2 in area. Both models come in black and white finishes. City S and City M are plug-and-play air purifiers that are quiet in operation and energy-efficient. Within a few hours, they reduce up to one million hazardous particles per cubic meter for a healthier indoor environment. For complete information about Camfil’s air ­p urifiers and larger industrial air cleaners, visit www.camfil.com/air_purifiers_and_cleaners/.

www.camfil.com

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