Air Diffusion Equipment and Filters - Assignment Example

Air Diffusion and Filters Name of Student: Name of Course: Name of Instructor: Date of Submission: Air Diffusion and Filters 1.0 Introduction Air diffusion and filter equipments are important elements in heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. With the need for an ideal room environment for human, animal and plant use and habitation, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems have become important components of build environments. Air diffusion equipments primarily spread cool or hot air in a closed environment while filters remove unwanted particulate matter from the air as it leaves or enters a closed environment. The following paper will discuss various types of air diffusion and air filter equipments used in the heating ventilation and air conditioning industry. 2.0 Air Diffusion Systems As pointed out above, air diffusion systems move air within a closed area and also from and into in. Ideally, they diffuse air from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration. The diffusion is done with respect to the desired effect for instance cooling, heating or ventilation. On this point, it is worth giving an insight into various air distribution systems currently in use in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning industry. They can be categorized into three main systems depending on their location on the built environment namely above ceiling, displacement and under floor air distribution systems. The functions of the air distribution systems are to supply, return, ventilate, relief and exhaust air to and from the built environment where a system is installed in. The following figure show various types of air distribution systems as indicated above. Above ceiling air distribution system (Arc 432 2014, p. 15) Displacement air distribution (Arc 432 2014, p. 26) Under floor air distribution system (Arc 432 2014, p. 35) The function of diffusers is to distort the flow of air to and from the air duct so as to increase the efficiency with which air diffusion takes place. There are four main types of air diffusion systems namely grille / register. Ceiling diffuser perforated ceiling and linear diffuser systems (Ibe & Anyanwu 2013, p. 224). The fowling sections will discuss the four types in detail. 2.1 Grille and Register Systems Grilles are perforated covers that are placed on the end of air ducts. Acting as covered to the air duct, grilles provide an inlet or outlet to an air duct. Through the grill, cool or hot air passes into or out of the built environment on which air diffusion is done on so as to realize heating, cooling or ventilation functions. In some instances grilles have lovers that provide direction to the air in and out of the air duct. With various designs and colors, grilles provide a good aesthetic function on an air duct in such a manner that allows a heating, cooling and ventilation system to blend well with the built environment on which it is installed on. On the other hand, a register is a grille that is fitted with a damper. The following images show grilles Grilles (Polyaire 2015, p.1) As pointed out earlier, a register is a grille that is fitted with a damper whose function is to regulate the flow of air into and out of the duct system. The damper is specifically useful when there is a need to cut short the supply of air into a space that is not currently in use or when there is no need for the effect resulting from air diffusion such as cutting short the heating duct when the general environment is hot. The valve / damper also eject air in a non spreading jet leading to a regulatory effect (Hensley 2002, p.9). The main advantage of grilles and registers is that there are inexpensive to install. They are also very common thus easy to understand. Lastly, they can be used in under floor, above ceiling and displacement air distribution systems. Their main disadvantage is that there is a need for proper placement as to optimize air diffusion effect. Improper placement leads to what is referred to as short circuiting in the air conditioning field. 2.2 Ceiling Diffusers Just as its name, ceiling diffusers are placed on ceilings. Ceiling diffuser is compatible with ceiling air distribution systems. Their function is to distort the flow of air from the duct leading from the air distribution system in a manner that is geared up toward ensuring that the air diffuse efficiently with that in the space / built environment where air diffusion is required. Ceiling diffusers are typical grilles / registers that are placed on the ceiling. Just as grilles, ceiling diffusers come in various shapes and forms. Their designs are also meant at creating a good aesthetic value on the built environment on which they are placed. The following figure shows a ceiling diffuser Round ceiling diffuser (McIntosh 2015, p. 1) Just it is the case with other diffusers it is important that it placement be done in such a manner that optimizes the diffusion effect in the pace / built environment on which it is placed. As such, there is a need for the consideration of the placement of ventilations and opening such as windows and doors. 2.3 Perforated Ceilings Perforated ceiling diffusers are also convenient for use in ceiling air distribution systems. Perforated air diffusers are covers on air ducts that have perforations of varying diameter over a specific ceiling surface area. This type of a diffuser serves the same purpose as the ceiling diffuser only that the change of design provides a different aesthetic look on the ceiling of the built environment in which it is placed. The main advantage of this type of diffuser is that it is compatible with ceiling air distribution system. It also provides a good aesthetic impression on the ceiling of the built environment in which it is placed. However, its limited use to ceiling air distribution systems makes it not fit for use with other distribution systems. Just as other diffusers, it important that heating, ventilation and air condition engineers place them appropriately so as to optimize the air diffusion effect desired during their installation. Perforated ceiling diffuser (Price Industries, 2015, p.1) 2.4 Linear Diffuser The linear diffuser serves the same purpose as other types of diffusion equipment discussed above. However, its placement is slightly different as compared to the rest since it is placed linearly relative to the built environment surface (wall or ceiling that it is placed on). The main advantages of linear diffusers I that they can be used in critical environment such as laboratories, factory floors and research and development facilities where high air diffusion efficiencies are required. The system can be used for both extraction and inflow function. This type of air diffusion equipment is also compatible with all the three air distribution systems discussed earlier. Linear diffuser (Anemostat 2015, p. 1) 3.0 Air filter equipment There are instances where the quality of air in a space is required to be of highest standards possible. Such environments include hospitals, nurseries and laboratories amongst others. In such instances, there is a need for air filtration to remove any particulate matter from the air being supplied into the built environment. In other instances, efficient combustion requires that the air supplied to engines and combustion chambers such as high efficiency boilers be of high quality. This explains the reason as to why cars are fitted with air filters to remove any unwanted matter from the air supplied to the engine for combustion purposes. In other instances, there is a need to filter exhaust air from built environments and combustion chambers / engines so as to ensure that harmful matter is filtered out thus not released to the environment. The above functions are effected by air filters whose function is to remove particulate matter such a dust and dirt from the air. Air filtration equipment can be classified into four main types namely ionic, high efficiency particulate absorbing (HEPA), carbon and UV light air filters (Thomasnet 2015, p.1). 