As building services consultants, ensuring the highest standards of indoor air quality (IAQ) is crucial to creating healthy, productive environments. Poor IAQ can contribute to a range of health issues, from respiratory problems to the spread of airborne pathogens, which underscores the need for effective strategies in both new and retrofit projects. This post outlines three proven technologies for improving IAQ: Germicidal UVC, Needlepoint Bipolar Ionisation (NPBI) and Passive Filtration. These air filtration systems can be delivered in the HVAC system or as Standalone Air Cleaners.
Standalone air cleaners offer a versatile solution for improving IAQ, particularly in environments where retrofitting existing HVAC systems may not be feasible. These units provide flexibility by targeting specific areas or rooms without needing major infrastructure changes.
1. Germicidal UVC: Disinfecting Air with Light
Germicidal ultraviolet (UVC) technology has been used for decades in air handling systems to neutralise harmful microorganisms. By emitting UVC light at a specific wavelength (254nm), this technology disrupts the DNA of bacteria, viruses, and mould, rendering them inactive and incapable of reproduction. Germicidal UV solutions have low-pressure drops and can be retrofitted with minimum modifications to existing HVAC systems. They also benefit from being low maintenance.
New Builds:
UV air purification can be integrated into the air handling units of HVAC systems, targeting airborne contaminants as they pass through the air ducts. This solution is particularly effective in high-traffic areas such as hospital air quality, schools, and commercial buildings where infection control is paramount.
Retrofits:
UV air purification can also be installed in existing HVAC infrastructure. Retrofitting with UVC is a cost-effective way to upgrade IAQ without the need for extensive system overhauls.
Standalone options:
- Upper-Room UVC Units: These standalone systems use germicidal UVC in the upper portion of a room to disinfect air as it circulates. Ideal for spaces with high ceilings, such as conference rooms or classrooms, these units work by leveraging natural air circulation, treating air near the ceiling and allowing it to flow down as it’s cleaned.
- Mobile Units: Portable air cleaners combine multiple technologies like filtration, ionisation, and UVC, offering powerful air cleaning in any space. Mobiklean units are perfect for deep cleaning temporary or high-risk areas, such as hospitals or event spaces, where rapid deployment of air cleaning solutions is critical.
2. Needlepoint Bipolar Ionisation (NPBI): Proactive Air Purification
Needlepoint Bipolar Ionisation is a cutting-edge solution that introduces charged ions into the breathing zone, which bind with pollutants, allergens, and even viruses. These charged particles clump together and are captured by passive filters. In essence, NPBI enhances the filtration efficiency of existing filters. Bipolar ionisation HVAC systems are actively becoming adopted in building services.
New Builds:
NPBI can be incorporated into the design of HVAC systems from the outset, ensuring that occupants benefit from cleaner air right from the start. It’s especially valuable in buildings where air purity is critical, like education, healthcare and hospitality settings.
Retrofits:
For existing buildings, NPBI can be easily added to current air systems, offering a significant improvement in air quality with minimal disruption. Its ability to reduce odours and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) also makes it a popular choice for commercial properties looking to enhance their environment.
Standalone:
Ceiling-Mounted Ionization Fans for environments where wall or floor space is limited, ceiling-mounted ionization fans offer a discreet and effective solution. These units use ionisation to reduce airborne pollutants, helping to improve IAQ in spaces like offices or restaurants.
3. Passive Filtration: Traditional Yet Effective
While advanced technologies like UV air purification and NPBI are highly effective, passive filtration remains an essential component of any IAQ strategy. Using HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters or MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) filters, passive filtration traps airborne particles such as dust, pollen, and some pathogens, preventing them from circulating indoors.
New Builds:
HEPA or MERV-rated filters can be specified in the design phase to ensure they meet the needs of the building’s intended use. In sensitive environments, combining passive filtration with UVC or NPBI creates a comprehensive IAQ solution. For example, it is possible to reduce the grade of passive filters to a lower pressure drop HVAC filter by combining with bipolar ionisation and germicidal UV.
Retrofits:
Upgrading filters in existing HVAC systems can be challenging due to additional static pressure of higher-grade air filters. For the majority of HVAC systems, it is simply not possible to retrofit higher-efficiency filters such as HEPA without upgrading the existing fan. This leads to higher energy usage with the additional fan power to drive air through the air filtration system. It is for this reason we turn to NPBI and UV air purifiers to enhance IAQ, improving air cleanliness without significant changes to the overall system.
Conclusion
Improving IAQ by indoor pollution control is essential to enhancing occupant health, wellbeing and productivity. Whether working on a new build or a retrofit project, combining solutions like Germicidal UVC, Needlepoint Bipolar Ionisation and Passive Filtration can help create a cleaner, safer indoor environment. These technologies offer flexibility and proven results, empowering building services consultants to meet the rising demand for better indoor air quality in any project.
By prioritising these IAQ solutions, you can help your clients deliver safer, healthier, and more energy-efficient buildings.
Ready to take the next step?
Get in touch with Plasma-cleanair today to explore our advanced IAQ solutions for your projects.
