Filters & air cleaning units
the filters, potentially causing static pressure inside the AHU to rise, resulting in filter collapse. If the filters collapse, unfiltered air could reach more expensive components such as final bag or high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, leading to premature replacement and unnecessary costs. If no form of final filtration is used, once airborne debris had passed the pre-filtering stage, it will enter a building, affecting air quality. Airflow should be measured regularly to catch problems before they become too difficult to recti- fy. This is particularly important in laboratories, cleanrooms, vivari- ums and other environments with significant outdoor ventilation air requirements.
Maintenance approaches There are three basic approaches to maintaining HVAC systems in buildings:
1. Reactive maintenance. Letting HVAC systems run until a problem or failure occurs, an approach taken by the majority of businesses. 2. Preventive (or scheduled) main- tenance. Periodic maintenance of HVAC equipment, generally as prescribed by the manufacturers. 3. Predictive maintenance. This strategy differs from preventive maintenance by basing mainte- nance on the actual condition of the machine, rather than on a pre- set schedule. Predictive mainte- nance can be the most cost-effec- tive over the long term, but does
require technology infrastructure investments up front.
Infrastructure investments ‘Infrastructure investments’ could include a product like the Air Intake Screen, which not only extends filter life by up to 60 per cent, but also reduces mainte- nance by up to 75 per cent; debris can simply be wiped off, either in situ, or the screens can easily be removed and brushed clean. Combined with enhanced efficien- cy, as a result of stopping airborne particulates with minimum disrup- tion to air flow, this solution pres- ents a cost and time effective answer to tackling the carbon footprint of air conditioning and other HVAC equipment.
While it’s clear that carrying out
effective maintenance is essential for system efficiency, many com- panies leave it to the last minute and don’t see that money put towards an appropriate schedule will be well spent. Reductions in energy usage, as well as reduced system downtime risks – which could be extremely costly – are benefits likely to save more money than a proper maintenance schedule and/or associated preventative equipment, in fact, payback on Air Intake Screens can be in as little as a year.
About Air Intake Screens Air Intake Screens are made from a vinyl-coated polyester fibre mesh material with a non-stick
surface, designed for specific use with high volume and velocity air- flow applications. Using self-tap- ping screws and quick-release fas- teners, the screens fix easily to external intakes on AHUs and other mechanical systems, such as intake louvres, chillers, con- densers and cooling towers. Unlike filters made with window, insect or pet screening material, ECEX’s air intake screens have almost no impact on airflow for HVAC systems; restricted airflow can lead to compressor and fan motor failure.
Once installed, a soft brush, hose or vacuum cleaner can be used for cleaning; even the rain will assist in this task if fan motors are switched off during a down- pour. A simple cleaning regime
will allow fan motors to run more efficiently, coils to remain unsoiled for longer and less fre- quent changes required for inter- nal filters. Used with AHUs, air intake screens can increase the life of internal filters by up to 60 per cent, while delivering measurable results in improved energy effi- ciency, reduced maintenance time and costs.
Air intake screens offer a simple way for facilities managers to meet stringent air quality regulations while offering a cost-effective method of maintaining and improving the overall efficiency of HVAC and AHU equipment.
// The author represents the multi-specialist engineering contractor ECEX //
Filter production resumes in UK
technol- ogy, specialist ADEY Professional Heating Solutions, has partnered with a precision engineering firm to bring the production of its new MagnaClean Commercial filter range back to the UK.
Having been manufactured in China for a number of years fol- lowing its launch in 2006, the MagnaClean Commercial range is now manufactured just five miles up the road from ADEY’s head office in Cheltenham by Staverton- based Future Advanced Manufacture, which was awarded the initial £1.5m contract. The high specification range
conforms to the Pressure Equipment Directive 97/23/EC, ensuring the design and manufac- ture meet the highest standards
and safety requirements for design, manufacturing and testing in the UK and Europe.
Providing protection for light commercial heating systems through to heavy industrial appli- cations, ADEY’s Commercial range is proven to effectively tackle black iron oxide sludge and sys- tem debris. The installation of a fil- ter is said to help reduce energy, maintenance and repair costs. “If not properly protected, commercial systems can be expensive to maintain. Installing a MagnaClean Commercial filter will bring immediate benefits, particu- larly in systems with a large num- ber of radiators or larger dimen- sion pipework,” says Peter Sullivan, business development consultant at ADEY.
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the innovative engineering solu- tions required to manufacture the Commercial filters.”
“Bringing manufacture back to the UK means we are able to work closely with Future Advanced Manufacture to ensure the filters meet the highest standards. Future has a strong pedigree in precision engineering with 30 years experi- ence in the aerospace and phar- maceutical industries. They are ideally placed to be able to offer
Designed to make installation and ongoing maintenance new design has been improved to incorporate EPDM full face flange gaskets for robust sealing at high temperatures. Engineered to the highest specification, the filter has a drain plug with BSPT threads ensuring effective seal and easy maintenance.
MagnaClean Commercial is manufactured to EN 13445:2009 and available in four sizes; 2”, 3”, 4” and 6” pipe dimensions. It is also fitted with a sight-glass to allow heating engineers to see how much sludge has been cap- tured and determine when mainte- nance is required.
HVR | July 2014 | 29
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