• Why is negative pressure important to mold abatement, disaster restoration and renovation projects?
• How do I create a negative pressure environment using HEPA Filtered Portable Air Scrubbers?
• Where is a HEPA filter used?
• Which particulates can HEPA filtered Portable Air Scrubbers capture?
• Why is HEPA filtration required during mold abatement, disaster restoration and renovation projects?
• How often do Abatement HEPA filters need to be changed?
• Will Air Scrubbers remove odors?
• What is the difference between a Negative Air Machine and an Air Scrubber?
• Why do I need to monitor air pressure in the work area during the project?
• What if we don't/can't exhaust the filtered air to the outside?
• Will HEPA air machines remove odors?
• Can negative air machines also be used for positive pressure?
• How often do Abatement HEPA filters need to be changed?
• With all of the performance and quality features, will I be able to afford a negative air machine?
• What accessories are needed for negative pressure applications?
• Important facts about anthrax and HEPA filtration
• Typical modes of operation (.pdf)
• HEPA Facts (.pdf)
A negative pressure environment will help to contain the mold, dust, particles and odors within the workspace containment barrier. Air always flows from areas of higher pressure to areas of lower pressure. Creating and maintaining negative pressure creates inward airflow direction through any leaks or openings in the containment barrier. This prevents airborne contaminants from escaping into and contaminating other parts of the building.
In order to create a negative pressure environment, more air must leave the space than enters it. First of all, the project area must be walled off with permanent or temporary construction barriers. Secondly, the Abatement Portable Air Scrubber(s) must be placed inside the construction area. Ductwork should be run from the system to somewhere outside of the project area, preferably to the outside of the building. Since the air is HEPA filtered, it is not mandatory to exhaust air to the outdoors.
A filter is a device that traps and blocks small particles from going back into the air. A HEPA filter traps and blocks very small particles from getting back into the air. A certified HEPA filter is required and tested to trap particles as small as .3 microns with 99.97 % efficiency. One micron is 1/1,000,000 of a meter. A 0.3-micron particle is 300 times smaller than a human hair and 30 to 50 times smaller than the human eye can see.
In medical research centers, Atomic research centers, nuclear power plants, hospitals, pharmaceutical manufacturing, HAZMAT service contractor (lead paint, asbestos, Anthrax, mold clean up).
HEPA filtered Portable Air Scrubbers are designed to capture a wide range of particles, including a HEPA filter tested and certified to remove 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns and larger, to provide "operating room clean" filtered air.
HEPA filters are the only type of filter recognized by USEPA, CDC and other government agencies, and by environmental health professionals as effective for capturing these invisible particles and microbial spores that can potentially cause fungal infections.
Typical average filter life with continuous operation:
Primary filter: 1 day
Secondary filters: 3-7 days
HEPA filter: 800 hours
However, actual life can vary based on the size and concentration of airborne contaminants, temperature, humidity conditions and duration of use.
Yes, when equipped with special 2-inch deep Vapor-Lock carbon filters. These high-performance filters provide substantially more odor adsorption (not absorption) capacity than most other carbon filters, and are effective against a wide array of commonly encountered odors.
Same thing, different terminology. Here are some other well know terms that are commonly used: Air Mover, Air Cleaner, Clean Air Machine, Neg Air Machine, Air Purifier, Hepa Air Cleaner
The general rule of thumb is that at least 10% more air must be exhausted from the area than is supplied to it. For example, if 500 CFM is coming into the work zone, then at least 550 CFM must be filtered and exhausted by the HEPA-AIRE PAS. A larger airflow differential will of course add a margin of safety.
Room pressure conditions should be monitored to ensure that proper pressure relationships are maintained and have not been compromised for some reason. Portable and fixed differential pressure monitors provide a reliable way to continuously monitor and document pressure conditions 24/7.
Negative pressure will still be maintained if the HEPA filtered air is exhausted into an adjacent area inside the building. HEPA-AIRE PAS can also be utilized for continuous air cleaning, by recirculating 100% of the filtered air within the containment area. This will boost the ACH in the project zone and provide HEPA filtration, but it will not create negative pressure.
Yes, when equipped with special 2-inch deep Vapor-Lock carbon filters available for all models. These high-performance filters provide substantially more odor adsorption (not absorption) capacity than most other carbon filters, and are effective against a wide array of commonly encountered odors. Special Vapor-Lock filters are also available for capturing certain low molecular weight compounds that are not effectively captured by carbon alone.
All models can be configured to create positive pressure in an area by locating the machines outside of the area and ducting clean, HEPA-filtered exhaust air into that area. This configuration is most often used to protect a room or area from airborne contaminants in other parts of a building.
Yes. Surfaces should be frequently cleaned with a HEPA vacuum to further reduce the chance that harmful particles could migrate out of the area and become airborne again.
As the filters become loaded with particulate matter, the airflow capacity of the unit decreases and the static pressure differential across the filter increases. All models are equipped with easy-to-read and simple to use filter change indicator lamps that illuminate when filters should be replaced. Unlike gauges, these lamps do not require operator interpretation or calculations.
Our units may cost more than some other units initially, but portable air scrubbers are an investment, and cheap products are usually cheap for a reason. As the sayings go, “You get what you pay for” and “You can pay me now, or pay me later” applies in this situation. Unfortunately, too many contractors have learned the hard way how costly a low-priced piece of equipment can be if it does not perform properly, is too big and bulky, and breaks down often.
Flex ducting, extra filters and other items are sold as accessory products.
You can check out our air filter compatibility chart that will help demystify what filters and stages go with each air machine or air scrubber. VIEW OUR AIR FILTER COMPATIBILITY CHART