3.1 Ionic filters Ionic air filters use the ionization principle to clean air. This type of air filter ionizes air and produces anions that attract air particles in the built environment air that is being cleaned. When the air particle makes contact with the negatively charged particle emitted by the filter, deionization takes place and the particulate matter is filtered away from the air stream. Ionic air filters are considered to be highly efficient thus their application in mass/ commercial filtration systems filters (Thomasnet 2015, p.1). Ionic air filter are also cheap to install. However, there have been health concerns with regard to the use of ionic filters. Breathing of highly ionized air is considered unhealthy thus exposing users to respiratory health problems. Additionally, extensive use of ionic air filters has been found to expose users to high level of ozone that increase the chance of contracting specific cancers in addition to other types of health complications (Consumer Union of US 2005, p. 22) 3.2 HEPA Filters High efficiency particulate absorbing filters use various systems to achieve efficient high filtration. A mesh of fine fiber is used to trap particles that have high diameters. The fiber also intercepts the air stream flow leading to collision of air particles, reducing their speed and enhancing the probability of them getting trapped by the fibers filters (Thomasnet 2015, p.1). The main advantage of high efficinect particulate absorbing filters is that they have a high efficiency as compared to ionic filters thus associated with high air quality levels. A fully functional high efficiency particulate absorbing filter has the ability to filter up to 99. 97 % of airborne particles filters (Thomasnet 2015, p.1). This makes making it conducive for use in applications requiring high quality air such as hospitals. Additionally, HEPA does not ionize the air thus does not expose users to ionized air and high ozone levels. This makes it eco friendly and healthy to use. However, there is a need for frequent cleaning of the fibers so as to ensure that the filter is maintained at highest operating standards possible. 3.3 Carbon Air Filters Carbon air filters work on the principle of activated carbon. When carbon is treated with oxygen, carbon pore are opened up. The opening up of the pores makes carbon to be highly absorbent; a characteristic that enables it to trap particulate matter, odours and chemical particles in the air filters (Thomasnet 2015, p.1). In instances where high absorption is required, activated carbon is impregnated with solvents to make it highly absorbent. This makes it conducive for absorption of harmful products and chemicals from the air. The advantages of using carbon filters are that they are highly effective as compared to ionic and high efficiency particulate absorbing filters. Additionally, their ability to absorb odours and chemicals makes them conducive for use in application where air cleaning must be conducted to remove harmful substances before the air is emitted into the environment filters (Thomasnet 2015, p.1). Lastly, this type of air filter is healthy to use since it has minimal negative influence on the air and environment. However, the carbon filters are relatively expensive to install and maintain a compared to HEPA and ionic filters. 3.4 UV Light Air Filters The functionality of UV light air filters is based on a photochemical reaction. The reaction involves the degeneration of titanium oxide upon exposure to UV light. Air filtration occurs when an airstream comes into contact with the photochemical reaction. Harmful substances such as mold, bacteria and particulate matter is trapped is neutralized filters (Thomasnet 2015, p.1). This makes UV light air filters highly effective in applications that require high quality air. As such, this type of air filter is preferred in such applications as compared to HEPA filters. However, the efficiency of this filter I dependent on the length of exposure of the filter and air to UV light in addition to the light’s intensity. This is a major disadvantage of the air filter. 4.0 Conclusion In conclusion, this paper has been able to give an in-depth discussion of air diffusion and filtration equipment and systems. The paper highlighted the importance of heating, ventilation and air condition systems in the built environment on which air diffusion and filtration equipment and systems are installed in. The essay also gave an insight into under floor, above ceiling and displacement air distribution systems that supply air to air filters and air diffusion equipment. It was pointed out that that function of air diffusers is to distort the flow of air in such a manner that increases the efficiency of air diffusion in a space. The types of air diffuser discussed were grille/ register, ceiling, perforated ceiling and linear diffuser. Air filters were identified to be equipments that remove unwanted particulate matter from the air. Under air filters, ionic, HEPA, carbon and UV light air filters were discussed. References Arc 432, 2014. Duct work Design, Retrieved on 28th September 2015 from https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CB8QFjAAahUKEwjG-dKRhZrIAhVFkSwKHcHGBng&url=http%3A%2F%2Fclasses.sdc.wsu.edu%2Fclasses%2Farch432%2Flectures%2FDuctwork%2520Design%25202012.ppt&usg=AFQjCNFfibzdn55VISaBf_FgrF4VyAizoA&sig2=vIVeWsbz5Px8sExbEwFNKw&bvm=bv.103388427,d.bGg&cad=rja Consumer Union of US, 2005. New Concerns about Ionizing Cleaners, Consumer Reports, pp. 22- 25 Retrieved on 28th September 2015 from http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/indoor/cr-05-2005.pdf Hensley, R., 2002. Duct System Design Considerations, Refrigeration Service Engineers Society, pp. 1- 12 Ibe, A., & Anyanwu, E. 2013. Principles of Tropical Air Conditioning. Author House. Polyaire 2015, McIntosh, 2015. Round Ceiling Diffusers, McIntosh, Retrieved on 28th September 2015 from http://mcintoshair.com.au/home.php?cat=22 Price Industries, 2015. Perforated Ceiling Diffusers, Price Industries, Retrieved on 28th September 2015 from http://www.priceindustries.com/products/details/perforated-ceiling-diffusers-matching-return Thomasnet, 2015. Different Types of Air Filters, Retrieved on 28th September 2015 from http://www.thomasnet.com/articles/instruments-controls/air-filters-different-types Read More

