The BCH and ConServ family remains vigilantly committed to safety, throughout this Coronavirus pandemic. We feel education can help you make smarter decisions when planning action steps for your existing building, construction project or new building. Part of that planning should include reducing and/or eliminating airborne and surface mounted viruses and bacteria. There are a number of factors to consider, when reducing these potential harmful microorganisms, such as surface, temperature, systems employed, and re-circulation rates. Bottom line, we are here to help you to navigate your options and to select the most effective and cost-efficient means to achieve those goals.
UV Systems
On the construction site at the JW Marriott, we are installing portable UV systems at the elevator banks. This bottle neck area typically challenges the ability to keep the proper “social distancing” space. The Genesis air units, will significantly reduce the airborne microorganisms in the air and also on the surface, which we have learned in the last month, can linger for several days. We are also retrofitting numerous existing air handling systems, which can easily be added with UV systems. There is an available option for nearly every application, from mini-split to the largest air handlers, to kill microorganisms that collect and grow on air conditioning coils.
UV lights have been employed since the 90’s. We predict they will be the “new standard”, since they not only kill the deadly organisms, but aid in keeping coils and drain pan cleans. Thus systems will run more efficiently and kill not only viruses but also mold and other bacteria.
Bipolar Ionization Systems
These systems can neutralize the contaminants in the air by energizing the air to bipolar (positive and negative) air ions. Think of a system that goes and gets the contaminants in the space where you breath. Bipolar breaks down toxic gases, odors, and dangerous carcinogens. Because bipolar ions negatively affect the DNA of bacteria and viruses, they will be able to collect and eliminate the contaminants.
Mitigating Harmful Microorganisms
UV and Bipolar are two (2) means that directly attack microorganisms. But just as a healthy immunity system will likely lessen your risk of danger with a virus, there are HVAC system methods available that will mitigate the virus and airborne contaminants:
- Lower Dew-Point Systems: lower humidity decreases breeding
- Pre/Final Filters: filters up to MERV 14 ratings, assuming systems can handle ESP (External Static Pressure)
- Filter Management/Maintenance: add gauges to monitor pressure drop to determine clogged filters, coils, and drain pans (culprits for bacteria growth)
- Controls: tighter temperature and humidity control, variable motors/compressors, hot gas reheat, tighter control parameters tied to DDC (Direct Digital Controls)
As is the case with many things in mechanical systems, job specifics will impact your options and choices. Chilled water systems with modular air handlers will provide more choices with filtration and control flexibility. However, UV systems and better filtration can be employed in all systems.
Please feel free to reach out to us, email or pick up a phone, for answers to specific questions, a survey of your facility, or for other options. We are here as a resource for you and your team.
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