A Potential Solution for Solid Particulate Matter Reduction in Large Indoor Spaces

ABSTRACT

Air filtration is an essential process in indoor air conditioning and its physical removal of particulate matter is critical for enhancing indoor air quality, especially in arid regions including United Arab Emirates. In such regions, meeting indoor air quality standard is challenging during sporadic sandstorms when common air conditioning systems are unable to maintain indoor air quality properly. Such inability occurs either due to air infiltration through building’s fenestrations exposing indoor air to excessive particulate matter or the failure of inlet air filters after rapid clogging and high pressure drops. Such failure may be observed frequently in buildings with frequent openings such as public buildings and warehouses. Aerosolized pathogenic microorganisms, e.g., SARS-CoV-2 virus, can be modelled through air particle matter and be removed to a certain degree. In addition, the recent global pandemic raised more awareness towards the necessity of particulate matter filtration in indoor environment. Employing independent air filtration units might be a great solution for intermittent or emergency situations, when primary or additional air filtration process is required to attain proper indoor air quality. The main objective of this paper is to attempt designing, manufacturing, and utilizing an easy to set portable filtration unit and to assist buildings’ existing air conditioning systems in airborne dust particle elimination. The unit is designed and manufactured with additional feature accommodating easy installation of commercially available filters for further performance studies. The unit was equipped with all necessary performance monitoring sensors to detect key parameters such as air velocity, pressure differential, temperature, humidity, and particulate matter before and after filtration. The results revealed interesting information associated with the performance of commercially available filters and the feasibility of such independent filtration units.