Selection of lubricant for manufacture of HVAC components

To minimise emissions from ducts, it is necessary to manufacture with low emission lubricants or with lubricants that leave only minor amount of residues on the surface. In this study the lubrication, evaporation and odour emission properties of fourteen lubricants were studied and differences are high ligthted showing the importance to select them properly.

Measurements of sensory load from ventilation systems by trained and untrained panels

This paper studies the overall accuracy and comparability of both trained and untrained panels in order to determine the required size of the untrained panel, and to determine the limit value (mean vote) corresponding to an acceptable air quality. In the results, it is proposed to use an untrained panel of 15 persons. The risk connected with the use of such a small, untrained panel was calculated to be 10 % and is equivalent to trained panel.

VOC emissions from dusty air filters

The study examined emissions from dust collected on 2 stages ventilation filters in winter in Helsinki or in its outskirts. The filters contained a lot of fresh particles due to traffic, combustion, and power production. The carbon content was highest in the dust, which was collected from a pre-filter. In previous studies, the intensity of odors from filters was found to be strongest in the winter.

Macro- and micro-evaluation of air intake - a demonstration of the need for more optimal tools

The study compares on 30 ventilation systems an hygienic factor determined from conditions at air intake (including moisture before and after drainage, porosity and contamination) and microbiological analysis of air. The aim is to identify ventilation systems potential risk for indoor air contamination.The study has shown a clear relationship between the microbiologic and the hygienic conditions; i.e. dry and clean intakes are less likely to be microbially contaminated. The method seems to identify potential problems, which could be confirmed by a microbiological study.

Oil residues on HVAC components

This study presents a literature review on oil residues on HVAC components. A sampling of oil residues by filter contact method and analysis by infrared spectroscopy method have been developped. Amounts of oil residues on surfaces of components varied a lot (<10 mg/m to 700 mg/m) but were significantly correlated to odour intensity. Cleaning of oil residues from the duct surfaces with typical cleaning methods is very difficult and it is better to deliver from the manufacturer components free of oil residues.

Operation time of the ventilation system as a cause of microbial contamination of the infiltration filter

The study monitored two similar ventilation systems with fine filters during a few months, one operating continuously, one only during day time. Air, surface and filter material samples were taken to evaluate the extent of microbial contamination with viable fungi and bacteria. Filter and air of the permanent system,with higher relative humidity, were less contaminated by microbes and the contamination was more evenly spread in the filter.

Sensory source strength of used ventilation filters

A two-years old filter was placed in a ventilation system recirculating the air in an experimental space. Via glass tubes air was extracted to an adjacent room to allow a panel to evaluate the sensory load after facial exposure, without entering the space. The sensory pollution load of the filter determined from full exposure was approximately 7 times lower than when determined after facial exposure. Even though, used filters may still be important sources of indoor air pollution.

The impact of air pollution from used ventilation filters on human comfort and health

In an environmental lab with a panel of 30 women exposed 4 hours, comfort and health have been detremined both with a used or a new filter present in the ventilation system. All other environmental parameters were kept constant. A used filter in a HVAC system can have a negative effect on both the immediate perception of the indoor air quality and on perceptions and health-related symptoms. However, the annoyance experienced through the sensory system may have amplified the intensity of symptoms.

Characterization of particle types in modern offices

Particles distribution in type and size were determined in six office buildings in Oslo (Norway).

Particle penetration through windows

Two aluminium windows were tested to determine the fractional penetration of airborne particles. Results show that mainly particles of 0.2 to 3 microns enter through both windows.

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