In the rush to specify effective technologies for air purification during the pandemic, the limited number of UVGI, filtration and ionization unit manufacturers have been overwhelmed with the sudden increase in demand. These small, boutique manufacturers have started to catch up, but the lull and more robust market for these formerly niche item has allowed the large HVAC manufacturers to enter the market. This is bad news for the small companies, but may prove to be what’s best for our communities.
For those of you struggling to find acceptable technologies to allow for occupation of poorly ventilated spaces, there may be a solution to allow at least partial occupancy of these spaces.
Price Industries, a giant in the HVAC diffuser and terminal unit world, has developed a mobile air purification unit called the RAP. This unit comes standard with a variable speed fan and HEPA filtration. Upgrade options include additional ionization and ultra violet sterilization. For around $2,000, these unit can be on site within 4-5 weeks, providing up to 600 cfm of clean air to each space. These units are relatively attractive, quiet, and can allow use of spaces that had previously been deemed unsafe.
Big Ass Fans (I didn’t name the company, but they make excellent products) now has a line of industrial ceiling fans, commercial ceiling fans, pedestal fans, and wall-mounted fans the incorporate either ionization or UVC to clean air in these spaces. This may allow use of a fieldhouse, shop area or unconditioned space where it would otherwise wouldn’t be allowed.
We will continue to add to the list of products to help you solve unique problems as the industry evolves.
Photo credit: Price Industries, Big Ass Fans
Contributor: Stephen Oskin, PE, LEED AP, Director of Mechanical Engineering at Barton Associates.
