Air Scrubber Answers: How Does an Industrial Air Scrubber Work?

Industrial Air Scrubber
0 Shares

HEPA filters and air cleaning devices have been in the news recently as a way to slow the spread of COVID-19. Effective air filtration has many uses beyond the headlines, though.

If you’re in an industry like restoration, remodeling, construction, or printing, you can benefit from an industrial air scrubber. This equipment will remove unwanted particles and odors from the air, creating better indoor air quality for you, your employees, and your customers.

Learn more here about how an air scrubber works and how to take advantage of the benefits it can give you.

What Is an Industrial Air Scrubber?

An air scrubber is a portable filtration system. It uses filtration to remove contaminants from indoor air. Air scrubbers can remove a wide range of pollutants, including:

  • Airborne toxins
  • Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
  • Dust and dust mites
  • Pet dander and hair
  • Fungi
  • Mold spores
  • Bacteria and viruses
  • Odors from chemicals, tobacco, smoke, or water damage

An air scrubber makes the air safer and smells better. Depending on how often you plan to use the air scrubber, you can buy one or get an air scrubber rental.

Air Scrubber vs Emissions Scrubber

You’ll find two different types of industrial air scrubbers. Although they’re both called air scrubbers, they have different purposes. A regular air scrubber is what we just described: equipment to clean and purify your indoor air.

The other type of industrial air scrubber removes unwanted material from industrial smokestacks. These air pollution control devices reduce emissions that contribute to outdoor air pollution.

How Does an Air Scrubber Work?

Air scrubbers use purification filters to remove contaminants as air circulates through the system. An air scrubber has four main components:

  • Pre-filters
  • Carbon filter
  • Primary filter
  • Blower

Each type of filter traps different-sized particles. The pre-filters trap large particles while letting air pass through. Removing these larger particles helps the unit maintain airflow and circulate more cubic feet per minute of air.

The carbon filter traps gas and other molecules. This filter is responsible for removing odors. Gaseous molecules are physically attracted to the surface of the carbon.

The primary filter is typically a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. It removes the smallest particles from the air. A HEPA filter will capture 99.7% of all particles down to 0.3 microns.

The blower pulls air through the filters and blows out the filtered air. An air scrubber usually completes 4 to 6 air exchanges per hour.

Air Scrubbers vs Air Purifiers and Negative Air Machines

Air scrubbers, air purifiers, and negative air machines have some similarities. All three types of equipment improve indoor air quality. They each work somewhat differently, though.

The main difference between an air scrubber and an air purifier is where they take pollutants from. An air purifier removes contaminants from the air. An air scrubber removes particles from surfaces as well as from the air.

A negative pressure machine removes contaminated air from an indoor space. It then filters the air and releases it outside the room. This creates negative air pressure.

Negative air pressure limits the potential spread of airborne contaminants to anyone outside the pressurized area.

Negative air machines are usually larger than air scrubbers. They’re suitable for large jobs where the unit doesn’t need to move often. Air scrubbers are smaller and easy to maneuver.

Industrial vs Residential Air Scrubber

Industrial and residential air scrubbers are available to meet the needs of different applications. Some residential users may choose an industrial model. However, a residential model won’t be sufficient for an industrial application.

Residential Air Scrubbers

Residential air scrubbers are designed for use in a home or business when the area is occupied. They run more quietly and have a more appealing design.

Marketing can sometimes blur the distinction between residential and industrial-grade air scrubbers. Products like the Air Scrubber by Aerus and the Air Scrubber Plus are for residential use. Claims that these types of products will go beyond standard air purification systems don’t make them suitable for the demands of industrial use.

Industrial Air Scrubbers

An industrial air scrubber is the best choice for larger coverage areas. You need an industrial model to effectively remove odors or handle mold, smoke, and water damage.

Industrial air scrubbers are designed to handle continuous operation. They typically have a durable plastic case to withstand demanding environments.

Keep Your Industrial Air Scrubber Working Its Best

A quality air scrubber will give you reliable performance for many years. To keep your air scrubber working its best, a few basic maintenance tasks are necessary.

First, change the filters regularly. Many units have an indicator light to remind you. Be sure to use filters that are approved for your air scrubber. Also, be sure the unit is completely dry before you put in a new filter.

Second, check the ducting and cords. Examining the ducting before and after each job is a good practice. Repair any holes or tears with duct tape and straighten out any kinks.

Check the power cord for any signs of damage. Test the ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) before and after each time you use the air scrubber. This helps protect you from an electrical shock.

Finally, check the fan blade. Remove any dirt with a damp cloth. If you see the fan blade is bent, you should replace it as soon as possible to avoid further damage.

Working Safely with an Air Scrubber

In addition to regular maintenance, making sure the operating environment is as safe as possible helps you get the most benefits from your air scrubber. Always set the air scrubber on a flat surface, ideally on or close to the ground. Avoid placing the unit where it could tip over easily.

Keep the air scrubber and power cord out of standing water and use grounded electrical outlets. These habits will help keep you and your equipment safe.

Start Benefiting from an Industrial Air Scrubber

Start Benefiting from an Industrial Air Scrubber

An industrial air scrubber will remove many contaminants from your indoor work environment. Through a system of air filters, this simple but highly effective piece of equipment eliminates unwanted particles and odors from the air. You get a safer and more pleasant environment for you, your employees, and your clients.

Check back daily to be sure you don’t miss any other great content like this!

Read Also:

Sumona

Sumona is the publisher for Newsstoner. In terms of professional commitments, she carries out publishing sentient blogs by maintaining top to toe on-page SEO aspects. Follow her contributions in EmblemWealth and SmartBusinessDaily

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *