The quality of the air we breathe is of the utmost importance to our health and wellbeing; especially when we live and work in a world that continues to quickly advance in its technological capacity and demands. Most people are aware of the pollutants released into the air from homes or motor vehicles, but other kinds of pollutants involved near industrial facilities require stricter air quality regulations.
Our atmosphere around the workplace may contain gaseous chemicals that make it critical for companies to use commercial air filtration to protect the environment, their employees and machine equipment.
What is Gas Phase Filtration?
Gas Phase Filtration is the removal of harmful, nuisance and toxic gases from the air in your work environment. This applies to air coming into your facility which brings in outside pollution, as well as the contaminants being released by your processes inside. Not only does gas phase filtration improve the indoor air quality (IAQ), it also allows you to protect your industrial equipment and office supplies against corrosion and odors that are harmful to your employees.
How Gas Filtration Systems Work
The process of gas phase filtration is actually quite simple. First the gas contaminated air passes through pre-filters which trap the suspended particles. They then pass through a chemical media bed (or several beds), chemically destroying or retaining any remaining gaseous impurities.
Deep Bed Systems vs. Thin Bed Systems
When it comes to gas phase filtration systems, there are two main types to consider: Deep Bed Systems and Thin Bed Systems. Let’s break down the differences between the two.
Deep Bed Systems consist of either single- or multiple-perforated, hollow housing (beds) that are filled with chemical media. These beds are placed perpendicular to the direction of flow of air in order to maximize the exposure to the surface’s media.
These systems are used for ‘pressurization’ applications, wherein the level of airborne contamination is very high and a good quantity of media holding is a necessity for prolonged uninterrupted use. In these systems, the media will eventually be completely spent and will need to be replaced. Deep bed systems are powered units using a horizontal configuration.
On the other hand, Thin Bed Systems consist of either single or multiple stages of hollow, perforated, retractable V-shaped modules, known as cassettes. They are filled with chemical media and are placed in the path of airflow in order to maximize the exposure to the media.
The systems major parts also include a set of pre-filters, final filters, a fan/blower assembly, control panel, and pressure-drop measuring gauges. Thin Bed Systems are used for ‘air recirculation’ applications in Commercial/Industrial buildings. In other words, most office buildings and factories. Media holding capacity and pressure drops in Thin Bed units are smaller than Deep Bed units. Thin Bed systems can be powered or unpowered units of both vertical and horizontal configurations.
Gas Phase Filtration Media
The gas phase filtration media is the substance inside the filters that serve to purify the air in the environment. Certain substances, such as activated carbon or sodium permanganates are often used as Gas Phase Filtration Media. The media is found in the form of small pellets that are porous in nature. They are usually filled inside the filters before running the equipment.
These pellets are often made of binders such as activated alumina or other elements. The sodium permanganates are widely used as media because it boosts the adsorption rate for a longer duration, which in turn extends the life of the filter. The filtration media generally targets contaminants such as hydrogen sulfide, sulfur oxides, formaldehyde, hydrocarbons, organic acids, VOCs, nitric oxide, etc.
This type of media does require periodic replacement and disposal. There are only so many impurities from the air this type of media can absorb. Once the media’s limit has been reached, the media should be removed, properly disposed of, and new media are installed. The used media is not recyclable and should not be shaken excessively during disposal (in order to prevent contaminants from going back into the air).
If you don’t feel comfortable replacing the media yourself, a professional can be contracted to safely remove the media and dispose of it. If you are trying to install a new media on your own, use safety gear including a pair of gloves, protective goggles, and a dust mask to prevent inhaling directly, as the media contains the toxic chemicals that have been absorbed into it.
Benefits of Using Gas Phase Filtration Media for Air Purification
There are many benefits to using gas phase filtration media in your HVAC air filtration systems. First and foremost, this type of media is non-toxic and has shown no signs of having harmful impacts on human health. Gas phase filters help prevent the spread of microbial organisms in the air that other types of media might release due to the promotion and growth of germs – germs that can infect people and cause damage to your industrial equipment.
If handled properly, the media will never re-release the contaminants it has trapped inside back into the airstream. Lastly, materials like activated carbon not only purify the air from the impurities, but also serve as an agent to remove bad odors.
EFS Gas Phase Filters
When it comes to choosing the right gas phase filter for your air filtration system, EFS has some outstanding carbon-based media products that will more than suit your needs. The EFS Carbon V-Bank (GPC.V) Filter is designed to efficiently remove particulates that contaminate the indoor air as well as a wide range of odors at high air flows.
Excellent for use in state-of-the-art air conditioning and indoor climate control systems such as those in airports, hospitals, museums, laboratories, commercial buildings, etc. If you simply need a media replacement, look no further than the AC105 Activated Carbon Media which is EFS’s most effective media at removing and preventing odors and fumes from building up in recirculated air systems.