With various designs and colors, grilles provide a good aesthetic function on an air duct in such a manner that allows a heating, cooling and ventilation system to blend well with the built environment on which it is installed on. On the other hand, a register is a grille that is fitted with a damper. The following images show grilles Grilles (Polyaire 2015, p.1) As pointed out earlier, a register is a grille that is fitted with a damper whose function is to regulate the flow of air into and out of the duct system.

The damper is specifically useful when there is a need to cut short the supply of air into a space that is not currently in use or when there is no need for the effect resulting from air diffusion such as cutting short the heating duct when the general environment is hot. The valve / damper also eject air in a non spreading jet leading to a regulatory effect (Hensley 2002, p.9). The main advantage of grilles and registers is that there are inexpensive to install. They are also very common thus easy to understand.

Lastly, they can be used in under floor, above ceiling and displacement air distribution systems. Their main disadvantage is that there is a need for proper placement as to optimize air diffusion effect. Improper placement leads to what is referred to as short circuiting in the air conditioning field. 2.2 Ceiling Diffusers Just as its name, ceiling diffusers are placed on ceilings. Ceiling diffuser is compatible with ceiling air distribution systems. Their function is to distort the flow of air from the duct leading from the air distribution system in a manner that is geared up toward ensuring that the air diffuse efficiently with that in the space / built environment where air diffusion is required.

Ceiling diffusers are typical grilles / registers that are placed on the ceiling. Just as grilles, ceiling diffusers come in various shapes and forms. Their designs are also meant at creating a good aesthetic value on the built environment on which they are placed. The following figure shows a ceiling diffuser Round ceiling diffuser (McIntosh 2015, p. 1) Just it is the case with other diffusers it is important that it placement be done in such a manner that optimizes the diffusion effect in the pace / built environment on which it is placed.

As such, there is a need for the consideration of the placement of ventilations and opening such as windows and doors. 2.3 Perforated Ceilings Perforated ceiling diffusers are also convenient for use in ceiling air distribution systems. Perforated air diffusers are covers on air ducts that have perforations of varying diameter over a specific ceiling surface area. This type of a diffuser serves the same purpose as the ceiling diffuser only that the change of design provides a different aesthetic look on the ceiling of the built environment in which it is placed.

The main advantage of this type of diffuser is that it is compatible with ceiling air distribution system. It also provides a good aesthetic impression on the ceiling of the built environment in which it is placed. However, its limited use to ceiling air distribution systems makes it not fit for use with other distribution systems. Just as other diffusers, it important that heating, ventilation and air condition engineers place them appropriately so as to optimize the air diffusion effect desired during their installation.

Perforated ceiling diffuser (Price Industries, 2015, p.1) 2.4 Linear Diffuser The linear diffuser serves the same purpose as other types of diffusion equipment discussed above. However, its placement is slightly different as compared to the rest since it is placed linearly relative to the built environment surface (wall or ceiling that it is placed on). The main advantages of linear diffusers I that they can be used in critical environment such as laboratories, factory floors and research and development facilities where high air diffusion efficiencies are required.

The system can be used for both extraction and inflow function.

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